Sunday, December 23, 2012

Flip Side Snowflake


Flip Side Snowflake



Supplies:

Scissors
Six 8x11 pieces of white paper
A pen
Tape or glue 
Stapler
glitter or glitter glue (optional)

When you watch the video, I think I made a mistake. 
You cut on the "one fold" side not the double folded side. Sorry!


Sunday, December 16, 2012

In the Shadow of a Tragedy

To the families of Sandy Hook,

In the shadow of the senseless tragedy in Sandy Hook, we sorrowfully attempt walk in your shoes trying to feel your pain. As a parent, it is not hard to imagine what you are going through. As I learned of the horrendous event on Friday, I sat on a bench alone in my children's school waiting for them to finish their after school activities. I didn't hear what happened until late in the day.  It seemed to echo through the silent halls as I read the details. It sickened me to the core. I have a 6 year old, an 8 year old and a 9 year old and the thought brought me to tears. I had to hold back uncontrolled sobbing in the hallway for fear that another child or my own children would see me. 
Why? Why? Why? So senseless and almost unpreventable. It makes no sense to anyone. 

I can't imagine what those teachers in that school went through. Heroes lost their lives protecting those children. A responsibility we take for granted. They don't just educate our children. They help us raise our children. 
God Bless them. 

We watch the news, not to glorify the tragedy but to understand why it happened and to figure out how we can prevent it from happening again. We want to cry with you and be angry with you because we feel so helpless. My children's school will be wearing green tomorrow in honor of your loss.

In this difficult...in this unbearable time, you are in our thoughts and our prayers and we remember. God Bless those beautiful children and the heroes that lost their lives. God Bless the families mourning.

Friday, November 16, 2012

United States, not Divided States

I will be the first to admit that I have never taken an interest in Politics. I am way too much of a fence- sitter to really take a side and debate my case. I am always open to why people feel the way they feel and believe what the believe.

What I don't like, with this recent election, is the hostility and anger that came with it. Though, it did make me take a better look at the issues and learn a little more about how they affect me. The sometimes violent and attacking comments and posts really made me sad. There was such a division in this election that I have never witnessed before.

We are the United States, not the Divided States. How could we be such opposite poles (no pun intended)? I watched people unfriend people for their beliefs. Aren't we entitled to our opinions and beliefs? That is what this country is built on. I even had a friend say that someone called her a racist for not voting for Obama and unfriend her. Seriously? She couldn't be furthest from such a person. And, furthermore, we are in a lot of trouble if that is the only reason why someone would vote for their President.

The day after the election, I posted a comment, "I am a little worried..." The follow up posts rampaged my FB page. There were supportive Republican views and very harsh Democratic views. What I did not get was, "Amber, what are you worried about?""Are you ok?" Not one person asked me what was wrong. Everyone assumed I was talking about the election.

After a day of blasts, my follow-up post was, "People! The election is over. We have a president. Stop drawing lines on the sand. When I said I was a little worried, no one asked what I was worried about. That's a problem."
Apologies streamed in, private and public.

What if I was worried about cancer or my child being injured or sick. No one asked. WHAT IF I was worried about the election outcome? No one said, "What is it your worried about? Maybe I can help you feel better about it." This is where the breakdown is. This is where division removes empathy and compassion from the equation. 

My husband is a Republican through and through. He also founded a charity that helps children and families in need, he is a hard working entrepreneur who takes great care of his employees, he is a religious man with morals and values, he is one of the most honest men with integrity that I know and he is an amazing husband and father to my children. He loves a good debate, too. He is extremely knowledgable of a lot of things including politics. He knows the issues from every angle and can debate you right into a corner. But he is also fair.


As you may guess, he was not happy about the outcome. I expected him to air his disappointment with vim and vigor. But, he didn't. He calmly told me that many of his friends are Democrats and they are great friends of his that he highly respects and that have the same values and morals that he does. He told me that if they and so many others felt so strongly about voting for our President again, then there must be some validity to that and that he needs to find out what he is missing in the big picture. He needed to look at the Flip Side more closely. It does not mean that it will change his mind but it will help him to understand and accept the outcome more graciously. 


I was proud of him for how he reacted to all of this. After speaking to a couple of his friends (Democrats), they all realized that we all have the same goals and concerns.  We all believe that there are big mistakes being made in the government and with our money. As they conversationed through the the issues, they all ended up closer to the middle where problems can start to be solved and ideas can emerge and evolve. 

