Monday, March 31, 2008
Chevrolet and Autism Speaks Team Up to Drive Autism Awareness
Spread the word: Chevrolet has teamed up with Autism Speaks to drive home the message of autism awareness. During April – Autism Awareness Month – visitors to the Autism Speaks website (www.autismspeaks.org), can click on the “Help Chevy Help Autism” icon and take a virtual test drive of the 2008 North American Car of the Year – the all-new Chevy Malibu. Chevrolet has committed to a minimum contribution of $500,000, but every virtual test drive taken gets Chevrolet closer to its goal of donating up to $1 million to Autism Speaks to support its mission of increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research. Those who complete the virtual test drive will receive a free 30-day online trial of XM Satellite Radio. Read more and visit the Autism Speaks home page to take the virtual test drive.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Update on Bo
Boner (as we affectionately call my 17.5 year old cat) has been a real trooper... I feel like I'm running in a circle chasing my tail trying to help him, though. The tapazole he needs for his hyperthyroidism is giving him all types of other problems - a lack of appetite, for one - not good in a cat who weighs just over 6 pounds (and who used to be a healthy 14 pounds). To remedy that, I've been giving him an appetite stimulant prescribed by my veterinarian. Although it makes him very nauseous, it did work - initially, at least. As of this afternoon, he has eaten maybe 2 tablespoons of food since last Friday (even with the appetite stimulant).
He seems to be going downhill fast (becoming too weak to walk, not eating or drinking, trying to find places to "hide" around the house) and I'm so fearful that his poor little body will give out here at home before I hear from back from the vet (whom I called this mornng)... I hate this. I don't want to say goodbye to the cat I've had - literally - half of my life. He is an amazing little animal and I cannot imagine not having him around.
He seems to be going downhill fast (becoming too weak to walk, not eating or drinking, trying to find places to "hide" around the house) and I'm so fearful that his poor little body will give out here at home before I hear from back from the vet (whom I called this mornng)... I hate this. I don't want to say goodbye to the cat I've had - literally - half of my life. He is an amazing little animal and I cannot imagine not having him around.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Here We Go Again
My family lost one of our precious cats just 8 months ago. It looks like our remaining pet (the one in the sink in this picture - who will be 18 on September 1 this year) might not be long for this world either. He's been losing weight since last Summer. He now weighs half of what he used to and a recent visit to the vet proved that he has hyperthyroidism. He was put on tapazole for the hyperthyroid but it is having side effects. He also has developed a heart murmur and has kidneys and a liver that are starting to fail.
Making "the decision" is so hard...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
50th Grammy Awards
We're fortunate enough to have been invited again! It should be amazing - I'm most looking forward to the performances by Andrea Bocelli/Josh Groban and Alicia Keys/John Mayer. If the past shows we've attended are any indicator, though, without a doubt - we're in for a great evening...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Intervention
My husband has been asked to participate in an intervention. It's for the son of a good friend of ours. At the very least, he has a problem with alcohol and has been spiraling downward for years now - filing for bankruptcy and getting what I believe was his 2nd DUI. The meeting is happening at this very moment and I'm anxiously awaiting to hear how it went. My husband and I worked on his letter for the intervention together and the interventionist suggested the book Love First by Jeff and Debra Jay (which I read and gave my husband the "cliff's notes" version of). The book was amazing. I learned so much from it. It actually gave me hope and has me thinking about the possibility of planning an intervention of my own. I have a younger sister who has a substance abuse problem. We, as a family, have been trying to "just accept" it for years - feeling like there was nothing we could do but wait for her to hit her "rock bottom" and finally allow us to help her.
Update: The intervention went as well as it could've! Our friends' son was very surprised at the confrontation but not hostile, very humble and appreciative and willing to get help. The interventionist has already taken him to the treatment facility chosen by his family and we're hopeful that he will do well.
Update: The intervention went as well as it could've! Our friends' son was very surprised at the confrontation but not hostile, very humble and appreciative and willing to get help. The interventionist has already taken him to the treatment facility chosen by his family and we're hopeful that he will do well.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Heath Ledger (1979-2008)
It was just announced that Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment about an hour ago. How terribly sad - 28 years old. I loved him in Brokeback Mountain (yes - I watched and actually really enjoyed that movie) and was looking forward to seeing him as the Joker in the Batman movie this Summer.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Foolish Questions
Mary and her husband, Mike, have embarked on a 72-day trip with plans on visiting every Disney theme park in the world!
Follow them via their blog!
Follow them via their blog!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Mickey!!!
