I'm a grandma, wife, mother, crazy writer, spaz artist and face painter who is a disciple of Christ, loves to cook and read and wishes there were more hours in the day...oh and dark chocolate lover!
Happy last day of March...crazy
month, huh? Typical Utah spring. I just had a couple of things I
wanted to share, cause they're fun. First...Crayola
is retiring a crayon color for the box of 24 colors today. I know this
because I was in a school yesterday where they were having the students
guess which one it was going to be. The predominant guess was White. So...in honor of National Crayon day-
(which is today) They announced the retired color... (drum roll for
anyone who's curious...) And the loosing color is Dandelion! We
figured it was one of the yellows or oranges or reds, since there were
several shades of each. So...they are celebrating Dandelion and selling
all sorts of stuff in it's honor. You can see it all Here.
Kind of silly. speaking of silly... studio C has a video on crayons, lol For food, they had three different things. Tater day, Clams on the half shell day, and Oranges and lemons day.
I like taters, so we'll probably celebrate that in some form. Not
sure about clams on the half shell...like them fried, lol. And oranges
and lemons - must be a citrus thing. Well, that's the excitement for today. Go get your coloring skills on and enjoy dandelion while you can, lol.
Okay. So. Those of you who know me, might know that I work for a school district. I specifically work for Special Education. These kidos are special from one aspect to another, some in more need of assistance than others. I feel fortunate to work with the teachers that work with them. I don't have the patience or ability to help these kidos, but I find myself being amazed by them every day.
My office is in a post high school building full of special individuals aged 18 to 22. They are happy to be there, love their teachers and are just an inspiration to be around.
I happened to listen to a CD (Why 1920) today that talked about the youth in the church - from 1988. Yeah, I know, it was a while ago...and I wasn't a teenager anymore, having just had my third child, lol. But anyway, the statement was made that in the middle of a talk, a stake president told the youth that they had been captains and generals in the pre-existence. President David O'McKay happened to be in attendance at this meeting, and afterward when the stake president went to ask him if he'd said anything amiss, informed him that he'd been incorrect. All of them were generals -- there were no captains, and he needed to remember that. (not sure how well quoted this is, this is just as I heard it).
I'n thinking about that, I have to say WOW...and that was almost 30 years ago. Just think about the youth that are here now!! I mean, I was teasing my husband last night...does this mean the ones coming down now are Admirals?? :) And we were....um...the captains? sigh.
But anyway - I was watching these young people at work, and thinking about how we talk in special ed about how the numbers keep increasing. We are getting more and more students that have special needs. Now, I realize that not all of them are the kind of needs that would make you wonder -- but it brought to mind another story that indicated the reason a person had these challenges/special needs was to protect them from the adversary. Their mental/physical challenges were a protection! They had been valiant servants in the pre-existence, and were being given this gift to help them gain what they needed in this mortal life and return home safetly to our Father. It brought tears to my eyes as I realized I was seeing evidence of valiant spirits getting their physical bodies.
What an awesome experience.
I am honored to work in a field that enables me to be grateful for the life I have, and to know those around me. I hope you are thankful for yours and that you have a wonderful day. It's beautiful here on earth, don't you agree?
and it's not the type you get to spend. It's the lawn, my friend. Is your lawn growing yet?? Got to love it when the violets take over...sigh. NOT. Hubby doesn't like them, but I think it's lovely to have white and purple dotting your lawn. Of course, it's the birds fault...they like to eat stuff and then poop all over our lawn...and then we haven't been doing much about weeds in the lawn over the past year, so we're on it now. We bought lots of stuff to spread and hopefully it will be a nicer, greener lawn without the crabgrass and dandilions...but we'll see. ;)
We sure can use it, despite the fact that we are so high over
'normal'. We haven't had normal for a while, right? So, anyway, love
the rain. "April showers bring May flowers" right? Only it's
March...so whatever. lol
There's a couple of fun things to mention in addition to the rain...
