Things I've Learned

I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 10 minutes, but after that you had better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but the best you can do.

I've learned that it's not what happens to people that's important. It is what they do about it.

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you a heartache for life.

I've learned that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.

I've learned that it is taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that it is a lot easier to react than it is to think about it first.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something to take its place.

I've learned that heroes are people who do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned than learning to forgive takes practice.

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you'd expect to kick you when you are down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel or rude.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I've learned that your family wont always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend someone is, s/he is going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive her/him for that. An in friendship that works BOTH ways as well.

I've learned that is isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned that no matter how badly your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influences on who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned that when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.

I've learned that just because two people argue, doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't, doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of his actions.

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It may change your life forever.

I've learned that it's not what you have in your life, but who that counts.

I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something entirely different.

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned that there are many ways of falling in love and staying in love, and each time love is something different.

I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get further in life.

I've learned that many things can be powered by the mind, the trick is self control.

I've learned that no matter how many friends you have, if your are their pillar you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them the most.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people you don't even know.

I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.

I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned that the people you care the most about in life are taken from you too soon.

I've learned that the word "love" can have many different meanings and it loses value when overused.

I've learned that it is hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice to keep from hurting other peoples feelings, and standing up for what you believe in.

Author Unknown

You Don't See Me

'You Don't See Me.' The title of one of my favorite songs by the amazing band Keane. I think its meaning could be interpreted a lot of different ways, but for me it is the Earth Day anthem. We all get in such a hurry with our busy lives, we don't take enough time to enjoy all of the beautiful things on this earth. We don't see it. We don't see each other either. We get wrapped up in the every day and lose sight of what's most important - taking care of this place we call home and taking care of each other.

I have been so disturbed by some of the things I've been hearing and seeing as of late. I'm not one to read too much into things or take everything too seriously - and that's not because I'm shallow or because I don't care. It takes a lot to make me upset, but recently that's just how I've been feeling. Disappointed and upset. I don't talk about politics or religion with most people, especially people that I like. I don't feel it's worth losing a friend over when I tell them that I support our president, though I don't agree with everything he's doing. That I voted for him and I'm not sorry. That I haven't been to church in a very long time because I'm not too sure how I feel about it all or where I belong. I mean, I'm not an idiot. People don't always see eye to eye on everything and it'd be boring if they did. I'm all for standing up for what's right and fighting for what you believe in. Things in this country (and this world) are a freaking mess. We are hurting. But it's not going to get better with people acting the way they are. Blaming others does very little to fix anything. All it does is deepen the divide. Trash isn't the only thing that poisons the earth - hatred, intolerance and disrespect are the worst forms of pollution. A little compassion, a little respect and a little humility would go such a long way.

I have no idea how many people actually read this thing or even care what a stay-at-home mom who lives in the suburbs has to say about stuff like this. I don't expect to make a huge difference with this blog or change anyone's mind about anything. It is what it is! That's why I usually keep it fairly lighthearted and stick to what I love! My love of music, family, baking and home renovation!!

Speaking of those things!! The kids and I had a super fun Earth Day today - playing at the lake, going on a nature walk, reading about our planet in school, baking some 'Earth Day' bar cookies and spending time with friends. And tomorrow we're going to see the movie 'Oceans' in the afternoon. And I hope to be able to post some pictures of some of the bedroom renovations as soon as they're finished..... or as finished as I usually ever get things! Abby's room is done so we're just waiting on her headboard to be delivered. Ethan's ceiling and trim are all painted and I'll be painting the walls this weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to order his bed and other furniture within the next week or two. I had to go in a different direction than I had originally planned since the bed I had wanted is no longer available. But as it happens, I found one I like better and it's less money!! Woo hoo!!!

Well, that's all for now. I hope you have a wonderful Earth Day and that you're able to see the beauty around you, maybe even where you'd least expect it!!! ;)

New Music Monday 4/12/2010 'Ra Ra Riot'

Well, hello there!! It's been a busy couple of weeks here!! Lots of new things going on. I decided to switch the kids' rooms around - Ethan moved into Lulu's room, Abby moved into Ethan's room and Lulu moved into Abby's room. Sounds complicated, but I think it's going to work a little better. I've been painting like a silly fool!! Abby's room is done and Ethan's room is next. I will be posting pictures as soon as everything is done.

