10 Things I will do when my children turn 35 and above:
1. Bust through the bathroom door while you are showering or reliving yourself and ask the most random question ever. So random it actually makes you Google when you are done with your toiletries.
2. Spill their coffee. Like throw that shit across the room.
3. Stain their clothes. Forever.
4.Chew on stuff. Like your phone charger, toys, remote control, your cutest high heels, bracelets, Valentine's Card, flash cards, puzzle pieces etc.
5. Leave the most jagged Lego's I can find in their bed, with the sheets drawn.
6. Flood their house.
7. Spill their beer. Like soak an entire couch cushion with beer. Their couch.
8. Shit through my pants on a plane.
9. Grab their boob in public, for absolutely no reason. Hard.
10. Love them unconditionally.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Most Priceless Gift
February 14th, Valentine's
Day, a day of hearts, cupids, candy, a day of unrealistic expectations and
disappointment. This day reminds me of the joy of being pregnant. All the
fantasies you have of giving birth to a ballerina, a rock star, a world class athlete
or the person who cures cancer. When you hold your son or daughter for the
first time, so excited and so proud, never in a million years did you think
that you would ever send them to school on a shorter than average bus.
Often when we are pregnant we are
lucky to share that pregnancy with another couple. How exciting to plan future
camping trips together, maybe our kids will end up being married to each other
and we will be family. A friend of mine bought our soon to be born kids
matching teddy bears with their names engraved on the bellies of the bears. I
never see them anymore. We used to go to all their parties, and then kid's
birthday parties. But I saw the pictures
from the recent party on Facebook, and we weren't invited.
When my oldest was a baby he belonged
to a regularly scheduled playgroup. As he grew older and his ADHD became more
obvious. And I had 2 more kids, one with Autism, it got harder to attend this
playgroup. But I always responded to the emails, and I was so happy when I could
get all of us there even if my youngest didn't last long. Suddenly the emails
stopped coming. I checked my spam folder and saw nothing. I let it go. I saw
this group at a park and they look so ashamed.
Having kids lets you know who your
real friends are, whether your kids are typically developing or have special
needs. Now I only gravitate to friends who support me and the struggles I have
with my kids. The friends who share in
the choices I make, and the joys of small successes. I don't bother with people who act like my
kids are contagious or are just “naughty”.
With the prevalence of Autism in our
society these parents are going to find it harder and harder to shield their
children from “different” children. I am
sad and disappointed to think that people I considered close friends are
raising their children to be intolerant.
And being the parents of special needs kids we really don't have the
time to coddle those who don't “get it”.
To hold your hand, while you decide whether my family is worth your time
and effort. I know it's important to educate others but I don't have the time
to do that if my son is getting ready to run out into the street.
Real friends, and loving family take
the time to educate themselves, to ask questions, to reserve judgment and just
be there. These cherished people offer an attentive ear, an open mind and a big
hug. The most priceless gift you can
receive for Valentine's Day, or any other day of the year, is to know that you
are loved and supported. Chocolate doesn't hurt either.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Stress Free Summer
Remember when you
were a child and all you had to do for summer break was show up?
Even on days where there was no fun activity planned it sure beat
going to school, or doing homework. A trip to the beach was nothing
but fun! Your mom was the one who had to make all the food, pack
everything, find a parking space and then make sure you kids didn't
drown, get sunburned or get a rash from the wet sand. Now that we
are parents of special needs, or typically developing kids, we start
planning summer break in the month of March. And it's time consuming,
expensive, and a little stressful. I'm fortunate enough to be able
to stay at home so I can't imagine the stress of having to work
full-time and juggle summer childcare and activities. Makes me break
into a sweat.
In this article I
have compiled some hopefully useful tips on making the transition
from school to summer a less painful endeavor.
Have a Plan: Before
that last day ask your teachers for any tips that they may have. They
may have some excellent ideas if they live locally and they do know
your kid. Ask what academics or behaviors they would suggest you
focus on during summer break so that your child doesn't regress. And
since consistency is key in avoiding regression there should be at
least one activity a day, and one activity a week that stays the same
throughout the summer. Whether that means going to the bathroom at
the same time every day to avoid accidents, or having a quiet time
for the kids so you can catch up on laundry or work. For once a week
it could be a trip to the pool, library, etc. Just anything that is
the same to reduce anxiety and build a schedule around. The day
camps, and day trips can be built around this concrete activity.
Asking for their input will increase enthusiasm and compliance.
Show it off:
And once you come up with that schedule write it down and post it
somewhere visible. Or make a more visual picture schedule for your
non-readers. And have them mark each day off with a big X. This helps
them prepare for the next day.
Have a Plan B: You
worked hard to plan your summer down to the last minute, posted it on
a huge colorful calendar and then blam, something falls apart. You
have no problem being flexible but our children can be quite rigid.
When planning your summer remember to warn them that sometimes plans
change, and come up with some alternate activities. But I wouldn't
post those alternates on the calendar just in case those don't work
out as well, you don't want to totally blow out your kid. We are
lucky to have dry summers here in California but we do have a risk of
heat and bad air. Save the
air days , often happen when the temperature goes above 100
degrees, and local forest and brush fires make it unsafe for
children to play outside. On those days you can do whatever
activities you normally would do when it rains. Movies, bowling,
library, or just stay home to watch cartoons and build blanket forts.
Find Balance: What
if your kids are far apart in age, special needs vs. typically
developing, one is active and one is content doing more mellow
activities? You may not be able to afford a whole summer of camps,
most of us cannot. So there are days you have to find an activity
for everyone. Before summer starts make sure you have the numbers
and/or emails of the parents of the friends your kid likes to play
with. Having a couple of friends over for a play date is often easier
than entertaining your own kids. They play together, entertaining
each other and you just have to make sure they are safe. This will
give you a chance to hang out with your other child, giving them
extra attention and doing something they enjoy. Even if that is
cuddling on the couch watching their favorite show. When the other
parents reciprocate, and have your child over their house, that also
gives you a chance to do something special for one of your kids that
their sibling might not enjoy. And if you can get all your kids to a
play date you can have a few hours by yourself!! And not everyday
needs to cost a lot of money. Go to the park and bring a picnic
lunch, check your local theater for free movie times, or just stay
home and let them play with the garden hose. And remember to let
yourself enjoy the summer too! Get a sitter during the day to give
yourself a break, or a sitter at night to have a quiet dinner with
your spouse.
Whatever
you decide to do this summer have a wonderful time! And remember it's
only 12 weeks, you can do it!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Spring Holidays with Special Needs Kids
As our bodies adjust to the time change our minds start thinking about celebrating, and/or enduring, the spring holidays. The excitement and chaos of any holiday brings challenges along with joy to the parents of special needs kids.
I grew up with Easter but now celebrate Passover in my family. I converted to Judaism when I got married and honestly Easter is the only holiday I miss. I hope I can offer some useful tips on de-sensitizing some of the traditional festivities.
I may be using some vocabulary that is unfamiliar so I will offer links to definitions instead of verbose explanations.
Easter Bunny:
Everyone has a vision of their children in their Sunday finest perched on the lap of the Easter Bunny. But even for typically developing children this can be a scary experience. Practicing is best. Sounds silly I know but showing your kids pictures of the Easter Bunny and walking through the experience with words and pictures is the best way to give them a heads up, and to let you know what issues could arise. Finding a low traffic time to visit the bunny at the mall, and of course offering a treat as soon as they slide off his lap will sweeten the deal, and give the Grandparents a picture worth framing.