National Puppy Day -
everyone loves a puppy!! They are sooo cute. Unfortunately, they're
like kittens...they grow up and aren't quite as cute any more. Unless
you have a micro poodle...then they're small all their lives. Those
things are insanely small...I
don't know how they do it - and I don't know why they can't leave the
poor things alone, lol. My daughter wants one of those little tea cup
yorkie things. sigh. Thing would get lost in our house...
National Tamale Day -
my hubbies favorite thing ever - tamales. I grew up with a neighbor
that used the make them once a year, and go around selling them. I
never liked them...I like the cornmeal around the outside, but not the
fillings. Since marrying my hubby, I have grown to like them more.
Every once in a while he'll come home with a bag from someone who is
selling at one of his schools, or we'll get one from the corner in
Layton... but last time we got some it made us sick, so I think he's
backed off a little. We usually have chili and sour cream on top. I
like the chicken the best... Do you like them?
Chip and Dip day -
one of my favorite things! I don't know what it is about dips, but
they make the chip just a medium to get to the dip. We love the spinach
artichoke dip and usually eat it with crackers or sourdough bread.
Chip dip is usually ranch or onion or something. Not sure we'll have
any - trying to avoid salty fatty things right now.
National Near Miss Day
- I guess this is a day to celebrate your blessings. I didn't even
realize that it was to commemorate when an asteroid actually came close
to us in 1989. Of course, I had three girls under the age of three at
that point, and probably didn't even watch the news. Do you remember
this? Came within 6 hours of striking us. I guess that's close...
sounds like a good plot for a book. (wasn't that when planets collide?)
OK Day - It was on this day in 1839 that people actually heard the word OK. According to this website
some reporters were playing around with abbreviations and came up with
that instead of all correct. Then came elections and the rest is
history. You can read all about it... I admit, we say it alot in my
family. Do you? I figure this is the best place to share the video by
the Piano Guys...OK
Hope you all have a great day and enjoy the rain. You're going to have some gorgeous flowers!!
I don't often talk about movies - I see lots of them at home so we don't always go out to see them. Most of the time I figure it's not worth the larger ticket price, you know? And we have a dollar theater close by that if we REALLY want to see it in the theater, we'll wait till it comes there. ONce in a while I'll get a wild hair and decide I want to see something in the regular theater. That weekend I spend with my hubby out of town was one such weekend. and I really wanted to see this movie... I meant to blog about one of these movies right after my hubby and I went to see it, but didn't have the time. I mean, I have so many things I'm doing right now...sigh.
Anyway - Hidden Figures!! You need to see this! It's awesome!
I love these actresses, and I have always loved Kevin Cosner...so win win. Another movie about that time period that so many of our time have no idea. Check it out, you won't regret it!! We can't wait till it comes out on DVD.
The other one is Beauty and the Beast. sigh.
Yes, we gave in and went to go see it on $5 night. It was really good! I'm not sure I want to take my granddaughter to it...I'm not sure how much of the homosexuality she'll pick up on. It wasn't too in your face, but on the other hand, it kind of was. It didn't spoil the movie for me, so you decide. The singing. was. Amazing. I felt like it was at a performance and wanted to clap. And to think Emma Watson can sing!? I don't think I realized how well Emma Thompson could sing either. sigh. It was wonderful.
So...there you go, two movies at least that you can enjoy. :)
Well...what do you think? Blogger notified me they had some new themes, and I thought I'd try something new. I might end up changing it again in a week or two...you never know, lol. But I was in the mood for something classic and calming.
Anyway - been kind of windy around us today - don't get blown away! We're going to go see Beauty and the Beast tonight...see if it's something I want to take my granddaughter to.
Hope you had a great
weekend. It was a mixture for me...got to see Mary Poppins at the
Centerpoint Theater, and they did a really good job. If you want
something reasonable to go see, that would be good.
Fair warning...it is different from the movie, though it has lots of similarities. But I was feeling yucky most the day...hubby was sweet and trying to get me to spend the day in bed so it wouldn't get worse. Fortunately it didn't, and I was able to go to the play. Tell ya though, the allergies are worse this year!! Poor hubby is dying whenever he walks outside and my eyes are itching really bad. sigh.
