tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76241102024-03-14T10:18:10.286-05:00Rancid Raves The outdated drivel of a Pop Culture Sheep.Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.comBlogger1150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-18335740562187956662015-10-16T10:45:00.002-05:002015-10-16T10:45:45.387-05:00Hang Ten10 years ago today, Manoj and I embarked on a journey that would change the course of our lives forever. <br />
<br />
We became parents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj03Zs8TFrj5bykrZpXvdR2o8IzoTwdT6AxQc5iInjMOc1qdyurzC2DFTA0CkOn-qJmigYvQqyyOfkiP_5Ty-AsQo3xnKV_p310lHUurea8bB6zjsXg0CJXU77pvKsmmUUCSiTuQ/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj03Zs8TFrj5bykrZpXvdR2o8IzoTwdT6AxQc5iInjMOc1qdyurzC2DFTA0CkOn-qJmigYvQqyyOfkiP_5Ty-AsQo3xnKV_p310lHUurea8bB6zjsXg0CJXU77pvKsmmUUCSiTuQ/s400/IMG_7195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mostly, when I think back on these past 10 years, I feel extreme gratitude. At every step of the way in a parenting journey, things can take irretrievable, soul-crushing turns. Once you become a parent, all bets are off and your heart will never be completely your own again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUAqEtjxetCm4CwZQT_Gz46QWkqhWQ4_-Oz3Khtx5SjMxezVwfiN4TXtkd65JI6NF5lV7k0WrHtWOLCG_KcyxRXgsgtOxSW0CahbRv45u4vwEnkNZIOf_rPt2j-glOwuz_HKhiQ/s1600/arun+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUAqEtjxetCm4CwZQT_Gz46QWkqhWQ4_-Oz3Khtx5SjMxezVwfiN4TXtkd65JI6NF5lV7k0WrHtWOLCG_KcyxRXgsgtOxSW0CahbRv45u4vwEnkNZIOf_rPt2j-glOwuz_HKhiQ/s400/arun+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We have had 10 years with a fussy baby who grew into a remarkably good-natured, easy-going boy. He is a voracious reader, an avid gamer, a Pokemon obsessive, a budding musician. He is also pretty stinky and in constant need of a clean pair of socks, a haircut and a shower, OH MY GOD. However, his grades are perfect, he has loads of friends, teachers always like him and I inevitably leave conferences glowing with pride over this boy. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Our </i>boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToA-m0SckdPLpGRW3EMBs3ASQhYUFqQH-Ig9oYyz9b7oqI7-eP-j8COfogKQwXFRloWlLHxI1SHPabglBqNzfN8CS-vjn9GpBsNpTZ38OwQexo5teC0W8aDJlNS55fgznLJDxgg/s1600/Fun+%25284+of+9%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToA-m0SckdPLpGRW3EMBs3ASQhYUFqQH-Ig9oYyz9b7oqI7-eP-j8COfogKQwXFRloWlLHxI1SHPabglBqNzfN8CS-vjn9GpBsNpTZ38OwQexo5teC0W8aDJlNS55fgznLJDxgg/s400/Fun+%25284+of+9%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy birthday, Arun.<br />
<br />Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-84967082464105732242015-10-02T10:43:00.000-05:002015-10-02T10:43:19.232-05:00Facebook PSA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdymx-m8h4w7MARgtcwcjdoxweIhAiuFYEwBv6V5srCxKtO6qeCevTrURMyhES5jcp_ztQeZsHkS20pTVgvg1MDF8f8_HwlUSkKXA8KEBVxDkvbYBgKweYECH_8X4H5gToz4Htg/s1600/Sunflower+Field+%252847+of+52%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdymx-m8h4w7MARgtcwcjdoxweIhAiuFYEwBv6V5srCxKtO6qeCevTrURMyhES5jcp_ztQeZsHkS20pTVgvg1MDF8f8_HwlUSkKXA8KEBVxDkvbYBgKweYECH_8X4H5gToz4Htg/s400/Sunflower+Field+%252847+of+52%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Grinter's Sunflower Field, Lawrence KS.</i></div>
<br />
For no reason other than I have missed writing, I have made a commitment to myself to post once a week for the rest of the year. So, this is me, jumping right in......<br />
<br />
I love Facebook. LOVE. It makes it easy to keep in touch with folks I see in REAL life. It is also convenient for staying connected with my Imaginary Friends in the Box -- my online friends. Like many folks, I have a diverse set of FB friends. I tend to lean Libertarian, but I have friends that swing far Right and far Left. And never the twain shall meet, right? However, I appreciate having these perspectives (most of the time) even when my blood pressure rises. <br /><br />I know for other people this is not always the case and I have seen friendships scorched to the ground because of Facebook. A few times, I have been the one blocking/unfriending. Other times, I was the one blocked/unfriended. Eventually, I made peace with the end of those relationships because they were toxic and unhealthy for me in the long run, regardless of Facebook's involvement. And I moved on.<br /><br />But something happened a few weeks ago to a friend of mine that made me realize that a lot of folks simply do not understand how Facebook works. Things could quickly get ugly with tensions already running high on a myriad of topics such as Planned Parenthood, Trump, gun control (or lack thereof), etc.<br />
<br />
Here's what happened: a few weeks ago, Friend A blocked and unfriended Friend B. Friend A wrote a nasty diatribe claiming that Friend B was posting offensive material. The problem is, I could clearly see that Friend B had NOT posted anything objectionable and furthermore, Friend B is the least disagreeable person you will ever meet. <br />
<br />
<i>In fact, Friend B is the type of person who <b>goes out of her way</b> to NOT be offensive.</i><br />
<br />
I was curious about what the hell could have happened and then I noticed something. In my timeline, I will often see news article posted that has a friend associated with it. <br />
Something like this:<br /><b>Joe Black via Huffington Post</b><br />
<br />
That means that Joe actually SHARED the article from the Huffington Post.<br />
<br />
I also see other news articles posted that has a friend associated with it containing this verbiage:<br /><b>Joe Black likes The Kansas City Star</b><br />
<br />
Do you see the difference? In the first example, Joe clearly shared the specific article with his friends. However! In the second example, The Kansas City Star is sharing an article and saying "Hey, Joe likes us!" but that does NOT mean that Joe liked that specific <i>article</i>.<br /><br />As we move forward into what will be a contentious election season, we all need to keep in mind that social media has weird algorithms and often, is not as straightforward as one would think. Also, folks can mistakenly click on things. Accidents happen!<br /><br />Listen, I am the first sort of person to jump to conclusions and then angrily tap out responses because Someone On the Internet Is Wrong.<br /><br />However, this recent experience has made me see that I need to be kinder and give more folks the benefit of the doubt. <br /><br />Will you join me?<br /><br />Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-39788728702341390112015-07-09T09:12:00.003-05:002015-07-09T09:12:46.817-05:0010 Things I Love About YouNow that I have children who are online AND can read, they can read my blog. I love showing them past posts I have written and I am so so grateful that I spent the time and energy maintaining this spot. The other day, Anjali declared "<i>Well, are you going to write my birthday post this year? <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2013/07/her-special-ingredient-is-chemical-x.html" target="_blank">You wrote one when I was 6</a>, but not when I was 7!</i>".<br />
<br />
Baby girl, here you go. <br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<b>10 Things I Love About You</b></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen0unrR1m_9uSI71-w2kMm_KzSJdJr62gt-RCwwuXiI0H-L6olcXwDrOi3WkUN484spIfmOs25kDfBpi5hsXb9EyiguJ07XlejNrw2zlT29YEYVFxClpapBK3FQZhviWT3L-b3Q/s1600/Autumn+Walk+%252811+of+15%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgen0unrR1m_9uSI71-w2kMm_KzSJdJr62gt-RCwwuXiI0H-L6olcXwDrOi3WkUN484spIfmOs25kDfBpi5hsXb9EyiguJ07XlejNrw2zlT29YEYVFxClpapBK3FQZhviWT3L-b3Q/s400/Autumn+Walk+%252811+of+15%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>1. I love that you are curious and inquisitive. </b><br />
Sometimes, the constant questions wear me down, but I promise I will always try to find the answers. Also, I fully support your relationship with Siri. (And yes, I am still researching how close the Earth can get to the Sun before we all die.)<br />
<br />
<b>2. I love that you have become quite the foodie. </b><br />
It is so much FUN cooking with you and exploring new restaurants with you. I laughed last night when you pestered me for a full hour as I slow-cooked Jamaican Chicken packing so much heat with adobo chilies that my own tongue was buzzing. And it cracks me up that your favorite BBQ sauce is KC Joe's Night of the Living Dead and your favorite wing sauce is Frank's Buffalo Sauce. I also love that you like to create things on your own - even when the results are not edible (yes, I complain about the mess, I will try harder not to in the future).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9Wa4zezDle4jOiaV0-wTR1-SuFPXeaJpPTFXG_wy9QJoQxjjgieOcJ_71nohkhHLlBq-KNXv24jlIfdb6qNmw3ULH8yUbLUtlY_RbIu-XI7vALfTZ7sTQgAj9EZjjtX0X1ZTTw/s1600/Anjali+White+Book+7++%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9Wa4zezDle4jOiaV0-wTR1-SuFPXeaJpPTFXG_wy9QJoQxjjgieOcJ_71nohkhHLlBq-KNXv24jlIfdb6qNmw3ULH8yUbLUtlY_RbIu-XI7vALfTZ7sTQgAj9EZjjtX0X1ZTTw/s400/Anjali+White+Book+7++%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>3. I love that you are a good sister. </b><br />
Arun is a stinky boy who often pesters you, but you are patient with him and are such a caretaker to him. He takes you for granted, but he WILL appreciate your picking out his clothes for him when he is high school. Trust me on this.<br />
<br />
<b>4. I love that you are so competitive. </b><br />
When you became furious that Arun finished The War With Grandpa before you, I felt bad that you were so upset. However, honestly? I was also secretly thrilled that you have such a tenacious drive in you. You always strive to do better and I love that about you. I was so proud of you when you got behind on reading Lemonade Wars and instead of panicking, you sat down and read straight through until you had caught up on your chapters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRPO7zMC4_j20R-BEU_x5N3xeuDCoIXvfq2Iul9yXABD-l6ExUX2RzjZCMW3F8VHxj8FZOkrMxkPOUQ_4D4wohUyorQi2ByVvQjYdrfAnFDZVAUW9fOl-EFV5tMLEDHnlUtUz_w/s1600/Day+5+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRPO7zMC4_j20R-BEU_x5N3xeuDCoIXvfq2Iul9yXABD-l6ExUX2RzjZCMW3F8VHxj8FZOkrMxkPOUQ_4D4wohUyorQi2ByVvQjYdrfAnFDZVAUW9fOl-EFV5tMLEDHnlUtUz_w/s400/Day+5+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>5. I love that you are a good friend and are respectful to people. </b><br />
Be it a cashier, a receptionist or server, you are always respectful and even your teachers always comment on this. Never forget to acknowledge a person who is helping you out -- it will pay off in spades in terms of customer service (and karma!) You are also so careful with your friends and I hope that continues. Friendships with girls can be complicated and I appreciate that you are careful with whom you are close. It took me years to weed out the toxic friends and I learned some hard lessons from my bad choices in friendships. You will have to learn this on your own as well, but so far? You are doing well in choosing friends who treat with you respect and are kind to you. (And who love to dig for bugs and frogs as much as you do. ) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0Rs1Lxq5A2aFDKLnxqZ9W5yZH06C8eE54cc1tZNcOxn8_Mwjufc87oxpmcnhjQ9eLDPk9ZKXS0PAemOqtYx3CNBC9SQxJeO6dIFQ4zZErKALCLBh56mcXQ7b1b-EC8NBlNhs2w/s1600/2014+Mexico+%252887+of+132%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0Rs1Lxq5A2aFDKLnxqZ9W5yZH06C8eE54cc1tZNcOxn8_Mwjufc87oxpmcnhjQ9eLDPk9ZKXS0PAemOqtYx3CNBC9SQxJeO6dIFQ4zZErKALCLBh56mcXQ7b1b-EC8NBlNhs2w/s400/2014+Mexico+%252887+of+132%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>6. I love that you are an adventuresome traveler. </b><br />
It is so much fun traveling with you and Arun (except for Arun's apparent disdain for Colorado. Let us never speak of Colorado again.) Both of you are so adventuresome and curious about other people, cultures and ways of life. And I was SO proud of how patient and well-behaved both of you were last year when we went to Mexico. I am so excited to go back there this summer and find new spots for us to explore!<br />
<br />
<b>7. I love that you talk to me. </b><br />
I know this may not always be the case, but I appreciate that for now, you confide in me and that we can talk through things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQe7S9vLJd2s3qN078Gfa21PaezqlBmaDrxtRd8CA58uOnRwc0AuebHMPK3cKdbIrB_BHhbHGa8kRElj06JSZPrvNlXRu7OFQri7C70tnU_ppKhWe01zVatwK-A1XA2F8HfKHsw/s1600/Jan+30+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQe7S9vLJd2s3qN078Gfa21PaezqlBmaDrxtRd8CA58uOnRwc0AuebHMPK3cKdbIrB_BHhbHGa8kRElj06JSZPrvNlXRu7OFQri7C70tnU_ppKhWe01zVatwK-A1XA2F8HfKHsw/s320/Jan+30+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>8. I love your jokes.</b><br />
