Teacher Appreciation Gift - Sharpie

It's Teacher Appreciation Week here.

Every year, our school does a full, week long celebration.  Every day is something different.  Maybe it's bring in a flower for your teacher (they provide the teacher's with a vase) and your teacher ends up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers to take home.  One day we brought the teacher her favorite fruit.  The kids have written Thank You notes to their teacher(s).  And sometimes lunch is provided for the teacher(s).

Tomorrow is bring a Sharpie (in your teacher's favorite color) to school.  Strange, but, the teacher will get 20 Sharpie markers all in the same color.  I really  hope she likes Pink!

We thought we would try to make our Sharpie a little special with pretty paper and some yarn.  Oh, and I had Bella write it out.  I know it would look so perfect if I printed it out, but, the point is that the student is giving it to their teacher, not me!

"Thanks for making me a Sharpie!"

***Looking for other ideas for Teacher Appreciation gifts?  Check these out:

Thank you for being my M & M
Thank you for your Commit "mint"
Thank you for making me a big Smartie

Remember the Bad

I don't know what it is, but it seems that people always remember the bad things that happen to me.

My Dad would always bring up this one time we went out to dinner.  We were leaving the restaurant and I was carrying my leftovers, a diaper bag and Nick.  I stepped outside the restaurant, took a few steps and I dropped the leftovers on the sidewalk.  At least it wasn't Nick, right?  I remember my Dad cleaning up Fettuccine Alfredo off the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.  I don't think he was too happy about it.

Years went by and my Dad would always bring up, "the time you dropped your Fettuccine Alfredo on the sidewalk.  Do you remember that?"

Um, yea, Dad, how could I forget when you keep reminding me?

I thought the story would go away.  My Dad passed away a few years ago.  I figured the incident will just be forgotten.

One day, my Mom was in the car, I think we were returning from a dinner out.  She turns to me and says, "Do you remember the time you dropped your leftovers outside the restaurant?"

OMG!  WILL THE JUST FORGET IT ALREADY???  IT WAS 15 YEARS AGO!!

I said, "Yea, and Dad had to clean it up.  How could I forget?  He reminded me about it for years."

I realize that now I am writing about this, the story will live on forever.  Never to be forgotten.

Some day, some one is going to ask me about dropping my Fettuccine Alfredo outside the restaurant and all I can do is smile and say, "At least it wasn't Nick."

Car Dealer

I had to take the Ghetto Van in to the dealer for a recall.  Yea.  The van is eight years old and they are still doing recalls.  (not one, but three recalls!)

It's so hard to trust or believe anyone that works in the dealership.  I wonder if they are telling me the truth.  And, why was I told on the phone that there was only one recall?

The waiting room holds a cast of characters.  Most people stare at their phone.  Others act like they are interested in the TV show (Rachel Ray).  Others are amusing themselves by writing blog posts.  < Oh, wait!  That's me!  Hi!

I think they should add a walking track to their waiting room.  Hey, if I have to wait around for two hours, why not get some exercise? 

Something good should come out of all of this waiting (and not boring blog posts!)

Peanut Butter Bars

I was looking for a really easy dessert to make for a party and came across this recipe from The Frugal Girls for Copy Cat Reese's Peanut Butter Bars.

They are super easy to make and they disappeared quickly.  << I definitely think that's a great way to decide if the recipe is a keeper.

Here's the recipe, taken from The Frugal Girls:

Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups of graham crackers, finely crushed (approx. 2 "sleeves")
2 sticks of butter, melted
1 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups Powdered sugar
1 bag milk chocolate chips

Directions

Mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter and 1 cup of the peanut butter in a mixing bowl.
Smooth mixture into a 9x13 ungreased glass baking dish and set aside

Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl with remaining peanut butter and microwave for 45 seconds.  Stir.  Microwave again for 30 seconds, then stir until melted (you may need to microwave for another 30 seconds)
Spread melted chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter mixture in your baking dish.
Refrigerate for 3 hours.
Cut into squares and eat!
YUM!

Refrigerate any leftovers.  (there won't be any leftovers!)

Not exactly the healthiest recipe, but, hey, you have to live a little!  :)

                Enjoy!

Walking

I am back on a walking schedule.  I took some time off during the winter.  It's a little difficult to walk the paths when no one shovels them.  It also got a little cold this winter. 

Okay.  Okay.  I was just being lazy.  I mean, -20F?  I could have walked in that!  I grew up here.  I'm used to that kind of cold weather!  Two feet of snow and ice on the path?  Come on!  That's nothing!

Seriously...

I'm off to a good start.  Eating right and exercising.  I feel good.

I got a HUGE compliment (and confidence booster) the other day from Bella.  She was hugging me and said, "I think you lost weight."

I think it was a compliment. 

Maybe she is buttering me up for something.....

Happy Easter! Christos Anesti!

Christos Anesti!  (Christ has Risen)

Hope everyone had a great Easter!

The Easter Bunny had some difficult hiding places for the eggs at our house this year.  It took the kids awhile to find them all.  After the hunt, I saw the kids eating a lot of the candy in their baskets.  I said, "What are you doing?  Dad's making breakfast!"  Their reply?  "Dad said to get sugared up, so we are." 