Easter Egg Dyeing:
Even an hard-boiled egg can be fragile in the hands of a child with a deficit in fine motor skills. When I was a child we just had the dyes and that thin metal tool used to hold the egg as we dipped into the colored water. And my mother added apple cider vinegar to the dyes to help them set better. That tool was hard to manage and I can't imagine using vinegar anywhere near my son with Sensory Processing Disorder. He has the sense of smell of a wolf and would recoil at that strong scent. There are so many great alternatives to dyes. Stickers, markers, a crayon used on a still warm egg. Or you can just use plastic eggs filling them with stickers and candy to avoid a choking incident.
Easter Egg Hunt:
This stresses me out just thinking about it! The noise, the scrambling about frantically, the competitiveness, it's a recipe for a world class meltdown. You are brave if you attempt a community egg hunt, but I suggest a fun hunt at home. How do you avoid the fights and disappointment over who found more eggs? Set aside an equal amount for each kid and write their initial on it with a Sharpie. Or one kid gets all the eggs with the red star stickers and their sibling gets the gold star sticker eggs. Hide them according to their skill level. My sons can't find an elephant in a phone booth but my daughter is more determined. For wheelchair bound children hiding eggs among table tops in plastic grass gives them an advantage. My grandfather would hide eggs as cleverly as he could and in mid July would find the ones we missed, he would just follow his nose. Trade the kids candy for their hard-boiled eggs and make deviled eggs to avoid misplaced stink bombs.
Easter Church Services:
While doing research for this article I found an excellent blog post about worshipping with your special needs child. Her suggestions and gentle words are fantastic and I really can't offer more without plagiarizing the author.
Passover Seder:
If you are unfamiliar with what a Seder is you can read the above link or I can give you a very brief definition. A Seder is a meal where you sit and read from a book called a Haggadah. Yes sitting with an ASD or ADHD child for more than an hour while you read from a book does sound awful doesn't it? But there are plenty of opportunities during the ritual to engage your child. When you first arrive, or if you are brave enough to be hosting, set aside a time that your child, all children present, can get their wiggles out. Weather permitting take them outside and run them, or have a room set aside for them to dance and move.
The Seder Table:
It is customary to set the table as beautiful as you can for Passover, but fine china and vases of flowers just don't mix with active children. This is when the holiday tradition of a kids table is of utmost importance. Target now carries lots of plastic Passover tableware.
Passover Foods:
Bitter herbs, horseradish roots, hard-boiled eggs, Gefilte fish are common on the Seder table. But these foods aren't popular with picky eaters. Putting some kid friendly snacks on the table for them to munch will keep them at the table longer. And having them sniff those strong foods ahead of time will help desensitize them to the ick factor.
The Haggadah:
Now that we are seated the real challenge begins, keeping them in their seat, or at least in the room so you can participate. Kid friendly Haggadahs do exist this is the one we use. Less words and more pictures, even the adults appreciate it. Twice during the ritual guests are asked to wash their hands, but instead of everyone getting up and rushing to the sinks, get your most active child to be the hand-washing representative. He can symbolically wash his hands for everyone. The story of the exodus has many exciting scenes that can be re-enacted by your energetic child. The parting of the sea, jumping like a frog, building a pyramid out of blocks. And if they are readers they of course can take turns reading with adult help.
Yachatz:
Like Easter, Passover has a hide and seek tradition. This time it is with a matzoh instead of an egg. Hiding half of the broken matzoh according to your child's skill level is best to avoid a meltdown. Maybe a game of hot and cold to help them locate it can speed up the process.
Singing and Communal Prayer:
My son calls it creepy and loud. And my other son gets the giggles. Bringing ear plugs for the singing will dull down the volume, and lucky them maybe completely drown out their tone deaf Uncle. A week ahead of time, practicing the Passover songs will get more participation, instead of hiding under the table with their hands over their ears.
Whatever holiday you celebrate this season I hope these tips will help and I hope you have a wonderful time.
I grew up with Easter but now celebrate Passover in my family. I converted to Judaism when I got married and honestly Easter is the only holiday I miss. I hope I can offer some useful tips on de-sensitizing some of the traditional festivities.
I may be using some vocabulary that is unfamiliar so I will offer links to definitions instead of verbose explanations.
Easter Bunny:
Everyone has a vision of their children in their Sunday finest perched on the lap of the Easter Bunny. But even for typically developing children this can be a scary experience. Practicing is best. Sounds silly I know but showing your kids pictures of the Easter Bunny and walking through the experience with words and pictures is the best way to give them a heads up, and to let you know what issues could arise. Finding a low traffic time to visit the bunny at the mall, and of course offering a treat as soon as they slide off his lap will sweeten the deal, and give the Grandparents a picture worth framing.
Easter Egg Dyeing:
Even an hard-boiled egg can be fragile in the hands of a child with a deficit in fine motor skills. When I was a child we just had the dyes and that thin metal tool used to hold the egg as we dipped into the colored water. And my mother added apple cider vinegar to the dyes to help them set better. That tool was hard to manage and I can't imagine using vinegar anywhere near my son with Sensory Processing Disorder. He has the sense of smell of a wolf and would recoil at that strong scent. There are so many great alternatives to dyes. Stickers, markers, a crayon used on a still warm egg. Or you can just use plastic eggs filling them with stickers and candy to avoid a choking incident.
Easter Egg Hunt:
This stresses me out just thinking about it! The noise, the scrambling about frantically, the competitiveness, it's a recipe for a world class meltdown. You are brave if you attempt a community egg hunt, but I suggest a fun hunt at home. How do you avoid the fights and disappointment over who found more eggs? Set aside an equal amount for each kid and write their initial on it with a Sharpie. Or one kid gets all the eggs with the red star stickers and their sibling gets the gold star sticker eggs. Hide them according to their skill level. My sons can't find an elephant in a phone booth but my daughter is more determined. For wheelchair bound children hiding eggs among table tops in plastic grass gives them an advantage. My grandfather would hide eggs as cleverly as he could and in mid July would find the ones we missed, he would just follow his nose. Trade the kids candy for their hard-boiled eggs and make deviled eggs to avoid misplaced stink bombs.
Easter Church Services:
While doing research for this article I found an excellent blog post about worshipping with your special needs child. Her suggestions and gentle words are fantastic and I really can't offer more without plagiarizing the author.
Passover Seder:
If you are unfamiliar with what a Seder is you can read the above link or I can give you a very brief definition. A Seder is a meal where you sit and read from a book called a Haggadah. Yes sitting with an ASD or ADHD child for more than an hour while you read from a book does sound awful doesn't it? But there are plenty of opportunities during the ritual to engage your child. When you first arrive, or if you are brave enough to be hosting, set aside a time that your child, all children present, can get their wiggles out. Weather permitting take them outside and run them, or have a room set aside for them to dance and move.
The Seder Table:
It is customary to set the table as beautiful as you can for Passover, but fine china and vases of flowers just don't mix with active children. This is when the holiday tradition of a kids table is of utmost importance. Target now carries lots of plastic Passover tableware.
Passover Foods:
Bitter herbs, horseradish roots, hard-boiled eggs, Gefilte fish are common on the Seder table. But these foods aren't popular with picky eaters. Putting some kid friendly snacks on the table for them to munch will keep them at the table longer. And having them sniff those strong foods ahead of time will help desensitize them to the ick factor.
