Thursday, March 1, 2018

WHAT COULDN'T YOU DO AS A KID, THAT YOU CAN DO NOW?

As a kid I was a serious tomboy playing football, baseball and basketball.  I could climb trees and fences with ease, and frequently beat guys in bike races.  There were a lot of other things I wasn't particularly good at, but sticks out in my mind is not being able to rollerskate. (lol)

A zillion people tried to teach me, but nothing they did could get me to stand up on those skates.  It was a disaster every time I got on a pair, and I have the knee scrapes to prove it.(lol)



But before you start laughing and scratching your head, this was what I had to work with back then. For all the young people who read this blog, these pretty much look ancient, right?(lol)

These were worn with shoes, and they could be stretched to fit as needed.  Aren't they cool?*heh*

Now everyone is using these, and I still don't know how they don't all fall down.  I'll hang out with anyone, but just don't ask me to put on a pair of roller skates, please. (lol) What about you, can you skate?

HAVE YOU EVER MET A BLOGGER YOU FOLLOW?
Since starting this blog, I've met a ton of people from all over the world, which is so cool, but there are lots of them right here in NC too.  Pretty amazing.
I met Anna from Herding Cats and Burning Soup back in 2014, and found out that we live only 25 minutes away from each other, and meet up several times a year.  I connect with people for many different reasons, and you'd be surprised to know that sometimes we have everything, or nothing in common.  What I loved about Anna is that she's x-rated, opinionated and outrageously funny. She also likes to read a lot.  But she's also incredibly kind and giving.

Perfect spot for movies

Florida Villa
Florida Villa



I just wish I had millions of dollars so I could fly all the bloggers I've met online to one location for a serious Blogfest for 2 days at a luxury villa.  Chef Jim Smith from Top Chef,  lots of books and movies, wi-fi, snacks, and a sunroom for everyone to choose his or her own pajamas and slippers.  Can you imagine book, lifestyle, cooking, political, entertainment, relationship and fashion bloggers from all over the world in one place? How's that for an amazing bucket list?

VENDING MACHINE CARS
I'm fascinated with unusual things, so even though it's been around since 2016, yes, you can purchase an actual vehicle from a vending machine.  These machines are located in Jacksonville FL, Raleigh NC, Nashville TN, Houston Texas, Dallas Texas, and San Antonio Texas. 

All the cars in Carvana's inventory are thoroughly checked and inspected, but once you actually pick it up from the machine, buyers have 7 days to drive it to make sure the car is everything expected.  If not, you'll get a full refund.

For those who want only high end cars, check out the tallest vending machine for cars located in Singapore.  Once you choose your luxury car, it will be available to you in just 2 minutes!



Fudgy Lemon Brownies(Hayley Parker-The Domestic Rebel - https://thedomesticrebel.com/)
Ingredients
  • ⅔ cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of two lemons
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 & ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • FOR GLAZE:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of one lemon
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8 or 9x9" baking pan with foil, extending the sides of the foil over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil liberally with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the butter and sugar until combined. Gradually add in the eggs and stir until just barely combined - do not over mix, as this will lead to tougher brownies. Lastly, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and flour until a soft batter forms.
  3. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for approx. 22-25 minutes, no more than that, or until the top is set and lightly golden brown. Cool completely.
  4. Once cool, make your glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until a spreadable, pourable glaze is achieved. Pour over the bars and smooth out. Top with lemon zest. Let the glaze set, then cut into squares and serve. 

LEMONS FOR LEUKEMIA
I've always been a fan of lemons because of their tartness and they are great in many recipes. They also have other benefits which include cleaning and weight loss.  I almost love them as much as chocolate.  (lol) 
Even Danny Devito joined in
But the reason I chose this particular recipe from the very funny and talented Domestic Rebel(Thanks Hayley!) is because today is the Lemons for Leukemia Challenge where the focus is on helping 20 year old Chris Betancourt reach  a world record of bone marrow donations in a 24 hour period.  Sadly, this young man has only one year left to live, and he's determined to get through a 125 item bucket list.
ABC News getting their lemon on
Leukemia is a cancer that actually starts in the bone marrow,  making it hard to fight infections in the body.  Depending on the type of leukemia, many will live for years, but other types are deadly and aggressive.  This is a cause that's very close to my heart, and while I can't donate bone marrow for medical reasons, I sure hope they reach this goal which may help others in the future.  I ate two lemons this morning, and still feel the pucker.(lol)  Tag, you're it!


