Popcorn Machine

I'm a HUGE popcorn fan.  You could say that I'm addicted to popcorn.  I can eat popcorn any time.  Any day.  Any place.  Any where.

Before you start judging me, I make my popcorn with either olive oil or coconut oil and add a tiny amount of salt.  Lately, I'm really into the coconut oil.  It gives the popcorn a really good (and unusual) taste.  Well, at least I think so.

For the last several months, our popcorn machine has been acting up.  When we put the oil and popcorn in the machine, a small amount of kernels pop and we are left with millions  thousands hundreds of old maids.  It's very upsetting when there are three people who have their heart set on having some popcorn.  The machine is then too hot and we can't try popping the rest of the kernels.  

The final straw was when we put some popcorn in the machine and only a few kernels popped.  We realized that this was the end of our popcorn machine (RIP Mr. Popper).  That was a very sad day.  Nothing like wanting some popcorn and not being able to have any because your popcorn machine died.

We had to go old school and make popcorn in a pot on the stove.   We even did the paper bag in the microwave.  It just wasn't the same, tho.

I tried purchasing a popcorn machine at the store.  I went to several big box stores only to find that they did not carry popcorn machines!  Can you believe it?  I thought popcorn was one of the healthy snacks?  Why don't stores carry popcorn machines?

I had to break down and order a popcorn machine online.  The great thing about my order was that I received it the very next day and we made popcorn that night.  It was wonderful because we were popcorn free for almost a week!

Do you like popcorn?

What are your favorite popcorn toppings?

Ask a Stupid Question Day

Apparently it's Ask a Stupid Question Day, and boy do I have A LOT of stupid questions to ask.

The best way to celebrate Ask a Stupid Question Day is to dig into your brain and ask one of those questions that seems to get you obsessing over thinking about at all times of day.  You know, like the meaning of life.  Or, how did some tradition start or how did something get it's name.  The questions that you ponder, say, while taking a shower.  Or at three a.m.  You know, important stuff.

This "holiday" was created by teachers to get students to ask more questions.  I guess students were afraid to ask questions because they were afraid everyone would think that the question was stupid.  "What if the hokey pokey is really what it's all about?"  So, teachers came up with this idea, Ask a Stupid Question Day, so their students would feel more comfortable asking these types of questions.  

Unfortunately (for me), I'm probably only allowed to ask one stupid question today.  I will have to write down the rest of my questions and save them for next year.  Unless I can get someone else to ask about one of them for me????  

Alright, here is goes.  My stupid question for the day.

What is Moon Cheese?  

Where does it come from? 

How is it made?

And, why are we eating it?

I know that looked like four questions, but, it's really all one question for me.  

Obviously, I've never tried Moon Cheese.  If you have, let me know what it tastes like.  

If you have a question for Ask a Stupid Question day, reply below.  If you happen to have an answer for my question(s) or any of the questions asked here, feel free to reply!  

Thanks! 

Dead Guy Shoes

A few blog posts ago, I was talking about how my family gives names to inanimate objects at our house.  Sometimes, it's a personal name, like Steve or Wayne.  And, sometimes, it's a location or item name such as, "the shelf" or "the piece."  (you can read that post by clicking HERE).

When RT and I first got married, we went to an estate sale not too far from our house.  I remember walking through the house.  I also remember losing my husband in one of the rooms.  I went back through the house to look for him and found him in one of the bedrooms.  He just happened to be looking at dress shoes in the closet.  These weren't old, raggedy shoes.  The majority of these shoes were new and in boxes.  They all had shoe trees.  A few of the boxes even had the original receipt inside.  You could tell that the owner took very good care of his shoes.

Well, when all was said and done, we ended up walking out of that house with millions  hundreds  many pairs of dress shoes.  I believe we paid something like $10 or $20 dollars total for all of the shoes.

RT was pretty excited.  I mean, who gets good men's dress shoes for $20?  And, not just one pair, but, several pairs (by several I'm talking 10-20 pairs).