The Haggadah:
Now that we are seated the real challenge begins, keeping them in their seat, or at least in the room so you can participate. Kid friendly Haggadahs do exist this is the one we use. Less words and more pictures, even the adults appreciate it. Twice during the ritual guests are asked to wash their hands, but instead of everyone getting up and rushing to the sinks, get your most active child to be the hand-washing representative. He can symbolically wash his hands for everyone. The story of the exodus has many exciting scenes that can be re-enacted by your energetic child. The parting of the sea, jumping like a frog, building a pyramid out of blocks. And if they are readers they of course can take turns reading with adult help.
Yachatz:
Like Easter, Passover has a hide and seek tradition. This time it is with a matzoh instead of an egg. Hiding half of the broken matzoh according to your child's skill level is best to avoid a meltdown. Maybe a game of hot and cold to help them locate it can speed up the process.
Singing and Communal Prayer:
My son calls it creepy and loud. And my other son gets the giggles. Bringing ear plugs for the singing will dull down the volume, and lucky them maybe completely drown out their tone deaf Uncle. A week ahead of time, practicing the Passover songs will get more participation, instead of hiding under the table with their hands over their ears.
Whatever holiday you celebrate this season I hope these tips will help and I hope you have a wonderful time.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Most Priceless Gift
February 14th,
Valentine's Day, a day of hearts, cupids, candy, a day of unrealistic
expectations and disappointment. This day reminds me of the joy of
being pregnant. All the fantasies you have of giving birth to a
ballerina, a rock star, a world class athlete or the person who cures
cancer. When you hold your son or daughter for the first time, so
excited and so proud, never in a million years did you think that you
would ever send them to school on a shorter than average bus.
Often when we are
pregnant we are lucky to share that pregnancy with another couple.
How exciting to plan future camping trips together, maybe our kids
will end up being married to each other and we will be family. A
friend of mine bought our soon to be born kids matching teddy bears
with their names engraved on the bellies of the bears. I never see
them anymore. We used to go to all their parties, and then kid's
birthday parties. But I saw the pictures from the recent party on
Facebook, and we weren't invited.
When my oldest was a baby
he belonged to a regularly scheduled playgroup. As he grew older and
his ADHD became more obvious. And I had 2 more kids, one with Autism,
it got harder to attend this playgroup. But I always responded to the
emails, and I was so happy when I could get all of us there even if
my youngest didn't last long. Suddenly the emails stopped coming. I
checked my spam folder and saw nothing. I let it go. I saw this group
at a park and they look so ashamed.
Having kids lets you know
who your real friends are, whether your kids are typically developing
or have special needs. Now I only gravitate to friends who support me
and the struggles I have with my kids. The friends who share in the
choices I make, and the joys of small successes. I don't bother with
people who act like my kids are contagious or are just “naughty”.
With the prevalence of
Autism in our society these parents are going to find it harder and
harder to shield their children from “different” children. I am
sad and disappointed to think that people I considered close friends
are raising their children to be intolerant. And being the parents
of special needs kids we really don't have the time to coddle those
who don't “get it”. To hold your hand, while you decide whether
my family is worth your time and effort. I know it's important to
educate others but I don't have the time to do that if my son is
getting ready to run out into the street.
Real friends, and loving
family take the time to educate themselves, to ask questions, to
reserve judgment and just be there. These cherished people offer an
attentive ear, an open mind and a big hug. The most priceless gift
you can receive for Valentine's Day, or any other day of the year, is
to know that you are loved and supported. Chocolate doesn't hurt
either.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Eyes on the Prize
I realize it's been awhile. I started blogging way back when all three kids still napped and we haven't had a real nap around here since my youngest was 2 years old and now he is almost 5! I promise to add more content to my blog this year. As well as carving more time for working out and not eating like a pig. I have a wedding cruise to attend in May and I don't want to be all matronly looking.
In the meantime I got myself a job. A once a month gig writing for a newsletter for an agency that offers services to kids with Autism. I will not name the agency here just in case anything I have written here pisses anyone off. This is my kind of job too! Once a month effort and I get paid in beer. Below is my first endeavor, it's rated G but enjoy anyways.
"First let me introduce
myself. My name is Charlotte Gracer and I am a stay-at-home mother
to 3 kids. My oldest son is 7 years old and was diagnosed at the age
of 5 years old with ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. My youngest
son is 4 years old and was diagnosed with Autism before age 3, and
just recently we added ADHD to make life more fun. I also have a 6
year old daughter who is typically developing, and very sassy. I'm
also responsible for a 41 year old husband and a 6-toed cat.
I am in no way an expert
on parenting, in any form, and I am not even being paid to write
this. I am merely sharing my experiences, and if anything I share
makes you feel less alone, or better about your choices, than my job
here has purpose.
The experts in this
newsletter will be educating you about establishing changes in
behavior and the minimum amount of time that takes for a change to
stick. An excruciating 6 weeks. If you want to learn, read her
article, I am just here because misery enjoys company.
As I am writing this we
are smack dab in the middle of Regression Time, or Winter Break. But
this year I was much smarter than last, when I thought the Fall would
be an excellent time to start potty-training. Wrong. Just when we
would get the youngest using the potty, it would be time for
Thanksgiving Break. Loads of laundry later, he would go back to
school, and tons of success. Then Winter Break. Laundry, carpets
cleaned, van detailed, then we are back in school and back on track.
Well I guess you can see a pattern here. It wasn't until after MLK
day, and Spring break where we finally had a nice, solid, chunk of
time for him to get the routine down pat. Including wiping his own
butt!!
This year I was smart
enough to realize that if we can just maintain behaviors, expect some
regression, and not launch into any new challenges then we are
golden. The key, for our family, was to maintain as much of a normal,
consistent schedule as we possibly could during the holidays. Which
is hard, I know. We let them stay up 30 minutes later, but the
bedtime routine was exactly the same. And if they had a late night
then we would try our hardest to make the next day, or next evening
mellow.
This habit of sticking to
our routine has rewarded us with only minimal backsliding in
behavior. My daughter has been whining a bit more, I can tell my
oldest is a little anxious because he will ask me continually what we
are doing that day, and my youngest has started his screaming again.
But just a little screaming, and only twice in public. I will take
what I can get.
Now it's back to school
time. Back to established bedtimes, back to homework, back to not
putting whipped cream in my coffee every morning. I have made a New
Year's resolution to lose weight. So I am all too aware that I have 6
torturous weeks of changing my eating habits to look forward. Well
after these wonderful holidays it's going to be more like detox. No
more beer, bacon and cookies. But I have been down this road before,
and I know if I can make it through the 6 weeks it takes to change my
behavior, I will re-establish a habit of healthy eating. I need to
keep my eyes on the prize. Just in time for the heart shaped boxes of
chocolate of Valentine's Day to tempt me back into regression. "
Monday, December 5, 2011
KGO-The Loss of a Local Landmark
On December 1st 2011 the bay area lost a landmark. Every body's favorite news talk radio station completely disemboweled themselves and fired the majority of their popular talk-show hosts. With no warning at all. No warning to their staff and no warning to their loyal listeners. This blog post by a media insider explains it best.
I realize I just lost some readers who cannot understand why I would write about something so silly as a radio station changing their format, but this station was over 30 years old. I am 41 years old, as of today, and I have been listening to this station since I was a child. It has been a constant, just like watching Saturday Night Live or The Simpsons. You tune in and they are there, always. KGO was a landmark of the bay area.
