After a whole day of scouring ads, consulting websites, conferring with friends and random people and many adult beverages... I have made my Black Friday plans.
The big ticket items on my list are a Kitchen Aid mixer for Cara and a Canon Rebel T2 camera for myself. I may also spring for a Playstation 3 for Colin but he just got a ps2 so we'll see. There are also some other things that are good deals but I don't think I need to wait in line for but will check out.
Here we go:
5:20 - leave the house
5:25 - 7-11 for coffee
6:00am - Tilly's hopefully be one of the 1st 100 people in line. Try to get $10 to $100 in a scratch off card. Super cool zebra hoody for Cara to wear in NJ. Hat and fingerless gloves for Colin.
Old Navy - next door to Tilly's. They always have good stuff.
Best Buy - Across the street for the camera and ps3
Kohls - tons of stuff
South Sun - for the jewelry deals
12:00 - Sorrento Valley Yoga
Home and relax with adult beverages
We'll see what happens...I'll keep you posted
It is what it is...
Namaste
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Snickerdoodles... From Scratch
I don't bake.
I cook, I make candy, I make jelly.... but I don't bake. I can bake but I don't, especially cookies. My sister bakes.I wash the dishes if I am around when she bakes. She is the cookie queen. We may buy a pound or two of butter, she buys buttter in 20 pound increments. We buy the 5 pound bag of sugar and flour, she never buys less than 20 pounds at a time. We may make a batch or 2 of cookies, she makes over 7000 in a weekend for a Christmas house tour silver tea reception (Stanton Holly Trail). 12 varieties, packaged perfectly and with a self published recipe book.
Kids selling cookie dough for fundraisers all know where I live. Ms. Marybeth will buy some they all say. She loves this stuff. I also love any other kind of premade cookie dough. Pillsbury, Toll House, it doesn't , matter as long as I don't have to make the dough.
Recently Cara has become a Food Network addict. She loves that channel. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Cake Boss, Sweet Genius, Restaurant Impossible,Crave... she knows them all.
What do they all have in common? A Kitchen Aide mixer. "Why don't we have one of those?", she asks." Because I don't need one." I say. " I don't bake. They are for mixing dough."
"Well we neeeeeeeeeeed one!" she says.
"Why? I don't bake. I don't need to make dough."
" I want to bake." she says. "Can we get one? Pleeeeeease???????" I tell her they cost alot. Maybe for Christmas.
So today is the first day of Thanksgiving vacation and she wants to bake something...from scratch." "Like what?", I say.
"I don't know."
"Well when you figure it out, let me know and I'll see if we have the stuff."
She googles Food Network and decides on snickerdoodles. Luckily we have all the stuff.
1st question: Is sugar a wet or dry ingredient? Asked as I am pulling out of the driveway to meet some people at the bank.
Me: Are you asking me this? Aren't you in that smart kid class? And don't turn on the oven until I get home.
Then the phone call: Where is the measuring cup for the eggs?
Me: They're eggs, you count them.
Cara: Well you always put them in a measuring cup to make sure there are no shells.
Me: I only crack them in there because they are handy. You can use a bowl.
Cara: I want those measuring cups.
Me: I'm in the bank. Top shelf in the cabinet where the plates are.
I get home. Cara and her BFF, Cadence have started.
They were afraid to soften the butter in the microwave. They thought it would melt.
They used the tiny hand mixer to cream the butter, sugar and eggs. It was everywhere. " It said in a small bowl" they tell me.
It doesn't look like dough, they say." Its too thick and they can't stir it. "Use your muscles." I say. So I take over and stir, clean up and make dinner while the dough chills.
After dinner the house smells wonderful. The cookies are delicious. The girls have completely rocked the kitchen.
Cara to Cadence, "We really made these from scratch, with real flour and everything!"
This is why Cara will be getting a Kitchen Aid mixer for Christmas.
Maybe both girls can visit Auntie Paula for cookie lessons.
And maybe they will wash the dishes next time.
It is what it is.
Namaste
I cook, I make candy, I make jelly.... but I don't bake. I can bake but I don't, especially cookies. My sister bakes.I wash the dishes if I am around when she bakes. She is the cookie queen. We may buy a pound or two of butter, she buys buttter in 20 pound increments. We buy the 5 pound bag of sugar and flour, she never buys less than 20 pounds at a time. We may make a batch or 2 of cookies, she makes over 7000 in a weekend for a Christmas house tour silver tea reception (Stanton Holly Trail). 12 varieties, packaged perfectly and with a self published recipe book.