We enjoyed an amazing trip to Orlando and Disneyworld in July of last year but haven't been to Disneyland (here in California) since we celebrated the kids' 6th and 7th birthdays there in 2006. I decided that it was time to head back to Anaheim and we're now planning a trip for Spring Break in March. I know - I know - it's a horrible time to go. Everyone and their Mother will be there. The weather is great in the Spring, though, and the kids are off school - the timing just works! We'll deal - fortunately, my kids are pretty good at waiting in line and the crowds don't freak my son out now like they used to.
I haven't decided whether I'm going to book the trip on my own or buy a package. Disneyland offers packagess as does Costco and AAA. Doing it on my own will end up costing us the least but booking through someplace gives extra perks that I couldn't get otherwise - character calls (the kids got one in 2006 when they turned 6 and 7 and thought it was great), early entry into Toontown, prefered seating at shows, free parking at the parks etc...
I'd love to stay at the Grand Californian again. For a few years, that's the only place we stayed. Their rates have gone up dramatically, though, and I just can't see spending $500/night for the same room that we used to pay $150 for. We'll see... We've had good luck in the past with the Marriott Anaheim Suites and might do that again. There are definite benefits to staying at one of the Disney properties but I'm not sure the benefits are worth $300+/day.
I haven't decided whether I'm going to book the trip on my own or buy a package. Disneyland offers packagess as does Costco and AAA. Doing it on my own will end up costing us the least but booking through someplace gives extra perks that I couldn't get otherwise - character calls (the kids got one in 2006 when they turned 6 and 7 and thought it was great), early entry into Toontown, prefered seating at shows, free parking at the parks etc...
I'd love to stay at the Grand Californian again. For a few years, that's the only place we stayed. Their rates have gone up dramatically, though, and I just can't see spending $500/night for the same room that we used to pay $150 for. We'll see... We've had good luck in the past with the Marriott Anaheim Suites and might do that again. There are definite benefits to staying at one of the Disney properties but I'm not sure the benefits are worth $300+/day.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
New Year's Day Accident
My darling boy just had to have 2-wheeled Razor Scooter for Christmas. "All of the big boys ride them" apparently. He got one and was on it every waking hour for a week.
On New Year's Day, he hit a rock - or a patch of grass - or a crack in the sidewalk - or something - and broke his fall, unfortunately, with his beautiful little face. The poor child looked like a car accident victim - I honestly don't think I've ever seen so much blood. I rushed him into the house (and to a sink) and quickly learned that he had apparently landed on the left side of the afore-mentioned beautiful face. He had "road burns" on his left forehead, left cheek, the left side of his nose and his upper (fat) lip. His nose was bleeding (and purple) and, much to my chagrin, his top central incisor (on the left) - an adult permanent tooth - was hanging 1/2" lower than its partner on the right side.
Oh boy...
I, making every effort not to vomit, rushed him to the couch and asked that he remain still and quiet while I tried to call our pediatric dentist. I didn't expect for them to answer, of course, on New Year's Day - but I was hopeful that the exchange could transfer me to one of the dentists at the practice. After listening to the phone ring for 15 minutes, the exchange finally answered and promptly patched me through - to the office manager! She had no dental advice for me and simply suggested that we visit the ER for "some anti-biotics or something".
Feeling that this was unacceptable and less than helpful, my husband called an orthodontist friend of his from his Rotary group who wanted nothing more than to assist us. Unfortunately, he was in Lake Tahoe for the holiday. He urged us to push the tooth back up into the socket and hold it there until we found a dentist somewhere who would "splint" the tooth - our only chance at saving it.
My husband then called our dentist. He does not see children (and won't, we learned, even in an emergency) but he did want to help. He called back within 10 minutes and gave us information on a pediatric dentist who was ready to meet us at his office.
Bless this man's selfless heart - he was wonderful! As we pulled up, he was unlocking his office door and turning on lights. His rapport with my son was fantastic and his personality affable and kind. He, without delay, splinted the loose teeth (turns out that the right central incisor was loose as well) to my sons' canines as his lateral incisors have not come down far enough yet to provde enough support. The procedure went quickly and I couldn't have been more thankful for this dentist. He told me that if we'd have waited until the following morning, there's a good chance it would've been too late. He's hopeful that the tooth will re-root and that all will be fine in 4 weeks when we go back to have the brace removed.
My son was a real trooper. He looked like he'd been in a fight (and had his ass kicked!) but he tolerated it all - and the metal wire now in his mouth - like a champ. He's enjoying the daily trip to Jamba Juice!
Life with a BOY, I guess!
