Well, folks, I'm here. I'm here!
The internet is working, my mind is reeling with all kinds of blog posts, and I'm ready to start procrastinating NaNoWriMo because I've hit the brick wall (which means this next week will be the blah-blah-blah of the novel). I have some catching up to do, so this blog post will be full of random stuff and unimportant things and perhaps you will regret I've come back to bloggy-land after such a short break [until you get to the big announcement, of course!].
------------------------------------
My cousin Amy tagged me for this:
Pick up the nearest book to you, open to page 56, write out the 5th sentence along with the next 2 sentences. Pick the closest book; not your favorite, nor the most intellectual.
Well, the closest book to me right now is the one I've been reading the last few days: The 13th Reality: The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner. Here is the 56th page, 5th-7th sentences:
He hurt bad. To his right, he heard movement--the rustling of leaves, moaning. Tick brought his hands up to his face, wincing as the movement sent shockwaves of pain coursing through his body again.
It's a good book, btw...
And now I tag every single one of you. You are welcome to post this on your own blog or just do it in the comments. In fact, do that! Leave me your page 56, line 5 in the comments. I've suddenly become very, very curious...
---------------------------------------
Liz asked me to post my famous banana bread recipe weeks ago. Never heard of it? Never fear! This is why I'm posting it, so you may inform the masses and maybe one day it will actually become famous to more than just my imagination:
Cheryl's Famous Banana Bread
Makes two loaves
Wire whisk the following:
3 cups flour (whole wheat or white)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1 heaping TB cinnamon
Cream the following in another big bowl with an electric mixer:
2 cups sugar
1 cup Butter-flavored Crisco
4 eggs (or egg substitute equivalent)
2 tsp vanilla
6 ripe mashed bananas
Slowly mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients (pouring dry into wet) and mixing with electric mixer until completely blended. Pour into TWO well-greased bread loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes and then at 325 for 15-20 minutes (this depends on your oven; it took me forever to perfect the baking time with mine!). All done when the toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!
Let me know if you make it one day and if it turned out the way it should --you know, edible!
---------------------------------------
My sweet sister has gone back to work after being a SAHM for three years. They need this job (and it's a good one!), but it's been hard for her the last few days, realizing she will be away from her boys. If you could, dear reader, please go give her some love. All mothers know the difficult transition that can accompany a drastic change, whether starting to work outside the home, or starting to work inside the home. Both are hard and both need our support. Thanks!
-------------------------------------
Speaking of mothering, I had two Mean Mother Episodes last week.
Mean Mother Episode One:
On Friday, #1 forgot her show-and-tell. She called me from the school just before lunchtime was over and begged me to bring it. I refused. The school is less than a minute away by car, and I could have done it. Of course, putting the three other children into the car, driving there, taking the three children out of the car, going into the main office, etc. makes for a production of whining proportions --but I still could have done it. I chose not to. I explained to my teary daughter that I had two loads of laundry to finish, rooms to vacuum, children to feed, and bags to pack within the next hour and a half before I had to teach three piano lessons, after which we were jumping in the car to head to Idaho. She had forgotten her show-and-tell, I explained, and so she would just need to remember next time not to forget. Boy, #1 was not happy, but when she came home, she calmly said her teacher would send her a reminder next time so she wouldn't forget.
Mean Mother Episode Two:
#3 had a pretty big meltdown on Saturday that would wax and wane for about 12 hours. Sweetness...Freak out! Sweetness...Freak out! He would refuse to obey until I threatened not to take him (and the rest of the family) to Rupe's as planned, and then he would be fine until he changed his mind and the cycle would continue: He whined, I threatened, he apologized, I relented, he whined, I threatened...
Finally, we all went and ate at Rupe's. Things seemed fine until we were leaving and #3 had a melt-down because I wouldn't buy him candy or toys from the machines near the doorway. It escalated when I told him to put his seat belt on. We had talked about having ice cream back at my parents house, and I told him if he didn't get his seat belt on (a non-negotiable), then he wouldn't get ice cream. He freaked out and refused.
No ice cream.
But this time, the cycle ended, and I didn't back down (even after he hurried and put his seat belt on after I told him no ice cream). The poor guy had to sit there and watch his sisters eat ice cream in front of him while big crocodile tears rolled down his cheeks. He was so sad! But I was firm and I couldn't back down. I explained that he couldn't do bad things, apologize to get his way, and then do the same bad things again (all within 5 minutes). I think he understood, but boy, it was hard for me not to back down. Glad I didn't, though.
