Sunny Side Up

My mother was a Glass Half Full kind of person.

Despite some less than perfect hands she was dealt throughout her life, she always found the bright side of any given situation. I don't really know how she did it, but she always taught us to see the positive side of things too. She obviously did a good job as I've actually been accused of being too optimistic. I know that's kind of hard to believe after I've let my Dark Debbie side out a bit of late, but it's true - but I'm usually pretty stinkin cheerful.

And now the torch has been passed. I do believe the Positive Gene has been passed down yet again... Lately Finn has been telling stories of the harrowing events (at least to a 4 year old) that happen at Daycare: He kicked the ball and it hit her right in the face! Or, She didn't make it to the bathroom in time!... And as traumatic as these tales are he almost always goes on to say

But the good news is...

That's my boy! :)

The Track

My funk is still there. No - Right here wrapped around me like an old sweater that really should have been thrown away a long time ago.

Last night my husband asked me if I was okay. He said I didn't even seem like I was here. Is it time to find someone to talk to?

Wow. How's that for a wake up call?

Here I was thinking I was the Stealth Bomber - doing a good job of hiding the fact that maybe I was dealing with a pesky little bit of depression. Guess not.

It's time.

The forced smile I put on for the sake of the boys isn't fair. To them or to me. I'm finding there are a lot of contributing factors - I'm finally beginning to name them. The stink of this funk has gotten too ripe and it's time to send it down the drain with the dirty bathwater.

The track always leads back to the same place: Despite several go 'rounds to convince myself otherwise, I dragged my ass out of bed at 5:00 this morning and got on the treadmill. Recent attempts at getting back in to a routine have been tough to keep up. (Damn Christmas cookies!)

I know I am better when I'm exercising. I know this. It really is amazing how a measly 30 minutes can clear the cobwebs and point your day in an entirely different direction.

And as far as finding someone to talk to? Well sorry, I hope you don't mind, but for now you're it.

It's time to refocus on what makes me happy and to find a way to quiet the sulking, sad, "boo-hoo for me" little girl who has forgotten how to take care of herself. Perhaps the longer days might help a bit too.

"Shit a cat's ass it's good to see the sun again." - from Judevine by David Budbill

Gotta get the glitter back. It's time.

Wordless Wednesday

busted

4 Years Ago

I'm counting down the days until he's 5... Where did the time go?

I Won!

I NEVER win anything. I am SO excited to have won a little something just for me from Liz at A Giveaway A Day!

I won a $10 gift certificate to Pudleduck Soap Company! Yippee!

Anyone who knows me knows I'm kind of a soap whore. Yep. Love the stuff. Can't have too much - every scent is a new adventure.

Citrus Calendula Goat Milk Soap

So this win is right up my alley! They have so many wonderful items it's going to be impossible to choose! (High on the list: Tired Ol Bones Goat Milk Soap, Lemon Verbena Kitchen Bar or the Bergamot Sage Cold Process Gold Milk Soap ) And, they're in Maine to boot!

All I know right now is I'm certain I'll spend way more than the $10.

Thanks Liz! I'm so excited!!

Tag! I'm It!

Kelly tagged me for a fun picture posting...

1. Go to the 4th picture folder on your computer

2. Post the 4th picture in that folder

3. Explain the picture

4 .Tag 4 more bloggers

This is Finn being baptised 4 years ago this week. He is being held by his Godfather, Uncle Gauv, and Godmother, Auntie Ky, is looking on.

Not the best picture but I loved it because the title is "Blessed" and today, I needed a reminder of how blessed we are.

And we are.

Now get to work ladies!

Sunset Zaguán

Dysfunctional Housewife

Fisherman's Daughter

Carsick In Kennebec

Are You Ready For Some Football?

It's not the Patriots, but we're watching anyway!

Go Cardinals!

Craving

After college, I was extremely fortunate to travel around South East Asia for several months. I started out in Bangkok and saw a bit of Thailand before heading south to Malaysia, Singapore and finally Indonesia.

All of these countries were amazingly beautiful. The people were so kind and generous. And the food! Oh. My. The food was so incredible.

On a small island off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia I was first introduced to Black Rice Pudding. Often served as breakfast with strong sweet tea, Burbur Injin with coconut cream became and instant favorite. I haven't had it since and there is a craving I can't shake - even more than 20 years later.

I am now officially on a quest to find a source for black glutinous rice and to perfect a recipe. My soul needs it.

Burbur Injin
• 1 cup black glutinous rice
• 3/4 cup white glutinous rice
• 2 pandan leaves (found at Asian markets)
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 6 cups water
• ¼ cup palm or brown sugar
• 400ml tin coconut cream

Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in cold water several hours or overnight.

Drain rice and combine with the water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to a simmer. Add pandan leaf and cook, partially covered, about 30 minutes or until rice is very tender stirring occasionally.

Add sugar and stir until it dissolves into the rice. Remove pandanus leaf.

Rice may be eaten warm, but is preferable at room temperature or cold.

Serve rice drizzled with coconut cream

Good News / Bad News

Good News: Owen continues to become the Master of the Potty! Yay!

Bad News: He's become enamoured with the toilet brush. I caught him dunking it in the bowl while he was peeing. My reaction startled him and as he rushed to remove it and return it to the holder, he sprayed the wall and floor making a disgusting mess.

My version of Neil's classic: A Mom Needs a Maid

My Big Boy

Owen is doing so well with the potty training - even with being sick this week. He doesn't even ask for help unless he needs a wipe. If he has an accident, he quietly takes off his pants, puts them in the laundry basket and puts on new "ungavare" himself. I'm so proud.

This morning, we were all going about our usual routine. Daddy-O happened upon O in the bathroom peeing all by himself.

"Wow Owen! Nice job! Raise your hand if you're a big boy."

Both Owen and Daddy-O raised their hands.

"I'm a big boy too!"

"No, Daddy! You a Daddy!"

It put a big smile on my otherwise grumpy face.