Thanksgiving at Christmas

I am truly thankful; thankful for my family and friends. Last night we had lots of giggles as the boys flew miniature helicopters, crashing into each other and knocking lit candles over . . .the traditional Danish toast (skoal! not the tobacco) of aquavit (a Scandinavian caraway distilled vodka) followed by beer chaser always gets the engines going. Sharon learned how to make *perfect* gravy from a recipe from the original Betty Crocker cookbook. We tried a new tradition that the Danish cousins sent us - a rice pudding with cherry sauce. A hidden almond in your serving will win you a year of good luck! I thought about putting one in every dish . . . but hey! Go for it! Cameron was the fortunate recipient this year.

We decided against giving the doggies the pork bone; past history has shown us that their delicate digestive systems are just not up to it. Who wants to be up all night with a sick dog when . . . you can just be up with your sick husband and child who had a nightmare. Poor Steve, a massive head cold has kicked in but he's a trooper.

The kids are definitely showing their age this year; no one except me was up before 10 am. No rushing for the stockings; but the gifts got ripped open in record time. They tried to be enthusiastic - their favorites were the gag gifts: butthead - a fun game with a sticky ball and velcro hats; pingpong ball shooters, which actually hurt; sudoku toilet paper (Cameron wasn't exactly sure about that one); and Steve got a programmable lightup licence plate frame that he can use for his new biz, assuming he ever gets a car!

(Can you find the poodles?)

We are thankful mostly for each other . . . thankful for the glorious rain. Happy holidays to you and yours. My best gift this year was Steve cleaning up after dinner!

Luv,

suZen

How did they do it?

I am referring to our mothers, who independently created 'the holidays.' They did not have:
*instant gingerbread house kits (question: do all boys get fallen gb houses out of the garbage and eat? maybe it's just us)
*amazon. com and the internet with free shipping
* shrubbery net lights that are just 'tossed' onto the foundation plants
*email holiday cards
*'pick up' holiday dinners, everything from the turkey to the dessert
*gift cards for every venue that can be purchased at the grocery store checkout lane
* access to every recipe on earth via the www
* address labels, printers, etc. for addressing holiday cards (yet they still did!)

I know there are more . . . tell me your thoughts.

Holiday Gift Giving based on Erickson Psychological Stages

My freshman son is taking psychology and has just completed a paper on Erik Erikson's Eight psychosocial stages (he only had to do the first five, which takes you up to the teenage years). I believe that you can also extend similar theories to holiday gift giving for children. I am not basing this on any part of his theory, just borrowing his age ranges. :-)

Stage One is the first year of life, which I am renaming "the bulky plastic phase." Almost all toys in this age range are made of large, colorful, soft materials and baby's first Xmas is way over the top! More toys are probably received in this phase than ever again, and subsequent siblings benefit from the hand-me-downs. Unfortunately, these siblings end up receiving less on their first Christmas in following years due to the bulk loaded up under the tree. This will have major impact on their psychosocial outcomes. However, I have no idea what that would be and it's not my problem, is it?

Phase II spans from age two to three. This phase I will refer to as the "hell on wheels phase." In addition to excessive gift giving of toys, now the child will also be receiving his first candy & cookie treats, adding to the chaos and mayhem of the holiday celebrations. Educational toys are thrown aside for those that fly, roll, and create large ruts in the hardwood floor. If parents refuse to buy anything but books and educational toys, children are left damaged and unable to progress to the next stage. Eh-hem, I just totally made that up.

Ah, phase three. Now the fun begins, during ages 4 - 5. Jealousy has set in, and frequently a child (and you know who you are) will arise during the wee hours of the morning to open each and every single wrapped present under the tree. "I can't read yet," being the obvious excuse. Being forced to re-wrap the presents is not really consequence enough to stop a repeat the following year. This phase I will call "are there any more presents for me?" followed by a tantrum.

Phase four for children age 6 through 11, I will refer to as the 'smash and grab' stage. Toys are rapidly opened, stockings are dumped, and the child becomes immersed in play, returning at some point during the day to load up on sweets and again, return to play. Parents are left in bliss to clean up the mess, make a huge holiday dinner, until the fighting ultimately breaks out. Up to this point, numerous toys are desired and selection is diverse. At the end of this phase, parents start to have a little more difficulty on pleasing their child, as "Barbie is for babies" and "Pokemon is for little kids". Besides, older siblings and friends with older siblings are already playing "M" (for mature) games on their systems. How, pray tell, can a parent compete with that?????!!!!

I am sad to say that all three of my children are now in Phase Five, which will take them from middle school up to the late teens, when hopefully they will be merrily jaunting off to college and returning for the sweet reunion of family. I am inclined to call this the 'absentee phase,' as the child is just not mentally or emotionally 'there.' They can't be bothered to even write a wish list. I don't know about the girls, but the boys just want more video games to add to their massive current collection. I find that a bit depressing. This is a time when parents turn to gag gifts to spice things up a bit. Or, they end up spending outrageous sums of money to please their depressed and bored child, if they are in a position to do so. Nothing works, so why bother? Time to just relax and order online, that's what I say.

Thank you, Spilsbury.com and Lillian Vernon. Everyone is getting monogrammed underwear, sonic toothbrushes, and hair dryers. Mommy, on the other hand, is rapidly approaching phase 8, so she gets whatever she damn pleases, including more pilates lessons and a nice new super-automatic espresso maker, which will leave her even more agitated during the holiday season!

In the very words of my own dear mother, "Merry Christmas, goddammit!"

Christmas (turn) of the tidings

Here's what is happening with my kids, and I recall that it happened with me, also! When they turn 12 or 13 or 15 or so, the things they want are 1) extremely expensive or 2) not really toys. So . . . . parents go in search of beneficial personal products. We look at: hairdryers and hairbrushes; sonic toothbrushes; nose hair trimmers; tempurpedic mattress toppers (ahhhhhhh) . . . ..
But wait! Gavin is showing me retro games, stuff that we were playing ten years ago! Shocking! He loved the 'retro' look and movability of the characters. Me, I never played, so I am just basically stuck in a time warp. I always did like sliding down the snow hill on Mario . . . never really enjoyed picking out all the outfits on the SIMS.