This was really an exhausting election. It was a wake-up call for the People. WE THE PEOPLE... United we stand....Divided we fall. 

Remember....Seeing another point of view makes a better you!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Moms on IPhones. What are Kids saying?

It has been a while since I've posted. I  have some moments recently that have struck me and I wanted to share them.

The excitement was building for weeks. Thoughts of candy danced in their heads and costumes paraded around the house. Then the day came. Halloween! Dressing up at school, costume parades amongst peers, parties in classrooms filled with food and games and fun. I was lucky enough to be able to relive some moments in my childhood Halloween memories (in a costume even). My daughter was Merida from Brave and I was her queen mother turning into a bear.

I traveled from one room to the next to see how my other two kids were doing and let them know I was around. I was helping in my daughter's room on this day. Near the end of the party in her room, I sat down with the group of kids to read some spooky (not-so-spooky) Halloween stories that I loved when I was a kid. I love reading to kids, especially my books. wink.

When I was done reading, all of the children but one got busy putting the room back together. One young lady stood by my side. I hadn't paid much attention to her until I heard her speaking to herself or maybe to me. I heard her say, "Look at all the moms on their iPhones." I followed her gaze in the direction she was looking. Sure enough, they were all nose deep into their phones. At that moment, I was not but it could have been me too. "They are ignoring us again." UHG! Stab in the heart. Slap across the face.
The blood rushed to my feet. Guilt welled up inside me. I tried to make her feel better (or change her mind about it) by saying that maybe the mom's were taking pictures or sending pictures of the party. She didn't respond to that comment as if to tell me to stop kidding myself (I saw you on your phone earlier.)

That really hit me. My kids will tell me if they feel like I am not being present. I try very hard not be on the computer or phone when they are around (or around my family and friends for that matter).
To hear it from a child who was not mine and whose mother wasn't even there, just crushed me. She was making an observation from across the room at random parents and telling me honestly how that makes her feel. She even used the word "us" ("ignoring us") as if it to say it on behalf of all of the kids who feel this way. Wow.

I will never forget her words. It was a paradigm shift for me. We need those once in a while. We need to hear or see the Flip Side to really understand the impact we are having on others. Take a look around and see who is really watching you.


Friday, September 28, 2012

In The Middle of Chaos


Last winter, we spent a long weekend in Northern Michigan skiing in what I consider perfect skiing weather with kids. 41 degrees, decent snow, not too icy, not too sticky, sunny and no wind. There were no complaints skiing all day.

The minute we removed the bindings, the boots, the snowpants, the gloves, the hats, the coats and the goggles and face wraps, the bickering began. Oh, have mercy on our aging souls. The fighting is never-ending.

I know our kids love each other. I know because the minute I threaten to leave one behind out of frustration, they leap to each other's defense to save each other from abandonment. "But we can't leave him, we love him." I whisper my secret strategy to reassure them that I am not actually leaving one of them behind.  Wait! Maybe that's why they don't take me seriously. Sigh.

When those moments are over, I hear, "Don't touch me!" "Your an idiot!" (which is said under breath in hopes that we won't hear but the intended will)  Scream, yell, he said, she said, blah, blah, blah.

On top of the fighting is the crowd control. Making sure everyone has their things, everyone has manners, everyone finishes homework, nag, nag, nag. I feel like a nag. They are going to call me a nag some day, I am certain.

Well, tonight, a tv show came on that resonated well and gave me a laugh. The show is called The Middle (Episode: The Sit Down). I don't ever watch it but tonight the show's opening caught my attention. They were talking about how a good morning starts a great day. Really? They had clips of the good ol' 1950s families having breakfast peacefully and everyone going about their business without issue. I might have even PHFFFTTT at the TV thinking, "What in the world am I watching?"

Then...all h<!!  broke loose when the clips ended and the actual show started. The Middle family was MY family. Maybe mine is not as chaotic as on the show but they had the clothes on the floor, the lost clothes, the unfinished homework, the sarcasm, the bickering out the door, the never-ending eating, the idle threats.... I could see us in those characters.

We are not alone I tell you!!!

I called my husband down to watch. He laughed as well. I called my two oldest kids down (ages 9 and 7) and told them that they made a tv show about us. They watched in amazement at the similarities and asked, "How did they know we do all that? Is it because you are an author now." HA. They thought it was funny.

