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I can't recall exactly when I read The Hobbit and then The Lord of the Rings but it would have been around 12 or 13 years old. I loved them but had no idea the prominence they would later go on to have in my life. I would periodically return every few years to revisit them, as one of the closet Tolkien lovers in a world that didn't really know it even existed.
Then, when my eldest daughter was a reluctant and struggling reader aged about 15, she needed to read a book of her own choice for school and I encouraged her to read The Hobbit. That magic led her to not only read The Lord of the Rings but also The Silmarillion (which had defeated me as an avid reader!) and converted her to a compulsive reader and lover of the Fantasy genre.
Not long after, word began to spread that Peter Jackson was making a movie of LOTR - no ... three movies!! And the anticipation and hope began. But what if he ruined it? Around this time, two kittens joined our family and were named Merry and Frodo (Merry being a female cat gained a male character's name, as females in Tolkien's works tend to have names too grand for a domestic cat!).
The first movie was released on Boxing Day 2001 - and we joined to queue for tickets. And it was perfect! Melissa and I released our jointly-held breaths as the vision in our heads was matched by that of Peter Jackson. And love of the movie raanked alongside love of the books.
Kieran was just ten and also struggled with reading. However, when we added the audio CD full BBC production of LOTR to our collection, he patiently listened to the whole 13 hours virtually uninterrupted! He was also immersed in Middle Earth. Kaitlyn and Rod tried to be as enthusiastic but it was we three who shared the passion.
I remember the Christmas we surprised Kieran with the full Fellowship of figures - a friend working for a toy store chain was able to get them with her staff discount. Except for one - Strider - who was stuck on a wharf and not delivered in time. Also on his gift list was a Hobbit cloak of his own, sewn in secret by me in the cosy space of our ensuite bathroom! This was packaged in a silver box, with a letter from Gandalf advising the Fellowship were in hiding within our lounge room to be found - apart from Strider, who would join them at a later date.
But I wasn't the only one sewing costumes. Melissa took her rudimentary sewing skills and taught herself how to draft patterns and recreate costumes from the movies. And that introduced her to the world of cos-play. And conventions.
Which led to her volunteering at the LOTR exhibition in Sydney, where she even managed to be featured in a newspaper article!
Which led to a family roadtrip so we could all see the exhibition!
And then more conventions and meeting with stars of the movies.
So, by the time she was celebrating her 21st birthday, Melissa was also preparing to hop over to New Zealand, so she could visit the movie locations! Her birthday yielded so more treasures for her growing collection.
In the end, she spent two years in NZ!
Sadly, the movies came to an end and the family consoled ourselves with Harry Potter instead each Boxing Day. And then, rumours began that Peter Jackson was making The Hobbit! And that turned into a trilogy as well! By now, Kieran was also into cosplay and brother and sister attend conventions together! In 2013, they easily won tickets to see one of the movies accompanied by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, in an Instagram competition on ABC radio.
And now, today we saw the final installment of The Hobbit. And we are left with just our memories, a large cache of merchandise and everything on DVD - except we now wait for the release of this third movie and, no doubt, the boxed set of three!
Sadly, little Merry didn't quite make it to the end of the journey, going to the east just a couple of weeks ago. Frodo is his annoying self and belies his fifteen years of age. Melissa and Kieran are about to turn 31 and 24. But offer them their swords and cloaks and they will oblige you a little sword play and are sure to indoctrinate Charlie into the fold as soon as possible :)
Thanks to J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson for your legacies.


