LOL

George Carlin on Global Warming

Hungry

Sverre made me a wrap yesterday, Green Leaf Lettuce, Grilled Chicken sprinkled with Carroll Shelby spice (Cumin, onion, garlic) I tried to get him to consider cheese and ranch dressing.

Now I am hungry for some

Homemade beef noodle soup

beef stew with carrots, onions, bean sprouts and flat rice noodles

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 5 lbs beef marrow bones
• 3 lbs. of Beef Shank
• 1 large Yellow Onion
• 1 piece of ginger root
• 8 whole cloves
• 1 1 2 4 inch cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds
• 4 peppercorns
• 1 inch chunk of yellow rock sugar
• 6 star anise
• 4 tablespoons of fish sauce

For The Bowls:

• 1 -Pkg of Bean Sprouts
• 1 -Bunch Cilantro
• 1 -Bunch Culantro
• 1 -Bunch Thai Basil
• 2 -Serrano or Jalapeño Pepper sliced
• 2 -Limes quartered
• 1 -Large white Onion halved and sliced thin
• 4 -Scallions sliced thin
• 1 -Pkg of Beef or Beef Tendon Meatballs quartered
• 2 -Reserved Beef Shanks from making soup sliced at room temp.
• 1 ¾ lb. Flank Steak or London Broil sliced very thi
• 1 (Freeze steak slightly to make thin cutting easy)
• 1 pkg Rice Noodles Ban Pho vermicelli rice sticks
• 1 Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1 Fish Sauce
• 1 Hoisin Sauce
• 1 Sriracha Sauce

Preparation

Start by sticking the whole cloves into the onion. Place onion and ginger root on grill and lightly char. We are not trying to burn here, more like grilling the pieces so don't rush this part. You can also do this over a burner or under a low broil setting in the oven. Just keep watch over them so they don't burn. When charred, set aside.

Combine the coriander seeds, star anise, and cinnamon stick in a small skillet. Toast the spices over medium heat tossing and stirring gently ever so often so they do not burn. Do this until slightly browned and fragrant. Set aside.

In a large pot (I use an 8 qt stock pot which is just barely big enough) place the bones and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and boil vigorously for about 4 minutes. Turn heat off and pour bones, beef shank and water into a colander and drain bones. Wash pot out completely and dry. Carefully rinse off bones and shank of any scum or impurities with cool water and place back in pot. Fill again with cool water and add the ginger, onion, yellow rock sugar, fish sauce and spices and bring back to a boil. Turn heat down immediately and simmer for an hour. Remove beef shank after one hour and submerse in a bowl of cold water (I add ice to make it really cold). This will congeal the fat and juices in the beef. Let cool for about 15 minutes and drain, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Keep simmering the rest of the broth for about 3 hours more. the actual simmer time depends on patience. There are stories told of traditional Vietnamese cooking methods that let this broth simmer for 24 hours over charcoal fires. I would do this as well, if I had a decent charcoal fire and 24 hours to watch it. When the simmering is complete, turn off your heat and using a slotted spoon, remove bones, spices, onion and garlic and discard them. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer (use cheese cloth if your strainer isn't fine enough) and after the pot has cooled a bit, place pot of strained broth into the refrigerator. The next day, you will notice some of the fat has congealed on the top of the broth. Skim the fat off with spoon and discard. Your broth is now ready to be used. It can be frozen for a later use, or used right away.

Okay, at this point you should have what amounts to a stockpot of broth that has been skimmed of it's fat. Sometimes the broth will take on the characteristic of Jello when it's chilled, which is a good thing. It means that you were able to extract all of the good stuff from the bones which directly relates to flavor.

Begin by heating the broth. Meanwhile, assemble a garnish plate of the sprouts, cilantro, basil, peppers, and limes. I use a standard size dinner plate but you can do this on smaller plates for each person if you choose. On another plate I usually squeeze off enough Sriracha and Hoisin Sauce to cover each half of a small plate for each guest. This way the can dip whatever they want without fear! You may also leave the bottles on the table for refilling. Place the sliced onion in a small shallow bowl and cover with the vinegar. Place a pinch of salt and stir gently. You can do this ahead of time by as much as an hour or so and let sit at room temp.

