School drop-off, a Blogher response

Currently, we have icy pavement, muddy grass, chilly air, and a lot of mittens, hats and coats to track on our way to school. Post-holiday, we are a little slower with lunches, back packs and gym shoes, but... both my boys, the preschooler and the kindergartner, head off cheerfully and ready to start their days. My high school freshman is a little more reluctant, leggings under her uniform skirt, back pack so heavy with homework that I don't know how she makes it into the school, she does head out, encouraged by her involvement with youth group, class council, and indoor lacrosse :-) later in the day. Of course, the three year old is with me - happy to have her one on one time, though full of warm weather memories - days on which she would "help" me get the boys to school (daddy having driven the teen). Way back when school first started, it WAS sunny and warm - everyone still tanned and rested from summer. Back then, it was light and people chatted and played on the playground, walked the neighborhood, met for coffee - love that our little school in an urban neighborhood has that feel to it. Now, it is so dark - streets stained with salt (but the snow all melted ;-(, so we all head back home, like hermits, to our fires and our coffee ;-).

So .... meditating on the photo of warm weather fun - laughing (again) at the sweet little paper and marker "friends" hanging on the wall welcoming us back during "back to school season" - AND looking forward, in this new year :-), to helping kindergarten with some winter crafts, my teen's birthday, a skiing outing on the horizon, my three year old's return to her "morning out" program, and a big gymnastic party for the preschooler this coming weekend. All good. All school stuff :-).

A Blur

That's right. These past few weeks at home - with family - holiday festivities - crazy hours, etc. - has felt like a literal blur. Truly. I mean, we are "in it" on a daily basis, so... it gets past us, ya know? Museum one day - home baking cookies the next - trying to get out to see a movie without kids the next - family dinner after that.... and on and on. Well, today it all ended, and we went back to the bulk of the school year (that's right - NOT half over yet) with a new year on the calendar, feeling (hopefully) refreshed and ready to begin new projects (and, if you're me, finish way old ones ;-).

So ... as is the case with most new years, new starts or - who am I kidding?? - new weeks, in general, my brain is filled with a bunch of random stuff. Foremost in my mind? The happy fact that Hidden Valley ski resort now has care for the younger kids. When we went in previous years, any little ones under 4 (and I've had a few) had nowhere to go aside from a random craft or snack gathering in one of the rooms in the very small lodge there. Now.... kids 2 - 6 years old can stay all day in the "Powder Pups" room where they will do, presumably, fun indoor activities while the "big people" ski :-). I have Lil signed up for MLK weekend.

Next? The fact that REM has a new album coming out 8 March 2011. Not sure how I feel about it. LOVE REM,but... have not been overly impressed with recent releases. I hear Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam, of course) is on this one. At one time, I thought he was a bit of a cry baby, but... after seeing his great tribute to REM when they were inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame (Hi, Cleveland :-) a few years ago, his speech was just so great, and.... I decided to give him another chance ;-). Anyway.... we'll see.....

And.... this just in..... Applauding a mother I just saw on the Today Show who wrote the book My Princess Boy in response to her 4 (now 5) year old boy's love of dresses and anything pink or sparkly and... his conviction to actually wear such outfits, often to the dismay of his classmates, family and other peers. His mom, in a brave show of support, has written a book to help other kids struggling with acceptance and / or bullying for their individuality. A lesson for us all, I think. I just remember feeling total acceptance for all my quirks when I went to my Montessori school, but... as soon as I moved and went to public school.... not so much. I know kids, now, who have left the comfort of their smaller private grade and middle schools to go to larger high schools where bullying or teasing for all sorts of things exists - from the way people dress to the activities they do - if they are, at all, different than their peers. So.... like I said.... applauding her today.

And, lastly, I am a little freaked that I just heard a comedian, Greg Giraldo, who I really like died like two months ago. I had no idea - have been laughing at him for years now. Anyway ... it was another prescription drug overdose, which just scares me. I mean, what are people thinking when they abuse themselves in such a way - taking drugs that are legal but can causes serious damage??? Sad.

So .... yeah - the New Year. Oh - and all those resolutions..... Hubby hitting the gym this am (all energetic,basking in the Steelers recent big win :-) - the teen asked me to pack her a healthy lunch today, and... me.... well..... I finally made a couple of silly, check up appointments that I have not had time for all year (the three little ones could care less - aside from resuming their regular routine). Time to check off that "to do" list and time to get healthy and stay active. We'll see how long that lasts for all of us, huh? ;-)

Speaking of such resolutions, I will be cleaning up Christmas for the rest of the day.... trying to get and stay organized along the way. Happy day to all of you, btw! 2011. Bring it!

Photo: Hubby and his band - circa 1995 (in the spirit of reminiscing over the holidays, this photo & an accompanying newspaper article emerged from somewhere).

Bieber Fever and other holiday musings...

Yes - Olivia and ALL her friends have it, AND... will be going to see HIM - Justin Bieber - tonight at the new Consol Energy Center downtown. They are excited, and I have been tasked with getting a few of them shirts today (Justin shirts, of course) among my other errands (get camera lens fixed, get b-day gift, buy dark pants for Christmas pageant, pick up old UGGS at shoe repair, buy new leggings for teen since others have a hole, etc.). A school delay (the first of many) has ME delayed today, so... I need to get moving. Funny morning. Olivia happily slept way in - Enzo and Milo had time to dress like Luigi and Mario (remember the Halloween costumes?) and run about, counting days on the Advent calendar (still have a picture in my head of Lil in her pink "prince-ness" dress, trying to pick up bits of snow as all those leaving the house this am exited - so she could put this little, tiny, fingerful in the freezer :-).