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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Knight 2.0
Ok here is attempt two. I think he is pretty near ready for mass production. I just need to lower his eyes a little. Next up on my etsy list (after I make a few knights that is) are a king and queen. Lets not get ahead of ourselves though, an army of knights is first.
A Knight
I'm starting to seriously think about selling my "gnomes" on etsy. I'd really like to make some knights, kings, and queens, along with my nature type gnomes. So right now I'm trying to perfect a knight gnome. This is my first attempt. I think it needs a few adjustments. Perhaps I'll finish knight 2.0 and have it posted by tomorrow.
Homemade Gift.
Another wonderful friend of mine made me a super cool ornament. Now I actually have a few ornaments on the tree that aren't C's. :)
I also had another friend who made me granola, cookies, and the most wonderful lemon loaf. Unfortunately we devoured everything before I had a chance to take a picture. So You'll just have to take my word that it was wonderful.
Monday, December 28, 2009
A gift
One of my friends made me the coolest bag. Even C agreed and upon finding it said, "this is a cute bag." Inside the bag is a little eye pillow that smells great. I haven't decided what I'm going to use my bag for, but I too think its cute. :)
Labels: sewing
Winter Bag
Happy Holidays! I'm always sad to see the holidays go, but I'm also kind of happy to have things return to normal a little. As Christmas is over I realized it was time to put away my homemade nativity set. I've been thinking a lot about how I can store our nature table decorations. I really didn't want to use plastic, as it's not exactly natural So I've decided I will make a bag for each season. I just finished our winter bag with a special storage bag to put the nativity scene in. I of course won't be adding anything else to it until the table makes its shift to spring.
Labels: holiday, Nature tables, sewing, waldorf
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Nature Gnomes
I made these gnomes for a couple of friends of mine. One has already recieved hers, and although the other hasn't, I'm just going to post anyway and hope she doesn't read this. I had originally planned to embroider a tree on their backs, but lost my drawings and totally forgot until they were done and C reminded me. Oh well. Perhaps the next round of Nature gnomes will have trees.
Decorating the Tree
Each year C and I have cut oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit to decorate our tree. We also string cranberries. We started this tradition from our friends Barb and Dan who celebrate the holidays with a Yule tree. When the holidays are over and we take down our tree, we hang the fruit outside for the birds and animals. This was the first year that K "helped" string the fruit. He did more squeezing of the fruit and popping of the cranberries then anything else, but I think he had fun.
Labels: holiday
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Magical Wand
I have finally gotten all the parts together for K's wand. The wood was all purchased online. Then everything was painted with watercolors and glued together. The ribbons were purchased from JoeAnne's. I haven't found a cheap place to purchase ribbon from. Let me know if you know where I can find it. I'm excited for K to receive this gift as he kept running off with the stick part of the wand while I was making it. Perhaps I"ll get a picture of K playing with it after Christmas.
Along with the wooden peg people, and coins, I also purchased a bunch of wooden balls. I just finished painting them with watercolor and polishing them with beeswax. Here are the results. They will probably go into K's stocking.
Play coins
This past summer K was given a play cash register at a garage sale. It was actually very sweet. K was playing with the register while I was looking around. An older man, who had also been shopping, came up to me and said, "he looked so happy I knew he couldn't go home without it. I already paid the lady so he could keep the register." How sweet is that? Anyway the register only came with one coin so for Christmas I bought 10 wooden disks at a wood shop. I then painted them with watercolor and polished them with beeswax (yes I did take the plunge and buy the nontoxic stuff). Here is how they turned out.
To the side is the little bag to store them in.
The Wise men are all here.
I actually finished my last wise man. Here he is with the whole gang. I probably won't get the angel and Shepard done till after Christmas since I'm pretty busy making other Christmas presents. Oh well.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christmas Art
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Updated winter table
I figured that it looked so different then when I took the first picture that I'd post again. Perhaps I'll just post every now and again so you can see the progression.
Strawberry Gnome.
A strange gnome to make in the middle of winter, I know, BUT it is for a special friend of mine for Yule. I love the way this one turned out and now I think I need to make one for K and I. Ok B I hope you're not reading this post like I told you not too (well unless its after Yule. :) OH also notice that this gnome is made with the berry dyed wood. :)
I bought what I thought was mostly a pure beeswax to polish the wood I've been painting. Here are some pics to show how it looks. The tree and snowman on the left are waxed the right ones are now. Anyway, after waxing I started to think it smelled a little chemically and found petroleum in the ingredients. Now I have to figure out whether to just suck it up and buy some beeswax polish off the internet or keep using the slightly expensive polish I already bought. Hummm. I'm leaning towards buying new. C... don't read this post. :)
Labels: Nature tables, waldorf, wood
Our second wiseman
Number 2 has arrived. Number three will probably be a little late as we are heading out of town tomorrow but hey two out of three isn't bad. Of course none of them are carrying the gifts they are supposed bring but hey that's for another day. If all goes well When I get back I'll make the last wiseman, an angel, and a sheep hearder. Then the nativity scene will be complete. Err minus the barn, sheep, animals, camel, donkey, etc. Oh dear me I have a lot of work to do. :)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A Wiseman has arrived
But just one. He is an astronomer with a turban. He didn't turn out effectually how I envisioned BUT he has arrived none the less. I'll wait to take another nativity shot when all three have arrived.
Water color
Here is take two of attempting to color my wood stash. The natural dying worked with some of the colors, but I still really needed blue, green, black, and a few others. Today K and I water colored the wood. It turned out really cool! I didn't get it all done as it didn't take K long before he was sucking on paintbrushes and trying to dump the water. Oh and I also bought beeswax today so I can polish everything when it is done drying. At the rate its going I think it might be a good week before I can post pics of that. Here is a sample of what we did.
The snowmen and trees sit on our nature table (I should take an update picture).
I'm not entierly sure what I'm going to do with all the balls yet (but K loves them).
The handle, stick, and top are going to become a wand for K's stocking. I'm excited to get this project underway.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Plant Dyes
while back I put together a big co-op wood order with a group of friends. This was a huge task, but terribly exciting to receive a giant box of little people, bowls, rings, handles, etc in them mail. I have a billion different ideas in my head on what to do with the different pieces of wood and will post them as I finish them. The other day, in the middle of my gnome making it struck me that it might be fun to attempt to naturally dye the wood. I did a little research and discovered that most of the materials I could use wouldn't be growing this time of year in my winter state. So I made due with what I could buy at the store. I did 6 dyes. (shown in the picture in this order)
1. Blackberries
2. Spinich
3. Beats
4. Red Onion
5. Turmeric
6. Paprika
For the berries I mixed 1 cup of water to two teaspoons of salt and boiled. For the plants I did 2 cups water to half cup vinegar and boiled. As you can see the spinach, red onion (which I had read would give me green), and paprika didn't turn out too great, but the blackberries, beats, and turmeric turned out great! I also dyed 3 of K's diapers with the extra dye. (they are berry, beat, and turmeric).
All in all it was fun. The boiling raw onion made my eye water, but I'm quite happy with my results.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
More Nativity Gnomes
Knitted Quilt
I learned to Knit not too long before I became pregnant with K. I learned at my grandmother's sleepover party by my cousin Kate. (thanks Kate!). When I got home I became obsessed and began making lots of scarves. When I found out I was pregnant I decided to knit the baby a blanket, however, I also wanted to combine it with learning all different stitches, so I made K a tactile patchwork blanket. It was a ton of fun to make and I actually finished it just a couple of days before he was born.
Labels: knitting
Friday, December 11, 2009
Mary - 1st Nativity Gnome
Ok so Mary isn't really a gnome BUT I made her the same sort of way as the gnomes. As I said before, I am going to make a little nativity scene. Mary's veil isn't glued down yet but she is pretty much done. Next is Joseph.
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Yamaha Reface keyboards are designed around the practical needs of contemporary musicians. The name of the series, "reface," is a conflation of the idea of reimagining and the legacy of Yamaha's many groundbreaking keyboard instrument interfaces. Among the innovations that is hearkens back to are the legendary CP80, Yamaha Combo Organ and CS5 keybo... Click To Read More About This Product
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Yamaha Reface keyboards are designed around the practical needs of contemporary musicians. The name of the series, "reface," is a conflation of the idea of reimagining and the legacy of Yamaha's many groundbreaking keyboard instrument interfaces. Among the innovations that is hearkens back to are the legendary CP80, Yamaha Combo Organ and CS5 keyboards. This is the reface DX, which has as one of its chief orientations the bell pianos and broad digital synth library from the DX7.
The reface series is small. Incredibly small. But unlike miniature keyboard instruments of the past, the reface touch is satisfying and expressive, and the sound is nothing short of spectacular. The reface family of keyboards features built-in speakers and is battery operable so you can create on the go. An aux line in allows you to play along with MP3 players or whatever other audio device you wish to use. Add MIDI and USB connectivity, and the reface's capacity to interface with external devices is vast.
Reface DX goes retro 80s to cutting edge modern at the flick of a switch¦literally! Capacitive multi-touch control puts powerful FM synthesis under your fingertips. Quickly edit, store and recall 32 of your favorite Voices with the onboard memory. Add final polish to your sound using the two onboard multi-effects. Got a quick idea for a song or just want to jam? The onboard Looper records your playing complete with œsound on sound-style overdubs. You can even change or edit Voices while playing back the Looper " a great way to fine tune your custom Voices.
For sound designers and keyboardists needing classic 80's to cutting edge EDM FM sound, Reface DX is a mini-key FM synthesizer based on the legendary DX7 featuring modern four-operator FM synthesis and dual effects processors. Unlike synthesizers with "me too" sound, Reface DX offers unique and complex synth sound that's only possible from Yamaha.
WebMIDI and the reface Keyboard
It had to happen, so it did. WebMIDI. And of course, Yamaha is one of the first to offer a way to use it. WebMIDI connects MIDI devices to the internet, allowing musical instruments to play online synthesizers, as well as save or share sounds. Reface Mobile Mini Keyboards can use WebMIDI to songs to YouTube (video) and SoundCloud (audio).
BROWSE shows all available sounds (currently thousands), and you can refine your searches using tags. Once you find a sound you like, click on it and hit SYNC. This will send the sound to your connected reface and show them you to move the controls on your keyboard to recreate the sound. How cool is that?
Number of keys: 37
Action: Synth
Key size: Mini
Aftertouch / Velocity: Velocity
Key Type: Synth-type
Number of voices: 32
Polyphony (max): 8-note
Layers: No
Split: No
AUX input: Yes
MIDI Connectivity: MIDI In/Out
Line output: Yes
Line input: Stereo
USB Connectivity: Yes
Headphone jacks: 1
Pedal inputs: 1 (sustain)
Storage type: External (iOS and MIDI)
Expandability available: No
Onboard Features
Recording/Playback: MIDI phrase looper
Rhythms: Not applicable
Preset songs: Not applicable
Display: Yes
Effects: Yes
Built-in speakers: Yes
Pitch bend/Modulation: Pitch bend
Other controls: 4 touch sliders
Reverb: Yes
Chorus: Yes
Delay: Yes
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Best Uses
Comments about Yamaha reface DX Mobile Mini Keyboard:
This keyboard is awesome. A lot of people complain because of the small keys, but you get use to it really fast. I stack this synth with a virus, going from the virus into the stereo line in of the reface and the sound that coes out is huge. It might look like a toy but is really not. The presets might not be the best, but if you get into FM synthesis, the sounds you can create can go as far as you want them to go. Those little speakers integrated into this synth are so useful, the stereo image is incredible. A must buy synth.
Comments about Yamaha reface DX Mobile Mini Keyboard:
Great unit. Immediately recognized in Pro Tools. Sturdy build. Characteristic of Yamaha quality.
Comments about Yamaha reface DX Mobile Mini Keyboard:
I love this mini keyboard! The feeling of the keys, the sounds, etc...it's easy to take it with you whatever you go. It's a piece of history in your hands!
Comments about Yamaha reface DX Mobile Mini Keyboard:
I've seen mixed reviews on the REFACE series, but I think this is a dynamite little keyboard that packs quite a punch in a small size. I've already reloaded the patches from Yamaha's FREE Soundmondo site and I've very happy with the submissions from that community. Pianos, organs, strings, horns, effects - it's all there. Already contemplating getting the CS synth. Can't wait to debut it on a guitar strap on stage!
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Tag Archives: winter
Git along, little doggies.
Yippee Ti Yi Yo Git along little doggies The old cowpoke tune played through my mind as I plodded for home after a late winter hike with the mutts. In town, winter has receded into the hills, but here … Continue reading
Posted in March 2011 Tagged dogs, hiking, humor, labrador, Missoula, Montana, mountains, Mudville, Ninemile, snow, springtime, winter, writing Leave a comment
Prepare ye the way.
This time of year, the road that rumbles past my rural Montana home is a one way ramble to nowhere. With over two feet of snow blanketing the ground, travel is restricted by the whim of our county plow operator. … Continue reading
Negative Temps, Positive Karma
Sometimes the Ninemile Valley, my Montana sweet spot, grabs me by the shoulders and gives me a solid shake. "Wake up!" she shouts. "Look around!" On this first day of 2011, I did just that. An icy-blue sky welcomed the … Continue reading
Posted in January 2011 Tagged karma, Montana, New Year 2011, Ninemile, snow, winter, writing 1 Comment