I did find some really funny stuff on Spilsbury . . . your one stop shop for gag gifts galore! I admit to ordering one "butthead" game, a Velcro cloth helmet is put on by two players, and you throw balls at each others head. Ahhh, come on . . . and some "burp guns" that shoot foam/ping pong balls . . . and . . . well, I'll have to tell you more later!!!

Hmmm . . . I think my holiday spirit is kicking in!!

My one sided Christmas tree

This is a popular email being sent around - I really like it. It comes in the shape of a Christmas tree, but after messing around with blogger for a while and not being able to get it back to its original shape, I decided I like it this way just as well. If anybody has any other suggestions for getting in the holiday spirit, I would love to hear them. I'm feeling a bit out of sorts and could use a little inspiration.



This
Christmas
Mend a quarrel~
Seek out a forgotten
Friend~Dismiss suspicion &
Replace it with trust~Write a Love
Letter~Share some treasure~Give a soft
Answer~Encourage youth~Manifest your loy-
alty in word and deed~Keep a promise~Find the
time~Forgo a grudge~Forgive an enemy~Listen~Apo-
logize if you were wrong~Try to understand~Flout envy~
Examine your demands on others~Think first of someone else~
Appreciate~Be kind, be gentle~Laugh a little~Laugh a little more~
Deserve confidence~Take up arms against malice~Decry complacency~
Express your gratitude~Go to church~Welcome a stranger~Gladden the heart
of a child~Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth~Speak your love~
Speak it again~
Speak it still
Again.
Author Unknown

Seven

Seven is an interesting number . . . apparently there are . . . seven chakras . . . seven Catholic sacraments . . . even seven deadly sins. Now, I will share with you, seven weird/random facts about me (and I do this on a truth or dare, aka being tagged).

1. I was hit by a car when I was two and was in a coma for 4 days ('splains alot)

2. I was hit by a car again when I was 19 but managed to jump to safety (woo hoo!)

3. I organized my entire high school track team of 50+ girls to hide from the coach on April Fools Day. It took us 1.5 hours to get back, and we still had to run the practice. Ahhhhh, they took it in stride (no pun intended)

4. When I was in college I was in a special freshman program in engineering. We were able to participate in an independent project, and my friend and I picked "Jupiter listening post." We built this giant antennae out of pipe, hooked it up on the roof of the Technological Institute, and had to try to listen to radio waves at 3 am in the winter of 1979. It didn't work. And I'm not kidding that I did that.

5. Two toys I lusted after that I never had: my friend's easy bake oven and my brother's chemistry set. I ended up graduating in materials science in college, taking about 10 graduate level chemistry classes (still don't like chemistry that much) but I love to cook! Hmmmmm . . . . note to self: not all things our children want, we should give them . . .

I only have two left. Thought to self: what are the really important things that I should share. Second thought to self: who cares?

6. I drink alot! I especially like Italian white wine. In fact, I don't really drink anything else. I had one beer in Italy. Other than that . . . Italian white. Plus one lovely glass of a Sardinian dessert wine . . . amazing, full of funky digestif herbs. Yummy!

and . . . #7. Two tattoos: dragonfly on the shoulder and phoenix on the lower back. What's next?

Where does fall end?

What I mean is, does anyone know where the 'actual' boundary is between the deciduous plants whose leaves turn fall colors and eventually drop and the tropical plants who make it greenily through four seasons? Probably not a sharp line of demarcation, but a gentle infusion of both plants on both sides until they just don't survive past their zone. I know the hardiness plant zones 9 - 10 are considered tropical, and they start up in northern Florida, southern Texas, and Mexico. So maybe I just answered my own question. But I still wonder if you can see it, from like a salletile map, the colors changing and then turning into the dull brown and evergreen that is left for winter next to a bright green of tropical mesh heading southward.

Well, I didn't get too far on the maps. . . so I guess zones that rule out deciduous plants due to heat intolerance miss out on the fall color. Someone should invent a deciduous tropical plant, I guess. Here's some more info on fall colors . . . so pretty.

http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/wx/fallcolorfaq.shtml

Here in north Atlanta we still have very pretty color, our trees holding onto most of the leaves until just recently when we (finally) got some rain. OK, is it a bad thing when you talk about the weather on your blog (running out of things to say?).

Thanksgiving on the Fly

Hey - how about this- you can get a complete T-giving meal for 6, turkey, ham, and all the fixins', at Cracker Barrel for $49.99. I just ordered two! I can make a couple pies and be done with the whole thing! Now my only decision . . . pinot noir or beaujolais . . .

And when I'm there I can pick up everybody's Christmas gift. Kewl!!!

One Word

I received one of those emails that you have to send back to the sender, but this one was really fun. Actually, it was heartwarming. The basic idea is to describe the person in one word, not necessarily an easy task. I received a lot of great words! (Don't know if I agree with them all, but they certainly are flattering . . . I think . . .) Here they are:
1. free-spirited
2. exotic
3. dream-maker
4. rare
5. adventuresome
6. giving (twice)
7. FUNKY!
8. beautiful
9. friend
10. tenacious
11. vivacious
12. funny
13. creativ-ique
14. priceless

and for my favorite: funkadelic!!!!

Tribute to Jon Hunt

My friend, Jon, died exactly one month ago. I knew him when we worked together at the IBM chip facility in East Fishkill, NY. His ex-wife, RoseMarie, got in touch with me to let me know what happened. RoseMarie was a good friend to me as well, and we enjoyed many fun times together when I lived there. They endured my changing relationships, from husband, to boyfriend, to new husband, and were always supportive and accepting!

Jon was a Vietnam Vet . . . a devoted father and son . . . and a good friend to everyone that he met. He was one of the most genuinely kind, funny, and intelligent persons (OK, the grammar doesn't sound right . . . help!) that I have ever known.

I haven't seen him for 20 years but I still feel the connection. I know that somewhere I have a picture of him with his big goofy grin, but I can't locate it right now, so you will just have to take my word for it. His heart was enormous!

I remember when I transferred into IBM marketing, the Chicago office, he and Ro came to visit, and I gave him a quick tour of the office, introducing him as my 'best friend from work.' He really was. He was so much fun. I will never forget him.

She is grieving, still, as is their son, Rick. Please say a prayer for them. He will not be forgotten, he is so alive.

Blessings

I believe that I have been blessed with friendships; to be included in someone's life dream; to be trusted to act in their best interests. Assisting them does not seem like work, it seems fun! Do you think they realize that?