The one time my kids listen to their father and it's when he tells them to eat all of their Easter candy.

100 Things That I Am Thankful For

Remember my post about being thankful for what you already have?  If not, click HERE.

A brief background on the story:  Bella was complaining about something and as a punishment I told her to sit down and write 100 things that she was thankful for on a piece of paper.  I thought it over and decided that I should put myself to the test and write down 100 things that I am thankful for.

So, as promised, I have taken the challenge and here is my list of 100 things that I am thankful for.

These are in no particular order.

Here we go:

I am thankful for:

1.  My life
2.  God 
3.  The Bible
4.  Jesus dying/rising to save our sins
5.  my husband
6.  My children
7.  my mom and dad
8.  my brothers (& other extended family...I mean, I could go on and on with nieces/nephews.I'll just cut it short.
9.  my home
10.  my dogs
11.  food to eat
12.  clothes and shoes to wear
13.  my health
14.  my car (not just any car, a ghetto van)
15.  my bed
16.  being able to cook and bake
17.  working arms and legs
18.  my brain
19.  pen and paper to write and draw
20.  a computer and TV (electronics)
21.  my great present wrapping ability (Thanks, Mom!)
22.  my part time job
23.  my friends
24.  my sense of humor  -  someone has to find the funny in things
25.  I am able to read
26   love.  I just am.
27.  vacuum cleaners   two words:  dog hair
28.  clean water to drink
29.  deodorant   - yea, I know, but, remember this post?
30.  perfume  (goes along with the deodorant comment)
31. a hike with my family
32.  family game night
33.  family movie night
34.  fresh air to breathe
35.  trees
36.  snow  (yea, I'm strange.  I love snow)
37.  beaches  (not the movie, but going to the beach)
38.  music
39.  my memories   both good and bad
40.  my senses   (sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste)
41.  my blog  (somewhere to write about the scary events in my life
42.  my blog readers  (if there are any?)
43.  words   whether spoken or written.  I enjoy them.
44.  letters  I love getting letters in the mail.  who doesn't?
45.  the library
46.  white vinegar  RT would think there was something wrong if I didn't mention it
47.  the Internet   a wealth of information at my fingertips
48.  phones    to talk to people that are far away
49.  trails by our house
50.  a working toilet
51.  toilet paper   no explanation needed
52.  the sun
53.  my garden
54.  rain  to help my garden grow
55.  bees  (that help my garden and flowers)
56.  my daily walks
57.  ice cubes   I love ice water
58.  art
59.  my dreams   they are quite entertaining
60.  being a Girl Scout Leader
61.  tooth brushes / toothpaste  (dental care)
62.  mints   for those that forget to brush their teeth
63.  my comb   the one I got from Patti, love it!
64.  my homemade lip balm
65.  lint brush  remember?  dog hair
66.  coupons   nothing like saving some extra cash
67.  a good book to read
68.  refrigerator / freezer
69.  washer / dryer
70.  a good conversation
71.  electricity
72.  freshly made salsa   especially with home grown tomatoes
73.  hummus
74.  popcorn   I love popcorn!
75.  my sewing machine
76.  humor and a good laugh
77.  RT's dry sense of humor
78.  my list making ability    How am I doing?
79.  cheese   I like cheese
80.  olive oil    What would us Greeks do without our olive oil?
81.  cameras
82.  razors   we would all be hairy beasts without them
83.  my creative punishments   I wouldn't be doing this if I kept my mouth shut!
84.  sleep    let's hope I get some soon
85.  RT's job    been a long time coming
86.  I can buy shoes for my kids   (long story)
87.  my imagination    (I try to keep it on a leash)
88.  freedom   to do almost anything
89.  RT making soup for me     yum!
90.  Martha Stewart    someone has to do things perfectly
91.  my back scratcher   best Christmas gift ever
92.  clean underwear   in case I get into an accident
93.  my food processor
94.  my Vitamix  oh, wait!  I don't have one.
94.  my Vitamix savings jar   (I'm saving for one)
95.  hair ties  (ponys  pony tails)
96.  sunglasses
97.  heat / air conditioning
98.  hanging out with my kids
99.  flowers
100.  I made it through this list   alive


Did you make a list?

What are some of the things that made it on to your list?

Retired? Better go get a job!

I was helping Nick with his taxes the other day. 

If you read the previous post then you know I wasn't much help.

Nick started asking why he has to pay Medicaid/Medicare.  I said that he's paying for his grandparents health insurance.  He said, why don't they get a job and pay for their own health insurance?  I said I'm sure that they would appreciate hearing that...

Nick then asked why he is paying Social Security when he won't be getting anything from it when he gets older.  This led into a political discussing about "what happened to all of the money in the Social Security fund?"  I did end with the fact that he is currently paying his grandparents with that money and that I'm sure they are grateful.  Again, his reply was, "Why don't they go get a job!"  (he was kidding, mom!)

I think if Nick was President all senior citizens would be out working.

