Monday, July 13, 2009
Travel woes!
I really dread traveling on an airplane these days. Today was a day of frustration that supported that dread!I left my house at 7:00 AM to drive to the airport, park my car, check in my luggage, and go sit and wait by the gate for my 8:30 AM departure.
The first sign of trouble reared it's ugly head when the American Airlines gate agent told us at 8:10 AM that the maintenance crew had to look at the aircraft and there might be a slight delay.
8:40 AM, the maintenance crew has determined that there's a small fuel leak and it may need to be repaired, so expect further delays.
9:30 AM rolls around and we're told that another maintenance crew will have to drive in from a bigger city with replacement parts and it'd take them an hour and a half to two hours to get to our airport and then another couple of hours to actually repair the slight fuel leak. Apparently there are no back-up jets to replace our broken one.
I immediately started requesting a different flight, only to be told that pretty much all other flights were overbooked up, with one cancelled, until at least their 2:40 PM. So, I insisted that AA get me a flight out on a different airline.
The gate agent found me a flight on Delta Airlines, departing at 12:30 PM, arriving at my final destination of Ft. Walton Beach airport at 9 PM (with a layover in Atlanta). I wasn't thrilled with the change in plans, considering that I was supposed to arrive in Ft. Walton Beach at 4 PM, had all gone according to plan, but I took what I could get.
So, I had to exit security, get my checked bag from American Airlines baggage claim, go check in at the Delta ticket counter, go back through security, and wait about 2 hours to board the 12:30 PM flight. Thankfully that flight left on time.
When I got to Atlanta and went to the gate that the Departures/Arrivals monitors instructed me to go to, I found out that the outgoing flight was going to be delayed 30 minutes.
In the course of waiting, we were shuffled between 2 different gates before Delta finally settled on the one our plane would leave out of.
The delay ended up being 1 hour.
So, instead of arriving in Ft. Walton Beach, FL at 4 PM, I arrived at 10:15 PM! I traveled a total of 14 hours today (thanks to delayed flights and long layovers), from leaving my house to arriving at my hotel. 14 hours to travel within the United States! Incredible! I have been beyond frustrated the entire day!!!
And I'm astonished at how the airlines are nickel and dimming their customers! Delta was renting blankets for $3 (or maybe it was $5), selling headphones for $5, snacks and lunches for $5-$8, internet access in the air for $9 per flight, and movies could be purchased too. I'm not sure what those cost because I was so inundated with their sales pitch for everything else that I finally just tuned them out by listening to my iPod!
So, let's see. These days airline ticket prices are much higher than they were just a year ago, there are less flights to choose from, almost all flights are overbooked and if, Heaven forbid, your flight is cancelled, it takes an act of God to get onto another one (because all the other ones are overbooked and there's fewer flights to choose from). And once you actually make it on the overpriced seat that you paid for, you have to be prepared to shell out even more money for every cotton picking thing!
It's no wonder fewer people are traveling during this recession.
It's been a FRUSTRATING day to say the least!
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.
Labels: business travel
Saturday, July 11, 2009
A handful of fun pictures!
I thought I'd share some cute pics of the kids.
The other day I found some cute bug umbrellas on sale, so I picked two up for the kids. Here they are trying them out one rainy evening this week.
Here's Snuggle Bug standing proud with his umbrella. Notice the superhero cape that he's wearing? That was one of the best things I've ever made and Snuggle Bug wears it constantly still!
Snuggle Bug swimming to Oronzo. He's even gotten brave enough to jump off the side of the pool and swim back to the steps!
Boo swimming out to Oronzo. Can you believe she's already swimming short distances (about 8 feet at a time) at only 2 years old?!
The other day I found some cute bug umbrellas on sale, so I picked two up for the kids. Here they are trying them out one rainy evening this week.
Here they are, walking down the sidewalk with their matching umbrellas!
Here's little miss Boo trying to twirl her umbrella. Yes, her hair is almost down to her waist and she's only 2 year & 5 months old! Isn't it amazing!
