Official Leprechaun Status

Today I turn the big 4 - 0.  Yep, I'm a St. Patrick's Day baby, an official leprechaun if you will.  I used to have a button that made it official.  Today I can no longer live in the denial of being 29 forever like I have for the past 10 years.  I don't announce this for the sake of everyone wishing me a happy birthday but to reflect on the last decade because I feel like I've come a long way in the last decade or so.  

I started my 30s being a new mom to a 2 month old baby boy who totally changed my world. I started to work at home in my own business. Soon after, we were able to move next door into our own house to get out of renting and bought a new car. (Really, we rented a house and bought the house next door..big move.) I've been told that with a new house comes a new child. 
We started a family.


A foundation.  


Then my daughter came along and made a big brother. I lucked into a job that led me around the world on fabulous European trips to Germany, Luxembourg, France, Ireland and France again.  I worked on the sale of my own house through e-mail from a hotel in Dublin - and got the asking price, I was the agent! My identity was also stolen while in Ireland, someone used my debit card to the tune of $720 while that was our only means of cash.  I still thank my lucky stars I was able to catch that when I did. The things we do from out of town..


My son graduated from Kindergarten. We moved from Illinois to Indiana only to be able to call ourselves hoosiers and save on property taxes. I started a blog. My daughter graduated from pre-school. I cruised the canals of Southern Burgundy France, saw the Eiffel Tower and the town of Dijon where my husband kept wanting to ask if anyone had any Grey Poupon.  


Through all of this, life keeps moving in fast forward.


Maybe this would have been easier to understand on an infographic but I trust you get the picture.


My kids are now 10 and 7 - I can't believe how fast ten years comes and goes in such a flash.  My son still humors me about the whole 29 thing when he really knows how old I was when he was born.  My husband still has to do the math.


We are celebrating today by going to Chicago to see the river dyed green and the St. Patrick's Day parade.  I love that everyone celebrates my birthday along with me and green beer!  


Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Do you have St. Patrick's Day traditions?
Are you an official leprechaun?

Throat Punch Thursday~Mother McConnell Edition

Today they continue the hearing that started Monday for Allyson McConnell, a 33 year old mother of two on trial for two counts of second degree murder of her 2 1/2yr and 10 month old boys. Reportedly in termoil trying to survive the divorce from her estranged husband, she drowned both of her little boys in the bathtub of her home on February first, literally leaving them for dead.  Allyson has entered a not guilty plea after admittedly committing this crime; proceeding to drive to Edmonton where she attempted suicide by driving off a bridge into traffic.  Apparently the question is whether she had the "intent required" to be convicted even though the evidence obviously points directly to her.  Let's take a look at some of these facts, shall we?

Photo credit: National Post

• On the morning of Feb. 1, 2010, Allyson McConnell sat down at the computer set up on her dining room table and searched the question, “How long does it take to die from strangulation?” 
• One search made on the afternoon of Jan. 13, 2010 was “How long does it take to drown?” 

Apparently these among other computer searches and items found in the house that would suggest various methods of suicide or death including a rope hanging in the basement as a noose and small appliances placed near the bathtub plugged in say nothing about intent or pre-meditation?  She left her wedding ring on the toilet for christsake - if that in itself doesn't say revenge, I don't know what does.

• According to an agreed statement of facts entered during the first day of the trial on Monday, Allyson McConnell drowned the boys, drove to Edmonton, ordered lunch at a hotel then “became emotional” and threw herself off an overpass.

So consequently, leaving her children to drive to another town to a hotel and order lunch before becoming emotional enough to throw herself off an overpass means she was out of her head crazy and now she can enter a non-guilty plea? Who did it if it wasn't her? That's not even a question is it? I don't think so.

The father of the two boys Curtis McConnell who found the boys in the tub said this in court on Monday:

“They were so cold and stiff. I had to pull them out.

“She just left them there to rot.”

Allyson is currently on suicide watch and awaiting the verdict which to me is as plain as the nose on my face. I am disgusted to think that another mother has murdered her own flesh in cold blood and is now trying to get out of it.  My heart aches for the father who rushed to the house after hearing of the suicide attempt, probably thinking she just left them home..only to find them dead. 