We ended up going out with some friends that night and RT started telling his "shoe story."  He started out the day telling me that he needed to go out and buy some new shoes and next thing you know, we are at this estate sale and he's buying twenty pairs of men's dress shoes for $20!  He started referring to them as "Dead Guy Shoes."

It's been about twenty five years since RT purchased "Dead Guy Shoes."  He has used them over the years and has even passed a few pairs on to the boys.

Love Note Day

Today is Love Note Day.  A day for you to tell that special someone that you love them.  Well, not just tell them in person, tell them using your words.... on paper.  Hey!  Everyone likes getting little handwritten notes, especially when they are positive and loving!

So, it's time to get out that paper and grab a pen or pencil and start writing!

This "holiday" was created to encourage people to share their feelings for the ones that they love.  A love note is a great way to make someone feel special!  Receiving a love note can be very uplifting.  An unexpected note can make someone feel special and, better yet, appreciated!

This love note that you write does not have to be a novel.  Maybe you are a man or a woman of a few words.  Then, keep your love note short and sweet.  Just write a quick little note expressing your love for this person.  Your goal is to make them happy and to bring a little sunshine to their day.

Maybe you want to change your simple communication style and be a little more romantic?  How about a quick little love poem?  Or maybe a nice love letter outlining why you love this person?  Maybe even a power point presentation!  <  Ha ha.  I'm just kidding on that last point.

This doesn't have to be just for your significant other/ spouse / boy friend / girl friend.  Why not show your children, parents and grandparents some love?  A little love note to your parents thanking them for something or telling them that you love them.  Or a little love note to your child, telling them you love them or something that you love about them.  

What a great way to put a little smile on your loved ones face!

Have I inspired you?  I sure hope so!

Who will you leave a love note for?

Nail Clippers

I know I have many  several  a few posts about nail clippers.  You can read the back story about my nail clippers, click here and here.  I'll wait.

As you recall, I am very, very protective of my nail clippers.  I even had them put into the witness protection program.  I always put my nail clippers in the same spot.  The bottom drawer in our bathroom vanity.  The clippers hang out with the nail polish and nail files (they all party together).

Both RT and Alex have learned not to mess with  go near my nail clippers.  RT even has a restraining order and can not come within ten feet of the nail clippers.

I went to give myself a little pedicure the other day and noticed that my toe nails needed to be cut.  I went to get out my trusty little nail clippers and, lo and behold, they're gone!

I searched the entire drawer.  I dumped out all of the nail polish.  I looked in the medicine cabinet.  Even checked RT's side and his drawers and found nothing.  I must have done this several times.  I then went to ask Bella about the nail clippers.  I know she helps herself to my nail polish and the nail clippers.  Sometimes she "forgets" to put them back.

According to Bella, she used the clippers a couple of days ago and she put them back in the nail polish bag.  I showed the empty bag to Bella.  She insists that she put them back.  She then tries to tell me that maybe RT took them.

I had to explain that RT is not allowed near the nail clippers.  He knows about the restraining order not to touch my nail clippers.

Just for kicks, I asked RT (in front of Bella) if he knew where my nail clippers were and if he touched them.  His reply:

"After what happened last time, I know not to go near your nail clippers!"

Once the nail clippers are found, they will be back in the witness protection program  put in a good hiding place.

That one HUGE Thing I've Been Putting Off

Is there a project that you know that you have to do but you keep putting it off?  You get some free time and think, "Hey, maybe I should start this project now."  But, then you think about it and you decide to hold off and save it for another day?

I know I have been mentioning here and there about how I have been getting rid of things.  It's been a slow process for me.  Finding the time and actually just jumping in and doing it.

I don't want you to think that we are hoarders.  Well, maybe we are, in a way?  We do have quite a lot of storage space.  And, over the years, when we didn't know what to do with something, we decided to just, "put it in the attic."

Since both boys are away at school, I felt like this was the time to start being serious about this whole declutter campaign that I started.

RT was on board with me and my crazy idea  decluttering.  We kicked things off in the garage.  Once that area was done, it was our place to put everything that we wanted gone and out of our lives (garbage and recycling went in their respectable bins).