Your jokes crack me up and you have a great delivery (especially the one about the cemetery!) Your great-great-uncles Buddy and Floyd are surely laughing from above every time you tell one! I hope you never lose your sense of humor because having one, goes a long, long way in life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrankEyoWlwUehElhCq7mNtnDJL5lHLI0Hz-9sJjx0gMjF8-y3IJQJX6CRca-svG3kFOVAR3TdqDegQ3kY8ey-1i4vOUoCoxRk7_A3FgcFD8lWfiFAX6hPfnF1oR9evFT1UTUsMA/s1600/February+%25286+of+13%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrankEyoWlwUehElhCq7mNtnDJL5lHLI0Hz-9sJjx0gMjF8-y3IJQJX6CRca-svG3kFOVAR3TdqDegQ3kY8ey-1i4vOUoCoxRk7_A3FgcFD8lWfiFAX6hPfnF1oR9evFT1UTUsMA/s400/February+%25286+of+13%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>9. I love that you are creative. </b><br />
I have so much fun seeing your latest Lego or construction paper creation - especially the Lego pieces you create on your own, not just the ones with instructions. I am not a "builder" myself and it fascinates me to see what you come up with. I never get tired of seeing what you can cobble together with paper and tape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>10. I love the person you are.</b><br />
As I always say, I always wanted a daughter just like you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEBRXYZybz8-VPS5Q_865UDDN15tZTw17bGZGO5aulf-Z8vGhAhho5xj-7K3FkFPJVCTJkSgL-30rWuUjAaGd009UQqYso-H64jRjB3QzL0JDJRtSwpCLyOgpzlRCAnPgGC4XzQ/s1600/Day+5+%25282+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEBRXYZybz8-VPS5Q_865UDDN15tZTw17bGZGO5aulf-Z8vGhAhho5xj-7K3FkFPJVCTJkSgL-30rWuUjAaGd009UQqYso-H64jRjB3QzL0JDJRtSwpCLyOgpzlRCAnPgGC4XzQ/s400/Day+5+%25282+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Happy birthday, Peanut Butter Anjali.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-62908764768901496792014-07-23T22:51:00.001-05:002014-07-23T22:51:03.302-05:00SummaryTomorrow, Celeste (aka <a href="http://averagejane.blogs.com/" target="_blank">Average Jane</a>) and I are heading to San Jose for BlogHer 14. We both attended the first one in 05 and have attended many more after that (although, I missed 07, 12, and 13). BlogHer 05 appealed to me because I was 7 months pregnant with my oldest child at the time and I saw the conference as a fun trip to take with Celeste before I became shackled with the duties of a parenthood. Little did I know that BlogHer would end up launching some amazing friendships and connections for me over the next 9 years.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm stealing Celeste's idea of "getting to know to me" since I have not been posting regularly for a long time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt05GNPxvQT9fMhadzjkgewgMi8EGrY7KbhpVRFU6exvs9re5OrMe-O1Mi_TvDRW4_GMyabo2Fu0q9H46OZmbIB17rvyu0xscFWvNuZrqQZndau9_jX-ftnjIqT39TOo8dxRdJg/s1600/10393832_10202631238959607_4560655284637875888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpt05GNPxvQT9fMhadzjkgewgMi8EGrY7KbhpVRFU6exvs9re5OrMe-O1Mi_TvDRW4_GMyabo2Fu0q9H46OZmbIB17rvyu0xscFWvNuZrqQZndau9_jX-ftnjIqT39TOo8dxRdJg/s1600/10393832_10202631238959607_4560655284637875888_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>I'm the one standing in the back. This is dinner with a group of mothers from my kids' school -- so happy to have found a nice, laidback group of ladies. We have a GREAT school and neighborhood -- I am so proud to be a part of it.</i><br />
<br />
First and foremost, these days, I am a parent with my husband Manoj-- my son Arun is 8.5 and my daughter Anjali is 7 (aka Team Chaos). They are at the age where they still take a lot of my time. HOWEVER, they are also at the age where they are so much freaking FUN to hang out with that I am trying to enjoy every moment I can before they become teenagers and realize what an impossibly boring dork I am. Besides, who else will watch the Powerpuff Girls and play the WiiU with me?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-NUaM7PFopZ0C7d0EAWz5oi4LbqegB1dikvLSylZ10ZpC5HNvfDmKQyvp43k7m-E34fv1kI83nT1dkpDzxdGhqzDUa4UbfNJfMfxP3TpjSPj7jJ6YdDSoZpAXb6uM5B9_wHVSQ/s1600/Arun+and+Anjali+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-NUaM7PFopZ0C7d0EAWz5oi4LbqegB1dikvLSylZ10ZpC5HNvfDmKQyvp43k7m-E34fv1kI83nT1dkpDzxdGhqzDUa4UbfNJfMfxP3TpjSPj7jJ6YdDSoZpAXb6uM5B9_wHVSQ/s1600/Arun+and+Anjali+(1+of+1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Speaking of my husband, Manoj is a serial entrepreneur -- we are always working on a business idea of his. I do not really have the personality of an entrepreneur but I am grateful that his tenacity, work ethic and awesome ideas have pulled our life in this direction. It is exciting to be on the fringes of whatever he is working on and fortunately, my skillset often allows me to help him in a variety of ways. When Manoj isn't working, he is always hanging out with our kids. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaEeMgVO3CLLua_PSdUtXKW2-s0jLDjH60CLEICkFgWP59HtUTc1h8WSFJp1Q0kArql2BQdxxd_Rx52Wvz5EUuKwqy80GkFoEJpzeny6Qfqu4c-xtRGbnlYca274Q01gPFbGSLQ/s1600/Daddy+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaEeMgVO3CLLua_PSdUtXKW2-s0jLDjH60CLEICkFgWP59HtUTc1h8WSFJp1Q0kArql2BQdxxd_Rx52Wvz5EUuKwqy80GkFoEJpzeny6Qfqu4c-xtRGbnlYca274Q01gPFbGSLQ/s1600/Daddy+(1+of+1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When I am not being a parent or a wife, I am usually sucked into one of my million hobbies -- I am addicted to hobbies and learning new things. My favorite hobbies are reading, knitting and arachnids. I am pretty serious about my reading and try to get through at least 50 books a year (Yes, I'm on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/46296-kelli-oliver-george" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> -- friend me up, yo!) In the past year, I have been learning how to sew and have been dabbling in photography. I also love cooking, but I consider that a lifeskill, not a hobby.<br />
<br />
Besides two kids, Manoj and I have are crazy about our pets. We have 3 cats (Pearson, Harry and Sam), 2 tarantulas (Nya and Little Celeste -- yes, named after my friend Celeste, with her permission, natch), a fish (Alex), a gecko (Gordon), and a dog (Lucy). We do take our pets very seriously and responsible pet ownership is a pet peeve of mine (pardon the pun!). I<a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-you-think-you-want.html" target="_blank"> wrote a post about things to consider</a> when making the decision to get a pet, particularly exotics.<br />
<br />
I have mostly been a SAHM with a bit of WAHM here and there. However, a few years ago when Arun started Kindergarten, I began freelance contracting work -- mostly in IT audit, Sarbanes-Oxley and internal audit projects, process documentation and improvement, and some systems development. I have loads of opinions on the topics of working mothers since I have literally DONE IT ALL. However, I have found that no matter what I say, someone is offended and mostly, I just keep quiet these days. Suffice it to say, I am so glad that I was able to stay home with my babies and those early years with them are some of the happiest memories of my life. I am very grateful that Manoj and I are in a situation where I can do freelancing and have the ability to take on projects with flexibility so that I can be home in time to pick up the Team from school.<br />
<br />
To wrap this up, I would like to say that I really miss writing. I lost my direction and I am hoping to find some inspiration at this year's BlogHer. I have always been my own Audience of One and I do not see that changing. While I do hope that my kids will get a kick out it of one day, I have always written this blog for ME. Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-21964109516710095092014-06-25T19:21:00.006-05:002014-06-25T19:21:57.888-05:00Here.<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I could go into details as to why I have not written for so
long. Most of the details are boring and
simply boil down to “Kelli is too damn lazy.”
It is odd that I did not share much from 2013 because Manoj and I
realized some long-held dreams and it was truly an inspiring year for us. We
sold our stock in Manoj’s business, did so many house projects that my head
spun, and I ventured out into freelancing full-time. I even picked up two new hobbies that I had
wanted to try for a long, long time – photography and sewing. Although truthfully, the sewing was put on
hold a bit when I started working, but I am going to pick it back up in July. As a Serial Hobbyist, it was exciting to
challenge myself and I am always on the hunt for learning something new
(Zentangle, you are officially on notice).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway! You read
that correctly, I have been …..“working”.
While I have always been sarcastic about about my “working” or “not working” status, it
has been interesting to have been 100% billable the past 11 months. I am winding down my current contract and
will be “not working” for awhile.
Mostly, I feel very gratefully humbled that I had two awesome clients who
provided me with steady income and challenging projects. I am also very happy with the contracting
life and appreciate that we have the sort of flexibility that allows for
it. Contracting and consulting can be
risky and scary at times, but Manoj and I have been very fortunate to have
found some great clients. We both have had wiggle room in our schedules so the
kids didn’t have to do after-school programs at all, which made things so much
simpler (the kids were very vocal about not wanting to do after-care programs.
) Now that they are out of school, it has gotten
much more complicated. When I roll off
this project, I am going to take the
rest of the summer off and just enjoy my kiddos. In the fall, Manoj and I will consider what
my next steps should be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ah, Team Chaos! Yes,
they are eagerly anticipating the end of this client so that I can be home with
them this summer. The hodge-podge of childcare
solutions has grown tiresome and they are ready for me to be home during the
day. Interestingly, my change in “working” status means pretty much
nothing to them – all they care about it is whether they have to go to daycare
or not(both are adamant about NOT going to daycare because they would rather be
home in the summer so that they don’t miss out on playing with their friends,
trips to the zoo, etc.) I always chuckle
at the statements from working moms who say their kids “respect them more”
because they hold an outside job.
Frankly? My children’s respect
isn’t based upon my work status – it is whether I am a good parent and a good
role model. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Speaking of Team Chaos – they are still going strong! Arun is 8.5yo and looking forward to 3<sup>rd</sup>
grade in the fall. Like many boys his
age, he is obsessed with his pets, Minecraft, Clash of Clans, and Legos. Unlike many boys his age, he still loves to
snuggle in our laps and give hugs. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOkMp84IXj1-HBiR1M_01odwUURGAX9f3B53Njtl72XKYkqnp5nVsK911WMAaxQaJ3lUMOd1sP60726uSeL2hWhdiGqYAZJ3QqommX4THJBNxmjHT03q89rMe9yRfrg0FCjGKpQ/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOkMp84IXj1-HBiR1M_01odwUURGAX9f3B53Njtl72XKYkqnp5nVsK911WMAaxQaJ3lUMOd1sP60726uSeL2hWhdiGqYAZJ3QqommX4THJBNxmjHT03q89rMe9yRfrg0FCjGKpQ/s1600/IMG_5777.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anjali will be 7yo in a few weeks and is excited about 2<sup>nd</sup>
grade. Like many girls her age, she is
obsessed with her pets, Legos, her friends, and her art/crafts.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBh5tw7lKI0NKgCLXeCVDZVWYeYIsBUlHNgWrztfZ63fIlyHvIBRiI4OW0dhMnB7F-Z9WsUABRjm4hhLXPq03hsbLARC6_lHMIGd874pvF86LW3NBILGTGuKEwnfaId3OalomOQ/s1600/best3lr+(2+of+2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBh5tw7lKI0NKgCLXeCVDZVWYeYIsBUlHNgWrztfZ63fIlyHvIBRiI4OW0dhMnB7F-Z9WsUABRjm4hhLXPq03hsbLARC6_lHMIGd874pvF86LW3NBILGTGuKEwnfaId3OalomOQ/s1600/best3lr+(2+of+2).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mostly with these two, I sit around and feel undeservedly lucky. They are both extremely social with tons of friends and are doing well in school.<br />
<br />
Speaking of school, I am so grateful for our small
neighborhood school – each grade has 2-3 sections and because I have been able to
be involved with the school, I know so many folks associated with
the school – teachers, parents, students, etc.