Our garden slave got some peas planted (my daughter who lives at home
and does chores for part of rent, lol) and it's definitely a reason to
keep her for a while, she's the only one really worried about planting
anything.
So, here's the list for today (mostly from Brownielocks)...some silly, some crazy...hopefully something
will bring a smile to your face. Especially if your like one of the
teachers whose water heater died this morning... ugh!!
Alien Abduction Day - like I said, some crazy. This apparently
started at the Toronto Alien Festival in
2008. So it's had a couple of years to grow... reminds me of Race to
Witch Mountain where they are in Vegas during the alien festival...
sigh. I really wonder about people sometimes. They
really like the crazy convention stuff.
Bed-in For Peace Day - I don't think this would really work, but it's a nice idea. I'd stay in bed if I thought it would bring peace.
Great American Meat Out Day
- Kind of a push for being a vegetarian, but ya know. If you're trying
to get your family to eat less of it, this is a good excuse of a day to
not eat it.
personally, I think less meat is better for us...and grass fed beef is awesome. Fish is really good for us, though right now they're scaring everyone with tales of high mercury levels.. sigh. My daughter wouldn't eat any her whole pregnancy because the doctor said there was too much for the baby. Maybe your own fish pond in the back yard? At least we've done better at getting more fish in the diet this year.
International Astrology Day
- welcome to the first day of spring! I always thought it was the 21st
for some reason... at least we have spring type weather going on. Did
everyone enjoy Saturday!? it was great.
We even grilled yesterday for the first time this year. And it was
cloudy... sigh. International Day of Happiness
- what a great day to celebrate!! and a lovely day of spring to be
happy on. I would guess that's probably why they picked it, lol,
whoever did the picking. This means, of course, I have to post the
video...
French Language Day
- for those in the French immersion program, here ya go - tell your
students it's their day. I'll have to see if my daughter remembers any
of her junior high French... Bonjour!
Kiss Your Fiancée Day
- I don't think anyone needs a day to kiss their fiancee, but here ya
go. Take advantage of it. If anyone frowns, remind them it's your day,
lol.
and last, but not least...
National Ravioli Day
- yeah!! I kind of like ravioli...not the chef boyardi kind
though...ugh!! gives me the shivers thinking about it... But the yummy
kind like they have at Sams Club...spinach and cheese is one flavor.
Which kind do you like? My sister always gets the ravioli at Olive
Garden.
Well...here's hoping you have a great day of spring and a great week. Enjoy!!
I guess that sounds a little disrespectful...almost sounds like it's a woman's day, right? Hm... ok so Happy St Patricks day, if you were offended... Ok, everyone is probably wearing some kind of
green...and will eat some form of corned beef today, lol. I don't know
that we will, though I did buy some cabbage yesterday. I think it's funny how this is another holiday more celebrated by us
in the US than in the home country. Especially not the way we celebrate
it, lol. Kind of like Cinco de Mayo...we do a bigger party than the
Mexican's. I think that's the point...we American's
like any excuse to party. right? This is Sandra Boynton's tweet for the day...
So, Happy St. Patricks day. Hope you don't get pinched and find a sliver of gold in your day.
It's International Sleep Day - which I think everyone can appreciate. I like the idea! I could go back to bed... zzzzzz Nationals Irish Coffee day - for those of us who don't drink coffee, I think it's great for hot chocolate too. A nice Irish cream from Stephens Cocoa...a dollop of whipped cream? yum! and last...It's National Corned Beef and Cabbage day
- big surprise. What's your favorite thing to eat for St Patty's day?
We've had green pancakes before...green mashed potatoes...
Here's a clip from
Studio C on holidays, lol...
On another note - We were watching the movie Julie and Julia last night - first time in ages. I love that movie (when we use the clearplay, thank you very much...why do they find it necessary to swear???) because it always reminds me that anything is possible. She struggles to realize that she's a writer...and it took me a LONG time to realize that I'm a writer and an artist. Last year I actually sold some paintings. I had realized way before then that I was a writer, but for some reason it took longer to proclaim I was an artist. I also feel that I connect with her because of blogging. I've been blogging for a long time now...over 15 years. Did you know that?? lol.
The first blog I started was for our pizza store...and then we closed and I didn't want to stop. I joined a writing group, and we had a blog and it continued from there. And when I started out, I had more followers than I do now. People used to actually comment on my blogs...sigh. That's something I totally get her reaction to. That people beside her mother read her blog and commented. One of my kids reads this, the others could care less...so there we are.
The character in the move (which is based on a real book written by the main character in case you didn't know - and if you liked the movie, don't read the book...I promise) needed validation from the publishing world that she was a writer before she finally believed it. I guess there is something about seeing your book in print...
This has been a big week for me...mine is out!! The first two of my book series is available on Amazon.
I'm so excited...I've been torn between trying to go the traditional route of publishing, and then doing this on my own. I still want to submit items to a publisher, but this group - at this point - I think I'd like to do my way. Perhaps if they are popular enough I can approach a publisher and encourage that. :) Anyway - wanted to share. I'm Gaynell Parker - I'm a writer and artist (and wife, mother and...). have a good day!!
I know that's not what the day is about, and
it's another silly thing - I mean, just an excuse to have pie, right??
but hey, pie is always good, and pie with ice cream is even better.
Everyone tells the same jokes today, right?
Like there was a kid who
went to college from a red neck town, and when he graduated with a math
degree, everyone went to his house to celebrate and congratulate him.
While there, they said say something math! So he thought for a moment
and then said PI r Squared. They all frowned, shook their heads and
started leaving. one of them stopped and said, "Well, that education
didn't do you any good at all. Everyone knows Pie are round."
Here's Sandra Boynton's take on it...
Anyway
- some other things are fun about the day too, but just as a plug for
my daughters employment (part time at Kneaders) their pies are half
price today - you might want to grab one. (Update - I was wrong!! Apparently either I mis-understood what she said, or she didn't say what she thought she did - grrrr... anyway, they aren't half price. The slices are 'technically' half price, but not the whole pie. Sorry :( )
International
Ask A Question Day - Interesting that they would have a day
for this. Do we discourage people that much in asking questions? I
know that several times I've seen sped students have goals about asking
for help. Perhaps we discourage asking questions in striving for
independence. Not sure...but if you have a question, todays the day to
ask it. I like the question in Hitchikers Guide to the
Galaxy...actually, I like the answer to it better. If you haven't seen
it, here's the clip...
Organize Your Home Office Day
- I guess if you work from home, or you have the need for an office,
it's easy for it to get messed up. I know I have to clean my desk off
at home at least once a month. I can keep my desk at work spotless!
What's up with that?? sigh. Let's get organized, people! lol
right....
Potato Chip Day -
no idea why they picked today to celebrate it...but it's been around
for a while. It was invented by a Chef named Crum because a customer
complained about his thick french fries. Really??? I LOVE thick french
fries... sigh. Well, if you like potato chips, have at it people.
Munch away. Personally I like the ruffles kind...and BBQ is yummy.
Pi Day (as in the math pie = 3.14159265 etc.) -So,
if you're a math fanatic, or like it at all, this day gives you a day
to be proud. I think it's funny how the numbers on a calendar give an
excuse to celebrate something. My niece was going to get married on
8-9-10 that year just because of the date. sigh. Anyway - Pi...it's
all Greek to me! lol National Pie Day
- I like this one better. Pie is always good, like I said above. :)
What's your favorite flavor? I love the mixed berry one at Marie
Calendar's too... but homemade banana cream is awesome! Here's a clip
from Men in Black ...not sure if it's 2 or 3, but ya know... pie.
Save a Spider Day -
really? I don't like spiders. I'm not really afraid of them...at least
that's what I tell myself. Especially little ones...and if I see them
outside, I try to let them live. But if they're in my house?? No way!
One of our neighbors had one come down from the ceiling in church on
Sunday, and they actually waited for the thing to land on the floor,
scooped it up and took it outside. Now that's a celestial
person...sigh. I'm afraid I wig out when I have a wolf spider show up.
And we get lots of them. UGH. it's that studio C one all over
again... Scorpion had one last night though that was similar... but
sorry, no clips. Just picture Happy shocking Toby on the chest because
this honkin tarantula looking spider was on it....ugh
National Reuben Sandwich day - and last...reuben sandwiches. I'm really not into these, I'm not a big fan of sauerkraut, so if you are, enjoy.
I think you hear me say it every year...twice a year...though spring is worse for me than fall. UGH My whole week feels messed up. I have to wrap my brain around the grogginess in my head and try to be awake. Do you have that problem?? I feel groggy for the whole week. Even now I'm sitting here, trying to eat my breakfast and feeling like there is a bag of sand in my eyes... sigh. Ok, I'm really awake...
Well, maybe we can use some inspiration to wake us up. Here's what I have for today:
Donald Duck Day -
I always comment on this because my father-in-law loved Donald Duck.
He used to always talk for the kids with his Donald Duck voice and it
always made them laugh. My hubby inherited a stuffed duck with a
similar hat that when you tap it it quacks. Still makes the grandkids
giggle. sigh. My father-in-law was one of a kind.
Earmuffs Day
- For those of you who like the winter gear, have at it. I never
really did like ear muffs, but I guess they helped with cold ears. I
always wore a hood. My granddaughter likes them though... I guess
those who live back east will really appreciate them, I understand they
are in for another large snow storm.
Fill Our Staplers Day
- twice a year? (they say it every Monday after daylight savings
happens.) Is that the only time you have to fill your stapler?? I would
think that was interesting. I fill mine a lot, but then, I'm always
using it.
Good Samaritan Involvement Day
- I guess this is for those who need an excuse or a reason to do
service for someone. Everyone I personally know is already willing to
jump in and help anyone in need. You are all heros!
Ken Day - Well,
we had Barbie day, I guess it's only fair that Ken gets his day.
sigh. This whole equality thing is soooo silly sometimes. Of course,
who needs a day to celebrate the beginning of a doll??? Those that like the dolls, I guess.
Napping Day-
Please!
I think every boss should tell everyone they need an hour to take naps
this afternoon. Don't you?? I mean, I'd say a half hour, but it takes
me a half hour to fall asleep...got to have at least an hour...right?
sigh. Sandra Boynton had her usual flair for the day...
National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day
- Now this is another silly one...I mean, I guess if your the
superstitious type, this is a big deal...but I open umbrellas inside all the time. I don't need a special day to have fun with it. How about you??
Smart & Sexy Day - aren't we all?? I guess this is to remind us that we are all smart And sexy. Like that's a thing...lol.
And last... National Ginger Ale Day -
Canada Dry is the best (according to my hubby). We buy it when the
world series is going on, because that's what he likes to go with his
chili dog. :) Personally, I grew up with Ginger beer (non alcoholic stuff) ...but I can't drink it now...gives me heartburn! So strange! Anyway, here is a link to how to make your own ginger ale..
Well, here's hoping you are able to stay awake and function in all that needs to happen. Have a good one!
Well, you made it, another week behind ya.
Looking forward to the weekend? Could be a yard work weekend, depending
on the weather. Last I saw it was going to be 50's and partly cloudy.
That sounds like great outdoor weather to me, lol. There are a couple of fun things for the day -
International Bagpipe Day
- one of my favorite things, Bagpipes!! It's been something cool in
Bountiful, we'll be heading west on 4th north to get to the freeway, and
about 6 pm in the summer, there is a group of bagpipers practicing on
the grass by the bubble. It's sooo much fun to hear them. The Piano Guys has a video clip of a version they've done that I want to share for the morning bagpipes. Enjoy!
International Day of Awesomeness - “No one is perfect, but everyone can be awesome”
I think that's an awesome quote, lol. I think this should be a day
for me since I use that word quite frequently...as those who know me
will attest.
But I do think all of you are awesome, so everyone shine today! I
think it's fun to note that they picked this day because it's Chuck
Norris' birthday!
They (the all
knowing they) figured he was the epitomine of awesomeness, lol. I guess
that's a pretty good reason...especially when you note that article I
shared about him visiting that young man. I also think Kung Fu Panda is
an awesome person too...does it matter that he's fiction?
