Grit!

Howdy! It's the day after the longest day.....on Thursdays, I get up at 5 am to run to class and clinical for 6 hours. Then I run home to shower and eat a peanut butter sandwich then head to campus to teach a four hour class. Am I tired? Uh, yep....Fridays are lost days as I try to work my energy back up. With that said, Diva and I are sitting here together as I type my thoughts and she enjoys her morning nap.

Yesterday was tough for ole BPM.....there is a school policy that if a student shows up late for a practicum, he or she must be sent home. No exceptions....oye! As I sat with my group at 6:30 a, I looked around and was missing the most diligent, perfectionist, Type A student that I have ever had. Yikes! All I could think of was that she had an accident or was dead.....When she arrived at 7, I had to send her home because of the  late policy. I had no choice as I called the course coordinator who also did not want to send her home, but had to.....anyway.....flash forward to 8pm last night.....



As I was teaching with a burst of Snickers energy, one of the instructors knocked on my door and mentioned that my tired little perfectionist was still crying. Oye! That's 12 hours of crying which was induced by me. She also had not eaten all day and was about to drop over....my fault again....

The instructor did her best to calm her and then two of her friends took her out for food. It was not a pretty day for us. As I look back on it, I know that she did not deliberately sleep through 4 alarms and that she was completely and utterly exhausted. College can do that for a person, so I started to think about a research study that I had read during the summer on grit.



Yeah, grit....Not True grit, but real grit! Grit is a determination to achieve your goals when all is against you. A person who is gritty does not stop until the goal is actualized. I believe that my son is gritty and therefore will make it. On the other hand, I have always known that I was not the brightest bulb in the arsenal and therefore had to work harder to achieve my personal and professional goals. I also know that no one is going to hand you anything, you must work for it.



With that said, last night in class, we took the Grit survey. Click on this link for more information on grit and take the test. I scored a 4.25 out of 5. I think that my score makes me one gritty gal. How about you?

Have a great day! 

Queen of the supermarket

Good morning! This is a very early morning post since I had to drop Tink and dad off at the airport. It was so early that Starbucks was not open yet as I drove by to make absolutely sure that it was closed, I spooked the kid who was filling the salads in the dark. Yep, she never turned on the lights so my headlights scared the heck out of her. Ah, no big deal although I must admit there is absolutely nothing on television before 7 am.



As I watch the Fox and Friends news (truly, there is nothing on), it seems that Tom Hanks has been named the nicest guy in Hollywood. As I think about it, I can see it. I like the guy and can see myself having a glass of boxed wine with him chatting about the weather. After all, he is the iconic Forrest Gump. Interestingly, the big kid rewatched Forrest this week and commented that he felt Jenny had taken advantage of Forrest. I did not see that in the movie, but he did. I thought that Jenny was misguided and loved Forrest in her own way. We have agreed to disagree on this issue.

Another newsy tidbit that I have is that Halloween is the second biggest candy holiday of the year. Candy corn was once known as 'chicken feed'. Lastly, a full moon on Halloween is as rare as me finding enough cash in the bottom of my pocketbook for a cup of coffee.

And so you have it....on to last night's big smack down in the mountains as the team was broken in half for the end of fall ball. At the end of the week, there will be come broken hearts who will be cut. For now, my big guy is safe.

As I mentioned yesterday, I had a strong desire to attend last night's game 'cause I knew that he would play. As usual, I was and continue to be...wrong. It seems that he was set to close but first the score was lopsided, so there was no need for a closer. Then his team came back to win in the bottom of the 9th so he did not need to pitch. Mind you, it was 30ish degrees there and he needed enough time to
warm up his arm.      

The coaches promised him that he would play today. Sadly, I won't be making the climb up the mountain since it's the big Homecoming anniversary football game. Here are the details:



Big M was the star player and captain of the city championship team that won 40 (gulp) years ago. I was there and remember when he caught the winning touchdown pass in the end zone as the team pulled out a narrow victory. I cannot tell you who I went with or sat with at the game but I absolutely have the winning catch in the corner of the end zone in my mind.



Today, at Homecoming, the school will honor the team at half time. Nephew Tuna will be on the field as nose tackle. Big M is the master of ceremony. It should be a lot of fun since I have not been to homecoming....ever....will I see anyone that I know? Hmmm...maybe....will I recognize them? Hmmmm...probably not. You see, I had over 900 kids in my graduating class. Therefore for me to recognize someone as a classmate, they will have to hit me on the head and tell me their name and that he or she sat behind me in geometry. Although I would like to see a few selected guys again. They helped me to get through physics. I was so clueless that when the guys around me tried to cheat off my paper, they reverse cheated. Yeah, they knew that I had no clue  from the looks of my answers, so they whispered the actual answers to me. Hey, I did not ask for their help. I knew that I was absolutely helpless in this class. But they took pity on me and did not want to see me buried in numbers and vectors. Believe it or not, it was two years later when I was in college that physics finally made sense. Do I use it now? What do you think? I don't even know my math tables anymore. And with the computer, my handwriting is now chicken scratch.



Speaking of bad handwriting, as I type this note and am a bit nostalgic about my school days, I do remember a time in the fourth grade. I had a very very very old nun. She was mean too. Anyway, she was calling kids up to the front of the class to place a piece of straw into the manger since it was Christmas. When she called my name, she told me to sit down because my handwriting was so bad that I did not deserve to put any straw into baby Jesus's manger. Yep, arrest me....I could not make a capital Q or Z without messing up the Palmer Method. Another kid and me were the only ones in the class that day who did not make the baby's bed of straw. Now that is something that I do recall and was horrific at the time. I am pretty sure that I am scarred by it which could be one of the reasons why I am a bit nutso today. I cannot blame BP grandmom or grandpop for this one....

Oh man....on Fox and Friends, the chef is making pumpkin dumplings and pumpkin risotto. Dang, I am hungry......

Well, it is time for me to think about getting caught up on some work. With Tink and dad out of the house for the weekend, I am feeling a bit like Tom Cruise as he danced in the foyer with his RayBans on. Do I miss them? Uh, sure. Of course....you bet....it's just me and Diva until Tuesday.

By the way, our Tink has a job and is returning to school! Can anyone say: "Produce" or "Paper or plastic?" Bruce Springsteen sings a song, "The Queen of the Supermarket." Could he be singing about our Tink? That's right....she is now a member of the illustrious supermarket industry. This is great for me. I may never have to stand in line again. Although, she said that it is against policy for me to go through her line in the supermarket. Frankly, I will stay away and let her focus on her bagging and re-stocking....  After all, there is a special on canned pumpkin this week.

Ok, I have rambled on enough...more coming about homecoming and the big scrimmage today.

Perspective

Happy Birthday to my pal, Ice....many more, kiddo!


Good Saturday afternoon! I am posting later in the day because I have not had a chance to sit down, drink coffee, and think. I rose early out of bed to take the Sh'Bam class and once I returned home, I started my culinary therapy. What's that?



Well, culinary therapy is my way of coping when things are rough. I am a bit worried about Big M and the family and have a few deadlines coming up. Further, I teach leadership and was told that in the other classes, my students are not acting like leaders. Therefore, I have to have a home spun, come to the wood shed type of conversation with this group of students.




Why? Well, a leader does not lose his or her patience and yell at a peer. Also, a leader does not wear a skin tight muscle shirt to a post conference. Also, a leader is always prepared. And so, it's time for my pseudo-leaders to come to mama and learn a few things or two or twenty.



As far as culinary therapy is concerned, it's the only way I know how to stay focused and help a bit. I am making chicken tortilla soup, granola bites, chocolate bombs, and hershey kiss pretzel bites. Once everything is done, I'll drop it off at the hospital for Big sis and the family as they think about healing and not about food. Big M has a huge family and so it's like an open house in his room. He is never alone and has the love and support of not only family but the community.



On to the big kid....he called a few minutes ago to complain about fatigue...so tired....beaten up....exhausted...hasn't had a day off in weeks.....

Hmmm....yes, hmmmm....his phone call came at a bad time and so, I kindly and gently let him have it....

"You know that I love you, right?"

-"Yeah...."

"Ok, well, I am here baking, creating, and cooking for Big M. He might have cancer at the worst; and at the best, an arrhythmia that needs an internal defibrillator."

-"I know...how is he doing?"

"Well, he is having a biopsy on Monday. You call and complain about being tired after playing too much baseball. I have to say, that I do not feel sorry for you and think that you should consider your priorities when you decide to complain about a lifestyle that we have worked to give you. By the way, dad works 7 days a week and has not had a day off either."