We have a good school and a GREAT neighborhood. When we bought our house, we were not even
thinking of those things – so what a happy surprise this has all been.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I am SO excited about the rest of this summer – I
have some fun things planned and hopefully, this post will be impetus I needed
to get writing again. <br />
<br />
Overall, I will
always regret not having written more last year but there is something to be
said for a fresh start.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-4727940306506511902013-07-19T09:55:00.001-05:002015-01-20T18:18:27.017-06:00Using All The Crayons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gFTETEegULQQLPKWD0E7F18V7nE3-vldED-ufZJnYRUb1ZmQzfeYCiAbRiuOIh_5vC4cJlA_49gVdtxM7oXqutcYwosp_UDhfwj2-CR4GSMo9IBGq4U9D1ot4Xl7PNnID73_Og/s1600/ManojandArunGoingToIndia0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gFTETEegULQQLPKWD0E7F18V7nE3-vldED-ufZJnYRUb1ZmQzfeYCiAbRiuOIh_5vC4cJlA_49gVdtxM7oXqutcYwosp_UDhfwj2-CR4GSMo9IBGq4U9D1ot4Xl7PNnID73_Og/s400/ManojandArunGoingToIndia0001.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I asked Arun to draw a picture of his dream vacation. Apparently, Disney World can suck it because my kid wants to go to India with his daddy to catch cobras and pit vipers.</i></div>
<br />
I have not said much regarding the Trayvon Martin case yet because frankly, I was too damned busy listening (per <a href="http://www.kellywickham.com/mochamomma/2013/7/15/hushing-and-listening.html">Kelly Wickham</a>'s request). I've also been pondering <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/07/trayvon-martin-and-the-irony-of-american-justice/277782/">Te-Nehisi Coates</a>' observations. I have been following Slate's coverage (and felt my heart sink when the <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/crime/2013/07/10/george_zimmerman_trial_trayvon_martin_s_shooter_is_probably_going_to_walk.html">uncomfortable prediction</a> was offered that we would see an acquittal of Zimmerman.) And then, I click on more links. Which lead me to yet MORE links.<br />
<br />
And then I listen some more.<br />
<br />
You would think that my being married to a person of color grants me some Special Pass, a unique revocation of my White Privilege, but it does not quite work that way. Oh sure, I gain some perspective when I hear folks compliment his English. I gain insight when I hear him take calls with patients and the patients question his use of the name "George" as if it was his lame attempt to Anglicize himself. Things certainly begin to click for me when I hear folks ask his location and express disbelief that he is truly in Kansas and instead, would rather believe he is huddled in a stifling cubicle deep in the heart of Bangalore.<br />
<br />
Nope. There are no Special Passes.<br />
<br />
When I first heard of this notion called White Privilege, it rankled me. Seriously, What. The. Hell. White Privilege? Meaning the results of all of my <i>hard </i>work was actually based upon the color of my <i>skin</i>? After all, I did not feel very privileged growing up in crummy, small Kansas towns with a father still deep in the throes of PTSD from his stint in Vietnam (not to mention my parents' incessant fighting and eventual divorce). Oh, and I can definitely report that my pasty, pale skin did not feel privileged working through college and later, still paying off student loans (certainly, there were no Moaning Myrtle scholarships to be had.) Furthermore, the machine that graded my CPA exam probably did not care that I am white. Indeed.<br />
<br />
And yet.<br />
<br />
I have never had reason to be scared of a cop. I freely wear hoodies. I have never been followed by security in a department store. I have a HUGE temper, but no one has ever referred to me as an Angry White Woman (complete with predefined character attributions). In fact, I can only remember one time I have felt discriminated based upon color (let's leave misogyny out of this for now-- that is for another time entirely). Manoj and I were out for dinner in Maine about 11 years ago and the waitress was extremely rude and curt with us. Manoj and I tend to give long leashes for our waitstaff because we respect how hard they work. So, we simply thought we had gotten a server who was having a bad day. Until I noticed her 2 tables over laughing, small-talking and offering up some really good customer service. And then, I watched her come to OUR table and her demeanor did a 180.<br />
<br />
However, honestly? The experience wasn't horrifying for me. Because it was <i>isolated</i>. It gave me some acumen, to be sure, but I did not leave the restaurant scarred for life. And besides, the waitress was being crappy to me only because I was <i>with </i>a person of color. I walked out of that restaurant still WHITE. My husband was still BROWN.<br />
<br />
Oh, and here is the real kicker -- because of my WHITE skin, my kids are now so ethnically ambiguous that I may never have to worry about them wearing hoodies on a rainy night as they dash to the store to buy Skittles. <br />
<br />
Now that I have reconsidered this White Privilege gig I have going on, what am I going to do about it? What can <i>any </i>of us do about it? Yes, we need to listen, but then we need to <i>talk </i>about it. And we need to quit pretending that kids do not see color. Ever since my kids have grasped a crayon in their grubby paws, they have always been conscientious of coloring their family members the correct, corresponding shade (and as I have written before, we are very <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2010/12/any-colour-you-like.html">frank about color with our kids</a>.) <br />
<br />
Quit chirping brightly "<i>my kids are colorblind!</i>" Your kids are not colorblind, they just don't <i>care!</i> Do what you can to keep it that way. Encourage questions! The other day, my son's friend was asking who Arun's mama was and who Anjali's daddy simply because he was confused by all the shades we have going on in our family. And this kid is African-American! At one point, he thought he shouldn't be asking the questions, but I <i>encouraged </i>him to finish his question. And then, I gently explained to him what happens with mixed-race kids.<br />
<br />
I can't change any laws, but I can keep a careful eye on who I vote for.<br />
<br />
I can't change others' racist views but I can discourage the conversation or call out racist views.<br />
<br />
I am in charge of two small humans who have the potential to positively influence others. And when their friends come to visit and are in my home, I have those moments as well to reflect a positive attitude.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I need to get back to listening.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-65485835095180868272013-07-09T14:59:00.001-05:002013-07-09T14:59:57.773-05:00Her Special Ingredient is Chemical X<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning, I told Anjali that I would be writing a blog post for her 6th birthday. She insisted that she be the one to choose all the pictures...........</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cagey333/2444548024/" title="Anjali and The Black Elephant by Cagey333, on Flickr"><img alt="Anjali and The Black Elephant" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2185/2444548024_88d57e7757.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is going to start taking piano lessons this fall. I have been waiting for this moment since the day she was born so that I may live vicariously through her ..... as is my destiny. Because this is all about ME, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy-q7qWwtg5V1bb4Fe3kh3KiL-2f4I8CfUOavhOKGYihhF41DjMQ3l9qS79zz1QbpELhG1fs05NUJUKHXE1f59oG7-2HmYqewmTorjpdYEAZsX6hMwCr7xQLeUeTFZCzXW5I6wQ/s1600/972213_10151701316313764_661631146_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy-q7qWwtg5V1bb4Fe3kh3KiL-2f4I8CfUOavhOKGYihhF41DjMQ3l9qS79zz1QbpELhG1fs05NUJUKHXE1f59oG7-2HmYqewmTorjpdYEAZsX6hMwCr7xQLeUeTFZCzXW5I6wQ/s400/972213_10151701316313764_661631146_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After her first dance recital, she declared she was ready for something new. First swimming, and then piano. I wasn't much of a Stage Mom, but I could be a Music Lessons Mom in a quarter note. <i>Totally</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAf2JAT950DeiJ-60to0nkoZi2TZ9zHe8PUZ98GSIkp3YXXSYltnKtzkpfs-AbP6s2i__4rZ7JkoEgV3toQZqtQwFxGPUjo0xoJ99JqDzClbsSjeUpqkLwd9vcr8WdOxRqcgPxQ/s1600/IMG_8381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAf2JAT950DeiJ-60to0nkoZi2TZ9zHe8PUZ98GSIkp3YXXSYltnKtzkpfs-AbP6s2i__4rZ7JkoEgV3toQZqtQwFxGPUjo0xoJ99JqDzClbsSjeUpqkLwd9vcr8WdOxRqcgPxQ/s400/IMG_8381.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Butterfly Palace in Branson MO is a yearly tradition for us and each visit is a 3+ hour affair that ends with me begging to leave. This was Manoj's first visit with us and I think he was shocked at the tenacity our kids have for butterfly wrangling. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXakzRSx65XUeDYTzcBPd6PXjK5blvfm6ZqAsWdsUYUR2nPtRD-GHg5AspHkigr1QJprkVvBa8630NiTMpGUV8d5V6aMWfHELACkrLzkLW6qbI4APb8HOVSLrV2lyudA-sajxgBw/s1600/IMG_8454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXakzRSx65XUeDYTzcBPd6PXjK5blvfm6ZqAsWdsUYUR2nPtRD-GHg5AspHkigr1QJprkVvBa8630NiTMpGUV8d5V6aMWfHELACkrLzkLW6qbI4APb8HOVSLrV2lyudA-sajxgBw/s400/IMG_8454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cannot express how impressed I was with her bravery at her recital-- not only did she perform onstage on the huge, professional stage at the Lied Center at the University of Kansas, but she SMILED the entire time. She is so shy and reserved in school settings, this was a shock to see her so comfortable on stage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm3nHYVq1pkCaYarEtPhTK9OSdhYnKJte4y0CgELifNfTtU6dacuFToswMAlBdU-tdBo3mLgy-o8fAYttEr_mn_IzYz-OzN3Ri6maaPAujc2Rvzm9w5uraKqexu9Dzexph8obnA/s1600/IMG_8261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinm3nHYVq1pkCaYarEtPhTK9OSdhYnKJte4y0CgELifNfTtU6dacuFToswMAlBdU-tdBo3mLgy-o8fAYttEr_mn_IzYz-OzN3Ri6maaPAujc2Rvzm9w5uraKqexu9Dzexph8obnA/s400/IMG_8261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this snap because in her hand are pieces of salt water taffy. We go to Branson every year and she begins talking about the candy store <i>months </i>before the trip. It reminds me of the time when she was so, so small and she declared emphatically to Manoj, "<i>Daddy, food is my FAVORITE</i>."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Speaking of "favortie"..... Her favorite TV shows are the Wild Kratts and the Powerpuff Girls. Her favorite Powerpuff Girl is Bubbles because "she is the creative one." When she grows up, she wants to be "an artistic veterinarian". However, according to her, "<i>you have to go to school to be a veterinarian, but you can't go to school to be an artist. You are either born with it... or you are not</i>". (Captain Subtext guesses she thinks she was born with it.) Her favorite books are Fancy Nancy and Curious George. Her favorite restaurants are Wei-Wei Thai Place and Taco Bueno. For breakfast, she likes to eat waffles or an organic veggie burrito with Cholula sauce. She has a crazy sweet tooth which her father is more than happy to indulge. Her favorite song is Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble". She is in complete charge of her hair, her wardrobe and her fingernail polish (and if it were her choice, she would be in charge of some makeup, too. Argh.) She mostly thinks boys are stinky, except for her brother who is either her best friend or her worst enemy, depending on the hour of the day. She spends hours upon hours in our dining room creating elaborate construction paper masterpieces (and complementary elaborate messes.....)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At night when we snuggle in bed, I tell her the story of how madly I had wanted a little girl ever since I was a little girl myself and how I had wanted a little girl just.... like.... her. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And it is true. She is exactly who I had always dreamed of.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Anjali Lilly</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cagey333/781661919/" title="Bug Eyed #2 by Cagey333, on Flickr"><img alt="Bug Eyed #2" height="375" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1014/781661919_4fa9b37a3b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
I am sneaking this picture in, despite her Lack of Approval. I love this picture -- she is just a day old and it reminds me of how in awe I was of her. Since she was my 2nd baby, I was completely at ease with her and co-sleeping and breastfeeding.... ALL of it. I remember relishing the fact that I had a baby boy AND a baby girl. I felt like the luckiest mama in the world. <br />
<br />
And I still do.</div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-37253109490563768212013-05-07T12:01:00.000-05:002013-05-07T12:05:16.497-05:00Having All the Things<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The alarm goes off at 5:15am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I blearily wander to the bathroom and hop
into the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I gradually wake up,
I mentally run through a list of all the things that must be accomplished for
the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finish my shower, get dressed
and stumble downstairs. I put the tea kettle on, feed the cats, mist tarantula
cages, let the dog out, let various cats in and out (and inevitably, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">again</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By 6:30am, I am headed out the door to work where I bury myself in an
exciting extravaganza of process documentation and identifying the associated
risks and controls. My client, a giant packaging provider in the consumer
products and foodservice industries, is a dream to work with and one of the
best clients I have ever had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is very
agreeable! and organized! and forthcoming! and has made this project go so, so smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 3pm, I will hurriedly pack up my laptop
and dash to the school to retrieve Team Chaos. Sometimes, there is work to be
finished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, there is not.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">working</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it has never seemed to me there was a
time where I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> working, society
demands the distinction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year while
on another contract, I wrote a post titled “<a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-working.html">On Working</a>” that detailed my hazy,
mixed feelings on this so-called “working thing” and that ambivalence has still
not cleared. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love making money (along with the rest of humanity?) I like relieving Manoj of some of our fiscal responsibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy getting dressed up every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciate that I am working with
intelligent professionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I relish
pulling out Big School Words mixed with Business Clichés.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love digging deep into a Visio diagram and
even deeper into my brain as I recall past knowledge and experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like hanging out with men for a change and
talking sports and politics and pop culture all in my favorite sarcastic,
cynical sense of humor (I always had a difficult time finding my Sarcastic, Cynical
Tribe of SAHMs. Where were they??!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel the tide turning with a slow, creeping
ascent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my kids were little, I was
not conflicted about “just staying home” with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not ever <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">once</i>.
