One quick thing

I forgot to upload some pictures, and here’s one of my favorites from break: This is Play-Dough only home made! Rather childish, I know, but remember that I live with elementary kids.  It’s supposed to be orange, but the food coloring didn’t spread evenly.  It doesn’t smell good, though, in case you’d like to repeat our experiment.  Below you’ll also find the recipe we followed.  It’s really easy to make, just be careful around the stove.  (Oh wait, you guys are all over the age of ten.)

Make Your Own Play-Dough

I love this Play-Dough Recipe because it’s super quick to make and provides hours of fun with the kids. I used to make a batch of this play-dough once a month in the classroom. I always changed up the colors to match the season. Although 20 little hands stayed busy shaping and molding, the play-dough never dried out! Had enough of play-dough? Try Bread and Glue Clay, or Gooey Goop.

Materials:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• a few drops of food coloring (color of your choice) OR 1 package of unsweetened Kool-Aid WHY WOULD YOU BRING KOOL-AID INTO THIS MADNESS, WOMAN?!
  

 

Directions:

1. Mix ALL of the ingredients in a large saucepan.

2. Cook over medium low heat, stirring intermittently, until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan and becomes thick so it is difficult to move the spoon. Remove from heat.

3. Let play-dough cool in the pan until it can be handled.

4. Turn play-dough out on counter or on wax paper and knead 3 – 4 times.

5.Play! Store in an air tight container.
Or just throw it away.  Probably the wiser choice

AmazingMoms Tip

Keep sticky hands from damaging walls and furniture, by keeping a wet, soapy cloth next to the project area.

This was my personal favorite part.  Because you know, I needed to do this.

(http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/artclayrecipes.htm)

Oh yeah. School.

School pretty much takes over my life, which is why these posts are so inconsistent and spaced apart.  I’m back in the thick of things already, which as a chem major means a lot of formulas and labs.  Sucks if you don’t like math + science, but for me it = fun.  I have an art history minor though (it’s pointless in the grand scheme of things, but my parents are happily paying for my education and always encourage us to pursue all of our interests), so this semester I have one “easy” class.

As for the recap, I believe we were up to Thanksgiving.  I won’t lie; one of my passions is eating.  I’m not a food connoisseur or anything fancy like that, but I do prefer to savor everything I put on my palette.  This is embarrassing, but for this holiday my family goes old school.  We embrace both our Scottish side and our Cherokee side.  Ironically, we always go to my mom’s homeland for the holiday, even though it is supposed to be a day for “America.”  Really, my family uses any excuse to go international.  Sometimes I really wonder why we live stateside at all, especially because with the exception of my dad, we are all Scotch-born.  [On a side note, my parents are really old school because we were also born in the ancestral home rather than a nice, modern hospital.  My mom, although a very modern doc, prefers childbirth in a more natural form, apparently.  Yeah, I know, she's crazy.  I guess when you get up to child number eight, labor is more a state of being than anything else.]

Before eating, though, we go on the hunt.  Not the hoity-toity British version, with the dogs going after the foxes, but a more “savage” form.  There are no dogs (unless you count the twins), although everyone is on horseback.  There are also no guns, because that is “a waste of good bullets” at least according to Grandda.  If you’ve ever gone horseback riding, you haven’t experienced anything until you attempt to throw a knife at a rabbit, or shoot at a deer with a bow and arrow.  (I’m sorry vegans and vegetarians, I love my venison.  Besides, we only hunt enough to feed ourselves for the holiday.)

Of course, not everyone is allowed a weapon.  This was actually Bron’s first year actively engaged in the festivities, and she did a damn good job.

Now you’re waiting to hear the part where something went wrong.  Don’t deny it, I pride myself on consistency; you should expect it by now.  However, Liam and Thom are actually not to blame.  They were weirdly well behaved for the trip.  They even downplayed the “Indian Reenactments” they usually insist on performing.  It must be something about fifth grade that has caused them to mature.

Padraig was the root of evil this time.  It began, as things sometimes do in our household, with his kilt.

“I ain’t wearing a skirt, Mum!” Sets the mood, doesn’t it?

Of course, he was doing this as a benefit to my Scottish cousins, who enjoy witnessing our Americanisms.  Naturally, it’s expected that American boys, in order to express how the society is properly brainwashing us all to be perfectly hetero-normative, must display their savage form of masculinity through they’re wardrobe.  Ergo the kilt becomes relegated to female attire.  The twins have skipped this phase and actually prefer their kilts, for whatever reason, although I suspect it has something to do with the lovely stunt my darling youngest brother pulled.

Whenever we’re all together in Scotland, my grandparents end up throwing a “formal” dinner where we all dress up nicely and even comb our hair.  We eat at the gargantuan dining room table, light all the fires in the fireplaces, and sing old Gaelic songs.  We eat food that is positively Medieval, but if you grow up with it I guess it’s sort of normal.  There are a bunch of ancient trunks in the place, all filled with clothing that is positively antiquated, and in surprisingly good shape.  So the women often wear these, although we have to be very careful with the delicate fabric.  The lads wear their kilts, of course, and this is why Padraig was complaining.  It didn’t help that Tara reassured him he looked just as beautiful as she.

After dinner, while we were all outside freezing our bums off stargazing from the nearby henge– no not Stonehenge: a henge is any circle of large stones, and these circles are all over the UK– Padraig decided to provide his own form of entertainment.  This entailed exposing himself in front of all the younger cousins.  While the lads thought it was a right good show, the lassies were not as pleased, and I believe it was Tara who threw a few pebbles at the exposed region, which of course caused some problems.  My great-aunt, who must be 90 if she’s a day, nearly fainted.

It was a great way to wrap up the trip, I must say.

Next (eventually) I’ll catch up to Winter Break, which involves the holiday we don’t celebrate, a.k.a. Jesus’ b-day.

Toodles,

Mayzie

Oh and for those on the East coast- good luck shoveling tomorrow morning!

I have a life, you know?

Location: under the snow

Music: Franz Liszt

Time: 11:52 am

Well, sort of.  School kind of owns my soul.  So the last time I wrote was before Halloween.  Man, that’s two and a half months!

 

To Recap:

Halloween:

Was totally awesome!  The costumes were so amazingly well done, thanks to Ly.  There was so much color everywhere, I felt like I fell down the rabbit hole.  I also ate a little too much candy corn, but oh well.  The next morning we all went for a nice group jog.

Unfortunately, I started missing everyone more than usual, because I’m all the way out in nowhere land now.  But the scenery is gorgeous, and when I do manage to find “free” time, I usually spend it drawing the landscape I see from my dorm window.  Since I was a transfer, they gave me a single, which is nice, but next semester-which is ever so close- I’m changing rooms.  Found a nice roommate who was also conveniently my lab partner.

Ugh.  Need to make lunch for the brats.  Thanksgiving will be next, never fear.

-Mayzie

fyi

In case you were curious…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_Sanctuary

it’s so pretty

Best week of the year is here!