KGO fired all of their talent and now just do news 24/7, with the exception of their 9a-Noon program, which I will discuss later. (grumble, grumble). The bay area is a diverse, even eclectic micro-climate of micro-climates. You can visit the beach and then some snow, in one day, if there is a light dusting on our bay area mountain peaks. You can witness the Tea Party of Contra Costa County and visit a Nuclear Free Zone in Berkeley, all in one day. The former KGO was a perfect example of this diversity. You may not like every host, agree with every host, but they were real people with real opinions and they were all the best of the industry. And now they are gone. The station is now generic news. Generic does not represent anything about the bay area.
But wait, not all of their talk show hosts are gone! We still have Ronn Owens from 9am-Noon. Who is currently on vacation for two weeks so don't bother tuning in to him yet. On the first day of this format he pleaded with his listeners to give the new format a chance and he said he would set aside some time for people to call in and discuss this drastic change. Uhm, 20 minutes of call in time. Over 30 years of content and we get 20 minutes of grieving time. I have always been a huge fan of Ronn Owen's until Friday December 2nd. His "concern" was so insincere, so contrived. When a caller started to bemoan the loss of all those talented hosts Ronn Owens actually said, "You still have me.". He just doesn't get it. KGO is not just Ronn Owens, it was a total package.
Now the package has been ripped to shreds and will soon completely disintegrate. I am not being overly dramatic, in the wake of this horrible business move made by Cumulus quite a few Facebook and twitter accounts have sprung anew lamenting the loss of our local talent. We are peons next to this corporate giant but our pleas are not futile. Some sponsors have already suspended their accounts;
Thank you so much for writing and I guess taking a look at the Gene
Burns/KGO page on our website. We are just as shocked as you and just as
upset. I am the advertising agency for both Just Remnants and Burgermeister.
All advertising on KGO for both clients was suspended at 9:00 am this
morning.
I was one of the first advertisers to recognize the genius of Gene Burns
some 16 years ago.
I am heartbroken after a 37 year relationship with KGO and a 50 + year
relationship with Mickey Luckoff and a 16 year personal relationship with
Gene.
Jerry
I realize I just lost some readers who cannot understand why I would write about something so silly as a radio station changing their format, but this station was over 30 years old. I am 41 years old, as of today, and I have been listening to this station since I was a child. It has been a constant, just like watching Saturday Night Live or The Simpsons. You tune in and they are there, always. KGO was a landmark of the bay area.
KGO fired all of their talent and now just do news 24/7, with the exception of their 9a-Noon program, which I will discuss later. (grumble, grumble). The bay area is a diverse, even eclectic micro-climate of micro-climates. You can visit the beach and then some snow, in one day, if there is a light dusting on our bay area mountain peaks. You can witness the Tea Party of Contra Costa County and visit a Nuclear Free Zone in Berkeley, all in one day. The former KGO was a perfect example of this diversity. You may not like every host, agree with every host, but they were real people with real opinions and they were all the best of the industry. And now they are gone. The station is now generic news. Generic does not represent anything about the bay area.
But wait, not all of their talk show hosts are gone! We still have Ronn Owens from 9am-Noon. Who is currently on vacation for two weeks so don't bother tuning in to him yet. On the first day of this format he pleaded with his listeners to give the new format a chance and he said he would set aside some time for people to call in and discuss this drastic change. Uhm, 20 minutes of call in time. Over 30 years of content and we get 20 minutes of grieving time. I have always been a huge fan of Ronn Owen's until Friday December 2nd. His "concern" was so insincere, so contrived. When a caller started to bemoan the loss of all those talented hosts Ronn Owens actually said, "You still have me.". He just doesn't get it. KGO is not just Ronn Owens, it was a total package.
Now the package has been ripped to shreds and will soon completely disintegrate. I am not being overly dramatic, in the wake of this horrible business move made by Cumulus quite a few Facebook and twitter accounts have sprung anew lamenting the loss of our local talent. We are peons next to this corporate giant but our pleas are not futile. Some sponsors have already suspended their accounts;
Thank you so much for writing and I guess taking a look at the Gene
Burns/KGO page on our website. We are just as shocked as you and just as
upset. I am the advertising agency for both Just Remnants and Burgermeister.
All advertising on KGO for both clients was suspended at 9:00 am this
morning.
I was one of the first advertisers to recognize the genius of Gene Burns
some 16 years ago.
I am heartbroken after a 37 year relationship with KGO and a 50 + year
relationship with Mickey Luckoff and a 16 year personal relationship with
Gene.
Jerry
And angry loyal fans are pressuring other advertisers to do the same.
KGO will never be the same but if they work hard to hire back their dearly missed hosts, and go back to the format we loved, we may just be able to forgive them.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Weekly < 30 minute Recipe #12
Teriyaki Turkey Burgers are one of my favorite meals. They are yummy served over rice but that bumps up the points a lot. So you can serve them over lettuce.
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 egg
salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
8 Tbs. Teriyaki sauce (like Kikkoman's)
1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
can of pineapple rings in juice, with 8 Tbs. juice reserved
electric skillet if you have one
Romaine or green leaf lettuce as much as you want.
Put turkey in bowl, make a well and crack egg into it. Take off your rings and squish it all up. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder, squish a little more and form 4 patties. Pre-heat skillet to med-high heat. Whisk Teriyaki sauce, ginger and pineapple juice together in bowl.
Brown each burger 1-2 minutes each side in skillet. Reduce heat to low or simmer on electric skillet. Pour at least 2 Tbs. of sauce over each burger, and simmer with lid on for 2 minutes. Flip burgers and pour 2 more Tbs. of sauce (that should finish it off) over each burger and simmer for 2 more minutes with lid on so the sauce doesn't boil off. Check center of burger to make sure it's not pink. Serve over lettuce topped with a pineapple ring.
Turkey burger with egg is 4.5 points, the sauce for each burger is 1.5 points, each pineapple ring is 1/2 a point. Lettuce is zero points. So one turkey burger with pineapple and lettuce is 6.5 points.
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 egg
salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
8 Tbs. Teriyaki sauce (like Kikkoman's)
1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
can of pineapple rings in juice, with 8 Tbs. juice reserved
electric skillet if you have one
Romaine or green leaf lettuce as much as you want.
Put turkey in bowl, make a well and crack egg into it. Take off your rings and squish it all up. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder, squish a little more and form 4 patties. Pre-heat skillet to med-high heat. Whisk Teriyaki sauce, ginger and pineapple juice together in bowl.
Brown each burger 1-2 minutes each side in skillet. Reduce heat to low or simmer on electric skillet. Pour at least 2 Tbs. of sauce over each burger, and simmer with lid on for 2 minutes. Flip burgers and pour 2 more Tbs. of sauce (that should finish it off) over each burger and simmer for 2 more minutes with lid on so the sauce doesn't boil off. Check center of burger to make sure it's not pink. Serve over lettuce topped with a pineapple ring.
Turkey burger with egg is 4.5 points, the sauce for each burger is 1.5 points, each pineapple ring is 1/2 a point. Lettuce is zero points. So one turkey burger with pineapple and lettuce is 6.5 points.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Reader's Choice; Regrets.
I have had writer's block lately. That thing called life keeps getting in the way. I asked my "fans" on my Facebook page to inspire me and give me some topics. Both Clare and Jen asked if I had any regrets or if I could go back in a time machine what year would I change.
The answer is no. Every decision I have made, or experience that I have had, has made me the person I am today and I don't want to change that. Even the bad stuff, because it's better the devil you know, than the devil you don't.
I have been mulling about this topic all morning. When this happens my brain turns into a cable news channel. No matter what is happening on the main screen there is a line of words continuously scrolling across the bottom. I am engaged with my present life but there is that scroll of words, which are my thoughts, just moving and changing as I edit out or in what I am going to blog about later.