We decided to go through each room.  Of course, we left the boys rooms alone.  They got rid of some things before they moved out.  We made it through the majority of the house and quite a few things landed in the garage.

We decided to have a huge garage sale and donate the leftovers.

I think I was a lot more ruthless in letting stuff go.  After seeing what my parents saved and how we, the children, had to go through it all, I don't want to do the same thing to my children.

There are a few pockets where I still need to get to, but, overall, I feel pretty good about the state of things around here.

And, I know my children will thank me when I'm gone.

International Day of Peace

The International Day of Peace has been celebrated around the world since the 1980's.  It's a day dedicated to world peace.  A day without war or violence.  Peace Day provides a globally shared date for everyone to overcome all differences and commit to peace.

This year's theme is "Climate action for peace."

There are various ways to celebrate the day.  Some local towns celebrate with a parade or festival.

Other ideas?

A minute of silence at Noon
Meditation and prayer
Service to others
Yoga
Writing peace poetry
Host a feast for peace
Engage youth in peace building activities
Plant a tree

Engaging in Peace Day can take place privately, as part of a group or as a participant in an event or program.   Peace day gives you a moment to slow down and think about the (big) world around you.  This day is an inspiring reminder of what we can do together.  All of our small actions do add up.  So, go forth and build peace.  Encourage others to join in.  Oh, and if you post any pictures to social media of your participation in peace type activities, make sure to tag them #peacedaychallenge.

How will you celebrate today?

Corn Nuts

Corn Nut.  Also known as toasted corn, quico or cancha.  A snack food of roasted or deep fried corn kernels.

Corn nuts are one of my weaknesses.  I usually only find these at a gas station when we are on a road trip.  I'll buy some and eat the entire bag.  RT doesn't understand the attraction I have with corn nuts.  "too loud and crunchy"  But, that's the best part!  Maybe it's the salt?  Or the flavor?  Or the unusual texture and the loud crunch?  They're addicting!

I realize they aren't the healthiest snack to have, so, I rarely eat them.

Recently, I was at the grocery store and came across a healthier version of corn nuts.  Of course, I was intrigued and decided that I had to try them.

Well, I'll be honest.  The bag, which was pretty small, lasted a couple of hours.  That's a long time for me.  I actually had to go somewhere and couldn't eat them while out.  It was at this point that I  decided that I needed more corn nuts in my life.

I looked up corn nuts online and I came across a healthy homemade option.  

I tried making these using the coconut oil.  Just a little FYI, coconut oil in the oven doesn't have the greatest of smells.  The taste, tho, was pretty good!

Here's the recipe:


Corn Nuts
taken from Brooklyn Farm Girl

ingredients:
1 14oz bag Giant White Corn (aka Hominy)*
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP sea salt

directions:
Soak your corn overnight for 12-14 hours.
Rinse and drain.
Oven 400F.
Toss corn with sugar, salt and oil
Place corn on non stick baking sheet in a single layer* and bake for 30-40 minutes.  Every ten minutes or so, stir the corn.  Remove immediately when they are brown.  They can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them.
Let them cool and enjoy.

Can be stored in a jar for future snacking. (if they last that long)

*you can purchase Giant White Corn in a Mexican grocery store.  I'm thinking of trying to use canned hominy.  If it works out, I will update.
*You can use parchment paper or a silicone mat

Enjoy!

Names for Everything

This topic was brought to my attention by Bella.

I believe Bella asked me where to find something and I replied, "It's on the piece."  She said, "We have names for our furniture and everyone in the family knows what we are talking about.  You don't have to explain yourself or go into any other details.  Do you think other people do this, too?"

Bella, obviously, was referring to my reply using, "the piece."  That's what we call it.  All you have to do is say, "Did you check the piece?"  or "I put it on the piece."  Everyone in our family knows what "the piece" is and where to find it in our house.

RT, of course, is the one that comes up with names for random items in our house.

"Steve" was our wheelbarrow.  I say was, because, Steve is no longer with us. He got pretty old and run down.   RIP, Steve.