Kids selling cookie dough for fundraisers all know where I live. Ms. Marybeth will buy some they all say. She loves this stuff. I also love any other kind of premade cookie dough. Pillsbury, Toll House, it doesn't , matter as long as I don't have to make the dough.
Recently Cara has become a Food Network addict. She loves that channel. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Cake Boss, Sweet Genius, Restaurant Impossible,Crave... she knows them all.
What do they all have in common? A Kitchen Aide mixer. "Why don't we have one of those?", she asks." Because I don't need one." I say. " I don't bake. They are for mixing dough."
"Well we neeeeeeeeeeed one!" she says.
"Why? I don't bake. I don't need to make dough."
" I want to bake." she says. "Can we get one? Pleeeeeease???????" I tell her they cost alot. Maybe for Christmas.
So today is the first day of Thanksgiving vacation and she wants to bake something...from scratch." "Like what?", I say.
"I don't know."
"Well when you figure it out, let me know and I'll see if we have the stuff."
She googles Food Network and decides on snickerdoodles. Luckily we have all the stuff.
1st question: Is sugar a wet or dry ingredient? Asked as I am pulling out of the driveway to meet some people at the bank.
Me: Are you asking me this? Aren't you in that smart kid class? And don't turn on the oven until I get home.
Then the phone call: Where is the measuring cup for the eggs?
Me: They're eggs, you count them.
Cara: Well you always put them in a measuring cup to make sure there are no shells.
Me: I only crack them in there because they are handy. You can use a bowl.
Cara: I want those measuring cups.
Me: I'm in the bank. Top shelf in the cabinet where the plates are.
I get home. Cara and her BFF, Cadence have started.
They were afraid to soften the butter in the microwave. They thought it would melt.
They used the tiny hand mixer to cream the butter, sugar and eggs. It was everywhere. " It said in a small bowl" they tell me.
It doesn't look like dough, they say." Its too thick and they can't stir it. "Use your muscles." I say. So I take over and stir, clean up and make dinner while the dough chills.
After dinner the house smells wonderful. The cookies are delicious. The girls have completely rocked the kitchen.
Cara to Cadence, "We really made these from scratch, with real flour and everything!"
This is why Cara will be getting a Kitchen Aid mixer for Christmas.
Maybe both girls can visit Auntie Paula for cookie lessons.
And maybe they will wash the dishes next time.
It is what it is.
Namaste
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Why I Drink Wine
Holy Moly! The last few days have been full of emails, drama and politics; mostly to do with Little League.
When I took on the presidency of MWLL, I thought, how hard can this be? I don't really know that much about baseball but there are coaches for that. I'm organized, I can delegate, I'm happy, people like me, meetings don't really bother me, I generally write short emails and I rarely "reply all". Little did I know what was in store for me. In the last few days, I have written some of the longest emails of my life.
Our fields and rec center area are part of a major renovation project that was suppose to start about 10 years ago. It is all based on a housing development project and the fees developers pay for parks and recreation space. Things are finally starting to progress so I feel the need to be informed. I want to make sure that MMWLL gets the best new fields possible and they are built to the correct specifications.
I go to the rec council meetings, I go to the planning commission meetings. Our councilman's assistant contacts me to speak at a press conference. Since I don't want to look stupid I try to find out what its about. Are they finally going to announce a start date for the renovations???? Yahoo, I think... but oh no... after weeding through tons of emails and continually asking for clarification for 2 months, I finally get to the bottom line. The press conference is to announce the city MAY start to enter into negotiations for a NEW development project to start in about 10 more years and language MAY be written in that MMWLL MAY benefit by getting some money that MAY get our renovations started in NEXT FEW YEARS! I will not be on TV speaking at that press conference. This is why I drink wine.
While this is all going on, the SD Padres have offered some LL districts a uniform sponsorship deal. The original deal was the Padres will provide for FREE official jersey and hats for all players in the T-Ball, Farm, Minors and Challenger divisions. How can you go wrong??? Official major league, button down jerseys. 20-30 versions to choose from. Did I mention FREE? What's the catch, I think. I get an email yesterday from our district administrator. We need to know how many jerseys we want. By noon tomorrow and sizes. And they will cost $5 and there are 12 styles to choose from which we won't know until we commit. We don't start registration until Dec. and finish the 2nd week of January!!!! How are we supposed to know how many we need. So I compile all the emails into a word document, for easy reading and send it out to the board for an emergency email discussion and vote. I haven't opened that can of worms yet. It can wait until tomorrow. This is why I drink wine.
