a wannabe witch

**Happy Halloween!**

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I love this sign! Find it here.

Another Halloween is upon us. I am going to be a witch again this year. Evan was disappointed because he said I can't be the same thing two years in a row. He said it would be okay as long as I am a different looking witch this year ; ) I wonder if I missed my calling as a witch. I would like to be a mostly good witch. Wouldn't it be cool if universities offered degrees in fields of wiccan arts. If you follow a wiccan calendar, you realize the importance placed on celebrating the changing of the seasons and the respect for the powers of nature as well as utilizing our own innate human abilities. That kind of stuff appeals to me. Yet for now I will live out my witchy dreams on Halloween like so many other wannabe witches.

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Halloween 2009 pictures coming soon!

A Small House on a Big Mission

The playhouse to be raffled to raise money for our area CASA program.Evan & I went to check out this year's playhouse today. As a CASA volunteer I can't win this playhouse, but if I could it would be my very own private domain ; ) The inside is decked out with laminate wood flooring, window draperies, a chandelier, and an area rug that is nicer than the one in my living room ; ) For only $5 you can buy a ticket and have a chance to win this gem for yourself or a young person in your life... and help support area foster kids!

more info on CASA here

Wrapped in Goldfish and Love

What to do with lots of goldfish fabric and blue and white polka dot minky chenille fabric?

Make a goldfish quilt of course.

I asked my mom to make me a blue and orange quilt. I don't know that my mom is that crazy about the combinations in the quilt, but I love it! It is one of those things that you really have to see in person to fully appreciate all the details that went into making this quilt. It's fabulous and funky, comfy and cozy, it makes my smile, and it was made with love.

**Thanks, Mom!**

mushy brain syndrome

My brain is turning to mush. Probably not the best time to blog, but we are all friends here ; )

I have two court reports due on Monday. Both of my CASA cases have the same court date so the reports have the same due date to be filed with the clerk. Trying to keep everything straight in each case and articulating myself using an appropriate format and language that will have the lowest risk of getting my report thrown out by the parents' attorney or the judge, is turning my brain extra gooey. And I can't get the Law and Order theme out of my head as I work ; )

All work and no fun indeed makes me very unfun to be around. No need to point fingers... I am fully aware. Luckily it isn't all work for me. Evan and I enjoyed a glorious Fall morning hiking a trail that was new to us. I also had a little time when Markas got home from work to make an ATC card for a favorite URL friend of mine. We are doing a 5 for 5 swap. We each make 5 different ATCs and then trade. Her name is Linda too... not to be confused with My Linda. Both Lindas happen to be my most favorite ATC "crushes" and constant sources of creative inspiration.

Off to rest my brain and hope it re-solidifies soon

a glimpse into our future

I look at this x-ray of Evan's teeth and think (a) that is really cool and (b) nice to know that all of his permanent teeth are accounted for.

Our dentist looks at this x-ray and sees orthodontics in our future : / No crystal ball needed ; )

Poor Evan is taking after me (big teeth and not enough space for them). She mentioned "expansion" (aka pulling teeth) and orthodontic treatment after Evan's front eight teeth are all in. So we have some time, but should probably start the braces fund collection jar ASAP.

I have to say though even in a x-ray Evan's missing front teeth are cute : )

Oh Pumpkin Roll, Why Do You Taunt Me So?

I keep telling my self that I need to do an update about my Jenny Craig experience. Just haven't gotten around to it until now. So it has been three weeks. The weight loss is moving along as planned. Inches are shrinking. Nothing is going as fast as I would like, however everything is moving as fast as is healthy. The food has been a little bit of a struggle. I am just too picky for my own good. And I have moments that hit me like a tidal wave... maybe I see a yummy picture of a chocolate chip cookie and I have an urge to smell it or lick it. This morning I had a showdown with a pumpkin roll at Wally-World. Moist pumpkin cake rolled up with a decadent cream cheese filling... you would go so wonderfully with a glass of milk. If only people could have read my mind as I faced down with this bakery item of evil... [sign] it was like a WWE match in my brain. I even watch Top Chef reruns with a tad bit more longing. I like to tell Markas that those cooking shows are blatant food porn ; )

But here is where the good part comes in. As skeptical as I was about joining a diet program, I can now say that there is a method to the madness. It isn't about the planned food menus. 'Cuz now I realize that I am a person that needs my weekly "therapy" session with my JC consultant. I need someone to get in my head and have an answer for all of my issues and excuses. I need to be reminded every single week that food is about sustaining your body not healing your pains or celebrating your victories. Yes I feel like I have broken up with bread, cheese and cookies, but I have never been in a healthy relationship with any of them. It wasn't you... it was me... honest. Maybe somewhere down the road we can be friends. LOL Most days I feel more energized which hopefully means my pancreas and liver are handling the new plan well. My homework for this week is to come up with non-food rewards for myself. Strangely enough it has kind of stumped me a little. (If I could stand back and study myself I would find me down right fascinating on a psychological level.) It may take me a long time to stop thinking of food as a reward. I know I am not anywhere close to that point yet because my consultant says "Hey you lost 2 pounds this week. Way to go!" and my mind instinctively tells me "Hey you deserve a yummy treat for a job well done". It's twisted I know : /