Need to remind us ALL again to be charitable this season. A bit of a sad story here (though I'm sure people will open their hearts and wallets for this one - and... I find the fact that this family has already enjoyed some support very encouraging. Just despise thieves and people who take from kids... give it a read).

Photos: Random images of the season.

Very random.... very rushed....

Editing tonight and dealing with a very sore wrist - very preoccupied with both. Saw Tangled today, which was good. Did lunch out and take-out dinner. Too much going on for cooking (thank you to Olivia for emptying the dishwasher for me tonight AND for suggesting my homemade hot choc - AND thank you to hubby for rubbing my head, back and wrist last night when I woke with aaaaalllll sorts of muscle aches... tis the season, isn't it? ;-).

Saw this story and feel strongly that it warrants prayers and good thoughts. A suicidal man has concocted some strange story about what he did with his kids, and now they are missing. Three sweet boys. It is terrible that I have a bad feeling about this situation simply because too many times, in this life, people do such atrocious things, and... these behaviors become predictable. Just awful. Let's really hope for the best on this one.

Photo: The Olivias and Lil in a massage chair at Ross Park Mall (yep - caved and did a mall outing ... really looking for shoes for the Shadyside Academy Snow Ball, but... ended up doing Food Court, treat shopping at Williams Sonoma, watching Lil ride the train around and around and around - photos to come, btw :-), and bargain hunting in stores like American Eagle or Nordstrom - giant scores in both, btw - half off sweaters - Michael Kors bags for under $100.... my tip of the day for locals - that and the fact that BrGr over in East Liberty is becoming a good food and drink hang-out for us adults cuz I keep running into people there, AND I don't seem like the "burger" type at all :-). Any shopping trips from the rest of you out there? And.... hubby is trying to get me to go see Girltalk with him on Friday.... and.... I'm on the fence. I mean, there is good mashup and there is bad. What'd'ya think I should do?

See ya ... BUT... before you go.... you should check out the Kitchen Witch on my blog list... she is always funny and always full of good recipes..... a real memory-inducer in a Christmas fudge recipe posted today.....

Check out some stuff...

Did I forget to tell you that Crate and Barrel is open near the Ross Park Mall (hello, locals)? We went; it is nice. Big store - everything C & B - not like the smaller "we'll have to order it for you" types (like the Nordstrom in that area :-(. We got lamps, wrapping paper, a super cool covered cake plate.... for the holidays :-).

Also, check out Burgh Baby (my blog list) for a fantastic rant on how women (especially) are judged for their weight - too fat, too thin - despite how off-base (well and always inappropriate) these comments may be. Weigh in if you can; I sure did.

And... sad story in LA - don't know quite what to make of it (sad, sad, sad - really terrible - poor baby). Thoughts and prayers that direction..... And - reminders to cherish what you have - so many of us have a lot to be thankful for this season - would be nice to reach out to others.

And.. are you a royal watcher? Probably not. I am, however. So.... Kate and William have picked the day and place (29 April and Westminster Abbey).

Now - back to editing and iPhoto. I suppose I am truly back, but... I am not yet redesigned (all in the works) and only partially reconcepted. Input from all you guys has been so appreciated (keep it coming - email, text, Facebook - whatever).

Happy Halloween (and au revoir)

It always sneaks up on me. I mean - it does and it doesn't. I am prepped for weeks - decorations, candy, mugs and seasonal clothing - mulled cider, butternut squash soup, outdoor "campfires", autumn dinner parties.... I dig Halloween, and I looooove autumn, in general. I am sad when it's over. I think THAT'S what sneaks up on me. It becomes gray and November-ish outside - the rush is on for Christmas gifts - school gets chaotic ... oh - I don't need to tell you - we'll all experience it tomorrow (sorry for the drag-down ;-).

So - last night was sleepless - late night texts from the dance attendee - boys who wanted to stay up late and watch Halloween specials then spent the night waking and calling for us - and.... one over-tired "just turned three year old" who would NOT go to sleep - insisted on being in "prince-ness" costume for hours. I accidentally napped mid-evening watching a bit of a boring movie, then..... in typical insomniac form, was up all night.

Strange night - Devil's Night, so.... as it should be, I suppose. Sirens in the wee hours, clear audible voices just outside the door very, very late - I even checked my phone for one last text from Olivia who was sleeping over at a friend's, and... literally, seconds later, she texted me (my fellow late night girl - I love serendipity, as you know - just odd to feel so in sync with the surroundings on such an odd, mystical night ;-).

So - today we'll trick or treat (oh - and hubby has decided to paint the bedroom today - wonder how THAT will go - I'm predicting another sleepless night for me) - we'll make s'mores in our firepit again - we'll light jack - o - lanterns and start the fog machine. It will be cold, but it will be fun.

I've decided that I'm going to take a few weeks to rethink, re-evaluate, redesign and re-conceptualize my blog. I am going to focus on kids, holidays and my grand but ordinary day to day. I will also immerse myself in my old photos - take my classes at the Apple store - make my films, slide shows and explore other projects. I will also get my messy, messy, half-painted, half-decorated, semi-comfortable / semi-chaotic house in order. This is a lot. I'll miss you all :-).

Photo: I knew this was coming, having been forewarned by a mother who knew her sons were heading out with toilet paper and silly string last night - friends of my "teen" (said with some snark but quite a bit of levity in my voice ;-). I like it, having done some TP'ing in my day :-). Anyway.... it's just a wee bit.... All good.