In any case, only good comes from good. So . . . blessings to you, my dear friends. Namaste.

Transformation of Space

Since I've returned from Italy and Cleveland :-), I've been a bit busy, helping my friend Nava (Manrisa) Alkalay open her new massage therapy and wellness center: Nava Sen Spa. Sen is the Thai name for energy meridians, similar to Chi in Chinese. Nava is her given name; she converted from Buddhism to Judaism to marry her husband, Ronnie. She was born in Phuket, Thailand; moved to NYC to operate her family's gem business, and later to Atlanta after she married Ronnie. Luckily, our friend Sharon who is an exec for a major Atlanta ad agency has provided the decorating, graphic designers, photographers, writers, and print work/signage gratis and it is phenomenal!! Now all she needs are clients. . .

Check out this room - wish you could be here for the grand opening this Sunday. I can't wait for my first Thai Yoga massage . . . I've never had one!

This is Steve and me! And Sue and Nava, crushing us with the herbal balls . . . more on that later. We're famous!!! At least we made the cut for the brochure . . . :-)

Around the world in . . . no time, actually!

Yesterday my friend Nava took me to an Atlanta Thai Buddhist Center to celebrate the Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony. Many times we had talked about going to meditate, but this was very special. She was so convincing that both John and Gavin had to accompany us! We were to wear all white, so that we could be pure and accept the monk's blessing. We gave a donation, and both were asked to make a 'wish.' I am not sure what Nava wished for, but mine was easy.

I hope I get this right, but Kathina is the frame that is used to sew the monk's saffron robes. This ceremony must always take place within the month following the rainy season. The history behind this: 30 monks were on their way to meet Lord Buddha, and got caught in the rains. Their robes were muddied and ruined. Lord Buddha granted them a grace period to get new saffron robes, known as Kathina, which must take place one month after the Buddhist 'lent' period.

http://www.dhammakaya.or.th/events/501104_kathina.php

I can't help but think of Hurricane Katrina . . . probably just a coincidence.

Water does not make for clean clothes, or anything else! But certainly, the rainy season in Thailand is a fact of life . . . and is expected, prepared for.

The Atlanta Center had a beautiful day for the event; yummy Thai food was served outside in tents. The boys enjoyed the headphones that translated (at one point, Gavin shouted out to the entire crowd: "It's working!!!!!!" Everyone laughed).

I felt so blessed to be included and to have a friend that would introduce me to this special celebration.

สวัสดีค่ะ

http://www.thai-language.com/audio/P200187.wav

The Atlanta center, which is the Georgia Meditation Center, doesn't have a good web site, so if you want to view more, check out the Thai site that has many international affiliates.

http://www.dhammakaya.or.th/index.php

Is there anybody alive out there?

THAT WAS FUN!!!!!!

Read the Rolling Stone article (click on Bruce!):

Thanks to Loren and Sylvia, our gracious hosts . . . it was so great to see you again!

Magic

Going to see the Boss in Cleveland tomorrow, bright and early. In the meantime, his 'magic' has worked its spell on me(thank you to Allyn for my bootlegged copy), and I finally am making an effort to upload some of our photos from Italy. (Message to self: set the resolution on the camera to low so that major edits are not required for uploading photos online . . .)

I have uploaded photos to web sites but can't find a way to post access here . . . I will figure it out!!!

http://www.dotphoto.com/Go.asp?l=suzengarden&P=C687&SID=182051&Show=Y

Ciao!

Suzanne

Blog webs

My blog has cobwebs . . . no one (me) posted!!!

I am struggling to deal with reality since my trip to Italy. It felt unreal. I haven't yet posted the photos. It was too indulgent a trip. I can no longer function in the real world.

Wishing you fond farewell

I haven't been much of a blogger . . . lacking inspiration, I do my best when I borrow other's ideas and words. But I am off on a whirlwind trip to Italy, sans kids, and hope that there will be all sorts of interesting things to share regarding travel. Still feel blessed to have you all in my life, wishing I could bring you all along. But wait . . .maybe I can! I guess it depends on whether I can get email going in Italy. Who knows? Ciao, babe!

Posting my own comments

I have never received so many immediate responses on an email, so I will share:

Thanks. A universal prayer to enrich and comfort anyone. Who doesn't need a prayer? C.

Thank you. C.R.

Thanks - I needed that. M.

Wow! Susan, this is wonderful! Thanks for including me!! Hope your year (and the boys' year) is going well! Tritt misses you - but has lots and lots of fond memories! L.

Thank you Susan! I have been very sad lately and crying a lot and this helped my day today.
You are a great friend and one of my best friends!
Love,
A.

Thanks Susan. I needed that today! :-)
A.

Hi Susan,
Thanks - that was beautiful. I wish we were in a place where our time was more open to scheduling something. Perhaps when we send our children to college, we can do the southerly thing and sit around sipping our Mint Julips!
I think of you fondly and often.
--D.

How did you know I needed that right now? Tough day all around. Can't wait for this day to be over. Pray for me! G.

I betcha more come soon . . . I am praying for you . . . as I know you are praying for me.

I still think you should play this video . . I just love it! It will cheer you (even tho it is a bit strange . . . that's a good thing!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PywIWLGYj2o

Prayers

I do not like chain letters; yet, from time to time I am compelled to send out (as well as edit) a chain letter that I am sent. I was amazed to receive 10 responses within minutes from this one (again, I removed insistence that it must be sent to x number of people within x number of minutes, and now I am a convert that some of us need connection from time to time):

OK, I changed this a bit . . . but I do believe in the power of prayer . . . perhaps this finds you in need of comfort, so know that I am thinking of you! If you want to pass this along as a chain . . . feel free to do so! No pressure on my part.

May everyone who receives this message be blessed. REMEMBER to pray. That's all you have to do... There is nothing attached. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing that God will answer. May today be all that you need it to be today. May the peace of God rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways that you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged and I pray that you step into your destiny within your ministry. I pray for peace, health, happiness and true and undying love for God.

And, I shall add:
Amen! Shalom! and gunga la gunnga (Caddyshack (tm) interpretation ...)

