Email of the (other) Day

My dad sent this to me about a month and a half ago.  I saved it to share with you guys, and obviously never did.  I was just cleaning out some email folders and found it again.  They made me giggle...

We're having a first real snow storm here today.  We're supposed to get 8-12 inches.  There were already school closings announced last night.  About an hour ago, I received an automated call from Stud's college, saying that the school would be closing at 2:00.  About 15 minutes later, he walked in the door.  He had his first class at 9am, but his second class was obviously cancelled.  He's not happy, since the second class is one that he really loves.  Actually, the first class is the one he likes the least.  Poor thing.

Since I have the unexpected pleasure of having my son home early, I think I'm going to make him hate me by dragging him to Sam's Club.  I missed my Saturday trip, and the cupboards are a little bare. 

A far cry from the last pictures I posted of this island, right?  I ate that last apple for breakfast, by the way, so there's basically just a basket of Cuties, and a bulb of garlic! 

On the way home, we'll probably stop at my parents' and shovel a bit.  When Magnum left this morning for his parents' house, he asked me to wait until he came home, so he could help me.  That may or may not be because I was teasing him last night about this snow.  He was more or less pitching a fit about the impending snow storm, since that means more work for him.  The last time it snowed, he ended up plowing his parents' driveway, of course, and then the neighbors on both sides of them, as well as across the street.  His dad has a honking big snow blower, so once he had it running, he just kept going.

Anyway, he was bitching like an old man last night while we were watching the news in bed, and said something really supportive, like, "Quit your whinin'!  At least you have a snow blower.  I'll be doing my parents' driveway by hand!"  Yeah, I'm thoughtful like that. 

But, I'm going to make Stud do it, instead, so his old father doesn't have to do it.  I haven't gone there yet because the snow is still coming down hard.  It's supposed to continue until about 9 pm, so it doesn't make sense to do it too early, since it'll just keep snowing.  I'm wondering if we should even do it after Sam's Club, since it's only about 1pm.  Guess I'll play it by ear.  We'll probably still stop there to say hello. 

Ok, time to find my boots, and get out into that beautiful winter wonderland!

2/26/13

Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Do you think sex education should come from the parents, the school, or a mix of both?

Hmmm, this is a good one.  Ideally, I think it should come from parents.  I also know that, sadly, some parents can't or won't handle this stuff with their kids, whether it's because they are uncomfortable with it, or they just don't know how to handle it.  Hell, some really just don't have the information themselves!  So, in cases like that, I prefer the kids get something from school, instead of getting NO information.

As I sit here typing, there is a storm raging outside my kitchen window.  I LOVE it!!  We're supposed to get several inches of snow today.  Luckily, Stud didn't have class today (some kind of faculty meeting day) so at least he won't be driving around in this mess.  I just hope Magnum isn't outside right now, at his parents', trying to shovel.  There's no point in doing anything right now, since it's still coming down like crazy.

My sister and I were on the phone for a while today, trying to take care of some stuff for my daddy's party, which is a week from Sunday.  Man, that snuck up on us!  We still have to figure out what the hell we're doing for centerpieces and decorations.  We also want to put together some photos of my dad, probably in some kind of slide show, that we can play at the party. 

The sweet table is all taken care of, though, thanks to our awesome family.  (Italians can NOT have a party without a sweet table!)  My brother's girlfriend is going to be bringing her chocolate fountain, along with all the yummies to dip in it.  You may remember she did that for my niece's 18th birthday party. 

A couple of weeks ago, one of our cousins (on my dad's side) called to ask if she could basically take care of the sweet table as her gift to my dad.  Now, let me tell you, this particular cousin is the Cookie Queen in our family.  I could do an entire post about her mad skills, so suffice it to say, we were thrilled!  She's making about 5 or 6 different kinds of cookies.  She probably already started baking because the things she makes are very labor intensive.  Many of them are traditional Italian sweets, and all of them are definitely labors of love!  I've been stressing since she called because I'm terrified that I'm not going to be able to resist nibbling at least one of each of whatever she makes!  The things she makes are ONLY made by her, so we don't get to enjoy them very often.  She does NOT share recipes.  They are all his mother's, who also did NOT share recipes.  Well, except with her daughter!  If you asked my aunt for a recipe, she would just say, "Oh, you like those?  Oh, ok, I'll make you some!"  Next thing you know, you'd have several dozen treats at your door.  So, yeah, we're pretty damn excited that this will be her gift. =)

Yesterday, another cousin (this one on my mom's side) called to say she'd like to take care of the cake for the party.  What the hell?!  As it stands right now, we'll be enjoying a half yellow cake with cannoli filling/half chocolate cake with strawberry and/or banana filling, all frosted in whipped cream.  Well, I hope just the guests will be enjoying it, and that I'll be able to have some willpower.  Although, damn I love me some cannoli-filled cake! =(

While we were on the phone (for over an hour!) my sister sent me some pictures.  One is of my oldest niece in the outfit she'll probably be wearing to the party.  I think she looks pretty cute.  Then again, I may be a bit biased.  That's her puppy, Charlie, in her arms.  (And ignore the pile of towels waiting to be folded on my sister's couch!)