At first I thought I am going to list every decision or experience I have ever had and blog about why I don't regret it. But as I did a mental review of my life I got bored, sad, and embarrassed. I realized any readers were going to have those same feelings. I can handle you being sad or embarrassed but not bored!
This blog is supposed to be about moms not easily offended by the realities of life so I decided to be real. No fluffy stuff. If you can't handle that right now then you are welcome to bail and go read Moms Who Drink and Swear (my favorite).
I am going to write about experiences and decisions I have made, but only since becoming a mother. So as to keep it brief, and not bore the shit out of everyone. Below will be a list of the topics:
Having kids
Getting pregnant on my honeymoon
Not breastfeeding beyond 6 months
Getting a nanny even though I am a stay-at-home-mom
Abortion/Autism/The big V
Buying this house
Anti-depressants
Starting my blog
Quitting the Mom's Club before getting kicked out of it
Mike's diagnosis
Re-joining the Mom's Club
Almost losing my colon
Right now
If you are starting to get bored already I will just tell that the question is do I regret any of these and the answer is no. But if you want to know why then read on.
Having kids: For those who have known me pre marriage I used to say that I didn't want to have kids at all. And I meant it. But that's because I never met a man who I thought was capable of being a good father. Then I found Erik. Problem solved, he is a kick ass dad, husband and my best friend.
Getting pregnant on my honeymoon: I don't regret that though it was surprising and a tad inconvenient. I was wearing maternity clothes and still sending out thank you cards for wedding gifts.
Not breastfeeding beyond 6 months: I only lasted this long with Mike because he was a bad sucker and I mostly pumped and fed him breast milk from a bottle anyways. And I wouldn't have gotten pregnant with Bekah if I had continued to breastfeed him. I only lasted 6 months with Bekah because I needed to go on an antibiotic for 2 weeks so I just quit. I lasted 10 months with Jake because he was a good sucker and by then I could nurse and walk around and yell at the other two.
Getting a nanny: LOSER! You are a stay-at-home-mom and you have a nanny how fucking lazy are you?! This is what I used to think about women with nannies. Then when Bekah was 5 weeks old I was nursing her and Mike got mad because Sesame Street ended so he launched himself off the couch, did a flip, landed on his head, held his breath and passed out. I thought he was going to be a paraplegic. I put Bekah on the floor and dialed 9-1-1. Mike was of course fine and showed the super cute firemen his firetruck. I was still in my jammies with milk leaking from my breasts and generally looked like shit. The next day I started the search for a nanny and I never looked back. When you find the right person to care for your kids you realize that there is nothing wrong with another person loving your children.
Abortion/Autism/The big V: Life was perfect! I had a boy, I had a girl, my husband's practice was going great, our house had gone up in value and then blam I got pregnant again! The birth control pill failed me for the first time in my life. I was NOT going to have 3 kids all under the age of 3 years old and all in diapers, oh hell no!!!!! But my husband talked me out of it, he said,"Families who can afford to feed their kids don't have abortions.". And I am glad I listened. He did schedule a vasectomy that day to be done in the future.
Some of you may be thinking that, "Wow she chose to have her son and then he ended up having Autism. I wonder if she regrets that.". No. He's the cutest one. I don't regret, I don't resent. His dimples, big brown eyes and blonde curls are those of an angel. And that's what he is. A mystery, a challenge, an angel. Every day I am a better person because of him. That doesn't mean I don't yell at him like I do to my other two but sometimes when nobody is looking I give him extra candy. He's my baby. He's my heart walking outside of my body that I will never be able to fully protect.
Some of you may be thinking that, "Wow she chose to have her son and then he ended up having Autism. I wonder if she regrets that.". No. He's the cutest one. I don't regret, I don't resent. His dimples, big brown eyes and blonde curls are those of an angel. And that's what he is. A mystery, a challenge, an angel. Every day I am a better person because of him. That doesn't mean I don't yell at him like I do to my other two but sometimes when nobody is looking I give him extra candy. He's my baby. He's my heart walking outside of my body that I will never be able to fully protect.
Please watch this video while I go dab my eyes. It never fails to make me laugh.
Buying this house: I miss my old house. It had a giant grassy yard with tons of trees. But it was too small for our growing family. So we put it up for sale, and selling that house and moving into this house, which tanked in value almost did me in. I started to bite my fingernails for the first time in my life. Keeping a house clean enough to sell with 3 kids under the age of 3 was brutal and then moving and unpacking......actually I never finished unpacking and we have been here for 4 years. But we have a bigger house and someday the value will be regained. And our old house was perfect for the family that moved into it.
Anti-depressants: Shortly after we moved into this house I started to wean Jake. I had gotten pregnant so quickly after having Bekah and Mike that I never experienced any post-partum "feelings". I really thought I had escaped it, and I was so happy because that sure didn't look fun. And then I weaned Jake and my body was not nursing and not pregnant for the first time in 3 years. I won't share the gory details, if you have been there yourself you don't want to hear it anyways. I used to think anti-depressants were for weak people. IDIOT!!!! I will never go off of them, ever. If momma ain't happy then ain't nobody happy.
Starting my blog: I had another blog before this, "You Sure Do Have Your Hands Full." Erik suggested I write to help me get stuff off my chest. Marrying him was the best choice I ever made even though he created a monster with the whole blog thing. It was a great idea but it got me in trouble and that blog is private now. Read below.
Quitting the Mom's Club before getting kicked out: I promise not to rehash this embarrassing episode of my life. You can read about it here. I don't regret that because I wouldn't have started this blog.
Mike's Diagnosis: March 2 years ago my oldest son was diagnosed with ADHD and Sensory Processing disorder and my youngest was diagnosed with Autism. Not a good month. I went through all the stages of denial etc. etc. and now I look at Mike's diagnosis as a gift and Jake's as a challenge. All my children are gifts I don't deserve.
Re-joining the Mom's Club: Yep after all that drama I asked to return. I still had a young one at home and he needed socialization. I am totally glad I did even if I had to swallow my pride.
Almost losing my colon: The last year and a 1/2 were the worst for my health. I have Ulcerative Colitis and almost lost my colon. Last ditch switch to a new medication and I am totally happy and healthy again.
Right now: I am good! I am healthy, so are my kids. All of them are excelling in school and we are taking Jake to a developmental pediatrician to get a more detailed treatment plan. My husband is moving into a brand new office and even though he is a grouchy ass nervous wreck right now, it's going to be wonderful. I have an awesome support system of friends and family and I am so grateful for everything in my life.
I don't regret anything. Here is a song to express my feelings.
Wait for it.......right after the minute mark and it's worth it.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Stupid Assholes
Do you ever get really frustrated with your atypical child? Most of the time you are patient, but sometimes you wish for a kid who doesn't think outside of the box. Can't they just be a jock/cheerleader kid and not a blue-spiky-haired kid?
You draw a deep breath and look away only to see another parent look at your child with a disdainful look. WTF? Whoa Nellie! I can be irritated with my child but you need to be grateful to be breathing the same oxygen as my kid!!
And 20 years from now when your kid turns over their paycheck to you for rent money you will see my kids signature on the bottom.
That is all.
You draw a deep breath and look away only to see another parent look at your child with a disdainful look. WTF? Whoa Nellie! I can be irritated with my child but you need to be grateful to be breathing the same oxygen as my kid!!
And 20 years from now when your kid turns over their paycheck to you for rent money you will see my kids signature on the bottom.