Cook the noodles as per the instructions. Rice noodles cook slightly different than Americanized pasta so if it's your first time, you need to pay attention to cooking times and doneness. I usually cook them by boiling water and the pouring the water over the noodles in a bowl and then letting them sit for about ten to fifteen minutes. Then I rinse them under cold water and drain keeping them close at hand for serving. If you use this method, you want to make sure you have pot of boiling water at hand to quickly re-heat the noodles prior to plating (or bowling as the case may be). You can also use this boiling water to pre-heat your bowls because no one likes a cold bowl of pho.

Before you assemble the bowls, drain the onions. Add to the bowl some of the re-heated noodles on the bottom, some of the now pickled white onions, sliced cooked beef, sliced raw beef, and some of the scallions. Add the very hot broth to the bowl. This will cook the beef giving it a slight gray appearance.

Eating pho is a personal process. Some add sauces such as fish, Sriracha, or Hoisin directly to the broth. Add a few leaves of basil and cilantro at a time. Adding to many cool things will cool the broth so use your herbs wisely.

Cuisine: Vietnamese Main Ingredient: Beef

Meat Loaf "Muffins"

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely-chopped carrot
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef, extra lean
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 cup finely crushed fat-free saltine crackers (about 20) or fine bread crumbs
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 12 muffin cups with non-fat cooking spray.

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, oregano, and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let onion mixture cool.

In a large bowl, combine onion mixture, ground beef, 1/2 cup ketchup, crushed crackers or bread crumbs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt, and eggs. NOTE: I like to use my hands for mixing meatloaf.

Spoon meat mixture into prepared muffin cups. Top each with 2 teaspoons ketchup. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 160°F. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.

Sensory Processing Disorder

Good news... Your frustration and confusion about your child - who may have Sensory Processing Disorder - is almost over!

Finally!... A thorough explanation and a name for the behaviors and developmental concerns that exist - which seemed almost impossible to understand or cope with.

When parents first find out about sensory processing disorders, their reaction usually comes as: a "flash", a "light bulb moment", the "Aha!", "So that explains it!", "Oh, so now I understand!", "Why didn't someone tell me about this years ago?"

1. Hypersensitivity To Touch (Tactile Defensiveness)

__ resists friendly or affectionate touch from anyone besides parents or siblings (and sometimes them too!)

__ dislikes kisses, will "wipe off" place where kissed

__ prefers hugs

__ a raindrop, water from the shower, or wind blowing on the skin may feel like torture and produce adverse and avoidance reactions

__ may overreact to minor cuts, scrapes, and or bug bites

__ resists brushing teeth and is extremely fearful of the dentist

__ avoids touching certain textures of material (blankets, rugs, stuffed animals)

__ refuses to wear new or stiff clothes, clothes with rough textures, turtlenecks, jeans, hats, or belts, etc.

__ is a picky eater, only eating certain tastes and textures; mixed textures tend to be avoided as well as hot or cold foods; resists trying new foods

__ complains about having hair brushed; may be very picky about using a particular brush

__ excessively ticklish

__ distressed about having face washed

__ distressed about having hair, toenails, or fingernails cut

3. Poor Tactile Perception And Discrimination:

__ may be afraid of the dark

__ continues to mouth objects to explore them even after age two

1. Hypersensitivity To Movement (Over-Responsive):

__ may physically cling to an adult they trust

__ may have disliked being placed on stomach as an infant

__ bites or sucks on fingers

1. Hypersensitivity To Sounds (Auditory Defensiveness):

__ fearful of the sound of a car wash, cafeteria noise, classroom noise, car radio too loud

__ frequently asks people to be quiet; i.e., stop making noise, talking, or singing

__ runs away, cries, and/or covers ears with loud or unexpected sounds

Social, Emotional, Play, And Self-Regulation Dysfunction:

Social:

__ prefers playing by self with objects or toys rather than with people

__ does not seek out connections with familiar people

Emotional:

__ difficulty accepting changes in routine (to the point of tantrums)

__ gets easily frustrated

__ functions best in small group or individually

__ variable and quickly changing moods; prone to outbursts and tears

__ prefers to play on the outside, away from groups, or just be an observer

__ difficulty appropriately making needs known

Play:

__ difficulty with imitative play (over 10 months)

__ wanders aimlessly without purposeful play or exploration (over 15 months)

Project

Wanna help??

Back to Basics

I got my wake up call about two years ago, the weight was going up, but only a pound a month, no big deal right. I hit the snooze button

I got another wake up call when I couldn't comfortably get into my sexy jeans, no big deal right. I hit the snooze button

I went on vacation and got blisters and open sores where my waist band rubbed my tummy over Christmas break. I started skipping desert, but no big deal right. I hit the snooze button.