Yes.  Even you, mom.  :)

Taxes

At work today a little girl came to the register with a stuffed dog she wanted to purchase.  I rang the dog up and gave her the total,

Me:  That will be $6.48

Little girl:  I thought it was $5.99

Me:  It is, but, with tax it's $6.48

Little girl: (crying hysterically)  I HATE TAX!  I HATE TAX!

Me:  I think we all do 

Taxes

Am I the only person who has not done their own taxes?

You read that right.  I have never done my taxes.  When I was single, my brother did them for me.  Hey, that's what he does for a living (sort of).  < And he didn't seem to mind doing them for me.  I was looking out for him.  It was good practice.  When I got married, RT did our taxes.  He didn't mind doing them, so, I figured I would let him.

Well, I thought RT didn't mind doing them.

RT has never said anything about them (except that he hates doing them).  This year, after 20 years, he says that he hates doing the taxes and that maybe I should do them.  I said I'm not sure if I would know how to do them.  That's when &$*# hit the fan and I got an ear full of how I'm old enough and I should know how to do them and blah-blah-blah....

Somehow I let that argument settle and die out.  (meaning:  I waited a week)

When the air was clear and there were no signs of remnants of the last blow out conversation, I asked RT if he did our state taxes. 

I figure that buys me another 365 days to figure out how I can get out of doing them next year.

I am taking any and all suggestions starting now.

Tax Day 2014

Don't forget to do your taxes.  They're due today.

That's my Public Service Announcement for the day.

That is all.

Strange Emails

Lately I have been getting some odd emails.

Well, I do get the strange SPAM emails.  You know, the ones telling you you about products to use to make "it" bigger.  I'm not sure why I'm getting those.  I'm not a guy.  Unless I'm supposed to tell a guy about the product?

Then there are the ones from a girl who is "saying hello."  Or that she wants to see me.  Why is she saying hello to me?  I have no idea who she is!  And why does she want to see me?  I know I don't want to see her!  (if it is a her)

I know.  I know.  They're SPAM.  I'm just amused by them.

Recently I received an email that was titled :  All my children.  It gave a few words about a family reunion that is happening on Easter and where will everyone be on that day.  I don't know any of the other people on the list and am not sure how I got into their family emails.  I'm tempted to respond and say that I'm coming out to visit.

Or maybe I can get one of the "women" who want to see me to go see this family?

Vegetarian Diaries

I haven't had a post in awhile for my Vegetarian Diaries.  I think I'm overdue.

I'm not sure if its a teenage thing, but every once in awhile Nick asks me questions about why I am a vegetarian.

Examples:

How long are you planning on not eating meat?

Did you become a vegetarian for health reasons?

When do you plan on eating meat again?

Why are you a vegetarian?

These are all good questions that I don't mind answering.  I get asked these same questions and every time, I answer them. The problem is, Nick doesn't like my answers. 

For every answer I give, Nick shoots it down. It doesn't matter if I have facts backing it up. Tonight, after giving an explanation, referencing a movie, I was told that it was "propaganda."  

I think this is his new way to pick arguments with me. Of course if you said that to him he would say that it's not an argument.  

I think from now on, I am finally going to use that fun line that moms get to use.  When asked why I'm a vegetarian, I can reply, 

"Because I want to and I'm the Mom, that's why."

Citrus White Vinegar Cleaner

For those who know me, I'm heavily into white vinegar.  I use it for EVERYTHING.  If you saw "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," I'm like the dad.  The only difference is I use white vinegar instead of Windex.

I don't mind the smell of vinegar, but I know it turns off a lot of people.

I found this idea online and thought I would try it out.  It's very simple.

What you need:
orange peels
white vinegar
glass jar with lid
cinnamon stick (optional)

Okay.  Pay attention.  It gets tricky here.

Put the orange peels (and cinnamon stick) in the glass jar.

Fill the jar with white vinegar.

Put the lid on the jar

Wait two weeks.

Pour into a spray bottle and start using.

Phew!  I know things got complicated there, but, we made it!

The (vinegar) citrus spray doesn't have that harsh vinegar smell and it still works the same.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Knock 'em down again

Every Tuesday is garbage day over here.  We go all out and put a garbage can and recycle bin (it's also a garbage can) out by the street.  The recycle bin is usually overflowing.  What can I say?  We like to recycle. 

Every week, okay, maybe not EVERY week, but, most weeks, Nick backs the car out of the driveway and ends up knocking down the garbage can.  (we have a pretty short driveway, so it's not like he can't see that the garbage can is right there) This week it was the recycle bin.  It was windy today and there was papers flying down and around the street.  Nick was out there trying to pick them up. 

When he came home I had to ask.

"Every week you back out of the driveway and hit the garbage can.  You know that garbage day is Tuesday, why don't you watch out for the cans?

"I didn't know that garbage day was Tuesday.  Besides, I couldn't see the can out the back window."

"Didn't you see the can there BEFORE you got into the car?  You should always look behind the car before you get in.  You drive like you're an 80 year old woman driving a Lincoln Town Car backing out of our driveway.  You don't care what you hit."

For those of you who don't remember that Seinfeld Episode,  Here is the link.  (probably best seen when on Internet Explorer)

All we can do now is hope that Nick looks when he backs up on our driveway.

Especially on Tuesdays.