The forecast calls for rain tomorrow. Its San Diego, it hardly ever rains. Should we close the fields and cancel tomorrow's games? What time? Soccer was canceled today because the fields were too wet from yesterday's rain. Email coaches with the plan, make sure the website will get updated... This is why I drink wine.
My friends ask me if I want to join their book club. I love to read. I want to be in a book club. "Do you read self help books?", I ask. "No, we read all different kinds of books." they say. " Great! What if I don't finish the book?", I ask. "That's OK", they say. " You can still come and drink wine."
That's why they are my friends.
This is why I am writing this while drinking wine.
It is what it is.
Namaste
When I took on the presidency of MWLL, I thought, how hard can this be? I don't really know that much about baseball but there are coaches for that. I'm organized, I can delegate, I'm happy, people like me, meetings don't really bother me, I generally write short emails and I rarely "reply all". Little did I know what was in store for me. In the last few days, I have written some of the longest emails of my life.
Our fields and rec center area are part of a major renovation project that was suppose to start about 10 years ago. It is all based on a housing development project and the fees developers pay for parks and recreation space. Things are finally starting to progress so I feel the need to be informed. I want to make sure that MMWLL gets the best new fields possible and they are built to the correct specifications.
I go to the rec council meetings, I go to the planning commission meetings. Our councilman's assistant contacts me to speak at a press conference. Since I don't want to look stupid I try to find out what its about. Are they finally going to announce a start date for the renovations???? Yahoo, I think... but oh no... after weeding through tons of emails and continually asking for clarification for 2 months, I finally get to the bottom line. The press conference is to announce the city MAY start to enter into negotiations for a NEW development project to start in about 10 more years and language MAY be written in that MMWLL MAY benefit by getting some money that MAY get our renovations started in NEXT FEW YEARS! I will not be on TV speaking at that press conference. This is why I drink wine.
While this is all going on, the SD Padres have offered some LL districts a uniform sponsorship deal. The original deal was the Padres will provide for FREE official jersey and hats for all players in the T-Ball, Farm, Minors and Challenger divisions. How can you go wrong??? Official major league, button down jerseys. 20-30 versions to choose from. Did I mention FREE? What's the catch, I think. I get an email yesterday from our district administrator. We need to know how many jerseys we want. By noon tomorrow and sizes. And they will cost $5 and there are 12 styles to choose from which we won't know until we commit. We don't start registration until Dec. and finish the 2nd week of January!!!! How are we supposed to know how many we need. So I compile all the emails into a word document, for easy reading and send it out to the board for an emergency email discussion and vote. I haven't opened that can of worms yet. It can wait until tomorrow. This is why I drink wine.
The forecast calls for rain tomorrow. Its San Diego, it hardly ever rains. Should we close the fields and cancel tomorrow's games? What time? Soccer was canceled today because the fields were too wet from yesterday's rain. Email coaches with the plan, make sure the website will get updated... This is why I drink wine.
My friends ask me if I want to join their book club. I love to read. I want to be in a book club. "Do you read self help books?", I ask. "No, we read all different kinds of books." they say. " Great! What if I don't finish the book?", I ask. "That's OK", they say. " You can still come and drink wine."
That's why they are my friends.
This is why I am writing this while drinking wine.
It is what it is.
Namaste
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Redneck Day
As president of Mira Mesa West Little League, I have to attend monthly meetings with the other presidents of District 32. At this months's meeting, the other attendee's included the board representives for uniforms, equipment, snack bar and fundraising. The discussion soon turned to what each league did to raise money. I shared our basket auction idea that we have at our generous sponsor Bangin Burgers. (www.bangin-burgers.com) as well as our yard sale. What I did not share however, is my idea for the most unique fundraiser ever: Redneck Day.
Our baseball fields are overrun with ground squirrels. They have burrowed beneath all the dugouts and have tunneled under all the fields. When I drive up to stock the snack bar and no one is there they scatter like rats deserting a sinking ship. If I am really unlucky and happen to empty a trash can, one may run across my foot, happy to be released. Part of a field may collapse due to the intricate tunnel system.
I don't have all the details completely worked out since it is inappropriate on multiple levels but this is what I have so far.
Shoot a squirrel for a small fee. We could rent bb guns to interested participants. Discounts could be give if you bring your own gun.
Once you have shot your squirrel, bring it to the snack bar to be cleaned and grilled.