She also sent me a couple of "after" pictures of my other niece's bedroom.  I suppose they would be more interesting to you if I had "before" photos to go along with them, huh?  Well, I'm going to share them with you anyway, because my sister is uber talented and TOTALLY missed her calling as an interior decorator.  I've been trying to get her to pursue this as a career, but she just won't.  It's really annoying, quite frankly.  She has completely decorated/redecorated several of our family members' homes, as well as some friends' homes.  But, whatever, I can't make her become rich and famous, now can I?

Anyway, here are just a couple of shots of basically one corner of the room. 

She had this great idea to create a vanity out of a mirror and a decorative shelf a friend gave her.  She covered the top with decorative contact paper.  She also gave a facelift to some framed prints she had, so they would match.  You can see one there on the left.  I love the Princess decal on the wall, too!

Because my niece's bedroom is so tiny, my sister took out all the bulky furniture that used to be in there, and decided to put a big comfy chair in the room for my niece to lounge in while she does her homework, or reads, or whatever.  I love the funky little ottoman she found.  And, it opens for storage!

My sister found those wall decals at Menard's, and sort of used that as the jumping point for the decor.  My niece hasn't seen them yet, so I hope she likes them.  She did see the bedding and new curtains, though, and likes them. 

I hope she loves the new room, and appreciates her mother's hard work.  My sister's boyfriend has been teasing her since she finished the room this past weekend, and keeps calling the room her "new apartment."  He says she's not even going to let her daughter go in there, since it's all so pretty and cozy now.  She told him HE wasn't allowed in there, either! ;-)

I suppose I should go do something around here, since I won't be venturing out in this storm.  Maybe some laundry or something?  Don't be jealous of my glamorous life, now!  I did start a crockpot full of meatballs in tomato sauce before I sat down to post, and the kitchen is starting to smell yummy!  But, this blustery weather is kinda making me crave chili.  Maybe I'll make a pot of that, too.  Then I won't have to cook for a couple of days, right?  Yeah, right!  You've never seen Stud eat!  Gotta love a teenage boy's ability to pack it away. 

Oo, speaking of my Stud Muffin, I've been meaning to post this silly picture for a week now.  The other day he came home from class with this for his mommy.

It's probably hard to tell in this crappy picture from my phone, but it's a paper flower in a paper vase.  He's so silly!  I'm so glad he was able to take a couple of art classes this semester, so he can really stretch his creativity.

Ok, NOW I'm going to go do something.  See you tomorrow. =)

2/21/13

Thursday, February 21, 2013
Do you think people can live without love?

No.  It doesn't matter who the love is from, a partner/spouse/lover, a child, another family member, or even a pet.  But, everyone needs love in their life.  I think most importantly, people need to love themselves.

And, before this gets all deep and mushy, I'm moving on.  I'm not digging this prompt, or the next few, for that matter.  They're just too deep and serious for me.  I just can't dig down for those answers right now because I'm afraid of opening the floodgates. 

I had to take an unexpected drive out to Stud's school today.  He left his freakin' wallet in my bathroom last night, then went to class without it.  I figured today would be the day he got pulled over or something, and didn't want him to be without his wallet.  Plus, he had no money on him to get a drink or something to eat.  So, I drove out to the college before going to the gym.  He didn't even realize he didn't have it, the big dork!!  Then, he had the gall to say to me, "Since you drove all the way out here, you should have brought me something to eat."  Such a teenaged boy!!

So, um...yeah...my dad's already ready to NOT be retired.  I've been telling him for about 6 months, since he first announced he was going to retire, that this was NOT a good idea.  By now, you guys know that I love my mother, but she is not the easiest person to be around all day.  ESPECIALLY if you're me or my father!  He actually "went to work" today, which is hilarious.  He still needs to clean out his office, and take care of some paperwork, so he went there today to do some of that.  He talked to his boss before leaving last week about coming back as a consultant.  He said he was going to take a couple of weeks "off," then start consulting.  The HR manager told my dad at his retirement luncheon that the boss told her she was not allowed to call my dad for 2 weeks.  She told my dad she'd be talking to him after that, and probably often. 