My self-esteem remained intact, I was never bored and I certainly never thought
that I had tossed some feminist agenda to the wind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this current school year has
introduced a subtle shift to our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anjali is in afternoon Kindergarten and I cherished our mornings together
while appreciating my afternoons all to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was able to do quick errands, visit my grandma, volunteer at the
school and sneak in some reading or gym time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I suddenly found myself with a luxurious abundance of free time and
unapologetically, I was enjoying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Obviously, accepting this current project ended all of that
and frankly, the transition was painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anjali has missed me terribly and has expressed herself in extremes –
either with sadness or anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day,
she might sob uncontrollably at how she misses me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day, she might completely reject me
and drift toward Manoj.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rarely cook
these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house is a complete
disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the worst part is oh, how
I miss my kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are asleep when I
leave the house and not seeing them until 3:40pm each day is difficult.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know what our new life will hold for us this fall
when both kids are in school full-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope to find a solution that will allow me the flexibility to be home
with them after they get out of school since rushed, frantic evenings are not a
lifestyle I ever want. However, I also know that I simply cannot drop my
children off at school, and then sit around all day just waiting for them to
come home. The days of gin-soaked afternoons playing canasta with bland snacks
served on melamine plates belong to the likes of Betty Draper.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, I love Staying Home but only when my children are actually home <em>with</em> me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-84675988425091234392013-04-29T10:36:00.000-05:002013-04-29T10:36:00.500-05:00The Mute ButtonObviously, my writing here has dropped off considerably. It would be easy to blame it on the project I have been on since February, but a quick glance at my archives would show that I have been neglecting this blog for more than just a few months.<br />
<br />
I am not sure what happened. Sometimes, I feel that I cannot be 100% honest here and that any opinion I express will insult someone….will hurt someone. And that can become quite paralyzing. For example, I have had a post brewing for ages in my brain about my shift in motherhood – that of going from a mother to teeny-tiny kids, to school-aged ones and how that affects my future choices. I have a post about my experiences taking a conceal carry/ gun safety class. And a post about why we told Arun about the Boston bombing and about Newtown and about tragedies in general. However, I have learned from past experiences that no matter how carefully I phrase words, no matter how carefully I attempt to tip-toe that someone... somewhere will be hurt or insulted or angry. I already spend an excessive amount of emotional energy tiptoeing around people's feelings on Facebook and in Real Life that by the time I get here, I am simply tapped out all the while realizing THAT is a post right there -- how to be true to yourself without trampling over people.<br />
<br />
And then, at one point, I accidentally blew up the template on my blog. My blogroll is now missing, my sweet sheep are out wandering in the Blue Nowhere and…… I don’t know. I thought that was a sign that I need a massive redesign on my blog but when I tried to find a designer, I could not find someone who would design on Blogger. However, does a blog design really matter?? Add in the impending demise of Google Reader, I can’t help but wonder what that will mean to the few readers I have left. Will any of it matter?<br />
<br />
Still….I miss it here. I miss writing. I have drafts and scribbles and half-written entries scattered across various notebooks, journals and computers. Over the next month, I am going to dust off some of those drafts. I hope you will have patience with me as I recap a trip that I took last summer….as I wax sentimental on my kids…. as I post some snaps from a painting project from last fall….. as I post about some AMAZING books I read last year…. as I bore you to tears with my newfound passion for knitting socks.<br />
<br />
Maybe somewhere in all of this I can find my voice again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F3M0urQo6LtLw65BWl379vo0c8-vC6EV1UVZHbXK_HZsP8rWbJQCCTspS0Ae16LvDdbheZQqXNNWIn_GJ1aQ8LSI7xSlogPZMHjJyIRtzuakZQx_H73Ac4Jt7AqiGPGSesd3dQ/s1600/IMG_20130428_170135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F3M0urQo6LtLw65BWl379vo0c8-vC6EV1UVZHbXK_HZsP8rWbJQCCTspS0Ae16LvDdbheZQqXNNWIn_GJ1aQ8LSI7xSlogPZMHjJyIRtzuakZQx_H73Ac4Jt7AqiGPGSesd3dQ/s1600/IMG_20130428_170135.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><em>Even Anjali is bored with this post.</em></div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-89896609135778230192013-03-04T07:55:00.000-06:002013-03-04T07:55:01.980-06:00Drunk With Money<br />
<div class="adn ads" style="background-color: white; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 8px;">
<div class="gs" style="margin-left: 44px;">
<div class="ii gt adP adO" id=":ye" style="direction: ltr; font-size: 13px; margin: 5px 15px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; position: relative; z-index: 2;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzVNNXgJg7ZzJM49mUigho9R-rzOhAVVDzIulcFzQm1lgnMVd1mJP0I2ibd7QYhQS1GTMw-UlWg6URWofuNRp4rgeODka_qS8LarfAgnN9mwrOkQZlLUlU3mIXSy8qlqGoM2J4A/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzVNNXgJg7ZzJM49mUigho9R-rzOhAVVDzIulcFzQm1lgnMVd1mJP0I2ibd7QYhQS1GTMw-UlWg6URWofuNRp4rgeODka_qS8LarfAgnN9mwrOkQZlLUlU3mIXSy8qlqGoM2J4A/s320/snow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id=":yd">
<span style="font-size: 13px;">A month ago, I accepted a short-term engagement with a <i>new </i>firm </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">working with a </span><i style="font-size: 13px;">new </i><span style="font-size: 13px;">client making </span><i style="font-size: 13px;">new </i><span style="font-size: 13px;">money that necessitated </span><i style="font-size: 13px;">new </i><span style="font-size: 13px;">clothes and a </span><i style="font-size: 13px;">new </i><span style="font-size: 13px;">routine. And obviously, a new handbag. I absolutely detest clothes shopping, but I am still in lust with my new handbag. While I do have some fun shopping in mind (mostly in the form of some minor updates in our house) I suspect that Manoj is concerned with how eager my neighbor Evan is to help me spend my newfound, legitimately-gotten gains. Furthermore, the primary objective to this new gig is for us to bulk up our savings account since it has become a little flabby in the abs. So, the house will get a few minor updates, but mostly will remain as woe-begone as usual. </span></div>
<div id=":yd">
<br />
Mostly, everything with all this New Stuff Going On has been going fine. Just fine! Well, if you don’t count the fact that both children have been sick and Kansas City was hit with unreasonable (albeit seasonable) snow which meant sick children were not going to school anyway. Fortunately, this was mostly not MY problem because with my New Routine comes New Hours which means that I leave the house at 5:30am each morning which means most of the scheduling headache has been Manoj’s.</div>
<div id=":yd">
<br />
In other news, because of all the snow, Manoj was in a minor car wreck the other day while taking Anjali to school. The wreck occurred very close to our home – specifically, a mere two houses down from our own driveway. In fact, at one point during the hub-bub with the police reporting and tow-truck wrangling, Anjali grew bored with it all and simply left the crime scene to go home and make herself a sandwich.</div>
<div id=":yd">
<br />
If you don’t believe this to be true, then you obviously have not met my daughter.</div>
<div id=":yd">
<br />
One of my favorite conversations in the aftermath of the car wreck went like this:<br />
<b>Me:<i> </i></b><i>Don’t you think we should look for a rental car tomorrow?</i><br />
<b>Manoj: </b><i>I don’t need a car over the weekend.</i><br />
<b>Me:</b> <i>Well, I have to be at work at 8am on Monday, how will you get to work?</i><br />
<b>Manoj:</b><i> I’ll get a ride from someone in the office.</i><br />
<b>Me:</b> <i>But what about the kids?</i><br />
<b>Manoj:</b><i> I’ll get a ride after I drop them off.</i><br />
<b>Me:</b> <i>But how will you drop them off if you don’t have a car?</i></div>
<div id=":yd">
<br /></div>
<div id=":yd">
And if you don’t believe this conversation to be true, then you obviously have not met my husband.<br />
<div class="yj6qo">
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="hi" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="ajx" style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="gA gt ac5" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto;">
</div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-37715117871761885432013-01-17T11:29:00.001-06:002013-01-17T11:39:50.905-06:00THE OBVIOUS GAME by Rita Arens<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">My Pretend Lawyer Made Me Write This:</span></b> <i>I have not been compensated for this post, but I did receive an electronic galley copy of this book. Also, Rita is a long-time friend of mine. However, I am a firm believer that if I cannot help my friends promote their projects, I have no business helping ANYONE promoting their projects. In that vein, I will be purchasing an extra copy that I am giving away -- details at the very end of the post!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJjgOPtrxqsV7fQybYsIYZxdsGzDBmv-W1SW5pTP3qPSbG0BeN6xzO2hfk3W17nyYi99L9JlhnXY3mc_CO9xQH7ZqNJVbW-07K9_ia0hVxYhTyjzreGFpbBNc1DBCyYgTKkAYZQ/s1600/TheObviousGame.v8.1-Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJjgOPtrxqsV7fQybYsIYZxdsGzDBmv-W1SW5pTP3qPSbG0BeN6xzO2hfk3W17nyYi99L9JlhnXY3mc_CO9xQH7ZqNJVbW-07K9_ia0hVxYhTyjzreGFpbBNc1DBCyYgTKkAYZQ/s400/TheObviousGame.v8.1-Final.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get THE OBVIOUS GAME here:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Obvious-Game-Rita-Arens/dp/098565628X/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1357924202&sr=8-15&keywords=rita+arens">Amazon</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-obvious-game-rita-arens/1114113184?ean=9780985656287">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17159178-the-obvious-game">Goodreads</a></div>
<br />
A few years ago, Rita asked me to read a draft of a novel she had written. I read the draft and then I told her what I thought. Over the next year or so, Rita tweaked the draft, signed with an agent, made more tweaks, then signed with a publisher. And then, I imagine, she made a few more tweaks. (I am always fascinated when folks I know manage to write a book AND survive the arduous process it takes to get it published. And I have seen Rita do this not once, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Weak-Mommybloggers-Including-Finslippy/dp/1556527721/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358441667&sr=8-1&keywords=sleep+is+for+the+weak">TWICE</a>.)<br />
<br />
I was very excited to read this book and I was not disappointed. THE OBVIOUS GAME is the story of a teenage girl living in a small-town in Iowa. Diana's world is falling apart as her mother battles cancer and just as Diana takes part in that delicate social dance known as "high school". Her best friend (who is not always the nicest person in the first place) is losing her own footing and her other friend is too wrapped up in her new boyfriend to take notice of the downward spiral that Diana is in. And soon, Diana has a new boyfriend of her, which makes things even more interesting. As Diana navigates all the challenges that life is throwing at her, she finds herself on the path to an eating disorder.<br />
<br />
I really appreciated how Rita eloquently and respectfully approached the dissonance of living in a small town. Yes, there can be a safe, cozy embrace of being surrounded by people and traditions that never, ever change. But the environment can become stifling, particularly if you are a teenage girl trying to find yourself but are limited by the constraints of a small town mentality that expect you to never change or God forbid, to be different (Not that I am bitter about my own small-town experiences. <i>Never</i>.) Generally, I thought Rita's observations of living in a small-town were spot-on.<br />
<br />
As a mother, this was interesting for me to read. I probably had far more sympathy for Diana's mother than I did Diana (Obviously, I will need to become more sympathetic for the Plight and Angst of the American Teenager in about 6 years. Ahem.) Still, I felt it was important for me to read this book as a mother of a daughter. I thought Rita was compelling in the way she depicted Diana's gradual march into her eating disorder. It did not happen over night. And as a mother, I am glad that I read about some of the methods girls use to hide their eating disorders. I had no idea.<br />
<br />
Thank you for writing this, Rita.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Interview With the Author</b></div>
<b>1. How much of Diana herself was autobiographical for you besides the obvious bit where you have both fought an eating disorder? Did the similarities make it more difficult for you to write in the 1st person narrative? </b><br />
<i>
We both fought an eating disorder and we both had moms with cancer and we both grew up in small-town Iowa. My mom had cancer when I was in elementary and middle school -- years away from when I developed anorexia at 17. Diana has it all happening at once, which I think is a very different experience. Diana has a really rocky relationship with her best friend, whereas my best friend in high school has been my friend for 35 years and has been one of my biggest cheerleaders all through my life, particularly when I was sick and when my mom was sick. My life was easier than Diana's. I took every problem I could think of and threw them at Diana all at once to see how she'd handle it. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>My first, unpublished novel was written in close third person. I found my real voice through blogging -- to the extent that when my former thesis adviser read a draft of THE OBVIOUS GAME, he was shocked at how much my voice had changed since grad school. I find it much easier to write in first person, and YA does quite well with first person, so I went with it. </i><br />
<br />
<b>2. While writing this novel, who (a fellow author or someone else) most influenced you during the process? </b><br />
<i>
My agent, Eric Myers, was hugely influential and helped me isolate what was not working at all very quickly. My former professor, Michael Pritchett, helped me line edit the finer details. Author Jean Kwok talked me off the cliff more than once -- I met her through my work with the BlogHer Book Club. And I had beta readers -- including you, bless you -- who told me what just smelled wrong in earlier drafts. And I read tons and tons and tons in the last three years -- I'm up to about a book every week now, which is much more than I was reading before I started working on THE OBVIOUS GAME. Anything I read I try to learn from, even if it's what not to do. I'm reading a mix of review books for BlogHer Book Club, YA novels and adult novels right now from my review queue.</i><br />
<br />
<b>3.The novel is based in Iowa in a town that is similar to the one in which you grew up. Did this make it easier for you to write the novel since it was coming from a place of familiarity? How will you react to potential criticism to the parts where small-town life in Iowa is not portrayed in a positive light?</b><br />
<i>
I knew I was taking a risk by setting this book down in Snowden, Iowa (which I made up -- Snowden is the name of the bombardier who dies in the opening scene of my favorite book, CATCH-22) because it is so similar to the town in which I grew up, which will remain nameless in deference to family who lives there. The setting -- small town, 1990 -- was like a character for me. I can't imagine writing this particular book in any other place. The one I'm working on now takes place in Chicago, so they won't all be like this. It would be hard for me to set a book down somewhere I'd never been, though, so maybe also setting the book in small town Iowa just removed months of research. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> In terms of potential criticism about small towns -- if they don't pick that, they'll pick something else, right? I don't plan to respond to criticism of any kind online. Authors get themselves in trouble when they do that. </i><br />
<br />
<b>4. My mother had breast cancer and the scenes with Diana and her mother really rang true for me. How was it for you to write scenes? Did you talk to your own mother about your shared experiences when she battled cancer? As a mother yourself, how was the experience of putting yourself back into the role of daughter to get yourself into the mindset of writing Diana's character? </b><br />
<i> My mom actually had malignant fibrous histiocytoma, which is cancer of the soft tissue. It is crazy super rare:
As with all sarcomas of soft tissue and bone, MFH is rare, with just a few thousand cases diagnosed each year.
MFH of soft tissue typically presents in a patient that is approximately 50 to 70 years of age though it can appear at any age. MFH is very rare in persons less than 20 years old. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>My mom was in her early forties when she got sick from the mysterious lump in her shin that has made me forever paranoid about lumps and bumps. She had chemo and radiation twice, lost all her hair twice. I gave Evelyn the same kind of cancer out of laziness, because I don't know how other cancers are different. I found it shocking no one ever questioned me on this bizarre cancer that very few people have, but apparently that detail wasn't important to the story -- the fact that she was sick was the important part. I've talked to another reviewer who had a sick mama and really related to that part of the novel, too. It's a weird thing when your caregiver suddenly needs care.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I didn't talk to my mom about it as much as I wrote the book and then gave it to her -- and then sat around fretting until she read the whole thing. We had some really good talks about our experiences, as well as her experience of my eating disorder. And my dad, and my sister -- my sickness affected the whole family just as hers did. I have no idea who we'd be if we hadn't had sickness in our family tapestry while my sister and I were still at home.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I had a lot of catharsis while I was writing THE OBVIOUS GAME because my daughter is just a little younger than I was when my mom got sick -- she's in third grade and I was in sixth (my sister was in third). I started to see how very young my mother was when she had cancer and how completely terrified and exhausted she must have been -- my dad was our sole income provider and she had to send my sister and me over to my cousins' house to get on the school bus in the morning because she was too sick from chemo to get out of bed. There was still a big stigma. People didn't talk about it. The hospital where she got treatment was forty miles away. And there we were, needy little kids who didn't understand what was going on. On the flip side, I got so into the character of Diana that I actually woke up from dreams mad at my mother because I'd dreamed she grounded me or something. It was bizarre. Depending on the scene, I related more to Evelyn or Diana as a mother or as an adult child. The experience also made me extremely humbled and grateful for every day with my daughter when I'm not sick. Not being sick is a huge thing. </i><br />
<br />
And..... here's your softball!<br />
<b>5. What are you currently reading??</b><br />
<i>I am currently simultaneously reading MRS. LINCOLN'S DRESSMAKER (BlogHer Book Club), ASK THE PASSENGERS (YA novel) and CITY OF WOMEN (adult lit). I'm farthest into CITY OF WOMEN which is so, so good.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Giveaway Details!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am <i>giving </i>away a copy of this book! Since I am receiving a free copy myself anyway, this is my way of "paying it forward". And I suspect that I could strong-arm Rita into signing it, as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To enter to win a signed copy of THE OBVIOUS GAME, simply leave a comment here and tell me what YOUR favorite book has been lately. I will have a child (or pet) select a randomish number from the comments. (Giveaway ends January 31st, at midnight, CST. Open to US addresses only -- Sorry!)</div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-53626411212195381972012-12-20T08:40:00.002-06:002012-12-20T08:49:53.495-06:00Literally Literary: THE OBVIOUS GAME by Rita Arens<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Literally Literary" is a feature in which I write about books, reading and more books. My hope is the post title will provide a subtle hint that I am posting about BOOKS. For those of you where the topic of books results in narcoleptic fits thereby causing you to faceplant onto your keyboard, this will allow you to just click away from the horror that is the written word. Also, I simply adore the word "literally", it is literally my favorite adverb. Bonus points if pronounced with a Rob Lowe/Parks n' Recreation affectation.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /></span>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Special Note: All posts contain non-affiliate links - I do not have an Amazonian Fancy Pants Affiliate Thingie.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">*******</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Several years ago, my friend <a href="http://surrenderdorothy.typepad.com/">Rita Arens</a> put a request out for someone to read a draft of her novel. I happily accepted and I read the draft. After I read it, we had a nice conversation about that draft. Eventually, that initial draft became something else and Rita found a publisher. That "something else" is her young adult novel, THE OBVIOUS GAME, which will be released February 7th!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't wait to read the THE OBVIOUS GAME -- Rita has said THE OBVIOUS GAME is quite different than the draft I read, which will make even more exciting for me to read so I can compare and contrast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, Rita has written a post about the cover reveal and <a href="http://surrenderdorothy.typepad.com/surrender_dorothy/2012/12/the-obvious-game-cover-reveal-excerpt.html">has included an excerpt</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Congratulations, Rita!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuQbtp54cBelOPYpgRNibhd0E3C2DO-lYA9-yCp2bSlNc_kw6K2_Z4jz9e5eOVDtVDnoGjygMPk6nMvwk4LAd9sKMXRX-hkeRqaPjiV0IVgPo0en_Qf9XM4cABBusmxGlJ7pFcg/s1600/TheObviousGame.v8.1-Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuQbtp54cBelOPYpgRNibhd0E3C2DO-lYA9-yCp2bSlNc_kw6K2_Z4jz9e5eOVDtVDnoGjygMPk6nMvwk4LAd9sKMXRX-hkeRqaPjiV0IVgPo0en_Qf9XM4cABBusmxGlJ7pFcg/s400/TheObviousGame.v8.1-Final.jpg" width="267" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is <a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/62e21812/" id="rc-62e21812" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <span style="background-color: white;">for a copy of the book open to US, UK and Canada residents. Good luck!</span></span>Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-31986168966920742372012-12-14T09:30:00.002-06:002012-12-14T09:35:01.207-06:00Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: Balls and Nuts<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Note: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.</i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Recipe Index can be found <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/03/intestinal-fortitude-recipes-index.html" style="color: #5e92c2; text-decoration: initial;"><b>here</b></a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">**********</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The other day, Manoj was sharing a sweet memory of eating a cashew fruit and I was all, " <i>Huh? What?</i>?" and then he Googled some images and THEN, I was all, "<i>What the FUCK??</i>" </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gentle Reader......seriously. Are you with me on this?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Twin_Cashews_From_Kollam_Kerala.jpg/220px-Twin_Cashews_From_Kollam_Kerala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Twin_Cashews_From_Kollam_Kerala.jpg/220px-Twin_Cashews_From_Kollam_Kerala.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>My brain? KABOOM.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashew">Wikipedia/Cashew</a></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I never knew that a cashew was some weird, ballsack-looking thing descending from a FRUIT. Come to think of it, I guess I have never had to bust out a nutcracker to help out with a bowl of cashews, either. Huh. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.981481552124023px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17.981481552124023px;">What is the weirdest "food discovery" you've ever come across??</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of weird foods, Manoj sent me a link about a pudding that his mother used to make and since Manoj NEVER sends me links about foods from his childhood, I hopped right on that link. And was promptly deflated. It was a link for<a href="http://www.cucumbertown.com/recipes/55683/tender-coconut-pudding"> Tender Coconut Pudding</a> which made me think that I would have tiptoe around the coconut's feelings or something. Manoj tried to explain that it was an "immature" coconut which only brought up visions of coconuts shouting "<i>Stop with the judging!</i>" Anyway! We are going to hunt through some Asian stores in hopes of finding this so-called "tender coconut." (Apparently, it is a soft coconut that has not hardened its shell yet. It's a SOFT BALL OF COCONUT, if you will....) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17.981481552124023px;">Next up? Is my Grandma's Weird Cheeseball. I love, LOVE this cheeseball and it is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJx3EV3hxWWbXEA1Qkwo9orRVOFtdy1ZYyy0nOiNzL21p0Y0dzc615jPxRLEW02WsgNCOy8pDzi8PK7Z3dp2R1S9mJTATEXMd47_CMBSvT8NYriv1Dp8dAMnDFvDlKqYCKkn03w/s1600/cheeseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJx3EV3hxWWbXEA1Qkwo9orRVOFtdy1ZYyy0nOiNzL21p0Y0dzc615jPxRLEW02WsgNCOy8pDzi8PK7Z3dp2R1S9mJTATEXMd47_CMBSvT8NYriv1Dp8dAMnDFvDlKqYCKkn03w/s320/cheeseball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>A load of cheese with a bonus gingerbread house photobomb. WIN.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I call this cheeseball "weird" because what makes it special (I think) is the bleu cheese. It gives it a particular bite, to be sure.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.19428010331466794"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grandma's Cheese Ball</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ingredients:</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8 oz brick grated cheddar cheese</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 oz blue cheese</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8 oz cream cheese</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup finely chopped pecans</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup dry minced onion</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup parsley flakes</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(Note: Grind/chop up an extra cup of pecans for the last step.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Preparation:</b></span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Let cheeses sit at room temperature and then simply mix together (I smush it all up with my bare hands.) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Add onion, pecans, parsley and mix. Shape into 2 balls and roll into the extra nuts. Lay the balls onto a piece of cling wrap. Wrap tightly and it will be good for at least a few days. However, make this at least one day before serving to let all the spices meld together.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note: Instead of the dry minced onion, I used <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2007/11/whats-cook.html">My Garlic Seasoning mix</a> ( it's riff on Tastefully Simple's Garlic Garlic seasoning)</span></span>Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-45463911913509681112012-12-10T10:38:00.000-06:002012-12-10T10:41:56.337-06:00If you think about it, The Nutcracker is the Ultimate Drag Show On EarthIn the past week, my children have seen an excessive number of folks in costume. At Handel's Messiah at the Kauffman Center, we saw men in fancy, tailed tuxedos and ladies wearing gorgeous gowns with glittering jewels. At the Bass Pro shop, we saw an elderly man dressed up in a red suit and my children sat on his lap like little beggar urchins. We also saw a myriad of Bass Pro employees decked out as elves. At The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center, we saw girls dressed as boys, a man dressed as Mother Gigogne<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.166667938232422px;"> </span></span>and a variety of folks dressed as toy soldiers,<strike>vermin</strike> mice, flowers and of course, a Nutcracker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVGuacVYFOZwe3YDVrrueoflS792zjxFNszF8WpnJWIK0uFCMygJ72XvHeUjNCoI1BgEympCJnYQZ5DErZLSVcWkmOeIPrIQnEOlciCf9MPfgXufO22l83o-iM8S_6oWCJW0-Rw/s1600/IMG_20121208_151404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVGuacVYFOZwe3YDVrrueoflS792zjxFNszF8WpnJWIK0uFCMygJ72XvHeUjNCoI1BgEympCJnYQZ5DErZLSVcWkmOeIPrIQnEOlciCf9MPfgXufO22l83o-iM8S_6oWCJW0-Rw/s320/IMG_20121208_151404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Totally a poser.</i></div>
<br />
Yesterday, Team Chaos and I had plans with their honorary aunts, LuAnn and Celeste (aka <a href="http://averagejane.blogs.com/average_jane/">Average Jane</a>) to see Babes in Toyland (Celeste's Real-Life niece had a starring role!) We decided before the play that we would have lunch at<a href="http://hamburgermarys.com/kc/"> Hamburger Mary's</a>. I knew nothing about Hamburger Mary's other than I've heard people rave about their hamburgers. Upon entering the restaurant, I knew immediately that There Was Something About Mary........ something special......something <i>royal </i>Slowly, I began to clue in when I spied a lady wearing a lovely bouffant hairstyle and a June Cleaveresque dress while belting out a song....... in deep, husky tones.<br />
<br />
Apparently, Mary's is renowned for drag shows and we had just walked into their Sunday Drag Brunch. <br />
<br />
Gentle Reader, it was time to queue up some Keanu Reeves.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I <i>love </i>me a good drag show but they can get fairly ribald and I did have my precious progeny with me, after all. Regardless, we decided to give it a try and we quickly figured out it was to be a tame drag show and that there were other kids in attendance.<br />
<br />
And? That was it. We had a GREAT meal while watching some fabulous ladies strut their stuff. I let the kids enjoy the show first, then I clued Arun in as to what was going on. His eyes got HUGE and while he asked several "how" questions that were quite logical, he never asked "why". Because he didn't <i>care</i>.<br />
<br />
Anjali? Baby girl was too busy enjoying the music.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dztB1efBFXbQfOSKtjNKfRwPX22lo0bvM0uAP98VBN81RUoWmtSM6F_xMc4PVCtJ5RI-QpOXmZ7nK0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
I did feel that a quick email to Arun's teacher was necessary:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Kymberly,</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Um, Arun is quite excited about telling you he went to a drag show this weekend. Rest assured, it was just a Sunday brunch at Hamburger Mary's. We don't take our children to bars (not yet, anyway. Missie B's? You're on notice :-) </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Peace out,</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Kelli</span></i></blockquote>
Honestly, I am quite happy with how everything has worked out the past week. I am teaching my kiddos that no one, absolutely NO ONE, is hurt or troubled or endangered by someone expressing themselves musically and artistically. Even when those performances are in a variety of ways that we may not necessarily <i>understand</i>, but nonetheless can still <i>appreciate</i>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcoS2pTqiJIq11MeqeXjDwTblFFixaZRSxUiYQ5nNg06kIw1MOEcTbFefvGH9PgJYNMez1k-OpxGl66bzfh18l9sRe5hvjiWG4skuZT4ykFHtO3AbjpDlKqM_RFkoq1iJ_6Hoew/s1600/IMG_20121209_131615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcoS2pTqiJIq11MeqeXjDwTblFFixaZRSxUiYQ5nNg06kIw1MOEcTbFefvGH9PgJYNMez1k-OpxGl66bzfh18l9sRe5hvjiWG4skuZT4ykFHtO3AbjpDlKqM_RFkoq1iJ_6Hoew/s320/IMG_20121209_131615.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Food coma!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To be fair, I probably should feel a little guilty about all of the trans-fats they consumed in a single meal.</div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-5931328201550588542012-12-07T09:09:00.003-06:002012-12-14T07:31:51.137-06:00Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: Links, ahoy!<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Note: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.</i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Recipe Index can be found <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/03/intestinal-fortitude-recipes-index.html" style="color: #5e92c2; text-decoration: initial;"><b>here</b></a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;">**********</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<br />