Listening to Bloodbuzz, Ohio by the National right now (which makes me proud of my "home state"), drinking for the last day out of my witch mug (and with that, also wearing my black pumpkin socks for the last time this year - NOT as big a deal as the mug ;-) and... reading this little tidbit on the new show "The Walking Dead", which airs tonight (and, for all you zombie purists, we should be proud this guy, the special effects person on this project, is from Pittsburgh - he KNOWS those suckers shouldn't be running - zombies are dead and rotting - they move slooooow ;-). And.... think it is super cool the Steelers are in New Orleans on Halloween (when I return someday, I may tell you all about my voodoo doll - the passion goddess, who I will NEVER throw away - cuz.... well.... I think she's real :-0). So ... I leave you in a good spooky "space" right now. Take care.

Beware

I'm not back... just offering a quick fyi to you locals...

Worth a read... some attempted lurings of kids at bus stops, etc. in the city and 'burbs. Police are taking it seriously enough to meet on it. Scary - particularly with Halloween on the way and kids running around at night.

Photo: Olivia's end of season field hockey party last night (which I DID attend to repay the injustice of not being able to chaperone the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre trip with her class on Friday).... Lil hangs with the girls (and Milo ran around the room while Daddy chased him, unfortunately, not before he disrupted the entire presentation - Enzo ate pizza and said he was tired - oh well, at least no one was screaming at me for picking the wrong jacket for them to wear or for putting the straw in the vanilla milk before I handed it to them and other SUCH horrible mommy mistakes, right? ALL I usually hear lately is screaming, fighting, hitting, toys being thrown, me being told I am a "bad mommy" - frustrating, so..... it was very nice to just have to sit and / or chase and / or keep chairs from toppling and / or make them eat what they took from the buffet, without benefit of plate, washed hands or silverware - ALL without risking life and limb or having to lose my voice trying to shout over the raised voices and cracking bones that I experience at home - and I have had a recent bloody nose and chin bruise trying to bust up a couple scuffles - not to mention the lingering cough and sore throat that is either aggravated by or prolonged by the constant reprimanding. Who knew kids could be this scary at times? Oh well - it is Halloween, right?).

A bunch o' stuff.....

Today is what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday..... a lot of celebrations going on all over the world to celebrate. So sad, all these years later, that he is gone. I remember the night it happened. I was young, but... a serious dancer who often had class until very late. On this night, I had showered, put on my candy cane striped PJs with feet and got into bed. I had my radio on and heard that John Lennon had been shot. I knew my Mom liked him and the Beatles, so I kept listening.... And... minutes later, they reported that he died. My Mom came into my room to make sure that I was going to bed (so late on a school night), and she told me again what happened. She was shocked.

And... I don't want to be morose and sad today, but when it's time to remember people. it's time to remember them. Here is the eulogy for Carl Schneider - delivered by a kayaking buddy. It is lovely - definitely worth a read. Many a tear shed for Signore Schneider this past week... now the long recovery begins.

Beautiful day - jealous of the neighbors who went pumpkin picking (you know who you are :-) - happy that I got to see Olivia play a fierce field hockey game and then have dinner with all my lovelies right after - grateful that Enzo won his soccer game this morning and that it seems to mean something to him now to play hard, to feel good about a sport - happy to see Milo coming into his own with playmates, activities and sports - love, love, love heading out each Sat morning to ballet class again, albeit my Lil's :-).

Have a great long weekend, all. Do you have plans? We have a spaghetti potluck dinner with new friends from kindergarten tomorrow (I am bringing fruit salad :-) - am trying to entice friends and neighbors into another autumn potluck, s'mores by the fire kinda evening - may try to take in a movie with hubby - definitely going to workout.... Should be good :-). Enjoy it all, guys AND.... keep me posted on plans - love to hear what everyone is up to!

Field Hockey Practice

Ok - this was literally seconds before I was almost beaned with a field hockey ball as Olivia and friends fooled arou... I mean .... practiced passing :-) last night on Winchester Thurston's field.

Stay healthy, everyone. I have something horrible - have coughed until my chest hurts - throat also killing me - had low grade fever that broke during the night ... Yuk. I coughed and coughed all through Top Chef Just Desserts last night (which, btw, was a wild ride....) - sent in a Whole Foods quiche for teacher breakfast today... just couldn't bring myself to bake or cook last night (also did not want to cough into it :-).

Pretty day today.

In closing, here's a little story on a Peruvian writer (hubby was born in Lima) who just won the Nobel Prize for literature - interesting man.

Street lunch!

Hubby and I have a new area of interest.... and yes, it does involve kids and / or food .... the latter, actually. We have become interested in the whole premise of quick but good food - have been watching Food Network's show on food trucks (and I would pontificate on that a bit more, but... I don't have the relevant details aside from some fantastic looking Vietnamese sandwiches and a bunch of burger guys called "Grill'em All" - Metallica anyone?) - saw a fab dessert truck on "Bobby's Flay's "Throwdown" a while back - have fond memories of eating chicken skewers, gyros, veggie burritos, warn toasted bagels piled with cream cheese and jelly on our way back from big nights out in college - and, of course, Marcello has memories of drinking Inca Cola and eating Peruvian bbq chicken at the many pollo rios in Lima and surrounding areas - I have happy memories of Croque Monsieurs, toasted nuts, Nutella crepes and sauerkraut brats on the streets of France, Luxembourg and Germany. Screw fast food. Sick of it (except for McDs fries, right?). There is such a thing as good street vendor food (loaded up hot dogs, anyone? - diggin' that Conflict Kitchen in East Liberty.... new realm for the quick lunch, dinner, bite to eat). Anyway.... hubby indulged today. Looks yummy. He and I like to message, text, email photos, etc. all day - his iPhone is, of course, super cool for that. Today - our back and forth is food, and.... the kids' school experience (foremost on our minds these past few weeks).