VERBAL ABUSE
Yes, I do bring up the discussion about abuse on occasion, and there have been times where friends and family get pissed off when the subject comes up yet again.  Sorry, not sorry. (lol) 
Sometimes it seems as if we've met the best person in the world for a perfect relationship, and yes,it can happen because I've seen and heard about it.  But occasionally we'll get subtle warning signs that we're with someone who is not right for us.  Initially, you can talk about any and everything, and there's a mutual conversation.  Eventually, you start getting cut off, or your thoughts are discounted, and if you complain, you're told "it's no big deal".  Soon, there may be suggestions to get a boob job, or to get your nose redone.  You're too fat, or too skinny.  

Out in public, you're frequently embarrassed, degraded and laughed at, then told you're too sensitive.  You notice that you are rarely taken out on dates anymore and when it's mentioned, you're called a stalker. Your cooking sucks, you don't work enough, and you notice that he or she is paying way too much attention to your neighbor.  
Eventually, your new name is "bitch" or "bastard" and you're just plain ugly. You begin to believe it when you're told that no one else will ever want you, and your character has been assassinated because of all the lies being spread.  He or she ignores you and is constantly on the phone when you try to carry on a conversation. Everything in life is suddenly all your fault.  If you haven't noticed already, a red beacon should be flashing.  

Now is the time to get in your car, call an Uber, catch the next bus, or get on roller skates for a fast getaway.  If you continue to stay thinking that things will get better, you'll soon be on a vicious rollercoaster that will never, ever stop.

53 comments:

  1. I haven't met any bloggers in person but I don't like to go out much. I'm a bit of a hermit. I'm shy and quiet in person, nothing like I am online. lol

    I hated those skates. I had those too.

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    1. That's cool Mary, and we love you! That doesn't mean I won't try to stop by to say hello the next time I visit Nevada(lol) Hugs...RO

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  2. I always wanted to try rollerblades, but never did

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    1. At this age, there's no way I can do it. You'd be reading about me on the news. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  3. What an amazing and thought provoking post. I was good on roller skates, but couldn't manipulate ice skates.

    So good of you to call attention to the Lemons for Leukemia Challenge... What a

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    1. Ironically, I could ice skate, which I still can't figure out 'til this day.(lol) Hope the keyboard issues are working better today. Will you be watching the Oscars this evening? Happy Sunday! Hugs...RO

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  4. Sorry about my comment. Having keyboard issues.

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  5. I was never very good at it, but I loved roller skating as a kid. Remember the roller rinks?

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    1. I do remember the roller rinks which I visited purely for social reasons. (lol) Hugs..and Happy Oscar Day! RO

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  6. Going to the skating rink growing up was the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Kept up out of trouble, well for the most part. Lol... I am loving the Fudgy Lemon Brownies! {hugs}

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    1. Girl, I went to those just to socialize and be cute back then(lol). But it sure was fun watching the other people skate and do it so well. Yay to lemon goodness! Hugs...and Happy Sunday! RO

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  7. Thank you for sharing that important information on Verbal Abuse. On a lighter note, I can't wait to try those Brownies!

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    1. I tried these lemon bars and they were so good. I added a little bit more lemon juice and zest because I really need that tartness. Thanks for your support Angela, and hope you have a great Sunday! Hugs...RO

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  8. Oh RO those skated, wow yes I wore (well tried to) those but mostly I hung on to the railing LOL
    Thanks for those tips about abusive relationships

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    1. I was on that railing too Debbie, most of the time, and I was still a disaster. (lol) Hope your Friday is going well! Hugs...RO

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  9. Ahhhh yes, those 'golden oldy' skates. Little do they know, today. -grin-

    Oh those Lemon Bars!!!!!!!

    So many things, people should pay attention to, when dating. And not wait for living together, to see the flashing red light. Thankfully, it's not my personal experience. But it is common sense, that these things happen.

    Keep talking about this my Dear! It is your calling. Those who don't want to hear, can simply tune out. But someone, somewhere, may wake up to their own life. Because you spoke out. And may get out!!!!