For awhile now, Lag Liv has been raving about her <a href="http://lagliv.blogspot.com/2012/09/soul-food.html">beef bourguignon</a>. Recently, Manoj and I decided that we would let beef back in our house once in awhile (we eat beef occasionally in restaurants, but rarely cook it at home). This meant that I could finally attempt Lag Liv's beef bourguignon. OH MY. It was so, so, <i>so </i>good. And rich and filling and satisfying. I knew Manoj would be hesitant about it, but I quadrupled the chili powder and a star was born (yes, I <i>quadrupled </i>the measurement -- 1 teaspoon of Indian Store Chili Powder was plenty to put that dish on fire like we need it.)<br />
*****<br />
<br />
Recently, I came across this article of <a href="http://www.rd.com/slideshows/15-foods-you-should-never-buy-again/?trkid=outbrain-all#slideshow=slide1">27 Foods You Should Never Buy</a>. The article is comprised mostly of convenience foods and mostly, I agree with it. I will still buy some convenience foods because they either keep me from cruising a drive-thru (talking about you Larabars.) or it is a special treat that we particularly enjoy (Seagram's Sparkling Orange Seltzer. Nope, it is not sugar-laden or even sweetened at all. It's just carbonated water with a hint of orange, but my kids drink the hell out of it.)<br />
******<br />
<br />
Last month,<a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/14/cookbook-review-8-of-our-favorites/"> 100 Days of Real Food</a> did a review of 8 cookbooks which would make nice Christmas gifts! (and I still cannot stop lusting after <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Homemade-Pantry-Buying-Making/dp/030788726X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354807850&sr=8-1&keywords=the+homemade+pantry+101+foods+you+can+stop+buying+and+start+making">The Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making</a>!)<br />
*******<br />
<br />
I also enjoyed Casual Kitchen's<a href="http://casualkitchen.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-dont-buy-list-for-low-budget-kitchen.html"> The "Don't Buy" List for the Low-Budget Kitchen</a>. This one is definitely worth reading for the comments. While Daniel's list is usual for some folks, it really depends on what you cook on a regular basis. For example, several folks in the comments mentioned not need a stand mixer and I would agree. Other commenters argued for the honor of cast iron skillets everywhere. I would never use a cast iron skillet and I would only use a stand mixer during Christmas time (for the dough feature when I make Romanian kifli). For me, a stand mixer is a waste of money and precious storage space. I have a hand mixer that has a dough hook and I LOVE it. However, I know others who swear by their stand mixers and say they use it all the time. It's all relative, I suppose.<br />
*******<br />
<br />
Stephanie over at Completely Irrelevant referenced a <a href="http://completelyirrelevant.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/a-delicious-fruitcake-recipe-really/">fruitcake recipe</a>. I <i>love </i>fruitcake but only good ones which do not have that glow-in-the-dark fruit that appears to have been grown near a nuclear plant. However, <i>good </i>fruitcakes are SO expensive, they usually don't make the budget. Stephanie's recipe looks absolutely delicious and I highly recommend you read her post before heading over to the actual recipe she references. She has made some changes that make this fruitcake easier to make and more cost-effective. I have bought most of the ingredients and have added it to the baking list (yes, my baking list which now includes <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2011/12/fridays-of-intestinal-fortitude-late.html">Romanian kifli</a>, <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/11/fridays-of-intestinal-fortitude-im.html">peppermint bark</a>, <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2011/12/fridays-of-intestinal-fortitude-cheat.html">Christmas Crack</a> and OH MY ZEUS.... Me? Making sweets? I don't know who I am anymore.)<br />
*****<br />
<br />
Speaking of baking, it seems I was in the market for an apron. I never knew how badly I wanted an apron until I saw one at our elementary school's holiday mart where this dorktastic, Christmas-themed apron whispered my name.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0ZmJNJWMpgLHYQsbWzDAJZFmbBEZYICSOgsQbqdU8tVdIsN0TrIaTBJTY6UkI-WQ-PBZpMFBoz3VOriJ4vP81FYGAX94IKcpbHwGaXr27JJdHFnFwaINBOQ9sa9sq7dl3360Rg/s1600/christmasapron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0ZmJNJWMpgLHYQsbWzDAJZFmbBEZYICSOgsQbqdU8tVdIsN0TrIaTBJTY6UkI-WQ-PBZpMFBoz3VOriJ4vP81FYGAX94IKcpbHwGaXr27JJdHFnFwaINBOQ9sa9sq7dl3360Rg/s320/christmasapron.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The voice was raspy. I think it was a smoker.</i></div>
<br />
And now I am going to dig out my pearls because you can bet your sweet bippy, I will be needing them.Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-12373560858323808702012-12-03T10:05:00.000-06:002012-12-03T10:05:17.097-06:00Unreserved<div class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>This post is dedicated to <a href="http://pseudodad.com/">Pseudodad</a>. He inspires me in nefarious doings. And possibly to hiring a lawyer someday.</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other day in my "<a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/11/jolly.html">Jolly</a>" post I mentioned that I would be sending out Christmas cards (yes, that same post which appears to be written by an overachieving, pretentious asshole. Someone suspiciously like <i>me</i>.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway! I love, <i>love </i>sending out Christmas cards. I now send out about 60, which puts me into ordering that elusive 3rd box of 25. Since I have extra cards <strike>lying?</strike> <strike> laying?</strike> sitting around, I will be doing a massive card exchange this year with my fellow <i>gori </i>in arms from the Facebook posse to which I belong (the group I lovingly refer to as "Brown Boys and the White Girls Who Love Them". Because I am classy like that.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then, Pseudodad mentions sending cards out to various politicians and since I am a sheep (It is a running theme in my blog <i>and </i>life), inspiration began to guide me and my favorite Sharpie. Which <i>should </i>frighten my husband (the inspiration. Not the Sharpie.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Years ago, I wrote about my feelings on an anti-immigrant law that smacked of racism in my "<a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2010/04/raging-arizona.html">Raging Arizona</a>" post. Imagine my dismay when I found out that a fellow Kansan, <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/immigration/news/2012/06/26/11661/the-top-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-kris-kobach/">Kris Kobach</a>, not only helped write Arizona's law, but is also trying to get it here in MY STATE. Ugh.<br />
<br />
So, I thought Kobach might appreciate a bit of holiday cheer from a constituent.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0T3f9WXI8kF9UWfkaEhbtax_pBmZfV68KGXCbuI1npREZd6X2u3a2t_CMe8jq-FyIag20fVcO6ilUpWzXpdUHrS2Z5oVSaseb1J88eHuxvuZjWEgVCWpk7PWLN2R_IYpscnIUQ/s1600/kriskobach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0T3f9WXI8kF9UWfkaEhbtax_pBmZfV68KGXCbuI1npREZd6X2u3a2t_CMe8jq-FyIag20fVcO6ilUpWzXpdUHrS2Z5oVSaseb1J88eHuxvuZjWEgVCWpk7PWLN2R_IYpscnIUQ/s400/kriskobach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I just like to fake sincerity! Faking sincerity is my favorite!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I included a handwritten letter on whimsical, Santa-themed stationary to lighten the mood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZxddyYw-SO-Ad-RMQLZqW2Z5dkbVoWU6VEHlxQhw18NG9BYYHSWiYecVaEepAWNPODrsmo-25MTVl1yF-b02LhBpcgh5iwV_cxKLNnkFGqHUAGeaZ1bE3LEH5C1ccSKx_dJLYA/s1600/kriskobach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZxddyYw-SO-Ad-RMQLZqW2Z5dkbVoWU6VEHlxQhw18NG9BYYHSWiYecVaEepAWNPODrsmo-25MTVl1yF-b02LhBpcgh5iwV_cxKLNnkFGqHUAGeaZ1bE3LEH5C1ccSKx_dJLYA/s400/kriskobach2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
No, Manoj is not particularly amused with my snarky letter. But hey, I AM a registered Republican and I find it difficult to believe that Mr. Kobach would not want to hear from his constituents on this most auspicious of holidays:<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Dear Mr. Kobach</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>My children would like to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday!</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Their mother is going to ask Santa for his assurance that your racist policies will not make their way from Arizona to Kansas. The very same policies which seek to disenfranchise hard-working immigrants such as my husband. </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>May those policies never see a Kansan sunrise.</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sincerely,</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Kelli Oliver George</i></span></blockquote>
Someone seriously needs to be put on the Naughty List.Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-39742039032100750722012-11-30T07:41:00.002-06:002012-12-14T07:31:51.134-06:00Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: I'm Melting!<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Note: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.</i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Recipe Index can be found <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/03/intestinal-fortitude-recipes-index.html" style="color: #5e92c2; text-decoration: initial;"><b>here</b></a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">**********</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<br />
Yesterday, I mentioned that I was hoping to make peppermint bark this year. In 2005, at <a href="http://averagejane.blogs.com/average_jane/">Average Jane</a>'s annual cookie exchange, she broke out a container of peppermint bark made by her step-mom Jerry. I don't think I had ever had peppermint bark before or perhaps, it was because I had never had amazingly AWESOME peppermint bark before. It was a perfect mix of regular chocolate and white chocolate....a hint of creamy....the tiniest bit crunchy......with just the right amount of peppermint, without it being cloying,. Whatever the case may be, I never, <i>ever </i>forgot that peppermint bark and when I asked Celeste for the recipe the following year, she dutifully shared. She also casually made an off-hand comment that Williams-Sonoma made something similar in quality.<br />
<br />
Enter the next few years...... yes, I have bought Williams-Sonoma peppermint bark and <i>yes</i>, it is awesome but at $26.75 a POUND, I felt like such a righteous ass spending such money on it. I don't even pay that much for my preciously stinky <i>cheese</i>. This year, I am no longer in the mood to fork over the greens (Sidenote: If you have not seen<a href="http://deadspin.com/5959212/the-haters-guide-to-the-williams+sonoma-catalog"> the Hater's Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog</a>, get thee over there, STAT. Seriously, why are you still <i>here</i>, reading MY drivel?) <br />
<br />
You're still here? Anyway! All of these years, I have been frightened by Jerry's peppermint bark recipe. It smacks of baking and I envision an Armageddon of chocolate running in rivers throughout my kitchen, taking children and pets as hostages in its wake. Gentle Reader, THIS is one of the many, <i>many </i>reasons why I am not a serious food blogger. I am intimidated by MELTED CHOCOLATE. However, I am determined I can conquer my molten confectionery nightmares. <br />
<br />
THIS year, I am melting some goddamned chocolate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Jerry's AMAZING Layered Peppermint Crunch Bark</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">17 oz. good-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Baker's), finely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">30 red-and-white-striped hard peppermint candies, coarsely crushed (about 6 oz.)</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">7 oz. bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">6 tablespoons whipping cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">1/4 tsp. peppermint extract</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Turn large baking sheet bottom side up. Cover securely with foil. Mark 12 x 9 inch rectangle on foil. Stir white chocolate in metal bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water) until chocolate is melted and smooth and candy thermometer registers 110 degrees Fahrenheit (chocolate will feel warm to touch). Remove from over water. Pour 2/3 cup melted white chocolate onto rectangle on foil. Using icing spatula, spread chocolate to fill rectangle. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup crushed peppermints. Chill until set, about 15 minutes.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Stir bittersweet chocolate, cream and peppermint extract in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted and smooth. Cool to barely lukewarm, about 5 minutes. Pour bittersweet chocolate mixture in long lines over white chocolate rectangle. Using icing spatula, spread bittersweet chocolate in even layer. Refrigerate chocolate until very cold and firm, about 25 minutes.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Rewarm remaining white chocolate in bowl set over barely simmering water to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Working quickly, pour white chocolate over firm bittersweet chocolate layer; spread to cover. Immediately sprinkle with remaining crushed peppermints. Refrigerate just until firm, about 20 minutes.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Lift foil with bark onto work surface; trim edges. Cut bark crosswise into 2-inch-wide strips. Using metal spatula, slide bark off foil and onto work surface. Cut each strip crosswise into 3 sections and each section diagonally into 2 triangles. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Chill in airtight container.) Let stand 15 minutes at room temperature before serving.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;" />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">*Jerry says to make sure each layer is as thin as possible for best results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Note: I will update this post with pictures and/or other notes. Hopefully, the pictures will not involve a crime scene.</span>Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-17572383588921388592012-11-29T10:13:00.003-06:002012-11-29T10:13:47.801-06:00JollyThis year, I am going to totally make the Christmas Season my bitch. For me, the season is all about <i>activities</i>, not shopping.<br />
<br />
First off, is decorating -- I am lagging a bit behind <a href="http://pseudodad.com/">Pseudodad</a>, who tried to lay a guilt-laden decorating smackdown on me, but I am working on it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v5pkBVhNt5MGGfgHfuUP7CYRhRLy7Wjb7K1ip1XcvKNV1vLrEmbeXFHmrLFfhDFn7UcRkHLLlffY3HXDlUC5YCXMmQJxGzWxt2QGTM71y5fDEbU3UYsaMd_DscCeiEUsrv8pIg/s1600/spiderchristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v5pkBVhNt5MGGfgHfuUP7CYRhRLy7Wjb7K1ip1XcvKNV1vLrEmbeXFHmrLFfhDFn7UcRkHLLlffY3HXDlUC5YCXMmQJxGzWxt2QGTM71y5fDEbU3UYsaMd_DscCeiEUsrv8pIg/s400/spiderchristmas.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Folks, don't bother trying to out-decorate your gay neighbors.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Each year, I try to come up with a fun list of activities for the holidays. I am not much of a shopper anyway and I really do not want my kid's holiday memories to consist of me dragging them through various stores. And I have a hard time with crowds (I am already dreading the Nutcracker crowd). Therefore, most of the activities are low-key or involve us just sitting at home and doing things <i>together</i>. Our dining room is already a mess of paper and holiday-themed stickers. I don't expect to clear off the table until Christmas morning, right before hosting dinner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, this year's Christmas Bucket List includes the following:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Decorating a gingerbread house which may or may not include a glue gun. In the past, I would make this whole venture SO stressful as I attempted to make it the Best Ever Gingerbread House Ever. Now? I let Team Chaos be in charge. The house will most certainly end up sporting with half of the candy provided as The Team will inevitably sneak pieces down their greedy gullets as they decorate while I pretend to not notice. Yes, it will be hideous, but I have learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gingerbread Bomb. </li>
<li>Reading books -- we have so, so many delicious holiday books. What are YOUR favorite holiday books? (I was thinking of writing a separate <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/search/label/Literally%20Literary">Literally Literary</a> post for this -- should I?)</li>
<li>The <a href="http://www2.ljworld.com/marketplace/businesses/shelter-inc/features/9839/">Festival of Christmas Trees</a> that is happening this week in Lawrence, KS -- a yearly tradition with my mom and sister Jill.</li>