And speaking of hubby, here is his Crain's B to B mention on a "top ten" site he designed in 2010.

No more excuses.

I have this tendency to evaluate my appearance, my body, my style, etc. very harshly. I intensely dislike photos of myself and I am constantly striving to take at least one "pretty" one so my kids will remember me when I was young as fun and attractive (and this is anywhere - if I'm baking cookies and notice my hair looks good, I may prompt hubby to snap one - or if we're out and I feel like I actually like what I have on, I may ask for another quick candid - usually one of my eyes looks bigger than the other - you can see my gray streaked ugly ash brown roots or I have yet another breakout - Ooooo - worse, I look fat .... AGAIN). Vain? No. Silly? Probably. Deluded? Yes.

And... by deluded - I mean on both ends. There are days that I think I look fabulous and... in hindsight - I wonder how I did not manage to embarass Olivia - repulse hubby and / or make my little ones laugh at me. Other times, I look at a photo from just a few years ago when I was lamenting a bad haircut, feeling chubby and hating my outfit, AND... oddly.... now I think I look great - and so does hubby - and Olivia - and my Mom (now that's sayin' something).

I've been many things - lipsticked, dressed up dancer in my high-heeled Frye boots by day - my appropriately ripped up sweats and leg warmers by night - ballet bun and / or long, loose curls - nails were always done - eye shadow always 80s funky - and the jewelry - oh the rings and ear piercings... 7 total. I then went punk - hair long in the front, shaved in the back a la skate punk style (and skating those empty swimming pools and long, flat city steps WAS fun, wasn't it? As were the hardcore shows - alternative dance nights with my "Waver" friends....) - army jackets - pegged jeans - converse sneaks - black everything - shirts, skinny skirts, baggy sweats - Oh - and combat boots and Doc Martens (I still take my old buckled Docs out now and then and caress and care for them :-). I even entered a crunchy, hippy, granola stage - living at the oceanfront, I was all long, straight, sunstreaked hair - no makeup - sunglasses - flip flops - bells and braided bracelets on my ankles - back pack - hiking shorts (and, yes, I hiked and ran during this time - a 5K - an 8K - one scary Maine rock climbing trip - another scary white water adventure in WVA) - a little fairy wish bell around my neck - crystals.... In fact, I sometimes freak a little - thinking people still see me as the bohemian, gypsy type, and... I want a little more from my style than that. By contrast, those who knew me as the professional, remember a designer obsessed chick with short, choppy hair - chunky silver jewelry - lots of boots and heels - ALWAYS solid colors (no prints here), and... that's not really me either (I blame the ad, pr and marketing industry).

Now? I don't know. I suspect I may be all of those things. I wear old punk rock t-shirts to work out at the gym. For simplicity, I usually just grow my hair long - but end up hacking at my bangs or my layers myself - having expensive colorists add color that I end up hating. I do wear flip flops, long skirts and tie dyes in the summer - usually no make up - AND in the winter, I'm all scrunchy UGGS, clingy skirts or yoga pants, puffy jackets and funky scarves with bright lipstick and sunglasses. I am, admittedly, a little boring. Every now and then, I buy a cool pair of earrings that my long, stringy hair hides or I buy a new pair of shoes that I end up never wearing. I usually blame time - even lack of interest (house and kids making me crazy), but... I'm finding that I have no excuses.

I hang with some people at the pool who do their workout and show up, kids in tow, hair pushed back - requisite yoga pants or Athleta workout skirts over their faded bathing suits and they work it and they look good. I went to drop my Olivia at a friend's house to babysit the other night, and "the dad" showed up at the front door looking nothing like a dad but more like a teenager with his baseball hat on backwards - long baggy b-ball shorts on - bare feet. Could I pull that off? No. Can all these cute boys - my hubby included - who wear it all with confidence and bravado pull it off? Yes. My neighbor just shaved her head and it looks fabulous, so... there goes my "I can't have style because nothing is low maintenance" excuse (and, yes, M, I am shaking my fist at you right now - I know you're out picking peaches, but I'm shaking it - you just can't see me ;-). Another friend just dropped over 20 pounds in LESS THAN a summer, so.... again.... what's my excuse? I eat what the kids do.... blah blah blah - she has a kindergartner too!

I'm beginning to wonder if maybe confidence is what it takes to pull anything off AND that's precisely what I need to work on. Plus - I do need to get my hair cut every now and then - buy myself a lipstick or a shirt. I'm into this self-deprivation thing right now, and it is just NOT working for me.

Photos: Easter. A perfect example of what I mean. We took tons of photos. In each one, I look horrible for varying reasons. With Olivia - eyes closed (though, I am in heels - she in flats - so I look tall - I can't stand it when I look like a troll with all these middle school girls towering over me). With Lil - fat. Close up with Lil - fat - and what is UP with my hair?! Group photo... um.... look OK but why is everyone fighting and running from us? I included a "booty shot" - yes, my butt - in the mirror - a "before" photo for my workout progress. Need I say more? I often like the self-portraits that my kids take. I have a "witch" nose and chin, but... these photos look like ME - they capture my essence, I think - good or bad. And, yes - I included one of my famous self-portraits - ugly but I dig it (see my evaluation techniques are rather odd :-). And... finally... the family photo shoot - have said it before, will say it again - I look baaaad - everyone else looks fantastic. I think I tried to hide blemishes with too much make-up - had let someone put a "warm" red tone on my hair, and... well... yuck. Hubby looks cute, though.