Are you a mean mother like me?
-------------------------------------
The BIG Announcement:
I have decided to go ahead and plan a Blogging Party!
YES!
If you are in Utah (specifically near Provo) on Saturday, November 29th, 2008 at Noon, I would love for you to join me for a blogger-snacker-lunch-potluck-thingy-majingy! And yes, people, we are calling it that exact name. I may even print a sign.
So, hooray! There is going to be a party! And since this is kind of a get-together for us bloggy people (most of whom have never met each other before), spouses and children are discouraged from coming. Maybe we'll have another one where we can bring all the kiddies and husbands (much to their chagrin, I'm sure), but for now, let's try to keep this between us bloggy people. Of course, if you have to decide between bringing the kids and hubby or not coming, then holy cow, bring the kids and hubby! And nursing children are always welcome (as if I had to assure you).
So, dear reader, if you want to come to the par-tay, please email me at happymeetscrazy at gmail dot com. I'll send you more information, directions, make sure you're not some crazy-stalker-person-obsessed with me, etc.
------------------------------------
Coming Up Next on Happy Meets Crazy:
Year of Tens: The Day Brandon Saw Me Break My Nose or Why One Shouldn't Run Into Bars
22 comments:
Hello!
I'm totally the mean mom, but not to teach a lesson -- I'm just having serious rage issues right now.
And my kids think that I'm only serious IF I'm yelling - that makes me crazy. Not happy meets crazy. CRAZY.
If someone promised me Rupe's if I'd just be good, I would be an angel. Hmmm, maybe I'll try that. If I don't yell at my kids for a week, I get to have some reward. I shall ponder that one. I may just blog about this -- thanks for the inspir.
The blogger-snacker-lunch-potluck-thingy-majingy sounds fun. And like Michael Scott made it up.
Finally, from the book Covenant Hearts, which my parents gave Stanton & I and we got in a fight over and haven't ever read it.
Here's the 56th, 5th-7th:
"So true love is never wasted, and our sacrifices for family relationships signify everything. We are willing to work in the now because we have such confidence in the future. We do not strut and fret for but an hour on life's stage, and our candles do not go out by darkness."
Hmmm...those first couple of sentences are pretty good. Again, thanks are in order.
Holy Long Comment, Batman. To say I've missed you would be, well, telling the truth.
There's no book by me. I am too lazy to get up and find one. Sorry.
Also, I keep buying a TON of bananas so I can make bread but the kids snarg through them all way too fast. One of these days I will get to make some.
Can't wait for the blogger-thingy. Sounds like a ton of fun! Let me know what you want me to do. :)
First, the only thing next to me on my bed is the Lillian Vernon Catalog. On pg. 56, it is the order form. I could write all about shipping, but that would be super boring.
Second, writing. I remember a creative writing teacher telling me to write every day, even if it is dumb. Maybe just write something and somewhere in the midst, the block will lift. I know with Don, he sketches every day. Sometimes they are bad, sometimes good, sometimes it leads to something great.
Third, bad mom. Oh, I think you did great. I HATE when my kids blame me for things that they could easily have remembered. As for the seatbelt, maybe this is a abusive...I don't know, but it was effective. One day, Liam was pitching a fit over his seat belt. While the car was in motion, he took it off. We were in a residential area and no traffic, so I decided to stop short to show him why it is important. So, I did and of course he flew forward and sort of scared himself. I know. I will pay for therapy when he is older. But, it worked. He keeps it on now with no problems.
I've made your banana bread and it is good, only mine takes longer to bake. I think my pan is too small for the amount of batter. The middle is always a little too gooey. By the way, I made banana bread muffins tonight. We must have some banana psychic connection here.
Julie-
I'm betting you're just tired. And on a roll. When I get tired and used to yelling, I just can't stop, sometimes for months. Serious! Blog about it and it'll force the issue in front of you and maybe you'll find other ways to get your point across. You rock, btw, and you're a fab mom, so I know you'll figure it out.
Did you compare me to Michael Scott? Yes! I think. ;)
I love holy long batman comments. And it sounds like we all need to read that book!