The show tickled my funny bone and reassured me that we are not alone. We feel like our worlds are spinning out of control but we are all spinning together. We just need to laugh about it and realize that when our kids are fighting, they are learning how to deal with people in the world and stand up for themselves. When they forget things, they are learning how to be responsible and just need reinforcement. When they sass us, they just need...well....SOAP IN THE MOUTH! Just kidding. They need more hugs and love. Remember, we aren't alone.


Did anyone else see that episode and see a little bit of their family?

Watch it here: http://www.hulu.com/watch/332064/the-middle-the-sit-down

Friday, September 21, 2012

Rah, Rah for Science!


Every shoe has tongue,

They all have a sole.
And a story to be told.

No matter what they look like
Whether old or new,
They are all quite different
Every single shoe.

Take the time to learn
What they have to say.
A whole different person.
Will be revealed today.

They hold Major Degrees
In fields that surprise.
We assume they could never be
Wearing their girlie guise.

They are scientists and engineers. When they’re not  in the lab, they perform science-themed routines, lead science activities, inspire children to consider science careers, and playfully challenge stereotypes.
They are speech pathologists and endoscopists, aerospace engineers, molecular biologists, doctors, and neuro-scientists.
They are funny, smart and engaging. They are great role-models for breaking molds and making being smart "cool". 
Were you as surprised? I thought it was great. Teaches us not to judge a book by its cover. 

Watch here via @Today http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49118062 

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

10 Years Ago- Where were you?


Now that I look back, I am not sure why my class was outside on the playground at 9:03 AM. We started school at 8:03 and that seems too early for a recess break. I happened to be in my room while another teacher took my kids outside for a brief recess while I prepared for a lesson. They weren't out but a few minutes when my phone rang in my classroom.

It was my fiance, at the time and now my husband, Paul. I wondered why he would be calling me so early in the day. He asked me if I knew what had happened. Know what?

He told me to turn on my tv in my classroom. My heart sunk. Two planes had crashed into buildings in NY. I didn't understand. He filled me in on the details as I watched it replayed over and over on the tv. Panic started to set in. One plane is an accident (maybe) but two? This could be the unthinkable.

I immediately thought of Paul's brother, Dave,  who lived in New York at the time and worked in Manhattan. Have you talked to Dave? The phone lines were so bogged down so he couldn't get through to him.

No sooner did I begin to put the pieces of the events together and realize this could be worse than ever imagined when my students were hustled back into my classroom. We were told to turn off our tvs and leave them off, say nothing and lock our doors.

My classroom was my home away from home. My students were (are) my family. I was responsible for all of these littles who belong to loving and now scared parents. I was scared.

My thoughts, as weird as they sound, went to a movie I saw many years ago called Red Dawn. The image of the enemy falling out the sky in parachutes outside of the school windows pierced my mind. All I thought of was how was I going to protect these children if this became the unimaginable (not just what was contained in the tv screen like another drama show).



I thought I would huddle my students in the cubbies in the classroom and put myself between them and the windows. Of course, I knew it couldn't possibly come to that. Or could it?

 I had to go through the rest of the day on lockdown and act as if nothing was wrong except to acknowledge the occasional frantic parent coming in to take their child. Believe me, I would have rushed right up to the school to get my babies.

In many different places, the unthinkable was happening right  in front of our eyes.

Planes crashing all over. Are there more? Where? When? How? Why? Then buildings falling. Sadness and grief for loved ones and strangers. Anger.

There was an erie silence in the school. Whispers of bits of new information gathered from phone calls were being relayed. Everyone was wondering what tomorrow would be like after the kids found out what had happened. How do we respond? Little did we comprehend at that moment that a new era had begun.


Dave, Paul's brother was ok. He got halfway to work only to be turned around and headed back home.

Our friends were staying near Broadway on a business trip. They decided to make it a family trip with their new baby. As Bill said goodbye to Emily that morning, she said she had the weirdest dream about a plane crash in New York. She is a very level-headed person and she doesn't say things like that normally. She felt weird about it. They said goodbye and Bill went off to Jersey for a meeting leaving her in their hotel with their new baby. I could have some of the facts wrong or missed some but there she was when the planes crashed in a big city alone with her baby and all hell breaking loose. Bill was now stuck on the other side of the river and couldn't get back. I can't imagine being in the midst of all of that chaos. I was afraid and overwhelmed just watching it on tv. There is no way to understand the scope of such a disaster through a television set.