New menu possibilities are endless: Squirrel on a stick. Your choice of sauces: BBQ, teriyaki or ranch. Squirrel chili, squirrel burgers. We could have an Iron Chef style competion and post it on YouTube. It would go viral. Food Network would pick it up.$$$$$$
Save the pelts. How many fashionable people will be sporting their very own squirrel jackets and vests this year?
There has to be a country band from east county that would perform. Dance contest anyone? $10 pick up wash? Those parking lots are pretty dusty. Best gun rack? Hottest rack????(LL Moms)
You have to admit there are possibilities here.
Did you know a Saber Tooth Squirrel was recently discovered?
http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/02/tiny-saber-toothed-squirrel-is-mammalian-ancestor/
Think Scrat from Ice Age. There are ALOT of squirrels around. Scientists? Rare and unique extinct mammals $$$$. Keep an eye on your t-ball player.
It is what it is.
Namaste
Our baseball fields are overrun with ground squirrels. They have burrowed beneath all the dugouts and have tunneled under all the fields. When I drive up to stock the snack bar and no one is there they scatter like rats deserting a sinking ship. If I am really unlucky and happen to empty a trash can, one may run across my foot, happy to be released. Part of a field may collapse due to the intricate tunnel system.
I don't have all the details completely worked out since it is inappropriate on multiple levels but this is what I have so far.
Shoot a squirrel for a small fee. We could rent bb guns to interested participants. Discounts could be give if you bring your own gun.
Once you have shot your squirrel, bring it to the snack bar to be cleaned and grilled.
New menu possibilities are endless: Squirrel on a stick. Your choice of sauces: BBQ, teriyaki or ranch. Squirrel chili, squirrel burgers. We could have an Iron Chef style competion and post it on YouTube. It would go viral. Food Network would pick it up.$$$$$$
Save the pelts. How many fashionable people will be sporting their very own squirrel jackets and vests this year?
There has to be a country band from east county that would perform. Dance contest anyone? $10 pick up wash? Those parking lots are pretty dusty. Best gun rack? Hottest rack????(LL Moms)
You have to admit there are possibilities here.
Did you know a Saber Tooth Squirrel was recently discovered?
http://lightyears.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/02/tiny-saber-toothed-squirrel-is-mammalian-ancestor/
Think Scrat from Ice Age. There are ALOT of squirrels around. Scientists? Rare and unique extinct mammals $$$$. Keep an eye on your t-ball player.
It is what it is.
Namaste
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Halloween Pictures
Our family tradition is to go every year to the Picture People in the North County Fair mall to get pictures in Halloween costumes. No formal portraits for us. We go for the fun costume pictures. So about 2 weeks before our appointment, I get the kids to start thinking about their costumes. Cara already knows she wants to be a zombie. She has her idea and works for about 2 days cutting up her old clothes into zombie attire. 1 trip to Party City for makeup and zombie teeth and we are good to go. She forgets to bring the zombie teeth to the photo shoot.
Colin on the other hand:
Me: Do you have an idea for a costume?
Colin: no
Me: Do you want help thinking of a costume?
Colin: no
Me: Are you getting too old for costumes and trick or treating?
Colin: no
Me: Ok then, you need a costume for the pictures in 2 weeks.
Repeat this conversation every 2 days.
On the day of the pictures I pick Colin up from school.
Me: So how about that costume?
Colin: Huh?
Me: We are going for the pictures today. Do you have a costume?
Colin: no
Me: Are you going to wear that afro wig Cara and I bought you at Party City?
Colin: no
Me: How about that fake facial hair?
Colin: Maybe
Me: We are leaving in 1 hour. You better have something.
Its time to go. Colin gets in the car wearing the exact same clothes he wore to school. He has the fake facial hair and a panda hat.
Me: Is that your costume?
Colin: yes
Me: Let's go.
Cara: Is that Colin's costume?
Me: I guess so.
Cara: What is he?
Me: Colin, with fake facial hair and a panda hat.
Cara: That's what I thought.
12 year old boys.
It is what it is.
Namaste
Me: How about that fake facial hair?
Colin: Maybe
Me: We are leaving in 1 hour. You better have something.
Its time to go. Colin gets in the car wearing the exact same clothes he wore to school. He has the fake facial hair and a panda hat.
Me: Is that your costume?
Colin: yes
Me: Let's go.
Cara: Is that Colin's costume?
Me: I guess so.
Cara: What is he?
Me: Colin, with fake facial hair and a panda hat.
Cara: That's what I thought.
12 year old boys.
It is what it is.
Namaste
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