"Wayne" is our stepladder.  Wayne gets used quite a bit (mostly by me).  He's great to have around for random projects.  I don't think he will be leaving us anytime soon.  Bella asked RT if Wayne had a family and RT said, "Of course!  It's all documented on the TV show, "Wayne's journey."  I'm sure you can catch it on Netflix.

Oh, and then there is the "Paint closet."  Guess why we named it that?  Yea!  Because it has cans of paint in there.  How did you know?

"The shelf" is another name we use.  That's probably pretty easy to figure out what we are referring to.  Of course there are a few shelves in our house, but, only one of them has the privilege of being called, "the shelf."

Are we the only ones out there that name's various pieces of furniture or tools?

Do you have any special names for items that you use in your house?

Blogversary

Oh, Happy Happy Day!

I just realized that today is my blogversary.  You know, the anniversary of the day that I started this awful  dreadful frightful   ghastly  gruesome  horrible  horrendous  blog about  A Scary Journey Inside My Life.

When I started on this journey, I had absolutely no idea what I would write about on a blog.

Do I really have enough scary stories to tell everyone?
Who wants to hear about me and my life?
Will the stories ever run out?
Does anyone really want to read about these crazy things that happen in my life?

Yea, don't answer that last question.

Thanks to RT and his push to get me to start a blog, here I am, eight years later, still writing about my scary life.   I'm pretty sure he did that on purpose so he didn't have to hear me tell him all of these stories.  You can "thank" him the next time you see him.  Oh, yea, little did RT know at the time that he would provide quite a few story lines for my blog.  (I love you, honey!)  Oh, and don't worry.   I'm safe.  He's not allowed to read this blog.

Who knew that my husband, children, family, dog and even work could provide so much entertainment  to write about?  Especially the dog.  Oh, yea, let's not forget my Vegan and Vegetarian adventures.

Eight  long  scary  frightening  horrifying  creepy  wonderful years of writing about this Scary Journey Inside My Life and here I am, still going strong.

If you have been with me that long, I'm sorry  God Bless you!   Thank you!  And, if you are new to My Scary Journey, sorry  run as fast as you can  welcome - It's a crazy ride.

Thanks for sticking around and Cheers!  to another eight more years of fun!

Positive Thinking Day

Today is Positive Thinking Day.  It's a day set aside so people can (think positive?) reap the rewards when thinking positive.  Positive thinking can reduce stress and lower your risk for heart disease.  It can help you deal with problems in a more optimistic way.  It also can lower your depression and increase your life span.  Some believe that positive thinking can increase your resistance against illness.

After reading that, who doesn't want to think positively?

Here are some ways that you can celebrate today.

Start off the day by saying, "Today is going to be a great day!"  This sets a positive tone to your day.

Daily affirmations.  These are positive words and sentences that give you the power and confidence to conquer your day.  This one reminds me of Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live.

I'm good enough.
I'm smart enough.
And doggone it, people like me!

(if you don't remember this one, search Youtube)

Count your blessings and be thankful for what you have.  Maybe start a gratitude journal, writing down three to five things every morning or night that you are thankful for.

Hang around positive people.  Don't let the Debbie Downers get you down!  Positive vibes save lives.

Do a Random Act of Kindness today.  This shares your positive vibes with another person.  This could lead to a chain reaction of kind acts for the rest of the day.

Read and watch positive media (TV, Social media, books, etc.)

Laughter is the best medicine.  Watch a favorite (funny) movie,  TV show or comedy special.  Laughter can reduce stress and set you into a positive mood.

Get moving!  A little workout, walk the dog or maybe a little dance party!  Exercise can change your mood and promote positive thinking.

Oh, and don't forget to smile!  Smiling can lift up your mood.

"It's a beautiful day
The sun is shining,
I feel good ,
I feel right
And no one's gonna stop me now....no, no"

My Weird Dog

I know I refer to Pippen on this blog as "My weird dog."  If you don't know him very well, you probably think that some of these things are either made up or exaggerated.   I mean, I never run out of new stories to tell about him.  Look at all of the "My weird dog" posts on the blog!  Believe it or not, they are all true.  I have a pretty good imagination, but, I don't think I could come up with all of the  strange odd weird things that happen with him.