<li>The <a href="http://www.opkansas.org/events/holiday-luminary-walk/">Holiday Luminary Walk</a> at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. We love the Arboretum and I always forget about the Luminary Walk -- THIS is the year I finally remembered with enough time to schedule it in.</li>
<li>The <a href="http://www2.ljworld.com/marketplace/businesses/shelter-inc/features/9839/">Gingerbread Festival</a> that is happening this weekend in Lawrence, KS. I love, LOVE Gingerbread houses. Another activity I tend to forget about until the date has already passed.</li>
<li>An after school visit to the Bass Pro Santa. We used to visit the Crown Center Santa, but with my kiddos in school now, there is no way in hell I am braving Crown Center on a weekend.</li>
<li>A few special night-time neighborhood drives to see holiday lights in our pajamas with lukewarm cocoa. We will be sure to thumb our noses at Pseudodad and his husband as we peel the tires out of our driveway.</li>
<li>A visit to the Union Station to ride the Holiday Spirit and to view the model trains (again, <i>after </i>school to avoid the weekend crowds. <i>Shudder</i>) (Sidenote: Imagine my shock when I Googled "holiday spirit at the Union Station" and one of <a href="http://vimeo.com/2519173">MY videos</a> popped up as the #2 result. <i>Whoa</i>.)</li>
<li>A flurry of <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2011/12/fridays-of-intestinal-fortitude-late.html">Romanian/Hungarian Kifli</a> making that will take up a full day. I am definitely making <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2011/12/fridays-of-intestinal-fortitude-cheat.html">Christmas Crack</a> and I may add some Peppermint Bark to the tradition. I have a stellar recipe from <a href="http://averagejane.blogs.com/average_jane/">Average Jane</a> that is just as good (and certainly less expensive!) than the one you can buy at Williams Sonoma.</li>
<li>Attending Average Jane's cookie exchange -- a tradition I look forward to every year. Tucking in with some cheeseball concoctions and mulled apple cider with some of my favorite friends is definitely one of the highlights of the holiday season for me.</li>
<li>Taking Anjali to see Handel's Messiah at the Kauffman Center this Saturday with my step-mom, sister Maureen and brother-in-law Brian. I bought these tickets months ago, I am SO PUMPED. This event was impossible to get tickets to last year because it sold out in August (yes, AUGUST.) </li>
<li>Taking Anjali to see The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center next week (yes, Arun bowed out of both the Messiah and The Nutcracker this year. He's already expressing a little regret, so I hope Manoj makes the most of Daddy/Son time with him.)</li>
<li>Taking my babies to see Toys in Babeland, errr.... <a href="http://www.bluespringscitytheatre.com/Past%20Productions/2012/BabesinToyland/synopsis.htm">Babes in Toyland</a> which is put on by the Blue Springs City Theatre. (This past summer, we saw Willy Wonka put on by the BSCT and I was really impressed with the quality of the production.)</li>
<li>Decorating gingerbread cookies. I usually just buy a tub of dough, but I am thinking of venturing into homemade versions. Ideas? <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/eileens-spicy-gingerbread-men/detail.aspx">This recipe</a> looks good, maybe less spicy though. I was thinking I could make a big batch, then we could make a few cookies here and there. (Sidenote: My Norpro pastry mat gets a helluva lot of use this time of year.)</li>
<li>Movie viewing!! Need I say more?</li>
<li>Christmas cards!</li>
<li>Snowflakes!! Next to making paper flowers, I love, love making <a href="http://www.make-it-do.com/make-it/how-to-make-hand-cut-snowflakes/">snowflakes</a>.</li>
</ol>
<div>
What are your favorite activities during the holiday season? What am I missing here?</div>
<br />
<br />Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-6246403479616631492012-11-09T10:07:00.001-06:002012-12-14T07:31:51.139-06:00Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: Liquid Courage<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Note: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.</i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Recipe Index can be found <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/03/intestinal-fortitude-recipes-index.html" style="color: #5e92c2; text-decoration: none;"><b>here</b></a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">**********</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>Remember the tea kettle - it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings!</i> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">~Author Unknown</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4003/4454431032_bee8376a8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4003/4454431032_bee8376a8c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><i>A teacup from my Great-Grandmother Courtney's set.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">For years, I have drunk herbal teas. Rooibos is my favorite and I am still clinging to the last bits of a vanilla, lemongrass and rooibos mix that I cannot replace since my regular tea shop went out of the business. In the past, I have never encountered a hot cup of black tea that I liked. Oh sure, I've been brewing black loose leaf tea for years, but that was for my <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2005/08/coffee-tea-or-me.html">Chai-Spiced Iced Tea</a> or to make a milky, Indian chai..... not for hot "White People" tea. My past experiences have been that hot, black tea was bitter and gross. Of course, upon reflection, I am remembering the tea I had tried was in bags and came without milk or sugar.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGwEAWU9hs7aWoTeJkQzgE9uOigB-89-92mAgPbjnGK7GHzv9XzkQmNhDFnsTJsO1E5jX6GjdNdUS30W4mhpYcTQe_7_gyYVvfRST3Jtht8gypSIGH3FD1R0_zEU17glO2vhWzQ/s1600/IMG_20120827_192251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGwEAWU9hs7aWoTeJkQzgE9uOigB-89-92mAgPbjnGK7GHzv9XzkQmNhDFnsTJsO1E5jX6GjdNdUS30W4mhpYcTQe_7_gyYVvfRST3Jtht8gypSIGH3FD1R0_zEU17glO2vhWzQ/s400/IMG_20120827_192251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Teacup and teapot, both from the</span><a href="http://www.britsshop.com/" style="font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"> Brits shop</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"> in Lawrence, KS. </span></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: start;">The other side of that cup says "</span><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: start;"><b>It's like no cheese I've ever tasted</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif; text-align: start;">" which makes this the BEST CUP EVER. Obviously.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">However, I had a weird epiphany yesterday. Why not try hot black tea with the <i>loose</i> leaves? So, as a quick experiment, I boiled some water in my water kettle and measured out 2 teaspoons of loose leaf for my 16oz pot. When the kettle whistled, I poured it over the loose leaves and let it steep for 5 minutes. Then, I splashed some milk and a bit of sugar in and....... WOW. </span><span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">That was AWESOME. Milky....smooth. And most certainly, <i>not </i>bitter.</span><br />
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Of course, I immediately went out to Facebook to share this life-changing discovery. My friends made recommendation and I now have a variety of other teas to try (I cannot WAIT for my next trip to Brits). Also, hands down, the best response to my revelation came from the lovely, yet highly sarcastic <a href="http://www.native-born.com/">Faiqa</a>:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I'm a little taken aback by your update. It would be like reading, "So, I took a spoonful of peanut butter and then, you're not going to believe this, but then I put *jelly* on the bread and it was FANTASTIC."</i></blockquote>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">Yes, I will still drink coffee and maybe, this will just be a short-time fad. Except, I really don't think so. In the meantime, I am going to try drinking only tea for the next week. And the very best part of this tea thing is that unlike coffee, I can have tea in the afternoon, or even in the evening. </span><br />
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">So.... I guess I am a tea drinker now. Maybe. Probably.</span><br />
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, bookman old style, palatino linotype, book antiqua, palatino, trebuchet ms, helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, avante garde, century gothic, comic sans ms, times, times new roman, serif;">Huh.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><b>Bonus Tea Quote: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><i>Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn't try it on. </i> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">~Billy Connolly</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;">I will never again look at a tea cozy the same.</span>Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-73264247569644862342012-11-08T17:22:00.002-06:002012-11-08T17:22:39.170-06:00O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHGu_5xiYxqWg9G8wghEc0znkfSZ5R0gVG4NEb3SfVK6129g7hiZeo56p_cpqr3BM9poNmum6mBhMGBgQ3tWAxai5vEl86hHPoQzsP8soWkkbmmDE5x8PvGRRqHLtVdkie_0hLw/s1600/arunballot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHGu_5xiYxqWg9G8wghEc0znkfSZ5R0gVG4NEb3SfVK6129g7hiZeo56p_cpqr3BM9poNmum6mBhMGBgQ3tWAxai5vEl86hHPoQzsP8soWkkbmmDE5x8PvGRRqHLtVdkie_0hLw/s400/arunballot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Arun's Presidential ballot from school with a bonus photobomb from Lucy.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Arun came home from school and proudly declared that he had voted. When I asked him for whom he had voted, he replied, "<i>I voted for Romney because Obama already had a turn.</i>" <br />
<br />
Spoken like a 1st grader, eh?<br />
<br />
I did gently explain why I was voting for Obama and I went out of my way to NOT make him feel bad. Sure, I am crass online, but I do have standards with my own children, limited they may be. However, I had to deliver the harsh truth to Arun that many of the policies that some Republicans support are in direct contrast to the needs of immigrants such his own father and to the needs of the LGBT community such as our neighbors and other loved ones. Some of them are <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2010/04/raging-arizona.html">downright racist</a>.<br />
<br />
Someday, I will explain to him why I had to leave the Republican party. I will explain to him that I used to vote Republican until the party morphed into something unrecognizable and ultimately, unconscionable for me. I will explain to him why I am a Libertarian and why that means that I have to switch back and forth between the Democratic and Republican parties, even when I am not completely comfortable with <i>either </i>choice. And perhaps by then, the Republican party will have brought it back to something closer with which I grew up. Something that I can believe in again.<br />
<br />
Yes, I will explain all of this to him. Someday.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I just want him to be my sweet 7 year old little boy with his simplistic worldview that includes taking turns. Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-91683351971552622512012-11-02T09:25:00.001-05:002012-12-14T07:31:51.140-06:00Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: Keepin' It Real With Frosting<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Note: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.</i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Recipe Index can be found <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/03/intestinal-fortitude-recipes-index.html" style="color: #5e92c2; text-decoration: none;"><b>here</b></a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">**********</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As claimed in the past, I am not much of a baker. It really, <i>really </i>stresses me out and as such, I normally buy cupcakes for birthday parties. Hands down, these Super Mario Brothers' cupcakes from Tabby's Treats that we bought for Arun's 5th birthday remain my favorite. They were awesome to look at and they were simply delicious (the original post is <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2010/10/heros-return.html">here</a>.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4087/5096164053_ff4867e829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4087/5096164053_ff4867e829.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, this year, Arun begged and <i>begged </i>for me to bake cupcakes at home. And..... so I did. I used a box cake mix but really wanted to try my hand at making the frosting from scratch. Turns out? Frosting from scratch is ridiculously easy and the result is creamy and amazing. AMAZING, I tell you. I let Team Chaos lick the beaters and after the first lick, they were hugging my legs exclaiming "<i>Thank you, Mama for making this. THANK YOU!!!!</i>"</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Alrighty then. Frosting from scratch it is.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">How did I make it? I just used the simple recipe on the back of the box of the confectioner's sugar. In fact, I still have it memorized -- take 1 pound of confectioner's sugar, a stick of butter, 1/4 cup of milk and a teaspoon of vanilla. Then beat it with a mixer. I just have a handheld - t</span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">here's nothing fancy going on here, folks.</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">And that was IT. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> In less than 5 minutes, I had frosting from scratch. Hand to Zeus, I will never, <i>ever </i>buy the canned stuff again.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I will probably do a few more of these "Keepin' It Real" posts. For example, I am adamant about finding a recipe for ranch dressing spices so that I can stop buying the Hidden Valley Ranch packets (they are so expensive and filled with tons of ingredients I cannot even pronounce). I use those packets for roasting all sorts of veggies and it seems self-defeating to sprinkle that stuff on a healthy, fresh veggie, right?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">And now, I am asking YOU for help. What do YOU swear by when it comes to making things from scratch? Challenge me! I am up for it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-33748429296874412772012-10-16T09:38:00.000-05:002012-10-16T09:38:01.420-05:00Lucky Seven7 years ago, a wee, mysterious being appeared in our lives. At first glance, he appeared to be a forest sprite. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/33/54575915_d95a3ae6ea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/33/54575915_d95a3ae6ea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We quickly discovered he had the voice of a banshee, the appetite of a zombie and the sleeping habits of a vampire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/85/245528389_8a7ac4a7ea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/85/245528389_8a7ac4a7ea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a firm, decided grasp, he rapidly took over our hearts.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3079/2511543998_a645bac062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3079/2511543998_a645bac062.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And our household.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRii7Ojfq7YI8fFpw5nUgC7AU24t6F84Z335qTJSNuga02tfqtNI-TJcNUVaY58NeOjIMgJFDi_JRy5filNDGH6D6-kEjLYOxNRVMrZ_m0Z62__x08ihFWHInE9LYbEuwmRXBUA/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRii7Ojfq7YI8fFpw5nUgC7AU24t6F84Z335qTJSNuga02tfqtNI-TJcNUVaY58NeOjIMgJFDi_JRy5filNDGH6D6-kEjLYOxNRVMrZ_m0Z62__x08ihFWHInE9LYbEuwmRXBUA/s400/IMG_7392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And our pocketbook.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
However, in his household account of debt to us, he is firmly in the black.<br />
<br />