I guess I don't understand the logistics of the intent of murder because I think this lady should get a huge punch in the throat and much more for this unspeakable crime. I'm glad that her cowardly attempts of suicide have been unsuccessful so she has to suffer through her reality and rot in jail just like she left her boys to rot.  

It sickens me to think that there's even a chance that she might get off because there's not enough evidence of intent for a conviction.  Just writing that last sentence pissed me off even more.  What kind of bullshit system are we running here? Seriously, if this bitch thinks for one minute that she has anybody fooled she must be incredibly deranged which is probably the only reason she can even enter a non-guilty plea. How do you live with yourself trying to justify your innocence? Accept your ignorance; take your consequences and this throat punch for good measure you selfish little... (insert the worst word you can think of here)

Also?  If she is for some twist of judgement found not guilty for whatever reason, I think the jury and judge should get in line for their throat punches as well.  


I mean, I gave you what - four facts..what's your take?  Can you explain to me how this is not a cut and dry case?




Today I joined @TruthfulMommy for her Thursday Throat Punch!

Irish Focaccia Bread Recipe

Yes you heard correctly.  I know the Irish bread served is traditionally not focaccia and you probably wouldn't even think of the Irish in the same sentence with focaccia being Italian and all.  This amazing bread was served at every dinner when we were cruising in Ireland and I definitely held it as the highlight of the meals so much that I forget the main courses.  I don't have to tell you the carbs killed me on that trip just with the lovely bread alone, not to mention the killer desserts.  The authentic Irish owners of the Shannon Princess share this recipe on their website so I wanted to make this part of my Irish series this month.  I gotta tell you, the Irish make a mean focaccia!  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 3Ib 5oz strong white bread flour
• 6¼oz sachet dried yeast
• 2fl oz olive oil, plus a little extra for oiling
• pinch salt
• 20fl oz/1 pint warm water

For the topping

• sprigs rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp coarse sea salt
• black olives-optional
• cherry tomatoes-optional
• 
  

method

1. Combine the flour, yeast, olive oil and salt in a mixer with a dough hook.
2. Add the water to make a soft dough, and knead in the mixer until smooth and shiny.
3. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm place for about an hour until well risen.
4. Tip the mix out onto a floured surface and knead to knock out any air pockets. Roll the dough into an oval-like shape about 2cm/¾in thick. Transfer to an oiled baking tray.
5. Firmly press your fingers into the surface to 'pit' the surface. For the topping, drizzle with olive oil and lightly grind sea salt over the top.
6. Put a small sprig of rosemary into each pit.
7. Cover with a tea towel and set the loaf aside for another 20 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F
9. Transfer the loaf to the middle shelf of the oven and cook for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot with balsamic vinegar & Olive oil for dipping.

Did you ever think the Irish could attempt Italian?  This bread really gives them a run for their money!

Dublin Pubs

The following photos are brought to you courtesy of the trip my husband and I took to Ireland in April of 2008. We were able to stay a night in Dublin before taking a cruise on the Shannon River aboard the Shannon Princess.  There are so many things to do in Dublin alone, one day was definitely not enough time. I did want to make sure we went to the Temple Bar area which is well known for it's pubs - even though we never found the actual Temple Bar itself, I know we got real close. The whole area was great just to be able to walk around and take in the Old World charm complete with cobblestone sidewalks.

When in Ireland...what would you do?
Do as the Irish do and drink by the pint?  Is there one thing you would make sure you did while you were there?
I know we didn't drink enough Guinness that's for sure!

Tranquility Redefined

Every once in a great while, usually on a Saturday when we have nothing going on - which doesn't happen very often, I get to have what I like to think of as my hour of tranquility. This "hour" starts with a bubble bath and can last upwards of 2 hours if I get really lucky.  I know, I'm spoiled..don't be too jealous.  This is what it looked like this week:

Well, maybe not quite like this...

About 20 minutes into it, about the time all the bubbles were in great form, (perfect timing) my mini-me comes in.
"How's it going mom?"
"Just great," I reply with a sigh but let her stay - who can resist the bubbles?  
So we play with bubbles. Blowing them at each other and putting them on our hair or making beards..


