(43-342) The Pizza Incident

Before we came out to Jackie's we all agreed that we were gonna just go with the flow, take it very easy and that's exactly what we've done.  We all slept in, got up leisurely, had breakfast and just enjoyed each other's company.  We've gone to the pool, we went to the rehab center to visit Jackie's dad; and meal times have kinda been delayed - not that anyone went hungry.

I don't think we ate lunch yesterday until 230 and just before 7pm Jackie, Kelsie and I took Hershey and Molly for a walk that lasted well over an hour.  We had been planning to order pizza and salad from Amici's, to go along with our keep it simple plan; but around 830 when we got our order together and Jackie called, she was told that they weren't taking any more orders because they couldn't handle the business and they were going to close.  Jackie couldn't believe what she was told, so she called back to inquire more.  She asked why they were closing and the person who answered the phone said that they were just TOO busy and couldn't handle the business, so they were going to close for the night.  Now from a business standpoint, I think they should have capitalized on this opportunity by telling everyone that there was a two hour wait for pizza because they were so busy.  Of course people wouldn't have ordered, but they would have had the impression that Amici's pizza was a commodity, and that they should call earlier from now on. But instead, by closing they just ruined people's plans (namely ours) and made themselves appear unprofessional.

Unable to order from Amici's we had to come up with a plan B.  Given the choice of fast food or Pizza Hut, we opted for the latter because everyone had been looking forward to Pizza.  Big mistake (yes) HUGE!  We ordered three pies, but Luis and Gene only came home with two, and to say they were slightly burnt would be generous.  Jackie called about our third pizza (which she'd already paid for) and they agreed to deliver it within 40 minutes.  Luis, Jackie and I waited to eat until the last pizza arrived, and suffice it to say that it wasn't burnt, but the dough was a tad (OK a lot) undercooked.  Nicky had made the comment that the pizza "was better than nothing"; and we really appreciated that.  Nicky seemed to get that this weekend wasn't about what we ate, just that we ate it together.

When we all remember this weekend, the pizza incident will give us a good laugh, but it wasn't important in the least.  Besides, at least it gave me a story to tell.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-210) Pizza Timeline

Even though the kids and I have yet to rid ourselves entirely of the lingering cough that is caused by the Flu; I thought that we were all on the mend.   But at 530 this morning, Nicky came downstairs complaining of a pain in his neck.  His glands; to be more exact.  His gland underneath his right ear, was visibly swollen. I could feel a small lump when I touched it; so I gave him some Ibuprofen and told him to try and rest, until I could call the Doctor's office at 8am.

I was able to get an appointment for 10:30; and thankfully, the Dr. assessed that it appeared to be an infected gland; which was unaccompanied by other symptoms or illness.   The Dr. prescribed an antibiotic and some sour, sucking candy.  No need to read that again; I DID say SOUR, SUCKING CANDY; like Sour patch kids or lemon heads etc.  The Dr. explained that sometimes little nodules form in the gland and the sucking motion and the sourness of the candy, somehow helps to shrink it.  I looked it up (yes, I did;) and found a few references to sour, sucking candy and swollen glands, but nothing definitive; Queen of RESEARCH that I'm not.

It was just about lunchtime after Nicky and I purchased the yogurt that the Dr. recommended to counteract the anti-biotic; and the sour, sucking candy; and I suggested that we get "Real" Pizza.  Now surely I'll explain.  I put pizza into two different categories.  Category one includes:  Pizza Hut, Domino's, Hungry Howie's, Little Caesar's, Sam's, Costco etc.  Category two includes New York Style, Pizzeria Pizza; which in our area would be purchased at Number One Brother's, Ray's, NYPD etc.  The pizza in category one, tends to be a little less expensive; but it's also not nearly what I would refer to as authentic pizza.  The pizza in category two, is about as close to New York pizza as I'm going to get for quite some time; and since it's been 17 years since I've actually had Pizza in New York; it's as similar to what I can remember it to tasting like.  If you know what I mean.     