My dad was with this company for 30 years.  He was there longer than anyone else who currently works there, including his boss.  Actually, his boss is sort of new (about 3 year, I think?) and is relatively young compared to my dad.  So basically, my dad ran the place, and everyone, including his boss, looked to him for guidance.  I don't know what they're going to do without him, quite frankly.  That's why I think this consulting thing is going to work out nicely for all of them. 

We're trying to convince him he should just go in from like 10-2, three days a week.  He'll miss the morning and evening rush hours, which is HUGE!!  Part of the reason my dad really wanted to retire is because he can't take the driving anymore.  It took him anywhere from 1 to 1 1/2 hours each way everyday.  God forbid it rains or snows, because then it's closer to 2 hours.  It's just too much for him now.  He's going to be 70 in April, and doesn't need the aggravation anymore.

I think I've mentioned before that my dad is a world-class trap shooter.  The sportsman's club he belongs to is about half-way between home and work.  Actually, it's closer to work.  He goes shooting every Sunday and Wednesday, and has for the past 50 years.  We told him that Wednesday is definitely one of the days he should "work" because then he'll already be north, and close to the club.  So, that's at least ONE day he'll get a break, right?

I know I mentioned a few weeks ago that we're throwing a Retirement/70th Birthday party for my daddy in a few weeks.  My sister and I are trying to decide this week what we want to use for centerpieces.  I'll be sharing more about it soon. I just may be asking for your input on some things!

A bunch of you have asked for some before and after photos, now that I've shed nearly 60 lbs.  (I've hit another plateau, though, and I'm completely irritated!!  But, I'm bitch about that later.)  I'm planning to use the photos we take at the party as the after pictures, since I'll be dressed up and "cute."  So, stay tuned!

2/19/13

Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Martin Luther King Jr. unpacked love and hate when he said, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." Which is easier for you to feel: love or hate?

At this very moment, I'm feeling both of them simultaneously.

If I had to make a choice, I would say hate, because sometimes feeling love just hurts too much.

Ok, that's enough of that.  It's just not a very happy day here at Casa de ChiTown.  But, this too shall pass.

Anyhoo, about 5 minutes after I posted yesterday about what a beautiful day we were having, the weather did a 180.  It became very dark and overcast.  It was still warm for a while, but very windy.  Then, it began raining.  I finally made my Sam's Club run, and it was raining the whole time.  Thankfully, it was still pretty warm. 

When I woke up this morning, however, everything was covered in snow!  Now, you know I loved it!  But, the temperature took about a 30+ degree drop.  Today when I went to the gym, it was about 14, and when I came out over 2 hours later, it warmed all the way up to 19!  The windchill right now is about -4.  Now, most of you realize that I'm NOT complaining, since this is MY kind of weather.  I'm simply sharing the craziness that is Chicago's weather.  I'm sure you've all heard the saying, "If you don't like the weather in Chicago, wait 10 minutes!"

Today is my (ex)brother-in-law's birthday.  I know, I really don't ever mention him here, do I?  Anyway, I sent him a text before I went to the gym that just said, "Happy birthday, geezer!"  I immediately got back, "That's MISTER Geezer to you!"  He's so goofy!

I think I just may go to my parents' house and hang out with my Daddy.  Cuz, you know, HE'S RETIRED NOW!!  Woo hoo!

Email of the Day

Of course, my Daddy sent this.  They're oldies, but goodies.  I know I haven't been around here much lately, but I HAVE been posting on my other blog every day, just in case you're interested. =)

 

I just took a leaflet out of my mailbox, informing me that I can have sex at 79.

I'm so happy, because I live at number 85.

So it's not too far to walk home afterwards.

And it's the same side of the street.

I don't even have to cross the road!

~~~~~

Answering machine message,

"I am not available right now,

but thank you for caring enough to call.

I am making some changes in my life.

Please leave a message after the beep.

If I do not return your call,

you are one of the changes."

~~~~~

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

~~~~~

My wife and I had words, but I didn't get to use mine.

~~~~~

Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses.

~~~~~

Blessed are those who can give without remembering

and take without forgetting.

~~~~~

The irony of life is that,

by the time you're old enough to know your way around,

you're not going anywhere.

~~~~~

God made man before woman so as to give him time

to think of an answer for her first question.

~~~~~

I was always taught to respect my elders,

but it keeps getting harder to find one.

~~~~~

Every morning is the dawn of a new error.

~~~~~

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:

"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding,

severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another,

and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks,

are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the

Pledge of Allegiance?"

Email of the Day

I don't even have to tell you who sent me this, right?

