Personal Mail

I'm sure you know that Nick has moved out (and far away) for school.  And, if you didn't know, then, yea, there have been some big changes happening at our house.  In a couple of weeks, Bella's wish will come true:  To have her parents to herself and to be an only child (in the house).

With all the things to do for Nick's move, I realized that I forgot to give him his new car insurance card.  I thought he would drive back home one more time before school starts and I could make sure he gets the card, but, that's not going to happen.

I took a picture of the card and emailed it to him so he could print it out and have it as a temporary card.  I took the original and put it in an envelope.  I decided that everyone could write him a little note and put it in the envelope for him to read.  I mean, who doesn't like getting personal mail?  And, I know he probably isn't getting much mail since he just moved.

So, I wrote him a quick note.  RT wrote a quick note.  Bella said she's going to tell him that she's glad he's gone (there is just so much love among those kids!).  And, then there's Alex.

Me:  Can you write your brother a note so I can mail it to him?

Alex:  Why don't I just send him a text?

Me:  I have to mail his insurance card and thought it would be fun for him to get a nice note from everyone.

Alex:  I don't have anything to say to him.

Me:  Just write him a note!

A few seconds later, Alex hands me a piece of paper that's folded and says, "You can't read this letter."

Me:  It probably says, "Mom made me write you a note."

Alex:  How did you know?

The exact words (he let me read the note):

Dear Nick,
I'm playing Minecraft on the computer.
Mom is making me write you a note.
Love, Alex

Unable to reply to comments on Blogger

I thought I would write this post for those of you that are using The Blogger platform and are experiencing difficulty in responding to comments posted on your blog.  

For the past six months, I have been experiencing this issue.  A reader would leave a comment on one of my blog posts and I would type out my reply and press publish and Blogger would direct me to a blank response box.  There I am, back at square one, having to compose my response, once again.  So, of course, I would try responding several more times, thinking that one of my replies would eventually be posted on my blog.  In the end, I would have to stop because of frustration.  Who wants to keep up this never-ending cycle?

It took me awhile (a long while...we're talking months) to realize that Blogger does not like the Safari browser.  You see, I type my posts on my Mac computer and I always use the Safari browser.  

A computer.  A browser.  Everything should work, right?

Wrong.

I decided to try a different browser and guess what?  I was able to respond to comments that were made on my blog.  I was so excited to finally figure out the problem!  I know I was a few months behind on commenting, but, hey!  I was finally able to respond!

I guess I should have realized this a lot sooner since I had trouble using the Blogger app on iPhone.  Blogger never updated the app for iPhone so I had to give that one up.  And now, unable to respond to comments while using Safari.   I guess Blogger doesn't like Mac, Safari and iPhones.

I wasn't sure if this information was out there and thought I would pass along my findings.

I hope this post helps you out!

Spill the Tea

I'm a tea drinker.  I think I've established that point in this blog.  I'm not a tea snob, though.  Well, maybe....  I even got Bella into drinking tea.  I think she drinks more tea than I do.  In fact, I have accused her of being a tea snob.  Click here for more on that story.

When Bella started Junior High a couple of years ago, I learned A LOT about girls and how they interact at school, on social media, etc.  It's a lot different than boys.  It's a little different than when I was growing up.  We didn't have social media and texting.  We did things the old fashioned way.  Talking to each other in person, or calling each other on the phone.  A landline phone.  (if you don't know what that is, search it....I'll wait...)

One day, I had to pick Bella up from a friend's house.  I texted her to let her know I was on the way over.  A couple of seconds later, I receive a reply text:  "Don't come now.  They are about to Spill the Tea."

Now, as a tea drinker, you don't want anyone spilling your tea.  Especially if it's your favorite tea!  And, as a Mom, I know I wouldn't want anyone spilling tea in my house.  Think of the mess.  What if it stains the floor, carpet or furniture?  One little cup of tea can cause so much trouble and craziness!

Luckily, I'm hip to the scene and knew that "spill the tea" meant, juicy bit of gossip.

I allowed her to indulge in the spilt tea and picked her up a little later.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Before you get all judgy, I will let you know that I don't encourage gossip.  Bella listens to it and then will set things straight.  She will find out the truth and then tell everyone.