Luis didn't grow up eating pizza; and he's not the biggest fan; so we don't order it very often.  When we do, it's usually pizza from a category one place; and it's typically just the kids that eat it. But today, I was in the mood for "Real" pizza and Nicky was the perfect person to share it with; because out of the three of my kids; he is the one with a profound predilection for pizza. 

After making two trips to the Pharmacy; we were able to head home to enjoy our lunch.  Nicky and I took a bite of our respective slices and we were both in heaven.  It's amazing how great something can taste when you haven't had it in a while.  While eating my cheese slice, I travelled through my Pizza Timeline and recalled the pizza places that my family used to go to when I was a kid.  Richie Howell fancied himself a foodie (even though that wasn't even a term back in the day;) and he drove out of his way to get what he considered to be "Good" pizza.  While some that lived in the condo, were happy to get their "pie" from Mr.Pizza, just two minutes away; Richie Howell was content to drive 10 minutes away to Peppino's, for his.  I remembered the meatball pizza that I loved from The Nanuet Hotel, and the stuffed pizza from La Pizziola in Southampton; and how I stupidly ate it the night before my tonsillectomy, when I couldn't have water after midnight.  I recalled the early 90's and grabbing a slice of pizza in the Bronx after leaving a bar with my roommates; and then I was brought back to present day and the perfect piece of pizza that I was enjoying with my extraordinary, son.

It's absolutely amazing how a bite of a food; can cause you to time travel.  In the few minutes that it took me to eat my slice (OK, two slices) of pizza; I went from being a 43 year old, mom in Arizona to being a kid in New City, a teen in Piermont, a young adult in Southampton; a 20something year old in the Bronx and back to a 43 year old, pizza loving mama, in Arizona.  YUM!  What a delicious journey.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING   

(43-144) Lyndzi's 9th Birthday

I can't believe that Lyndzi turned 9 today.  You'd think that I'd be used to the wacky, ageing thing, since I have a son who's 11 1/2; but I'm not.  It's just unbelievable how quickly the time goes and it's so interesting to see the changes in how the kids relate to their friends. 

Since the girls agreed to go out to dinner last Saturday night, on Kelsie's birthday; tonight was the night that they were going to have friends over.  I told each of the girls that they could invite 3 friends.  Kelsie invited 3 girls from her class but no one had RSVP'd.  I saw one of the mom's on campus one day, (a couple of weeks ago) and I asked if her daughter was going to be able to come over for Kelsie's birthday.  The mom told me that her anniversary was around that time; and she asked if the invitation was just for a play date.  When I explained that it was actually for Kelsie's birthday, the mom said that her daughter could definitely come.  Well, on Thursday I went on campus in the morning because Nicky had too much to carry and he needed some help.  As we were waiting for the morning bell; Kelsie buried her head in my stomach and told me that her friend was not going to be able to come over.  The friend's sister explained that her mom had decided to go out to dinner that night instead.  Kelsie grew increasingly distressed and wouldn't remove her head from my stomach.  The sister asked if she was OK, but I explained that she was sad.  I told her that no one else had RSVP'd, and now two days before the get together Kelsie has no friends coming over.

I was very upset for Kelsie, and I tired to think of a way to make the situation better for her; so I emailed the moms of her two pre-school buddies, to see if by any chance they were free; but they weren't.  I picked Kelsie up from school and she seemed to be fine; until we were safely inside our house and she asked what to do about her party.  I suggested that she call her friend Natalia, and let her know that she didn't need to bring a present;  because Natalia had told her that the reason that she couldn't come was because she didn't have a present.  Natalia accepted Keslie's offer and I confirmed with her dad; but then I had to laugh, because in order to insure that there were no mishaps with Natalia coming over; Kelsie asked me to pick her up, and I HAPPILY agreed.

