In which I feel guilty but can't do anything about it

You may have noticed.  In fact, I'm quite positive if you've read this blog for any length of time you'll have noticed, not much goes on over here these days.  I had to dust off the cobwebs just to find the login for Blogger today.  I am suffering from blog write-and-read itis.

It's not that I don't care.  Alas, my friends, there are only so many hours in a day and most of my days are filled with thinking about this ---- and this -------.  Very cryptic, I know.  Unfortunately that's all you will get for some time about that.

Soon I will be talking about my newest love, CupCakes (and Gina, you're going to want to pay attention, I promise).  I've been obsessed for some time with cupcakes.  If you'll remember last year, I did a review (out of the goodness of my stomach) of Crumbs Bakery in New York (which can be found here).  So, you can say this cupcake thing has gone for awhile now.

Recently, I made the trek to Milford, Ohio (with friends, because nothing is better than cupcakes than cupcakes with friends) to a small little cupcake shop called Sugar Cupcakery.  It's the area's only organic cupcakery around.  I'll be posting a review with pictures soon but let me just say, they were good, very good.

The next phase in my cupcake obsession has centered on a far away (from Cincinnati) bakery.  Lily Lane Cakes is based in Washington DC but via that wonderful source of fun that is Twitter, I met Kathy who owns the shop.  She has graciously offered to ship me cupcakes.  Let's take a minute to revere her for that awesome decision.

In a few weeks I will have in my hot little hands, Lily Lane Cakes cupcakes.  Oh. Yum.  I must also visit her shop sometime in my lifetime so I can try the flavors that unfortunately don't ship well (darn it!).  I'll be splitting the cakes with a friend and I will be sure to relay how the taste test goes.  With pictures and details just so you will want to order your own cupcakes (cause you know I'm not sharing.)

That's what's buzzing these days in my world.  What's going on in yours to keep you busy?

God Bless Ye Happy Turkey

I've heard talk that tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  That can only mean one thing around here...

It's time for Chinese food!

Yes, you read that correctly.  Around here we order in Chinese.  The trouble is that, here in Kentucky, the Chinese place is actually closed on Thanksgiving.  Are you kidding me?

I had to resort to plan B, which is this:

Choice selections from the Kroger frozen food aisle.  We do make some traditional items to go with our very untraditional Chinese meal though.  I make my grandmothers stuffing and a green bean casserole.  The fun part of Thanksgiving is that we are not traditional.  I don't care for turkey (and the kids only eat it if you force them and add lots of ketchup) so inventing our own Thanksgiving meal suits me just fine.

Will you have a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thursday?  For my Canadian friends, what foods do you serve for your own country's Thanksgiving?

Safe travels everyone!

Random Tuesday Thoughts: Express Version

It's this time



So go here The UnMom

We good?  Okay.  Then here we go.

In case you don't follow me on Twitter or you don't follow the greatest team of all, Joey Votto won the NL MVP award yesterday.  So that made my Monday.  In case you forgot who he was, see picture below:

I don't know why they are all butt shots...honestly.

Saturday we went to a German Christmas market.  Or at least a Christmas market hosted by the German Society of Cincinnati.  It was not exactly what I was expecting (hard to live up to experiencing the real thing for a few years I guess).  They did however have reindeer:

Poor things.  I wanted to open the pen and yell Be Free!  Be Free!!

I also went to Hobby Lobby.  Another reason I'm not allowed to ever go there:

And no, the letters were not originally that way when I walked down the aisle.  And yes, peer pressure did make me do it.

I finished Christmas shopping for my kids!  I know!!  Yes, I did actually buy them presents all in one day, at one single store.  I do work magic at least a couple times a year apparently.  Black magic.

I've been completely neglecting my other blog about baseball and hockey.  

It's not intentional.  I've had kids and appointments and a houseguest and it's the holidays.  Sue me.

Have you seen this?  The Uncommon Goods catalog is all kinds of awesome. P.S. Santa I want some of those too!

That's it for the express edition of RTT.  See Keely for more.  If you're feeling lucky.

The Night of the Boogie

Okay so after my last post, which was a week ago...actually older I think...(it's been kinda busy around the homestead) people now want details of the Boogie night.  I am always happy to oblige you my dear readers.  So prepare yourself for the journey, it is an interesting one.