I would like to thank Jenny for rescuing me from my cravings today! My Jenny Craig snack for today was a pumpkin spice cake with a dollop of cream cheese frosting. Pumpkin roll it was not, but it still hit the spot. Jenny, how did you know what I wanted? ; )

Three Little Birds for Linda

I enjoyed girl time with my Linda last night. I made her this ATC for her new blog.

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

ATC the Music

More from Our Time in the Clouds

more pictures from Mt. Nebo October 2009

pictures from my folks and my camera phone

The weather conditions were certainly different on this trip. Cool, rainy weather was our constant companion. And low clouds hugged the sides of the mountain making us feel as if we were at the edge of the world. We weren't able to fully take in the Fall splendor, but the rain filled up the streams making roaring waterfalls (which thrilled Evan) and the fog made for some interesting photo opportunities (which challenged me).

Evan standing at the edge of the world (camera phone)

the guys at the overlook - same spot as the picture of Markas & Evan from our July trip

(see October 11th post to compare)

Evan conquering the big rocks

roasting hot dogs in the wood stove at MeMaw & PaPa's cabin

Evan & the rest of The Wild Blackcats

**this season's official soccer pictures**

Evan's team (minus one player who had a Cub Scouts Jamboree on picture day). The Wild Blackcats won the silver medal in the U7 tournament! There are eight U7 teams this season so that isn't too shabby at all : )

Way to go, Blackcats!

Our Time in the Clouds

Mt. Nebo - October '09

**more about our trip coming soon**

Upper Elevations

(picture from July 2009 trip)

We are heading back to our rustic cabin on the mountain for a few days. My parents are joining us on this trip. I am excited to see the Fall scenery. I have heard that October is the best time to go.

For the Record

Did you read The Very Hungry Caterpillar today?

Today was Read for the Record Day. This year's book was about a very hungry caterpillar. And for the record it is a book that I am extremely fond of. It is found in memories of my childhood as well as those of Evan's early years. In fact Evan's first birthday party was a The Very Hungry Caterpillar themed party that included a 3-D caterpillar cake.

Evan said his class read the book at school today. Tonight I pulled the book from our bookshelf at home to read it to Evan before bedtime and gosh darn it all if he didn't read it me. For the record that was a super special mommy moment. And now I have a new memory to add to my Caterpillar collection : )

www.readfortherecord.org

random questions just for fun ; )

I googled 'random questions' and took the first list and answered the questions.

**prepare for my unrelenting wit and fiery sarcasm**

Where were you 3 hours ago?
Walking down Main Street. I parked far away from where I was going so I would get more exercise [pat on the back for me]
Have you ever eaten a crayon?
Yes… at least taken a bite or two of several different ones… I wondered if different colors tasted different
Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?
I’m wearing a pink shirt and there is a pink index card on the computer desk
When is the last time you went to the mall?
I first read this as the last time I went to the mail. But mall definitely makes more sense. the last time I went to an establishment that could pass for a ‘mall’ was August maybe?
Are you wearing socks right now?
Yes, which is really unusual and even more unusual is that this was one of the questions
Do you have a car worth over $2,000?
Not sure what the worth but I know we sure paid more than $2K for them
Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?
No. And if I can help it I won’t be going in the next 5 days either.
What was the last thing you had to drink?
Tap water – I like to live on the edge
What are you wearing right now?
My daily uniform – comfy knit pants and comfy shirt
Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?
Neither. I let my husband do it… like duh.
Last food that you ate?
Handful of almonds that I pretended were wrapped in a Snickers Almond bar.
Where were you last week at this time?
[crazy laugh] yeah right… next question please…
Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
hiking shoes for me and hiking boots for Evan
When is the last time you ran?
By choice?
What's the last sporting event you watched?
Evan’s soccer practice Monday evening – trust me a bunch of 6 year olds trying to master the complexities of soccer is quite an event
What is your favorite animal?
Dogs. I favor a good natured dog over most people
Your dream vacation?
A toss up between a secluded beach bungalow with maid service and a food delivery or traveling all over Scotland
Last person's house you were in?
Mine. Who came up with these questions?
Worst injury you've ever had?
Can’t remember… too much brain trauma
Have you been in love?
Yes, but I am married now. LOL! JUST KIDDING! I love my hubby!!!
Do you miss anyone right now?
Yes. The maid and personal chef that I don’t have.
Last play you saw?
Are we talking sports, cheesy pick up lines or real cultured events? Les Miserables, I think. Although we had balcony seats so my horrible fear of heights caused me to black out early on so it could have been Cats for all I know.
What are your plans for tonight?
Taking Evan to soccer practice and then going to a soccer board meeting
Next trip you are going to take?
Mt. Nebo with family
Ever go to camp?
Campfire Girl camp – 2 summers – bad food, a snake infested lake, forced hikes, crafts, crafts, and crafts, getting booted off a horse, heat stroke, falling out of my top bunk onto the cozy concrete floor... not my brightest days. The camp counselors giving me special treatment probably because my mom was their teacher… Priceless. And one time at band camp…
Were you an honor roll student in school?
Yes – over achievement was all the rage at the time along with Milli Vanilli
What do you want to know about the future?
Are there some chocolate chip cookies in my near future?
Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
No. Life smells enough already. Why add to it?
Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?
Sometime this year, this month… who knows probably this week
Do you have a tan?
Do freckles count? Sadly I already lost my summer glow.
What are you listening to right now?
The hum of the computer
Do you collect anything?
Other than the hard knocks of life… hmmm… scrap supplies, buttons, baskets, willow tree figurines
Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?
Actually last week with trouble making friends Darla & Amy – got a warning
Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?
Yes. Where is the hard biting journalism already?
What does your last text message say?
It was either another text from the President asking for yet more advice or a text from my hubby saying “You rule! Love you!” because I paid our state personal property tax today.
Do you like hot sauce?
No. too hot... and saucy.
Last time you took a shower? Would anyone really be honest and answer more than a couple of days ago?
Do you need to do laundry?
Does a bear pee in the woods? Laundry is my life.
What is your heritage?
Pretty typical white person mix of Scottish, Irish and a splash of Native American. Blah, blah, blah.