Yesterday, Pippen was acting a little weird.  RT would say "Pippen acting weird is normal."   I then have to explain to RT the weird thing that was brought to my attention that day.

Anyway, as I was saying, Pippen was acting a little weird.  By weird, he was hanging out under the dining room table.  I realized this started when he was hanging out by the back door.  He put on his best sad face so he could come in the house.  Once inside, he went straight under the dining room table.   I figured it was going to rain or maybe he's just in one of his weird moods.

A few minutes later I hear the landscapers that handle the neighbor's yard (the same landscapers that RT is having it out with).  I remembered how much Pippen doesn't like loud sounds and isn't too fond of lawn mowers.  

Pippen remained under the table until the landscapers finished their work.  After awhile, he decided he had to venture back outside for some unfinished business.  Once outside, I heard the other neighbor get his lawn mower out and start cutting the grass.  At that point, RT came home and decided our lawn needed to be cut.  So, he was a little on edge the rest of the evening.

Today is supposed to be rainy.  I'm thinking it's going to be another dining room table day for Pippen.

Being Vegetarian or Vegan does not cause Strokes

You are probably wondering why I would use this as a title for my blog post.  I mean, eating a vegetarian or vegan diet is healthy, right?  Why am I now more likely to have a stroke, just because I'm vegetarian?

I read an article that stated that Vegetarians are more likely to suffer from a stroke and not a heart attack.  Click here to read the article and then come back to this post and we can discuss it.

Don't worry.  I'll wait.

I understand not being prone to heart attacks.  At least the meat industry admitted to that fact.

If you look up causes of a stroke you will find:

High blood pressure
heart disorder
heavy or binge drinking
lack of exercise
obesity
use of illicit drugs (methamphetamine, cocaine)

Please note that "Being a vegetarian or vegan" is not one of the causes.  This list of causes was taken from Mayo Clinic website.

I do understand that there are some vegetarians and vegans out there that do not eat healthy.  They don't eat meat, but, maybe they frequent fast food restaurants.  Maybe they consider potato chips a vegetable.  Maybe a meal for them is a bag of Cheetos.  I do know a vegan that eats a lot of Oreos (because they are vegan).  I don't think there is anything healthy in an Oreo, but, apparently, it doesn't contain meat or animal products, so that means it's vegan.

Just because a food item is labeled vegan does not mean that it's healthy.  If you are going vegetarian/vegan, please do a little research.  Also, taking supplements for B12, D and omega 3 is a good idea, too (there are some food substitutes, check them out).

I think most people associate being vegetarian or vegan as being healthy.  This article is referring to those vegetarians and vegans that do not eat healthy (i.e. the Cheetos meal people).  Unfortunately, this article, which made the Bing homepage and was read by many, is giving the vegetarian / vegans a bad name.

It's articles like these that give false information to the public.  I thought a journalist (and medical community) would actually do their homework and give facts.

The article does state, briefly, that this was the first (and only) study and that a follow up should be done.

Unfortunately, the damage is done.  Most people didn't get that far down in the article to read that tidbit of information.  They most likely just read the title and will now tell every vegetarian/vegan that they meet about the stroke dangers they face.

Do your own research and don't believe every article you read.

OK.  I'll step down off my soap box.

Posing with a Coffee Cup

Have you noticed how more and more people are walking around with their coffee cup?  Maybe it's a Starbucks cup or a cup from Dunkin Donuts or some other off brand coffee house.  Maybe it's their own reusable coffee mug that they carry around town.

I'm not sure when this fashion  trend started.  Maybe when Starbucks opened and it was cool to walk around and show off your coffee purchase?  Or, maybe, let everyone know that you drink coffee?  Or, to let people know where you purchase your coffee?

