STEAM OFF !!!

So yah, here I am again.
Should I complain about this or not, hmm, maybe I should:

To be honest , I am outraged about A's plans to go to the Movie Theater on Saturday.
I mean, normally there's nothing wrong with this, just not THIS Saturday!!
Reason is, THIS UPCOMING WEEKEND, on SATURDAY, is our 12th Year Anniversary.
So, what A. did was that he went to the PX yesterday Morning and stood in Line to get Free Tickets to a Free Viewing of the Movie  " Thor " at Carey Theater.
Like I've said, normally I'd be all for it..
but at April 30th I had something more, something romantic in Mind.
Like Roses and a romantic Dinner at the Space Needle Restaurant, just the two of us.
Naaaah, he came Home from work telling me that he got the Tickets and that it would be a good and fun Anniversary.  FUN ? - I want romantic. Now say it with me: Ro -man-tic ! Yes, that's right.
But ey, hold up, I didn't really want this "good Anniversary - Thing".
And what kind of a Husband does that ??!
So of course I was as mad as a Hellhound yesterday ( and still am really )
so I had to take a Drive just to steam off...
Now, I tell you, ya'll were lucky not to have been in that Car with me !!
I was cursing up a Storm and could have punched a Hole into the Wall, not caring about the Bricks.
My solution to this now will be that I'll simply treat myself to something nice!

Or what would you do...
if YOU were in my shoes ?

TTFN .

Along came Julia

Though my Childhood was carefree
and I look back on so many cherished Memories,
one Thing that always had brought me much Trouble, mostly with myself, was my red hair.
As a Fact, I've hated my Haircolor for many years, throughout my whole Schooltime.

Eventhough there were many beloved Story Characters who styled a ' Carrot Top ', it was not meant to connect with me. Pippi Longstocking, the superstrong girl who fought Pirates and lived in a big House all by herself, the Pumuckl was a redhaired Cartoon Elf from an 80's childrens TV-Show who lived with an elderly Carpenter, the red Zora was a flame - haired Gypsy girl who was the Leader of a Gang of Boys ...ect.
All these Shows were watched, but nothing really touched me in a Sense that I could identify myself with it.
Being a Redhead was difficult, challenging at at some points even hurtful.
As a Child I've heard many Nicknames, from Spaghetti over Copperhead and Duracel to... well, the not so 'nice' ones. As I grew older and began to have a more sense of Fashion for myself  I had to hit another Brickwall.  - A 13-year old redhaired Girl and NEON Colors just don't mix too well !!  Neon Pink, Green, Yellow and Orange were IN and little me with my 'Natural Colors' was way OUT. Which Teenage girl in the early 90's liked Brown, Beige, Olive, ect... . Well, I did not !!
Anyways, as a Teenager with red Hair I was never too high on Selfesteem, more the Opposite was the case.
And I remember how I went to a Store to get Hairdye, I tried to dye my Hair brown. So yes, Brown was the chosen color and I did everything as directed on the Package. But something went wrong, because I ended up with green Hair, well more Red with a greenish Hint to it! NICE !! As smart Move could have been to join the Gothic and Punk Societies with such a Mane... but no, I went to School and tried to ignore all dumb remarks.

Until one fine Evening, it must have been a Weekend, when my Mother brought me to the Movie Theater.
The Movie ? Pretty Woman !! I was so amazed when I saw the Wig Julia Roberts wore in the Beginning of the Movie laying on the Ground/Pillow... thinking, she must have beautiful brown or even black Hair now... BUT NO,  " they're RED. " she replied to Richard Gere. RED,woah ... I was psyched !! Okay, as we all know today this Movie became a BOXOFFICE HIT and catapulted Julia Roberts instantly to the Top of Superstardom.
Not only that, it seemed to have changed Fashion aswell, because all of a sudden I saw Women who dyed their Hair red, all Shades of it... the redder the better it seemed.

Suddenly, thanks to a 'Pretty Woman', RED was beautiful,
and I had it naturally !  :)

The TAO of the Redhead ...by Holly Nell

 " While working from home, I have plenty of time to catch up on my news. And redheads have been making headlines. Unfortunately, it's not for doing anything other than being redheads.

A Facebook group was created called "Kick a Ginger" Day inspired by a 2005 "South Park" episode in which Cartman calls redheads "evil" and "soulless"and said they suffer from a disease called gingervitis. OK, it's kinda funny. That is until last week when things got serious and kids got hurt.

