Irony and the creepy little man with the suspenders

I had a fun little moment the other night and just had to share it with you all. As some of you know I'm a huge fan of pho. For those who don't know what this is, it's a Vietnamese noodle soup. I say it's instant enlightenment in a bowl, or a bit of heaven in a bowl. I've also heard it refered to as Vietnamese soul food. Anyway I have shared the joy of this simple, but very tasty pleasure with many of my family and friends. I have a favorite restaraunt but it's pretty far away. But fortunately a new one just opened up close by, so I had to try it out and talked my mom into going. (Teri, or the kooky one as I so lovingly refer to her as.) As we sat there waiting for our food we watched the televisions around us. One was showing the olympics, another was showing Larry King. He kind of makes me squeamish for some reason. So the Larry king topic was about people who married someone in prison, even though they would never be released. What I got from it was that these were all murderers of one type or another. One of the guests was a man married to one of the Manson followers, I can't remember her name but she passed away fairly recently. I didn't really pay close attention since I was more interested in bobsledding, and because I didn't want to spoil my appetite by looking at Larry King. So I happen to look up as they are talking about a group of people who dismembered someone, cut out their heart, and all kissed the heart. I'm kind of transfixed for a minute by this, and I was rewarded when he said they were going to talk to some woman about her behind bars husband and went straight to commercial. The first commercial to come on, and the only one that really mattered in my mind, was an add for Eharmony, the matchmaking website. I couldn't help but chuckle about this as did my mother. I still smile just thinking about it. I hope it puts a little smile on your face as well.

Computer Easy

My sister, Victoria, and I were emailing each other about something I wrote that she wants posted on this friendly family blog. I can’t post myself because I have an email address that for some reason is ‘rejected’ by any of the blogs. I have tried to ‘join’ (is that what it’s called?) and have instructions on how to set up a gmail or something account, but it makes no sense at all to me. I am hoping that my grandson Kam will be available soon to assist. So, Victoria said she is happy to place my post for me, but insisted that setting up the gmail account is ‘easy.’

Easy, huh? Painting a house is easy, drywalling and framing and such are do-able, changing a tire can be done with reasonable effort; making bread is easy, or making cookies. Loading the dishwasher is a snap; sewing used to be awful but is now relatively simple, even if I'm making my own pattern (like for a slipcover). Building a new closet is easy. Growing a veggie garden is easy, as well as a lot of fun. Roofing a house is not easy, nor is it fun. Glazing windows, ugh! About in the same category as computers. The language I use is about the same, anyway. These are all things I have done. But computers – such a mystery.

Actually, my computer should be in the garage (if I had a garage) because I tend to use a lot of 'garage language' when I'm attempting to learn something new on the computer. I remember the very first time I tried using a computer - I just needed to write something quick. This was, of course, many years ago - in the still-married years. So I called BS (the appropriate initials of my former spouse) at work and asked him what to do. He said, “First, turn on the computer”. OK, I've had TV and radios and stereos, etc for decades! They all still have buttons or knobs that say "on" or "power". Does the computer? Noooo! So I keep looking for something that tells me where to turn the damn thing on. BS, being the wonderful person that he isn't, just laughs and laughs. I finally found out how to turn it on, and felt very accomplished! Eventually when I got my 'new' computer, (which is now 7 years old,) I signed up for internet service. Couldn't get anything to work. Called Qwest, went through about 10 minutes of 'voice prompts' (technology's way of saying FU to all of us peons) before I finally got a warm body. Of course, by this time I am beyond frustrated, I am hysterical. A pleasant-sounding young man asks what sort of help I need. I'm nearly crying by now, and I literally SCREAMED at him "I just want to be able to use the 'Fnklrgbldy’ internet!" Of course, I then felt absolutely mortified, apologized, and told him just to cancel the damn internet. He tried to convince me that we could get things working properly, but I told him no thanks, I don't normally use that kind of language (or I didn't then, anyway) and that if this internet stuff was going to make that language become a habit, I'd best just not bother. If I wanted that kind of frustration I could try taking up bowling again, as no one would even notice that language in a bowling alley! And so, I cancelled and went without internet for another couple of years. Yup, I've made a whole bunch of progress since then! T.
from Teri G. Mecham, mother of Jon Schroeder and Jen Schroeder Martinez

Celebrate February - Last 3 Days

Last 3 days of February:

February 26th
For Pete's Sake Day
National Pistachio Day


February 27th
No Brainer Day - are we supposed to know how to celebrate this?
Open That Bottle Night
Polar Bear Day

February 28th
Public Sleeping Day - Is this the result of last nights holiday celebrations? I trust that everyone will participate in the festivities of this important holiday. But not while driving.