And perhaps, Manoj and I are the ones in the red.Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-41437821791730434042012-10-12T12:11:00.000-05:002012-12-14T07:31:51.135-06:00Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude: Cheater, Cheater Pumpkin Eater<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Note: Fridays of Intestinal Fortitude is a weekly(ish) feature about food, food and more FOOD. No, I am not an expert, but I do enjoy talking about food prep, cooking food, eating food and making sweet love to food. Okay, maybe not the "sweet love" part. After all, this is not meant to be an homage to 9 1/2 Weeks.</i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Recipe Index can be found <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2012/03/intestinal-fortitude-recipes-index.html" style="color: #5e92c2; text-decoration: none;"><b>here</b></a>.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;">**********</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">After a really weird week of where nothing has gone right, I have a FUN day planned for us. Team Chaos is out of school and I am letting them choose what they would like to do. Thus far, they are choosing to hang out in their pajamas. Since I am nursing a cold (and I have TWO 5ks this week that I will now probably have to walk. Sigh.), I am totally on board with a Pajama Day Plan.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">In the meantime, in lieu of a <i>real </i>post, I would like to share a few food-related links.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">*****</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Courtesy of a recipe from </span></span><a href="http://www.dadcooksdinner.com/2012/09/slow-cooker-chicken-stock.html" style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Dad Cooks Dinner</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">, I made slow-cooker chicken stock and my world? Has been officially </span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">rocked</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">. HARD. I had bought a rotisserie chicken on Wednesday for dinner and when we were done with it, I stuck it in the refrigerator. Yesterday morning, I threw the carcass in the slow cooker, chopped up a bunch of green onions, minced FOUR cloves of garlic and threw in some dried parsley for good measure. I covered the whole mess with water and let it cook cook on low for 8 hours. It was SO easy and the stock smells AMAZING. I feel silly buying canned stock all of these years. The rotisserie chicken cost $6 AND I made over 4 cups of stock from it. I poured the stock in baggies and stuffed them in the freezer (I am going to invest in some freezer jars, though) Chicken stock in the slow-cooker - what a great idea!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">*****</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I have been in a cooking rut lately -- I pulled up the All Recipes Dinner Spinner app on my Kindle Fire and this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spicy-garlic-lime-chicken/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=garlic%20lime%20chicken&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=%2fmy%2frecipebox%2fdefault.aspx">Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken</a> popped up. And it was a WINNER. I had a few tenderloins left, so I am chopping those up for the Curried Chicken Divan I am making tonight. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">*****</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I am still playing around with my slow-cooker and cannot wait to dig into some of these <a href="http://www.recipe4living.com/articles/reader_s_choice_crockpot_meals_with_5_ingredients_or_less.htm">slow-cooker recipes</a> courtesy of Receipe 4 Living.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">*****</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Budget Bytes posted a <a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2012/10/pumpkin-recipe-roundup.html">round-up of pumpkin recipes</a> and asked for more suggestions in the comments. Of course, I could not resist linking to <a href="http://rancidraves.blogspot.com/2011/09/fridays-of-intestinal-fortitude-whats_30.html">my own pumpkin curry recipe</a> since it is my life's mission to expose people to the wonder of curried pumpkin.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">*****</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">As I was digging through food blogs while on the hunt for new dinner ideas, I stumbled across <a href="http://usmasala.blogspot.com/">US Masala</a>. Holy cow -- this site should come standard with an appetite suppressant. Each recipe comes with lovely photography and simply stated instructions -- in particular, I cannot WAIT to try the <a href="http://usmasala.blogspot.com/2012/04/garlic-masala-baked-potato-wedges.html">Garlic Masala Baked Potato Wedges</a>. Enter this site at your own risk on an empty stomach. You have been warned.</span></span></span><br />
<br />Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-32857102256973459552012-10-05T09:53:00.000-05:002012-10-05T09:54:35.355-05:00My Kid's Homework Ate Today's Food Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the most part, the homework situation here has been reasonable. Anjali's homework consists of practicing her writing and Arun's homework involves math and reading. Subjects they both need to work on anyway. We don't need to do homework every single night, but it averages to about 30-60 minutes when we do have it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night, Arun started working on his homework while I was cooking dinner, helping Anjali with HER homework and serving as the resident Bellhop for the cats and dogs and their relentless, soul-crushing need to go in and out and in and out of our goddamned house. (Foreshadowing: There are many, <i>many </i>more curse words coming your way, Gentle Reader.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then, Arun showed me this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl4aDymNVex1e9iy11tJSh0c89fMgOxf4UzcHJNkAkR54p_dCPpwLGb_6sLNAUU-TpeYe_nJFPkrOg2Mp_aXwLKHo0KCnuNpmoYXl6-vDL1CLfRNRldLg2x23TYx5bvQEcctWFQ/s1600/arunhomework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl4aDymNVex1e9iy11tJSh0c89fMgOxf4UzcHJNkAkR54p_dCPpwLGb_6sLNAUU-TpeYe_nJFPkrOg2Mp_aXwLKHo0KCnuNpmoYXl6-vDL1CLfRNRldLg2x23TYx5bvQEcctWFQ/s320/arunhomework.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
THREE FUCKING TICKETS</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THREE FUCKING RIDES</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ONE STUPID FUCKING LITTLE GIRL</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">Oh, and a chart of some sort that looked like something drawn by a carnie who had too much time on his hands (and too many blunts in his pocket).</span><br />
<br />
Yes, for some reason, this threw me for a permuted loop. I mean, not to brag, but I do hold both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Accounting. And according to the State of Missouri, I am fit to practice accounting as a licensed CPA (trust me, I am just as surprised by this as you are.) While the onions on the stove burned, the rice boiled over and the eggplant dried up, I managed to scribble out a start of the pattern. Then, I decided to leave the rest for Manoj.<br />
<br />
This is a good place to point out that my baby daddy is not only an Indian Institute of Technology grad, but also a Dartmouth dork. And since we are all about fulfilling stereotypes around here, Manoj is an engineer and scary with math and numbers. Yes, the same man who constantly loses his keys, laptop and shoes INSIDE OUR HOUSE possesses a frightening recall of facts and figures.<br />
<br />
When Manoj walked in the door, I thrust the paper in his face. He took a look and shook his head. Yes, he figured it out, eventually, but agreed that the lack of directions seemed a bit much for a 1st grader.<br />
<br />
Since Manoj was the one to actually figure it out, he is now endlessly mocking me about the fact that I struggled with our 1st grader's homework while steadfastly denying that he also struggled with it initially.<br />
<br />
And now I am off to Google to search for creative poisoning methods.<br />
<br />
<br />Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624110.post-22228107651703908222012-09-26T10:03:00.000-05:002012-09-26T10:04:00.313-05:00Literally Literary: The Good Kind of Streaking <i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">"Literally Literary" is a feature in which I write about books, reading and more books. My hope is the post title will provide a subtle hint that I am posting about BOOKS. For those of you where the topic of books results in narcoleptic fits thereby causing you to faceplant onto your keyboard, this will allow you to just click away from the horror that is the written word. Also, I simply adore the word "literally", it is literally my favorite adverb. Bonus points if pronounced with a Rob Lowe/Parks n' Recreation affectation.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;" />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;">Special Note: All posts contain non-affiliate links - I do not have an Amazonian Fancy Pants Affiliate Thingie.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 18px;">*******</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41olo9jBsFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Verdana, Times, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">Over the past few months, I have been ranting and raving about what a spectacular reading streak I have been on. A streak that has lasted MONTHS. I thought I would do a recap post when the streak ended, but at this point, there is no end in sight. I am currently reading Wally Lamb's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shes-Come-Undone-Oprahs-Book/dp/0671021001/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348667985&sr=1-1&keywords=she%27s+come+undone">She's Come Undone</a>" (SO GOOD, Lamp reminds me of John Irving and has made the list of authors of whom I must read their entire library). </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">Next on the list is JK Rowling's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Casual-Vacancy-J-K-Rowling/dp/0316228532/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348668012&sr=1-1&keywords=a+casual+vacancy">A Casual Vacancy</a>" (dropping TOMORROW. Or rather MIDNIGHT, if I happen to be suffering from insomnia, yet <i>again</i>.) and then, Laura Moriarty's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chaperone-Laura-Moriarty/dp/1594487014/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348668041&sr=1-1&keywords=the+chaperone+laura+moriarty">The Chaperone</a>" (I chose the cover for this book as the image for the post -- I love that image and it reminds me of my great-grandmother. She was a concert pianist and would have been touring around the same time period.) </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">Also, I am asking YOU what has been melting your literary butter lately so that you can help my streak continue. Can you help a reader out?</span></span><br />
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
No spoilers are in any of my blatherings. Pinkie swear.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Girl-Novel-Gillian-Flynn/dp/030758836X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348667923&sr=8-1&keywords=gone+girl+gillian+flynn">Gone Gir</a>l” by Gillian Flynn</b><br />
A weird, creepy book that starts out as a mystery, then turns into psychological thriller about halfway through. At one point, I was walking around the house while reading. I also had to hastily explain to my hungry children what a "mystery" was while absently pointing in the general direction of the pantry where the Larabars live.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Flowers-Novel-Anita-Amirrezvani/dp/B002B55XG8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348669261&sr=1-1&keywords=the+blood+of+flowers">The Blood of Flowers</a>” by Anita Amirrezvani</b><br />
This is set in 17th century Persia and features a 14 year old girl whose future prospects are turned upside down when her father dies. Her mother and her go to live with her uncle, who is a carpet maker. The girl learns the trade along the way but struggles because of the limited opportunities for women in that time period. I loved, loved this character and by the end of the book, it became a page-turner for me because I simply had to know what became of her. Also, the author was quite talented in presenting the story in a richly-drawn environment.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Salvage-Bones-Novel-Jesmyn-Ward/dp/1608196267/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348669316&sr=1-1&keywords=salvage+the+bones+by+jesmyn+ward">Salvage the Bones</a>” by Jesmyn Ward</b></div>
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">With this being the winner of the 2011 National Book Award, I am wondering why more folks have not heard of this one. This one is set in Mississippi and opens just a few days before Katrina comes bearing down. It is not about Katrina, per se, but it does give you a perspective on the folks living there. It also helped me understand what it must be like to be presented with an utter lack of choices - not just regarding the lack of Katrina evacuations, but also their lives in general</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Where-Line-Bleeds-Jesmyn-Ward/dp/B005GNM2RA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348669418&sr=1-1&keywords=where+the+line+bleeds">Where the Line Bleeds</a>” by Jesmyn Ward</b></div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
Another one by Ward. Twin brothers are graduating from high school -- college is not an option and even the hope of finding a job is a slim one. One of them does find a job, but the other one is left at loose ends and struggles. Overall, I really like how Ward weaves a story and she is an author I have my eye on from now on. If she is writing something, then it is important enough for me to read because I want to hear what she has to say.</div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winters-Bone-Novel-Daniel-Woodrell/dp/0316066419/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348669388&sr=1-1&keywords=winter%27s+bone">Winter’s Bone</a>” by Daniel Woodrell</b><br />
This book is another dark one and shows that poverty is not limited to race. It is set in southern Missouri and features a strong, lead female character whose family is involved in the meth business. Her father goes missing while out on bond and if the girl doesn't find him in time, her house will be taken by the bondsmen. I probably related to this book more than both of Wards' for the simple fact that I am white and while I am not poor, I have lived in small communities where there is poverty. It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized that some of my best friends in grade school were poverty-stricken.</div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Objects-Novel-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0307341550/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348669444&sr=1-1&keywords=sharp+objects+by+gillian+flynn">Sharp Objects</a>” by Gillian Flynn</b><br />
This was Flynn's first book and my least favorite of her three. I still enjoyed this book, although some of became a little silly and contrived. However, it was a fun, eerie romp that reminded me of the twisted deliciousness that was VC Andrews (remember Flowers in the Attic?)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Places-Novel-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0307341577/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348669469&sr=1-1&keywords=dark+places+gillian+flynn">Dark Places</a>" by Gillian Flynn</b><br />
This was actually my favorite of the three Flynn reads. It wasn't as gripping or addictive as "Gone Girl", but this one really spoke to me. It was heart wrenching to see a family ripped apart by bad choices and poverty.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px;">
<b>“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Five-People-You-Meet-Heaven/dp/0786868716/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1348669500&sr=1-1&keywords=the+five+people+you+meet+in+heaven+by+mitch+albom">The Five People You Meet In Heaven</a>” by Mitch Albom</b><br />
I read this in one sitting -- it is a short read, but it is one that will leave you thinking. I don't even believe in the concept of Heaven and Hell, but I was easily able to get on board with the story structure that Albom presented.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="background-color: white;">“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nineteen-Minutes-ebook/dp/B000NY12LO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1348669535&sr=8-2&keywords=jodi+piccoult+nineteen+minutes">Nineteen Minutes</a>” by </span><span style="background-color: white;">Jodi Piccoult</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Honestly, I think Piccoult is a bit of a hack. I have read a few of her books but her consistent, formulaic writing turned me off. However, "Nineteen Minutes" came highly recommended by a friend, so I picked it up. And then, I could hardly put it <i>down. </i>Yikes<i>.</i> Yes, it is her usual Plots Ripped From the Headlines <i>modus operandi </i>but this one is about bullying. Overall, I really appreciated how she presented the story from about six different viewpoints. I wish she had written from the bullys' perspectives (at least from ONE of them), but I still appreciated how she constructed this storyline, even going back from the beginning in Kindergarten and showing us the progression of the bullying.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>The floor is yours, Gentle Reader. What have YOU been reading?</b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.983333587646484px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
Cagey (Kelli Oliver George)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13691589813815058981noreply@blogger.com10