Several kids at A. E. Wright, a middle school in Calabasas, CA, took the joke too far when they started beating and harassing red headed students. Three of those students face criminal charges and the fourteen year old Vancouver boy who started the Facebook group is also being being investigated and could face charges as well. It made me feel slightly less depressed to read that a group of friends rallied around one of the redheads providing protection as she went from class to class. At least all hope isn't lost for our kind. But the predictions seem so dire. First, we're headed for extinction, then it's proven that we're not just big babies about needles or anesthesia, but are actually genetically inclined to feel more pain (told ya so Mom!) And now this!

Sad to say I know all too well the plight of the redhead. I didn't just grow up a redhead anywhere, I grew up a redhead in South Texas. An identical twin and a redhead. An identical twin, a redhead with freckles, glasses, braces, a few extra pounds and next to zero pigmentation. The only thing that saved me from complete and total social exile was was my enthusiasm for doing other kids homework and my aptitude at the trombone. Yes, I also played the trombone.

Adolescence is cruel for almost any one but add in hair the color of carrots and it was a whole steaming pile of difficult. I heard nicknames like Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite (she had blond hair but c'mon kids can make almost anything seem insulting). When people compared us to someone famous, it was usually Chelsea Clinton (cue sounds of thirteen year old sobbing).

It wasn't even about the hair color, it was about being different. The mob mentality preyed upon on the weak and redheads seem to land firmly in that category. I so desperately wanted to look like the beautiful blondes on Dallas or Cindy Crawford with her luxurious brunette locks. I didn't want to be different. I wanted to be just like everyone else. And then I got older. I lost the weight and grew my hair out. I left the confines of my small Texas town and took trips to San Francisco, New York, and Mexico. And something strange began to happen. Everywhere we went, we were noticed. Not just noticed but admired. We were the red-headed twins. Not a bad thing, something people were intrigued and excited by. People stopped to talk to us. Old ladies touched our hair and told us we were good luck. Men old enough to be our father proposed marriage. It was strangely flattering, all of it, but it wasn't enough to convince me that being a redhead was anything other than a curse.

And, sure enough, one day I made a big decision to leave my redheaded roots behind me. I'd gone to a salon and when the overly enthusiastic stylist convinced me that I desperately needed highlights... $300 highlights (he left that part out). I said yes without any hesititation. When he was finished, I was almost blonde. Barely a trace of my redheaded self remained. I looked in the mirror and I saw a stranger. I hated it and so did most of the people who knew me. It took a few months to grow out and I went back to my natural color (or as close to it as possible). I wasn't upset or ashamed anymore. I'm a redhead dammit, and proud of it.

Of course, I couldn't tell my eight-year old, or twelve-year old or sixteen year old self that but I've figured it out now. Being a redhead gave me the ability to embrace my differences. It allowed me to be okay with not being part of the crowd. It may have even set me on the path of following my dreams, no matter how crazy or farfetched they seemed. Maybe I would've never been inspired to step on stage or pick up a pen and write my own stories. Maybe I'd simply be another peroxide blond in a sea of peroxide blondes. The world has enough Pamela Andersons. I think we need a few more Christina Hendricks!

The South Park spoof was meant as a satire on racism, homophobia and anti-semitism but kids aren't savy enough to understand that. The sad thing is that those gingers who were targeted, who found themselves beaten and humiliated may never embrace their redheaded greatness. They'll L'oreal it away and pretend that's not who they were or they'll soldier on, burdened by their carrot tops, always secretly wishing they were anything but. And that's a shame. Maybe someday someone will start a Hug a Ginger Day or a A Redheads Rule Day. Maybe I will. Because in the end, being a redhead is something I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. " by Holly Nell

 

To be continued @ a later Date !

A low Sunday.

At the end of a few days during the weeks I always look forward to kick back with A. when we can enjoy some good TV-shows together. Afterall, once all the Work is done and when the Kids are in Bed, that is when we get to be " only " a Couple again.

Though our Taste in Television varies, we do enjoy  to watch Shows together. Mondays are usually ' Being Human ' and ' Harry's Law ' to watch... oh yah, and also ' Chuck ' ( A. is a big Fan ). Tuesday we relax on the Sofa to ' No Ordinary Family ' ... Wednesday evenings I get chills watching ' Ghosthunters ' by myself, when on Thursday we switch to ' Fairly legal ' and/or ' Royal Pains ' ( whenever it shows ).

Oh yeah, and whatever happened to ' Sanctuary ' and ' Haven ' ?? I really liked those Shows and wish they'd be brought back !!

Me personally, I like ' The History Channel ' and everything simular to it... and on Fridays I solo a ' Freaky Friday ' in my Livingroom if I'm in the Mood to.