And I will take this opportunity to straighten out any misconceptions on the dialogue from that movie- here it is (and all the men who read this blog will absolutely love this, girls, bear with me):

So I jump ship in Hong Kongand make my way over to Tibet... ...and I get on as a looper at a coursein the Himalayas. A looper? A looper. You know, a caddy, a looper... ...a jock. So I tell them I'm a pro jockand who do you think they give me? The Dalai Lama, himself. The th son of the Lama. With flowing robes, grace, bald, striking. I'm on the first tee with him.I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one.Big hitter, the Lama. Long! Into a foot creviceright at the base of this glacier! Do you know what the Lama says? "Gunga galunga. Gunga gunga da gunga." So we finish and he's going to stiff me. And I say, "Hey, Lama! "How about a little something,you know, for the effort?" And he says, "There won't be any money... "...but when you die, on your deathbed... "...you will receive total consciousness." So I've got that going for me...which is nice.

Hilarious Dog Breeds

I think I posted about "Lamb chop", a pookimo, aka eskipoo, mixed breed between an Eskimo and a poodle, who was up for adoption. My dental hygienist was telling me about her "cha-weiner," a cross between a Chiuauau and a dachshund. Here's a site that names everything crossed with a poodle, which is considered a 'designer' breed because poodles are 1) smart and 2) non-shedding.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/poodlemix.htm

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Rattle, a Rottle, and a Saint Berdoodle.

I can't really complain, owning a "WOW" (Wheaten Terrier/Chow) and a "Schnottie" (Scottie/Schnauzer) myself. Or should that be a Cheaten Terror (no pun intended) or Schnottish Terrior. OK, doesn't Gidget remind you of Donkey from Shrek???




It's all good, we love our doggies, and who says purebred is better than fun-bred??? Send me your mixed breed names and pics!!

One other thing

For those of you who are working with humanity . . . in case you think your work is not progressing your customer or client . . . please trust me, from personal experience, if your client/customer is coming back and is motivated, you are doing them a huge service. You will have to look for the micro progress, be patient, or just be happy that they are not regressing. You have no idea what a service you are providing. All lives are worth living. luv ya, suzen

Were you truly listening

In case this was buried in my very excited monologue about the Crowded House Concert, please watch the Pete Yorn video. I still haven't purchased his CDs but am excited to do so!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PywIWLGYj2o

ta for now and please check out the master bath remodel saga with Crowded House audio. Think how good it will be when we get finished!!!

luv ya!

Georgia Wildlife

I was walking through my neighborhood with my friend Sue, when we spotted the infamous "East Cobb Crane." This little fella (or gal) is responsible for the demise of many a crop of koi all across our small mini ponds. (I don't have that problem as I have big dog and little dog). Many mornings I hear the cry of a small child - but, no: is that an owl? And I always view hawks circling. If you have never observed the 'birds of prey' demo at Calloway Gardens, or anywhere else, you must!

Buddy and Sheila, circling dragonflies . . . blue-tailed skinks . . .chipmunks, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, everywhere . . . scorpions are native . . . have never seen them but my exterminator did. Better him than me! La Cucarahca! La Cucaracha! Comes with the territory.

The neighborhood one over has had problems with timberwolves, apparently eating family pets. In winter you can smell the pine, and always something burning. I feel very close to nature here in Georgia, as it grows into every crack and crevice and frequently right into my house!

But wait - in the prairies of Illinois I also remember: red winged blackbirds, who would swoop down on unsuspecting runners and attack . . . once an owl came to live on top of my grandparent's home . . . and lots of bunnies, of course. It is there, wherever you look, wherever you live! Enjoy!

The Invisible Woman

My friend H sent me this recently as an email; it is long, so I am going to send you to this link. It is an excerpt from a book by Nicole Johnson called The Invisible Woman. I think we have all felt this way from time to time. From my perspective, it is about the typical condition of being taken for granted by your husband and kids; with the knowledge that you have to give yourself credit for what you do - building families - building cathedrals - you will be gone and your dedicated work will still exist. God still sees you.

http://www.parenthood.com/articles.html?article_id=10240


I need to take another stand. First of all, I do what I do because I am self motivated, not selfless. I believe in the connection of all souls. Plus, I am fairly sure that I am not invisible. As much as I try to sneak away, my children and husband still find me. "Mom, where are you?????!! I'm hungry! Can you help me with my homework?" Teachers and schools still frequently call me, grab me in the hallway, etc. I have disguised myself with hats, pink hair, pink glasses, funky clothes, tattoos, but to no avail. They still see me!!! My kids are frequently embarrassed by me, so not only do they see me, so do their friends!!!

OK, I'm being silly. But when I read this from Klaus, Stephen's cousin from Denmark, I was really touched!!! He always has insight and inspiration . . . an amazing master of the English language ! I have cut and pasted his words so often into my blog that I think that I am in danger of copyright infringement . . .


Hi Susan

I read the story about the invisible woman.

At first I agreed. No one will build cathedrals like they once did. The total devotion and perhaps sacrifice for something you will never see finished. At first I was like her friend, wanting to give away books too. The story brought immediate comfort.

But then ..... No ....
No one deserves to be invisible...
No one deserves to be taken for granted...
No one is supposed to be invisible serving waiters living on theknowledge that God knows the struggle you've seen...

I thought that the first steps in the process of liberation of all mankind were taken by persons like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and has continued ever since.

Everybody deserves to be visible.
Everybody deserves to be needed.
Everybody deserves to be loved and recognised for what they are doing.

Kids are meant to take their moms hand as it is a safe, warm and goodguiding hand.Graduates are meant to bring home their friends for Thanks giving, to show where they learned to cook so great. Perhaps a household needs a lot of domestic jobs to be done. These jobs are just as important as the ones outside.

My stand is that: No women are supposed to be sent back to the kitchen to follow the path of their mothers as their mothers before them. No women deserve to be kept in their place by comforting stories about building cathedrals.

It is a sad situation, if what we have to grasp for, is a story that tells you that god knows.

You are not supposed to be taken for granted. I don't take you for granted. I don't think you are invisible. The work you are doing is as important as building cathedrals, going to school or manage big companies.

I am convinced that both your boys and Stephen recognise the work you do.
Klaus

We all need a cousin Klaus . . . he is a gift, and his wife Susanne, too!

I love, therefore I am

When I wake up and join the "middle of the night club," which happens now most every night, I think about what I love. I start with my bed, because it is indeed big and comfy. I love (not in any particular order) . . . my bed; my pink hair and glasses; my jacuzzi; my circle of friends; my pilates classes; my kids; my family; my husband; the glimpse of fall weather the last two days; my tandem bike; my car; white Italian wine; my washer and dryer (vroom, vroom); my new hat; my screened porch;my memories; my phoenix t-shirt; clogs of any kind; my tattoos; my wedding ring; my blue sapphire cupid pin;my "Love is Hell" coffee cup;the artisan wind chime that my sister sent me (although it is never windy enough here!); my herb garden; everything my kids have made, excluding messes; my fake designer handbags; my real Bottega Veneta clutch; my fake nails; my scars; my freedom; and that's about it. Kidding!!!

Weekends are for fun

Yesterday, we participated with our middle school in the annual East Cobber parade, a low-key hometown parade where there are more paraders than spectators. Gavin rode a scooter and Cameron brought his skateboard. Highlight of the entire event was all the roadkill candy that the boys acquired while narrowly missing being hit by cops on motorcycles zipping up and down the sidelines. Twice Cameron hit a piece of smashed candy or a rut in the pavement, causing him to catapult his skateboard under the car in front of us. After about two hours of waiting and parading, they got bored and started doing what they referred to as "tricks, " zooming back and forth underneath the banner we were carrying and nearly into the crowd. All this in front of the principal of our middle school and teacher of the year (and the hundreds of spectators). I WAS SO PROUD!!!! After downing hot dogs and soft drinks and playing a carnival game, we caught a complimentary ride on the Fur Bus back to our car!

They weren't really tired . . . just faking! After returning home, Gavin purged all that he had eaten - just too much of a good time, I guess. A fond memory of childhood.

Today we went on a very short bike ride, where I think I saw Gavin's dramatic side even more:

Hope you had a great weekend!

Hey now

Went to the Crowded House concert at the Tabernacle last night. Enjoy: blurry phone pics. A few things . . .

Firstly, Liam Finn opened . . . according to a misinformed man next to me, he was a roadie. But truthfully, he was Neil's eldest son. He sounded like a Finn, even though he didn't look like Neil. He used a looping effects pedal- trust me, I didn't know what it was until I checked out his site - he was a one man band, it was amazing!!!!! He played guitar, recorded, sang, drums, etc. Awesome!

http://www.liamfinn.tv/flash.html

Next was Pete Yorn, again, the chatty man was here to listen to him, not CH. He's hot!!! (Pete Yorn, not the chatty man!) (imagine Paris Hilton voice). listen: click here- and there are many more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PywIWLGYj2o

Time for the big boyz . . . and it was fabulous.

I love this song . . . and so many more . . . Fall at your feet - Neil, now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq-kGfhg-i0&mode=related&search=

And last but not least . . . check out the entire family doing a Split Enz song: Neil, Tim Elroy (drums) and Liam - its a family affair!!!! I got you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVxxgowFpAs&mode=related&search=

Return to the roots: my very favorite Split Enz song - Message to My Girl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG0LVRSx5Ng

luv ya!

Inspiration

It comes when you need it. How about this, doesn't it just send chills up your spine:

From Kevin Enners, age 13, who just completed his first Rock n Roll Marathon:

My Dad and I finished the Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon and we beat our fund raising goal, raising the second most of the entire team - thanks to your help!

Here are a few pictures of the race. It was a blast - really fun and exciting. I finally got to meet Rick Hoyt - I'm sitting next to him in the group picture.

The Hoyt's made us feel like VIP's. The night before the race, the Hoyt's gave us a pasta party. On race day morning, we were able to wait for the start of the race in the VIP area with all the world-class runners. After the race, the Hoyt's had a tent on the beach where we were able to relax with the rest of the Hoyt team. They gave me a Team Hoyt racing singlet and jacket - they're awesome! Saturday night, we went to a concert on the beach and saw The Steve Miller band - they were great!

We started the race right up front behind the elite wheelchair athletes - look close at the two start-of-the-race pictures - you can see me in my big silver bike. The crowds cheered us on and the other runners cheered us on also. It was a lot of fun and we plan to do it again next year!

Thank you for contributing to the Hoyt Fund!

Kevin

You have to also say, Dad rocks!!!! Go, Dad!!! Trust me, Mom behind the scene rocks too.

Stolen moments

Actually, I have stolen words from a recent email from a dear friend, just cause it made me laugh out loud. Thanks, H:

"I'm sorry you're bored--me too. How can we be this busy and be so bored? I'm exhausted and bored at the same time. I'm "exhored". . . .

In closing, I say this: I still believe that it is true that we are hot, smart, creative, hilarious, compassionate, amazing women, who are dangling just this side of sanity--but with a helluva lot of style. Double snaps to you, soul sister. Holler anytime this week-end if you need a pick-me-up. I may be developing an upper respiratory infection of some sort, which is depriving me of much-needed oxygen to my brain, but I've got my groove back! Peace, out. H"

Better to be exhored than an ex-whore, I always say!!! I also tell my kids that things aren't boring, people are . . . . so what does that make me!! A hippie-o-crit!

Where in the world is Susan Kay Rae?

It's not that my blog has lost its appeal (or could it be that no one reads it, so I am just really writing for myself anyway), but I can't think of anything at all to share with you. I personally think that aliens have sucked the brains out of my head and that I am just an empty, shallow shell of the person that I used to be. Yes, you agree?

Until I can find myself, again, enjoy this:

http://rememberingwholeness.com/tuttle.html

luv ya!

Klaus loves Susanne

Klaus is Steve's cousin and lives in Denmark. He recently sent me this email. He often inspires me with his words and he has an amazing understanding of the English language. (When he says he was paced by a moped, both he and his wife ride bikes to work in Copenhagen, approximately 15 miles each way. Did I mention that they are both very fit! :-). I hope this inspires you as well, and I hope you have someone that loves you so much that they remember exactly when you met . . .


It's a wonderful world. And today is a wonderful day. Today (Or rather at 22:08) 25 years ago Susanne and I met for the first time. And the world has never been the same since. To me it is still a question which I cannot answer. What is it, that makes Susanne able to so totally and absolute able to be just what I have been looking for? From a distance she is not the most beautiful girl I have seen, she is not the most intelligent, her taste of clothes has a lot to desire.....There are so many things with a lot of room for improvement..... from a distance.

But then.... when I get closer... It all smears away and I am just a lump of clay in her hands unable to see anything but her blue/grey eyes, feel the softness of her hair.... It is as if nothing else matters. What a wonderful world, what a wonderful day. If everybody could have just a little of the same happiness... On my way to work the wind was in my back, the sun was shining and I was paced by a moped for at least 5km. When I opened my mailbox a message from Susanne popped up.

All of my love to you and Stephen.

The Beautiful Quiet

It is 7:45 am on a Friday morning. Steve is in his office working; John and I have enjoyed 40 minutes of alone time and banter, and he has just left for the bus. Cameron and Gavin are snoozing and in 5 minutes I will wake them up so that they, too, can repeat the process and head off to school. The dogs have been out and have been crated. I almost don't want to make any move at all, as I enjoy my coffee and the beautiful quiet. It is meditation, mommy-style.

Dog Intelligence Test

We enjoy doing this recreational activity with our dogs. We give them the pistachio nuts that are really difficult to open, just a bit too tight to risk losing a fingernail over. Cee-cee, the WOW (wheaten terrier/chow mix) immediately figured out how to open it, spit out the shell, and enjoy the fruits of her labor. Gidget, the schnottie (scottie/schnauzer mix) still can't figure it out. Who has to open pistachio nuts for their mutt? I rest my case.

Swimming with the fishes

Today I enjoyed a bath with a new insect friend. He was lurking in the drain, Mr. Silverfish. Boy, did I hop out of there fast. What is it about the end of summer that brings West Nile viral mosquitoes, silverfish, and massive cockroaches indoors? Just a night ago during a trip to the commode I looked down - and mind you - I can't see much without my glasses - saw a 3 inch La Cucaracha waddling into my water closet. Speedy I was, leaping to safety. Then he made his big mistake - he followed me. I screamed. Steve asked "do you need me in there?" Crunch. No comment. I am a believer in the right to live - I don't demolish insects that help out in other ways, like spiders. But aggressive or bloodsucking (or ugly - sorry) insects have to go!

Why I am writing about insects? Clearly some time has been freed up since the kiddies went back to school. Do I miss them, do I pine away? No. I am with them so much I have accumulated time credits. I am enjoying their return to school and later, discussions about their day. I am basking in the time spent apart (makes the heart grow fonder!). I am discovering the fact that the house doesn't get dirty when I turn around - the mystery is solved. The doggies get so excited, they have already learned the new bus routes and bark when the big yellow monster rumbles down the street. School starts. Moms return to the YMCA to work out. Traffic comes to a standstill, lagging behind school busses. It's still hot but we start yearning for sweaters and fall fashions. It's a new year, American scholastic style. Life goes on.

Better Ways to fight the Common Cold

Airborne is a combination of vitamins and herbs intended to prevent and shorten the duration of common illnesses like colds and flus. I have recently used it and it is amazingly effective! However, I was speaking about it to the clinic nurse at our middle school, and she mentioned that she heard it could cause liver damage, as well as damage to the esophagus. I did a quick search and found that it is the high dose of Vitamin A, as well as some other vitamins, that could be suspect. According to the experts at the company that make Aireborne, no damage should occur if you are taking it as recommended - less than five doses a day for a short duration. I will refer you to http://purplekangaroopuzzle.blogspot.com/2006/01/airborne-cold-remedy-helpful-dangerous.html to get the details.

Here's a more opinionated viewpoint - Ken Savage - who states: " Basically Airborne is trying to slowly poison America. " He recommends an old-fashioned remedy, the "hot totty," (we called them hot toddies). Good point, Ken: "Sure this contains alcohol but if your cold remedy is going to give you liver disease, why not at least catch a buzz from it?" Definitely an option!
http://www.kensavage.com/index.php/archives/best-cold-medicine-side-effects/

Be a Co-Survivor

The Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness web site has tremendous information, support, and resources for all those affected by a diagnosis of breast cancer. While I am a cancer survivor myself, I have only been a remote supporter for friends of friends. I feel the time has come to do more than cash donations and pink fund-raising hair extensions. One very simple way to be supportive is to join a co-survivor group. Co-survivors help out where needed in many ways, including making meals, phone calls, driving to appointments, running errands, helping with household needs, and so on. You can be a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or perhaps a friend of a friend. For more information, visit http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutBreastCancer/Support/Co-Survivor/index.htm

Please let me know if you should ever need my help.

Separated at birth - missing triplet located!!!

I think last night's John From Cincinnati was a bit of a downer . . . nothing was resolved and we were all left hanging. So, to amuse ourselves, I offer you this: a freaky-deaky coincidence. Check this out: Garrett Dillahunt, who plays Dr. Smith, looks amazingly like my sister's ex . . . as well as his identical twin! Freaky!!

Garden detox

Dr. Andrew Weil recommends daily saunas for system detox. Who needs a sauna when we have summer in Georgia? An easy way to accomplish a deep sweat is to pull weeds after 10 a.m.

Especially invasive is grass, growing from the lawn into the garden beds. Isn't it amazing how we water, fertilize, cut, and groom our lawns and then must rip it out everywhere else? I could spray it (carefully) with weed killer, which is like chemo - it kills everything it touches. But when it is too close to living things that need to be retained . . .I prefer the alternative garden medicine of hand pulling. Getting in close, you see all sorts of amazing things.

Besides Jeremiah, my big fat bullfrog who "bau, bau, bau's" day and night, truly the masters of my backyard pond universe are Buddy and Sheila, my two dragonflies. Buddy prefers the pitcher plant, shown here. Sheila is too shy to get her photo taken. Click on the photo to get a closeup of this magnificent being.

Since my garden detox, I have showered and now am re-writing this post. I have on an Arbonne facial mask, my "Motherhood is not for sissies" T-shirt, and my pink "Bad ass (coffee)" shorts. Life is good.

Letter to my son

Please let me recreate a letter very recently received, written to my son by a very dear friend, Ruth Ultmann,whose late husband, Dr. John Ultmann, was both a friend and business associate of my husband. Dr. Ultmann was the Director of the Cancer Research Center at the University of Chicago. He was also the teacher of my doctor, Dr. Leo Gordon, from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Please know, that I feel like a celebrity every time I receive a letter from Ruth Ultmann. Except for the fact that they were the most real, down to earth people that you could ever meet. So it is more like family, really.