That is all.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Week of Weight Watcher's Menus #2
Monday of this week I had a laproscopy to get rid of some endometriosis. It was outpatient and minor, but I still had to rest and I can't lift anything heavy, like children or a basket full of laundry. The best part of this week was getting rid of the endometriosis and the 2nd best part of this week was getting a meal delivered every night! I have a wonderful and supportive group of friends and they have been feeding my family all week. Everything has been sinfully delicious. But of course no exercise and large portions of comfort food is not good for the waistline.
I won't be ready for the gym by next week but I have to start being strict with my diet, or else I could pass for Santa by the time December rolls around. So below is a re-post of a week of Weight Watchers inspired meals. Wish me luck.
Monday, Monday
Breakfast=1 cup plain instant oatmeal with 3/4 cup blueberries=3 pts. Coffee with FF vanilla creamer=1pt.
Lunch= can of low-fat lentil soup and bag of pre-shredded carrots, simmer until carrots are tender, top with FF sour cream 2 Tbs.=5 pts. 1 small orange=0 pt.
Snack choices= All of these are zero points: 10 baby carrots, 1 side salad with FF Italian dressing, 1 small orange or peach. 1 points each: 1 slice canadian bacon, 5 cups over 90% FF popcorn, 1 slice FF cheese, 1 small whole wheat pita, 2 squares graham crackers, 1/2 cup cooked shrimp,1/2 cup cooked oatmeal,1/2 cup light yogurt,1 4inch pancake made from a mix, 1 medium apple, orange or pear.
Dinner= French Dip Roast Beef Sandwich 7 pts.
Recipe= 1 8oz. loaf French bread, cut in 1/2 horizontally, then vertically into 4 equal slices to make 8 pieces total
12 oz. cooked lean roast beef deli meat thinly sliced
2 cups low fat beef broth
Heat 2 cup Pyrex cup of beef broth in microwave, make 4 sandwiches with 1.5 oz beef each sandwich. Pour 1/4 cup of warm broth into 4 ramekins (little bowls) and dip your sandwich in broth and chow down. Horseradish is 0 points if you want to spread some on your sandwich.
Steam 1.5 cups of carrots and 1/2 cup broccoli florets=1 pt.
1 cup green grapes= 1 pt.
Taco Tuesday
Breakfast=2 toasted low-fat frozen waffles topped with 2 TBs low calorie syrup= 4pts.
Lunch= 2oz lean ham, 1 slice low-fat Swiss cheese on reduced calorie rye bread (2 slices) lettuce, tomato, and mustard=5 pts. 1 medium sliced apple=1pt.
Snack choices= 12 almonds= 2 pts., 1/2 cup FF frozen yogurt 2 pts.
Dinner=Turkey Taco Salad
Recipe: 1 lb. lean ground turkey
15 oz can of black beans
low sodium Taco seasoning packet
lettuce
1 heaping Tbs. FF sour cream, per person
1/4 cup shredded cheese (or less, per person)
small handful crushed tortilla chips, per person
red or green FF salsa to taste
Follow instructions on back of Taco seasoning packet. Before simmering add 1 can drained black beans. Pile as much lettuce as you want on your plate load up a 1/2 cup of turkey mixture onto plate,add salsa to taste, crush the chips, sprinkle the cheese and top with sour cream. 9.5 points per person
Corona Lite with lime= 2 points
Husband Home Late Wednesday
Breakfast= 3/4 cup Honey Nut Cheerios and 1/2 cup skim milk with small sliced banana= 4 pts.
Lunch=Leftover Turkey Taco Salad
Snack = 0 pts. veggie soup with one slice 2% milk swiss cheese melted on top=2pts
Dinner= Any frozen WW entree, or Eating Right, or Lean Cuisine (most of them have WW points listed right on the box) 7 pts. Very large glass of wine = 3 pts.
Thirsty Thursday
Breakfast= Pina Colada Smoothie (from WW website)
I broke my blender but this smoothie sounds worth buying another. Do not add rum until kids are in school.
16 oz canned pineapple, packed in juice, chunks, undrained
6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup(s) light coconut milk
1 cup(s) ice cube(s)
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a blender and purée until smooth, adding more ice cubes if necessary to create a thick purée. Pour into 4 tall glasses and serve. Yields about 1 cup per serving. 3 pts. per serving.
Lunch=0 points veggie soup with melted 2% milk swiss cheese, large salad with 4 slices of 97% FF smoked deli ham chopped and 2 Tbs. light Ranch dressing=5 pts.
Snack=1 oz bag of Sun Chips Harvest Cheddar flavor= 3pts.
Dinner= Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken= 5 pts. per 1 cup serving
Hot and Sour Soup (off of WW website)
POINTS® Value: 1Servings: 6Preparation Time: 15 minCooking Time: 10 minLevel of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
4 cup(s) fat-free chicken broth
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp Asian hot sauce, or chili paste, or to taste (or Tabasco and Asian fish sauce mixed together)
2 cup(s) shiitake mushroom(s), sliced (or pre-sliced white mushrooms)
1/3 cup(s) bamboo shoots, sliced (optional)
9 oz firm tofu, about 1 cup, diced
1 Tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2 green onions , sliced
Instructions
In a soup pot, stir together broth, vinegar, hot sauce, soy sauce, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and tofu. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and simmer 2 minutes more. Serve, sprinkling each bowl with sliced scallions. Yields about 1 cup per serving. 1 pt. per serving.
Drive-Thru Friday*
I do not condone hitting the drive-thru 3 times in one day, but just in case you are having one of those days I have listed the most common foods to help you make reasonable choices. Or not. With WW you do have that extra 35 points a week option, which leaves a window open for mistakes/parties/PMS.
Breakfast= McDonald's= Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait w/low-fat yogurt without granola= 3pts.
Egg McMuffin=6 pts.
Sausage McMuffin= 9 pts.
Bacon,Egg and cheese biscuit= 11 pts.
Starbucks= all brewed coffee, any size= 0 points
Grande Non-fat Mocha without whip= 5 pts. my fave until I found out the points
Grande Cappucino w/non-fat milk=2 pts.
Grande Latte w/non-fat milk=3 pts.
Lunch= Burger Kind= Orig. Whopper w/mayo=9 pts.
Orig. Whopper w/out mayo= 7 pts.
Orig. Whopper w/cheese but w/out mayo= 15 pts.
Med. fries=8 pts.
Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich w/honey mustard or bbq sauce= 9 pts.
Taco Bell= Fresco Burrito Supreme chicken or beef= 7 pts.
beef burrito supreme= 10 pts.
Chalupa Baja beef= 10 pts.
Cheese Quesadilla=12 pts.
Snack choice= Heaven is paved with McDonald's french fries. When I was pregnant with Michael I hit the drive-thru so often the guy began to recognize me so I changed McDonald's.
Small fries= 5 pts.
Medium fries= 8 pts.
Large fries = 12 pts.
Dinner= In-N-Out Burger= Hamburger with onion=9 pts.
Cheeseburger with onion= 11 pts.
Double-Double with onion= 16 pts.
Fries= 9 pts.
All flavors of shakes= 17 pts.
Scrounging Saturday
Breakfast=choices from week above.
Lunch= finish off all of those leftovers.
Snack choices= check the week above.
Dinner= Same as lunch.
Comfort Food Sunday
Breakfast=scrambled egg, 1 slice Canadian style bacon, 1 cup grapes= 4 pts.
Lunch= WW Mac and Cheese= 5 pts.
Snack choices= 8 celery stalks with 1/2 cup of salsa has 90 calories, 1 gram of fat and 7 grams of fiber for a POINTS value of 1., 15 baked lays= 2 pts.