-"Ok, bye."



And with that, our conversation ended.....I doubt if I will hear from him again today. And so it goes, as I continue to work on my students and their leadership skills, I am also seeking to teach my own children about priorities and putting their suffering or struggles in perspective. As a society, we are all dealing with something that may be construed as tough until you open your eyes and look around. My life....not so tough, when I gaze at the homeless and hungry....sick and infirm...the lonely and sad. Tink and I volunteer at the Food Cupboard in town. Now those people have troubles as they cannot afford groceries. It's all perspective, my children...all perspective.....






OK, enough of my soapbox.

It's time for me to finish the food and work on a project that is way passed due. Have a great day......

Here are two amazingly simple, sinful, and yummy recipes:

Chicken Tortilla Soup:

SAUTEE in olive oil and butter: couple chopped carrots
couple celery stalks
1 onion

Then ADD:1 can of whole tomatoes + juice
2 cups of chicken stock
1 jar of salsa (whatever heat level you prefer)
1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can of white cannelloni beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can of green chili peppers (it is smaller than a tuna fish can size)
1 large whole chicken breast (shredded) or small whole chicken
Corn (about half a package of frozen)

SEASONING:CUMIN (very key ingredient, not a clue, you just need to keep adding and tasting)
Red Pepper flakes (key ingredient)
Hot Sauce (to your liking)
Salt + Pepper

Bring to a boil, simmer until carrots are cooked.
It’s better the next day!


TOPPERS:Cheese
Sour Crème
Guacamole
Tortilla Chips

Chocolate Oreo Bombs

 

1 pkg.  (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

36 OREO Cookies, finely crushed (about 3 cups)

4 pkg.  (4 oz. each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, broken into pieces, melted

Make It

MIX cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended.
SHAPE into 48 (1-inch) balls. Freeze 10 min. Dip balls in melted chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan.
REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm.

Make It

MIX cream cheese and cookie crumbs until blended.
SHAPE into 48 (1-inch) balls. Freeze 10 min. Dip balls in melted chocolate; place in single layer in shallow waxed paper-lined pan.
REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm.

 

Baby, you're a firework!

Good hot morning to you! It's the day after the 4th, making it the 5th of July, and my legs are tired! Yes, I worked out yesterday before the big party. But standing for what seemed liked days preparing food, serving it, and cleaning up took a toll on them. Now, its time for some tennis.....I'm ready! By the way, I'm not complaining. In fact, I look forward to Scooby's party tonight as we watch fire works from the front lawn. Yep, life is good here.

Although....I read an article about Alzheimer's disease and the symptoms that you may be headed for it. Sorry, Tink and Buddy, buttttt....I have a few symptoms that I have to abate. For example, to stop the progress, a diet must be rich in vegetables. I was never a big veggie eater...yuk....but I am going to have to become a rabbit and eat more...this means eliminating part of my own personal food pyramid such as cookies, pizzelles, Pepperidge Farm goldfish, and caffeine.....yikes...I guess by substituting broccoli and asparagus, I will keep my mind a few extra years. All worth it....

Yesterday at the big family blow out, we celebrated Aunt B's and Lil A's birthdays as well as Cuz J's 5 year breast cancer survival. Crazy times, yet poignant. Sparky, Baker, and my nephew were planning a camping trip. For them, this means bugs, snakes, eating outside, and sleeping without air conditioning. Let me go on record (again) by professing what camping means to me.....a night in a motel without cable TV. That's it.....



As we spoke about camping, they were more and more eager to take some type of trip so we compromised....Sparky, Scooby and I will camp out at the Wynn Hotel in Vegas....Baker and nephew will find a lovely place in Nevada and set up their tents....Vaya Con Dios, compadres.....We'll meet at the Wynn for the all-you-can-eat breakfast before they start fishing, hiking, or whatever a person enjoys while camping.

On to the big kid ensconced in Texas. He is not eating veggies this month although he had a tomato placed on his roast beef sandwich yesterday. When he is not at the ranch, he is bored and heads to the only place in town with entertainment....WalMart. That's right...no movie theaters....malls....or places to go except for WalMart. I remember the baseball trip to West Virginia and by jingo....the only place to go was WalMart. Is there a theme here?




He goes to Wal Mart in the evening to buy $5 movies for the evening. That's his entertainment, folks. I am so glad that he has things to do. He should be practicing during this down time for his LSATs if he is really serious about law school.

All in all, he is loving the ranch and the work outs. He is changing his body once again and vows never to follow the protocol at the university.

Yesterday, he received an email from the pitching coach (who is still employed!). The email was re-routed from a person on the head baseball coach search committee. He asked the entire team for their input on whom they should hire and what characteristics they are seeking in a head coach. Immediately, dad told him not to send a response in an email but to call the person. By sending a return email, it could come back in a negative way. People are too free  saying inappropriate things in an email and can be persecuted or prosecuted for it...just sayin'....

So, the search for the perfect coach is taking shape. I wonder who it will be? Actually, it does not matter. I cannot control it AND it is not my battle....on to battle the girls in tennis....

Enjoy the 5th!

What is going on here?

Hiya!

Again....another short post....got to run to yoga....shower...class.....big day....no time for BP mom.....sorry...

Here is where we stand....yes, another weird day...the big kid came home from PT yesterday in a very salty mood....why? His tricep muscle hurts again and he had to stop throwing. What does this mean? Oy!.....perhaps he is NOT going to leave again for Houston at the designated time on Sunday and may have to push it back another week....

US Air loves us since we have to pay a fee every time we reschedule.....Houston is laughing at us....I am trying to figure us out.....Tomorrow's session will determine whether he flies out on Sunday.  Right now, I sent him for a massage to stimulate blood flow to his tricep. I think that I need some blood flow to my brain, 'cause it ain't working through this problem in an efficient, cost effective way...

Have a wonderful day!

Own it

Good morning! I have been told that there is a "new sheriff in town...." What does this phrase mean?

Well, after an abysmal season, the guys continue to party and by party, I mean...part-eeee. Yep, in every sense of the word, they are enjoying themselves....which leads me to muse about this
phenomenon of competitors who are too relaxed.

Yep, with a losing record, the guys are drinking, eating, and partying to the wee hours of the morning, then heading to the stadium to slay the mighty conference foes. With that kind of preparation, is it a wonder why they cannot win? Have a conference high in fielding errors? Have pitchers who cannot

 


find the plates? Coaches who seemingly have checked out?

What do I think about it? Well, as you know, I am a parent...not like the ones who stop by their kids houses and start drinking until excess or falling down drunk, I don't bring alcohol to my child's residence to party with him and the guys, and I do not stay until the early morning to see the sunrise as I adjust to a major hangover.  I also do not tell the guys during a losing streak to get drunk, nor would I play a player who has failed a drug test (although by policy, they can...no policies violated).



While listening to the big kid rant this morning, he has decided to take over next year. He wants a team that focuses on their sport during the season and who is serious. Does he have his work cut out for him? Uh....in a word....yep.....

As he spewed his dislike for what is going on and what happened, I asked him how he was going to stage his "coup". "Well, they may need some autocratic leadership...." Ok, professor, let's think this one through.....An autocrat is someone demanding that others follow their command not lead. So, if you think that these knuckleheads are going to acquiesce to this type of authority, then you have a bigger issue. Therefore, re-think the autocratic theory.
 
"OK, maybe I will lead by example...." Ahhh, better......This seems like a more reasonable approach to getting the guys to work harder and eliminate alcohol and @#^& from their lives. Already one player lost an internship because he failed a drug test. Is this pervasive in this university or all universities in the US? You tell me.....I think that once the kids leave the home, they make their decisions. Hopefully, we instilled in them the right method of accountability for their actions. You make a bad decision, you 'own' it. Mama told you the rules.....you now live by your actions....

But, somewhere along the rocky road, the big kid got the message. Is he perfect? Sorry, I just laughed and fell off the sofa....No, he is not perfect but he has his values and has been making fairly good decisions and finally, yes, finally made the deans list. Oh yeah, and I did hear something about law school....my little guy who cursed the rain during a postponed baseball game in grade school....who cried when he was thrown out at first base.........yeah...him......law school.....wow, if this really happens, then I can demand a DNA test, 'cause I am not sure that he is really my kid.



With that said, the game begins tonight at 6pm as the headaches  begin to abate. From what I understand, there was a huge party last night and the guys will be hung over. This is a great way to end an abysmal season. In other words, these guys will 'own' the outcome...

Have a good one!