Within minutes, dad comes to the rescue and shews her out.  
Only for her to sneakily return less than 10 minutes later because she knows what kind of fun I'm really having in there and she just can't resist.
"I snuck right past dad and he didn't even notice!"


Soon I tell her we've had enough time together (that, and the bubbles are starting to go away) so she reluctantly leaves again.  Pretty soon, in comes the husband, who is folding laundry and absolutely must put towels away under the sink in the bathroom.


"How's it going in here?  You still alive?  Just gotta put some towels away and I will be out of your hair."
Famous last words...


In between the dog coming to check in on me by sniffing at the door, (I know he would have asked me how it was going if he could talk..) I did get some me time. I think I even got a little bit of a nap in there. Close to the end, my son comes and knocks on the door:


"Hey mom, how's it going?  Can I have a snack?"
"Tell me what time it is on my clock in there."
"It's 5:25."


Where did the time go?
Considering I went upstairs at 2:30, I guess my time is up.  Sure didn't feel like hours went by...

Starbucks in UK Giving out an Extra Shot?

So we have taken a slight turn on Coffee Chronicles and have started asking YOU the coffee questions this month.  We are kind of like a box of chocolates that way - you never really know what you're going to get when you show up.  This week we decided to talk about some coffee news and see what your thoughts are on the subject:

From THE TELEGRAPH:

Starbucks is to increase the strength of its coffee throughout Britain as part of a multi-million pound overhaul and expansion of its European operations.

The American retail giant is changing the recipe of its coffee amid a sharp spike in the number of customers ordering extra caffeine shots.

Photo credit: GETTY IMAGES

Starbucks on Thursday disclosed that customers will now get two shots of espresso rather than one in lattes, cappuccinos and other coffee drinks.

The company, which has 743 shops in the UK, said the move was to be introduced solely in Britain but would not lead to price increases.

A new technique will ensure the milk is more “velvety”, with all 10,000 British baristas being trained to ensure the amount is correct.

It comes into force later this month. Customers will still be able to opt to have their latte with one shot, if preferred.

Personally, I would love this - currently paying for the extra shots that should be included anyway, considering that a shot of espresso is only as caffeinated as a cup of regular coffee..a drink with one shot is hardly worth the buzz or the coin.

So what say you? Do you think that this is something that the US should adopt as well?


Let us know in the comments!  ~Java Joe Mamas

**Thanks to The Robot Mommy for keeping up on the news...

Rice Rice Baby

I am pleased to introduce you to another great Featured Guest here on CLM.  Sarah and I have been buds for awhile now,  we discovered that we have some music interests in common including They Might Be Giants.  We enjoy our banter back and forth about who's the real  #LaundryQueen - you know, when we actually do the laundry.  We even went on one night (cracking each other up in the process) about how great it would be to patent a Bedazzled Shake Weight because we knew it would be a hit with the older crowd.  I think it may have stemmed from me talking about how my mom actually has a Shake Weight.  Anyhow, Sarah is one of the most sincere people I have met on the interwebs and I had to share her site with you so you can discover her as well. She's a mom of four little people she lovingly refers to as her "Rice Cakes".  Every time I read something from her, I realize we have more in common - I think you will like her too!




*       *       *       *      * 



1.       How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging on The Fence for about a year. I’ve had other blogs before, but they were mostly to keep people updated when my husband was deployed. I have a big family and it was hard to repeat the same stories over and over again. For me, blogging started off as a quick way to get information to a specific group of people. Now, it’s more of a way to tell funny stories, pass on things that work for me in my house, and share about my family and faith.

2.       What piece of advice can you give to unseasoned bloggers?

Get on Twitter. Twitter is a GREAT place to meet new people, find new blogs, and post links to YOUR BLOG too! Networking is key when it comes to traffic.

3.       When is your favorite time of the day and why?

I love the evening the best. I LOVE hanging out with my kids… they crack me up and are a blast. But, there’s something about having them all tucked into bed at the end of the day… when everything’s all done, cleaned up, and put away… that is just peaceful. And I love that!

4.       Where were you last Tuesday?

Last Tuesday, I was in bed after having my gall bladder out. My recovery started out really easy but, when my 3 days of pain meds wore off… all the anesthesia side effects kicked in. I felt horrible for 48 hours. Now I’m feeling great.

5.       Who or what brings you the most inspiration?

My kids’ enthusiasm for life really inspires me daily. They’re just so stinking funny. Their perspective of the world has lightened me up considerably. I was way more uptight and rigid before The RiceCakes entered my world. Now I’m far more chilled out… and much more likely to laugh over random chaos that be frustrated and cry because things didn’t go the way I planned for them to go. But mostly, my kids are just so stinkin’ FUNNY!

6.       What is your favorite movie?

My all-time favorite movie is “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I love old movies but, Frank Capra’s perspective on life is the best. I love the idea of looking backwards over your life and seeing what would’ve been different without you… what others would miss out on because you weren’t there. I think it strikes an especially strong chord with me because suicide is a part of my story. My aunt committed suicide just before my freshman year of high school. That loss rocked my family’s world in an extremely negative way. It sent me into a tailspin and I attempted suicide myself 4 years later. When I look back, I see all that I would have missed if I’d succeeded. I wouldn’t have married my husband or had my kids. My 18 year old self was clueless.  I was just getting to the good stuff. I would’ve missed it all if that dumb girl was any better at planning. Besides the inscription in the book that Clarence gives to George at the end of the movie ( “No man is a failure who has friends.”) pretty much nails it. Ultimately, what matters in our lives isn’t how successful we are in business or how much money we make or what kind of house we live in. What really matters are the relationships we have. Our connections to others are the most valuable thing we have.

7.       Why should people read your blog?

I’m hoping to connect with my readers about real life stuff. My blog is a space where funny stories, faith, and family life all collide. I tell stories about what’s going on in my own family currently and stuff that’s happened in the past. I try to draw lines between my life and my faith and talk about things I’m learning and some lessons that are hard for me. I definitely don’t have all the answers but, I’d rather be an authentic person than one who tries to look perfect.  On Sundays, I host a blog hop called Sunday Funday. The linky is a great way to make new connections and gain some new readers.

8.       What blog post of yours is your favorite?

Love in the Time of Nausea 
It’s my take on how real love involves vomit.

9.       Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

That’s got to be a toss up between two random road trip stops as a kid. We made the drive from our house in California to my grandparents’ house in Arkansas a bazillion times. One time, my brother had to go to the bathroom and my Mom pulled over at the very next exit. My Dad took my brother in… and they didn’t realize until they were leaving that they had stopped at a brothel! Miss Kitty’s… worst bathroom stop with your kids EVER!

Another time, when we were driving BACK to California thru Kansas, we absolutely HAD to stop to get out and stretch our legs. But the stretch of road we were on had nowhere to stop for ages and ages. We finally found a place to get out and walk around. It was called Prairie Dog Town. It was this random petting zoo whose animals included a 6 legged cow, a 2 headed rattlesnake (obviously NOT for petting!), and a 5 legged angora goat. I don’t know what the heck was in the water there… but they had some seriously freakish looking animals! We were so road-weary that we were slap-happy. We laughed our butts off feeding “zoo puffs” to all the critters. I’ve never seen another place like it. BUT, I’ve run into a bunch of people who’ve travelled that same stretch of highway. They ALL know about Prairie Dog Town!

10.   This or that:        Gloves or Mittens?

Gloves. I hate the idea of all of my fingers being stuck together.

                                Air Guitar or Lip Sync?

                Lip Sync. I’m ridiculously good at it. I coulda had a career like Britney Spears… but I’m not blonde. Ha ha!

                                 Cape or Mask?

Cape definitely. Capes are way more dramatic than masks. They also are easier to incorporate into napping! Plus, in college, I was in a play where I had to wear a mask the whole time… it was horrible. Hot. Itchy. Hard to see thru. AWFUL! Capes are built for comfort yo!

*       *       *       *      * 

You can find Sarah doing her #SundayFunday linky most Sundays or on Twitter: @MamaRiceCake

Stalk her up and tell her just how cool she is!