I also got a job!!! I am so happy!!!! I will be teaching dance at a wonderful studio here in the neighborhood. I already met some of the kids I'll be teaching and they are the sweetest. To say that it feels good to get back into teaching is the biggest understatement I can think of. I have the best life ever - the best family, the best husband and kids, and the best friends. I am blessed beyond measure and I'm so happy. But something has been missing and this was it!! It's a brand new adventure and I can't wait to see what comes next!!



New Music Monday is back on!!! Spring is here, the weather is gorgeous and what have I been listening to?? A little band called 'Ra Ra Riot.' I honestly can't remember where in the hell I first heard them, but they're fricking amazing. Ra Ra Riot is an indie rock band from Syracuse, NY. They started out playing locally around the Syracuse University campus in 2006. Less than six months later, they were on tour and getting great reviews. Unfortunately just as they were getting started, their drummer died tragically in a drowning accident. But they pressed on and ended up releasing an amazing album in 2008 'The Rhumb Line.' This could be my new favorite band - the more I listen, the more I love! There's a lot to hear on this particular album - Cellos, violins, drums..... listen!!

'Can You Tell'


'Run My Mouth'


'Ghost Under Rocks'


'Too Too Too Fast'


'Dying Is Fine'


'Oh La'


So in the spirit of all things new and different, I urge you to check out Ra Ra Riot!! They're definately one of my new faves!! Happy listening!

It's A Beautiful Day

Who knew we could go from having snow on the first day of spring to an 80 degree day on the first of April?? Weird, but we're enjoying it!! The kids and I are on spring break from homeschooling this week and have been enjoying the lack of schedule. We went through all of their bedrooms and made piles to donate and piles of things to sell at our garage sale. It felt great to clean everything out!!

This afternoon we went out for ice cream and a little bike ride. Lulu is a bit apprehensive of her little bike with the training wheels, but I have a feeling she'll get the hang of it soon enough. Abby is an old pro and will probably be needing a bigger set of wheels soon. Ethan has taken to skateboarding thanks to Uncle Ben's generous donation of his old skateboard. He's pretty decent!!!







We're looking forward to Easter with our families in our home town this weekend. I am in charge of appetizers this time which is cool. I think appetizers and snacky stuff is my fave - besides dessert of course! I decided to make Roast Beef Roll-Ups and Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Dip. Both recipes are from the Pampered Chef 'Celebrations' cookbook. Here's a shady looking picture I took of the cookbook picture!!



Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Dip

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup ranch salad dressing
1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
6 bacon slices, crisped and chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 tsp sugar
Lettuce leaves
Pita Chips for dipping

Mix cream cheese and ranch dressing together in large bowl. Remove seeds from tomato and dice. Reserve 1 Tbsp for garnish. Chop bacon and celery and add to cream cheese mixture along with tomato. Add sugar and mix well. Cover and refridgerate at least 3 hours to allow flavors to blend. To serve, line bowl with lettuce leaves and fill with dip. Garnish with reserved tomato. Serve with pita chips.

Roast Beef Roll-Ups

1 (8 oz) container cream cheese spread
3-4 Tbsp prepared horseradish
6 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
8 (6-7 inch) flour tortillas
1/2 lb thinly sliced deli roast beef (8 slices)

Combine cream cheese and horseradish in small bowl; mix well. Spread each tortilla evenly with 2 Tbsp cream cheese mixture. Top each tortilla with 5 tomato slices, 5 cucumber slices, 3 red onion rings and 1 roast beef slice. Roll tortillas up tightly. Wrap filled tortillas individually in plastic wrap. Refridgerate, seam side down, for 30 minutes. To serve, cut each roll crosswise into thirds. Place on lettuce-lined platter.

Happy Easter!!!!!