I'm sending this out to every person I know who is Italian, could be Italian , married an Italian, lived with Italians or wants to be Italian...... !

Let's start at the beginning. Come stai? Molto bene. Bon giorno. Ciao. Arrivederci. Every Italian from Italy knows these words and every Italian-American should.

But what about the goomba speech pattern? Those words and phrases that are a little Italian, a little American, and a little slang. Words Every paesano and Bacciagaloop has heard,-words we hear on The Sopranos and throughout our Little Italy neighborhoods of Chicago New York and New Jersey. This form of language, the "Goomba-Italiano" has been used for generations. It's not gangster slang terms like "whack" or "vig", if that's what you are thinking---nope, this is real guido talk !

The goomba says ciao when he arrives or leaves. He says Mama Mia anytime emotion is needed in any given situation. Mannaggia, meengya, oofah, and of course, va fongool can also be used. Capeesh?
He uses a mopeen to wipe his hands in the cucina , gets agita from the gravy (SAUCE to the Chicago gang) and will shkeeve meatballs unless they are homemade from the famiglia. Always foonah your bread in the pot of gravy (sauce ) or you will be considered a real coo-gootz or a Mezzo-finookio . There are usually plenty of mamalukes and the girl from the neighborhood with the reputation is a facia-bruta, puttana or a schifosa.
If you are called cattivo, cabbadost, sfatcheem, stupido, or strunz , you are usually a pain in the ass A crazy diavlo can give you the malokya (evil eye), but that red horn (contra malokya) will protect you if you Use it right. Don't forget to always say per favore and grazia and prego .

If you are feeling mooshadda or stoonad or mezzo-morto, always head to Nonna's and she will fix you up with a little homemade manicott', cavadell', or calamar ', or some ricotta cheesecake.
Mangia some zeppoles, canollis, torrone, struffoli, shfoolyadell', p ignoli cookies, or a little nutella on pannetone. Delizioso ! I think I will fix myself a sangweech of cabagol ' with some proshoot and mozarell' or maybe just a hot slice of peetza ...............

So salud ' if you have any Italian blood in you and you understood anything written here! Then, you are numero uno and a professore of the goombas .

If you don't get any of this, then fa Nabola with the whole thing and you are a disgraziato. Scuzi, mia dispiachay, I didn't mean that....... Just......

fugheddaboudit !

Email of the Day

Of course, like most of my "Email of the Day" emails, my Daddy sent me this.  I thought it was pretty neat.

Email of the Day

Of course, my Daddy sent me this.  It's 100% true!!

: ITALIAN THANKSGIVING-

MANGIARE ! MANGIARE !!!

       To those of you who remember,

     We REALLY did feast like this,

        Oh Boy..didn't we though......

ITALIAN THANKSGIVING When I was a kid growing up, Thanksgiving was a day to reflect on what we had to be thankful for and to see my family together.  After this peaceful moment, of no one screaming at each other, it was time to eat!                           ANDIAMO! Now Italians do it all little bit different than the rest, but what else is new. First we start with: ANTIPASTO then LASAGNA  or MANICOTTI (depending on what you had last year) with MEAT IN THE GRAVY   then SOUP   Now we get to the Meal: TURKEY   STUFFING ROASTED POTATOES BROCCOLI RABE and / or ESCAROLE ROASTED RED PEPPERS SAUTEED MUSHROOMS SAUTEED STRINGBEANS (picked from the vine in the backyard garden) THE BREAD (that nonna made) and GOD FORBID YOU FORGET THE SALAD!!! (picked from the backyard garden with homemade wine vinegar) To wash it all down, we had: HOMEMADE WINE and 7 UP (IN THE GLASS BOTTLE) Then after the men had a 2 hour nap and the woman cleaned all the dishes, we had: CHESTNUTS MIXED NUTS FRESH FRUIT DRIED FIGS and FINOCCHIO Then we started the dessert: ITALIAN COOKIES SFOGLIATELLE CANNOLIS and ITALIAN PASTRY (just in case we missed something) During this feast we enjoyed a nice EXPRESSO  with MARIE BRIZARD ANISETTE  or ROMANA SAMBUCA Then after that we needed a little something for DIGESTIVO We went straight for the BRIOSCHI!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY PAISANI

Just in case you don't believe me, check out this Thanksgiving post from two years ago.


**Oh, what the hell!?!?  I've edited this twice now, to put the pictures back in, and they keep disappearing!  Damn it!** 

**Ok, maybe the third time's the charm.  It damn well better be, it took me a half hour!!  I saved each individual picture to my computer, then inserted them one by one.  Oy!!**