On New Year's Day, he hit a rock - or a patch of grass - or a crack in the sidewalk - or something - and broke his fall, unfortunately, with his beautiful little face. The poor child looked like a car accident victim - I honestly don't think I've ever seen so much blood. I rushed him into the house (and to a sink) and quickly learned that he had apparently landed on the left side of the afore-mentioned beautiful face. He had "road burns" on his left forehead, left cheek, the left side of his nose and his upper (fat) lip. His nose was bleeding (and purple) and, much to my chagrin, his top central incisor (on the left) - an adult permanent tooth - was hanging 1/2" lower than its partner on the right side.
Oh boy...
I, making every effort not to vomit, rushed him to the couch and asked that he remain still and quiet while I tried to call our pediatric dentist. I didn't expect for them to answer, of course, on New Year's Day - but I was hopeful that the exchange could transfer me to one of the dentists at the practice. After listening to the phone ring for 15 minutes, the exchange finally answered and promptly patched me through - to the office manager! She had no dental advice for me and simply suggested that we visit the ER for "some anti-biotics or something".
Feeling that this was unacceptable and less than helpful, my husband called an orthodontist friend of his from his Rotary group who wanted nothing more than to assist us. Unfortunately, he was in Lake Tahoe for the holiday. He urged us to push the tooth back up into the socket and hold it there until we found a dentist somewhere who would "splint" the tooth - our only chance at saving it.
My husband then called our dentist. He does not see children (and won't, we learned, even in an emergency) but he did want to help. He called back within 10 minutes and gave us information on a pediatric dentist who was ready to meet us at his office.
Bless this man's selfless heart - he was wonderful! As we pulled up, he was unlocking his office door and turning on lights. His rapport with my son was fantastic and his personality affable and kind. He, without delay, splinted the loose teeth (turns out that the right central incisor was loose as well) to my sons' canines as his lateral incisors have not come down far enough yet to provde enough support. The procedure went quickly and I couldn't have been more thankful for this dentist. He told me that if we'd have waited until the following morning, there's a good chance it would've been too late. He's hopeful that the tooth will re-root and that all will be fine in 4 weeks when we go back to have the brace removed.
My son was a real trooper. He looked like he'd been in a fight (and had his ass kicked!) but he tolerated it all - and the metal wire now in his mouth - like a champ. He's enjoying the daily trip to Jamba Juice!
Life with a BOY, I guess!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
On This Day...
1732 - Benjamin Franklin began publishing "Poor Richard's Almanac"
1843 - Charles Dickens' classic Yuletide tale, "A Christmas Carol," was first published in England
1933 - Actress Cicely Tyson was born
1960 - Fire aboard USS Constellation, under construction in Brooklyn (50 die)
1963 - Actress Jennifer Beals was born
1972 - Actress Alyssa Milano was born and Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, ending the Apollo program of manned lunar landings
1980 - Actor Jake Gyllenhaal was born
1996 - The school board of Oakland, Calif., voted to recognize Black English, also known as "ebonics"
1998 - President Bill Clinton was impeached
1843 - Charles Dickens' classic Yuletide tale, "A Christmas Carol," was first published in England
1933 - Actress Cicely Tyson was born
1960 - Fire aboard USS Constellation, under construction in Brooklyn (50 die)
1963 - Actress Jennifer Beals was born
1972 - Actress Alyssa Milano was born and Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, ending the Apollo program of manned lunar landings
1980 - Actor Jake Gyllenhaal was born
1996 - The school board of Oakland, Calif., voted to recognize Black English, also known as "ebonics"
1998 - President Bill Clinton was impeached
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
"Everybody - Just Pretend To Be Normal, OK?"
I just finished watching the movie Little Miss Sunshine. Finally. I recorded it on my DVR close to a year ago and just now found the time to sit down and actually watch the entire film from beginning to end.
It has, without a doubt, become one of my favorite movies. It's quirky - without a doubt - and there are some uncomfortable scenes (a heroin-snorting-Grandpa Edwin) and crude language. I loved the messages it subtly (and sometimes not-so-subtly) purveyed about family, differences, acceptance, stereotypes and just life in general.
It was inexpensively made (for approximately $8 million) and not widely seen until a company purchased the rights to it (a la the Sundance Film Festival) for $10 million. It was released in the U.S. on August 18, 2006 (my birthday!) and out on DVD in December of the same year. As of February 2007, it had made over $59 million in the U.S. and over $94 million worldwide - amazing!
2007 Academy Awards won:
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (Alan Arkin)
Best Original Screenplay
2007 Academy Award Nominations:
Best Picture of the Year
Best Performance by an Actres in a Supporting Role (Abigail Breslen)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Christmas Card For Wounded Soldiers
I've been saving an e-mail that was mailed to me weeks ago by a friend. It suggested that, in December, holiday cards be sent to "any wounded soldier" at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I loved the idea and knew right away that it was something I was going to do.
