Mulberry Summer

Life Sucks

2009-09-01T18:39:00.001-04:00

No job yet. My old job opened up and she gave it to a guy. Yup- a student teacher last year... but he can pee standing up so therefore he must the right candidate for the job. Talk about being ticked off.

Right now I'm on almost every subbing list in the area and will be on every subbing list come Friday I hope.

No jobs yet- but hopefully the swine flu will hit and I'll be busy busy. Or maybe some pregnant lady will decide to take all year off and I can be a long term sub. Anything to bring money in.

Other than that I'm trying recipes out of the book "Cook yourself Thin". The show is on Lifetime-an import from England and so far I've liked everything I've tried- as has most of the family.

The biggest hit was sweet and sour pork. Making it this week with beef. We had crunchy chicken fingers tonight, and spaghetti carbonara last night. Even has recipes for deserts and breakfasts. All recipes are easy and fast. My kind of recipe.

Nothing much happening here. Better head out though- I'm going to try and post again on a more regular basis.

July Already?

2009-07-06T00:04:00.002-04:00

Sheesh. I can't seem to get this blogging thing going. We spent the 4th weekend at the lake and except for the last day- it wasn't too much fun. Cold, rainy, icky.

The Pipsqueak has a loose tooth that is really causing her pain, and we were up a lot last night because of it.

Nothing on the job front yet. I'm scared and know I need to fill out aps in other districts- but just don't want to. Guess I need to do that this week and just get stuff in order. Let's hope I'm able to be called back.

My tomato and pepper plants seem okay for now. Not sure how they'll do in the end- but there is one teeny tiny pepper on the plant. Hopefully, more will follow as will the tomatoes.

Better head out and am going to try to get the blog posts from my head onto the computer from now on.

June Already?

2009-06-09T17:33:00.003-04:00

F0r the one or two readers I may or may no longer have... Sheesh- it's been a rough month or so.

Still no job, but I have a few leads in another district- but pay is much lower and not sure if it's enough to live on.

Meanwhile, the Pipsqueak and I went to the zoo recently and saw some amazing animals. Including lions, zebras, and hyenas... Oh my!

I'm still trying to be optimistic- so I am house hunting... Let's just hope I am able to find one and purchase before the new year. I want that tax credit!

More Pink

2009-04-12T16:57:00.001-04:00

Looks like I was wrong about the call back list. With the type of contract I had- I'm basically on the bottom of pond and let's "Hope to goodness" you get called back.

I was so angry last week- to the point of spitting nails. My administrator should have known this- but she seemed as shocked as I was. Meanwhile, I've submitted my letter of interest, gone to the union rep, and will be trying to get in touch with HR head until I do reach her. I have a few questions.

Why can't it ever be easy?

Feeling Pink

2009-03-31T18:05:00.002-04:00

Yup. I've been pink slipped. Ugh! I'm on the recall list though- so I'm hoping an ESL job will become available next year and I can do that. I love teaching ESL and really want to stay in that area.

If not, well- I'll teach anything for a year just to stay in the district.

I was out car hunting recently as I desperately need a new vehicle and think I've found what I want- I'm just afraid to buy without the contract.

Why can't life ever be simple?

On the upside- we went to the Indian restaurant last weekend to celebrate the Pipsqueak's homecoming and adoption day. Her homecoming day and adoption day are on the same day- but a year apart.

My mother went with us- only the 2nd time she's had Indian food (and a diff. place). She seemed to like what she had. We got the buffet and my child again gorged on chicken tikka masala, lamb gorma, tandori chicken, chickeny birayni, rice, and naan. She couldn't even finish her desert. She loves the golub ?? (can't remember name or spelling) but only could manage a bite. The desert looks like donut holes- but they are soaked in rose water I think.

All in all it was a great day.

Now- let's just hope I've got that contract in May.

Indian night

2009-03-07T20:14:00.003-05:00

Well, it finally happened. I managed to cook an Indian dish that tasted "right" and didn't cause us to run from the kitchen and immediately order pizza.

Using a paste from Sukhi brand, I made Chicken Tikka Masala. The Pipsqueak loved it and is looking forward to the leftovers tomorrow. We couldn't find Naan bread so we used pita bread that I heated in the pan and had rice to finish the meal.

Finally- a hit from my daughter's birth heritage. Makes me feel better knowing I can cook at least 1 Indian dish as easily as I can cook German, Japanese, Italian, and Mexican food.

One more thing

2009-01-20T20:52:00.003-05:00

Why oh why did they let Aretha ruin such a beautiful song in that way?

She has a great voice- use it- don't screech it.

No words

2009-01-20T17:40:00.002-05:00

Okay- we got a new President today. I'm not overexcited by any means. Yes, I'm still holding a Hillary grudge.

Also- is anyone else bothered by the fact that everywhere we look it's "The first black president"? Wrong! He is bi-racial. Is this not denying that his mother is white? Aren't we "forgetting" that half of him that isn't African?

With all that is said for children (especially transracially adopted kids) to come to terms with their ethnic identities -especially when raised by white people- I would think that O*bama would want to acknowledge all of himself. Not just the half that got him elected.