March holidays will be listed -in their entirety- in one post. With any luck, I'll get it done BEFORE the month starts, but come hell or high water, I promise to have it done before it ends.

Alice Pedersen Haddadin

I'm back

It's been a while since I've posted anything, so I just figured it was about time to do so again. I have been busy from time to time so I couldn't share my wonderful insights when I wanted to. So this might be a bit long and strange, but it could be entertaining, possibly enlightening, or it will just be a bunch of rambling that means nothing. Read on and you be the judge.

I found myself feeling very strange earlier this week. I couldn't put my finger on what it was exactly, and I really had to stop everything I was doing and examine what it could be. It wasn't the flu, I had just gotten over that. I thought maybe it was my diet, but that is an area I really do pretty well in. So I just went about my business as usual, (or unusual as it goes with me) which at the time was meeting with several people at different times to try and coordinate and plan the party of the year, the third annual Mustache March Gala. (More about this party in another post.) And this feeling wouldn't go away. I went on about my day, did a little heavy reading, and went to bed. The following day, shortly after waking up I still felt the strange feeling but kept going about my business figuring it would come to me when the time was right. Well that time was right around noon after I'd had a strange conversation with a good friend about life in general. I suddenly realized that what I was feeling was humility. I expressed this to some people and got a variety of funny responses and one serious one. The response I got most was people asking if it had to do with a woman. I smiled and responded, no. But this was a very foreign feeling to me, much like an altered state. I'm not a humble man as a general rule. I'm pompous, arrogant, and cocky. As many who know me well have stated, I'm egomaniacal, and I'm ok with it. But this feeling humble thing was also strangely pleasant, so I decided to just roll with it. It truly did feel like an altered state, a bit like one feels when they are a little tipsy combined with an almost psychedelic feeling of wonderment and awe about the entire world. Yet I still had my full mental capacities intact, and at my disposal. It was just the absence of ego for a prolonged period of time wasn't a feeling I was familiar with. It has now been 4 days and this feeling of humility is still with me. Though it has waxed and waned a bit, it has for the most part remained intact. And I've decided I like it. I find I have a much easier time remaining calm and centered. Everything seems to flow a bit smoother in this state of mind, though problems still arise. The problems don't ruin my day, or cause me to stress if I remember this feeling and embrace it. As to why this feeling came about, I'm not exactly sure. My only guess is that my past came to pay a visit during the party planning. I will try to explain.

My past is pretty to colorful, to put it mildly, and I really don't think this is the forum to air it in. Let's just say that if you made a movie of my life up till now it would be rated NC-17 at least. I have realized this for some time and decide about 2 years ago that I wanted a different rating for my life. So I have taken many steps to try and accomplish this goal, and it hasn't been easy. The world I was a part of doesn't like to let go of people like me very easily. And I have run back into the people who are part of this many times, and they are always greeting me with open arms and ready to roll out the red carpet and throw a parade if I say the words, I'm back. And to be truthful, I've been tempted to do just that many times. I even thought I could come back to it for just 2 months and get right back out. That 2 months ended in disaster and I was lucky to walk away alive. So while planning this party I've run into some of the same crowd I used to run with and they have taken an interest of sorts in the mustache gala. They are opportunists and I have always been good at creating opportunities of a certain type. I have realized this and have resisted for a long time, but if you walk along a cliff edge long enough you will fall off. I'm very aware of this and just hadn't been able to quite figure out a way to put it all to rest. Then I felt that feeling of humility I spoke of earlier and I have been examining why I suddenly feel it now and to what end? I have come up with an answer, and it is a very simple one. Because I was ready for it. My ego served me very well in the past, but now it's time for something else. Something better. And I have found just the tool I need, or it found me. Either way I will use this new found humility to move forward and cope with life in a different way. My purpose has changed so I need different tools to achieve the end I've set my heart on. I will not say what that is right here and now because I follow a philosophy of never revealing your full or true intent to others until you are sure of accomplishing it.