As I was starting to finally address my cards today, I pulled up that e-mail and decided to look online to verify the address. It didn't take but one simple Google search for me to learn that sending cards to that address was not suggested. Apparently, for safety and security reasons, any card or package addressed to "any wounded soldier" and not a specific patient would be rejected by the hospital and returned as undeliverable. Instead, this is what they suggest:
I've addressed mine and hope that anyone who reads this blog will do so as well!
As I was starting to finally address my cards today, I pulled up that e-mail and decided to look online to verify the address. It didn't take but one simple Google search for me to learn that sending cards to that address was not suggested. Apparently, for safety and security reasons, any card or package addressed to "any wounded soldier" and not a specific patient would be rejected by the hospital and returned as undeliverable. Instead, this is what they suggest:
Walter Reed Army Medical Center cannot accept packages, letters, and holiday cards addressed to 'Any Wounded Soldier' or 'A Recovering American Soldier'. The U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting "Any Service Member" or "A Recovering American Soldier" letters or packages. Mail to "Any Service Member" that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered.
However, through a unique partnership between the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc., communities across America are invited to mail cards along with personal messages of support to wounded service members at military hospitals around the country.
With the support of the U.S. Department of Defense and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and with help from Pitney Bowes Government Solutions, the American Red Cross will collect, review and distribute holiday greeting cards to wounded military personnel. For security reasons, the Red Cross will be able to accept only holiday cards but not packages. Red Cross volunteers will receive and bundle the cards, which will be shipped by Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. Then, Red Cross volunteers at the medical facilities will distribute the cards throughout the holiday season.
Please address your holiday cards to:
We Support You During Your Recovery!
c/o American Red Cross
P.O. Box 419
Savage, MD 20763-0419
Be sure to affix adequate postage. Cards must be received no later than December 27. Cards received after this date will be returned to the sender. Again, senders are reminded that "care packages" are not part of the program--send only cards and notes. Also, please refrain from using glitter or any other inserts that would not be appropriate in a hospital environment.
I've addressed mine and hope that anyone who reads this blog will do so as well!
Monday, December 03, 2007
How Do YOU Smell?
Just in time for Christmas!
The site Fragrance.Net has the best prices I've seen - lots of hard-to-find brands there too!
Enter the coupon code "fox" when checking out and get a 10% discount - free shipping on orders over $60 too!
The site Fragrance.Net has the best prices I've seen - lots of hard-to-find brands there too!
Enter the coupon code "fox" when checking out and get a 10% discount - free shipping on orders over $60 too!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Our Turkey Day
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The four of us (along with my sister and another friend of ours) volunteered serving Thanksgiving lunch for a few hours at a local homeless shelter. Last year was our first experience doing this and we have decided to make it a regular part of all of our future Thanksgivngs.
Afterwards, we enjoyed an amazing dinner at my Mom's house and a rousing game of Scene It! (Disney edition) with the kids. A friend brought it and the children enjoyed it so much, I bought it for them for Christmas.
I was in charge of dessert this year and made a Pumpkin Pie and a fantastic Caramel Cheesecake (recipe below) that was a surprisingly huge hit!
Caramel Cheesecake
1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust (I prefer and used a homemade crust)
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/4 cup caramel topping
12 pecan halves, plus 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well. Pour into crust.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set. Cool to room temperature.
Warm caramel topping in a small saucepan and heat for about 1 minute, or until spreadable. Spoon over the top of the cheesecake and spread evenly. Decorate the edge of the cake with pecan halves and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Afterwards, we enjoyed an amazing dinner at my Mom's house and a rousing game of Scene It! (Disney edition) with the kids. A friend brought it and the children enjoyed it so much, I bought it for them for Christmas.
I was in charge of dessert this year and made a Pumpkin Pie and a fantastic Caramel Cheesecake (recipe below) that was a surprisingly huge hit!
Caramel Cheesecake
1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust (I prefer and used a homemade crust)
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/4 cup caramel topping
12 pecan halves, plus 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well. Pour into crust.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set. Cool to room temperature.
Warm caramel topping in a small saucepan and heat for about 1 minute, or until spreadable. Spoon over the top of the cheesecake and spread evenly. Decorate the edge of the cake with pecan halves and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m Thankful for You
Thanksgiving is the appointed time
for focusing on the good in our lives.
In each of our days,
we can find small blessings,
but too often we overlook them,
choosing instead to spend our time
paying attention to problems.
We give our energy
to those who cause us trouble
instead of those who bring peace.
Starting now,
let’s be on the lookout
for the bits of pleasure in each hour,
and appreciate the people who
bring love and light to everyone
who is blessed to know them.
You are one of those people.
On Thanksgiving,
I’m thankful for you.
By Joanna Fuchs
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