Running Chatter: Getting Out of my Head

Sometimes, social media gets in my head.  Or is it, ‘to my head’?  The constant information, the incessant keeping up, the barrage of “opinions” and the overwhelming amount of “musts” become debilitating at times.  This is especially true if you have “photographer” attached to your name.  (Can I get an Amen, photographer friends?)

Either way. . . sometimes I just want to run from it all.  Escape.  Chuck it all and blow big sloppy Good-bye kisses. 

A mentor of mine calls it “noise”. 

Yep, that’s what it is:  Noise.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blogs. . . on and on and on. 

Sometimes, the noise is so loud I can’t hear my own thoughts.  Sometimes, I need to step away.

So, I step over here.

Do I know that this space is a social media outlet?  Of course I do.  But in all reality, it’s different for me.  Coming here is like slipping back into my own bed after sleeping in a strange bed in a strange country for a week.  (I know because I just did that.)

Sometimes, Chad tells me I need to get out of my head.  Running Chatter does that for me.  It gets me out of my head and back to the basics.  Back to the things that matter.  Back to the simple things. 

Seems like a perfect time for some Running Chatter. . .

**********************************************

1.  Spring Break

We are currently on Spring Break.  I say we, and not the kids, because if you are a Mama you understand that Break means no more schedules, making school lunches, assisting with homework, getting clothes ready, rushing breakfast. . . and all those wonderful things that weekday school mornings bring. 

I love the break from the routine.  I really do.

However, the “Spring” in “Spring” break is not true for us.  It snowed today.  It’s cold.  Three kids with A LOT of pent up energy results in a Mama with zero energy.  Today, my plan to combat the problem consisted of spending $13 on breakfast ($10 of which was left uneaten). . .

So that they could play (read: burn energy) for three hours.

What can I say?  A Mom’s got to do, what a Mom’s got to do. . .

******************************************

2. Conscious Uncoupling

Did you know that Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin split?  This is big news in our house because Chad is kind of a big fan of Coldplay.  Chad and I just spent five minutes trying to say the phrase “conscious uncoupling”.  Really, try it.  I’ll wait.

See, it’s hard isn’t it?  I tried to say it five times in a row and faltered on #2. 

You totally want to hang with Chad and I now, don’t you? 

I just googled the phrase:  “Conscious Uncoupling“.  I predict Ms. Paltrow will have a new word in Webster’s at the end of 2014. 

2013, Twerking.  2014, Conscious Uncoupling.

****************************************

3.  I DO IT
This is Meadow’s most used phrase.  (So much easier than Conscious Uncoupling). 

She said it today as she put on and attempted to tie her sister’s shoes. 

I foresee another Meadow post coming soon, because, well, it’s my blog and we think she’s awfully adorable.

*********************************************

4.  Ailments
We began Spring Break with a few ailments.  Such a bummer to begin Spring Break with strep throat.  Charlie was pretty sick, so when Chad’s dad came by to take Chanelle to lunch, he didn’t bat an eye. 

When Chanelle returned with Gramps, they entered the house with new friends for all. . .

“Pengy” the Penguin
“D-Air” the Dinasour
“Beary” the Bear

It’s amazing how three helium filled animals changed the atmosphere in our home.  Chaos Joy erupted.  I’m convinced there is some sort of healing power in these balloons.  (No, we did not let them inhale the helium.) Charlie, Chanelle, and Meadow played with them nonstop for days.  Until, that is, Pengy’s life came to an unfortunate end.

We aren’t sure how it happened, but as soon as it did, Chanelle put on her brave face, but her eyes were a dead giveaway.  When Chanelle is sad her eyes grow two sizes bigger and glisten with just the faintest amount of moisture.  Immediately, she begins moving her tongue inside her mouth in an attempt to be brave and fight tears.

Watching this happen nearly rips me apart.  So, Chad and I did what any responsible parent would do.  We taught her an important life lesson about losing things that we love and not placing too much value on “things”. 

Just kidding.  Meet Ribbity, the Frog.

We’ll save the lesson for another day.

Go ahead, call CPS.

*****************************************************

5.  Gramps

You know those nice things I’ve written about Chad?  Well, it’s true what they say. . .

. . . the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

We are thankful for “Gramps”.

*******************************************

6.  Food
I’ve been meaning to share a recipe that we are kind of addicted to right now. . .

This is called Roquefort Pear Salad and it is SO good.  You can find the recipe here. 

I also meant to share another before St. Patrick’s Day, but I forgot. . .

I shared this one a long time ago, but I thought it was worth a repeat.  These are so tasty and an impressive and easy treat to make.  Here you go. . .

Creme De Menthe Squares

1 1/4 c. butter or margarine
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
3 1/2 c. sifteed powdered sugar
1 beaten egg
1 t. vanilla
2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/3 green creme de menthe
1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips  (I use 3 cups)

For bottom layer:  In saucepan combine 1/2 cup of the margarine and
the cocoa powder.  Heat and stir until well blended.  Removed from heat
and 1.2 c. of the powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla.  Stir in graham
cracker crumbs.  Mix well and press into the bottom of an ungreased
13x9x2 in baking pan. 

For Middle layer:  Melt
1/2 cup of the butter.  In small mixer bowl combine melted butter and
creme de menth.  At low speed of mixer beat in remaining 3 c. powdered
sugar until smooth.  Spread over chocolate later.  Chill 1 hour.

For top layer:  In
small saucepan combine remaining 1/4 c butter (use 1/2 if you use 3
cups ch. chips) and chocolate chips.  Cook and stir over low heat until
melted.  Spread over mint layer.  Chill one to two hours and cut into
small squares.  Store in refrigerator. 

***************************************

7.  Spring is Near

Despite the cold temperatures and the snow covered ground, we have had glimpses on Spring.  One such glimpse occurred last Friday.  I blogged about it over at SummerK Photography, but thought I would share a few of the pictures here. 

There is a story behind these images and I wrote about it over at SummerK.  I’ll spare you the click though and summarize it like this. . .

I love our everyday moments.

***********************************

I think I’ll end there for now.  Spring Break continues in the morning, so I must store energy.

I am so thankful for this space and to all of you who stop in here and help me “get out of my head.”

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Chatter Out. . .