For me, it seems that March is my magical month that I need to DO SOMETHING. it was in 2006 when I made a choice, and it was in 2010 when I had to REALLY make a choice.

for some reason I was thinking that if I never stretched my pouch, I would never have to DIET again right? grrr

so naturally, I like to used my hypoglycemia as an excuse to graze, after all, I have issues, right? well, the more I cut back on SIMPLE carbs, and incorporate more Proteins, I am seeing less peaks and valley's and while I am still eating about 3 snacks and 3 meals a day, I am still keeping under my daily calorie goal.

Now I didnt move that much when I was first post op, but I did move, it was so much easier to just think that I could coast, but I rode a bike once in a while, I did walk, once in a while, I did go out and hang up laundry, once in a while, and all that did add up, whereas in the last year, I have been hiding behind my computer, holed up in the school room, and avoiding people.

Excuses? I do not have a car, I can not leave. I am going through menopause and I do not want to go out and talk to people. I do not have money, I can not buy anything. i am homeschooling my child, he needs to be home studying. I have my grand child and he can not ride a bike with me. all EXCUSES.

I could ride when the dad comes home. I could do something about the mess that is climbing up around my ears. so now I have shared my spiel and it is time for me to leave you and go declutter this house.

by the way, cutting back and making small changes this week, I had an unusually good week. -5 lbs. this week. I will most likely plateau, but eventually it will go down as we all know.

move to lose

move to lose

THIS IS SO STINKING HARD!

you know, I would never have even concieved that I was a food a holic but the stress over the last 2 years had completely done me in.

I have regained 30 lbs past my goal weight, not the lowest weight, we will not even GO THERE.

I have restarted fit day and I brought out the scales and the itty bitty bowls and am recording and evaluating my life style down to the gram.

Calories
975

Fat 58.9 523 55 %
Carbohydrate 81.3 310 32 %
Protein 30.8 121 13 %

I struggled all day with snacking and portions and desperately hated every moment of it.

there is no excuse, not the 3 year old that can not walk as fast or as far, not the bike that doesn't have a trailer hitch, not the hypoglycemia that spins my world without notice, it was SUCH a HARD day. I was tired and angry and frustrated with myself all day. and let me be the first to say that menopause sucks, I am swathed in wool and freezing to death and it is a balmy 49F outside. I am miserable.

I already paid for this tool, the first year could have killed me, and the tool works I just do not seem to be able to completely break away from the cycle of stress eat gain stress eat gain. part of me hates that I have to revisit portions and wow did I have a moment when I had to start measuring yesterday. I had been okay with most of my portions but I was able to sneak in extras. Now with fitday I am tracking and keeping the portions down and of course this site has back to basics since we are not alone and that is free. I like free.

4 years ago I had surgery and beat my goal.

today I am not not able to get into the fat pants that I had for after goal. it has been a crushing realization for me. I am headed back up and find it all to easy to excuse each pound that I pack on.

yesterday, I made a choice, and going back to the basics and using fitday and finding things to do outside of the house and away from the computer so that I am not watching the clock all the time waiting for my next snack.

I have regained 30 lbs over my goal weight. fortunately, I never abused my pouch, so I am good there, I just have to watch my portions, dodge my snacks, and cut out all the fluffy carbs. I know the drill, but I do not want to go it alone

vitamins.. fluids.. and distractions.. I just need to counteract all the stress of an extra large family and the tendency to put out each fire before seeing to my own needs and that was right where I was this time four years ago. letting the kids dictate the emergency instead of my putting my own oxygen mask on first.

happy to say that my house is now freshly painted and looks great. and I was able to stay under my target goal of calories today, on top of that the calories burned exceeded the calories consumed. 2 days down, and a million to go. I have given myself 15 weeks to lose the 30 lbs.

it is hard to say no, but when you see so many giving so much, you feel awful if you do not give yourself.

I have a son in law that is preparing for his second tour in Afghanistan, I volunteered to take care of the three year old since my daughter is working two jobs. little did I know that the little pill is THREE and an ONLY child and has been around the Platoon of MARINES for so long that he is now very aggressive, has a little potty mouth on him, and needs to learn the word NO and to be much more civilized before he can be accepted into polite company. he seems to have learned every bad trait of an enlisted person and none of the ones that would have come from his great grandfather that was an officer. it will take me quite some time to bring about a positive change in him. But a change is needed.

I have a special needs daughter, she is screamingly bipolar, she is doing her very best, she is living on her own in another state, going to college full time, coping with a lot of challenges that she can face for the most part 80% of the time in her TIGGER state, and the other 20%, sends her spiraling into a depressed EEYORE state. when she has money, she is the hostess with the mostess, and when she is flat broke, she is desperately depressed. I am helping out with expenses like books but she is responsible for everything else and it is hard to be so tough on her, but if I were to cover ALL of her expenses, she would take advantage of that and take more. But I feel that she will appreciate it more if she has of the hardship of going to college, not just the showing up when she feels like it.

And then there are the boys that are still at home, we are still struggling with all the life lessons that we have to teach. Economy and responsibility, empathy and sympathy, manners and civility. it seems like a never ending battle, but I do not have time to let up and let issues slide. Being active in swimteam, tri-athalon-ing, scouting, and homeschooling, and running a house is a full time job. Even so, I had to let go of a lot of 'volunteering' requests, from church and community was extremely hard, but I had to do it. many assume that a stay-a-home has unlimited time to give, but sadly, that is not the case.

Even today, as I have 1 week to prepare my house for my parents to come for an extended stay ( a couple of months) I have already been up for 2 hours, cleaned two rooms of the house, (kitchen is like a never ending battle) and finally got some me time. I have to constantly evaluate my priorities, what is most important to me, that I am freezing to death, and need some more carbs in my body, or that I need to lose some of the extra pounds? I should just give up and go down stairs and make some oatmeal, accept that this is my life, and eat, even though I have been putting it off for two hours, and I SHOULD be able to go another.

having to choose between being a healthy weight and surviving hypoglycemia and all that entails, being lactose intolerant and the diet restrictions that leaves me with, THIS IS SO STINKING HARD!

UPWARD spiral

My Starting Weight

Start Weight:	kgslbs
Start Date:

My Goal

Goal Weight:	kgslbs
Goal Date:

Your BMI: 28.19

A BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight. The healthy weight range for your height is between 118.1 lbs and 159.6 lbs. Your weight is 20.4 lbs above the healthy range.

My Goal BMI

23.49

A BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered healthy.

FOOD INTAKE:
3/4 oz Monterrey Jack cheese
1 oz half & half
20 oz coffee
3 vitamins
1 b12 sublingual
salmon patty
slice of cheese
two leaves of lettuce
22 oz of propel
one half brautworst, no bun
2 oz thuringer
2 calcium chews

total calories intake (consumed): 994
total calories spent (moving): 1594

declutter

Provident living:
I am married to a European that does not believe in shopping beyond tomorrow, let alone next week or next month or next year, if he had his way, he would buy only for the next two days, drives me absolutely insane. I know what our menu is, I know that we will need XX by Monday Night, why wait to buy it? but he insists. that really does help. know your weekly menu, and while boring, it helps to take the anxiety away.
[Sunday]----[Monday]-----[Tuesday]-----------[Wednesday]---------------[Thursday]--------[Friday]--------[Saturday]
-[Pizza]----[Mac-n-chez]--[Tacos]----[grilled-Chez-n-Tomato-soup]--[Spaghetti]--[fish-n-veggies]--[crepes]
breakfast and lunch are the same, oatmeal and pbj, knowing that this is every single week, cuts down on the grocery bill.

declutter:
I can not stress how much easier my life became when I let go, and gave it all away. I was a stash and hoarder as well, I had the next three sizes for the kids, and yes, I saved a lot of money by recycling clothes and toys, but I put my health in jeapardy with stress of living in rooms with stuff stuffed and piled and stashed, and it was not healthy for me. my children have spotless rooms because they simply do not have a lot of material possessions and it is so much easier for all of us when I can walk in, and in 5 minutes have it picked up and company ready.