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Monthly Archives: March 2012
Autism: Telling The Big Secret
It didn't really start out as a secret. It started out as a form of protection. It started out as a way to keep myself and teachers from lowering goals. It started out as a way to keep him whole and to retain the innocence of being just another kid on the block and in the classroom.
We would not let autism define us.
But then it happens. He gets older and you whisper the word to others. You hush the doctors who might say it out loud and change him with those six letters. Those simple six letters are harmless alone but, together, lined up starting with "a" and ending in "m" are some of the most powerful letters there are.
Those six letters can change people and not always for the better. Those six letters can make a parent expect less and make a teacher and a classroom lower standards. Those six letters can make a school district close the doors of the classes the "other" kids use. Those six letters can confine a child to lowered goals and expectations.
So, naturally, wanting my boy to be seen as just another kid, I have sheltered him from the words, the label and the baggage that are carried in those letters when fully assembled. I have spent ten years, making sure my boy was something more than a giant, red letter "A" emblazoned across his shirt.
With, that said, as he has just reached his twelfth birthday, I have also come to understand, I cannot keep hiding the word. It has jumped out on more than one occasion. It has made me fumble and jump myself in order to contain it before it does any damage.
I knew he and I needed to have a conversation but, that morning at my computer, I didn't know I was going to tell him. It wasn't something I had planned or spent time choreographing. I had started to wonder, or fret as I sometimes do, over how I would let my son know he is autistic. He is getting older. He is more aware. I knew it was coming and, at some point, I would have that conversation with him. It didn't need to be immediate. It was more of a "one day" kind of of thing in my planning mind but I knew it was on the horizon. I also knew I wanted it to come from me and not some kid on the playground.
That morning when the moment found me, I had not chosen words yet and certainly had no strategy or back up plans. And, even as it was beginning to happen and I could see it unfolding at my desk, I still had nothing. I thought to myself and wondered, "Is this really happening?" I was nervous, wondered how I would say it but I also got the feeling, what I was being given right then was a God moment. It's like when someone gives you a freebie and you don't have to even work for it or create it on your own. A moment of grace and light bestowed upon you directly from God's own hand that, if you are smart, you should embrace.
I was actually watching this basketball clip about an autistic boy who had been the manager for his school basketball team. I am sure many of you have seen the clip. They're at a basketball game and the coach tells the boy to suit up. It's a nice gesture and the boy and his family are thrilled. Then, in a quirky turn of events, not only did the coach have him suit up, he also, in the last four minutes or so of play, puts the boy in the game as a real player. The boy goes in, all smiles, and at first he misses a few shots. But then, he starts making these crazy three point shots.
Like I have said. Many of you have seen it. It is unbelievable. Crazy good stuff. The boy ends up making like twenty points in the last four minutes of the game and the crowd goes absolutely wild. It's a thrilling moment for me, as a stranger, and I can only imagine how his family and friends felt.
At the time, and in my kitchen, I was preparing a presentation on autism. I wanted to show the other side of autism that displays its magnificence so I was checking some clips. My son, who was eating breakfast in the kitchen, hears the crowd going wild on the computer and asks what it's about. So, I took a deep breath, embraced the moment and told him it was about a boy who is autistic who does great things.
Then my son asks the question that I have dreaded, waited for, feared, "Really, Mom? What is autistic?"
I have lived for the last ten years with autism as part of our reality but I have not let it crowd us, become us, overtake who we are. It has simply been a point of reference for us. It is spoken about in IEP meetings and with teachers but has not been allowed to define or change the boy. I spent ten years protecting him from the big red "A".
The moment I had waited for was here. I waited. I feared. Then, I gathered my courage and I spoke.
"It's when your brain is wired differently and it makes you capable of doing great things. Some really great people like Einstein were autistic." Yes, I know the jury is still out on whether Einstein really was but, I did not have time to research and split hairs….so I went with it.
And, my boy, as only he can, says without skipping a beat, "Wow, I wish I was autistic. Mom, could I be autistic?"
I could hardly breathe much less think but I took a moment and then, before I can even speak, my son adds, "Hey, Mom, I'm Irish, Norwegian and Native American. Am I autistic too?"
I smiled and I told him, "Yes, my friend, you are Irish, Norwegian, Native American and a little bit autistic." The boys beams, smiles and like only he can, says, "REALLY? That's cool mom. I'm autistic."
I smiled bigger than my face was made to smile and my mouth stretched so far it hurt. The kids were all still in the middle of the getting ready for school routine so I held my tears for later. I held them for the drive home after dropping off kids at school when I could let it all really sink in. It was a God moment. He presented me with an opportunity and, for once, I had the smarts to take hold of it and make it happen. I could not have planned it better. I had no strategy as great as this. Even on a good day, I could not have dreamed this up. It was a chosen moment and and it was perfect. I had struggled over how I would tell him and before I could even construct it, it landed in my lap. The lesson for me, of course, is stop the fretting and really embrace the whole philosophy of "let go and let God".
I had always wanted him to know who he was, fully, but without making him feel like something was wrong with him. I wanted him to understand who he was without that knowledge somehow making him feel like he was less. Autism has made him such a gift and a blessing and I wanted my words to help him to understand the gift that he is to me and everyone around him. I wanted him to feel like he was more and I had been able to preserve that life for him with the moment that followed the basketball clip. One day I will need to thank Jason McElwain for being so remarkable and his coach for being such a brilliant and courageous, trail blazing man. Both of them provided me with a level of grace I would never have found on my own.
Making A Mental Note:
The Iridescence Of Autism
In life, let's first get this out in the open and admit, there are a lot of people who really love vanilla.
Plain vanilla. No toppings, no swirls, no syrups or hot fudge, no nuts, and, by all means…believe it or not, no whipped cream. That is the way it is. Just vanilla please. That is who they are. They cannot help it. They are not necessarily bad people. They simply have not opened themselves up to the radiant world around them…yet.
Of course I have never been a vanilla girl. I will take chocolate, coffee, mint 'n' chip, butter brickle, chocolate triple fudge brownie, mango swirl, you name it. Anything but vanilla for me.
When it comes to life and autism, iridescence is a lot like vanilla. It is not for everyone. Believe it or not, some people just want the vanilla version of children and life. The vanilla people will never quite appreciate anything other than their beloved, simple vanilla. Vanilla people, in their want for conformity and consistency, will never embrace or appreciate the iridescence of autism.
Although some of us adore iridescence and sparkle, others do not and that is okay. Be aware of the vanilla people, know they are out there, know they will never change and just let them go. The non-iridescent-vanilla people will not love the spectrum, challenges, differences or disabilities, nor will they appreciate the crazy wonderful pieces of life a non-vanilla dance can bring. We all know that in order to retain the unique quality that is iridescence, it has to be sparse to be appreciated. Too much is just too much and that is why the vanilla people have their place. They have to be here in order to make the iridescent child so spectacular. If everyone appreciated iridescence, it would probably become common place, it would cease to be unique and would then become, well, vanilla. Thankfully, we are not in that place and vanilla has not taken over. The vanilla people still hold their place, they push iridescence away and that keeps the world in balance.
And, it is good that it is sparse because, truthfully, not everyone could handle complete iridescence. It's odd, it's quirky, it's definitely hard to define and it kind of sparkles indefinitely. Not everyone likes their world all bright and shiny and reflective. It can get old and tiring to see reflective all the time. It truly takes a remarkable person and a savvy eye to appreciate the iridescence of autism. Not everyone chooses it and that is not surprising.
Iridescence is a lot like Autism. When you look at autism head on, it can be overwhelming too. There are a lot of unknowns, it's scary, it's hard to know where it will take you. It is so difficult to figure out sometimes that it can make some people want to look away. It can even make some want to walk away all together before they even try to figure it out. Some things are hard to look at head on.
A life with autism can be one of those things.
Sometimes it's easier if you look at it from an angle with a partial view, one day at a time with deep breaths in between. That is the advice I give most parents when they ask me what they should do. Just breathe and don't get ahead of yourself. Today, concentrate on today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Worrying about what might happen next week or next year or six years from now will serve no purpose and will not make anyone's life more peaceful or more accomplished. If you have plans next week or next month, pencil them in but, otherwise, don't fret. Just breathe deeply and often.
And, because this is about real life, I have to admit this lesson was a hard one for me to learn. I am by nature a worrier and a fretter. Thankfully, autism and this life have taught me some good life lessons and coping skills. I suggest you practice and learn this lesson with more ease than I did. I can see it in new parents who are just starting their journey and I recognize it is how I used to be. I also know from hard fought experience that all the worrying in the world did not change a thing. Working hard, breathing deeply and taking one step at a time made the real difference in our world. These days, when I feel the squeeze of the anxiety swelling in my chest, I have to stop what I am doing, break it down into small pieces and take a deep breath. I do this because I know that in small pieces I can do anything I set my mind to. But if I let too much crowd me all at once, I certainly get overwhelmed.
So, forget about the vanilla people who don't see the radiance or appreciate the iridescence. Just breathe deeply, take life's challenges one day and one single step at a time and know you will get through all of this. Some days you will even get through it with radiance, enthusiasm and great love for the blessings autism has shared with you. Honest. And, just like with iridescence, if you look at it from a different view, a different angle, and if you look close, autism can afford you glimpses of greatness in a magnitude that hasn't yet been seen.
That is how I feel some days. (Of course, not on the fall apart days because the fall apart days WIPE ME OUT.)
Some days, his autism is like an iridescent radiance…he literally shines in my life and the radiance sparkles before my eyes. Sometimes the radiance is bright enough to let me see just a glimmer of what he is seeing and that is the essence of the joy and love he shares with me. That is exactly why I love autism so much. It changes me and it thrills me and, some days I am able to breathe in his radiant iridescence and it makes me momentarily glow inside too. I suppose it can be said that my boy brought "glow" to my life.
And, like with iridescence, as the light changes and the child grows, autism grows and changes as well. Not every moment is brightened with iridescence but that's okay too. Embrace the ones that sparkle and know on the fall apart days that the sparkle will come back and is probably just around the corner. I am so thankful for the iridescence he sprinkles into my life…the one thing I never knew I wanted but am so thankful I have.
My favorite cows :)
Autism: The Joy of The Fall Aparts
Not everyday with autism is a good day. It's just that way. We have our ups and down. Don't get me wrong…my boy has his strong points. He is a funny guy. He is sensitive, he loves snakes and spiders, he is good at electronics, a guru with Legos, a wiz at Nintendo, an ace with the IPod he saved up for and the boy has a memory like a steel trap when it comes to movies and directors and the voices of actors from animated flicks. He is good at lots of things.
That said, he is not so hot in the outdoor arena. Getting hot and sweaty on purpose? No thank you.
Though we do have the bug area conquered, the great outdoors, playing sports, being competitive, playing with other kids socially is just not our long suit. It is who we are. As a parent, I have tried to reel in the electronics and force the outdoor adventures and, I will admit, some days are better than others. I find that bartering works quite well. Electronics become incentives to be earned through good behavior while outdoor activities become the "alternative" activity when the good choices are not embraced at school to earn electronic minutes.
So, under the heading of Marilyn's quote, "Some things fall apart so better things can fall together," Monday was one of those "fall aparts."
It goes like this…On Monday, autism won.
We have fought hard to be where we are…in regular education class, full time, with no pull out or resource minutes. I will say it has not been easy. We did not start out there. We started out in special ed, full time and with no one urging us to set our goals on anything but special ed. There have also been some choice moments, after leaving special ed, when administrators wanted us back there but, we persevered and we have remained steadfast in regular ed. I'll give you the short version for now and just say last year was not a very good year for us academically, socially or behaviorally but, as we do, we hung in there. This year, after some major battling, has been better and most days this year have even, dare i say it out loud, been quite pleasant. But, as it is with autism, some days are just better than others.
Yesterday was one of the less better days.
Math class was our nemesis yesterday. In math, my boy chose to not show his work on paper (because he does it in his head instead and then ignores the teachers directives to show how he got his answer), he then chose to read his Garfield book during math after the teacher asked him to put it away, and after finally putting the reading book away he dawdled around another fifteen minutes out of his seat, blowing his nose and sharpening his pencil. To say the least, his teacher was NOT impressed.
Let me also mention, his teacher is a fabulous man and an amazing teacher so when I finally get an email home…I knew my boy had pushed a whole load of buttons on the poor man. We own those moments and I try hard to find incentives to turn our behavior back around.
And, so it went…and when my boy got home we had the obligatory talk about why he would not be visiting any of his electronic friends until he made some better choices. There have been moments when those conversation have not gone well but Monday went fairly smoothly. No melt downs, no tantrums, no fits. He knew it was coming and, as he has matured with age, he took responsibility for what he had done. It has not always been that way so after I held my breath, I jumped for joy and smiled from ear to ear.
The moment then presented itself where the boy would have to fill his non electronic time with some unpreferred alternative activity which is sometimes a bit of a challenge. In warmer weather, the pool is a no brainer since he is a good swimmer. All those Medina Rec Center pool hours on snowy days when he was three to enhance his verbal abilities paid off in spades with great swimming abilities. It is starting to warm up at our house and Monday was indeed sunny but the pool water is no where near warm enough to put a body into.
As he and I finished our conversation, his little brother ran out the door to join the fourth grade group of neighborhood boys who had assembled on our street and he quickly rode off on his bike as other typical kids would do on a sunny day. And, then, as I pondered what we would do next, my sixth grade autism spectrum son, as nonchalantly and out of character as can be, asks me, "Can I ride my bike, Mom?"
I had to catch my breath and remember my words, as well as hide my shock, when I answered, "You betcha, buddy. Hop on." I tried to pretend as though I was not concerned as I watched him grab his unused helmet, hop on the yellow Hummer bicycle that his Poppy bought him four years ago that is still in mint condition, and roll his wheels into the street with the other boys his brother goes to school with. And, just as normal as can be, he began to ride up and down the street with eight other children as though it was just another day on the street with the neighborhood kids. And, thankfully, the other kids could not feel my nervousness and they simply rode along side their friend's brother as though it was just another day in the neighborhood.
I took a deep breath and I sat back down in my drive way chair and I tried not to fall into one of those mom puddle of tears. I tried to be just another mom on the street watching her kids play in the sunshine. Inside I knew this was a God moment. I knew it was a gift. It was one of those moments that I would always cherish. It was one of those days when it all had to fall apart so something better could fall together….and fall together it did. And, truthfully, if you get too stuck in the falling apart part, it's hard to allow the better stuff to fall together. Autism is like that for us. There are moments when the world seems dark and if you get too mired down in the muck you don't allow yourself to notice the ray of sunshine that is forming on your own horizon. There are going to be fall apart days but they are just another avenue or window into something else better and more brilliant that is trying to fall together.
Today at school was a good day and the boy earned his electronics. The really terrific thing is that even though he earned the good stuff, he still came home and immediately joined his brother and the neighborhood boys on bikes in the street. I am not sure if this will hold out. I do not delude myself but I sure am enjoying watching him blossom socially and physically for now. I realize he is still an electronics guru but I appreciate that he is enjoying this new experience. I am also trying to be thankful for the fall apart days and remember that the dark moments have light too.