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    1. Definitely a lot different from back in the day, right? (lol)You are just so kind for your supportive words, and thank goodness you've never had to go through this nightmare. Give me lemon goodies all day long, particularly on Oscar Day! Sure hope your day is going well and Happy Sunday to you! Hugs...RO

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  10. I haven't met any bloggers, but I would love to! Lucky you, to have met some people! I would love a blogging party!!!
    Don't put me on rolling skates, or ice skates! I am with you Ro! LOL!
    Thank you for those lemon brownies! I'm making them tomorrow! LOL! I love lemon!
    Cancer does suck!! My heart goes out to Chris!
    Verbal abuse is bad! I totally understand!!
    Big Hugs!

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    1. I just imagine all the fun we'd have, like one giant pajama party! Ditto, the roller skating days are definitely done, and like you I really enjoy all those lemon flavors. It saddens me that the verbal abuse continues to happen to so many. Hope your day is going well! Hugs...RO

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  11. Oh my gosh learning to roller skate was HARD, or at least I thought so. A blast though once I got the hang of it... and I haven't met any bloggers in person yet, but there are a couple of people who I've discussed it with, Hopefully this year!

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    1. It sure was hard for me too Greg, and kudos to you for mastering it and having fun. No such thing for me(lol) I sure can't wait to hear about any possible meetings this year Greg. I bet it will be a blast! Hope you're feeling well. Hugs...RO

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  12. I've met several bloggers and made a few personal friends. There are some who I haven't met who I consider personal friends. The nicest thing is how terribly nice they are and act as tour guides. Perth and Sydney in Australia, London and Budapest. Sadly it didn't go so well with the only person from the US who I have met when she, her husband and son visited. She was very guarded and only spent about about twenty minutes with me while I had coffee and she had water. I do really like to get to know people online very well and for a long time before meeting.

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    1. That's cool that you've been able to meet so many bloggers Andrew, and that you were able to travel around to see new things. Sucks about the one that didn't work well. I'm like you and find that it's nice to connect for long periods of time with those who have things in common. So fun. Hugs...RO

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  13. I have regret for not being able to run bicycle and it is hurtful until now as i tried lot but don't know how and why but i did not give up yet and i think i will some day soon.

    meeting with friends from blogging world can be so much fun and kind of adventurous ,you are lucky to meet many my friend ,i wish i can meet you as you are incredible person with wonderful perspective!!!

    thank you for the information about the lemon and disease as i was not aware of it .
    hope the guy who donating his bone marrow can fulfill his bucket list !

    i lived 16 years with in laws where beard lots of verbal abuse of exactly kind you mentioned above but i am so grateful to God who strengthens me with his closeness to my soul and heart and i survived without being the victim of self pity or any kind of complex.

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    1. I'll bet you'll master that bicycle one day soon beautiful Baili. I would love to meet you too, because you are so kind and positive. I'm thrilled that you got through being in a verbally abusive situation, and know it was hard. God heals in many ways. Hugs...and Happy Tuesday! RO

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  14. As a child I went to the roller rink in my neighborhood every Saturday... I even wore the short skirts and we skated to organ music played live!!! Those were the good ole' days!!!
    Thank you for the beautiful memory RO ❤❤❤

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  15. Elizabeth is just the best isn't she? so glad you dropped by, and you are most welcome to share a post-now that I think I have the link up figured out haha

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    1. I love Elizabeth. She does all these neat crafty things, and shows us lots of cool places and facts. One of the bloggers I hope to meet in person one day. Hugs...RO

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  16. I am so not coordinated-although I do remember roller skating at the rink when I was a kid-remember falling more than skating lol

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  17. I could skate a little as a kid but I was never very good about it. Now I'm sure it'd be even worse as not only am I horribly uncoordinated but my balance is terrible thanks to an ankle I broke awhile ago. I'm so in for the blogging retreat! Can I come? That'd be so awesome. I've never met any of the bloggers I know online but it'd be absolutely the best!

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  18. The fudgy lemon bars look interesting Ro. Ha, I could roller skate as a kid but I sure as heck don't think I could do it now!

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  19. Oh gosh, I'm the worst at roller skating. I only ever tried to do it at a roller rink but I tended to fall more often than not. LOL

    I'd love to meet more bloggers in person, but I have met some. It's a lot of fun. That's awesome you meet up with Anna a few times a year. I'm sure that's always enjoyable.

    Thanks for breaking down verbal abuse; it's something people tend to overlook but it's important to be aware of.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  20. Oh man, my mom never let me do ANYTHING as a kid, but she kept letting my sister do the very things she was telling me I COULDN'T do! It was awful!! - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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    1. I was a serious tomboy, and I had a brother I tried to follow around(lol), so that helped. Sure hope your Friday is going fantastic! Hugs...RO

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  21. I could stay up on roller skates and manage not to skin my hands or knees most of the time, but proficient? Nope I've never tried the nice ones these days, maybe that would have made a difference. LOL, probably not.

    I've not met a fellow blogger in RL, but I do know of two that live within a half-hour's drive of me. I did get to meet a GoodRead's friend two summers ago when she was visiting the area. We walked through Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village together and talked like old friends.

    Yummy lemon recipe. Love lemons and limes and neat campaign with them.

    Yes! Love your timely reminders about verbal abuse. I've been loving on three books within the last three weeks where the author used verbal abuse and gaslighting as part of the conflict. Any attention like this from our romance writers to this hard to nail down abuse is a good thing.

    Have a gorgeous weekend, Ro the Resplendent lady of trivia and fun and warrioress for the abused!

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    1. Sophia, you need to be a writer because you always say the coolest things to boost my ego when I need it the most. Today has been one of those days that I needed a smile and I thank you for the awesome support. Kudos to you for at least staying up on those darn things, right?(lol) Very cool that you met a friend you could connect with, and I'm glad romance writers touch on this a little more these days/ Hope your weekend is going well, and that yard sale planning is working out! Sure wish I could be there for all the fun. Hugs...RO

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  22. I'm so intrigued by the vending machine cars!

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    1. I thought that was so fascinating. Now I'm just waiting for the flying cars! Hugs...RO

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  23. I wasn’t a horrible roller skater when i was growing up, but now i really suck. My sister goes skating at least once a week, she even has her own skates and she’s really really good. I wish I learned how to Roller Blade. I have met GiGi from GiGi Eats Celebrities, she’s freakin awesome and we are now friends, I feel so special. I love Jim Smith, he was soooo sweet.

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  24. I used to have roller-skates just like ours, and was really proud of them. I had no problems as a kid, but when I tries the high-end ones as an adult it was a catastrophe and I spent a lot of time on the floor! I have met up with some bloggers I 'met' through my blog, and most of them were really nice - the couple of exceptions proved the rule, perhaps. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Despite not being able to stay up on them, I thought they were so cool back then. But as I look at them compared to the skates they have now, it looks like I was born in the caveman age Valerie(lol) That's cool that you were good at it as a kid. We both would be on the floor in the new ones for sure(lol) But we'd sure look fashionable. Cool that you met a few bloggers and had fun for the most part. Hugs...RO

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  25. Haha...I remember using roller skates and falling down on my face flat each and every time!

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    1. Ah...kindred spirits.(lol) Happy Sunday and Hugs...RO

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  26. I am going to have to get over to Anna's and check out her blog.
    YOU, have a weekend filled with sparkle, sunshine and joy.
    Hugs,

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  27. Oh my gosh. Has it been since 2014?!! Time just flies. I'm so glad we met up that first time :)

    And ha on the skates. You and my mom, both. I haven't skated since I was a kid but maybe could now? Though I don't know how well I'd stay up at first. lol

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    1. I was surprised that it's been that long too, because it seems like I've known you like forever.(lol) Sounds like you were at least able to stay up back then, which is way better than my disasters.(lol) Hugs...RO

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  28. Hope your weekend is filled with sunshine, sparkle and fifteen minutes of cool, Rockin Ro.
    Hugs

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    1. Today was a rough day, so I appreciate the uplifting words Super Sandra. That caused me to only get in 10 minutes(lol) You're the best! Hugs...RO

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  29. I've heard it's harder to learn for adults than kids and I think it's true. I've never tried skating but I did try ice skating, couldn't even stand for a minute, keep falling down

    surprisingly, even to myself, I did met one blogger who also live in nyc and it was kind of scary because you never know but it was okay, though I doubt I would do it again.

    have a lovely day.

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  30. I learned to skate in about an hour's time, after falling on hardwood roller rink floor more times than I could count

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    1. Dang, that had to be pretty dang painful Adam, My keen scrapes were plenty from the sidewalk.(lol) Clearly I needed to have learned from you. Learning in an hour is amazing! Hugs...and Happy Sunday! RO

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