Take Me Home, Country Roads

Country Roads, take me home
to the place I belong
West Virginia
Mountain Momma
Take me home
Country Roads

I'm sure every family has some weird, strange, odd ritual that they do together.   A little something that, when reminded, brings a smile to your face.

Maybe you:
eat Sunday dinner together
Make Christmas cookies
Watch scary movies together

Maybe you have a family whistle so you can find one another in a store, park, or festival.

We are a family that likes to go hiking.  It can be local hiking or a nice trek while we are on vacation.

While we were hiking in the Smokey Mountains, RT came up with a family signal.  One that we can use while we are hiking.  The signal that RT came up with was for one of us (or all of us) to start singing, "Take Me Home, Country Roads."

When and why would we use this on our hike?

Well, if one of us was off the trail, you know, "checking things out," the others could let the person know that some people are approaching on the trail.  Once you hear the song, that means, "Hurry up and finish what you are doing and get out here!"

I'm sure I don't have to spell it out.  I think that last bit of information helped you figure out what the person is "checking out" off on their own off the trail.

At first, I thought it was kind of a silly thing.  Why do we need a signal?  We aren't going to use it.

And then, someone (me) realized they had to check some things out off the trail.  And, guess what?  People were approaching on the trail, so, we had to start singing!

Country Roads, take me home
to the place I belong
West Virginia
Mountain Momma
Take me home
Country Roads

I guess it wasn't that crazy of an idea because it came in quite handy during that trip and has been used many times since.

Do you have a family ritual, whistle or song?

How long with this song be stuck in your head?

Butt Spotify

If you haven't read about RT and his talented butt  butt texting abilities, then you might want to read up on the subject by clicking here and here.

While we were on vacation, during one of our down time sessions, RT decided to grab his phone and chill out.  After a couple of minutes, he says, "Have you ever started one of your apps on your phone with your butt?"

We must have given him a strange look.  Bella said, "NO."

I mean, how do you get into an app on your phone by using your butt?

Apparently RT is always somehow opening his Spotify app.

I might just have to sign him up for one of those shows like, "America's Got Talent" or something.  The guy is pretty talented.

Tea Snob

I like to drink tea.  I don't drink tea every day.  Some days, tho, I really need my cup of tea.  I have my favorites.  I also have a list of some that are not that pleasing to drink.  Well, for me, at least.  By the way, that's the polite way to say that I don't like them.

My tea drinking has rubbed off on my child.  Bella loves drinking tea.  In fact, I think she drinks more tea than I do.  We have different tastes in tea.  There are some teas that we both like to drink, and, of course, teas that we don't like.

One tea that I have been trying to like is green tea.  It's supposed to be one of the best teas out there for you to drink.  Green tea promotes health, prolong life expectancy, improves memory and cognitive function.  Search green tea benefits for a complete list.

One day, while we were out shopping, Bella and I decided to stop in the tea aisle.  We find it fun to peruse the different kinds of tea.  Yea.  We're  little strange.  The tea aisle happened to be the hot spot that day.  Lots of people buying tea.  We stood back to let the shoppers do their thing.  We understand the need for tea.  One customer was looking at the Green Tea.  Bella said, "He's looking at the Green tea.  Who buys green tea?  Why would he do that?"

Now, Bella thought she was talking just to me, but, unfortunately she didn't turn the volume down on her voice.  The customer turned to us and smiled.  I smiled back and apologized.

Me:  You need to watch what you say.  You are a tea snob.  You just tea shamed someone!

Bella:  I didn't realize I was talking that loud.

And, there you have it.  I have raised a tea snob and a tea shamer.

Do you like to drink tea?

What's your favorite tea to drink?

Hamburger Helper

Back in the 70's a product came out called Hamburger Helper.  It was a box that contained pasta along with a seasoning packet.  The idea was for you to brown some ground beef, add the seasoning packet (and probably some water) and simmer.  Make your pasta.  Then combine the pasta and the seasoned beef.  Women were in the work force and this was a whole movement to help make dinner easier.

Oh, and they even came out with a catchy jingle to hook you:

"Hamburger Helper 
helped her hamburger
help her 
make a great meal!"

Well, my Mom never bought the product.  She wasn't hooked by the catchy jingle.  It didn't matter how much we sang along with the commercial.  She refused to buy Hamburger Helper.  Instead, she figured out the ingredients and made her own version of Hamburger Helper.  She even used the same name.

I remember all of this because my Mom had me make dinner every Thursday night.  She had Art Class on Thursdays and knew that if she was late, dinner would still be on the table.  I had my instructions and went to work on dinner soon after I got home from school.

Now, I've never had the real Hamburger Helper so I can't compare the two recipes.  I do know that this recipe is a crowd pleaser.  It's requested quite a bit in our house.  I still make it, even though I don't eat meat.  I have to judge how I'm doing by sense of smell and empty bowls.  So far, I think I'm doing pretty good.

Anyway, here's the recipe:

Mom's Hamburger Helper

ingredients:
1# ground beef, browned
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic (or 2-3 garlic cloves)
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp oregano
1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups elbow macaroni

directions:
Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.  Boil elbow macaroni in separate pot.  Drain then add to meat mixture.
Serve.

* * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*I always use garlic cloves.

*If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute A-1 or a steak sauce.

*I haven't figured out how to make this vegetarian or vegan yet.  I don't know if the troops would want me to even try...

If you make Hamburger Helper, let me know how it turned out.

If you have had the boxed Hamburger Helper, let me know your experience (taste, etc.).

Enjoy!

Overheard

I changed my walking route.  I found I knew too many people on my old route.  I say "Hello" to everyone that I pass.  You know me, Ms. Friendly.  When I know a person, they stop me and talk my ear off  so they can have a little conversation.  I don't mind making small talk with people, but, when I have a good walking pace going, it's difficult to stop and then start back up again.  Sometimes it's too long of a conversation and I end up going straight home.  

On my new route, I don't see anybody I know, which is nice.  In fact, I see very few people.  I greet the few people I come across.  Remember, I'm Ms. Friendly.  Some people I pass are walking and talking on the phone and don't bother to respond to my greeting.

I find it difficult to hold a long, intense conversation while I'm walking.  I walk fast (it's kind of a workout for me).  That's probably why I don't talk to people on the phone while I'm walking.  I understand if the call is important and this is the only time and place you can take this call.

One woman I see is always on a personal call.  I'm not sure if it's the same person she talks to every day.  How much does she need to tell this person?  I like to talk, but, I think I would run out of things to say.  And, how do you walk/workout and talk at the same time?  Doesn't the other person get annoyed with all of the background noise and hearing your huffing and puffing?

One guy I passed today was on a business call.  Yea.  I listen in on other people's conversations.  Well, sometimes I do, when I'm not listening to music.  Anyway, I could hear him explain something technical.  I understand having to take a call from work if you are out walking.  What drove me crazy was how he kept saying, "Bro."  As he is explaining to his co-worker/employee? he would say, "OK, Bro," or "Thanks, Bro."  "And, Bro, don't forget..." 

I guess I didn't realize that "Bro" was making a come back into everyday vocabulary.  I thought it was more of an 80's word.  I also don't find the use of the word "Bro" to be very professional.  It seems much more casual.  Something you say to your friends.  Like, when you are, say, twelve.

Yea.  These are the things that I think about while I'm walking.

What are your thoughts on workouts and phone talking?

How do you feel about the word, "Bro" re-entering every one's vocabulary?

Airbnb

We took a little trip recently and decided to rent an Airbnb.  The place that we stayed in was really nice.  It was an apartment located above a candy store ( a dream come true for RT and Bella).  It had a couple of bedrooms, big living and dining room and a HUGE kitchen.

We stayed in the Airbnb for a few days.  The first day was great.  The kitchen was stocked with plates, glasses, utensils, etc.  and you were able to get a snack or drink whenever you wanted.  All was going great until I realized that the dirty dishes were piling up in the sink.  I looked around the kitchen and noticed that the dishwasher was missing.

It was at that point that my vacation came to a screeching halt.

I realized that I was the designated dishwasher for this trip.  I guess that I shouldn't have been surprised because I'm always the designated dishwasher).

You see, my family still believes in fairy tales.  They believe in the Fairy Clean Mother.  The one who comes in and cleans the house.  She cleans up the messes that they make in the kitchen, family room, etc.  And, of course there's the Dishwashing Fairy.  She comes in and washes all of the dirty dishes in and by the sink.

Sometimes, the dishwashing fairy, I mean, I get fed up with the amount of dirty dishes and refuse to wash them.  Some poor soul feels sorry for me  the Dishwashing Fairy and washes them.  Either that or they think by washing them one time, they are off the hook forever.

So, I decided to do the right thing and wash the dishes.

In the future, let's hope the Dishwashing Fairy goes on vacation with us.

Or maybe we should just pack some paper plates?

Butt Text

I mentioned a few posts back about RT and his butt texting problem.  I also gave details of his ongoing butt dialing history.  If you need a refresher, click HERE so you can read all about it.

The other day, while RT was out, I received a text from him.  This time, the text came through double spaced, with no words.  I thought my phone was having problems and was taking awhile to download this long, interesting text from him.  So, I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

After awhile, I realized that it was probably just a blank text.

When he returned home, I asked him about it.  I was thinking he would have this great story to tell and be upset that his text didn't go through.

Instead, he said, "Oh, I must have butt texted you."

From now on, I'm going to have to try to not set my expectations so high when I receive a strange text from him.

I want to know why I find things to write about when I'm lying in bed trying to fall asleep at night.

I find I can compose blog posts in my head.  I have pen and paper in the night stand, but, I'm so tired I just really want to fall asleep.  I should really write them down because I don't remember anything in the morning.  I would have more blog posts, but, my body really wants sleep.

Sorry, everyone.  I will make sure I have a notebook and pen on my nightstand so I can capture all the fun things you are missing out on.

Overheard

We were hanging at the beach several weeks ago soaking up some sun.  While I was soaking up the rays and reading a good book, I was doing some people watching and eavesdropping on other people's conversations.

There was a group behind our blanket, probably in their twenties, who were enjoying their day at the beach.  If they weren't in the water, they were sitting on their blanket, sunning and talking.  I noticed that most of their conversation was peppered with quite a bit of profanity.  The conversation didn't need that many swear words.  Every sentence they spoke contained at least one swear word.  Remember, we are at the beach on a weekend, tons of families are there with their little kids.  Little kids that really don't need to hear any of these words.

And, yea, I swear.  I try to keep it to a minimum, tho.  There are a lot more interesting words out there to add color and flavor to your vocabulary.

It's scary to think that this might be how the next generation communicates.  They are so used to being able to say things through texts.  It's easy to compose a text and send it.  You have time to choose the right words to express yourself.  When faced with another person, though, you now have to speak.  You don't have that extra time to think about what you are saying.  If you aren't used to this kind of daily communication, then you might resort to using the same words over and over or even throw in some swear words and hope for the best.

I guess I'm just glad my children have a bigger vocabulary and don't have to rely on profanity to communicate with other people.

Have you noticed more people using profanity?

Butt Texting

You knew this was coming.  I mean, I mentioned RT and his butt dialing problem.  He still butt dials people.  I'm pretty used to it.  I have to admit, at first, I was freaked out.  I thought he called me for a reason.  Maybe to listen in to his conversation.  Or he had to ask someone a question first and then he would get on the phone to talk to me.  But, he never got on the phone.  I would hang up, only to have him butt dial me again.  And again.  And again.  And again.

He also butt dials Alex a lot.  I think he's starting to get used to it, also.

When he starts butt dialing random people, it gets a little weird.  He had to send an apology text to someone (that he hasn't spoken to in years) because of a butt dial he made to them.

One night, while he was out, I received a text from him.  What did the text say?

Random text from RT:  C

I had no previous texts to go on.  Was it a puzzle?  I sat there trying to figure it out.

I don't remember asking him any multiple choice questions.  Was it a hint about something?

What if he's in trouble?  And all he could text me was, "C."  And I'm supposed to solve the mystery of how he was kidnapped and find him (at some secret location) along with his kidnappers?

I gave in and texted him back a question mark.

I eventually got back a text from him.

"Sorry.  I accidentally butt texted you."

I'm not sure how you can butt text someone.  I would think you would have to have that person's name in there and then start typing....with your butt, I guess.  And then you would have to send the text.  Again, with your butt.

I can't figure it out.  How can your butt do all of this typing?

Has this happened to anyone else, or does RT just have a very talented butt?