OK - so here ya go.... A story here on salmonella and eggs. Just beware - does not seem to affect our region. And... here - what I'm been obsessing on lately.... how NOT to lose your temper (i.e. yell) when kids are acting up (perfect timing on this article - must be some summer angst a brewin' all over - and, on my end, I've already told them all to "shut up" this morning - and, at one time, my Olivia thought that was a swear word to give you ANY idea of how far my parenting skills have deteriorated with the addition of each wild child - and, today, hands shaking, stomach aching, I am LOSIN' IT). And... finally ... same mag - a story on "is your child a public menace?" Hmmm.... wonder who that applies to?

Top Chef tonight.... don't miss it!

I am a drag today... no fun at all.

Not much at all to say today. Still stressed. Trying to beef up my professional profile on Linked In (not doing great - most former collegues / current acquaintances ignoring me - look like an idiot next to hubby, other friends) - and simultaneously trying to figure out how family vacations and holidays will work or not work, rather, once I'm back at work. Bought school shoes for Olivia yesterday - need to buy her final Honors English book (she is almost done with Catcher in the Rye - seems to like it :-) - need to get uniform skirts hemmed. Hubby wants to take boys fishing today, but I'm sick of the heat and humidity. Lil happy with her new princess pull-ups that we bought yesterday - she LOVES them (you would think it was Christmas :-). I'm up again (have been since 3 or 4 in the morning) thinking about more extended family stuff, paying tuition, not taking a vacation, being behind in all my photo and video organizing, the fact that I have fillings that need to be replaced and the thought of a trip to the dentist upsets me (and I actually used to like going to the dentist - yeah, I did - really) - more silly stuff - only this time, my stomach is killing me (I was hospitalized years ago - back when I was a single mom and Olivia in preschool - with severe reflux / ulcer) - it acts up when I'm stressed. Olivia wants to go shopping today, but a combination of bad body image, frugality and no time to even think about where I would go or what I would buy (i.e. I am so out of the fashion loop) has me reluctant, so.... I'll probably drive her around and passively participate :-). Hubby worked long, cranky hours this week, and I have hours of laundry, organization and cleaning both behind me and yet to do. Just down.

Need to be reminded to think of others today. Here is a sad story that reminds us to think of others first or to at least remember that we should be kind and giving. Here is another on the terrible conditions in China right now - many people there need thoughts, prayers and REAL assistance to get their lives back together. Not trying to bring you down too, but... rather - just trying to get all of us to think of others today.

And ...fellow local bloggers and other media types... PodCamp Pittsburgh (5th year?) will be held this year on Sept 18 & 19, 9 am - 4 pm each day at the Art Institute downtown. As always, it is free - badges for your respective sites on theirs..... Google it. Like I said, I am no fun at all today.

Thank you, all, for the sharing and / or encouragement regarding all of our respective summer challenges with kids, career aspirations, etc. Really - don't know what I would have done without your comments, etc. this week.

Here's one way I'm cheering myself up - Halloween costume shopping! I know - I know - too early, but... I love Halloween, and since my boys are Mario crazed on the Wii... check this out.

Actually not sure when I'll be back - have two invitations tomorrow, which is weird - one brunch - another a later day picnic / b-day celebration / music in the park situation..... Might lift my spirits - and... in that case, I will see you Monday :-).

Just about everything borrowed today.

Check out the new blog I'm following on my list - a family dinner idea place and beyond, really. Thanks, MW, for that.

Also, for you locals (and, by that, I mean Clevelanders and Pittsburghers), here are some restaurant bargains (thanks, SBC, for that) - Ibiza (Mallorca's tapas bar), Namaste India - others.

Again ... for locals (this time just Pitt), here are some upcoming events at our local Nordstrom. Some worth a look - some not so much.

And, honestly, this has been on my mind lately.... what to wear when I work out (looking like a non-geek does wonders for my self-esteem). Here is what Rachel Zoe says.... so I'm sure it will be "bananas" - "major" - all that ;-).

The Bakery Square Urban Active Fitness is offering a fitness workshop - alongside facility trainers - this Sat, 14 Aug from 6:30 am to 8 am - limit 100 (early risers, obviously) - first 50 will receive the opportunity for a free personal trainer, AND the event is supposedly going to be run by some big names in the fitness industry - though... did not see those announced yet. Might be fun - I'm still thinking on it....

This weekend is the Seven Springs Food and Wine Festival. Probably worth a look - unsure, currently, what the weather will hold for anyone interested.

I'm always prompting you all to join zulily, and... today is no different. Vive la Fete childrens' hand-smocked clothing is featured today - very sweet little Halloween dresses and outfits - with pretty little witches and pumpkins stitched across the chest - very retro - very classic - very cute.

I was made aware of an article on a boy from good old St. Bede. I believe he played in the band that performed at my fundraiser a couple of years there - also his Mom has photographed my daughter for a magazine (a "volunteer" type situation - in the marketing / advertising industry, our kids are often volunteered for such work :-) - this time, she and some of her friends modeled for a friend in need) - and, of course, many of the kids in my daughter's circle are aware of his impending and current success. Anyway, here is that article on this particular "hip hop boy" ;-). Worth a read.

And, speaking of St. Bede.... parents - we got a packet of info a week or so ago - Now - two more to check out, fill out and turn everything in.... mine arrived today. FYI.