I don't remember my parents driving around town, drinking coffee.  Wait, there was that one time my Mom drove me to school and she brought her white coffee mug with her in the car.  I don't even think the car had cup holders.  It was a coffee cup, not a travel mug.  It was early (my Mom was not a morning person) and it was really cold out.  Other than that one time, I don't recall my parent's driving around town, trying to find a place to get some coffee (that they could drink while driving).  I don't remember them showing up at sporting events,  parent teacher conferences or at doctor visits with their coffee in their hand.  Even when they went for a walk, they didn't have their coffee cup in their hand.  My parents did drink coffee in the morning (at home) or at night, after dinner.  They did,  order coffee if they went out to eat.  But, they drank the coffee there, at the restaurant.

Now, I'm not being judgy (I'm sure that's a word).  I drink tea.  Sometimes I bring my tea with me in my own portable mug.  I know there are situations where you have to have your tea or coffee.  I'm just asking you to take a look around you.  People watch.  And take notice of all of the people walking by you, clutching their beloved (Starbucks) (Dunkin' Donuts) (Peets) (off brand) coffee cup in their hand.  Take a look on social media.  A lot of pictures posted are with people holding their coffee.

This time in history will probably be referred to as the coffee cup time.

I'm not calling for action against the coffee clutchers.  I'm just telling you what I observe when I look around me.

Least Favorite Day of the Week

I think most people have a favorite day of the week.   A Friday or a Wednesday.  And most people have a least favorite day of the week.  I think for most it's Monday.

I don't really have a favorite day of the week.  I can make most days into a good day.  I do, however, have least favorite day.  That day would be Thursday.

I think some people would agree with my dislike for Thursdays.  I mean, it's not Friday (the end of the week).  It's that day that you get all excited and then realize, "Oh, yea.  Tomorrow is Friday.  I have one more day to get through."

My dislike for Thursdays started way back in elementary school.  My Mom took art class on Thursdays which meant that I was picked up by my grandparents.  It was a change in schedule for me.  I think it was something that my grandparents probably looked forward to, picking up and hanging out with their grandchild.  Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot to do at my grandparents' house.  I was the youngest (no siblings or cousins close in age) and, well, my grandparents weren't big in entertaining a young kid.  I did get to watch my share of The Price is Right and I Love Lucy.  My grandmother also taught me how to play card games.

As I got a little older, my Mom decided that I should make dinner once a week.  So, every week my grandparents would pick me up from school.  I would hang out at their house for awhile,  then, they would drop me off at home so I could start dinner.  I made Hamburger Helper (click here for that story and recipe).  It's a good thing I didn't mind the cooking gig.  In fact, I think it helped me in the long run.

Years have passed since those art class days, and, I'm still not a fan of Thursdays.  I don't think it's the memory of those days.  I feel like Thursday is an extra day in the week.  One more day to get through before the weekend.

Do you have a favorite or least favorite day of the week?

My Weird Dog

Recently, I came across some free sheet music.  I played piano for eight years and had quite a selection of music books and sheet music.  Unfortunately, the boxes of music books were in my parents basement and met their demise during one of the (many) times it flooded.

RT wanted to know why I wanted the box of sheet music.  So, the truth had to come out.  I secretly practice the piano when no one is home.  Unfortunately, I don't get many opportunities to play the piano because it feels like there is always someone home at our house.  I'm never home alone.  Ever.

RT said that I could play when he's home.  For me, I like to play when I'm alone.  I can play as loud as I want and if I make a mistake, I don't feel too bad.  Oh, and I can play the same song or same line in a song over and over (and over and over) again.

OK.  Confession time.  I did try playing when RT was home.  The only problem is, if I play the same song over and over, RT will get the song stuck in his head and he will start humming and singing the song for the next couple of weeks.  This is what happened when I tried to learn the Theme to Arthur.  (He still hums a few bars every once in awhile)

I was practicing the other day, because no one was home (a miracle!).  It was pretty nice.  Being home alone and playing the piano.  I thought I was playing pretty good, too.  All of a sudden, Pippen gets up and walks out of the room and goes into the family room.

At that point, I was rather offended.  I wasn't playing too loud and I wasn't making a lot of mistakes.

Anyone looking for a dog who has absolutely zero taste in beautiful music?   He's free.