Here's Snuggle Bug standing proud with his umbrella. Notice the superhero cape that he's wearing? That was one of the best things I've ever made and Snuggle Bug wears it constantly still!The past 2 months the kids have had private lessons at our house. Believe it our not, it's ended up being less expensive than the swim school we had Snuggle Bug going to for the past 2 years.
Up until now, both Snuggle Bug and Boo have been afraid of the water and rather reluctant to do what their swim instructor asks of them in the water.
But this weekend we had a breakthrough. Something clicked and now both kids are actually swimming independently in the pool for short distances! Hooray! We're so excited!
Here are a couple of pictures of them swimming.
Snuggle Bug swimming to Oronzo. He's even gotten brave enough to jump off the side of the pool and swim back to the steps!
Boo swimming out to Oronzo. Can you believe she's already swimming short distances (about 8 feet at a time) at only 2 years old?!I hope you enjoyed my little slideshow!
Labels: Boo, family, Snuggle Bug, swimming
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
A bit of progress on Boo's case.
We got a wee bit of good news about Boo’s case today! The CPS worker confirmed that Boo’s case file has officially been transferred from CPS to the adoption agency that is contracted to do all the adoptions for our state.So, we got the severance ruling in March and it’s taken nearly 4 months for her case to be transferred to the adoption agency! It shouldn’t have taken this long, but apparently Boo has been in the system these past 24 months without CPS having a certified copy of her birth certificate or a copy of her social security card and the adoption agency wouldn’t accept her file without these documents in it.
It took the CPS worker 4 months to get her hands on them, in large part because she had to send away for them in another state and because Boo’s legal name is so convoluted that it was listed one way on her birth certificate, another way on her social security card, and CPS had a third version of her full name given to them. How strange is that?!
Still no news on the appeals process. To our knowledge, Boo’s case has not gotten in front of the higher court of appeals for the final ruling. We have no idea when this will happen. We’re praying that it will happen soon so that we can finalize her adoption before the end of this year!
Still no news on the appeals process. To our knowledge, Boo’s case has not gotten in front of the higher court of appeals for the final ruling. We have no idea when this will happen. We’re praying that it will happen soon so that we can finalize her adoption before the end of this year!In our hearts and minds (and in those of our family and close friends), Boo is already a most valued member of our family. We just want the legal documents finalizing this so we can have this cloud of worry of the remote possibility of her being taken away from us removed from over our heads!
I tell you, on the day we finalize her adoption, there will be much rejoicing! I may even post full-on pictures of her and the rest of my little family celebrating that day for you all to see.
I tell you, on the day we finalize her adoption, there will be much rejoicing! I may even post full-on pictures of her and the rest of my little family celebrating that day for you all to see.
Labels: Boo, foster children, foster-to-adopt, fostering
Monday, July 06, 2009
This is what happens when a 4 year old is in possession of scissors.
Snuggle Bug has had kid scissors for over a year now. He usually only uses them when supervised. I've kept them in his top dresser drawer and thought nothing of it....until this past weekend when we woke up and found our couch cut up to shreds in several places!Apparently Snuggle Bug decided the couch fabric needed cutting. Oh, and he decided his mattress and his sheets needed cutting too.
I suspect this cutting frenzy was prompted by his fascination with my sewing (he likes to sit on a stool and watch me work at my cutting/sewing table).
Well, now I'm putting my hand-sewing skills to work. I'm using transparent thread to repair the couch fabric.
Well, now I'm putting my hand-sewing skills to work. I'm using transparent thread to repair the couch fabric.His sheets I threw away. His mattress I simply turned over (to hide the cut side) for now.
As for his scissors, they've met with an untimely death. Oronzo threw them in the garbage and said he won't get another set until he's about 40.
I guess I can be thankful it wasn't his hair or our leather furniture that he cut!
