The Shot heard 'round the internet

It was a Saturday. September 27th to be exact. Late afternoon. I remember the moment precisely. The moment I got the email asking me for a favor. I had no idea who it was from. But I read it. And I swear that I heard a collective "awwwww" across the universe.

It was a email from the husband of one of my bloggy buddies. Asking me to participate in a virtual surprise party. I just couldn't respond right away. I just couldn't immediately hit reply and say "YES! sign me up." I just couldn't. I had to spend some time contemplating. And maybe having my own version of a pity party. Because there is NO WAY my husband would ever think to pull off something like this.

I had to spend some time with envy. Thinking about such a thoughtful husband. But then I remembered that she is buried with children. But then I went back to envy because she is one of the most prolific bloggers I know. She can do more than one post in one day!! But then I go back to that buried in children. And then I go back to envy because she's only turning 29 today!

Jen...I'm so glad I am a part of your special day. I hope that you have LOVED being surprised by all your blog friends. And I hope that this is a day to truly remember. Have a very happy 29th birthday!(And I'd like to do the internet version of sticking out my tongue and blowing you a raspberry - but I'm not sure how to spell it!)

So...what about you? Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party? Have you ever organized one for someone else? What is the most unique gift you have ever received? Have you wished Jen a Happy Birthday yet? How about Shannon? It's her birthday too!

Theme song: Third Eye Blind - Semi Charmed Life

Evolution of a Comment Junkie

I like to think of myself as an Anthropologist. I mean that is what my degrees are in. And as an anthropologist, people fascinate me. And it was just a natural segue that I would love reading blogs. It's like getting a glimpse into another life. Or getting a personalized invitation to go through your medicine cabinets. It feeds my nosiness. My rampant curiosity about how other people live their lives.

When I started my own blog back in February, I had an agenda. I was planning to capture a day in the life of a homeschooler. Yeah, that didn't last long. Until the whole place morphed into being all about me. Things that happen to me and my family. But mostly about me. And things that interest me.

And then there were comments. You get one. And then two. And addiction sets in quickly. But just as quickly, I sought out the meaningful comments. And made connections with other bloggers. And those connections and validations that we can offer to each other.

My ascent toward comment nirvana came from two places. The first from the blog rolls of other blogs that I liked. Specifically that of Debbie from This is the Life. That was how I "met" Heather (and Lula, and Sissy, and Jill, and JenniferP, and Elena, and Lizzy, and I could go on...). And then Tiffany. The girls (can I call you girls?) that started it all.

And when they started "The Secret is in the Sauce" four months ago I was onboard. And from them, I have found some great blogs.

First there is Kimba at A Soft Place to Land. I love reading her blog. And I am a horrible Sitsta on that site. Because I don't comment. Kimba's place is so very beautiful. And crafty. And ultra creative. I just go there to look. And wonder why Kimba doesn't live next door to me.

Another is Mama Dawg at Two Dog's Running. I found connections with Emily right away. With her southern accent that I could just hear when I read her page. To her dedication to Disney World. To her homage to "Dirty Dancing." I am hooked.

Oh, and Jill at The Perlman Update. I have this absolute fascination with Americans living abroad. Probably because that will never be me. And then I have another fascination with India. Why? I have no idea as to what started it...but I love fiction books set there. Non-fiction books about it. Movies about it. I love it. And then Jill is an American living there. Perfect match. And her blog truly takes me inside her world. And I can see what's in her pantry. And how she cleans her water. And she even shows me what an entire family riding on a motorcycle through traffic in India might look like.

Another fav is Swirl Girl (is your real name a secret? Should I call you Debby?) from Swirl Girl's Pearls. I keep trying to convince her to change the name of her blog to Swirl Girl unfurled. But she is ignoring me. I love to read her honest, no holds barred account of her life. And I love that she's snarky. And that she called me a snarky snark when I explained the concept of cutting and pasting. And I don't like her right now. Because she's been in Hawaii for the past week.

Are you wired into the secret yet?

So...what about you? Could you trace the evolution of your blog roll? Do you know how you found MY blog?

Theme song: Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come

The sign says: County Fair

A few weeks ago we took the girls to the county fair. The girls love it. They love the rides. They love begging us to let them play games. And they want to win those huge stuffed animals.

On the other hand, the fair is not my thing. I think the rides might be unsafe. It's ridiculously over priced. And I don't want huge stuffed animals in my house.

But this year. I decided to go. Because I blog. I was planning to take pictures of the girls having a rapturously good time. But instead. I became enthralled with the signs.

First sign we encountered was at the ticket window. I think this must be the most frightening thing in the place. All I could think was that it would cost as much as a day at Disney.

But quickly I saw a very soothing sign. One that reminded me of childhood. And how I always wanted to live in the Candy Land game.

I wanted to go to the candy cane forest. And climb gum drop mountain. And get stuck in the molasses swamp. Which for my children morphed into the chocolate swamp. Because, really, do small children know what molasses are? But my kids are quite well versed in chocolate. And who else remembers Plumply? Who was apparently not very PC and was replaced.