Here is the handwritten note from Ruth:

Dear John,

To-day I came across all 3 sections of "your" poems written by John, and hasten to send it to you, remembering your nice letter last Xmas.

Hope you have had a good year, and that all of you are AOK!!

With all my love and very best to all of you,

Very sincerely,

Ruth

John was born 10/30/92 (same day as my dad), so these poems were written about a week later.

I believe this was the first haiku:

Dark Clouds: storms roar,
the tree bent, but did not break,
Calm weather, sunshine
the sapling sprouts.

John E. Ultmann
Chicago, 11/7/92

Haiku #2:
The storm has passed
as have dark clouds.
Calmness prevails,
A lusty cry from John Gordon
Happiness!

John E. Ultmann
Chicago 11/7/92


And a conventional verse:


John Gordon Rae

October 30, 1992 was a special day,
it marked the arrival of John Gordon Rae
Checking in at 08:34 with a lusty cry,
John was ready to go, yes even fly!
He weighed 8 lbs 5 1/2 ounces, even:
and was appreciated by Susan and Stephen.
Considering all that's happened the lat 2 1/2 years,
This happy birth resulted in many cheers.
Good health, long life to John we all proclaim
and to Susan and Raes we wish the same.

Dr. John E. Ultmann
Chicago November 8, 1992

Learn more about Dr. Ultmann:

http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2000/20001024-ultmann.html

I can't stop

OK, I admit, I am more than obsessed with the new HBO series: John from Cincinatti. I am actually learning new skills (I think). It is starting to crop up in my everyday converstations with everyone I interact with. For instance, I mentioned this to my husband, who is starting a new business, as a case for conversational marketing, based on what HBO has done with blogs, videos, web sites, etc., many for marketing purposes but also, many from fans that love the show.

I also mentioned it to my pilates trainer, who is also expanding her business. This is what you must do should you want to explode your business!

I have started to read more, and I am still having difficulty sifting through the vast amount of information (1's and 0's - thank you, John).

But. man! is this full of dialogue that every red-blooded male will surely repeat!!! (Ladies, they love to memorize lines from movies, dontcha know! Don't they all know the lines from Caddyshack? "But I got that going for me . . . which is niceshshshsh !(sp)"

OK, something I picked up from the Episode Guide: Shaunie comments, "The pigs got Grandma." Now, don't you want to watch that with your kin?


http://www.hbo.com/johnfromcincinnati/episodes/season1/episode1.html

The heart in my stone

Steve surprised with a new diamond last year for Christmas. Our good friend Ronnie who is a jeweler helped us with the setting, and I had a new ring in a few weeks. On Valentine's Day, I had a big surprise! I noticed that I could see the shadow of a heart, and if I tipped the ring, it would move from quadrant to quadrant, as the cut is symmetrical. I could not capture it in a photo. So we popped over to see Ronnie, and he had not seen the shadow before, either. There are some diamonds on the market - hearts afire - but this is not one of them. It is not a flaw in the diamond. Ronnie was able to capture it; you may have to click on the image to see it. (Btw, did you notice that my ring has balls! It's a tough cookie!)

Strangely, at times, the heart will disappear. It seems to act like a barometer. Currently, the heart is not visible, although I believe that it is waiting patiently below the surface to reappear. I have tried cleaning the ring to no avail. I thought it was perhaps my aging eyesight, so I asked my children if they could see it anymore and they could not. I don't think I control this heart in my stone anymore than I can control my own heart. It just seems to know what it wants.

My sister taught me to drive

My sister, four years my junior, taught me to drive a 5-speed stick shift. I had to learn how to drive it in a week because I needed to get to a job 250 miles away in Gary, Indiana. I was 20 years old at the time, and she was 16.

Believe me, she was not the first who tried. I think my dad tried first doing the grind maneuver before he jumped ship. I do remember my mother, who really had a tough time biting her tongue. I think even my brother gave me a few tips. Truly, it was painful.

No, it was my sister, who knew nothing about stick shifts, who taught me to drive. She just sat in the passenger seat, smiling, changing the radio station, and I think, smoking cigarettes. (Forgive me if I am remembering another time . . .) I don't believe she had much to say about the lurching and stalling. She was very supportive! She could care less. I enjoyed her company. I learned to drive, and even when I left flat Illinois and (almost) stalled sitting at a stop light at the top of the hill, I made it to Indiana and my job without a hitch.

Thanks, Val.

I am going to have to remember how to teach silently when the time comes with my own. Sometimes you just need to be there.

New Blog

Ken has a new blog!!! Ken has a new blog!! You are invited to post on his blog . . . you may have been sent an invitation, so please respond. Unfortunately, Ken walked out on me (or, more accurately, drove his VW bug) and I neglected to take any pictures of him, his easter bunny suit, etc. So comment and post away!!! He needs some immediate attention or I'm afraid he will be done with us for good. Find out how easy it is to blog - go for it!!

http://ken4everbirthdaytreat.blogspot.com/

I'm coming clean

I'm addicted . . . to John from Cincinnati . . . I watch it repeatedly. I love all the characters. The little surfer dude reminds me of Cameron. I totally identify with the porn star mom. (kidding!!! puhleeze!!!) But who knew that HBO would create every possible media marketing channel known to man? One thing I keep getting, loud and clear, is that when you get older, you don't keep up. I'm trying! I'm trying!!! I commit myself to trying to remain technically astute. ahem. Here are just a few of the blogs, you tubes, fake web sites, etc. that they have created to inspire interest in their new series. (I'm good but if you kill off Shaunie, I'm done. I can take anything on the sopranos but I couldn't take that.)

John from Cincinatti HBO Official web site: Cast and Crew (trivia: Dr. Michael Smith looks exactly like my sister's ex-husband Peter Barnes. Freaky!!!!!)

http://www.hbo.com/johnfromcincinnati/cast/

Here is the fake Yost Clan Web site that the character Dwayne hosts - even better, he stopped posting last September = it must be real!!!:

http://yostclan.com/site/index.htm

You tube: just search on JFC; here's one you shall surely enjoy with stills from the series:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEAQZOZd-5o&NR=1

Please also enjoy the Opening Credits (Johnny Appleseed song). I have been begging for Steve to record this so that I can share with my non HBO friends. If he is uber-hubbie, I'm sure he will!! I'm sure you will enjoy "Crap Machines," "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph" (thanks Bill Jacks i.e. Ed O'Neill from "Married with Children" ), and many more.