Land Line Telephone Day
- I think it's interesting that they gave this a holiday. There are
lots of young people that don't even know what that means! How many of
you still have land lines? We do...but we're die hards, lol. How many
even know what a party line is?? (Never had one, but I've heard of
them. I remember my parents used to tell me about the different phone
numbers people used to have. and when Utah was all 801, lol)
Mario Day
- Do you know why it's Mario day today? Simply because Mar 10 looks
like Mario. LOL some people have only one thing on the brain... So,
if you're a Mario fan, have fun and play games today.
Middle Name Pride Day
- For the many of us who have middle names, this is the day you've
waited for. The name to proclaim to the world what your middle name
is! I think it's just to make them all feel better that their parents
were wordy and wanted to keep on everyone's good side by giving children
all the family names. My family has a tradition with the male
children...the oldest gets the mother's maiden name. The second gets
grandma's maiden, etc. The only one they really get crazy about is the
first born. My kids lucked out...we didn't want any of them to be ____ Parker Parker. sigh. That's when having a different last name would really come in handy. National
Blueberry Popover day - If you don't know what a popover is, think
Yorkshire pudding. Basically it's a lighter biscuit that is served with
something inside of it. I don't think it's worth all the trouble, kind
of like mini soufle? But some people like them. Have at it ...
National Pack Your Lunch day - This is something I do most every day. How about you?? Did you bring your lunch today? I have leftover pizza. Always a good thing.
Well...hope you have a great day and an awesome weekend! Here's a song to get you tapping.
Did it come in like a lamb or a lion? I'm not sure if the snow storm we got counted as a lion, but it could have, and that means it should go out like a lamb, so I guess we'll see...
I haven't had the time to write this week till now because I've been so busy getting my books ready to get out, my website together and my links all hooked. sigh. Sometimes getting the thing out there is almost as time consuming as getting it written!!
there also hasn't really been much to celebrate on the silliness front, so that's been a delay too. I wanted sooo bad to post Alex Boye's church basketball video...it's soooo funny! Especially if your LDS and have seen anyone play church ball!! I didn't realize that he'd posted it 5 years ago, but here you have it:
so...onto the other stuff. :)
Barbie Day
- which my cub scouts say are scary dolls, lol. We went to the Layton
City History museum last month, and there was a whole display case of
barbie dolls in different outfits. It freaked a couple
of them out... I grew up with Barbie dolls, but my granddaughter has these weird things called monster high dolls...that just don't look anything close to normal, and I guess that's better than the 'fake' barbie, right? sigh.
Get Over It Day - I
think this should be called Let it Go day, lol, but I guess this was
started before that movie came out - who knows. Apparently it was
started by a guy named
Jeff Goldblatt who was a TV anchor at one time and decided
he needed a day get over a broken heart and move on. He took the day
off work and I guess other people liked the idea because it grew. So
get it off your chest and move on...Life is too
short to dwell on stuff, right?
Nametag Day -
celebrate your name! Are you proud of your name? How did your parents
decide on it? My name is my grandmother's middle name...sigh. I've
never liked it, and I'm trying to do better, but it's not like Brittney
or Sherie...I've always wanted
some cutsie name.
I guess I'll grow up one day and accept it. Anyway - do you like
yours? The whole point of this holiday is to encourage people to get to
know each other by name and appreciate your own.
Panic Day - so
apparently this is the day to give into all your panics and fears and
freak out so that the rest of the time you can handle it. The whole
'keep calm and keep on' thing isn't for today, lol. What do you panic
about?? Here's a fun Studio C one about spiders...
National Meatball day -
So, if you like the food celebrations, this is a good one. Remember
the movie Will Smith did called Hancock and they have meatballs with
dinner one night? Those were some huge meatballs!! I'm not real big on
meatballs, but if you like them, have a good one! I was hoping to post the scene where they are having dinner and she brings out the meatballs, but I can't find it. Think it's time to watch the movie again though... :)
Well - just so that I'm shameless...be sure and check out my new website for my books that are going to be coming out next month. www.gparkerartwork.com. So cool!!
speaking of silly... studio C has a video on crayons, lol