I turned again and was startled from my childhood nirvana with this sign. I can't tell from the picture EXACTLY what makes them redneck. Is it cheeze whiz? Is it the fry cook? Does the bacon come from an animal that is not a pig? But my children are beckoning me to get moving. And the questions remain unanswered.

The girls start going through their tickets. Fast and furious. Katie decides to ride something that Madalyn does not want to ride. So, Madalyn drags her daddy off with her to ride the bumper cars. She's tall enough to ride by herself...but her legs don't reach the pedal. Madalyn, I apologize for your short leg genetics. Rather than kicking Madalyn off the ride, they actually let Michael ride for free. Shocking, I know.

Next the girls ride the roller coaster. And I see this sign for the another ride right next to it. I don't know about you, but I think we'll pass.

Then we were off for a little hang gliding. And by we, I mean Katie and Madalyn.I found a plethora of signs by this ride. Right next to it was a mechanical bull ride. With both of these signs.

Very interesting. Do you think the three year olds can ascertain their own risk? All I can think of is Urban Cowboy. Bud. Sissy. And that convict played by Scott Glenn.

Also next to the hang glider is this sign. I love the juxtaposition of the food and the fun house. I want to try some deep fried oreos. But I would have to buy six. Which I am sure would lead to certain doom. I just want a bite of one. But the girls drag me off to another adventure.

Katie decides that she needs to ride the ferris wheel. But Madalyn is not tall enough to go on without an adult. And they don't want to waste one of their prized tickets on an adult...so Madalyn finds a fun house to go into. Any bets on whether or not they paid a licensing agreement?

After the girls had used all their tickets, we finally decided to partake of the fair food. Katie and I decided to split a funnel cake. Because it's really not a fair without funnel cake. Madalyn had a hard time deciding. Would it be something deep fried?

Nope. She decided on one of her favorite things. Corn. We watched the guys roast it. And then dip it in butter. It was really good.

And we had to have some lemonade, too.

Which came with a hitchhiker.

So, what about you? Do you like fried foods? Do you have a favorite? Ever tried deep fried oreos or candy bars or cauliflower?

Theme song: Queensryche - Scarborough Fair - because it's a little edgier than Simon and Garfunkel

Friday Follies

It's time again for our weekly getting to know you session. And time again for me to wrack my brains for some questions.

Do you like to camp? Or is the Holiday Inn roughing it enough?

Do you want to be buried or cremated?

What is your soap box issue? (Now, don't get on your soap box. I just want to know what issue will send you up there)

You are going to a costume party. What will you wear?

Tomorrow you MUST change jobs. No more stay at home mom. No more teacher. No more nurse. No more fill in the blank. What new career will you start?

What was the last movie you saw?

What one room in your house would you like to re-decorate?

When you were growing up, did your family decorate for holidays other than Christmas?

What is the oldest thing in your house?

Pick one: cruise ship, powerboat, sailboat, rowboat, kayak, or inner tube?

Favorite Things and Swap Update

I saw this yesterday on Heather's blog - and thought it just goes so nicely with my swap update! So, here are 11 of my favorite things:

1. Clothes shop: For me - Avenue. For everyone else - Target

2. Furniture shop: Haverty's

3. Sweets: yes, please. Peanut m&ms

4. City: all the ones I have never been to. I have a huge travel bug.

5. Drink: Coke Zero. I love that you can get this at fast food places now. I much prefer my soda from a fountain than from the can. And it needs to be over a huge amount of ice. Pellet ice if I can find it.

6. Music: I don't think I can pick just one group. And it must change on a daily basis. But, today, I think it's Coldplay

7. TV series: LOST (118 days and counting...) and Weeds

8. Film: Thank you for Smoking. Have ya'll seen this yet? Put it in your netflix queue.

9. Workout: Water aerobics with the seniors three times a week. They are all so good. I straggle. And get lapped. Repeatedly

10. Pastries: Cinnamon rolls. Yum.

11. Coffee: Yuck. I'll take my caffeine drip in the form of Coke Zero. Or tea. Love the smell of coffee. But drink it? No thanks.

Last month I hosted my first swap - a My favorite things Swap. Where you gave your own favorite things to your partner. I had 43 people participate. And I micromanaged them down to the last detail! Packages were sent out this week - and I was lucky enough to my package last Friday. Jill from Scary Mommy sent me her favorite things:I think they are also my kitty Ella's favorite things. Look at how pretty everything looks in the box! And then...I got to unwrap...which is one of my favorite things to do...and look at what Jill sent me -- a cool book that I cannot wait to read. And one that will make me crave cupcakes.Embroidered kitchen towels --

or wait...is it a kitty bed? Nothing is sacred when you have a cat. Or two. A pretty silver spoon.And if you are doing Jill's contest - I think I already won! Thanks so much Jill. Your favorite things are now my favorite things. And Ella's favorite things.

