My "Extra $2 Tip"

So, as the Princess of Rizvania prepared herself the other morning, my husband asked me why I went through all that just to read a story. I told him it was HIS fault and got the usual "whaaa....???!" expression in response.

You see, when my husband and I were first married, we ate out ALOT. Not because I couldn't cook (Hon, it was NOT because I couldn't cook!), but because, with both of us working, we had the money and not much time (funny how things can 180 on ya). Anyway... my husband would typically leave "extra-large" tips, even if the service was average, which, as a former professional waitress, drove me nuts. [I liked to think you should EARN an extra-big tip by being totally awesome - which, in all honesty, I was - I totally LOVE serving people!] When I confronted him over this nasty habit, he simply explained, "How many opportunities do you get in this life to REALLY make someone's day for only $2 more?"

So, yes, I could have gone to the school that morning in a nice outfit (not my sweats), and the kids would have enjoyed the story, but with just a small investment in time (15 min.) and a little creativity, I decided to give them an extra $2. You should have seen their faces - so how could I not?!

Inspiration for the Week

"Peace cannot be kept by force.
It can only be achieved by understanding."
Albert Einstein

Fav. Foto Friday

Today I get to be the mystery reader for Gabrielle's kindergarten class. Last time I came as the Queen of Sheba and told a story of my encounter with the wise King Solomon. I wonder who will show up today?!

pssst... I'll give you a hint - I'm sticking with the royalty theme.

p.s. just got back - the Princess of Rizvania had a delightful time!

What Was I Thinking?!

My postings of late, while never very consistent, have been minimal at best. And it's not for lack of material to write about (sorry Foolery). I have a small notebook I keep with at least 15 good ideas of stuff (nonsense and in-depth) that I could share. But for some reason, when I sit down at the computer, all I can manage are a few quotes and photos here and there. I'm not sure if it's laziness or fear of putting myself out there or equal parts of both - whatever it is, I need to get over it quickly, because I foolishly (pun intended) promised Foolery I'd share one of these posts that I have in my head this week. So now, not only do I have to motivate myself to type/think, I have to clean my kitchen before I can even write the silly post!

p.s. Happy Earth Day!!

Inspiration for the Week

"The earth is but one country,
and mankind its citizens."

Bahá'u'lláh

Fav. Foto Friday

This is one of those eternal photos that really captures the essence of a person - even though it was taken four years ago, it's THESE faces I see everyday when I look at my girls. That's grandpa in the photo with them.

Inspiration for the Week

The only thing that keeps us from seeing spirit in all beings
is our judgement.

Extra. Extra.

She's back!!!

Fav. Foto Friday

This sweet little toddler just left today for her very first trip away from home, ALONE! (i.e. without me). She's headed up to Asheville (4 hours away!!) for a middle school Model U.N. conference. How do the years disappear so quickly?!

Compensation

Having to read all the exciting adventures of Bossy as she travels the country strengthening new-found (and long-time) bloggy friendships with some face-to-face time, I'm left feeling a little envious, especially since I wasn't able to make it up to Richmond to join in on the fun.
But I DID manage to meet a really awesome group of moms last night at a Self-Renewal Party (Amy, I wish you could've been there.) Let me introduce them to you.From left to right: "in search of some spontaneous adult playdates", "gave up being a 'respectable young adult' for salsa dancing in the Rockies", "in love with the Body Therapy Institute", "really loves singing the bed-time song", "just realized how much she enjoys playing hide-n-seek", "is working on ditching her self-criticism", "goes jogging even when it's rainy and cold", yours truly - "exposing everyone on her blog", "can still do an amazing handstand", and "has always loved sneaking away alone for a bit". I can't wait to get to know them even better (and my road trip would only take me 40 minutes on the longest leg - except for the little detour to Atlanta!)

Inspiration for the Week

"It just seems to me that as long as we are both here,
it's pretty clear that the struggle is to share the planet,
rather than to divide it."
Alice Walker

Fav. Foto Friday

We've always loved going to the Zoo.

One of our favorite spots - the polar bear cave (2002).

A Wonderful Afternoon

Today we made one of my favorite foods of all time, because it combines two of the best things there are: bananas and bread.

Zohreh's Banana Bread

Preheat oven to 325º. In a mixing bowl, place three very ripe bananas and mash them well. To the bananas, add the following:

1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 cup oil
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Stir by hand only until completely combined. Pour into loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour 15 min. (until a toothpick comes out clean)
We find this is especially good served with fresh squeezed lemonade,

and homework and friends on the deck.

p.s. should you ever feel moved to thank me for sharing this recipe with you, simply bake me a loaf and bring it on over! [OK - time for a road trip of your own (educational homeschooling field trip - a massive one!); Mrs. G - a homecoming?; foolery - because you're just crazy enough to do it for no reason at all]

Nerd Alert!

I always new I wasn't one of the cool kids, but I never realized just how nerdy I was (thanks foolery).

this is redeemed only by my new-found royalty

here's me as the only Junior in high school in the Math Club - redeemed only by the fact that at least I'm wearing my soccer uniform, and not my typical preppie one (yah, I was one of those too)
The black and white photo has spared you from the hideousness of my navy blue and BRIGHT kelly green outfit (yes, complete with "little whale" motif). The photographer also saved you from the sight of my green rubber "duck shoes" - who came up with that idea?! And, only in the South would you find a preppie with a mullet.