Strangely, after school that day, I had an appointment at the mall. Because I was forced to have as normal of a day at school as the day before, I drove to my appointment thinking that is what everyone was doing. Maybe in disbelief or uncertainty, I thought that I shouldn't miss my appointment. I was not sure what I was going to find as I drove there. 

I found a deserted parking lot with a few people scattered here and there possibly with the same thoughts I had. Do we go on as usual?  I was stunned by the days events. I even went up to the door to be sure it was actually closed. It was locked. It was spooky. At that moment, I felt alone, in a bubble even though there were two people standing near the door. We all looked at each other with apprehension. I got back into my car and drove home. 


Things began to change immediately. Locks and cameras were put on outside doors at our schools. Airports changed over night (for the better in some ways). Security everywhere was revamped. The word "terrorist" became a word never uttered on the aviation property especially airborne for that matter.

Flags went up everywhere. It seemed like everyone was friendlier on the street than the day before. Like we weren't strangers anymore. Like we had each other's back. There was that wink of "they aren't going to beat us." Patriotism and American pride was making a comeback. Together we stand.

It is a day I will never forget. I will never forget the feelings and emotions that I had.  Nobody will forget the day that changed the climate of our country.

 I wanted to share my experience with you. Where were you that day?


I will share another related story about post 911 that I experienced a few weeks later in another post. it is one that really allowed me to see 911 from the eyes of the people in the buildings that day.

God Bless all of the people who lost their lives 11 years ago (I can't believe it has been that long), their families and God Bless America!



Check out my friend, Christy's experience as a Detroit reporter sent to NYC on 911. http://christymcdonald.wordpress.com/

Monday, July 30, 2012

Flip Side of Winning

The world spends the day flipping channels looking for the Olympic sport of choice and the team to cheer on. Millions of people around the world glued to their screens cheering on athletes who have traveled far emotionally and physically. We cheer them on as if we are there and they can hear our shouts and chants. We tear up as if they are our own children. The patriotism bonds each country with pride. We stay up late holding on to the hope for a gold as if it is our personal win. 

Late last night, my husband and I curled up in bed to watch the gymnasts find their place in the medal rounds. We gasped in awe at their ability to bend and twist on beams, flip and spin high above the mats and work the bars as our primate neighbors do with such ease and fluidity. The US team had to switch from team mentality to their own individual best to make the final two who will move on to the individual medal round. The pressure was on. They get one shot to reach the goal that they have been working day and night to reach. They've sacrificed more than we will ever sacrifice so they can reach what is untouchable for us mortals. 

The world champion, Jordyn Wieber, takes her turn on the mats. She can taste the win but just can't pull it out with minor mistakes that cost her a tenth of a point here and a tenth of a point there. Some believing the judges were a bit harsh with her scores. Her performance secured Gabby Douglas in the final all-around and left Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wiebers roommate,  a chance to make the finals. Bitter sweet. Aly performs the best floor routine of her life  landing her in the final round knocking Jordyn out of the competition. Tears begin to flow at such a devastating loss. 

The interviews following the win were a visual flip side. They position Aly in the foreground speaking to the reporting about her win. She spoke with modest excitement and disbelief. In between them in the background was Jordyn, trying to stay in control of her disappointment, wiping her tears, trying to compose herself enough to take the next interview. With every win, there is a loss. These are losses we will never truly know or understand. Losses that hurt and take a bite out of your spirit that we will never feel. What do you do with those feelings? When you are the winner, how do you celebrate without making your teammate, your friend's loss hurt more? It is really a loss for for both when you are close teammates even though you go into the competitions knowing you are competing against one another as well as together. There can only be one "best". Both girls have to have empathy and compassion for one another in completely opposite realms. 

We cheer on the US. We feel the losses in the only way we know how and celebrate the wins. We love and appreciate and honor those who have bled sweat and tears and given up so much to represent our country to be champions of the world. Tickets to an Olympic event $32+. Hotel in London $200+. The actual Gold Medal, $706 at current price. Airline ticket to London $1000. To work your whole life to make it on the Olympic team to represent your country....PRICELESS! 

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Sour Puss Hair

My daughter was doing my hair today; brushing, squirting, ponies, braids, tears. I love that. I loved doing my mom's hair. I love having my hair done even more.

As I touched my hair, I said her, "Doesn't my hair feel kind of yucky today." She said, "I don't know," with a shrug as I looked at the cloudy water in the squirt bottle. I proceeded to taste the lemonade she was unknowingly squirting in my hair. Mystery.



Gun Slingin' Neighbors

After two days of much needed rain, the wet grass squished beneath my black running shoes.  The damp smell of mold and wet grass wafted through the air. My plants seemed content as they reached toward the warm sun. They are happy that their feet are wet after too many dry hot days. The trees still sprinkled rain on my hair as they sway in the breeze. A warm summer day was settling in. 

I could hear kids laughing and playing behind the bushes and trees in the next yard. Maybe they were even laughing at me. I wandered along the side of the house toward the front yard with my dogs, Mango and Hershey, on my heels. They were excited by what I might be leading him to. I found my husband wresting with the garbage cans. That was just the excitement they were looking for. It doesn't take much in a dog's world. The smell in the air changed to rotting fruit and spoiled milk. I was relieved that my husband and I had silently agreed early on in our relationship that the garbage is his duty and he graciously handed over the toilet bowl cleaner to me (which I must add, I don't think he EVER used). As I began to speak to him, my neighbor emerged between the arborvitae. She was on a mission to tell me about something that seemed could be life-changing or newsworthy. It wasn't. She declared her disappointment that the boys in the next yard were playing with guns again. Toy guns of course. She says that with all of the horrible events today, why are we still letting our kids play with guns. 

Today, there was  a tragedy in Colorado. A lone gunman went on a shooting spree in a theater of people, young and old, who were innocently enjoying a new movie. I have not heard whether or not they know why he did it or not but 12 victims lost their lives and a total of 70 people were injured in this senseless act of violence. 

Now, quite aware of the events of the day, I am not sure if I meant what I said next or if I just wanted to contradict her point of view out of irritation by her interruption. I said, "Maybe the violence comes from not allowing them them to "play" with guns." What did I just say? It kind of makes sense. I said, "Boys will be boys. They make guns out of whatever they find. Maybe the guy who went on the shooting spree was never allowed to play with guns. Who knows?" (chances are that I am wrong about that.) She started to laugh as she laid her hand on my shoulder declaring at almost the same time as my husband, "You and the Flip Side!" She said, "you want me to look at the Flip Side," she said with a laugh. I like to force myself to see the flip side. I didn't want to bad mouth our friends and their kids for playing with guns so I forced a look at another point of view. Right or wrong. 

We are not a gun family. I don't like them. I don't buy them for my kids. Other family members have bought nerf guns for my kids. I have accepted these types of guns because they don't resemble real ones and when they aren't around, my two boys will make them out of whatever they find. We talk to them about the violence behind them. They actually rarely play guns because they don't relate to them. We have family members who are avid hunters and gun slingers by sport and we discourage our children from participating. We, personally, don't place value on it and it, frankly scares the sh#$ out of me. We are careful what movies they watch and they don't play violent video games if any at all. 

The remarks I made to my neighbor weren't really about about whether guns are good or bad but seeing another way to look at it. Before you make a blanket statement about something, try to see if there could be another way to look at it to change or expand your perspective. 

Sometimes, I think we just want to rant as a form of communication and interaction with our friends and family. That's ok, I suppose as long as it isn't hurtful to others.  

I excused myself as I glanced at my phone realizing I had 15 minutes to pick up my son 17 minutes away. I also realized that my husband disappeared....into thin air (though I can only concentrate on one thing at a time). I said goodbye as she disappeared into the arborvitae. I climbed into my husband's Jeep and I wondered if she was either disappointed at my reaction or inspired by it. Who knows. 

Remember....another point of view makes a better you!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Disney Takes a Stand




This week Disney has announced that they will run ads that follow strict nutritional standards in order to help in the fight of childhood obesity. They have also said they will be offering more nutritional choices with less sugar and sodium in their theme parks.

I think it's great that they are making this bold move to say that we need to pay closer attention to how our children are eating. They are taking a stand for the kids. I still say it is up to us as parents to help our children make good choices. Even if the junk food is out there, we don't need to choose to eat it or feed it to our kids.

On the other hand, I think that Disney is such an influential part of our society and they are deciding to role model healthy eating for kids. I think that's great.