The night started with me asking for fashion guru advice from Twitter.  You guys are the best by the way!  So here's picture one right before I left the house (iPhone 3's camera really does suck so sorry for the bad pic!)

It was voted that the orange animal tiger shirt was better for a 70's/80's dance club.  The first stop on the adventure was our Host's house. It should first be noted I suppose that of the group of ten, we only knew two people, the ones who invited us.  The rest of the group had known each other for about 10-20 years.  Keep that in mind...

At the Host's house the party had already started.  In the basement bar the margarita machine was doing it's thing (which, I don't drink margaritas, but I bet the thing would make awesome slushies.  P.S. Santa I want one of those!)  Behind the bar shots/drinks were being concocted.  I didn't have anything.  It should be noted that yes, I am a lightweight in the drink department.  One drink I'm good.  Two and you can pretty much count that in about an hour I'll be ready for bed.  This was only 7:20 and the limo (yes there was a limo...) wasn't coming until nine.

There was a lot of frivolity and meeting new people and...apparently I was going to be the crack police that evening.

I know, crack police??!! Just what did I really do Saturday night?

I was in charge of making sure Drunk Girl's pants (which were small) didn't show her butt crack...and yes, that is really what she reminded me to do all night. Okaaay...

For the record tipsy people don't bother me.  Which was a very good thing as it turned out.

The car arrived and the driver was nice enough to take all the kids (and I mean actual children of the people at the house) on a limo ride around the block. Considering what this guy went through that night with us, the dude was a saint!  After the little weee!! trip for the kids we piled into the loooonnngggg limo and started the trek toward...

Boogie Nights.

It's a dance club at Hollywood Casino in Indiana about 30 minutes or so from us. Like any good fun group who has known each other for years, this group had some quirks. And one of them was named Chimmie.  All night before we left I kept hearing them say we couldn't forget to get Chimmie.

Now that sounds like a person right?  Nope.  Meet Chimmie:

Yes, that is a infant CPR doll, and no, I have no idea why Chimmie always goes along of these people's group outings.  He just does.  (Chimmie even has his own Facebook page I'm told.)  Chimmie made it up on stage at the club with the DJ and spun some tunes.

The club is actually pretty cool, if you are in your early 20's and enjoy that sort of thing.  Being in my 30's?  Eh, not so much it turns out but they do make a great vodka tonic!  I got to see Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince perform!

Here's proof of Prince anyway:

The Michael Jackson guy was probably the best of the performers.  The club is interesting.  I'm sure it's fun.  But as I said, this mama doesn't dance unless she's had a lot to drink.  One drink, no dancing.  Sorry to disappoint but it was a one drink night for me.  Other people did not go anywhere near one drink...so the night was cut short when the result was vomit on the club floor.

Lovely image right?  I'm just glad I didn't actually see it.  The ride back to the house was fun...

It was an interesting night but I learned, I'm not a party girl.  It is just not who I am to go out to a club and drink.  I'd much rather enjoy a night out that consists of a nice dinner with good friends and great conversation.  Maybe a bottle of wine in the mix.

I'm glad I went because it was an interesting night doing something I never do. But from now on when the dance club invites roll in, I'll be staying at home with a RedBox movie and some popcorn!

Do you hit the clubs?  Or are you like me, preferring a quiet night in?

Let's go Boogie

I was asked to go Boogie this evening.  As in go to a dance club.  This will either be the dumbest thing I've ever done, or the weirdest thing, or the most insane thing.  I'm guessing a combo of all three.  If you want Blogging Mama to dance, you are going to have to feed her copious amounts of alcohol.  If you feed her copious amounts of alcohol you can be guaranteed she will dance.

So really, win-win either way!

Have I mentioned I haven't been in a dance club since my 21st birthday?  Which as we all know was eons ago...

Considering I've been in bed no later than ten every night (last night the only exception at 10:30) I have no idea how I'm going to survive since we aren't even meeting until 8.  Here's the fun part though.  The club is a 70's club as in like that bell bottom free love type of thing. (That is the 70's right?  Sorry I was born in the late 70's.  Give me yuppie penny loafer 80's and then I'll know what to expect).  I'm not planning to dress the part.