Flylady:
this program took me about 5 years to master, but it was well worth it, I still have hot spots around the house, but not like I had. take a moment and look at your house in the background in family photos, you would be surprised how messy mine was. I am ashamed that I let it get that way, but I didn't understand my mom when she was constantly harping on me to clean my room, exactly what she meant. it was not that things were out, they were, it was not that things were unorganized, they were not organized, but it was that I was storing things that didn't have value to me and had no room for the things that did. I went through and if it didn't have a story, it went and if hadn't been used in the last 18 months, it went. the only things that I have not purged is the books, but even those, I have filtered and donated a lot of the ones that are just not relevant and kept the classics in our library.

age appropriate homeschooling:
It seems to me, and this is just an opinion, worth about $.02, your children are still very young, and are not into the hard core academics yet, so I would work on just the basic basic basics.. reading, writing, and rithmatic. when all else fails, take them to the park. today's Pre-K lesson was a puzzle, and we were done for the day. ;-) our goal today is that I get through it without yelling anymore, and they learn not to scratch, whine, or steal my crackers.

My own battles:
my first kids, the twins, were LIVE WIRES and nearly drove me nuts with their precocious behavior, they were so bored. they needed to run and be free and I needed to take a nap, it is a wonder that we all survived those first 10 years. they were a lot more than I could handle and I still am not sure I was a good mom. but looking back, I was way too involved in their happiness. and too little involved in my own. and seriously, hats off to those moms that are 'dedicated' to their children's happiness, but I think (and this is my own irreverent interpretation) too many kids today have been led to believe that everyone will constantly and consistently put thier needs first because their parents made it a life long goal and seriously. That may be doing them a disservice. my husband's boss couldnt care less if he is happy and fulfilled at work. and in all seriously, when he looks at me that he is not happy at work, I tell him to suck it up and walk it off, we need the paycheck and until he force him out the door with his last check in his hand, he is going to go t work and keep money coming in to pay for luxuries like toilet paper and soap. I will do without a dryer, a car, and meat each week, but I strongly believe that it is not just my entitlement to stay home with my kids, but my duty. he may think that he wants me to go to work, but he truly doesn't want my job. to his credit, he does cook 5 nights a week, he does do laundry every weekend, and he will go to the store twice a week, but when it comes to homework, public or home schooled, activities, and play dates, parties and scouts, he is uninvolved and that will not cut it.

So frequently I forget to put myself first, to make sure that I am getting enough rest, that I am getting the right nutrition. and the right amount of mental health days. my work is not my hobby ad my kids are not my work. I need to get out and get away. sadly, I lost all my girls night out buddies and I seriously need to get a new group before I loose my mind and my fragile grip on reality. today I took some time, took a shower, didnt care if the house burnt down just so long as they left me alone to wash. it was a shock how much better I felt after I plucked out the greys, and washed what was left. I am not nearly as angry and I made it another hour.

Sunny lunch outside

Think before I eat

PBS

two stations for Houston:
8.1 more kid friendly
8.2 more craft friendly
I swear, you could get a college degree just watching PBS... it is amazing how much stuff is in there...

stinking menapause

Magnus: had art today, he used clay and made a pokemon ball, painted it with acrylic paint, he and I pedals our bikes 6 miles total. He is ANXIOUS for Jordan to come and stay. we got a full size bed today for them to share.

Erik: had school today, he brought home math, social studies, and spelling for homework. his little buddy Nick is over, but I had to tear him away so that he could get his homework done. he is getting private writing help from the vice principal so that he passes his state exams in April.

Naomi, I have no idea, I have barely been able to get them to answer the phone since her birthday. do not know what thier deal is other than I have not been up there since February so they must be getting peeved at me. but that was thier own fault they said they were sending her here for the summer last year, and then they didn't follow through.

Krystal is working two full time management jobs, taco bell and commissary. she is extremely stressed and cranky. Jason is working extra hours to prepare for Afghanistan, they are putting a lot of stress and pressure on him so that he gets used to it and if he breaks it will not be under combat conditions. Jordan is getting caught in the middle and cries a lot. Krys will leave California at 5 am, arrive here at 2 pm, and fly back out at 3 pm, she will not even leave the gate, just walk off the plane, hand me Jordan and his bag, and get back on and leave. we are starting taxes tonight.

Jasmine is doing really well. she has only missed one lecture due to expecting her room mate to drive her. she now has an unlimited bus pass so that she can come and go and it is all paid for. I do have an alarm that goes to her phone 15 minutes before each class to remind her to stop gabbing and get to class. she was up really late the other night working on math, it was so cute. she has no running vehicle but since she is in town, she can get anywhere now with her pass. it is good for the whole semester for the mountain lion. the neighbors freaked out about her dog, the landlord told her she had 24 hours to get out, she has calmed them all down and is working through it. we are starting taxes tonight.

sverre is in a good mood considering that his boss is no longer with his group and he has a new boss. He adopted / ordered me a new desktop computer and it will be born this week in China and we will finalize the adoption this week. ;)

as for the house, we have acquired a 'full' sized mattress and boxsprings, I thought it would be a FUN project for dad and me to make a LOFT with it so that the dresser could go under it and the mattress ontop, but I will need someone to help hold the boards while I cut them on my fancy smancy table saw.

as for me, flipping menopause.. I was in a MOOD last week, fortunately, it only lasted 5 days. whew. I think I need some iron tablets or liver and onions.