Amanda-
Lazy! Rude! You're always reading books, so I know you have one somewhere...go find it! Please? See, I said Please... :)
No worries: you will have jobs during the bloggy thingy. Mostly it will have words like "eating" and "talking" involved with it, hint-hint!
Never-
You are NOT a bad mom for the seatbelt thing. It's better you taught him that via safe measures than for you not to notice him slip it off and be in a REAL car crash.
Oh, yeah! I forgot I put my banana bread recipe in the CV1 RS cookbook. Yeah, problem with that? I put in the WRONG time. I think they printed up corrections --did you get that? That's why it came out all mushy for you, I'm betting...sorry about that!
I agree; writing everyday makes such a difference! But I noticed my writing improved when I didn't write for a few days, too. I'm wondering if it's good to take a break? Hmm? Maybe not. It's crazy, but my NaNoWriMo this year is so much better than last year's. I guess it shows how far I've come...?
Mean mommy = good mommy. End of story.
56th 5-7 of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever (Sean's reading it, I know nothing about it.) "Lena regarded his unfocused gaze blah blah blah, holy long sentences. I'm not a transcriptionist. I give up." or something like that.
I'm planning to crash your blogger thingy magiggy. But I make no promises.
My word verification is "jokerr" and once those things start making anykind of sense it's time to log off. C-ya
Oh. I forgot to tell you my favorite line to tell my kids. When I hear, "You are so mean!" or something like that, I just tell them, "Good. That means I am doing a good job being your Mom. That is what Mom's are supposed to do." They get madder, but it makes me laugh a bit.
I have learned the hard way, never to threaten a punishment that I have no intention of making good on. It's sp painful to be the bad guy!
Book: "Setting Limits with your Strong willed child" (this really is closest because I NEED this book for my #3 who sounds very similar to your #3 I may add). "So she tries lecturing and pleading but that doesn't work either. The kids continue to ignore her. So the parent suggests a reasonable solution--taking turns but neither is willing to comprimise." Sounds familiar to my house!
I am a mean mom too some things require it!
Have fun with bloggersnackerlunchpotluckthingymajingy. I regret I will not be able to attend...but sounds fun especially the no kid part!
Thanks for playing along with the book. 13th Reality sounds pretty interesting.
I think I may need to go out and get the "Setting Limits with your Strong Willed Child" book. I think the king of strong willed lives in my house.
"And these are the children of Dishon; Hemdan, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. The children of Ezer are these; Bilhand, and Zaavan, and Akan. The children of Dishan are these; Uz, and Aran."
Hey, it was the closest book to me--at arm's length on the computer desk.
I am totally mean mom. Nice mom (as in mom who might bring you your PE clothes if you forgot them) makes occasional appearances, but those are rare. And you always must follow through on the threats. Except if they're death threats. You gotta draw the line somewhere.
Page 56: of the Library of Piano Classics. It's an excerpt of Beehthoven's Sonata Pathetique, more specifically the Rondo-Allegro Movement.
BUT! since I'm sitting in a library, i reached behind me and grabbed Living New World Monkeys (vol 1) by Philip Hershkovitz.
*ahem*: Gibbons and apes have never been seen swimming. Carpenter (1964)states that gibbons cannot swim. According to Hooten (1942, P. 124) orangs flounder and drown if thrown into deep water.
and i have no idea if i'm a mean mom ;) probly will be tho.
love you!
I'm learning how to be a mean mom, because Lexie's teacher told me that Lexie runs our house, and that's why she'd has been so out of control - because she feels uncontrolled. I also had a little mini "Love and Logic" lesson at an AG Bell conferense last weekend, so now I'm all about rules and structure, giving choices, and not getting mad. Generally the choices end up like "Eat your food at the table, or sit on the couch and don't eat". In reality it's not much of a choice, but I think it must feel like it to a kid. Lexie's all about the drama, so I've found the whole "Mom's not getting mad" thing id maybe the most effective. If she chooses not to eat, it's not me who is hungry. If she's mad about being hungry, we say "Gee, must be a tough day to be a penguin. Bummer." We've actually had a HUGE decline in tantrums in the last couple of months since I've adopted this emotion-free structure idea...