I got my package all ready to send to my own swap partner - Brandy. One of the things Brandy said she did NOT want to recieve was a live animal. That's too bad. Because I had a volunteer. Or two.Here is a sneak peek

And then today, I got a surprise in the mail! One of the reasons why I hosted (and micromanaged) was because I signed up for a swap in May. And got stiffed. It was a pink, girly swap. And I sent out a package. But got nothing in return. Rhea decided to be my fairy blog mother and get me some pink.

I love the pink kitchen tools! Well...I love it all! Thanks so much for all my goodies. And for all who participated in the swap. I hope you had fun. And I already have the next one in mind!

So...what about you? What are some of your favorite things?

Theme song - a Coldplay collection. Because it's my favorite. Today.

In the Kitchen with Kat: Pastitsio (aka Greek Pasta)

This week in geography, Katie is studying about Greece. And Sunday we went to the Greek festival. Where we mostly ate amazing Greek food. (Click here to see what Katie has to say about it) And it got me thinking about a Greek dish I have been making for a while.

Speaking of a Greek dish - have I ever told you about Jimmy the Greek? Sigh. A story of unrequited love. I went to high school with him. And he was in my Russian class. We constantly flirted in class. I am amazed that we learned anything since we only paid attention to each other. I was so enamored. I am sure he was simply amused. The next year I continued with the language and he went off to college. And I somehow got the gumption to invite him to my high school prom. And he graciously agreed to go to.
Aren’t we cute? I hope my 80’s hair does not make you lose your appetite.

I wish I could say that I got this recipe from his mother. But I am sure that she would not have shared with me. As I was not a nice Greek girl. And I am sure that she was confused by me. And my lust for her son. And his friendship with me.

My how I digress. Mention Greeks and I get all discombobulated.

Where were we? Oh, yes. I am going to show you how to make Pastitsio.

Here is our cast of characters.I think that’s all of them anyway. Some might still be shy. And hiding in the fridge. Which is where I like to hide when I am being shy. Of course the fridge is always a good place to go. No matter what.

I got the noodles going. And then browned the meat and garlic. I don’t like onions – so I just add a little flavor of them with some of the minced dehydrated variety. Sacrelidge I am sure. But I really don’t like onions.After the meat is browned, drain it. And then add the tomato sauce and spices.Okay. Let’s take a small side trip. I know we took one at the beginning. Sigh. Jimmy the Greek. But…let’s talk about prep work. One of my favorite kitchen tools are these little prep bowls. I find that if I have everything pre-measured before I start cooking, I have less problems.But then when I have to stop and photograph things. Well, that can lead to a whole new set of problems. Notice that there is no camera in the ingredients. That is a good thing.

Where were we? Oh, yes. We've browned the meat. Added tomato sauce and spices. Discussed Jimmy. Are your noodles done yet? Drain them and put them in a big bowl.Notice those ever so helpful prep bowls? Just add the egg and cheese to your noodles.And mix. Looks yummy, yes?Set this aside, and let's make our sauce. First melt that butter. And then add flour and cinnamon. Stir until smooth. Stopping to take a picture is not a good idea.Then you gradually add in the milk. It kinda looks lumpy at this point,but just keep stirring. Okay...who else can now hear Dory saying "just keep swimming, just keep swimming?" E-Scap-AY.

There are many digressions when we cook. I think it's a rule. Or something.

After all the milk is blended and it's thickened, you add a little of the sauce to your eggs. And then add the eggs into the sauce. I have no idea why you do this. Maybe someone who is a real cook will enlighten me. And us. Anyone? Hello? Did I lose you all with my 80's hair?

After you add in the eggs, remove the sauce from the heat and add the rest of the cheese.
Next you are going to layer your ingredients in a baking dish. First add half the macaroni.Then all of the meat sauce.And finally the rest of the macaroni.You top off the whole thing with your white sauce.When I first cooked this, I thought the white sauce would "filter" down to the other layers. But it does not. The pasta stays in four distinct layers. Opa!

Here is my simple recipe:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
8oz can of tomato sauce
½ cup water
1 tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1 egg, beaten
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

SAUCE:
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all purpose flour
¼ tsp cinnamon
3 cups milk
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the beef, onion, and garlic. Drain.
Stir in tomato sauce, water, and seasonings
Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
In a bowl, combine macaroni, egg, and parmesan cheese. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter.
Then stir in flour and cinnamon until smooth.
Gradually add milk.
Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat.

Stir a small amount of the above into the two beaten eggs. And then add the eggs to the saucepan.
Cook and stir for 2 minutes.

Remove from the heat.
Stir in the cheese.

In a greased 3 qt. dish, spread half of the macaroni mixture.
Top with beef. And then add the remaining macaroni.
Pour sauce over the top.

Bake at 350º for 45-50 minutes. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

So…what about you? What is your favorite “ethnic” dish to make? To eat? Did you go to your prom?

Theme song: The Bee Gees - Grease. Cause Greece is the word. What do you mean it's not the same word?! And it reminds me of high school...