Yup- Hillary grudge still intact.

Arrgh!

2009-01-17T19:19:00.003-05:00

I really hate dealing with people sometimes. I hate living in a house that also houses my parents and my sibling.

When ordering pizza and garlic bread from a local establishment you expect your order. Nope- brought garlic sticks. My kid wanted a garlic stick, badly. We called to get the bread and our change (the sticks cost more) and asked what to do with the sticks. The kid answering the phone said- keep them, I guess. The manager said- no- they have to give them back.

Hello! They can't resell the food- it was their mistake... but give them back. What are they going to do with them? Toss them or more than likely eat the sticks themselves.

Poor customer service and they wonder why I don't order from them much. Meanwhile the bread/sticks debaucle cause a huge uproar because my 8 year old really wanted the sticks and the bread was ordered for an adult (my sibling) who needed it because of his medical status.

What a suck a** night. And to top it off- my kid got her feelings hurt and wouldn't eat the pizza my mom ordered for her- so my mom gets ticked off about "wasting money".

ARGH!

Update

2009-01-16T21:22:00.003-05:00

Anna Mae He Update
For anyone interested- there is the latest news involving the Chinese-American child who was raised by one family for almost 8 years before courts made her to live with her bio-family whom she barely knew.

Bad situation on all sides- and it seems not much better now, almost a year after having to move to China. The only upshot is that her bio-mother allows a once a week phone call from her other family. I'm sure that helps Anna feel a bit better- knowing that they still love her and want what is best for her- just as her bio-mother does.

On the homefront- it's COLD here. Minus 18 F before winchill factor is figured in this morning. Cold, cold, cold. Brrrr...

Okay- I'm heading off and trying to keep warm.

Chicken Perloo

2009-01-01T18:51:00.002-05:00

I found this recipe in a wonderful murder/mystery book by Laura Childs. I hope she doesn't mind my sharing it here. We made it the other night and it was a hit with all... including the Pipsqueak.

Give it a try- and also try reading the Tea Shop Mystery Books. They're a wonderful read.

Chicken Perloo
1 tsp. olive oil (I used Safflower- it's what I had on hand)
4-5 pieces of chicken- skin removed
2 slices bacon (cut in 1/4" pieces) or 2 oz. diced salt pork (we used bacon)
1 large onion sliced (we diced it as well)
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 cup long grain rice (not instant)
1 can chicken broth (1 3/4 cups)-- I used chicken stock
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 TBS. minced parsley

-- we didn't have the parsley on hand-- and added garlic powder as well.

Heat oil over medium-high heat using nonstick fry pan (12 inch). Add chicken and cook about 8 minutes or until golden, turning over once. Put chicken on a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add bacon, cooking for 4 minutes until browned. Remove bacon with slotted spoon to small bowl. Discard all but 2 tsp. of back fat from skillet.

Add onion and green pepper to same skillet and cook, covered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add rice and stir until evenly coated. Stir in bacon, broth, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup water. Return chicken to pan; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, 10-25 minutes. (We cooked it 25 minutes). Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Serves 4.

2008-12-25T00:09:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Fiestaware

2008-12-20T11:38:00.001-05:00

Please go here and enter the Fiestaware give-a-way. A great way to get some cool dishes.

Winter Blahs

2008-12-16T17:04:00.006-05:00

I haven't seen the sun in days. Stuck here in the midwest I see snow. I see ice. I see clouds. I see no sun.

One of my school kids asked me today, "The sun is red right?"

"No! It's yellow!" Shouted another.

"Orange! The sun is orange!" offered yet another student.

*Sigh*

The lack of sunlight has effected the young too. Not being able to colour something as simple as the sun. So, so sad.

Let us hope the ice on the ground, the snow now falling leads us to a 2 hour delay in the 'morrow. That would make this weather worth it... well, almost.

Scattagories fun

2008-11-24T19:29:00.002-05:00

WHAT IS YOUR "Blog' NAME: Kikilia
BOY NAME: Kieran
4 LETTER WORD: Kelp
GIRL NAME: Keiko
OCCUPATION: Knight
A COLOR: Kelly Green
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Kilt
BEVERAGE: Kahlua or even Kool-Aid (ick)
FOOD: Kiwi
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Kaopectate
A PLACE : Keikionga
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Kids
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Kowabunga!

Barley Soup

2008-11-23T15:54:00.003-05:00

It's cold here. Cold. Light dusting of snow on the ground. Time for Oma's Barley soup. Oma is would be my great- grandmother whom I've never met except through her barley soup.

Hope you enjoy too.

1 pounds beef short ribs or soup bone with lots of meat
1-Tbs shortening -brown ribs on both sides- so meat is brown
When meat is brown add 1 qt liquid-- Water or beef stock/broth. I prefer broth/stock.
Add salt and pepper & garlic clove
Cook until meet is tender 1-1 1/2 hours
When meat is done- remove from broth and take off bones- add back to soup
Add 1/4 cup shredded carrots (or cut fine)
1/4 cup onions cut fine
1/4 cup celery diced very fine
1 potato diced fine
1 Tbs. ketchup
1/4 cup barley

You can also add green beans- though I never have

It takes about 20-25 minutes for barley to cook.