And finally - saw this recipe - or a version of it by different names - from 4 different people - 4!!!! - bizarre - last week or so, so.... gave it a try and it is easy and tasty. In a nutshell, here is the recipe (fused from the different ones I was forwarded / happened to see / was given):

Beef Provencal -

1 to 2 pounds cubed beef
Equal parts onion and carrots (one and a half to two cups)
Lots of garlic - one recipe called for 12 cloves - another only 6 - crushed
Olive oil
14 oz diced tomatoes
tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine
pinch rosemary
pinch thyme
salt and pepper to taste
pinch allspice or cloves
one bay leaf

Saute crushed garlic in olive oil until fragrant (use deep dutch oven-type pan) - remove and set aside. Saute beef cubes (salt and peppered a bit) until browned - remove and set aside. Pour in red wine - bring to a boil by scraping brown bits from pan. Return garlic and beef to pan - keep in med / high heat. Add carrots, onion then beef stock or broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, more salt and pepper, allspice or cloves and bay leaf - mix well - bring it all to a boil. Cover (I just used foil) - and put the whole pan in the oven to bake at 300 degrees for 2 - 2.5 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving over noodles. This can also, apparently, be done in a slow cooker if you are so inclined.

And, finally, since we're in the kitchen .... Hell's Kitchen and Next Food Network Star have finales this week, and... well... Top Chef is about halfway done..... getting a little more interesting too.

See ya!

Some ideas ....

We may go to the park today - next to the Pitt Center for the Arts - for music, brunch, family time. Check it out here. It looks like fun.

Saw Inception (with Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page and others) last night with friends. While there might be a couple of holes in the plot (as a writer, I often find them and try to rationalize them), it was exciting and interesting and really fun. A good movie - will definitely inspire some dream discussions and even prompt some more vivid dreams, I think :-). I would recommend it.

And ... looking forward - the Sprout Fund's annual Hothouse event has just released the invitation / venue for this year. We had really wanted to go last year - and didn't - so maybe this year. I heard it was a lot of fun!

Here's an interesting article on how personality appears to be set by first grade or so. which.... solidifies my theory that you can't change people AND that people NEVER change - once you see something in their character once, that means it is imbedded. Another case for how you have to respect people and their individuality as well.

Also - Next Food Network Star on Food Network tonight. I watch that and Hell's Kitchen, though... as you know, Top Chef is my first love ;-).

And... while we're on the subject of food, here is a really tasty summer sandwich idea: Whole wheat bread, lite mayo, salt (for me, optional), pepper, cherry tomatoes cut in half, English cucumer sliced thinly, white onion sliced thinly - layer it up and yum!

Finally, here are some nature-inspired crafts to do for kids.

Happy Sunday, all.

On a recipe roll... and feel a rant coming on (a warning ;-)

OK - so last night - or wee hours this am, rather - I found myself sleepless again. Again, thanks, all, for your suggestions and remedies - I am trying them out - in particular, one plan that WAS working (thanks, E), but... after talking to my neighbor about press handstands the other day (yeah - you heard that right), I had to try one out (aging gymnasts must .... um .... lose their minds ;-). I had told him that I impressed my daughter and her friend on the beach last year, and... it occurred to me.... I could do it last year, BUT can I do it THIS year? So I tried - and, yes, made it into the straddle BUT.... an hour or so later during my workout, my back hurt (upper right side). And... hurt all night.

OK - so dumb story of the day out of the way.... I was working on my writing resume - very early am, and... began reading some blogs I follow. I stopped by Callapitter. If you don't know Amy there, you should. Amy lost her beautiful children in a car accident not even a year a half ago. They were 6 and 4 when they died - Kate and Peter. Amy lives near me, but... that's not why I was drawn to her. She is creative - a talented cook, an urban developer and a great writer / blogger. She is a fantastic mom and, beyond all that, has an adventurous spirit that I truly admire. But I am, as usual, digressing... Anyway, I read how she was really missing her sweet kids yesterday - overwhelmed with sadness, as will be the case for a long time, I'm sure. I cried, as I usually do. I wished them back for her, and... I just railed at the injustice of it all. Her point with her post (aside from sharing her very real feelings) was, partly, that she would so much like to break up a fight between the two of them, complain about school not starting soon enough because they are driving her nuts, take them swimming, hold them. And, she can't anymore. Of course, so many of us do that everyday and .... not that we take it for granted.... but I don't think we celebrate those small moments enough - think about our good life - remain thankful for what we have. And we should.

Now... in typical "me" fashion, my mind did wander. I lay next to sleeping hubby and Lil, who had sleepily toddled out of her room asking for milk earlier. I had put her next to me in bed and stroked her hair until she slept again. Similarly, I had to help Enzo to the bathroom, AND... as usual, Milo had been up until 10 pm, claiming that Enzo was snoring and he couldn't sleep ;-). Anyway, I was teary - insomnia brings all sorts of odd worries to light - plus I had just read Amy's post - and.... I started to get angry. I cried - for little Kate and Peter - for my Dad - for my beautiful friend who lost her warm, handsome,creative husband at just over 40, soulmates for sure - for Olivia's school buddy who just lost her dad; second grade, swimming with friends all summer, loving her life, and her young dad dies - for my friends gone too soon, one leaving behind twin toddlers - for my other friends who have lost truly beloved parents who championed their every move and who now know deep loneliness at times ..... I cried because sometimes - even though I am "grown up", I still feel like an outcast (having just gone to the Oakland Catholic orientation where I found myself, end of night, alone, watching Olivia interact with friends and "cooler" parents - of course, like an idiot, I had just grabbed a macaroon and a lemonade and had to stand and eat / drink alone - memories of many loser teenager moments crept back into my head and remained there until I had discarded my treat and hurried into the hall where I felt "safe" - all dressed up and no one to talk to - oh well - for the record, I did remind myself, right then, how great my life was despite silly social snubs or .... well... awkwardness on my part ;-). And then - yeah - anger.