No way, no how.  (Though I did receive some lovely suggestions.  I don't even want to know how Tony knew that a mini-skirt, fishnets tights and big hair would be appropriate.  What happens in your house, should stay in your house, alright?)  Jeans, heels and an appropriate but un-generational black top will be just fine thanks.

It will be interesting.

When was the last time you shook your over-the-correct-age booty?  Or are you smarter than me and do you stay home with your flannel pjs and a good book?

RTT: Late Edition

It's Tuesday. I'm so late in RTT but who the heck cares right?  Right.

So you know what to do.  Click it.



What the heck Green Mountain Coffee?  You send me a coupon for $3 off my favoritest drink in the world (Apple Cider) but it's never in stock! Coupon expires end of the month.  You. Are. Killing. Me.

Have you tried MetroMint water?  It's so good.  Because I am so awesome and several RTT's ago mentioned that I wanted to try them, they sent me free samples.  Seriously.  That was awesome.  I sampled four flavors, GoodBerryMint, Spearmint, Peppermint and ChocolateMint.  My favorite was Peppermint followed by Spearmint.  The ChocolateMint would be an excellent choice for those who want a little chocolate taste but not the calories.  Because did I tell you?  Zero Calories!  Amazing amounts of wonderful.  Pick it up and give it a try.  It's incredible.  If you can't find it at your local store you can go here: MetroMint Store Locator or buy it online.  If you buy GoodBerryMint 10% of the proceeds are given back to the community to help feed the hungry.  How awesome is that?

We got Direct TV today.  In fact - it's being installed as I type.  And yes, I really did change from our previous cable because I couldn't get any good hockey coverage.  Honestly.

I got a great cd the other day at Target, Christmas Cheer by Straight No Chasers.  It makes fun of traditional Christmas songs (somewhat) and also laments that even before Halloween has ended Christmas decorations are out.  That's something I've been saying for years, thank you very much.

I got my Rosie Reds membership card today.  Yea!  For those not in the know, Rosie Reds is kind of like a philanthropic/social club for women who love the Reds.  Yes, every road does lead back to baseball.

I signed up for NaNoWriMo.  I've written exactly 34 words.  Pfftt, maybe next year.

Wendy said the other day she was reading Wuthering Heights (which I only read for the first time last year).  I pulled my copy out and am going to reread it.  I actually loved it, dark and twisted book that it is.

I have coupons in my wallet but the problem is I never remember to use them.  They aren't even the get $.30 off when you buy 5 of these kind of coupons either.  They are the FREE ITEM type of coupons.  Where I could just walk into the store and snatch the item from the shelf plunk down the coupon and walk out without taking out a penny.  But I never remember to use them.  Weird.

Have you seen the ads on my site in the right sidebar there?  Go ahead and click em.  Promise nothing's going to explode or anything.

What's Random about you today?  Feel free to share it and then go see The UnMom.

It's 30 degrees and Autism sucks

And oh my GOSH that's cold.  There was a possibility of snow last night.  Where am I, Washington?  Eh.  Thankfully no snow!  Yea!  I'm all about getting behind some pretty white stuff but does anyone remember what I survived last year?

Okay, go here and refresh your memory then....In case you don't wanna click here's the picture refresher:

Yes, that's my neighbors car....somewhere in that pile of unshoveled snow...

And that was only the FIRST storm thank you!  Need I remind anyone that on the day my house in West Chester (PA) was packed up the moving truck never even made it down our street because there was too much snow.  And that he got stuck across the street from our development in front of the train station just trying to turn around (police car, wrecker, backed up traffic; the works.  We tipped him extra good for his troubles.)  We drove from West Chester (PA) to Cincinnati in a blizzard.  Oh, that was so much fun.

So, I am not kidding when I say, Let's Just Not Do That Again This Year.

This week I didn't blog.  I barely returned blog visits.  There are reasons why.  I've been vocal about the unendingly complicated series of events that have to do with Thor and his aspergers.  This week I took him (and Chick incidentally) to Children's Hospital in Cincinnati for what I thought was his actual autism evaluation.  The one where they run tests that last hours (2-3 hours per test and he needs two done).  It wasn't.  I misunderstood.

This appointment was only for the initial meet the doctor and find out exactly what they should test him for. And by test I don't mean like medical with needles.  It's all psychological and intelligence test type of things.  