Labels: family, Snuggle Bug
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
When did kids bedroom furniture get so expensive?!
So, we're in the market for a new bed (and if I have my way, a new bedroom set) for Snuggle Bug. In specific, I want a twin bed with a trundle so that his little friends have a place to sleep when he starts doing sleepovers. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the idea of bunk beds yet, although I know he'd be thrilled. He's only 4 1/2 years old. I'd worry about him falling off in the midst of climbing up the ladder.
I've done research online and I must say I'm a bit shocked at the prices! Oronzo seems to think he's going to walk into a furniture store and walk out with a bed for $200. I told him that I seriously doubt he'll get anything of any quality for $200 (I don't want a metal frame for a bed)...and that's not even considering the additional cost of the mattress.
Here's a set I kind of like. Want to guess the price?
This white bed & trundle is $448 + S/H.
I've done research online and I must say I'm a bit shocked at the prices! Oronzo seems to think he's going to walk into a furniture store and walk out with a bed for $200. I told him that I seriously doubt he'll get anything of any quality for $200 (I don't want a metal frame for a bed)...and that's not even considering the additional cost of the mattress.
Here's a set I kind of like. Want to guess the price?
On sale for $400 + S/H (about $100 for that, I believe). No mattress included.
This bed & trundle is about $450 + S/H, not including mattresses.
This white bed & trundle is $448 + S/H.I like the white only because the rest of Snuggle Bug's furniture pieces (dresser, bookshelves) are white so it'd match.
If I had my way, I'd love to invest in an entire bedroom set for Snuggle Bug (and eventually for Boo too). Sure, he's only 4 1/2 and really doesn't care, but it'd nice to get something of quality that would last him into at least his pre-teen years.
This is what I'd love to get:
This set, priced at $1,450.00 (free S/H) includes:
- Bed: headboard, footboard and siderails in either twin or full size
- Dresser and Mirror: 6 drawer design and portrait style mirror
- Chest: 5 drawer design
- Nightstand: 2 drawer design
- Trundle: pull out bed
Unfortunately, Oronzo says there's no way he's spending that kind of money on a 4 1/2 year old. ((sigh))
I'm not sure what we'll end up getting. Wish me luck in trying to search out the best prices!
Labels: home, kids furniture, Snuggle Bug
Friday, June 26, 2009
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Lunch Box Meals Edition)
Happy Friday! It's time for my Favorite Ingredients Friday Lunch Box Meals Edition!
Sorry to get this post up so late in the morning. It's been rather busy in our household. I hope you'll join in on this one because I'm really hoping to get some fun lunch box meal ideas from you all!
The sandwhich recipe I'm about to share with you is one that I found on a fun blog, Parents.com. The kids actually really enjoy this. I made them test it out at home before I packed it for their lunch.
Almond Butter Sandwich
2 slices whole wheat bread
almond butter
slivered almonds
dried cranberries
Assemble and use a large cookie cutter to cut into a shape before putting it into the lunch box!
Now I look forward to seeing your Favorite Ingredients Lunch Box Meals Edition recipe!
Don't forget to link your specific recipe post link on Mr. Linky so I can see what's cooking at your house!
Oh, and be sure to put the title of your recipe in parenthesis! It makes it so much quicker for me to go back and search for recipes as I build my weekly menu.
For guidelines and my past Favorite Ingredients Friday recipes, click here.
Thanks so much for your participation. I do appreciate it!
Labels: cooking, Favorite Ingredients Friday, recipe exchange
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Product Review: Aroma Professional Rice Cooker & Food Steamer ARC-1000
A while back I got an email from Tricia with Aroma Housewares Company with information on their Aroma Professional Rice Cooker & Food Steamer (the ARC-1000 model). She offered to send me one to try and review on my blog!I do love kitchen gadgets (Oronzo might say I have an addition to them) and I was quite excited to open this beautiful, digital rice cooker.