Hey, how much money will they really lose with this change when they sell more than half of the toys, movies and entertainment in the world. They'll do just fine without a pack of fries and a coke in their Mickey meal and I am sure a slice of watermelon will cost more than parking.

Here is an article about Disney in the NYTimes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/business/media/in-nutrition-initiative-disney-to-restrict-advertising.html


What are your thoughts?

Friday, June 1, 2012

A Little Sugar in Your Omelette

The Sweet Life


My son, Ben, has been talking a lot about exercising and eating healthy. Maybe its a 9 year old thing. He is watching different types of athletes, their body types and asks a lot of questions. Mind you, this is surprising because none of our children, including Ben, has ever taking a strong liking to sports. We have them play to learn the sports, to learn about teamwork and commitment and healthy habits. Though, as he gets older, he has started liking it more and more. He is artist. He gets it from me. I am afraid of any round object flying at my face. Maybe I got that from the Brady Bunch, "My Nose!".

This morning, he was asking his dad about healthy foods and such. His dad was making him an omelette and asked him what he would like in it. He would ask about each choice whether it was healthy. His dad had said that sausage is healthy in small amounts. Ben chose not to have it in his omelette. His dad slipped one little bite into the omelette to be funny.

Here's the discovery:

Ben: Did you put sausage in the omelette?
Dad: Yes. (with a sneaky grin)
Ben: Well, everyone needs a little sugar in life.

From the mouth of babes. How cute is that? He cracks me up. He says the darnedest things.

Make sure you put a little sugar in your life!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Pinterecipe Adventurist: Chicken in Your Coconut


This is my second installment of my Pinterecipe Adventure.

Let me start by saying I am an everyday-mom-meal "sheph". 
My husband is more of a "chef". I like to try recipes that are easy and have a nice picture. 
Pinterest has been a great resource so I've decided to become a 
 Pinterecipe Adventurest

This recipe looked yummy and I had most of the ingredients in my kitchen. 
I am trying the Coconut Chicken Salad. 

You'll find the recipe here:


These are the steps I took.  Coconut, Cornflake, Panko mixture. Egg Beaters.


Dip and coat and bake. Really easy.


Look at that deliciousness!  I added some mandarin oranges.
Warmed the dressing (which was delicious on the spinach and the chicken).
and poured it over the top.


 My whole family liked it, even the kids.

Nice light dinner for summer. My husband said to put that on the
summer rotation. I enjoyed it as well.

1st Pinterecipe Adventure: http://amberhousey.blogspot.com/2012/04/pinterecipe-adventurest-new-recipe.html

Capellini D’Angelo Roma



Monday, May 7, 2012

Don't Flip Em' Off, Look At the Flip Side!

My husband is my biggest supporter of my books and looking a the Flip Side. We remind each other all the time to look at the flip side. It is such a powerful thing to stop and look at another perspective before judging someone or reacting to something undesirable. It happens every day. Here on my blog, I will share my experiences as I journey to the Flip Side. It is NOT easy to take the time to look at the flip side as it is human nature to be quick to judge, get upset or be impatient. But if we take a moment, a breath and step into someone else's shoes, you might find that you'll see things a different way. Empathy (identify with the feelings of others) will take the place of apathy (having no concerns towards) or antipathy (negative feelings towards). Empathy will begin to soothe anger. Empathy will begin to encourage the spirit of giving or helping someone in need. Empathy will begin to make waiting a little easier. Empathy allows us to feel for another person or thing.  It allows us to feel  sadness or hurt even if it isn't visible on the outside.  It allows us to reach out when someone is need of our help. It allows us to forgive when we are being hurt. It allows us to dig deeper when goodness is buried beneath insecurity and pain.


Again, I don't claim that this is an easy thing to do. I struggle with it daily but putting this thought first and foremost has helped me be more patient and less frustrated. Like I said, my husband and I remind each other all the time, "Hey, look at the flip side.". Quite frankly there are times that where I am upset and he says "Look at the Flipside." and I want to tell him to...well you know. But his words always make me pause. I will share these moments with you here and if you have any to share, I would love to hear them because the more I hear them, the more it makes me look at flip side and appreciate life and the people I love.



Here is a brief example of my husband, Paul reminding me to look at the Flip Side. We were driving down the freeway actually talking about Flip Side Stories when a speeding car cut us off startling me. I immediately without thinking start yelling at the other car (I'll let you imagine what I might be saying) when he interrupts me with, "Don't flip them off, just look at the flip side." I looked at him and smiled.