Local: dorm duh

Music: Monster Mash

Time: 11:45

Sup y’all, October’s almost gone.  I need to blog…consistently, I realize it’s considered good therapy.  Especially after the rocky start to school.  Speaking of which, midterms absolutely sucked, but I think I did pretty well nonetheless.  And now it’s time to concentrate on the best part of fall: Halloween!  Sorry, yes, I’m one of THOSE people.  By the way, to celebrate autumn, I did something I haven’t done in a while: added a streak to my hair.  Last time I did blue, but now I’ve got a lovely bit of orange on the right.  Spirit of Halloween and all.  One of the reasons it’s my fave holiday has to do with Zoe, my best friend.  We grew up together, since right after birth, although she’s a few months older than I am.  Zoe’s the youngest of six (well technically Meri, her twin is younger), plus all of Maggie and her other adopted siblings (I may have covered this back a few months ago, but basically, Maggie’s parents passed away right after she was born.  Zoe and Meri’s parents were best friends with Maggie’s parents, so they adopted her and her sibs.  But like with Zoe and Meri, Maggie is the youngest out of a large age gap, so it was more just Maggie being adopted.  She’s one of nine kids though- I know, and you thought my family was obnoxious, right?  Essentially, Maggie, Zoe, and Meri grew up like triplets.  End of tangent)  Zoe and Meri’s oldest blood related sister was born on Halloween, and essentially defines goth, so every year their family hosts an epic Halloween bash/bday party.  Course the sister is in her mid-thirties now (Zoe’s parents married in their teens; they’re from a tiny Greek island where this is common), so it’s not like we focus on the bday aspect as much.  Anyway, ever since I can remember, my friends and I have established this tradition where we have themed costumes.  One of the first ones was the Sesame Street crew, but the recent years’ have been pretty awesome.  Junior year was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves- I was Dopey, lol.  Senior year was Disney Princesses- contrary to request, I went as Snow White, NOT Pocahontas, since she’s not technically a “princess.”  Last year was probably our best: this will only register with fellow otaku and girls who grew up in the 90s like me; Sailor Moon and her Sailor Scouts.  I went as Sailor Mars- we have the same hair, and I’d love to be able to throw fire at my enemies.

So the costume aspect is pretty intense, and everyone has “great expectations” (god go die again, charles dickens) for our lil group.  We’ve slightly expanded the core group because CeeCee, one of our old neighbors, is finally back in MA for college, and Ly’s roommate from Japan is awesome.  Plus she supplies me with great manga; what’s not to love?  Anyway, Ly always makes all of the costumes, although Meri and I usually sketch them out first.  Ly also generally decides the idea- it takes a while because we usually try to make sure it’s something that physically fits with our group, and the theme has enough elements for everyone.  Ergo the princesses worked out well cuz Meri and Maggie have gorgeous blond hair and Zoe’s (natural) hair is strawberry blond.  [Don't spread that around; she'll kill me]

So this year, to continue our otaku/cosplay theme (and to encourage Toshi, Ly’s roommate, to keep feeding our collective manga addiction), we’re going with the cast from a fantasy-themed manga, called Angel Sanctuary.  The costumes are pretty damn intense, and since Ly likes to pressure herself by waiting until the last minute, she only decided this a little over a week ago.  Of course, she’s already cast everyone and completed several costumes, including (mostly?) mine.  I’m not going to spoil your imagination by giving out the “assignments” yet, mainly because it’s against Ly’s ridiculous set of rules.  It’s always a surprise, and we usually do a “dramatic scene” to enhance it.  We even did a fight scene for Sailor Moon last year.  Pretty cool.  This year, since there are like fifty key characters in Angel Sanc., we’ve borrowed a few family friends and siblings.  Plus, I’m sure most of you guys haven’t read Angel Sanc. and won’t care.  I will say that Ly outdid herself by giving me the role of the most bamf angel ever.

Anyway, I’d best get to bed.  I’ll write more about what the party entails later.  This year is the second year we’re doing it in Boston, as opposed to home.  I like it better that way.  There are too many annoying trick-or-treaters at home.

Til later!

-mayzie the corn husk otaku

Yep, still here…sort of

Time: 11:11 make a wish!

Location: dorm

Music: Forever by Drake and lotsa peeps

…

I so knew this abandonment was coming.  Sorry paltry number of readers who actually cared.  Here is a brief synopsis of what’s been going on in my life for the past six weeks or so:

Back when my parents were out of town visiting the sick gramps, Bronwyn decided to seal her death warrant and passport to Hell by throwing a party.  And by party I mean full out kegger, the kind you only read about at frats.  Three quarters of my high school was there, the majority of my graduated class showed up for a time (ew), and who the hell knows how many out of towners dropped by.  I had made the mistake of going out to visit Alyssa that night, and since her parents are insane, the littles were invited as well.  The twins had been invited to a sleepover, thank God.  Somehow Ian neglected to care/call me, so I’m driving home and I can’t even get up my street, there are so many parked cars.  (Illegally, of course)  And I live in the middle of nowhere – for my town anyway.  The true rural folks wouldn’t consider it as such, but I digress.  Needless to say, the police hadn’t gotten there yet, but had I been any later…

Leaving the kids in the car- safest place- I pulled out the twins’ fake guns set- you know, for cowboys and Indians?- and killed the party.  By the time Ian and I wrestled everyone out, Bronwyn was crying, and it was close to 4 a.m.  And then I remembered the littles were in my car…

Anyway, the ‘rents were not pleased but couldn’t come home because gramps had declined further.  He hasn’t passed on yet, but I don’t know how he’s hanging on, it must be so painful, pancreatic cancer.  And it’s set into his lungs too.

I can’t remember much more from that week because I’m pretty sure the brats who decked me when I tossed their asses out gave me a mild concussion.

Anyways, to continue.  We did make it to Scotland safely-we did manage to squeeze a short trip in-but Bronwyn had to stay inside the whole time because she was (and is) still being grounded.  My parents didn’t dare leave her at home.  The weather was nice, if rainy, and this time we got to explore the Orky islands.  They’re very isolated but gorgeous!  So much painting material…wish I was still there.  Oh and on the last day, Padraig tried to eat a (live) sheep.  Typical.

School has started by now, and I neglected to mention this, but I’m at a new school.  As much as I liked Harvard, I really wanted to be out in the wilderness; I despise the city.  Not to mention, I was still close enough to be tempted to go home way too often.  I wanted a clean break and a smaller campus.  I hate being nameless in a sea of bodies.

So I’m typing from way out west Massachusetts, at good old Amherst.  Not UMASS; Amherst is a “mini Ivy.”  I love being surrounded by clean air.  Not to mention, I’m outside everyday DOING THINGS like biking or running.  IN NATURE.  Sorry for the caps, it’s still so novel and exciting.  The drive home is a bitch though; I’m not looking forward to Thanksgiving break.

Oh.  I forgot for a sec: the other reason I haven’t written was another family matter.  Based on the (relative) anonymity of the internet, I figure it’s safe to type this out.  I’m still flipping out really.  Okay, here goes.  Deep breaths.

So you know how large my family is.  No, my mom’s not pregnant.  BUT.  It seems that Ian…is not quite…

He’s only my half brother.

If you’re saying HOLY SHIT, that’s how I feel.  And I’ve known this since I went back to school.  Major downer for the drive to school, let me tell you.  So in some ways it’s not a HUGE surprise because Ian is blond like my mom, and my father’s a Native American.  But I just figured, oh it’s probs because he’s got some white ancestors, recessive genes, etc.  Plus, my parents are all over each other.  It’s truly disgusting.

I found out because I was listening in on one of my parents’ phone convos with the Cali grand ‘rents, and the matter was, shall we, say, dropped.  I was like, wtf?

Apparently, my mom didn’t have an affair or anything, as I initially suspected.  But after she had me, she had some issues, and the doctors told her she couldn’t have any more kids.  So my parents were like, what about in vitro?  So they tried that.  Only here’s the kicker: some doctor effed up and essentially, gave Ian the wrong dad.  I mean, epic fail or what here?  On the other hand, the doctors were wrong about her not being able to have any more kids, and after Ian, they had the rest the natural way.  But still.  I want to BE a doctor.  That kind of grave error really freaks me out.  Especially cuz, this is Boston, you know?  This is kind of a big deal area for the medical industry.  But Ian said he didn’t care because he’s still our family, full-blooded or not.  Aw, such a good kid, even if he did help my sister host a kegger.

So that’s another reason I’m glad to be out in the country: I mean I understand why they didn’t say anything, but I need a little time away from the fam.

OH! There is one more teensy tiny thing I have to tell you guys: so Alyssa found out that I’ve been using her blog.  This was like a month ago.  It was right after I’d had dinner at her house.

But she was cool, all “well at least someone’s using it.”  I guess she’ll start a new one?  Maybe?  But I’m still here, to help distract you from your rudimentary lives…

Maybe I’ll post soon.  But don’t count on it; I have a life, you know?

-M

I might start signing “corn” just for kicks

The week of hell (?)

Oy, I had to recover from writing that bit about Bron…

So let’s just start from last Saturday:

Obviously the morning started out like a disaster because a) Maeve had broken out in a rash the night prior

b) Maeve, Tara, and Padraig were wicked pissed about being left alone for the week

c) the twins wanted to try out some home made fireworks for my parents’ homecoming (wtf) today

Turns out Maeve’s rash was poison ivy, so that spread like wild fire to the rest of the littles.  Thankfully this irritated Thom and Liam enough that they canceled the fireworks preview, so at least that problem was dealt with.  [I managed to confiscate them so we had a nice QUIET reunion tonight.]

We all drove down to Logan (quite the joyous ride with all ten of us, let me tell you), jammed in our huge SUV.  At the airport, the twins managed to keep their evil behavior in check, so we didn’t have to deal with security.  Of course, it wouldn’t be my family if we left without causing a small scene.

Let me tell you, those kids have lungs of steel.

[Attendant: Is something wrong with your children sir?

Dad: Nope, just a little separation anxiety.

Maeve/Tara: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Don't leave us!

Padraig: I'm going to call child protective services, Mommy!

Attendant: Should I call security?

Me: Please God no.]

Anyway, after ten minutes and promises of candy, we managed to wrestle the sobbing trio out of there.  I think Maeve may have given the attendant poison ivy though…

-Mayzie

crap, I’m getting a headache just reliving this

What a week…and now it’s August

Music: Vivaldi, mandolin concerto, among others

Location: best friend’s house next door

Time: 9:02 p.m.

The only reason I even have time to post this is because my parents just got back from California today (fina-freaking-lly).  I also realized today that I only have three weeks of summer before I have to move back to Cambridge and, here’s the worst part: I’m actually sad because I’m going to miss all the little monsters (even Bronwyn).

What did she pay $99 for??

For those of you who would be interested, Bron gave us a little fashion show tonight after dinner, in case Mom and Dad decide to bring her along for a little tanning sesh.  Call me cheap, but I’d rather pay a third of what she did for a nice Speedo.

Check it out: (I had to find this online since my camera is being fixed still)

Doomed

Music: Painting Flowers by All Time Low

Location: Kitchen

Time: 5:50

Ah, Mom, you’re killing me!

Being a nice individual, I left the deserted and peaceful beach for hell on earth, a.k.a. my residence, in order to help my mother.  Dad was picking Ian up from the airport- yes, it is a celebratory night indeed!- with Padraig and Tara along for the ride.  The twins are still being sequestered upstairs due to the golf cart incident (Mom was pissed, and the woman never gets angry).  Mom and Bronwyn had almost finished preparing dinner, so I set the table and played with Maeve’s feet.  You know, “this little piggy;” she loves that.  I think she’s getting too big for her high chair though.  Can’t really strap her in anymore.

Bronwyn shocked me by asking about our grandfather.  (Nice? That girl?)

“Well, I figured you’d ask about that,” my mom with her evasion tactics, really.

“Are we going to be heading to California then?  Because I just got the cutest bikini-” I really don’t need to tell you who said that.  Ah, her motives are revealed.

“Well, ‘we’ aren’t; just your father and I will be going.  Afterward, perhaps later the entire family will visit, but right now I don’t think that’s wise.”  While Bron pouted, I pondered over what Mom wasn’t saying.

She doesn’t want us to witness the public shunning, I’ll bet.  She’d rather wait until Grandfather is on his deathbed- literally.

So in the space of a measly twenty minutes, my summer has turned upside down again.  At least Ian will be around to help corral the herd.

We’ll be parentless starting Saturday night, for about a week.  This should be interesting.

Stay tuned for reports of a mass murdering.

-Mayzie

No, come back!