Dinner=Meatloaf Muffins Servings…12 servings(From WW website)
1 lb. ground turkey or ground beef
1 package Stove Top Stuffing
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped fine
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 egg whites or ¼ c. egg beaters
1 c. hot water
1 pkg onion soup mix
1/4 cup of ketchup
Mix stove top and water in a large bowl, stir with fork until moistened. In another bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Add stuffing to mixture. Fill sprayed muffin tins almost to the top with mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. 2.5 points per muffin.
Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
10 medium potato(es), red (about 2 1/2 lbs)
1/2 cup(s) buttermilk, warmed (if you don't have buttermilk just add a tsp. of lemon juice)
3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, strong-flavored, grated
1/4 cup(s) chives, chopped
1 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with an inch of water; bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer and cook until fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to pot.
Mash potatoes with a potato masher. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well to combine. Yields about 2/3 cup per serving. 2 pts. per serving 8 servings
I won't be ready for the gym by next week but I have to start being strict with my diet, or else I could pass for Santa by the time December rolls around. So below is a re-post of a week of Weight Watchers inspired meals. Wish me luck.
Monday, Monday
Breakfast=1 cup plain instant oatmeal with 3/4 cup blueberries=3 pts. Coffee with FF vanilla creamer=1pt.
Lunch= can of low-fat lentil soup and bag of pre-shredded carrots, simmer until carrots are tender, top with FF sour cream 2 Tbs.=5 pts. 1 small orange=0 pt.
Snack choices= All of these are zero points: 10 baby carrots, 1 side salad with FF Italian dressing, 1 small orange or peach. 1 points each: 1 slice canadian bacon, 5 cups over 90% FF popcorn, 1 slice FF cheese, 1 small whole wheat pita, 2 squares graham crackers, 1/2 cup cooked shrimp,1/2 cup cooked oatmeal,1/2 cup light yogurt,1 4inch pancake made from a mix, 1 medium apple, orange or pear.
Dinner= French Dip Roast Beef Sandwich 7 pts.
Recipe= 1 8oz. loaf French bread, cut in 1/2 horizontally, then vertically into 4 equal slices to make 8 pieces total
12 oz. cooked lean roast beef deli meat thinly sliced
2 cups low fat beef broth
Heat 2 cup Pyrex cup of beef broth in microwave, make 4 sandwiches with 1.5 oz beef each sandwich. Pour 1/4 cup of warm broth into 4 ramekins (little bowls) and dip your sandwich in broth and chow down. Horseradish is 0 points if you want to spread some on your sandwich.
Steam 1.5 cups of carrots and 1/2 cup broccoli florets=1 pt.
1 cup green grapes= 1 pt.
Taco Tuesday
Breakfast=2 toasted low-fat frozen waffles topped with 2 TBs low calorie syrup= 4pts.
Lunch= 2oz lean ham, 1 slice low-fat Swiss cheese on reduced calorie rye bread (2 slices) lettuce, tomato, and mustard=5 pts. 1 medium sliced apple=1pt.
Snack choices= 12 almonds= 2 pts., 1/2 cup FF frozen yogurt 2 pts.
Dinner=Turkey Taco Salad
Recipe: 1 lb. lean ground turkey
15 oz can of black beans
low sodium Taco seasoning packet
lettuce
1 heaping Tbs. FF sour cream, per person
1/4 cup shredded cheese (or less, per person)
small handful crushed tortilla chips, per person
red or green FF salsa to taste
Follow instructions on back of Taco seasoning packet. Before simmering add 1 can drained black beans. Pile as much lettuce as you want on your plate load up a 1/2 cup of turkey mixture onto plate,add salsa to taste, crush the chips, sprinkle the cheese and top with sour cream. 9.5 points per person
Corona Lite with lime= 2 points
Husband Home Late Wednesday
Breakfast= 3/4 cup Honey Nut Cheerios and 1/2 cup skim milk with small sliced banana= 4 pts.
Lunch=Leftover Turkey Taco Salad
Snack = 0 pts. veggie soup with one slice 2% milk swiss cheese melted on top=2pts
Dinner= Any frozen WW entree, or Eating Right, or Lean Cuisine (most of them have WW points listed right on the box) 7 pts. Very large glass of wine = 3 pts.
Thirsty Thursday
Breakfast= Pina Colada Smoothie (from WW website)
I broke my blender but this smoothie sounds worth buying another. Do not add rum until kids are in school.
16 oz canned pineapple, packed in juice, chunks, undrained
6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup(s) light coconut milk
1 cup(s) ice cube(s)
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a blender and purée until smooth, adding more ice cubes if necessary to create a thick purée. Pour into 4 tall glasses and serve. Yields about 1 cup per serving. 3 pts. per serving.
Lunch=0 points veggie soup with melted 2% milk swiss cheese, large salad with 4 slices of 97% FF smoked deli ham chopped and 2 Tbs. light Ranch dressing=5 pts.
Snack=1 oz bag of Sun Chips Harvest Cheddar flavor= 3pts.
Dinner= Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken= 5 pts. per 1 cup serving
Hot and Sour Soup (off of WW website)
POINTS® Value: 1Servings: 6Preparation Time: 15 minCooking Time: 10 minLevel of Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
4 cup(s) fat-free chicken broth
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp Asian hot sauce, or chili paste, or to taste (or Tabasco and Asian fish sauce mixed together)
2 cup(s) shiitake mushroom(s), sliced (or pre-sliced white mushrooms)
1/3 cup(s) bamboo shoots, sliced (optional)
9 oz firm tofu, about 1 cup, diced
1 Tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2 green onions , sliced
Instructions
In a soup pot, stir together broth, vinegar, hot sauce, soy sauce, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and tofu. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in cornstarch and simmer 2 minutes more. Serve, sprinkling each bowl with sliced scallions. Yields about 1 cup per serving. 1 pt. per serving.
Drive-Thru Friday*
I do not condone hitting the drive-thru 3 times in one day, but just in case you are having one of those days I have listed the most common foods to help you make reasonable choices. Or not. With WW you do have that extra 35 points a week option, which leaves a window open for mistakes/parties/PMS.
Breakfast= McDonald's= Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait w/low-fat yogurt without granola= 3pts.
Egg McMuffin=6 pts.
Sausage McMuffin= 9 pts.
Bacon,Egg and cheese biscuit= 11 pts.
Starbucks= all brewed coffee, any size= 0 points
Grande Non-fat Mocha without whip= 5 pts. my fave until I found out the points
Grande Cappucino w/non-fat milk=2 pts.
Grande Latte w/non-fat milk=3 pts.
Lunch= Burger Kind= Orig. Whopper w/mayo=9 pts.
Orig. Whopper w/out mayo= 7 pts.
Orig. Whopper w/cheese but w/out mayo= 15 pts.
Med. fries=8 pts.
Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich w/honey mustard or bbq sauce= 9 pts.
Taco Bell= Fresco Burrito Supreme chicken or beef= 7 pts.
beef burrito supreme= 10 pts.
Chalupa Baja beef= 10 pts.
Cheese Quesadilla=12 pts.
Snack choice= Heaven is paved with McDonald's french fries. When I was pregnant with Michael I hit the drive-thru so often the guy began to recognize me so I changed McDonald's.
Small fries= 5 pts.
Medium fries= 8 pts.
Large fries = 12 pts.
Dinner= In-N-Out Burger= Hamburger with onion=9 pts.
Cheeseburger with onion= 11 pts.