This soup is great the next day.

Hope anyone who tries it enjoys it.

Monday

2008-11-17T21:37:00.002-05:00

Can't believe how long it's been since I've posted. Not a whole lot to blog about actually- everyone around here is beyond sick and I'm just getting over it. The child is just getting it, and my mother is in the middle of it.

If awards were given for hacking coughs- I'd say we'd be contenders.

Anyway- hope to post more soon.

I think I've been inspired by the first snow of the season. Yup, snow. It even stuck to the ground. :-)

Trick or Treat and other Halloween things

2008-10-30T19:45:00.006-04:00

Our small town decided to have trick or treat tonight, October 30 rather than on Halloween due to the local football sectional. I am miffed to say the least, but Pipsqueak had a good time being a vampire witch this year.

My letter to the town Halloween committee will get done and maybe will have some bearing on next year. I won't hold my breath, but one never knows.

The pictures are this year's Jack O' Lantern and one I call "Thank you- thank you very much"....

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!

Oh- and btw- the car- not mine. It's my folks.

Indian clothes!

2008-10-25T15:01:00.004-04:00

This is just a touch of the embroidery on Pipsqueak's newest bday gift. A traditional Indian outfit. She looks lovely in it. New outfit and bangles- what a great way to extend the bday.

8!

2008-10-12T22:00:00.002-04:00

Good grief! I can't believe it's been near on a month since I've posted. I guess life has been getting away from me and the blog or lack thereof as the case may be has suffered.

Today the Pipsqueak turned 8. Yup, 8. I still can't believe it. Seems like just yesterday this small creature came into my life. She totally turned my world upside down and it's been great (for the most part).

She woke up and celebrated with cake for breakfast, a brand new Nin*tendo DS and accessories a la Hello K*itty... plus a game.

We then went to the zoo (met her G*dmother there), Indian restaurant for lunch- the food was divine, and to wrap it up we hit the mall where a "new furry friend" was made thanks to Build a B*ear. She chose an elephant whom she named Elly. Elly is of course an Asian elephant.

All in all it was a great day and I hope she has many more great days to come.

I'd love to do a thought provoking post on the last 6 years with my child but am too tired. Maybe later this week.

Until then- Happy Birthday Pipsqueak!

More zoo pictures

2008-09-20T18:24:00.003-04:00

The first picture is of course, the sea lion balancing her ball while doing a handstand. The second is just a neat photo (I thought) of the Black footed penguins from Africa.

Feeding time at the Zoo

2008-09-20T17:55:00.002-04:00

The Pipsqueak and I spent the afternoon at the zoo. We signed up for a program and for a nominal fee were able to prepare lunch for 2 zoo animals. In our case the Red Panda and a Tortise.

The zoo kitchen smelled awful- but it was neat making the food. The other class participants made food for animals like River Otters and Bobcats to Scarlet Macaws and Rabbits.

After making the food we got to walk around part of the zoo to feed our animals. Feeding the Red Panda had to be one of the neatest experiences ever. The Pipsqueak got to hand feed her and I was able to get one good picture of the event.

We also saw the Sea Lion feeding/show and I have a great picture of a Sea Lion balancing a ball on her nose while doing a handstand. Was great and hopefully I'll get it posted later.

Anyway- after the zoo we grabbed a late lunch and headed home via the country roads in order to stop and pick our pumpkins from some kind farmers front yard.

All in all, a great day.

School and Sickness

2008-09-07T10:07:00.002-04:00

New school, new kids, new germs = me having my first major cold of the season. It turned into some type of sinus/allergy thing too- so this past week has been rough. I feel a bit better today and hope this week will go much better breathing wise.

I'm enjoying the new job. I have kids from grades 1-5 and am enjoying them as well. Never was sure if I'd do okay with the bigger kids- but they are a lot of fun too.

Spent part of the day at the zoo yesterday for a class for the Pipsqueak in horse care. She even made the local news for another zoo event and was thrilled to see herself on TV last night.

I can't believe it's a little over a month before she turns 8. Seems like yesterday I was celebrating her 2nd bday (1st party) a few months after she came home. She wants a 'real' party this year- so we're going to have it a week early so it can be outside.

I think some sort of 'pin the hat on the witch' or the 'mole on the troll' depending on the poster I can find, decorating small pumpkins with markers, ice cream and cupcakes and we'll be finished. Oh and gift opening of course. She won't let me forget that.

She wants a cake on her actual bday- so that will be a family party and I think will be very low-keyed and laid back.

Best get going - am going to make jalapeno poppers and then must find bread and soup for my lunches for school this week.

A break

2008-08-10T13:14:00.002-04:00

Okay- I'm needing to take a small break from the blog... nothing major just a week or so.

I start a new F/T job this next week and need to get my head wrapped around teaching f/t again.

I'm thrilled, but nervous too. It seems so long ago that I had my own room. That, coupled with the fact that this is a situation I've never taught before - a pull out program- I really need my focus to be at school.

Okay- gotta run- many errands to run today.

Be back soon.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-30T12:29:00.002-04:00