So even at this moment as I sit here and reflect back, I realize my ego is very much alive but it has taken a back seat and this feeling of calm certainty has the reigns now. I know the world I was once a part of will keep trying to get me back, but I won't give in to the pull or desire to go back. To many it will seem that I'm giving up everything, and in a sense they are correct. But everything I'm giving up is to make way for something much better and long lasting. And I will have no regrets about this. I will miss some of the people that I've come to love, but what I realize is that I can love them still even if I never see them again. Love in that world is conditional quite often, and I've felt the difference many times. Basically it boils down to this. Do you choose life or death? I chose the culture of death for a very long time and enticed many who would have otherwise chosen differently into this world. Now I choose life. This is a new path for me so I can't tell you much about the journey so far, but I'm sure I'll tell you all about it along the way. And I'm pretty sure my ego is still going to put it's two cents in as well.

Get It Together - More February Holidays from Alice

Oops, I really need to get organized... especially since it's National Time Management Month. This week, in addition to the always highly regarded (yet oh-so-main-stream) Presidents Day, we can also celebrate the unusual holidays that most of us have probably never heard of.

MORE MONTH-LONG HOLIDAYS
National Time Management Month
Creative Romance Month
Spunky Old Broads Month

THIS WEEK
February 14-21
Love A Mench Week
National Condom Week
International Friendship Week

INDIVIDUAL DATES
Feb 15
Love makes the world go 'round, but laughter keeps us from getting dizzy
National Gum Drop Day
Singles Awareness Day (in case you're not aware you are single)
Feb 16
Do a Grouch a Favor Day
International Pancake Day
Feb 17
My Way Day (is this different than any other day?)
Random Acts of Kindness Day
World Human Spirit Day
Feb 18
National Battery Day
Feb 19
National Chocolate Mint Day
Feb 20
Clam Chowder day
Cherry Pie Day
Hoodie Hoo Day
Love Your Pet Day
Introduce A Girl To Engineering Day
Feb 21
Card Reading Day

Not all the holidays are in tune with the love theme that has been running through the February dates, but most are linked, albeit sometimes very distantly. Also, I realize that a couple of the dates are very controversial, i.e.; Spunky Old Broads Day and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day... (really? as if a girl wants to hear about engineering!) In all seriousness, although I haven't run across any that are similar for men, rest assured that I will be making some up if I don't find some soon and I welcome any and all suggestions and comments that would make up for the chauvinistic holidays listed.

I love comments and have tried commenting back, but Victoria has suspended my commenting privileges. Anyone who feels my commenting privileges should be re-instated, please write a blog. At the end, just leave her a note telling her you like my comments... maybe she'll reconsider.
Enjoy the holidays!
Much love,
Alice Pedersen Haddadin

Fanny May fudge (because your fanny may get larger after eating it).

2 sticks butter
4C white sugar
1C Milk
100 small or 25 large marshmallows
12 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
2-13 oz. Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (or 4-7 oz. bars). Break apart before cooking

Melt Butter, add sugar and stir. Add milk and stir till warm not hot. Add marshmallows and stir till brought to a slight boil. Turn heat off and remove from heat. Add all the chocolate at once. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. (you can add once cup of nuts at this time if you desire). Pour into a 9x13 and 8x8 greased pan. (Or it will be too thick). Cool completely.
Makes 5 lbs. It can be refrigerated or put into closed containers. Keeps for months.

Another One Bites the Dust...

This is an update on my “Financial freedom” progress. I am happy to report that I have completely paid off my first two debts. I have also paid 2/3ds of my third debt, and will finish it off next week. By the end of February I will have paid off 7 debts. None of them were huge by themselves, but combined they made up a hefty amount. I have also been diligent with saving, and will reach my target minimum goal in March.
I am on target to pay off all but 3 debts by June, which is helpful because I only work during the school year. So it will give us some much needed breathing room during the summer. I also found out last week that I will likely be losing one of my sources of income after June. At first I was devastated, but now I see it as an opportunity to branch out and try something new, or look for other opportunities.
I am finding that I am much more present in my choices when I shop. Each time something catches my eye, whether it be an item of clothing or food, I weigh its importance by how many hours of work it takes to pay for it. Not too many things are passing this test.
All of this has also forced me to evaluate other areas of my budget that can be trimmed or eliminated altogether. I have been able to find places to sneak saving in, and find additional funds for debt reduction. I still get tempted to whip out the plastic now and then, my microwave died last week for instance, and it was so tempting to just run out and get a new one. Instead we decided to save up for a new one, and go old school on food warm up.
Another benefit I have noticed in this endeavor is that I am looking at my possessions with a new appreciation, and I feel a renewed desire to take better care of what I already do have. This journey has certainly not been easy, but I know in the long run it will be worth all of my efforts.