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Jump to navigation
This is a list of United States Code sections, Statutes at Large, Public Laws, and Presidential Documents, which provide rulemaking authority for this CFR Part.
This list is taken from the Parallel Table of Authorities and Rules provided by GPO [Government Printing Office].
It is not guaranteed to be accurate or up-to-date, though we do refresh the database weekly. More limitations on accuracy are described at the GPO site.
§ 711 - General authority
§ 3511 - Prescribing accounting requirements and developing accounting systems


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IMTA 1998 alum Eva Longoria was in Memphis, TN on Wednesday. She tweeted:
"On my way to Memphis, TN to receive the Legacy Award from the Ntl Civil Rights Museum! Very exciting, can't wait!"
Eva is being honored by the National Civil Rights Museum as a leader in civil and human rights. Eva will receive the Legacy Freedom Award in a ceremony and fundraising banquet. Eva has been busy using her star power to accomplish great things:
Her charitable efforts include Twitchange, Eva's Heroes, The ALMA Awards, Rally for Kids with Cancer, Clothes Off Our Back Foundation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the National Stroke Association, Project HOME and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Eva was recognized as 'Philanthropist of the Year' by Hollywood Reporter in 2009!
When Eva competed at IMTA in 1998, she had 38 agents and managers interested in representing her! She signed with a manager she had met at the convention. Eva told Pageantry Magazine that, "The first day they signed me I had four auditions...It was pretty fast." She quickly moved to Los Angeles and landed guest-starring roles on Beverly Hills 90210, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless. In 2003, she took a role as a detective in a TV remake of LA Dragnet and made her big-screen film debut in Carlita's Secret, and also starred in the films Harsh Times, and The Sentinel. Eva's is well-known as the beautiful Gabrielle Solis on the award-winning Desperate Housewives on ABC.


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Myanmar is one of the biggest suppliers in gemstones especially rubies and sapphires. They are also among the best gemstones in the world. You can find various colors of sapphires, even in pastel shades with very reasonable price.
Since I've accidentally misplaced my diamond ring (the one that bf bought at Habib few years back, tho it's just a commercial ring, but still) at home, I decided to have one colored stone ring (just in case I found back my diamond ring, so I wont be having 2 similar ring), as I plan to have a proper (means: 4c checklist) diamond ring for my nikah.
Blue sapphire is not one of my option as I think I dont look good in anything in blue (ok memang saiko sikit) neither do ruby as dark red is not my preference. So guess what's in between these two stones? PINK!! yes, pink sapphire! but some people called it pink ruby.. anyway it is still the same minerals. If it is in a subtle pale pink, they called it pink sapphire, but if it is more to a deep rich pink, they will called it pink ruby.
So to cut the story short, I went to the famous Yangon Gem Museum, and bought my first gemstone. So there you go, my pink sapphire ring, that I'm going to use it as my engagement ring. Kalau Kate Middleton pakai blue sapphire, I ada pink sapphire..tak main lah ikut2 orang nih..kerlass kan?? ahaks!! :p


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Nearly eight million students received Pell grants in 2010, costing $28 billion. In addition, the federal direct loan program, which allows nonaffluent students to get government-guaranteed loans at low interest rates, cost taxpayers $13 billion in 2010-11. Total subsidies to university education amount to $43 billion a year, including around $2 billion in Congressional earmarks — and that does not even include tax subsidies (for college funds); tax breaks (for university endowments, for example); and subsidies dedicated to research. Just as subsidies for homeownership have increased the price of houses, so have education subsidies contributed to the soaring price of college. Between 1977 and 2009 the real average cost of university tuition more than doubled. These subsidies also distort the credit market. Since the government guarantees student loans, lenders have no incentive to lend wisely. All the burden of making the right decision falls on the borrowers. Unfortunately, 18-year-olds aren't particularly good at judging the profitability of an investment without expert advice, and when they do get such advice, it generally counsels taking the largest possible loan. The stock of student loans has reached $1 trillion, while the percentage of borrowers in default jumped to 8.8 percent in 2009 from 6.7 percent in 2007. Last but not least, these subsidized loans keep afloat colleges that do not add much value for their students, preventing people from accumulating useful skills.He offers the following solution:
The best way to fix this inefficiency is to address the root of the problem: most bright students do not have any collateral and cannot easily pledge their future income. Yet the venture-capital industry has shown that the private sector can do a good job at financing new ventures with no collateral. So why can't they finance bright students? Investors could finance students' education with equity rather than debt. In exchange for their capital, the investors would receive a fraction of a student's future income — or, even better, a fraction of the increase in her income that derives from college attendance.He correctly notes that this is akin to a system of voluntary taxation where the beneficiaries of a college education are the ones paying into the funding system. An interesting idea with the following caveat we often here from supply-side types. If the funding system were to receive a portion of one's future income, would that be a disincentive for those "highly compensated superstars" to work as hard? Perhaps but it does seem to be a decent idea even if it does so as to bring greater opportunities to those who wish to pursue a college education on the hope of becoming a future superstar.


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|Photo by Nicole Rupersburg
"The rolling hills of Tuscany. The long stretches of scenic two-lane roads winding through Napa Valley. The idea of vacationing in wine country certainly has its appeal — the magnificent natural beauty, the slower pace of life, the wine (let's not forget the wine). But a leisurely weekend in wine country doesn't have to mean an expensive plane ticket. A brief four-hour drive north will take travelers right into the heart of Traverse City, an area once known only for its cherries, but now developing a national reputation for its commitment to historic preservation, sustainability, development of the arts and world-class winemaking.
'Situated in the middle of Grand Traverse Bay are the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. At the center of the base of both peninsulas lies Traverse City. Touring Traverse City wine country is as simple as driving 45 minutes from one peninsula to the other, directly through Traverse City. Here oenophiles will find more than 25 tasting rooms where they can sample some of Michigan's nationally-ranked, award-winning wines, as well as sample farm-to-table cuisine from celebrated chefs. While maneuvering the sharply curving roads, the panoramic views of lush green hills covered in vineyards surrounded by vast, sparkling waters will truly take one's breath away. Tuscany … Napa Valley … Traverse City? Yes, Michigan..."
Read the rest of the article here. View the four-page spread in PDF form here.
For more photos (taken by Nicole on a separate trip, not for this piece), check out the Flickr set here.