So ... I couldn't help but let my mind wander to those family members, on both hubby's side and mine, who can't seem to behave (wasted time - wasted energy). And ... I mean the behavior is baaaaaaad - shockingly so - from parents, a number of our siblings, etc. We have other family members, friends, etc. who also notice, but ... remain powerless to "help" us. It is very difficult. It is what keeps me up at night. Like I said, I feel a true rant coming....

So ... in the spirit of cherishing what I have, I did take the kids to the Pittsburgh Zoo yesterday where Lil squealed and skipped about, amazed at the animals she was seeing "in person". Truthfully, I have VERY mixed feelings about zoos, but... support ours here because I do like to see the animals cared for - I do like to see the public educated. My boys love the zoo, and they had a fantastic time - really enjoyed the shark encounter (which was, actually, super cool - they are big guys - 7 or 8 feet long - big teeth that come right at you in the glass) - and all their other favorite haunts (we used to go all the time pre-Lil and when she was an infant, but... had not been in a while).

So ... here is your reward for reading through my 4 am musings.... A quick and easy recipe: Chop eggplant, tomato, onion - add salt, pepper, rosemary, oregano, olive oil - toss in bowl then spread on baking sheet - bake at 400 degrees for about 20 min - take from oven and toss with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve. Yummy. Because I did not get to the beef recipe that I wanted to (may try tonight or tomorrow and report back), here is something tasty to try.... a fairly new area Mexican restaurant.

Photos: The wee ones hanging this week without their big sis, Olivia (strawberries make it ALL seem better ;-) - though..... we did draw some pictures and "write" to her yesterday, so..... she'll get a little piece of home in a day or so.

Top Chef tonight on Bravo! I'll be watching...

Camp and coffee time....

OK - so Olivia is at her beloved Camp Calvary. When she went to board the bus yesterday, Enzo clung to her and fought tears. Milo and Lil were too busy being cute for other adults and walking the curb like it was a balance beam, but Enzo... he was sad :-(. I promised him we would write to her - we waved - then went to do some photos for our new biz venture - had lunch - played with the neighbors once home (one buddy back from a month away :-). Anyway - every night, the camp posts photos of the campers, so.... here are some images of the "welcome" festivities here.

And.... I LOVE iced coffee - was intrigued by the post on the Serious Eats blog today regarding a cup of buttery, dessert-like iced coffee in New Orleans, BUT was overjoyed to see a url at the close of the post where I could purchase and, apparently, duplicate this liquid love ;-). Maybe we should all give it a try.

Lastly (is that a word?), I have been reading, posting comments, digesting feedback and doing further research on the "free range parenting" concept and blog (see my blog list - definitely always worth a read there). I am torn - fully agree with some premises - appalled at the single-mindedness and flippancy of others. I am working on a post that will, hopefully, generate some feedback from you guys - though... I may wait until the close of summer, knowing that many of you, my blogger pals, are taking a little break currently (L, "story", RH and others).

Photo: Lil and Enzo play with the castle that Enzo and I made at a Pittsburgh Center for the Arts class waaay back before Lil was born. Daddy made a dragon to match with him (it was a week-long parent and me class, which I would highly recommend). Thinking on that summer so long ago because we took photos yesterday on the grounds there.... may do a picnic there this week.. the kids love to hang with the dogs that walk there - throw balls for them, etc.

Oh... and one more recommendation. Yesterday, baked some organic, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies for family friends. Because the kids wanted to help, I copped out a bit and did a mix (don't want too much salt or vanilla or something going into treats for someone else... and my kids can't resist my little salt pinch pot on the counter...), but... used the Cherrybrook KItchen mix that you can get at Giant Eagle's Market District or Whole Foods, and it is great (my picky Olivia calls them the best mix cookies ever). Try them.

Happy day, all. Lil and I are looking at pictures of "prince-nesses" (princesses). She loves them. Go figure. Lots to do, actually. My house is over 100 years old and, therefore, always a work in progress, and it is filled with 4 busy kids and 2 parents who are restless creatives with all sorts of projects in the queue, including photo collages, kids clothing designs, a family cookbook not to mention painting (my bedroom - a sanctuary for a couple of weeks once we kicked the boys out for good - is now covered with splotches of paint on the walls as we plot our color - lovely), herb gardening, furniture rearranging ....

Oh ... just some stuff....

So ... a vote in Spain just outlawed bullfighting. Read here.

Pop City is doing a series on Pitt bloggers. Read the latest installment (along with some other suggestions) here.

And here's an encouraging update on the BP oil spill.

If you're not a member, you should join, cuz .... Gilt Groupe has some cool stuff for men on sale today. Imagine that.

Finally, here's something funny... a Jib Jab thing from Christmas that one of Olivia's friends did (she was perusing old wall posts on Facebook :-). Enjoy. Couldn't resist posting even if it is out of season....

Sleepy, but.... still thinking retail and "kid stuff".

Do you know this line of clothing? You should. Really cute for little ones.

Some good recipes for kids here.

An old favorite of mine .... some good ideas for kids' rooms, nurseries, etc. here. Floor coverings mostly, but... the new stuff is cool.

Back to school shopping has started (believe it or not), so... get started - I would start with shoes here - because they always sell out first (before uniforms, etc.).

Looking for stuff to do with your kids in Western PA this summer, AND running out of ideas? Check this out.... a couple of ideas (and a good resource all year round).

Photos: More summer "stuff" :-) - some "off to camp" photos - some "mill about the house" photos - sparklers from the 4th - all within the last few weeks....

While I have a second...

Gotta be quick today.... Milo has his appointment in Nephrology at Children's today (love them) - might take friends to the pool - boot camp AND swim meet tonight - trying to sneak in breakfast out and a workout....

Anyway - saw hubby reading this article on urban farming this am. Definitely worth a look / read - even an actual search for the books - possibly a bookmark of the blog they suggest...

Still not surprised or delighted or unhappy or whatever regarding this season's Top Chef. Did recently learn that a friend knows competitor Chef Kelly Liken well (she has a restaurant in Vail, which is all good :-), so... am kinda pulling for her. Kenny and Angelo are still strong. I like Tamesha too - young and ready to win. Padma looks good - extra baby weight and all - love how comfortable she is with her new body - of course, she's always gorgeous.

Have been living such a "loosey-goosey" life these days that it was finally nice to sit down as a family and eat dinner last night. I actually got Milo to eat some peanut butter on whole grain crackers with some carrot apple juice, and... everyone else ate the Kung-pao-ish chicken I made - really tasty - used some of the CSA veggies we had still left (actually put broccoli and squash in, which the fam ate :-) - see I READ the Serious Eats blog post on the remains of the CSA basket that I suggested the other day ;-). Hubby and I even had time for some frosty margaritas while watching Top Chef :-). Icy, icy - which was nice during the oppressive evening heat (I feel like I'm living in the south again!).

And since this post has become ALL about food - have you all tried the Nature's Path dark chocolate chip chewy granola bars - chococonut flavor? Well... you should. They are tasty and, surprisingly, not too high in fat or sugar. Available at Whole Foods.

Anyway - quiet remainder of week. Hubby still off. Looks like we do not need to get cousin from DC. Hubby's sisters were going to be there all along anyway, which we just discovered, AND renting a car big enough for he and his wife (they just have to change their return time by a few hours, so... issue resolved - though, for some reason, they were all trying to wiggle out of driving him - poor guy). Our van only holds our clan and one other plus we were making a special trip to do this (and, I snarked on this before - but we were NOT invited to hang with the rest of the group - asked to stay away from dinner - in an odd twist, appears psycho sis has now decided she does not want to see her cousin either for whatever reason - we, however, are looking forward to having them stay with us and to taking them out to dinner - AAAALLLLL good)... Though.... should have prefaced this all with "snark alert" at end ;-). Don't fret - I could set off a bomb - run naked down the street - and my sis and mom in laws wouldn't notice.

Ending on a happy, happy retail note. As you know, I love J.Crew. Sale here (and, yes, I was sucked in by the promise of "new styles" :-).

Have to do a quick update here on a previous rant... I did try to make an appointment with my old PCP (who has blown me off for a few years - maintaining that my OB is doing what needs to be done currently) .... only to be told that I did not need to be seen - had recent bloodwork, had the mammogram script, etc. Call next year. Sorry... I have to say it again... WTF?!?! Maybe I do need "another PCP" as my OB kept saying - maybe there is an issue with this one. I do have a sneaking suspicion, though, that I am becoming the difficult hypochondriac patient who is now "flagged" (like Elaine on Seinfeld years ago). Can't win....

Temps still in the '90s - will be that way for the next few days... Stay cool ;-). I think the heat is making me cranky ;-).

Stuff

Random today. Try to follow.... I'm all over the place (keeping up with chaotic schedule today... but playdate got canceled :-(. Looks like rain, rain, rain....

Anyway... was passively listening to this interview with Au Revoir Simone on my Sirius radio, and one of the girls in the band mentioned her pregnancy / mommy blog at "trying to be barefoot and pregnant" a Wordpress blog, but I couldn't find it - at all. It sounded a bit interesting - working mommy trying to deal with people who want her to quit her music BUT staying on tour and dealing with it all, and... sometimes... wanting less. Ya know? What we all bitch and / or get happy about... in a nutshell. Anyway - will keep looking.

Also, have not kept up with Gwyneth Paltrow at Goop lately (and you know I love to).

Anyone see Top Chef last night? I have no comments yet - still getting to know this group.

I just heard that Italy is OUT of the World Cup. Yikes. I was wrong yesterday, btw - US plays Ghana on Sat. (not Fri).

Anyway ... Enzo had last tennis lesson today and did GREAT (Pioneer Camp starts Monday) - Milo swims for last time tomorrow and also has been doing GREAT (and gymnastics camp starts Mon) - Lil has her check-up today (to this day, even though I am no longer a "new mommy", I love the reassurance of the well check-up) - Olivia swims tonight (after "boot camp" with pals, Caroline and Olivia B) so go Edgewood Eels!

Big time project today? Trying to figure out how to unlock the downstairs bathroom door behind which all the new diapers, pull-ups and bathroom cleaning agents reside. Lilliana has learned to lock things. Thankfully, she is on this side of the door. Paper clip has not worked yet - plus the hardware has already been removed from the doorknob on this side...... so.... what the hell is holding it onto the other side? A mystery.... Any suggestions?

Photos: More summer kids :-) 2010.

Happy, happy!!!