Zodiac because I don't want to work today

The Archer
November 23 to December 21

Traditional
Sagittarius Traits

Optimistic and freedom-loving
Jovial and good-humored
Honest and straightforward
Intellectual and philosophical

On the dark side....

Blindly optimistic and careless
Irresponsible and superficial
Tactless and restless

Sagittarius About Your Sign...

Sagittarians have a positive outlook on life, are full of enterprise, energy, versatility, adventurousness and eagerness to extend experience beyond the physically familiar. They enjoy travelling and exploration, the more so because their minds are constantly open to new dimensions of thought. They are basically ambitious and optimistic, and continue to be so even when their hopes are dashed. Their strongly idealistic natures can also suffer many disappointments without being affected. They are honorable, honest, trustworthy, truthful, generous and sincere, with a passion for justice. They are usually on the side of the underdog in society they will fight for any cause they believe to be just, and are prepared to be rebellious. They balance loyalty with independence.

Sagittarians are usually modest and are often religious, with a strong sense of morality, though they tend to overemphasize the ethical codes they follow and worship beliefs about God rather than God Himself. This means that, negatively, they regard rigid, unloving, intolerant adherence to ritual and conventional codes as more important than the truths they symbolize or embody. They sometimes pay lip service to religions and political parties in which they have ceased to believe because the outward forms satisfy them, yet they may not hesitate to switch allegiance in politics or change their system of belief if they see personal advantage to themselves in doing so.

They have both profound and widely ranging minds, equipped with foresight and good judgement, and they can be witty conversationalists. They love to initiate new projects (they make excellent researchers) and have an urge to understand conceptions that are new to them. they think rapidly, are intuitive and often original, but are better at adapting than inventing and are at their best when working with colleagues of other types of character that compliment their own. They are strong-willed and good at organizing, a combination that gives them the ability to bring any project they undertake to a successful conclusion. Their generosity can be balanced by their extreme care at handling their resources.

Sagittarians are ardent, sincere and straightforward in love, normally conventional and in control of their sexual natures. Yet if thwarted, they may easily allow their failure to embitter their whole lives or they may revenge themselves upon the opposite sex by becoming cynically promiscuous. They are more apt then the average to make an uncongenial alliance.
If their marriages are successful, they will be faithful spouses and indulgent parents; but their innate restlessness will inspire them to use even the most satisfying ménage as a base from which to set out on their travels. They need to fell free and are often faced with the choice of allowing their careers to take over their lives at the expense of the love of their spouse and family. Sagittarian women are the counterparts of their men; even if they have no career to rival their love, they find it difficult to express affection and may run the risk of being thought frigid.

In other personal relationships they are reliable, seldom betraying any trust given to them. They can, however, be impulsively angry and both male and female Sagittarians know how to be outspoken and exactly what expressions will hurt their adversaries most. On the other hand they are magnanimous in forgiving offenses and are responsible when looking after the elderly in the family.

Their gifts fit Sagittarians for a number of widely differing professions. They are natural teachers and philosophers with a talent for expounding the moral principles and laws which seem to explain the universe. This gift enables them to be successful churchmen on the one hand and scientists on the other. The law and politics also suit them, as does public service, social administration, public relations and advertising. Travel and exploration naturally appeal to such restless souls and, if their opportunities are limited, they may find something of travel and change of scene in the armed forces or through working as a travelling salesman. Others may make fine musicians and, in the days before automobiles, they were said to be successful at horse trading and all activities, including sporting ones, concerning horses. This has been translated in modern terms into an interest in cars and aircraft - and again with emphasis on the sporting side racing, rallying etc. They are said to make good sports coaches, but their tastes in this direction may lead them into imprudent gambling, though the gambling instinct may be sublimated by carrying it out professionally as a bookmaker.