Vermont or Bust!?

I am having a fed up day! Fed up with the "in"s... indifference, intolerance, and incompetence! I knew they are all equal opportunity annoyers, but it often feels like they are more prevalent in my current neck of the woods. I think I am ready for the next chapter in my life. Six years here is suffient. Who knows anything about Vermont? Vermont sounds appealing ; )

Overall Health Care

The top five states in order are Hawaii, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.The bottom five states are Nevada, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

Let's just say I have spent pretty much my entire life in bottom five states.

Overall Public Education

I have consistently heard that Vermont is in the top five states for public education.

Other

How can you go wrong with a state that has a postcard-ready image? And isn't Vermont generally a liberal state? It has a population of 621,270, making it the second least-populated state (with only Wyoming having fewer residents). It is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States. It is also known for being the home of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. In 2008 thirty-four percent of Vermonters claimed no religion; this is the highest percentage in the nation.

However I just took a Facebook quiz about which state should I live in. It said I should live in South Dakota. Since those Facebook quizzes are always super accurate [snicker], maybe I should consider South Dakota too. It's good to have options.

Got Trail?

Evan and I ventured to a nearby state park this morning to take in the beautiful Fall day and enjoy a hike. Evan brought his sword and shield in case we came across "any bad animals". I had my trusty hiking stick, the drinks, camera, cell phone, trail map, emergency whistle, chapstick, itch medicine, windbreaker, etc. Since Evan was the self-annoted leader and needed to travel light, I got to haul all the stuff ; ) the lake outlook - the mighty Evan posing with his sword and shield

deep in the forest

climbing the (currently dry) waterfall

We climbed to the top of the waterfall to see if there was any water. Only found small pools of water. Evan informed me that Spring would be a better time to see the waterfall.

the end of the trail... we made it!

Two Years of Going To the Moon and Back!

*** Happy 2 year Blogoversary to me!***

It's hard to believe. It feels more like a year to me. When I started blogging in 2007 it was just something new to try. And a way to share Evan happenings with our family. Soon blogging became an outlet of expression for me. Quite frankly it became in many ways a form of therapy... a way to focus my thoughts and feelings. I have often asked myself if no one ever saw a single word of my blog would I still do it? Almost always the answer is yes. Blogging is something I do for me and if others get something out of checking in on my blog from time to time... well that is just a wonderful bonus.

Microwave Envy and Sharing of Worldviews

Take a look at this beauty. I have had my eye on it for a few months now. Normally small appliances don't do much for me. But this red 'nuker' called to me. It was just so cute... and red. And now it is mine. For anyone wanting a Red for yourself, I got mine at Target.

I love being a Lady Who Brunches! Today I brunched with two friends I haven't seen in ages. I like to consider them kindred spirits. We have many similar views of the world. They are part of my support group... part of what I love the most about where we live.

confession time: while brunching I splurged on a parfait. It kinda bums me out to think that a mix of yogurt, strawberries and granola is a big splurge. Yet it certainly wasn't on my Jenny Craig menu for today.