Maybe they were late for something very important or someone was sick. We don't know. Was it safe? Absolutely not. Is cutting someone off the right thing to do? Maybe not. But I don't need to waste energy getting upset over something that is out of my control. This may not be the best example of the flip side but it is a funny way of looking at it.

"Don't flip them off, look at the flip side."
 Funny really. My publisher thought it was funny but thought it wouldn't be a good tag line for a children's book series. I agreed. A picture of me with my middle finger up might not go over well. It's funny though.

So, when you find yourself getting hot under the collar or frustrated, try to look at the flip side. There is always another side to every story or situation. Have a great day!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Cashier in Training





I was in line at the cashier a while back. There was a young man that was clearly new at the job and looked terrified. Behind him was an older woman (compared to his young age) peering over his shoulder. There was another veteran cashier within 2 feet from him and the bagger who was a just bit older than he. Then, there was me and a line of people waiting. This was going to be a long uncomfortable shift for this young man. 

 I felt bad for him. I've been there before being new at a job and unsure of myself. So, while glancing at his supervisor looking over his shoulder,  I said, "Do you ever feel like someone is looking over your shoulder?" He smiled and said yes. The woman behind him smiled and laughed. 

The young man continued checking me out (I mean, checking out my groceries, not checking "me" out). He clearly didn't know what most of the produce was. He learned what the hairy green fruit was and the difference between a green pepper and a jalepeno pepper.  I continued to make light of the situation. I told him it was a good place to learn what all this stuff is. I also told him I'd be back to test him. His supervisor said I could tell him how to cook it, too. 

So we all chatted and made light of his uncomfortable situation. He was smiling by the time I left and was happy to let me relieve some of his discomfort. The customers behind me heard everything and they were smiling and appeared willing to play along. I was sure they would help him out too. I stepped onto the flip side to help him feel more comfortable and made it comfortable for the others around me to join us on the flip side as well. 

That young man was going to have a very uncomfortable day and I hope the five minutes I spent with him helped him to feel more confident as he was learning how to do his job. I had empathy and compassion for him. Share some empathy and compassion for someone today and/or help someone feel appreciated.

See you on the Flip Side!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Pinterecipe Adventurest- New Recipe


Capellini D’Angelo Roma by Chef Dennis


This is my first installment of my Pinterecipes.
This recipe looked yummy and I had the ingredients in my kitchen. 
I followed the recipe by Chef Dennis which can be found at this link: 

Let me start by saying I am an everyday-mom-meal "sheph". 
My husband is more of a "chef". I like to try recipes that are easy and have a nice picture. 
Pinterest has been a great resource so I've decided to become a 
 Pinterecipe Adventurest

In following this recipe, here are some things that I found or did. I used portabella mushrooms because they are heartier and, well, I had them already. I had a party this weekend and we had the Costco 
tri-meat Italian pack with the salamis and proscutto. I used the rest of the proscutto from that. 
Chef Dennis says that if the sauce is too thick, add chicken stock. I, Sheph Adventurest, found it too watery, so I added corn starch (two Tbs in 4 Tbs of cold water and add to sauce). Campanelle noodles aren't that easy to find. I found them at Home Goods believe it or not. I had them in my cupboard because I searched high and low for them for another recipe and never made it. hmph. 
I have checked many grocery stores. I couldn't even find them at Whole Foods. 

   Adding crushed tomatoes to the mushrooms and chicken stock to that.

 The wine is important in the fourth picture.
 The food is likely to taste better after a nice glass of Chardonnay if the recipe isn't good 
or the "Sheph" isn't that good. 
Be sure to give your guests some too, just in case.
This is my final presentation. I topped it with extra proscutto and parsley.
Our family's new name for this recipe is 
Campanelle de Marne
because Marne pinned it on Pinterest.

 
I had extra sauce that I will freeze. 
 This is what it looked like after dinner. My husband and kids loved it. My husband hates peas but ate them.
I thought it was delicious, too. My husband and I actually added a little cayenne pepper to spice it up a bit. 
 

I say, give it a try. You'll love it. it's creamy and delicious. You can make the sauce as light as you'd like. My husband especially like the Campanelle noodles. Let me know if you try it. Here is the link again:

Follow me on Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/ahousey/