The vices to which Sagittarians are prone are anger they tend to flare up over trifles; impatience - they want to rush every new project through immediately and demand too much of colleagues who cannot work at the pace they require; and scorn of the inadequacies of others while expecting fulsome recognition of their own efforts. They may in one sense deserve recognition, because in completing a major project they will sacrifice their health and family relationships; in their family's eyes they may merit condemnation.

They can be exacting, domineering and inconsiderate in the work place; and boastful, vulgar and extravagant in their private lives. Their restlessness, if excessive, can jeopardize more than their own stability. some Sagittarians risk becoming playboys, wasting their lives away in frivolous pursuits. Others can develop a moralizing, religious fanaticism or else turn into hypocrites, their inner prudishness disguised by an outward appearance of joviality. Another side of the religiosity which is a danger in Sagittarians is superstition.
Possible Health Concerns...

Sagittarius governs the hips, thighs and sacral area; subjects suffer from ailments of the hips and thighs and are liable to sciatica and rheumatism. An alleged deficiency of silicon in their physiques can give them poor skin, nails and hair.

As they are often sportsmen indulging in dangerous pursuits, they are prone to accidents which arise from these. The ancient astrologers mention falls from horses and hurts from them and other four-footed beasts. The taking of risks in other sports is a danger to the modern Sagittarian, and he is also liable to accidents with fire and heat.

horoscopes

* LIKES Traveling
* getting to the heart of the matter
* Freedom
* Laws and meanings
* the general 'feel' of things

* DISLIKES Off the wall theories
* being tied down domestically
* Being constrained
* cooling your heels
* bothered with details

who am I

my husband would say that I am a slacker mom

my adult children would say that I am a helicopter mom

my preteen children would say that I am a photographer mom

on a different blog, someone just wrote:
As you go through your day and week at your job, think about the good things that your it provides you – whether it be a sense of accomplishment when you complete a project, the laughs that you share with your co-workers or just the money you take home. Going through life with an appreciative frame of mind can make a world of difference – especially at work! (Note: I do realize that not everyone has a job in the sense I’m referring to. But the same principles apply for those looking for work, going to school or staying home with your kids. Your job is whatever you consider it to be.)

and I had to think about that a minute. What am I and where am I.

what is a slacker mom? I prefer

Zen Mom

How do you do it? Even when explosions are all around, you are able to take a deep cleansing breath and chant your mantra "this too shall pass." You are a calming influence on your kids in a hectic world.

He really just wishes that I had a crappy job that I hated as well and that I made my own spending money and some for him too. heehee good luck with that. I LOVE my job. and it happens to be:

unregistered teacher and learning coach
undocumented chauffeur and navigational expert
unpaid childhood therapist and unorthodox priest
unprofessional nutritionist and physical therapy motivational instructor
plump and not so starving artist and family historian
overzealous activity and travel logistics director
unregistered nurse & medical professional
unmitigated family dispute judge and jury
unlicensed youth guidance counselor and Scout Advancement chairperson
enthusiastic but ineffective family economist
dreaded life skills youth trainer
reluctant hygiene policy maker and enforcer
master nuclear family unit time management coordinator
kitchen and lavatory faerie
outside labor supervisor

and what am a I doing right now? typing this rather than do my job for the day: uncertified public accountant and tax preparer. okay, I have avoided this long enough. back to the books.

Very Pleasant Zen

Cod Soufflé

Ingredients

For the Roux
30g/1oz butter
30g/1oz flour
400ml/14fl oz milk

For the soufflé
6 egg yolks, beaten
salt and freshly ground black pepper
40g/1½oz butter, softened
110g/4oz White cheese, finely grated
125g/4½oz cod fillet
300ml/11fl oz double cream
8 egg whites (frozen and then thawed)
1 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/380F/Gas 5.
2. To make the Roux, melt the butter in a small heavy-based pan over a medium heat.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour. Return the pan to a low heat and cook for two minutes, whisking continuously.
4. Remove from the heat again and add the milk, stirring constantly.
5. Place over a medium heat and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously. Allow to cool slightly.
6. For the soufflé, beat the egg yolks into the cheese and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover with cling film and set aside at room temperature.
7. Meanwhile, line pan with baking paper and spray with cooking spray.
8. Sprinkle a handful of the grated gruyère into the dish, rotating it to coat the insides.
9. Place the cod into a small pan. Add the cream and place over a low heat. When the cream starts to just come to the boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for two minutes.
10. Turn off the heat and leave to rest until cool enough to handle, then remove the cod and flake the fish into a bowl with your fingertips, removing any bones you may find. Return the fish to the heated cream.
11. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt, until soft peaks form when the whisk is removed.
12. Place one third of the egg whites into the roux mixture and stir well.
13. Add the roux and egg white mixture to the bowl of remaining egg whites and fold in very gently, adding the white cheese and dill as you fold.
14. Half-fill prepared soufflé dish with the soufflé mixture, then spoon in equal amounts of the cod and cream mixture.
15. Fill the dish with the remaining soufflé.
16. Place into the oven to cook for 7-8 minutes, or until risen and golden.