OK, so I have a lame question, but... I have never actually made banana bread, simply eaten it and LOVED it and waited for a good Mormon neighbor or Visiting Teacher or Home Teacher or RS President to bring some over (there have been times I've been tempted to make up a trial I'm going through that would envoke the arrival of sympathy Banana Bread). So, my question is, how ripe is ripe, when dealing with these banana's? Are we talking yellow, freckled, spotty, patchy, brown, black, or somewhere beyond? Sadly, I honestly have no idea. I know, I think they may revoke my church membersip when my lack of Banana Bread making skills are revealed.
Also, completely off topic, but I feel like someone here might have the connection I need: I'm trying to find someone who sells handmade funky totebags, like BIG ones, for all my Primary stuff. I found totebags, but they're always ungly. I want something cool and funky and cute! If anyone knows someone who sells this sort of thing, let me know!
Wow, so today must be "Up with Typos" day. Sorry.
(my security word is 'snase', which makes me think 'snaze'. Woot woot!)
Ok, it actually makes me think of 'snazz', not 'snaze', which makes me think of nothing. Huh.
Alison-
You better crash my thiny magingy. And I'm not sure I like your lack of promise, especially in light of the fact that your hilariousness would be most welcome amongst all of us at the thingy magingy and it would make Bythelbs insanely jealous not to meet you first. Maybe not insanely, but, you know...
Never-
I use that line, too! Ah, we are wise. :)
Summer-
I hate being the bad guy, too, but it's easier when they forgive us so easily, you know?
Cardalls-
Dude. I think I need that book, too! But I have a feeling someone suggested it to me before...Oh, and we would have loved to have you at the thingy magingy! Maybe next time..
Amy-
You're welcome! The 13th Reality is a fun series --it's for middle readers to YA, so the level is low, but the story is cool. Oh, and YES! You do have some strong souls at your house. :)
Bythelbs-
Don't try to hide it. You are super religious at heart and now everyone knows! (insert evil cackle here, although the evil-ness would defeat the religious portion of this comment, eh?)
And agreed --Death Threats probably aren't a good idea.
Amy!
Wow! Look at you all commenting on my blog! And you're studying in the library -- *sniff, I'm so proud. And even prouder that your Beethoven is so accessible!
Lizzie-
Bananas should be whatever you want them to be. I would say the bext ones are when the skin is speckled brown to black. Either works fine. And if you lose your membership over banana bread, then I most certainly will lose it over my inability to sew anything!
And oh! My friend Rozla makes bags...she's Montana Grandma on my side-bar; I'll email you the link and stuff. Maybe I'll put her bag blog up on my side bar, too. In fact, I think I will!
Oh, and Lizzie? You crack me up. :)
mmm. I am going to make banana bread this week.
From Children of the Mind by Orson Scott Card ( I guess I should actually finish this series)
"You need more sleep." Miro sighed and shook his head. "That wasn't what I meant to say."
Oh, and I wanted to do the book thing:
Install a new Rubber gasket into the valve cover. Install the molded rubber gasket onto the cover by pushing it into the slot that circles the valve cover perimeter. Install the valve cover, sealing grommets and nuts and tighten them to the torque listed in this Chapter's Specifications.
Hi, Cheryl - are you going to be around during the Christmas holidays? I'll be in Utah then, and it might be fun to meet up - even though scheduling can be really difficult during that time of year. Alternatively, if you're ever in Boston, let me know and we'll get together then!
Or maybe insanely. Curse my out-of-stateness!
Tam-
I haven't read that series. In fact --shocker-- I only read Ender's Game (and not the sequels!).
I should make banana bread, too. Except I always manage to eat way too much of it, and it's really not low fat!
Lizzie-
Well, then. I guess we know what kind of books you're into... *snort
ECS-
Actually, I will be in UT during the Christmas break (at least that's the plan for now). And did you know we almost moved to Boston last year? I was actually pretty sad we didn't. Anyway, yes! Let me know when you'll be around!
Bythelbs-
I am cursing your out-of-stateness, too. Curse you out-of-stateness!
Oh man! I would love to come to your party but sadly I will be in another country on a continent far far away. Have fun!
The day you first posted this, I'd just had a real mean mommy moment--kinda lost it with two kids. I was justified, but I didn't handle either situation all that well. Sigh.
And yes, I want to come to the blogger thingamagigo. Looks like DH is planning on staying at the fam's place a little longer than I thought, so I may or may not be able to swing it, but if there's a way, I'll do it!
Post a Comment