Happy Halloween to one and all

I hope you all had a Bewitching Halloween.

I know I did!

Obama Add

I just have to put in a little thought... I watched the 30 min. Obama add yesterday... I'm already liking this man, so if I could vote this ad wouldn't have changed much for me. But one thing that struck me as I watched it was how similar I thought some parts were to the MormonAds that used to run a few years ago...

Not, dissing anyone, not making fun or anything... just voicing my opinion....

Fall Pictures

I love fall... here are two pictures from Morningside park... Isn't it just so beautiful... sigh...

An Wicked event

Last week I attended a fantastic event at my favorite place... (B&N). LIVE AT LINCOLN: Gregory Maguire (A Lion Among Men: Volume Three in the Wicked Years) in conversation with BILL GOLDSTEIN (WNBC-TV/Today in New York) featuring musical performances by "Glinda" and "Elphaba" of Broadway's WICKED.

It was awesome. I've never really gotten into the whole "Land of Oz" world nor the "Wicked Years" and as such, I didn't really have high expectations. I mean I've stumbled across some of the songs online, and liked them a lot... (got a little "addicted" to Defying Gravity for a while) but other than that, it wasn't enough to get my attention. Until now....

Bill Goldstein asked great questions, Gregory Maguire gave a fantastic background story to the books, musical and built a believable world. Kerry Ellis is a FABULOUS singer and made a fantastic Elphaba. It was a great evening. And I am counting my blessings, the fact that I am able to live in a city that gives me such oportunities, to stretch my mind and explore new things, I thank my lucky STARS.

And, in honor of the five-year anniversary of Wicked composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and current Elphaba, Kerry Ellis, flipped the switch to turn the iconic building green on Monday (October 27).

I've been Tagged!

LeaAnne tagged me, and here is my post. A little changed from the original, mostly one or two items omitted, but all in all it is there.. though not as fancy as LeaAnnes' she's just s'dang good at making her page cute.... ;)

Four Movies I would watch more than once:

(and frequently do!)

• Pride and Prejudice (1996 A&E/BBC version)
• Persuasion (1996)
• Lord of the Rings Triology
• Sweet Home Alabama

Four TV Shows I watch:

• Grey's Anatomy
• Ugly Betty
• Dog the Bounty Hunter
• Extreme Makeover Home Edition

Four Places I've Been:

• Stockholm, Sweden
• London, England
• Aberdeen, Scottland
• San Jose, California

Four Places I'd like to go:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• any nice Pacific Island

Four people who email me regularly:

• The Oprah Show
• The Pope'ster
• Amazon.com
• My Craft Group leader, Diane

Four things I would like to Eat:

• Grilled Chicken Salad from Costa Vida
• Kjøttkake dinner from Sjømannskirken
• Any Bagel from Einstein Bagels
• My own pannekaker :)

That my friends is it....

I tag no one, but should anyone read this and feel so inspired, I invite you to go for it!

Enjoy!

Early Halloween??

I had a bloody, messy "helloweenish" experience a week ago. And would like to share with you all what $300 and a trip to the ER will get you...

It all started when my beautiful, wonderful D' offered to help me make dinner. I am of a firm belief that letting kids help cook is not only helpful for the adults, but it does all sorts of good things for the young'uns (building self esteem, better attitudes abt. food/eating, etc.), so with that in mind I thought "sure, why not" and I had the perfect job. D took to "stripping" the corn with delight, and after removing all the "hair" we were left with corn-on-the-cob with a stick on the end.

Well, we couldn't very well have that in the stoup, so the stubb had to come off... I pulled down the knife, but found the stubb was hard, and I needed both my hands to hold the corn still on the cutting board. D, eager to help, and me in a rush needing help, took over the cutting... it was GREAT! The stubb was coming off, D was happy because he was helping, and I took my eyes off this whole project, to quickly glance at the clock on the microwave, and as I turned my head back I felt a warm fluid"y" feeling on my left index finger....

I had been cut, there was an L shaped laceration, it was bleeding fast, and I was mostly worried about D's reaction. So I quickly pulled away my bleeding hand, wrapped some papertowel around and treated it as just a little cut. Later as I was rushing to pick up Abs from swimming, I pulled the papertowel off to do some self examination... I will spare you all and myself the gory details, it still makes me queasy just thinking about it, needless to say, it was deep, and pretty serious.

But I had band-aids in my purse, so I dried off as much blood as I could and put two on.

The rest of the evening passed by uneventful. But the next morning I didn't feel so good, my index finger looked brused and was hurting pretty bad. When I talked to one of the other moms at school she told me to go to the ER, they had to help me regardless of insurance (which I do not have by the way). So off I went... and, 300 dollars later, a long wait, (my finger was dipped in some fizzing liquid to be cleansed,), some glue and this is what my hand looked like:

yeah... I was a little distubed on the way home, it looked bad. AND I had to have antibiotics. However careful I'd been I guess it'd still gotten infected... Fortunately, the kids were at their dads' this weekend. I must say, I thought it wasn't this big of a deal. But I was worried how D would take it all, and hoped it wouldn't be too traumatic. (He was a little anxious when he saw my hand Monday night, but I assured him that it looked a lot worse than what it was). So below is the cut. See the L shape? And the flash is reflected on the glue the Dr. put on. But there you have it. My own Halloween story... fortunately with a happy ending.. Now, a week later i only have one little band-aid on it. It's itching but that is good, and the best of all, I am done with the Antibiotic cure.... YAY!!!!

Just thought I'd post the pictures from the event I mentioned in my last post.... my meeting with Detective John Munch aka. Richard Belzer.

It was a fantastic event, I am quickly becoming a die-hard fan of Barnes and Nobles' Events. Why? Well let me just tell you... in a city where even looking around (almost) cost you half of your future children's futures, this is FREE!!!!! And there are great authors, performers etc. that participate. It is a most agreeable way to spend ones' evenings, and I feel so cultured and learned afterwards!

So on this cold tuesday night I ventured down to my favorite store. In great anticipation for a fun evening. In the add from B&N it says: "Welcome to a Discussion/Signing with Richard Belzer: I am Not a Cop! In his captivating, often humorous debut mystery, one of the great comedic talents blends fact with fiction to solve the mysterious disappearance of a close friend.

And that is exactly what we got. Mr. Belzer/Det. Munch read from his new book and took questions from the audience.

I must say, despite some colourful language, it was VERY enjoyable. Richard Belzer is very funny. He has a great sense of humor and is very much in touch with what is going on in the world, and his own role in it. He brought his wife and two kiddies with tails. He is very passionate about rescuing animals and treating them well. And I must say the dogs were very well behaved. Having his family there made it an event that felt very intimate despite being somewhat crowded. The tone was light, warm and open.

It was a very pleasurable way to spend an evening!

Bragging

Yup, this is going to be a bragging blog... why? 'cause I CAN!!! lol

Usually I take the kids to school in the morning. We are almost always in a hurry, but I haven't had them late one day yet!!! "(a fact I am not just a little proud about) So then after the teacher comes and gets them, I sigh a big sigh and then I take some time to look around, chat with the other parents etc.

Then, in the afternoon, the mayhem starts all over again. The parents line up outside the school yard waiting for the guard to come open the gates, we all push to get in (although I am not sure why, we usually have 5 min. before the teachers lead the kids out, for us to get them.) On days where the weather is nice, I take the kids to hang out in the adjourning playground for a few minutes. They play, I chat... Well, here comes the point of today's blog ;) Yesterday, I was looking around for D. and I saw this man sitting by the flag pole chatting with another mom and her kid. I thought to myself "wow, that guy looks exactly like that one guy, from that one show with Michael J. Fox" (not very original, I know, but that is sometimes how my brain works. Lately I can't remember names to save my life... but I degress..) So I turn to another mom next to me and asks if that man really is who I think it is... AND IT WAS!!!! I thought, wow that is so cool... here is this seasoned actor, must make pretty good money, he's typecast, but also funny and his latest show is a hit, so I don't think he's running out of stuff to do anytime soon.. and here he is at his kids' school, waiting for them to play with their friends... he could probably have hired nannies up the whazzou, but there he sits, talking to the other parents/nannies, kissing boo-boo's, taking time to be a "normal" parent. (whatever that is! lol)

Well I couldn't just pull out my camera (that now has permanent recidence in my bag) and snap away at the guy... but thank heavens for the internet... here's my famous dad....

He is Richard Kind. I am sure you know him from Spin City (that's where I remembered him from), Mad About You or Curb your Enthusiasm. Anyways... my claim to fame... our kids go to the same school... (well... mine aren't... you know... mine) Also, I found out, Cynthia Nixon's kids go to the same school, but I haven't seen her yet...

Then last night I went to an event at Barnes and Noble, with Det. Munch!!!! More on that tomorrow!

I see stars all around... lol

Craft-a-licious pt. 2

I am sooooo excited, I just found a new craft... it's called "free form" knitting and crocheting. Free form has been around since the "hippie days" and is now experiencing a comeback. It is a mish-mash of random stitches, colours, shapes and patterns, and it forms a delightful mix of textures. AND you can make whatever you want with it.... purses, ponchos, shawls, hats, sweaters... you name it! Use any kinds of yarn, ribbons, fabric strips.... and knit or sew or crochet away... it looks a little scary at first, but I have found it's amazing when it comes together in the end. Creatively it is satisfying. Scary, but awesome!!!

The picture is not mine, and the project isn't either, but when mine is finished, or at least a little bit farther along, I will "show and tell"! :)

Craft-a-licious

My arms and fingers are tingling... my brain is whizzing, images are flashing before me.... my craft-bone is itching.... I have an urge to create.....

Unfortunately all my craft stuff is in a storage unit in Utah... The sadness and longing is unexplainable and truthfully a little scary... I should not be this attached to things... but I am... So to savor my creativity and maybe ease my longing... I give myself pictures of some of my previous projects...

NEW TWILIGHT PREVIEW!!

Oh my gosh... I thought I'd just pop by youtube for a sec. before going to bed... and someone had posted the last and final movie trailer to Twilight. I consequently watched it, had a heart attach and am trying to recover... and now I am thinking how the heck am I going to be able to sleep tonight?? Sigh... Well, hope you all enjoy it too... *squeal*

Science thoughts...

Thursday October 2nd the kids and I went to the Museum of Natural History here in New York. The majority of the time was spent in the Space and Science part of the museum (Dylan's choice). As we were walking around looking at diverse meteorites, space maps, planets etc. I couldn't help feeling a deep satisfaction.

The happiness lies in feeling greatful for my testimony of God the Father, His Son, the creator of the world, and the knowledge that I don't have to rely on faulty or uncertain science. I have knowledge that I trust and believe in 100%. The more time I spent in there, the stronger I felt the Spirit whispering to me, acknowledging what I was feeling. I loved being there, loved feeling the testifying power of the beauty around me. Science is great, it's important, and I know it can be a tool in indicating and recognizing eternal truths. As we walked around I heard "If you could hie to Kolob" in my mind.. it was a great experience. And again. Proof to me that there is definately a greater being in charge of all this wonder and amazement. That I am his daughter is still a little unfathomable, but we're working on it. In the meantime, I love being reminded about my creator and how great He truly is!

My own Project Runway/Top Model

Abbie is my style-guru.
She has her own definite style, that she is NOT afraid to show off. Some days I want to tell her to go change before she goes to school... but so far I've just let her do her own thing.... She is certainly aware of her impression on other kids, but she doesn't care. She has a lot of confidence in her 8year old body. Something I wished I had at her age..... :)
And she also has the personality to go with some of the quirky outfits' she's worn, so I guess in the interest of her inner future artist, I keep my mouth closed.. (and secretly take notes...)

I love my Abbs!

Ex Libris

Of late this has become my favorite hang-out place... And I am not afraid to confess to the world, I am a proud bookworm through and through. There is a Barnes & Noble store 3-4 blocks from the twins' school, and I go here often to hang out before I have to pick them up.

I bring my knitting, find a book, more often than not I end up in a windowsill or a quiet corner behind a large pile of books, and then, as if by magic, the world disappears.
I am engulfed in the world of Jane Austen and the Brontës'
Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth and Mr. Rochester are my dreamy heroes.
Lizzie, Jane Eyre, and Molly Gibson are my admirable companions.
To my great delight, D also loves books, and so after we drop his sister off at her swim practice, we go hang out here too... D hangs out in the fabulous kids' section. And I... well... lately the History and Arts department has called out to me.
Add to the greatness of books, restrooms, a cafe and a cozy atmosphere. Speakers, Authors, Special Readings and Storytime for the younger crowd.... It's heaven on earth, and thank heavens I have found a companion bookworm in D.
I foresee a fall and winter spent in warm coziness. The smell of books, paper in the air.
Children giggling, people talking in hushed tones.
Tummy filled with hot chocolate....
AND to top it off, they serve cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory...
As if all this isn't enough.... they have wireless!!!
I might not come back up until spring... dusty to be sure, but happy and well read.
Signing off, to go plan a list of books to read... (feel free to give your inputs!)
Happiness is ... Barnes & Noble....