Ongeltveitsjøen, Fjell, Hordaland, Norway

The cultural landscape and society through the ages The trail goes from hamlet to hamlet through an impressive cultural landscape.
The scenery alternates between infelds with farm buildings and small fshing communities, and outlying heathlands.
At Vindenesstraumen, settlements have been found that may be more than 9,000 years old. Finds from the Neolithic Age have been made at both Ågotnes and Vindenes. The remains of house foundations in outlying
land at Angeltveit and the cairn on the summit of Spjeldsfjellet probably date from the Viking Era.

Things to do In Klein

LOWES KIDS CRAFT
Christmas Ornaments Saturday December 12, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Pet Treat Keeper Saturday December 19, 2009 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

HOME DEPOT KIDS CRAFT
Wooden Perennial Box Calendar Saturday January 2, 2010 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

PEARL MUSEUME OF FINE ARTS
Saturday, December 12th
10am-5pm Winter Fun Scene Art Project in the Northgate Conference Room
11:30am Holiday Performance with the Texas Medical Center Orchestra Chamber Players in the Main Gallery. The Chamber Players will play a variety of string and wind ensembles that will perform festive music for the season, both classical pieces and arrangements of popular Christmas carols.
12:30pm Look and Listen Tour with a museum docent in the Main Gallery
1:30pm Winter Scene Art Project
Holiday Performance with the Texas Medical Center Orchestra Chamber Players in the Main Gallery. The Chamber Players will play a variety of string and wind ensembles that will perform festive music for the season, both classical pieces and arrangements of popular Christmas carols.
Immediately Following the Performance: Hot Chocolate and Holiday Goodies in the Museum Lobby

NEXT MUSEUM FAMILY DAYS
Saturday, January 9
Saturday, February 13
Saturday, March 13

BARBARA BUSH LIBRARY
https://host4.evanced.info/harris/evanced/eventcalendar.asp?libnum=3
3rd Mondays: Elementary Book Club
Tuesdays: 4:30 - 5:30 Elementary Science & Games
Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30 Chess Club

JESSE JONES PARK
Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m.-noon. NATURE RANGERS. Kids ages 5-8
Saturday, December 12, 1-3 p.m SECOND SATURDAY SETTLERS: CHRISTMAS CHEER.

Saturday, January 9, 5:30 p.m. PIONEER CAMPFIRE: PEEL AND SQUEAL. campfire-baked potatoes, fixings, & bagpipe
Reservations required beginning Wed., Dec. 30.
Sunday, January 10, 2-4 p.m. SECOND SUNDAY PICKERS. Free folk concert
January 16 and 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION. Saturday and Sunday,
Saturday, January 16, 10 a.m PULP TO PAPER. Learn how to make your own paper creation. Reservations required beginning Wed., Jan. 6.
Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m. WOODPECKERS. Learn about the various species of woodpeckers 6+

Saturday, February 6, 7 p.m. STARGAZING. Learn about the planets, stars, and other celestial bodies with the help of the North Houston Astronomy Club. All ages. Reservations required beginning Wed., Jan. 27.
Saturday, February 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homestead Heritage Day (PDF)

F.A.C.E.
A.D. Players presents The Secret Garden
10 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2010 - Free Children's Concert
ArtsPower presents Jigsaw Jones: The Case of the Class Clown
10 a.m., Saturday, March 27, 2010 - Free Children's Series

MERCER ARBORETUM & BOTANICA GARDENS
Beginner Gardening - Taxonomy, Jan. 13 from noon a.m. to 2 p.m
Gardening CEU: Wildflowers for the Garden. Tue., Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon
Gardening 101. Wed., Feb. 10 from noon to 2 p.m.
Japanese Maples. Sat., Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Continuing Education: Vegetable Gardening. Tue., Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon.