This is similar to my thoughts:  Are you interested in making a difference or a point?

1.  All your posts indicate you're the person who want to make a difference

2.  Making a point doesn't win the argument and doesn't advance your cause - it also often prevents you from making a difference in the future.  

When I've done neurospych testing on kids who haven't been identified as having learning disabilities by the school system, I always say to the parents "never a behavior problem, right?" They look at me like I'm psychic--most classrooms will pass you along if you're not a behavior problem...which just tells you what they prioritize.  

It's these same teachers who often refuse to make any accommodations for children.  The worst one was a first grade teacher who told me that a boy diagnosed with some early learning difficulties couldn't have a vertical number line on his desk (as opposed to horizontal--evidence-based intervention) because "it wouldn't match the other children's desk."  She had been the school's teacher of the year the year before.  

My husband likes to say that repented from a life of debauchery at age 9, when I made my "confession of faith" and was "saved."  I grew up in a Southern Baptist church and my life of sin involves being catty and two-timing boys...I didn't even drink until I was legal.  

That being said, what has characterized my beliefs is a personal God...that cares about my life and character.  So, given that I'm a pretty emotional person, my relationship with God reflects that, but no euphoria, no hand raising, no night/day change...just the kind of  emotion that is present in most of my relationships, mixed in with some impertinence.  

That being said, my most transformative experience has been the church I've been part of from 2007-2010.    But that's way too long for 200 words ; )

Life can be hard, having to live by the rules you make up as you go along.

I, too, share this genetic disorder and bought a card prominently posted on my fridge:

"

While I cook, and based on feedback, appear to have some ability in that area, my other domestic skills leave a great deal to be desired.   

Ok...the image refuses to appear...here is another try and the link:

It's a lack of empathy combined with persuasive charm and really good ability to read people.  

I hope the Republicans can focus on the process of investigation and not over-focusing on "we were right."  In other words I hope they can use this opportunity, not to make a point (which doesn't sway people), but to make a difference.  Focus on the tragedy...that's the key.

In another National Journal piece, "Why Benghazi is a Blow to Obama and Clinton" (see here) Fournier ends with an important statement.

After the obligatory reference to Republican over-reach (a concern on my part), he states:

Overreaching Republicans (conservative groups are raising money off the cover-up claims) are doing Obama and Clinton a favor. But the damage may already be done to the duo’s credibility – Obama’s strength and Clinton’s weakness.

By referring to the credibility issue and the difference between Obama and Hillary, he highlights the political risk, both for the rest of Obama's presidency and Hillary's presumed 2016 run.

In honor of our summer drinks post, what tasty adult beverage would you like with ice cream and cupcakes?

I have always loved birthdays and expect I always will.  I celebrate every year, to the point of announcing how many shopping days are left.  However, this is more of a personality than a well thought out philososphy.  Birthdays are as good a reason as any to have a party, thus I support them.  

On the downer side, this will be my first birthday without my sister who died unexpectedly--so it will be all mixed up with fun and sadness, and lack of the assurance of at least one thoughtful gift that is fantastic--my husband and kids are thoughtful, but not always fantastic : )

That being said, I'll still celebrate, just with a box of kleenex close by.

Several years ago, Cooking Light (known for their amazing drink recipes?) published a recipe for Sangria Ice several years ago.  It's light and delicious and perfect for summer

Recipe:

• 1 cup cabernet sauvignon or other dry red wine
• 1 cup water
• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed berries
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 oranges)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 orange slices

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill 8 hours. Remove orange; discard. Press berry mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Combine berry mixture, juice, and sugar in an 8-inch dish, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and freeze 45 minutes. Stir berry mixture with a fork every 45 minutes until completely frozen and slushy (about 4 hours).
2. Remove berry mixture from freezer; scrape mixture with a fork until fluffy. Garnish with orange slices

A favorite of mine for recipes and fun is the little book:

How to Booze:  Exquisite Cocktails and Unsound Advice

It's a bit bawdy, but funny and good recipes (or ideas for recipes)

First, I support shameless plugs. 

Second, and most important, sparkling syrah--it's like chocolate and peanut butter--two great tastes that taste great together.  PM me and tell me where to find it!

This good an idea deserved a shout out.

This exact form (right down to the copper mug and Goslings) was a hit at a friends recent birthday party...a younger, hipper friend, I should point out.

My flubs usually are related to not thinking about the context of a particular comment.  While I don't have quantity, I do have quality...

Most recent:

On the way to my sister's funeral (I told you it was bad):

Mom:  Well the last time we came this way, it was you girls coming to pick me up. (Referring to a couple of years ago when she was visiting relatives and broke both her legs)

Me:  Oh, well this trip is certainly better than that (referring, of course, to my mother's intact bones)

Mother stares at me in horror, husband and 12 year old son trying to suppress laughter.

Me:  Stammering, um...uh...sorry...not what I meant....but successfuly managed to repress the statement "I'm so embarrassed I could die"

It is a measure of my allergy addled thinking that I completely forgot about Sangria!  I find much Sangria a bit too sweet, so here is a recipe passed to me by a friend, that is amazing and substitutes vodka for the brandy...in my mind a worthwhile substitution.

Joel's Sangria

1 large bottle Lambrusco(750 ml)

¾ cup Vodka

¾ cup orange juice

¾ cup fresh squeezed lime juice

½ - ¾ cup sugar 

Mix and put fresh cut fruit on top, serve over crushed ice.

Delicious!