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def main(): index = eval(input("Enter an index for a fibonacci number: ")) # Find and display the Fibonacci number print("The Fibonacci number at index", index, "is", fib(index)) # The function for finding the Fibonacci number def fib(index): if index == 0: return 0 elif index == 1: return 1 else: return fib(index - 1) + fib(index - 2) main()
How can I finds the number of times the fib function is called.
number of time fib is call in fib(0) = 1
number of time fib is call in fib(1) = 1
then everytime the number of time fib is call will be
1 + two previous fib number of calls.
I know the logic but I don't know how to write the code.


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Thursday, February 4, 2016
Romance is in the Air Blog Hop Giveaway!
It's my birthday and I want to give stuff away! We are thrilled to participate in the Romance is in the Air Blog Hop and offer a big thank you to Bookhounds for hosting. We love a good romance, so this time, we are giving you any romance you want up to $15. Really, who doesn't? Hot boys, kissing, strong women... I could go on, but really, we're all there for the hot boys!
Check out the fine print in the Rafflecopter below and thank you all for stopping by!
Don't forget to check out the other blogs participating in the Hop. We are experiencing technical difficulties with the list of participating blogs, so here is the link to the Bookhounds giveaway post and their list is working. Sorry for having to take the long way around; we are working on it.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
5 comments:
Happy Birthday! We should be giving you gifts. I thank you for the giveaway. Hope your Valentine's Day is wonderful.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you! And thanks for participating!Delete
Congrats on your Birthday!ReplyDelete
Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :) Thank you for the giveaway!ReplyDelete
Little Librocubicularist
Happy Birthday! My birthday is the day after Valentine's Day. :-)ReplyDelete
Happy Valentine's Day and thank you for the giveaway!
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Stupid Sitcoms and Oblivious Men
Both combine to make me bitter.
A couple of nights ago I had dinner with a few friends and one of them turned the TV on afterwards. The show he wanted to watch so desperately is called 'The Rules of Engagement' and I had never had the misfortune to encounter it before this night. I hope I never see it again.
There were two plots running through the episode we saw, and both were so chock full of misogyny, I don't know how anyone can claim women are seen as equal human beings, I honestly don't.
David Spade, possibly the biggest Giant Baby (TM) to ever walk the Earth, featured in the first. His character had decided he had fallen in love with a woman the first time he saw her, but had no contact info for her. His 'brilliant' plan was to ride the elevator in her apartment building for a week til he saw her again. When he did see her again (need I add that she was blonde, gorgeous, thin and had big boobs? I didn't think so), she freaked out at his stalking and sprayed pepper spray in her eyes. Part of me cheered at a TV show actually depicting stalking having some negative consequences for once.
Then the two men I was watching it with said that his big mistake was mentioning he'd been in the elevator for a week as it made him sound like a stalker. So there's no problem with the stalking itself, you just have to be sure to hide it from the victim. They also described her as over reacting. Clearly it's a perfectly normal reaction for a guy who has only seen a woman once to stalk her in an elevator for a week. But for said woman to be scared when confronted with this? Overreacting, of course. I deserve a reward for not 'over reacting' to their comments.
The second storyline involved two married couples wherein the men spent the entire twenty minutes demeaning and sidelining their wives just for the sheer fun of it.
The thing about these shows and the way they depict the sexes is, they're offensive to men and women. If I was a male, I (hope I) would be genuinely appalled at being depicted this way. Honestly, these shows are doing none of us any favours. So it would be nice if the men joined our side for once and did the arguing for us. Might save us the energy to fight for things like reproductive rights and an end to sex slavery.
Grey's Anatomy – Post the first
I recently rewatched the first three episodes of this show, and wow did they ever Get It back then. There are a few things overall I have problems with, but mostly it was pretty damn excellent. So, the problems:
Gilmore Girls
I used to love this show. I found it to be awesome and funny and sad and heartwarming all at the same time. However, I have recently started re-watching it from season one, and I'm up to mid season six. And I'm seriously disturbed.
The amount of racism, sizeism and misogyny contained in each episode is disgusting. It's not there to highlight how wrong society is, it's not played out by characters we're meant to hate. It's all there by characters we're supposed to love. And we're supposed to find it funny. most people probably do find it funny. Why?? This is a show that could have been awesomely feminist and groundbreaking. It's not. Not even close.
And, to top of this toxic cocktail of hatred, most of the men in relationships display traits common of abusers. Why on earth would the writers, producers and directors display such traits in men we're supposed to like?? Luke is downright scary in the way he talks to Lorelai when they fight. Zach's Giant Baby act and his psychotic jealousy are all dangerous warning signs, but we're expected to cheer when he proposes.
Why do showmakers find it so hard to throw the misogyny out the window when creating these shows?
I used to think feminism ruined entertainment for me. Now I wonder why on earth shows are made that insult, degrade and demean such a large portion of the population, and why the powers that be are ruining entertainment for me.
Next time: Grey's Anatomy.. don't even get me started…


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A man's body has been found at Mangawhai Heads in Northland.
The dead man was discovered by members of the public on Wednesday morning.
"Police are making enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the man's death and no further information is available at this early stage," says Senior Sergeant Andy Burdett.


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Imageready Tutorials
This is a simple tutorials module where you can offer your visitors to download the actual tutorial file(zip/pdf/rar). The module only comes with English language support. It has been coded by MemHT. This module also comes with a block.
Platforms: PHP
|License: Freeware
|Size: 10 KB
|Download (19): MemHT Tutorials Module Download
ComputerExpert 2009 is a Online Instant Q/A software committed to offering computer help and tutorials. whether you are novice or veteran, while using computer you will meet all kinds of questions such as - Why my computer crashed for no reason at all ? How can the software which I used so good...
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XML::Smart::Tutorial is a Perl module with tutorials and examples for XML::Smart. SYNOPSIS This document is a tutorial for XML::Smart and shows some examples of usual things..
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Collection of most wanted Delphi examples with full source code and animated tutorials as a standalone application. No third party components.
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Free video screencam tutorials for Eclipse and Java. Includes 'Eclipse and Java for Total Beginners', 'Using the Eclipse Workbench', 'Introducing Persistence', and 'Using the Debugger'. Intended for beginning and intermediate users and programmer
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A series of tutorials that demonstrate how to use the Flash Papervision 3D engine.
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|Download (27): PaperVision Tutorials Download
These tutorials, created using Matlab's publishing tools, cover the following topics in depth: getting started, the matrix, functions, flow of control, debugging & profiling, strings, cells, structs, plotting, the symbolic toolkit, calling external code, and object oriented programming using the...
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|Download (19): Matlab 2008a Advanced Tutorials Download
The official iClarified menu bar app is the best source for the latest Apple news and tutorials. The app offers quick access to our recent articles and notifies you when new stories are posted. FEATURES: ??a*?? View the Most Recent Apple News and Tutorials ??a*?? Get Notified When New Articles...
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Eclipse GMF is very exciting technolgy. Unfotunately, it is not very easy to understand. The tutorials that can be found about GMF on the Internet are not always detailed enough. This project aims to give a few samples to help people interested in GMF to get into that technology with step by...
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This app is the go to cheerleading app. It includes videos, pictures, and descriptions on how to perform cheerleading skills ranging from the most basic level to more advanced skills. Included in this app are tutorials for elements of cheer in a broad range of categories including: motions,...
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This Application tells about the ASP/JSP/PHP Video Tutorials. Requirements: Windows Phone 8.1, Windows Phone 8
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Have you ever wanted to style your hair in a completely new way but never had a clue of how to do it? Then this app will be perfect for you, in this app we're following three different women who gives you tutorials on how to style your hair. Requirements: Windows Phone 8.1, Windows Phone 8
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Halloween Makeup Tutorials is your Halloween costume guide. If you're planning an elaborate Halloween costume or looking for a last-minute idea, consider adding ? swipe of makeup to your fright night festivities. Embrace your inner zombie or scary character for the holiday, thanks to face paint...
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Are you working on a research report, thesis, or dissertation? Do you need access to SPSS and/or SAS tutorials? Then look no further. This app provides you with SPSS and SAS tutorials, SAS Analytics U, and more all in one convenient location! Requirements: Windows Phone 8.1, Windows Phone 8
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Have you been putting off learning Photoshop because it looks too complex? Are you a beginner to digital graphics? Andrei Doubrovski, a professional photographic restoration artist and technician, has released "As Simple As Photoshop", study at home course for Photoshop users dramatically...
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This ebook in Win EXE format, contains articles and tutorials on
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2716 Washington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 276-1050
We probably would never have tried Sibarita's if it wasn't for a Groupon. We are happy we did!
Sibarita's is a small unassuming standalone one-story house with a small outdoor patio for warm-weather dining. It definitely fits into the category of "ethnic dives" with its shabby furniture, cultural decorations and unique menu offerings.
The most fitting description of the food is "Bolivian comfort food" because of its prevalent featuring of grilled meats, fried eggs, rice, large (and we mean LARGE) french fried potatoes and giant (and we mean GIANT) corn kernels.
When you first walk in, you may feel somewhat claustrophobic in the small bar area with a low wood bench covered with animal skins (where people like to pose for photographs). We were greeted by a cheerful host dressed in simple drab a la Che, who led us upstairs to the cozy dining room with orange walls and vent pipes along the ceiling. The TV screen beamed a football game, but was largely ignored by the full room of diners enjoying their large samplings of beef.
The main draw for Sibarita's clientele is undobtedly meat, meat and more meat! Looking around at what others were eating, we quickly concluded that if you have friends who love meat as much as you do, your best bet is to get together a group of 4 and come here for the "Pique Macho para 4." This carnivore's delight is brought out as a heaping plate of grilled meat (looked like flank steak) and chorizo with huge french fries, some fried eggs sunny side up, tomatoes, onions and jalapenos. You can get one ample portion for yourself for $14.95, or an ampler portion for 4 for $39, which is a great deal. The other popular options for groups of 4+ seemed to be the Parrillada Familiar ($54), which is grilled beef, chicken and chorizo, also with rice and large french fries. Anyway you cut it, this is a meat lover's paradise, or rather a meat-and-potato lover's paradise.
We did not take that route, as there we were only two of us and besides, we are not big beef or chorizo eaters. Instead, we began our meal with an appetizer with the unusual name "K'Ally" Con Pan. This consists of two large pieces of grilled bread, chimichurri sauce, garlic and olive oil, a tomato and cheese salad and giant corn kernels, which are prevalent on the menu. One word - bland, but nonetheless it was interesting to try!
As our entrees, we chose the Silpancho and Pollo Saltado. The Silpancho, very popular here, was a sight to behold. For one thing, the portion is large enough that it could be shared by two people. It can best be described as a "sheet of grilled beef" topped with a couple eggs sunny-side-up. The beef blankets over a bed of rice and several huge french fries, which are present in most other menu selections. The Silpancho was accompanied by a side plate of Salsa Cruda, which is the Bolivian Pico de Gallo. The Pollo Saltado consisted of small pieces of grilled chicken with onions and jalapeno slices with a side of rice The flavors of both dishes can best described with the same word as the appetizer - bland. Fearing this, we asked for the Pollo Saltado to be prepared "extra spicy," which they did, and only because of this request was it less bland than it would have been otherwise. But again, was fun to try.
If you are not the carnivorous type, you will find two wonderful things about Sibarita's: One is its wonderfully cheerful and attentive staff. They are friendly, highly accommodating, are very familiar with the food and most importantly, they look like they really enjoy the interaction with the diners and the food they serve. Second, and this is really THE BEST THING ABOUT SIBARITA'S - THE LLAJUA (a.k.a. Llajwa) PREPARED PERSONALLY BY BRENDA. Llajua is a Bolivian salsa (yes, we learned a new word!). It is absolutely, positively, mouthwateringly delicious!
Would we return to Sibarita's? Honestly....probably not, but not because they are not wonderful. It is just not for us. Would we recommend that you go? Yes!!! Go at least once! Don't return, if you don't like it, but do go to check it out!!! Go either for the large helpings of meat, or for Brenda's llajua, or just to see what Bolivian comfort food is all about. We are sure you will walk away satisfied.
Cozy dining room with TV screens
Bottomless peanuts
K'Ally Con Pan appetizer $6.75
Brenda's fantastic llajua (Bolivian salsa)
Silpancho beef dish $11.99
Pollo Saltado chicken dish (prepared extra spicy upon request) $10.95


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See, Marc and I disagree on the softness of our bed. I would prefer sleeping on a cloud and Marc would prefer sleeping on a brick. But since I have 4 medal rods in my back, that always trumps him and I automatically win that battle.
So the other day he was having major back/neck problems and decided he needed a more firm bed and wanted to see if that would help. Well I decided I just couldn't sllep like that all night because my back kept locking up.
So this was our solution :)
I folded the topper over to just my side and it was AMAZING!!


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(Image source: www.gettyimages.com)
Udeme shifted restlessly in the cab, it was getting darker and she was quite sure it was around 10 o'clock as she checked her phone to confirm. They were caught in a traffic jam and they were at the tail of the line, a very long queue of cars it was. She wondered if this was yet another sign that herself and Bode were not meant to be but she refused to believe that. The traffic jam was just a mere coincidence. She would still see him for the last time tonight before thinking of a plan. She couldn't give up easily on Bode, she was sure that he loved her although he had his weaknesses but she trusted in his love. She braced herself with hope. She would seek for advice from Nadie and with the help of her best friend, she would win Bode back.
Her phone shone and vibrated on her laps, it was Nadine. "Udeme where are you right now?" She quickly explained the traffic jam situation. Being satisfied her friend was alone with Bode in the hospital, she dropped the phone and faced the cab driver who was eavesdropping. She observed him for a little while, it was quite weird for such a young man who spoke excellent English to be a cab driver but then again, this was Nigeria. "Madam, there is another route we could take to the hospital but you would have to pay extra," he offered. Udeme considered this for a moment. "And what route could that be?" She asked staring at the young man suspiciously, he wanted more money and she guessed that other route would be longer. "Brooks Avenue." She considered his suggestion and checked her purse to be sure she had enough. She didn't want any embarrassment from any driver. She had just the exact amount he had asked for. There was no point of hanging around such tight traffic which could take few more hours to clear up. She had to hurry before Mrs. Thomas could return to take over from Nadie.
Danga Roland lowered himself upon the heap of sound that lay by the roadside, he felt like a chameleon, having the need to blend with his environment. He spotted a police van from where he hid and prayed they moved further or his 'job' would be ruined. He was a wanted man already in the country, one of the highest paid assassins in West Africa. Many politicians had employed his services. He smiled as he remembered his first job in The Congo; he had been hired to destroy a certain writer who had posed as an opposition to the government. He had administered a very deadly poison to the man while taking a picture with him as one of his fans, all he did was simple; he had poisoned the tip of his nail and had dug into the man's skin while hugging him along other fans. It was a natural death to the masses but to him, it was his first success.
'Yakubu' was only a pseudonym, he had hidden his real identity since the day he began training, only his family knew him so well and that had always exposed them to threats. So with all what he'd earned from the jobs, he sent his mother and other siblings outside the country. He had done different kind of jobs but tonight's was going to be a bit odd for him. The client was a female, he hadn't met her in person but through the Kabarl, an online agency that used pornography as a cover for their assassination network. She had asked for the best and was ready to pay heavily to get the job done. He sighed with relieve as he saw the police van on the highway, now he had to prepare, he took out a wrap of cocaine and sniffed it gently but the beep of his phone disrupted his moment.
The text was clear and apt, it read 'She is Coming, I'm driving a brown Volvo. KABARL. He felt his blood rush but he controlled himself; the drug was getting to him. The woman client had given him specific instructions and he was sure to follow them through but he wondered briefly why a woman should inflict such havoc on another woman.
He steadied himself as he sighted the Brown coloured Volvo and luckily the road was empty, he rushed out and waved for his partner to stop the car. It was time for another job.
Udeme suddenly felt scared as she saw a strange man waving at their cab and was more confused when the driver headed towards his direction. "What's going on?" She asked, feeling more afraid, but he ignored her and drove faster, she felt her heartbeat increase. She tried opening the door but it was locked. She felt so helpless, was she going to be kidnapped? Or killed? Who was after her? She had no other choice but to scream but she was too late as the other man silenced her with a piece of clothe while the other packed the car.
She felt her back against the heap of sand and looked around helplessly, she couldn't scream as her mouth had been covered with a piece of cloth. She cried helplessly as she watched the man loosen his belt, she tried moving but he held her down and pulled down her skirt with such a rush. The other man stood watching while making a call, she felt like dying, she wished the earth could just open up and swallow her. But it was too late as the man parted her laps and thrust deeply into them and she gave a loud scream only she could hear. The last thing she could see was a flash of white light and she went numb.
Yakubu rose up quickly and beckoned on the other man whose job was to take pictures. '"Are they okay, clear enough or I should take new ones?" He asked, fearing the wrath of Yakubu. Yakubu went through the pictures and shook his head. "We have to go again, the rag over her mouth spoils the whole picture, makes the situation look like a rape but love making is what is intended'. The young man nodded and prepared his camera for another round.
Yakubu sent the pictures directly to the mail of his female client and was yet to receive a credit alert. He waited patiently while the other man dressed up the girl who was now awake but felt too weak to struggle or utter a word. His phone gave a loud ring and he moved away to take the call. "Done" was all he said and cut the call. He wasn't a man for many words. "Let's go," he called out roughly to the other man and they walked away, leaving the bleeding girl behind.
Udeme couldn't accept what had just happened to her. Was she raped? No, she couldn't be. She sat dejectedly on the sand as tears streamed down her face. Who would she tell? She wished she had listened to Duncan. She rose up slowly and picked her phone. She had to tell Nadie as quickly as possible, she needed to see a doctor. She dialed the phone severally but there was no answer. She had no other choice but to call Duncan.
"Hello Udeme where are you? Are you home or at the hospital?" She was silent and couldn't hold it down any longer. She broke down into sobs. "What's wrong, Is it Bode? Is he Okay where are you?" But she couldn't bring herself to say those words. She closed her eyes and whispered "Duncan…I've been raped." He was silent for a while then finally asked, "Where are you?"


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Hello there! I'm so happy because this is my first post for Freebie Fashionista blog yay!, thanks to Margaux for the opportunity, I hope I can bring you all good freebies and deals.
Skin: Lara Hurley Skins - Aimee Love blue - FREE (My first skin of quality was from this store, and I'm really happy it has a freebie for all of us now yay!)
Hair: D!va - Chisato Onyx - FREE Group gift
Pumps: Purrfect - P10 Serenity - FREE Group gift, this store has a free group and a fee group, this is from the free one.
Shirt: Glam Affair - Philadelphia Azure - 10L (I love Glam Affair and doing a hunt I found out it has a 10L department, from skins to shapes, clothe, dresses, etc, female and male, go check it out!)
Jeans: Fri.day - Lunno jeans light wash - FREE (Buy the Product sample pack, lots of goodies!!)


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California Moves to Become First State
to Ban Plastic Bags
Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2014 By Alejandro Lazo
If Signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, Bill Would Be First Such Statewide Ban in the Country
Paper or plastic? In California, the latter may soon no longer be an option and the former may come at a cost.
On Friday, the state Legislature passed a bill banning the use of plastic bags at California grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores and other businesses. If signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, the bill would institute the first statewide ban on plastic bags in the U.S. A spokesman for the governor said he hasn't taken a position on the issue.
Cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland, Ore., already have such bans in place, as do most counties in Hawaii. The California ban would prohibit the thin, commonly distributed plastic grocery bags in grocery stores and pharmacies beginning July 1, 2015, and go into effect for convenience and liquor stores on that date a year later. Proponents say plastic bags are rarely recycled and commonly littered. The plastic often ends up in the ocean, they say, harming sea life.
The final bill, passed Friday by the Senate, would allow reusable plastic bags to be sold at grocery stores, and would also allow paper bags to be sold to consumers for a minimum of 10 cents.
State Sen. Kevin de León, a Democrat from Los Angeles, opposed previous versions of the bill because of concerns that it would harm Command Packaging, a company in his district. The company has since retooled some of its operations to create reusable plastic bags out of recycled agricultural film used for wrapping crops, and Mr. de León, the state Senate's incoming leader, now supports the ban. "This measure is going to prove that a cleaner environment is compatible with expanding the economy and job creation," Mr. de León said. "Part of the bill creates a new market for agriculture film recycling."
Most producers of plastic bags and paper bags oppose the law, saying it would kill jobs and serve as a tax on consumers. The statewide ban is supported by the California Grocers Association, which says it will eliminate a patchwork of local legislations.
"This bill is widely supported by groups representing environmental causes, workers, the poor, and business. It's pretty rare to have such a diverse and sweeping coalition standing behind a policy," California Grocers Association President Ron Fong said in a statement. "This has never been about anything but encouraging Californians to shift habits and use reusable bags."
The United Food and Commercial Workers, a union that represents grocery workers, also backs the ban, saying it wants the money currently spent on plastic bags to be used for worker training and food-safety initiatives.
Mark Daniels, an executive with plastic-bag maker Hilex Poly, in Hartsville, S.C., said the law amounts to a giveaway to grocers in the state, which now will collect a profit from products that they once were required to buy and give away free to consumers at cost. Such plastic bags are popular among consumers, he said, as they are often reused for lunches, lining trash bags or scooping up dog waste, he said.
"If the grocers truly thought that plastic bags were not environmentally friendly, and their customers felt that way and demanded it, every grocer in California can voluntarily give out paper bags if they so choose," he said. "Now they are asking the government to mandate the banning of these bags for their financial benefit."


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I was mistaken: Andrew Sullivan's subscription drive goes on and on:
You'll remember that we managed to beat January 2013′s total last month. And we're at the very brink of equaling all of February 2103′s by the end of today. The total last February was $105,500. As of this writing, we're at $104,800 on February 15. Can we beat last February in almost half the time? Help us get there. Subscribe here.By the way, the total number of auto-renewing subscribers is now 26,070. There's no other online-only journalism site with that kind of subscriber base. We really are building the future of the web – without pageview whoring, sponsored content, auto-playing videos, pop-ups, slide-shows and corporate propaganda. If you value all that white space, and a time each weekend for less frenzied cultural and intellectual coverage each weekend, then help us make this model truly lead the way for others.
While you are thanking Mr. Sullivan for building us "the future of the web – without pageview whoring, sponsored content, auto-playing videos, pop-ups, slide-shows and corporate propaganda" perhaps spare a moment to drop a valentine to those who are providing his enterprise with its prefab walls, structural members, mortar, bricks, drywall, conduit, plumbing, wiring, water, electricity, nails, shingles, glass, paint, hinges, furnace, central air and smoke detectors (randomly selected from two days of posting at Mr. Sullivan's blog):


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I have a confession…. I love make up… not because I think I need it but because I love what I can do with it and I like making myself feel pretty even though Im a stay at home mom for now. Here are some of my current favorite items, maybe they will be interesting to you too!
-Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay
This is my all time favorite palette, its my go to and will be for the rest of my life I think. Its super natural looking and really brings out the colors in my eyes. I have hazel eyes so its not always easy to find colors that compliment my eyes, which is why I love this palette so much! Each color really defines and makes my eye color pop!
I got it at Ulta for $54
- De-Slick make up setting spray by Urban Decay
- Too Faced Hangover face primer
- Maybelline Dream Fresh BB cream
I love this setting spray, it keeps my make up on all day through sweat and anything else! It keeps my face matte and doesnt take a lot.
I got this at Ulta for $30
The Too faced hangover primer does wonders for my skin, it has coconut oil in it and it refreshes my face and keeps it hydrated.
I also got this at ultra for $32
The BB cream is the only thing I got at Walmart, this cream is awesome, it evens out my skin tone and keeps my face fresh. As someone with pinkish tones in my skin its nice to have those evened out to not always look red.
This was fairly affordable, $6
- Becca Champagne pop by Jaclyn Hill
As someone with fair skin I am always looking for a highlighter that will actually show up on my skin. Now, as summer is rolling around I will get darker in the next few months but the rest of the year I am kind of pale. I have several highlighters that I enjoy but my favorite by far is this one!!! It shows up so well on my skin and is so smooth going on! I would pick it up again whenever I run out of it!
I got this yet again at Ulta (Im kind of an addict) $38
- Too Faced Candy Glow blush
Like I said before, I am very fair skinned and tend to have naturally red and pink cheeks, however, this blush does wonders! It softens the look of my cheeks and adds almost a highlight to my cheeks.
You can find it at Ulta for $30
- Anastasia contour kit light to medium
Now, Im not much for contour but I love this contour palette, not only is it powder but it comes in two shades; light to medium and medium to dark. I mainly use three of the colors but they are still good. Especially for someone with light skin like me!
I got it at Ulta for $40
-Bare Minerals foundation
I love this foundation, but unfortunately because of my pregnancy I think my skin has changed and I may have to switch to a liquid foundation. The powder foundations are making my skin super dry now when they used to make it matte. however if my skin had stayed the same I would stick with this one, this is actually my second time buying it.
I got it at Sephora for $28.50
- Tarte lights, camera, flashes mascara
Last but not least, this taste mascara has been wonderful! I want to try the Too faced better than sex mascara but for now this is my go to. Its not waterproof because I am allergic to waterproof mascaras.
I got this at Ulta for $23
I hope that this helps you find make up you'll love and if you're light skinned I hope this helps you find things to help give your skin some good color.
Much love,


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Hullo all … a very complacent and humble one..cuz I am sure after reading this totally stewpid post defying all kinna sense and sensibility….humility will be my only saving grace.
TAGS in the beginning I did not find them quite appealing but thn after so much time,when people did not bother to tag me at all(((((((((((((((((((like how mean was tht of all of you)..rebel-on-loose..decided to rebel against the show of such extreme biasness against me so while reading this u guys decide any time to smash somebodys head..feel free to visit his GYM..(better go wearing some iron armor,theres a quite show of muscle power salman khan shtyle there).
Ok let us start..
THE RANDOM CHAOs.
1, Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4.
12, What is on the walls of the room you are in?
my full blown up pic(its best to start my day with myself)
a painting by me.
sm other blah blah blah.
13,Seen anything weird lately?
Myself..doing this tag at 3 am in the morning…dang
14, What do you think of this quiz?
2 longggggggggggggggggggggg
15, What is the last film you saw?
16, If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?
Money smhow never is important fr me..
17, Tell me something about you that I dunno.
U dunno anything abt me..in the frst place>>>.
I hate to sleep and I hate more to wakeup…(couldn't find smthing humorous now)
18, If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Death,of ur loved ones.or anybody elses loved ones..
19, Do you like to dance?
I love to.infact I can burst in to sm dance move any time,any where:p all the wrlds,an opera,and mez a great bellerina:Pi don't usually walk.in the house,i dance moi way around.
20, George Bush:
FEFNIA…the arrogant monster..in greek mythology.
21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
Porshe carrera:P
If she gonna be like mE,I am already feeling sorry for moiself:P
Nissa(the woman)
22. . Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
AHED .(the 1).
23, . Would you ever consider living abroad?
i can live anywhere..with or w.t any luxuries..provided..im with the ppl I love…
24, What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
U were good to your parents..and you made a difference in some lives..
And wht I think GOD gonna say is…
Oh no!!!!!!!u are here.to cause havoc in the peaceful serenity of my heaven as well,let me throw u back,bang dang dang!!!!!
25, . People who may do this memo in their journal:
whoever..who feels like messing with his sleep..and brains:P
but still let me type sm names..just fr the heck of it..
Vikas…(too paagel hoi hai kiyaa..me and indulge in 2 this gibberish(his answer will b)
Adorable(I don't have time frm my flirtatious schedule..(his ans)
Possessed prophet(sebz..have u gone nuts..for asking me to indulge in 2 smthing so childish)
Anchovy(I know u hate to love me:P
Jackal(just like tht)
Cappy(dhain patash)
Tdm(long time no see…
Oks..now mez 2 sleepy to remember anything or anybody..pardon me if I frgt ur name..thnx all of u fr burdashtoofying this torture..i didn't expect u 2 read all tht I churned up..just type a sassy comment..and do bhangra:P
And thnx..possessed prophet..u did ur best in finding me sm cartoon image..while sitting in the office..:)
Adios all!!!
p.s..(i filled this last night..2 sleepy to post tht time so posting now).