Also, "Stinkweed", the (I think- but what do I know, I am a stayathome mom) fictional website-

http://stinkweedusa.com/home.aspx

I got my eye on U . . . .

Learning Curve

A doctor told me once that not everyone can learn through another's experience. She gave the analogy of a pothole out in the parking lot. She said, "You might be able to just drive up and see the pothole; you would turn away and find a different way to pass." She explained further that not everyone could do that. Some would have to repeatedly drive up to the pothole, again and again, before changing a habit and going a different direction. And some would actually have to drop one wheel of their car into the pothole before realizing that it was, indeed, real! Worst case was the person that would have to sink the entire car into the pothole, again and again, getting hauled out by the tow truck. She said, unfortunately, that this person may never actually make a permanent change, being compelled to drive into the pothole - as if pulled by a magnet.

We hope we can save our children the trouble that we experienced by relaying personal experiences. But we will need to tap into their personal learning style if we are to make that connection. And we may not be able to help friends and family - or even ourselves - if this is not our learning style.

I like to think of myself as a person who learns from another's experience. But unfortunately, we are not all facing the same challenges. We are all on a separate path. I am sure that there are some potholes for me that I am compelled to test, again and again, to make sure that they are real, thus knowing that I am alive. They are just not the same potholes that you face; so I will try not to judge you (or your potholes) and just pray for you safe passage.

I want to rock 'n roll

All night . . . O.K., 'til about 8 p.m. This year's Camp Jam experience was doubled - Gavin joined John, which didn't exactly make it pleasant for the counselors or the parent carpoolers due to excessive brotherly love. The grand finale of the week-long camp was of course the concert, which was much shorter than in years past. Yes, the Raes rocked, as did the Swints and the McKenzies and numerous other kids. And never did I see so many of the elderly in the audience. Go, grandma! Turn off the hearing aids and jam.

Click on the pics to watch the videos. (thanks to Stephen Mitchell Rae Video Editing Svs, LTD.)

For more info, click on the Camp Jam logo. They have programs for you closet rockers at This House Rocks on weekends as well.

Kevin Enners & the Hoyt Foundation

Steve and I had just seen the most amazing story about Dick & Rick Hoyt . . . and now we find out that the Enners Team is racing to support this amazing duo and their foundation. How exciting and how amazing . . . please contribute, if only with a message of support, and be a part of their team. Take the time to watch this video about the Hoyt's and then view Kevin's video!!! (tip: grab box of kleenex now . . . ) (Plus, you can't see, but there is an amazing mom behind the scenes: Claudette!!! Trust me, she rocks . . . just like you do.)

P.S. You can donate today right from the blog! P.P.S. Check the comments for some of the feedback I am getting and post your own!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9187482533183981137

A note from Claudette:

Hi all-

Rich and Kevin will be running the Virginia Beach Half-Marathon on Labor Day weekend with Dick and Rick Hoyt. Actually, Rich will be running and Kevin will be riding his bike. This will be their second half-marathon this year!

Although Kev has CP, he has competed in four 5K races this year, two of which he ran in his walker the entire 3.1 miles. He comes in last when he runs, but the crowd is so supportive and vocal, he wants to do it again and again. At each race, people have been inspired and, to an extent, educated as to his desire to participate like everyone else. For this reason, we are asking that you support Rich and Kevin's effort in raising $1,500 to be donated to the Hoyt Fund. Please click on the following link to read Kevin’s note about this event.

http://www.firstgiving.com/kevinenners

There are many tax-deductible, non-profit organizations that rely on donations to help find a cure for life-threatening diseases, help eliminate hunger, curb environmental issues and save animals. The Hoyt Fund's goal is to "integrate the physically challenged into everyday life ....... by actively helping the disabled to participate in activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them."

We appreciate your support!

Claudette

blogworthy hubbie behavior

It is on rare occasion that I can say I've been truly pampered. All joking aside and no more threats about posting stupid comments and embarassing moments. Mr. Steve packed the car last nite including the kids stuff, arose early this morning and made coffee and woke us all up, including mr. Nasty. So now I must eat my words but it is so worth it. On to home and dirty laundry, slobberry doggies and no more ocean swims ... Until next time.

cabana boys with big drills

Seriously, ladies, I have tried everything I could think of to be a mobile blogger so that i could post my photos but no luck. So u will just have to trust me when I say ... Pictures forthcoming. But until then, imagine those hunky tan beach boys who set up the umbrellas and chairs with two+ -foot drills ... To sink their umbrellas, silly!

My heart goes out to chi town pal who is fantasizing that I am having an amazing family vacation with doting husband. We can all have that if we just believe...xxoo. More details later.

The really fun parts of the trip, according to the Rae boys: 1)go karts, bumper boats, bumper cars, etc. 2) Gavin's dream come true, a trip to Hooters 3) Jet ski rental

now i'm even more spoiled

Steve sent refreshments via rae boy...homemade wine cooler with white peach juice ..ahhhhh

paradise found

I'm blogging from the beach in Destin Florida... Pardon my typos-the sun is bright and I'm using my phone. Why the hell I waited so long to come here is now a distant thought as I fantasize about how I'm going to find a way to stay.

Transform Me

I was going to write about going to the Transformers movie; the boys wanted to go so my plan was to take them to a matinee and drop in myself on something more worthwhile. However, when I buzzed my significant other, he told me that he had bumped into a friend of ours who took his boys to see it and said it was 'awesome'! Since I trust his 'cool technical effects' opinion I decided to stay. It was pretty amazing, even if it was full of ridiculous sexual innuendo (oh - ho! Now you want to go too!). My favorite experience was when my middle son, having played the video game, did play-by-play commentary on every character . Meanwhile his older brother hissed and spat and told him to shut up. So of course I enjoyed that as well. The youngest just sat in the front and enjoyed the special effects, sound system, and butter popcorn, candy, and slushy while the heat lightning raged outside. Don't you just love summer???? I also wanted to share with you my favorite line from the movie, but unfortunately couldn't remember it and also couldn't find it after much searching on the web. It was a comment the character Glen made to his grandma. If anyone can find it or remember it, please send it! I may have to sneak back in just to find out.

Check out a real transformer: this is cool!
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dut6jxCiakg