I love his doctor.  If anyone needs a recommendation of an autism doctor in Cincinnati you should go see Dr. Zimmer.  Hands down she made us feel so comfortable (including the staff who were absolutely fantastic) I know that she's going to do everything to help Thor.

The only problem is we have to wait until July 2011 to have the tests.

Yes, I did say July.  Of next year.  The July that is 9 months from now.

Nine. Months.

That's how long we have to wait to have the tests done because there is no earlier date available.  I'm on the cancelation list.  But let's be realistic.  Who cancels an appointment like this?  No one.  I wouldn't cancel.  Not when I have a chance to be seen at the Kelly O'Leary Center for Autism. (I did initially say it would be May, thats just the parental appointment to learn what they are going to do.)

So, we wait.  And it kills me to know that's another year lost with no specified plan in place to help Thor.  Sure, we have a 504 at school.  But the school, to put it politely, sucks.  They have no real interest in helping him since he's high functioning.  Since he's extremely smart.  I snarked on after the last 504 meeting (which I had to request!!) because it was so crappy.  You don't need to hear it again.

But I am not okay with the way or non-way they are helping Thor.  Not at all.  I've looked at private school (which we can not afford), we've discussed moving to a better school district.  We've even considered moving him to a school that only handles aspergers and high functioning children.  

Anyone have $20,000 a year they can give me?  Cause that's what theses school cost.  For one little year.

So, if I don't come around to say hi in the coming week, this is why.  I just am struggling to accept all the things that I can't change.

Random Tuesday Thoughts: TP and Dumb Neighbors

Thank you to the person who said the thing about being weirded out by the end of the toilet paper roll. You know, when the paper's all kinda glued on?  Now I'm skeeved out and developing a complex.  So thanks!

As always go here



So, what the fruitcake shall we talk about today?

These two were in the house on Sunday.  Cute no?

And here's the Chick at school.  Wonder where she got the shopping at Kroger with a Starbucks thing from?  Eh em.

They are learning about food and shopping. Guess who donated the Starbucks cups??  Don't tell me I don't contribute to my kids education!

There are further pictures of her and her friends making and buying UDF ice cream and Krispy Kreme donuts.  Public schools are all about health, obviously.

Yesterday was the start of NaNoWriMo and as of this post, I've written zip for my word total.  I'm going to be a late bloomer on this one I think.

Yesterday was a fun day.  I had a doctors appointment and as part of the physical they asked me a series of questions.  Including the classic Have you ever thought about killing anyone?


Let's see, there was this grey Tahoe that cut me off, so that's one.  The kid at the grocery store who put my bread and a 5 lb bag of potatoes IN the same bag, that's two.  Most of my neighbors for their lack of common sense (and seriously deficient taste in music), that's three.

I did answer correctly.  I said no.  Mostly because if I said yes I'd go (willingly) to the place with padded walls and silence because let's face it, everyone needs a break now and then right?  But I think they would have confiscated my phone...so, had to go with no.

I am so boring.

I started reading the Scarlet Letter.  I've never read it before.  I'm not sure how far into it I am because I'm reading on the Kindle and their lack of page numbers makes me batty.  But thus far, I think it's a war novel.  Right??

How was your halloween?  Everyone about done with candy yet?  Let me tell you why we only gave out one piece of candy.

The neighbors, they of the famous block party, sent out an email to the HOA reminding everyone that they were having their annual candy table set up in their driveway.  We were all encouraged to come over, drop off our bowl of candy and "hang out".  Basically destroying all that is trick or treating.  Because all of my neighbors are completely freakin' wacked, that's what they did.

We went to take our kids to ring doorbells and found only one in this huge neighborhood that had the lights on.

We had to pack up and drive ten minutes to the next town and some friends who live in a nice, normal, trick-or-treating neighborhood.  Where my kids got their trick or treat on.   If there weren't already three houses for sale on this street alone, this baby would be on the market.

My neighbors are just nutso.

It's the last day for my children's book giveaway, Gifts From the Heart by Victoria Osteen.  You can go here to enter.

She's not nuts....she's um, Canadian.  Head over to Keely at The UnMom.  I might just have to move to Canada.  Where people are normal.