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After a few hours of baking with the guru, the sun had set and it's time for dinner! My sister and brother in law did some research and we decided to visit a restaurant at Yishun block 748 which was just a five-minute walk from my house!
It's not my first time to Heng Hua restaurant although the last visit was really quite a long time back (maybe about 10 years ago) and we didn't order much then. I didn't recall it was a positive experience but let's not be too quick to judge, especially when i didn't even blog about it.
The place was packed with customers and we waited for more than 30 minutes as it's hard to accommodate our group of 12 persons; 10 adults and two kids!
Ark Shells in Spicy Sauce (一等鮮蚶)
I had a strong aversion towards cockles and would definitely stay far away from this cold appetizer! The goading by Joyce succeeded and i dropped one into my mouth. OMG, the overpowering combination of minced garlic with chilli padi and soy sauce totally masked the disgusting flavour of cockles and it was so good; i had a second one.
Herbal Prawns in Bamboo (药膳竹筒虾)
For the benefits of friends who don't read Chinese, i usually would indicate the English translation for the dish in my blog and it's normally easier if the eatery has provided the translation. In this case, i have to change it as the original translation was the doesn't-make-sense "Herbs-Food Prawns in Bamboo Shoot"!
Prawns were fresh and of decent sized; i was more taken in by the herbal soup that the prawns were soaked in! Pity the weather that evening was too hot, too humid; if it was raining, i would have enjoyed the soup better.
Pan-fried Egg with Oyster (鲜蚝煎蛋)
Omelette form without the starch found at fried oysters stalls at hawker centres; i prefer fried oysters actually and thought this was more fuyong-egg style, which i wouldn't reject in any circumstance anyway.
Stir-fried Sliced Yam (酥炒香芋)
The one dish i would always order at the now michelin-starred Putien! Putien's version had a higher concentration of caramelisation even though this one at Heng Hua was as addictive! However, the best fried yam i had was in near Yangshuo, China!
Country Style Steamed Sea Bass (清蒸金目鲈)
When it comes to steamed fish, freshness is like the most important thing and this didn't disappoint; furthermore, it's a really good deal at only S$28.00.
Heng Hua Style Fried Bee Hoon (兴化米粉)
A signature dish for the heng hwa cuisine, i had shared before that it's drier than our normal fried bee hoon at tze char stalls although the lack of oil also means it's a healthier version. Mixed them up to get the amalgamated flavour of nuttiness, ocean (seaweed, clams, prawns) and vegetables; that combination tastes lip-smacking good.
Homemade Bean Curd with Prawns (自制豆腐虾仁)
Never a big fan of tofu; this was sufficient as a required protein intake by Jovyn; the spoilt darling in our family. Other than that, nothing on the extreme ends came to mind.
Fried Kangkong with Chilli (马来风光)
Enticingly spicy to the extent of numbing my lips, this was good and could be even better if pieces of freshly fried pork lard were sprinkled on the vegetables!
Stir-fried Jingdu Pork Ribs (京都排骨)
Un-amazing and too fatty for my liking; okay, correction, i do like my pork ribs to have a thick layer of fats but i would also like the fatty section to have a nice crisp. The ones here were just mushy and the marination failed to result in any improvement.
Steamed Heng Hua Cheng with Huadiao Wine (花雕酒蒸蛏)
This is a declaration; i will never ever order this dish in my life. The razor clams were downright fishy and can you imagine that upon biting through the meat, i literally stopped chewing as the foul juice was so repulsively strong! Never ever!
Heng Hua Bian Rou Soup (兴化扁肉汤)
I would have discounted this dish if i had just drunk the soup and eaten nothing else; it was bland and tasted just like some of the accompanied soups dispensed for free when you order wanton noodles.
Don't assume that the little wanton-lookalikes were as bad as those you get from wanton noodles; they are the bian rou that gives the dish its name and befitting its importance, it tasted pretty good and unlike the lousy ones we often have.
White Fungus Sweet Soup (冰糖雪耳糖水)
Complimentary from the restaurant and as a cold dessert, i definitely welcomed it given how hot it was that day! Taste wise, the soup had that hashima flavour which is unlikely as hashima has a very high price-tag!
Cold Trotters
Yet again another signature heng hwa dish, i didn't manage to have it as by the time i was convinced to try it, nothing has remained. :(
Block 748, Yishun Street 72,
#01-212, Singapore 760748
As above.
Operating Hours
11.00 am to 11.00 pm
Call 6757-1762
As above.
Ark Shells in Spicy Sauce (L) - S$12.00
Herbal Prawns in Bamboo (L) - S$38.00
Pan-fried Egg with Oysters (L) - S$24.00
Stir-fried Sliced Yam (M) - S$15.00
Country Style Steamed Sea Bass - S$28.00
Heng Hua Style Fried Bee Hoon (M) - S$8.00
Homemade Bean Curd with Prawns (L) - S$20.00
Fried Kangkong with Chilli (L) - S$16.00
Stir-fried Jingdu Pork Ribs (L) - S$20.00
Steamed Heng Hua Cheng with Huadiao Wine - S$23.00
Heng Hua Bian Rou Soup (S) - S$8.00
Cold Trotters (S) - S$10.00
(No GST, No Service Charge)


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Swine Flu and Diabetics
Hello everyone, Iam trying to get a logical response on this issue. The news once again stated that those with chronic diseases should be watchful and take the flu shot. Since I went vegetarian, I am not as sick as much yet when I do come down with a cold..WOW. so is it a good idea to get this shot or what?
11 replies
We won't be getting one, and never take the flu vaccine either. My 72-year old mother has avoided the flu vaccine the past five years, and they are the first years she has not had the flu! Regardless, I think most of us will be exposed to the virus before a mass vaccine is ready. So far, I'm only aware of two vaccines in the works, both use what's called an adjutant, which allows the companies to manufacture massive vaccines with very little seed virus. The adjutant in the one company's vaccine is not yet FDA approved, and was used in the anthrax vaccines given to Desert Storm departees. So far, all veterans returning from there with Gulf War syndrom were exposed to that adjutant and it's pretty strongly linked to causing the whole syndrome in the first place. We're taking massive doses of vitamin D (5,000 I.U. for my preschoolers, up to 10,000 for us) and hoping that makes our immune system strong enough for whatever comes.
Sorry, that should read "adjuVant".
Here is a helpful link I've found in learning some terminology to do better research online:
I always get my yearly flu shot, but am waiting for a dr. appt. to see if she recommends it. I babysit my grandson, so I will probably get it. My husband is a truck driver and listens to taLK RADIO. SOME PEOPLE THINK THE SWINE FLU SHOT IS AN ATTEMPT TO ERADICATE THE ELDERLY AND THE YOUNG! mE, I DONT KNOW!!
That's just ridiculous! That is not what the H1N1 shot is being used for. It's to PROTECT the elderly and those with compromised health from getting sick & dying. I'm one of those, so I will get the shot. Sounds like a fear based radio station.
Next Discussion: Insatiable thirst »


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SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries.
Technology supplied includes:
The experience of Major Chuck Ziegenfuss (pictured), a partner in the project who suffered serious hand wounds while serving in Iraq, led to the creation of this program that has used voice-controlled laptops to the support recovery and reintegration of thousands of wounded troops since 2005.
The goal for this Valour-IT campaign is $100,000. You can see each team's progress by clicking on "Campaigns" above. A summary of the progress so far will be posted each day.
A person can choose to donate to a specific team through that team's page, or to donate without designating a team on this page. The donations all go to a single account and assist wounded warriors of any branch.
As of 23:59 EST 11/10/2010:
*Soldiers' Angels is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible and may be eligible for matching funds from donors' employers. Please consult your tax advisor for details. Team designations are created for the sake of fun and spirited competition and are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. All funds raised go to a single account and assist wounded warriors of any branch.


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We are well into football season and quite a season it has been!!! We have been to some fun football games and have had several fun visitors this fall!
Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE the spirit of football season!?!? And now that it is starting to feel a lot more like fall here in Arkansas, it makes it that much more wonderful!!!
First of all, I wanted to give a HOLY TURF update! It is in full swing and keeping Flint on his toes. There are some really good articles that I thought some of you football lov'in gals might like. Check out the "FOR WOMEN" section. There are several articles about all the cute football fashions around the south. The latest one is Texas-style. But, if that is not YOUR style there are also articles from several other SEC schools!
While you are visiting Holy Turf, check out the ad for Ketch the Spirit!!! They have some really cute game day attire that I think any girl would LOVE!
I don't know how you make a decision!!!
There are also lots of YUM-O tailgating recipes on HOLY TURF. If you are like me, you get in a rut and make the same finger foods week after week. This is a good opportunity to get a few fresh ideas! And Flint thought that girls might also be interested in the new Bowl Projections article! He said this might determine your New Year's plans! This is only a projection, but might help you start some planning!
Check it all out, then tell then football lov'in men in your life about it!
I also wanted to include some pictures of what we have been up to this fall!
Our friends came into town for the heartbreaking Arkansas/Alabama game.
Here are Harper and Cilla jumping in the bounce house at sweet Stella's birthday party! These are two cute little Razorback fans if I have ever seen any!!! Stella's party was so so cute! It was Mickey Mouse themed and absolutely precious and fun! They even served "Hot Diggity Dog" hot dogs! Now that is creative, isn't it?!?! The daddy's went to the game and the girls stayed at home to help Stella celebrate her birthday and to cheer on the Hogs. As always we had a fun time with the Pardue family!
Then, we headed to Texas (for a week) to watch the Hogs take on the Aggies at Cowboy Stadium. Daddy was the only one that actually went to the game. Again, us girls stayed behind. But, since we got to spend time in Dallas with my bestie, Laura, it was worth it.
Cilla loved playing with Braysen's baby toys. Funny how that works!
Me, Cilla, Braysen, and Laura
We have two kiddos and both have their hands in their mouths!
Here are Flint and Corby outside of the stadium...
Corby and Lauren
The Hogs vs. The Aggies
I have lots more cute pictures of our trip to Texas. I will post them soon. For now, I have to go chase my toddler around. She is about to raid the pantry!