Today was prettymuch a low day, nothing really big went on. A. and I decided to bring a Bike to the Shop for repairs, had a quick stop at Gamestop for Erin's DSi ( ssshhhh, Easter Bunny ! ). The Kiddos played Lego after returning from Church while A. and I read Books in the Livingroom. We had  Irish Stew for Dinner and then went to see ' Red Riding Hood ' at the Movies. Home again we chose to play a round of  SORRY, then it was OFF TO BED for all 3 Boys !! - Only the 2 dogs and I are still awake. So yah, it was a quiet yet nice Sunday... and after walking the Fluffs I should go and hit the Hay aswell.

Goodnight everyone

and a great Start to another great Week to you ! :)

A little Piece of Ireland.

My Hubby and I are huge Fans of Ireland. There were, and still are, Times when we google Properties for sale at the green Isle. My Husband was born there so his Connection to the Land is far more stronger.
Maybe one Day we'll spend our Retirement Days there, living in a little House in the Countryside, with 2 Horses and Dogs. Well, honestly said, we always thought it would be just perfect for an American/German Family to live at: The Language spoken is , of course, English and the Location would be great aswell. It wouldn't take longer than 6 hours to fly either way, nomatter if to the Eastcoast of the USA or towards european-centered Germany.

But for now I'll dream of that ONE Day to come, maybe, put in an Irish Music CD, go " Green " for St. Patrick's Day and pamper my Family with irish Goodies...

LIKE THIS 1 HERE :

Hot Crab and Cheese on Muffins

4 English Muffins, 1 Tablespoon Butter, 3 green chopped Onions, 1/3 Cup chopped red Bellpepper, 1/2 Pound fresh Crabmeat ( Pikes Place Market ) drained and flaked, 2 Teaspoons of Hot Pepper Sauce, 1 Cup shredded Cheddar Cheese and 1 Cup of shredded Monterey Jack

Preheat Broiler. Place Muffinhalves on greased Baking sheet. Broil 4 inches from Heat 2 minutes or until Muffins are lightly toasted. Place on large microwavable plate.
Melt Butter in a medium Skillet over medium Heat. Add green Onions and Bellpeppers, cook and stir for 3 to 4 Minutes or until tender - Then remove from Heat, stir in Crabmeat, Hot Pepper Sauce and Cheeses. Spoon about 1/3 cup Crab Mixture onto Muffinhalves.
Microwave on High for 1 to 2 Minutes, rotating platter once, or until Crab Mixture is heated through.
- Serve with White Wine -

Die Santa Claus Verschwoerung!

So da war es nun Dezember 2010 und Mama Carter machte sich auf den Weg ins etwas entfernte Einkaufszentrum, auch genannt ' The South Hill Mall ', um die Geschenke fuer Santa und das Christkind  fest zu legen. Sie schnappte ihre beiden Jungen und eilte mit ihnen in der Silberkutsche - heute Hyundai SantaFe genannt - davon.
Nach einigem Hin und Her im grossen Gebaeude trafen sie auf eine Ansammlung von Menschen. Frauen und vor allem Kinder in ihren feinsten weihnachtlichen Gewaendern erwarteten gespannt das Erscheinen des Einen... Santa Claus ! Bald waren Mama Carter's Boys ebenfalls in der Reihe, und ehe sie sich versah schon auf des Roten Mannes Knien. 4 Elfen tanzten wie in Euphorie um ihm herum und schossen unaufhoerlich mit Blitzgeraeten - heute Foto Kameras genannt -  auf ihn und ihre Kinder ein.
Sie stand da und konnte es nichtmehr aufhalten... . Was sollte das ? 9 Bilder entstanden aus dieser Sitzung!
Jedoch was einer der Elfen zu Mama Carter sagte liess sie nichtmehr los, es klammert sich noch heute, einen ganzen Monat spaeter, an ihre Erinnerungen.
Als ihre unschuldigen Buben auf dem Schoss des weiss-baertigen und im roten Samt gekleideten Mannes sassen kam ploetzlich einer der Leitelfen - ' the Head Elf ' - auf sie zu, dieser Wichtel in Strumpfhosen sprach mit lustiger Stimme dass ihr Aeltester dem Weihnachtsmanne nicht traue, ihn am Bart zog und wagte dessen Echtheit in Frage zu stellen.
Daraufhin hat Santa Claus erwiedert dass er nur dem Aelteren ein ganz besonderes Geschenk machen wird, das dieser schwankte, drohte seinen Glauben in die Magie Weihnachtens zu verlieren !
Sollte das Heranwachsen ihrer Jungs Mama Carter Kopfschmerzen machen ? Natuerlich war dieses Gespraech nur unter 4 Augen, Mama Carter und dem Elf , und nicht fuer einen der Jungs.

Eine Woche vor Heiligabend rannte Mama nun durch die Strassen Lacey's und Lakewood's um nach diesem einen besonderen Geschenk zu suchen. Sie suchte nach etwas beteutungsvollem, nach etwas das den Glauben an kindliche Magie wieder erwecken wuerde. Sie gruebelte und gruebelte, ... da ploetzlich  hatte sie die einleuchtende Idee : Eine kleine Glocke ! Eine Glocke die sie in einem der vielen Geschenkelaeden fand, mit geschnitztem Halter in Form eines Weihnachtsmannes, handbemalt und einem goldenem Glockenrock, einfach perfekt.

Christmas in Germany

It's December now, and eventhough I don't really feel like it, I get ready for this jolly Season, decorate the House and bake Cookies.
German Families usually prepare for Christmas throughout December. 4 Sundays before Christmas they craft an Adventswreath of Fir or Pine branches with 4 Candles. then they light a Candle on the Wreath every Sunday, sing Songs, tell Stories and eat Cookies.
German Kids count the Days until Christmas with the Help of a Advents Calendar, each day they open a little door or bag to see a Christmas picture hidden inside... or find Choclate. In the weeks leading to christmas German Homes are filled with the smell of Sweet Bread, Christmas Stollen Loaves and spiced Cookies called Lebkuchen - Gingerbread.
When you walk through the Streets you'll see the festive Decorations, the Bakery Windows are filled with Displays of Sugar Eclaires and lovely Marzipan confections in the Shape of Animals, some are also filled with Nougat. We liked the famous Outdoor Christmas Markets best. The Stalls overflow with all Sorts of Items, Holiday Toys, Gifts, Decorations and Delicacies. Adults can warm up to a nice Cup of Spiced Wine and Kids enjoy a Cider.
Many german Kids write Letters to not Santa but St. Nicholas, and so do my Kids, asking for Presents. Btw., St. Nicholas Day is December 6th. Other Children send their Letters to the Christkind ( Christ Child ). In some Areas, the Christ Child brings Gifts to the Children on St. Nicholas Day and in other Regions on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is the most important Time of the Season for Families.- Some even say it's a magical  Night when Animals can speak. The Tradition of the Christmas Tree, which started in Germany, is the Heart of the Celebration. Of course, like everyone else today, this Evergreen Tree will be decorated with Ornaments... Ornaments which are sometimes handed down within the Family from one Generation to the next, made of Glass, Silver, carved Wood and strings of Light. And then a golden Angel is placed on the Top. Under the Tree Families arrange a Nativity Scene and Parents pile all the Presents from the Christkind beneath the boughs. So, we do celebrate Christmas twice since we live in Tacoma : Once on Christmas Eve and once on Christmas Day. Usually on the 24th, just after dark, a bell rings in our House and Erin and Brendan run to see the Christmas Tree sparkle and the Livingroom lit up by Candles. Then we exchange Gifts brought by the Christkind, read Stories,... ect. On the 25th, in the Morning, we hear the Kids open Presents oncemore, this Time delivered by Santa Claus. Most german Families enjoy a Roast, Turkey or Duck...BUT this Year I'll try my Luck on a Goose or Salmon Filet with baked Bree (?) !!! - Wish me LUCK :)
In some Parts of Germany, Families still follow the old Tradition. When Children leave their Winterboots outside the Front Door on December 6th. The Kids filled the Shoes with Carrots, Apples and Hay to feed St. Nicholas Horses as he rides by. If the Kids were good all Year St. Nicholas leaves Apples, Orages, Nuts and Candy for them. On Christmas Day the white Candle of the Adventswreath is lit. This Day is always quietly focused on Family... And I'll try my Best to keep it that way! Families attend Church together and enjoy a delicious Family Dinner.
And there we come to the more pagan Part of  a German Christmas: For the following 12 Days of Christmas, People in some Parts of Germany - mainly in Bavaria and the Mountain Regions - beat Drums while strolling through the Streets to drive off evil / bad Spirits. On the 12th Night, or Epiphany, on January 6th, Boys dress up like the Three Kings who visited Baby Jesus so long ago. They carry a Star on a Pole and go through the Town singing Christmas Carols and Blessings. They stop at every House along their way to say a Poem and a Prayer for all who open the Doors to them, smoke the House with Inscence and write a Blessing above the Door. - The usual accepted Payment for this is Sweets for the ' Sternen Singer '.
In the Days after this the Families put away their Christmas Decorations for another Year, until December rolls around again.