Lyndzi had two friends over; even though the mom of the third friend had confirmed with me on Wednesday; after asking if she could send her 10 year old daughter as well.  I gladly, agreed BUT on Friday the friend informed Lyndzi that her dad was not willing to bring her; so she wasn't going to be able to attend.  And just like I didn't put my two sense in regarding Kelsie's let down; I'm not going to say what I really think about this situation either; because if you know me; then you already know.

We woke Lyndzi up at 615 this morning with a loud rendition of "Happy Birthday."  We then went to Nicky's soccer game, Kelsie's 1st of her double-header, Lyndzi's game, and Kelsie's 2nd game of her double header.  Good games; all 4!

As soon as we got home from soccer; I made the Ice cream cake, and went to Jo-Ann for some additional supplies that were going to be needed for tonight's craft. I picked Natalia up at 445 and by 530 the rest of the guests had arrived.  We let each of the girls make their own pizza, with dough that we'd bought at Trader Joes; we each made 2 Shabby Blossoms, and they had ice cream cake.  Then before I knew it; the evening was over.

Despite the difficulties in confirming with their friends; I think the girls had a wonderful time celebrating their birthdays for the past week.  I'm so sorry that the girls had to be let down; however, I know from experience that each disappointment helps you appreciate all that you have.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-44) Friend Or Foe

I am off track; I am DEFINITELY OFF TRACK!  My weight has been an issue for me, hmmm, well my ENTIRE life; and if you've been following "The Bumpy Ride" for a while or you've known me for more than 2 years; then you know that about 2 years ago I was actively going to the gym, I wasn't eating carbs at dinner and I had lost about 30 lbs.  The picture in my profile was taken during the height of my weight loss; and I can honestly say that I thought I looked good.  I was pleased with my appearance and I had every reason to believe that I was going to continue losing weight.
WELL, life happens; and although my weight loss was a priority; other priorities superseded it.  With Luis working a second job, I found that I had less time to go to the gym, but I continued to avoid carbs at dinner; UNTIL I went on vacation to Puerto Vallarta in May.

Now when I'm disciplined, I'M DISCIPLINED; so the fact that I was going on vacation in and of itself, was not a reason for me to disregard my diet; but I hadn't been eating carbs at dinner for over 2 years; and I wanted to allow myself some time off.  To quote Julia Roberts in "Prettty Woman;" "BIG mistake; HUGE!"  Although I don't think that I gained weight in Vallarta, eating carbs at dinner there was certainly the beginning of my end.
Upon our return home, slowly but surely carbs worked their way back into my dinner menus.  In the 2 years where carbs were absent from my dinners, I continued to make them for my kids, (and didn't eat them) but once I'd hate a taste of my forbidden fruit, as addicting as carbs can be; I was hooked once again.  I haven't stepped on a scale in months, but I'm sad to say that I'm probably very close to being right back where I started from.

I had thought that once my kids went back to school, I would go back to the gym.  But then I found several reasons (OK, EXCUSES) for prolonging my return.  My diet has completely gone to hell with itself; and as I said in the beginning of this post, I am off track; I am DEFINITELY OFF TRACK!

I don't think that I've ever met a carb that I didn't like.  Pasta, rice, breads, potatoes, desserts, I'm an equal opportunity carb eater.  In fact, I'd have to say that carbs are my favorite food group; however, today I overdid it; I DEFINITELY overdid it.  I typically  go in to my office on Thursday's and I customarily stop and pick up a bagel on my way in; and that's exactly what I did today.  At lunch time I had a child's size personal pizza, and I'll admit that as much as I love carbs; shortly thereafter consuming my second meal of the day, I knew that I had made a mistake.  I became more tired than I remember being in quite some time, and my body felt disgusting.  I wasn't sick to my stomach but I could tell that my body felt overwhelmed.  It was then that I knew that enough was enough; that the carbs I adored were not my friends, but truly my foe.