Double-Double with onion= 16 pts.
Fries= 9 pts.
All flavors of shakes= 17 pts.
Scrounging Saturday
Breakfast=choices from week above.
Lunch= finish off all of those leftovers.
Snack choices= check the week above.
Dinner= Same as lunch.
Comfort Food Sunday
Breakfast=scrambled egg, 1 slice Canadian style bacon, 1 cup grapes= 4 pts.
Lunch= WW Mac and Cheese= 5 pts.
Snack choices= 8 celery stalks with 1/2 cup of salsa has 90 calories, 1 gram of fat and 7 grams of fiber for a POINTS value of 1., 15 baked lays= 2 pts.
Dinner=Meatloaf Muffins Servings…12 servings(From WW website)
1 lb. ground turkey or ground beef
1 package Stove Top Stuffing
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped fine
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 egg whites or ¼ c. egg beaters
1 c. hot water
1 pkg onion soup mix
1/4 cup of ketchup
Mix stove top and water in a large bowl, stir with fork until moistened. In another bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Add stuffing to mixture. Fill sprayed muffin tins almost to the top with mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. 2.5 points per muffin.
Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
10 medium potato(es), red (about 2 1/2 lbs)
1/2 cup(s) buttermilk, warmed (if you don't have buttermilk just add a tsp. of lemon juice)
3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, strong-flavored, grated
1/4 cup(s) chives, chopped
1 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with an inch of water; bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer and cook until fork-tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to pot.
Mash potatoes with a potato masher. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well to combine. Yields about 2/3 cup per serving. 2 pts. per serving 8 servings
Thursday, August 25, 2011
What It's Like
Below is a picture of my 3 monkeys. My four year old on the far right is named Jacob and he has Autism. He's beautiful.
I get a lot of emails and Facebook postings in regards to Autism in an attempt to educate myself about my son's condition. I don't read all of them and I rarely watch a video. Today I did, and I am so glad. It's hard to explain how it feels to have a child with Autism and not everyone has the same experience. I find it hard to put my feelings about my son into words. I don't want to get emotional or sound flippant, I don't want pity and I don't want to make others feel uncomfortable. Questions are welcome, parenting advice is not.
The video I watched today.......nailed it. At least for me. This father, without using spoken words, said exactly what I feel. And when he held up the notecard that says, "They came to our house.", my tears started flowing. Ugh, I hate crying sooo much! But that day those people came to my house to assess Jacob was, excuse my language, absolutely shitty!
In fact the experience inspired me to write a poem, not something you will usually get from me unless it's more like a dirty limerick. I copied my poem below this video. Will you watch it for me? Will you read my poem? I appreciate you.
a retching cough
rub my eyes
tuck a curl behind my ear
wipe the hot tears off my cheeks
3 faces swimming in my living room
telling me my youngest needs further assesment forAutism
I scoop up my son
I offer them coffee and fudge
he sings Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star into my ear
I squeeze him and rock him
I glance at the clock
one face asks me if I need to leave to pick up my other kids
I say no we have 30 minutes
He laughs, looks at his colleagues and says, "We rocked this.".
Another face grimaces and asks me if I have questions.
Yes.
Can you be wrong?
Can somebody else with more letters behind their surname
deliver better news?
And once my child suceeds beyond all expectations
can his records be sealed so nobody can ever label him?
I need to go to bed,
I need to drive,
I need to drink,
I need to go to the beach and feel the sand beneath my toes,
I need the sound of the surf in my ears,
I need the cold wind to bring fresh tears to my eyes.
I need to yell,
I need to kick,
I need to hit,
And I can't.
I am a mother
and I have to maintain.
I have to smile.
I have to love.
Jump through hoops.
I need help.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Vote for me, me, me!! Please.
http://sanfrancisco.blogger.cbslocal.com/most-valuable-blogger/vote/lifestyle/
If ever I have made you laugh, cry in a good way, made you spit some liquid out, say, "No shit.", "Amen Sister." No way fuck that!" outloud, made you mad, offended you, or just made you smirk appreciatively please go vote for me.
Push the big button or the small link above to take you to the very easy voting page.
Gracias
Grassy Ass
Thanks,
N.E.O. Mom
If ever I have made you laugh, cry in a good way, made you spit some liquid out, say, "No shit.", "Amen Sister." No way fuck that!" outloud, made you mad, offended you, or just made you smirk appreciatively please go vote for me.
Push the big button or the small link above to take you to the very easy voting page.
Gracias
Grassy Ass
Thanks,
N.E.O. Mom
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Farrah, My Hair Icon, R.I.P.
Can you believe it's been 2 years since she died?! This is something I wrote on my old blog "You Sure Do Have Your Hands Full".
With all the events going on in the world right now writing about the passing of Farrah Fawcett may seem shallow. But I loved her! I was born in 1970 and any girl born of that era wanted Farrah Fawcett hair. So feathery and full. See photo of me below for why this was an unattainable dream.
It was so unfair. My mom has a perm in this picture, her hair is straight, couldn't I have straight hair? Just so that I could curl it with a curling iron like all my girlfriends. Kellie, Linda, my cousin Crissy's hair was to die for. Look at my brothers! Blonde and blue-eyed! A complete injustice!!
I loved you so much Farrah! You were on Charlie's Angels for only one season and that is the only season I ever watched.
I tried to straighten my hair with perms, a blow dryer, and once horrible chemicals that made my hair fall out in chunks. But I still held on desperately to the straight pieces of hair that didn't fall out, and combed them over the bald spots. I did this against everyone's advice until a mean 8th grade boy asked me if I had been in a fire. I finally got a haircut.
At least in my high school years the spiral perm started to take off and I was such an angry teen that I started to care less about looking like everyone else.
But I was never angry at Farrah.
I finally waved the white flag of surrender, and my hair called a truce.
And now that I am older there are actually hair products for my hair. So we are good.
Farrah 62 years is too young to die. And to suffer from such an "unglamorous" cancer. I am so sorry, you deserved to die painlessly. But you were still so beautiful. Now I can only wish to be as gorgeous as you when I am 62. Rest In Peace, now you really are an angel.
With all the events going on in the world right now writing about the passing of Farrah Fawcett may seem shallow. But I loved her! I was born in 1970 and any girl born of that era wanted Farrah Fawcett hair. So feathery and full. See photo of me below for why this was an unattainable dream. 
It was so unfair. My mom has a perm in this picture, her hair is straight, couldn't I have straight hair? Just so that I could curl it with a curling iron like all my girlfriends. Kellie, Linda, my cousin Crissy's hair was to die for. Look at my brothers! Blonde and blue-eyed! A complete injustice!!
I loved you so much Farrah! You were on Charlie's Angels for only one season and that is the only season I ever watched.
I tried to straighten my hair with perms, a blow dryer, and once horrible chemicals that made my hair fall out in chunks. But I still held on desperately to the straight pieces of hair that didn't fall out, and combed them over the bald spots. I did this against everyone's advice until a mean 8th grade boy asked me if I had been in a fire. I finally got a haircut.
At least in my high school years the spiral perm started to take off and I was such an angry teen that I started to care less about looking like everyone else.
But I was never angry at Farrah.
I finally waved the white flag of surrender, and my hair called a truce.
And now that I am older there are actually hair products for my hair. So we are good.
Farrah 62 years is too young to die. And to suffer from such an "unglamorous" cancer. I am so sorry, you deserved to die painlessly. But you were still so beautiful. Now I can only wish to be as gorgeous as you when I am 62. Rest In Peace, now you really are an angel.
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