2nd Week - Fabulous February holidays

February has more in store for us than just Presidents Day and Valentines Day and this week is particularly festive. Is there a hidden theme? Is it coincidence that February is not only National Condom Month and Marijuana Awareness Month, but also National Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month? I'll let you decide. Enjoy this weeks holidays... and celebrate responsibly.

2ND WEEK OF FEBRUARY HOLIDAYS
National Jell-O Week
Just Say No to Power Points Week
International Flirting Week

Feb 8
Laugh and Grow Rich Day
Clean Out Your Computer Day
Go Fly a Kite Day

Feb 9
Bad Poetry Day
Read in the Bathtub Day

Feb10
Plimsoll Day

Feb 11
Be Electrific Day
White Tee Shirt Day
National Shut-in Visitation Day
Satisfied Staying Single Day

Feb 12
Darwin Day

Feb 13
Madly In Love With Me Day
Blame Someone Else Day
Get a Different Name Day

Feb 14
National Condom Day


Last week I mistakenly and unfortunately omitted the following holidays: February 1st: Working Naked Day, and Hoola in the Coola Day. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and I assure you that in the future every effort will be made to maintain accuracy. Further research has revealed several sites to enrich our hilarious holiday list. The most reliable is www.brownielocks.com. All dates are verified at this site.

Alice Pedersen Haddadin

Memories Captured

Gosh - It's Sunday, February 7, 2010 already! Yesterday was the anniversary of Susan's birthday. I think she would have been 67. I think about her often.

I posted a new blog picture today, as you can plainly see if you are reading this blog. I remember so fondly the day we took that - we had planned it for several months. It was taken at Tereshima Studios in Murray, UT. (That studio burned down several years ago, along with any photo negatives. Another studio is in its place now, I believe). We were all to meet at such-and-such a time at the studio. I was there early, but I don't think I was the first. I had experience years before doing photo shoots, and I had learned that to stand out in a photo, it was a good idea to wear more makeup than you would wear on the streets. I didn't know if my sisters would know that, so I brought my big makeup kit. As the girls arrived, I offered to let them use my kit. I know at least one took advantage, and I think more than one did. When Nancy arrived, she saw I was dressed in pants and pitched a minor fit. OK - she didn't really pitch a fit. Nancy doesn't do that - she is just very directive, which is appropriate, since she is The General. Anyway, she said to me, "You weren't supposed to wear pants! Didn't you know that?" I told her I didn't. We were in the back in the dressing area at the time. Then she went out to the front to boss someone around (I say this with deep love and a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart, for Nancy is lovely and loving; it is nonetheless true) and she came back with the photographer so he could give us instructions. I had meanwhile removed my pants (to accommodate, her request, of course!). She stood there for a moment and then noticed me standing there in my turtleneck, my sweater and my ballet flats. At this point, she did really have a conniption - I was standing half-dressed in the presence of an unfamiliar man. How was I to know she was bringing him back to the dressing room? I said, "You said 'no pants!' " Of course I did put my pants back on.

We had a great time with the shoot. The photographer was skilled and patient with a bunch of women who thought themselves funny. We wanted to take one photo that was goofy so he let us. Of course, that one is my favorite.

Love to you all - Victoria J Mecham

Holidays You May Not Be Aware Of

Because there is an urgent need for more awareness of all holidays in general, here is a post of all the "Weird Holidays" that deserve more public attention. No, I did not make these up. Yes, they are real holidays.
We've already missed all of January, which included such greats as:
3 - Festival of Sleep Day
6 - Bean Day
8 - JoyGerm Day and Man Watcher's Day
9 - Play God Day
12 - Feast of Fabulous Men Day
21 - Hugging Day
22 - Answer your Cats Question Day
23 - Measure your Feet Day
25 - Opposite Day (my birthday... go figure)

February
This weeks holidays include, but are not limited to:
1 - Serpent Day
2 - Purification Day
3 - Cordova Ice Worm Day
4 - Create a Vacuum Day
5 - Disaster Day
6 - Lame Duck Day
7 - Charles Dickens Day

Note: No clarification is given as to the type of serpent, purification, disaster, etc., and thus is open to interpretation. Celebrate accordingly.

Alice Haddadin