Twilight of my Summer...

I am aware of both the critics and the strong followers of the Twilight series. I understand that some readers view the saga as a tapestry of love and mystery, while others see it as a trashy novel that again portrays women as love struck fools who can't get through life without some male guidance, which yes does attack my feminist values.. I myself avoided the book thinking it was foolish and for the younger crowd, ie pre-pubescent girls who really think that a handsome hunk is all the need to feel better about themselves.

After being coaxed by a friend to watch the movie one evening, I decided to see what all the hype was about. Mind you both my friend and I rallied for the equal pay act, breastfed our babies in public for the "No Shame Campaign," and ran naked through the woods several times in Michigan! Such things like a love torn vampire wouldn't sway us..

But alas we were hooked! Totally intrigued by that damn vampire and identified with that whole outcast concept. I loved how it took place in Washington and the connection with the Native American folklore, and of course related the love story between Bella and Edward with me and my Jack!

So I pursued the reading. I finished the first book in about a week then took a break to finish up more pressing matters- term papers, research proposals, a three year old! I promised myself I would indulge in the reading this summer! I finished the second book "New Moon," and now making some headway with the third installment. Why am I so intrigued? Because its a fast read, its fiction, and somewhat of a simple homage to the classics I so love. "Jigga WHAT! compare Stephenie Meyer to Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austin? " You betcha I do! Even the writer herself has admitted to this, but these books are the modern day formula of those ol' classics. I would spend many a night enthralled with Emma, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice! When you boil all that stuff down its the same love story, just touching on some of the concepts of modern times, and adding a intriguing dark angle into the mix.

Well thats my best review. I will defend Ms. Meyer and not breath anything more into her subject matter other than its thrilling and has given me the same warmth in my heart as did the forlorn women writers of the past.. I am grateful she is carrying on the good fight to engage readers and get people to read anything..other than watching TELEVISION!

-Kate Out-

Kicking off the Summer!

So we're slowly bringing May to a close. It's been an exciting past couple of weeks. I finished another semester with a 3.75 GPA and was offered a research position in the fall! Jack finished his third Cleveland Marathon (26.2 miles!) And Liv is still anxiously awaiting the pool to be open officially..She doesn't realize how close we are!

I took a summer job babysitting a little boy named Tom, who is 5 years old. I thought I swore off babysitting as a means of income, realizing I didn't like being responsible for other people's kids on a full time schedule. Plus I really enjoyed spending my day playing with Liv, and doing things at my leisure. So when I was referred for this job I definitely had my doubts. But Tom has proven to be a great addition. Liv loves him and considers him to be her "big brother." They play wonderfully together, which is great because I no longer have to be her main source of entertainment.

I see that Tom is painfully shy and doesn't do well in new situations. Which is definitely going to take some getting used to.. Olivia has never feared new situations and is a pro at making new friends.. I have to remind myself to be more accommodating to Tom and his shyness.

My request to the Universe for new friends is starting to come true! My blog addiction (as Jack puts it) has manifested an actual meeting with Ms. Anna Kiss. Tom, Liv and I ventured over to her house for art day, which was wonderful. Her house has lots of creative energy, and her boys were delightful. I hope we continue to run into each other and hang out! It would've been nice to talk to her more, but as always children's needs trump adult conversation.

We celebrated Memorial Day weekend with our friend Emily's 2nd birthday party, Greek fest in Tremont and University Heights Memorial Day parade! Busy, but fun.. We ate ourselves silly and had a blast seeing all our friends.

I think it was an awesome way to kick off summer and gear our trio up for new adventures!

Olivia enjoying the Parade!

Collecting Candy!

Happily running through the sprinkler at Em's Party!

Grateful Mother

I am a grateful mother.. I was an unexpected mother, a hesitant mother, skeptical and afraid. One thing I knew was that the person on the inside was just who I thought she would be. So mother's day really started for me on March 26, 2006. These past three years have been interesting, filled with love, challenges, and growth. Being a mother to me is something that is a work in progress, a uphill climb with little triumphs at every new point.

I had a great mother's day! Three generations of women went out for breakfast and then hung out around the homestead.. It was relaxing and calm.

I am a grateful mother!

Been Not Active

I know it's been ages, and my last post wasn't the most uplifting.. Finals have really taken it out of me along with single parent duties and outside expectations. I'm planning a couple things for this blog in the weeks to come, including using it has my creative writing outlet.

I have been reading some other blogs and been very impressed by others tenacity and honesty. Its been inspiring and encouraging. I've noticed that I talk a lot about expectations of myself and how I want to utilize this space.. Well I think I'm going to stop that and focus on just writing..

Mommy Wolves..

Mothers like wolves..tend to run in packs. Packs can be helpful. You feel accepted. You feel a sense of belonging and family. You share your food and receive food and shelter in return. The problem with packs however, when you're sick..packs beat you up or they eat you!

An Alpha Dog always presents herself and the ranks fall into place behind her. An alpha dog may delegate her orders accordingly, but usually asserts herself when needed. If her since of well being is compromised and her pack is in trouble..watch out! She will invite you in, manipulate the situation in her favor, and attack! Leaving you beaten, confused, and without a pack to run in. Not only will she leave you, but also make sure other pack members are aware you are the sick wolf that's needs to be left behind. Other wolves will listen, and make sure their pubs do not play with your pubs, their companions will not hunt for you anymore, and while you still come and go with the pack, you know that you lost your place..

The pack will go on hunting together, because wolves know that it is easier to hunt together and share, then hunt alone and not have the opportunity to eat. Wolves protect the strong and able, and eliminate the ones who are sick. No wolf has time to help with sick stragglers with all the other duties that need to be accomplished.

Knowing this about packs, I do not want to disqualify all packs. I travel in many. I love and admire many packs, and have even created a pack of my own. I believe we need packs for survival.. However, when there is a question of whether or not you will survive in a particular pack..it may be best to become the lone wolf!

The Vegetarian Dilema..

My tofu strir-fry..first attempt with couscous..

Veggie Gumbo!

My Mexican lasagna! Personal fav!

So some of you know how much I've been struggling with my health. I was diagnosed with an ulcer several months ago and been on a downward spiral of health concerns and dieting woos.. My holistic doctor recommended the Body Ecology diet, which yes worked..but as always results weaned off- I lost interest. I always loose interest and go back into the same ol' pitfalls.

Knowing that, I started slowly processing and studying the concepts of becoming vegetarian. I read some good books and tried some recipes and found that the lifestyle was a little more comfortable than I originally thought.. I decided to take it slow and not get mad at myself for cheating..

Well I made my family the guinea pigs and some dinners attempted, have come with mixed reviews, but I think I've worked out some of the kinks..and maybe on the road to greatness! I am getting more and more intrigued with trying to find alternatives to family favorites and using ingredients that I wouldn't normally use...ya know because the main ingredient was usually chicken, beef etc..

I don't plan on being full blown vegetarian. I don't like how people automatically assume by saying I'm goin vegetarian- I am a difficult eater (which those who know me, know that is soo not the case!) And tell me about different recipes, but then say things like, "oh but it has chicken in it.." whateve? How about substituting the chicken?

Conquering the Third Year!

Liv's Party!

I know I haven't been on here in a while... I was disillusioned with writing.. After rethinking that whole journal idea, I decided to come back.

Well so many things could be discussed, but I think I will just mention Liv's birthday at this point. I always interpret birthday's as a personal new year. A chance for reflection of the year's past and preparation for another chapter. This chapter begins with fun ideas and milestones, and always a whole new set of challenges...

I embrace every minute!