As I took it out of it's box and started reading the instruction manual, and then recipe booklet, I knew that this wasn't going to be a situation where I'd use it once and offer up a review. I wanted to use it several times before I posted anything on my blog.
Let me just say, that our family really loves this rice cooker! Truly, we do.
This isn't just a simple rice cooker. The Aroma Rice Cooker has an easy-to-use digital control panel with multiple features: White Rice, Brown Rice, Quick Rice, Smart Steam and 15-Hour Delay Timer Sensor Logic™ technology self-adjusts for consistent, restaurant-quality results. You just put in the rice and water, close the top, push a button and it does all the rest!
This rice cooker will prepare up to 20 cups of rice and keep it warm for up to 12 hours. When it's just the four of us, we usually only prepare 4 cups of cooked rice but we had friends over one night and I used it to prepare a much larger batch.
The "Quick Rice" function cuts my cooking time down approximately 10-15 minutes when I'm in a hurry. Or, I can plan ahead and use the delay timer to set the time that the rice will finish cooking, up to 15 hours in advance.
Here's the best part, I can use the "Smart Steam" feature and the steam tray that's included to steam meat or veggies, separately or simultaneously while the rice is also steaming, to create delicious all-in-one meals! No more dragging out my two pot All Clad steamer to boil water on the stovetop for steaming. I love that I can have everything cooking at once!Believe it or not, you can use this cooker to prepare oatmeal, soups, stews, desserts, and much more! The Aroma digital rice cooker includes recipe booklet with a lot of great recipes (the marinara chicken fettucini and the pepper steak burritos are two of our favorites). Plus you can go to the Aroma website and find even more scrumptious recipes to choose from!
Now, I have had one challenge with this rice cooker. The inner pot has a dark, non-stick coating for easy clean-up but the lines inside used to measure how much water to put in the pot are rather difficult to see. I've had to get used to putting the inner pot under very good light to see those lines and my first attempt was a disaster (I put too much water in and ended up with gooey rice). Thankfully my future attempts have been a success!
Beyond that slight challenge, I'm really impressed with this Aroma Professional Rice Cooker and Food Steamer!
If you'd like more information on the ARC-1000 professional rice cooker and food steamer, or other amazing kitchen products, stop by the Aroma Housewares Company site for more information.
Thanks, Tricia, for sending me one to review!
Labels: cooking, product review
Monday, June 22, 2009
Recent Struggles with Boo
Nap and bedtime has become such a struggle with Boo since I've returned from my CA trip. When I try to lay her down for a nap or at bedtime, she instantly starts pitching a fit and screams until she's hoarse because she doesn't want to go to sleep. Her tantrum is horrible, with her trying to lash out by hitting me and throwing things off of her bed.
Nothing works to calm her down so I end up having to walk away and just let her throw her fit until she falls asleep from sheer exhaustion.
It really stresses me out and it doesn't help when Oronzo tells me she doesn't do this for him.
I don't know if this is happening because she's angry that I left her for 7 days, or if my being gone brought up all her fears of abandonment from her first year of instability. I'm not sure if she's just throwing these huge tantrums because she's 2 and stubborn by nature.
I just know that my heart aches to see her struggling with her emotions so much.
Any suggestions on how to help her through this?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Sweet chicks
I'm not sure if I mentioned this yet or not, but we have some new baby chicks!
So, does anyone else have chickens?
Oronzo decided that getting some baby chicks would be a good thing (he had chickens when he was growing up as a kid).
At first I wasn't thrilled with having chickens. Sure, fresh eggs are probably much better than store bought, but I wasn't sure it'd be worth the hassle.
Oronzo was determined. He said he'd build a chicken coop for them to live in and that he'd take care of them.
So, we now have 4 chicks. The kids adore them. Take a look!
So, does anyone else have chickens?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Favorite Ingredients Friday (Pasta with Grape Tomatoes)
Good Friday to you all! It's time for another Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe exchange! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!
Check out my upcoming themed schedule below:
Upcoming 2009 "Themed" Schedule
June 26- Lunchbox Meals Edition
July 3- 4th of July Edition
This has become one of my favorite pasta dishes, especially since we planted cherry tomato plants in our backyard garden. I found this recipe on The Italian Chef. Enjoy!
This has become one of my favorite pasta dishes, especially since we planted cherry tomato plants in our backyard garden. I found this recipe on The Italian Chef. Enjoy!
Pasta with Grape Tomatoes
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large garlic cloves sliced thin
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 large basil leaves, chopped
salt to taste
1 pound spaghettini pasta
freshly grated Parmagiano-Reggiano cheese for serving
Directions
1. Add olive oil and garlic to a large saute pan over medium heat. Cook until garlic is lightly browned, then add the
sliced tomatoes, red pepper flake, basil, and salt.
2. Saute the tomatoes until they are softened and have started to release their juices, about 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of liberally salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente.
4. Strain pasta and transfer to the saute pan with the sauce and toss until completely coated.
5. Dish out into individual serving bowls and serve with grated Parmagiano-Reggiano.
Now, I look forward to seeing your Favorite Ingredients Friday recipe!
Don't forget to link your specific recipe post link on Mr. Linky so I can see what's cooking at your house!
Oh, and be sure to put the title of your recipe in parenthesis! It makes it so much quicker for me to go back and search for recipes as I build my weekly menu.
For guidelines and my past Favorite Ingredients Friday recipes, click here.
Thanks so much for your participation. I do appreciate it!
Labels: cooking, Favorite Ingredients Friday, recipe exchange
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Heading home!
Hooray! I'm packing up and heading home today!I've been in CA for a full week now and I'm quite ready to be at home with Oronzo, Snuggle Bug, and Boo!
We've kept in touch via phone and iChat video conferences and that has helped but I can't wait to get home and get some hugs and kisses!
Labels: business travel
Monday, June 15, 2009
Pretend Play
Oronzo and I chatted today and he told me something cute that the kids did today.This afternoon they made a blanket tent. Then Snuggle Bug backed up his favorite pillow and blankie into his Spiderman backpack, took Boo's hand, and called out to Oronzo, "Daddy, we're going to CA to see Mama. Bye!"
Oronzo watched as the two of them went into their blanket tent (a.k.a. their plane) and headed for CA!
How cute is that?! I just love the pretend play that we're seeing with Snuggle Bug and Oronzo. It's adorable.
Okay, time for me to hop on iChat so I can do a video chat with the family. Later.
Labels: business travel, family, playtime
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Anyone live in the Lancaster, CA area?
I'm heading to Lancaster, CA for work. I'll be here through Thursday afternoon.
Anyone live in this area?
Any recommendations on fun places to go when I'm not at work?
Labels: business travel
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Family Reunions
This weekend I'm in San Francisco, CA attending a family reunion for my extended family on my dad's side. I arrived in CA on Thursday afternoon.On my flight to CA, I mentioned to a fellow airline passenger that I was flying in for a family reunion and he commented, "Oh, good luck with that. I know those can be hard."
I assured him that I was very excited about this family reunion because my dad's family was a lot of fun! I haven't been disappointed.
So far, this family reunion has been filled with house remodeling tours, reminiscing, joke telling, lots of laughter, marveling at how our families have expanded, hugs, and cooking good food together!
There's something wonderful about connecting with extended family that you haven't seen in a long time! There's a comfortable camaraderie that falls into place instantaneously, as if you hadn't been apart at all.
My sister and I are sharing a hotel room (she lives in another state too). As we were getting ready to drift off to sleep last night I said, "Remember how we used to stay up all night talking?"
She replied, "I remember you scaring the crap out of me in recounting all of those horror stories you'd read!"
We probably spent a good our talking in the dark, laughing about old times. It was lovely!
In my opinion, family reunions are good for the soul and I'm thankful that I'm able to attend this one!
Labels: extended family, family, family reunion