It is time!  I am ready to get back on track.  I do want to lose the hundred pounds that I mentioned in my "To Do" post and I've got to start somewhere.  Am I ready to go back to the gym?  Now that I'm still not sure about.  But the carbs at dinner; starting Monday, that's my plan! 

It's just like I wrote yesterday, in "New Beginnings," "It's never too late to start over.  I'm re-committing myself and I'm up for the challenge.  Between writing my blog every day, exploring my religion and losing weight, I think I've  got a full plate; and carbs won't have any room there; ESPECIALLY at dinner time.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Was it PRIDE?

What to have for dinner is a nightly topic that takes TOO MUCH time in our household. I don't know why I just don't plan something and make it. OK, well sometimes I DO. But typically there is some type of discussion in which I ask "what do you want for dinner?" The conversation doesn't ALWAYS involve all 5 of us, because let's face it too many cooks... But usually, I ask Luis (if it's one of the 3 nights that he is home for dinner) or I ask the kids, or yeah, there are nights that I do ask EVERYONE. I don't remember my Mom ever asking me what I wanted, she just made dinner and it was ALWAYS terrific. But then again, she was a more confident cook than I am with a much more extensive repertoire. I shall remind you of #43 on my 100 Random Things About Me list : People tell me that I'm a good cook, but I have a limited repertoire. So with that being said; maybe I ask for suggestions because I LIKE to take everyone's feelings and desires into consideration or maybe it's because I just can't make up my mind. (Shocker!) But I think ultimately, it's because I want to make everyone HAPPY.

Well last Friday night, after an extensive discussion about dinner; Luis and I decided that he was going to cook. He was going to make Pizza for the kids (with dough from Trader Joe's - which I HIGHLY recommend. It's only $1.99, it's easy and it's GOOD.) And he was going to make Mexican eggs and bacon for he and I.

Luis did a BEAUTIFUL job on the pizza, and while he was cooking the rest of our dinner, I was emptying the dishwasher. A few minutes before the pizza was ready to come out of the oven, I grabbed my Pampered Chef cooling rack, and proudly boasted "I think I got this cooling rack for free when I hosted that Pampered Chef party, and I have to say it is one of the BEST things I ever got; because we use it all the time." And as if my chest wasn't already big enough, I think I puffed up a couple of sizes because I was SO proud of myself.

I put the cooling rack on the kitchen island and within a minute or two it was time for Luis to take the pizza out of the oven. As Luis leaned into the oven and saw his bubbling work of art, he bragged, "This pizza looks GOOD! I am THE BEST pizza maker ever!!" And with that he proceeded to put the tray on the WONDERFUL cooling rack, and the tray and pizza promptly slid right off the rack onto the floor. As it was coasting off the rack,(which seemed like slow motion to me of course) Luis shouted "Pooh" (because that's what he calls me) and I replied "What did you want me to do? Was I supposed to grab the hot pizza with my bare hands, or the tray for that matter? " But he claimed that he wanted to point out that my PRIZED cooling rack had a leg tilting off of the island and this was why the pizza crashed to the ground. OK! Since I ALWAYS double check the stability of the cooling rack (because I fear precisely what happened,) I don't believe this was the case.

Anyway, we stood there for a moment, looking at our delicious pizza oozing cheese all over the kitchen floor. The kids had come in when they heard the commotion and sadly witnessed Luis scooping the masterpiece off of the floor. They were disappointed to say the least, but I assured them that we would take another stab at making the pizza some time during the weekend and they were appeased. I told Luis "This is what we get for acting so PROUD." We laughed, and then I left for Del Taco, so I could get the kids some dinner.

Yes, I know sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. There may not be any cosmic reason that the pizza slid to the floor. It MAY BE be that the cooling rack wasn't sitting well on the island (although I HIGHLY doubt it.) It may be that the pan was slippery and that's why it careened off the rack, or, since I'm constantly seeking the GREATER GOOD, I am certainly willing to consider that it MAY have been about the pride. But, there is one other possibility; maybe I just needed something to blog about.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING