Caution: Potty Talk Below

"Oh. oh. oh. I go poop. Oh. Huge snake. In my underwear."

Potty training has (once again) commenced in the Bradley household, but there have been notably more successful runs so far.

Exception - see above.

Clarence

Reagan has a new sock monkey. His name is Clarence. Dr. U (one of Jordan's professors) introduced them. They're now best buds.

But sometimes Reagan has to count to three to get Clarence to do what he's told. And sometimes Clarence has to have a time out. Clarence never wants to take a nap. But he does like baths (though so far mommy's used her veto) and he's a pro at the potty.

He and Kitty and Reagan make quite the trio.

Balsamic Ice Cream

Oxymoron, right? Well, today we tried it.

The verdict: Every bite sounds a bit like this - "hmm. wow. whoa. hmmm" and takes several careful moments to savor. This is the kind of pairing that makes you take every bite very slowly, that commands your complete attention. Your mind concentrates intensely on each sensation of flavor as your tongue licks and tastes and rolls the food around in your mouth. Your nose is on high alert and your taste buds are popping at the unexpectedness of it all. You can't hardly resist a second bite, but each one becomes slower as your tongue tries desperately to savor each note. By the time you've eaten the whole dish, you still haven't quite come up with the words to describe even the first taste.

This is a real culinary adventure (not for the faint of heart/tongue). Next time we're investing in an even fancier balsamic vinegar - like this one. And did you know that balsamic vinegars are aged for at least 12 years? "Balsamic has a rich, full bodied, mellow flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and sour." So say Dean & Deluca (purveyors of fine food, wine and kitchenware). Yum.

photo via thekitchen (where we found the idea in the first place)

100 Skills Everyone Should Master

(because you know how I like lists)

Included:

2. Keep a plant alive

5. Feel confident naked

10. Express condolences

21. Type

32. Tie a scarf or tie

41. Use chopsticks

55. Select good produce

62. Skip a rock

78. Make a good first impression

82. Arriving on time

89. Change the subject

95. Accept a compliment

I like this idea a lot.
(because you know how I like lists)

I think I'll start compiling my own list.
(because you know how much I like lists)

Okay, maybe two: essential skills acquired / essential skills yet to be acquired.
(because you know how I like lists)

Julia did it. And now so do I.

I learned today that Julia and Jacques reruns [yes, my friend Julia Child] air on PBS [yes, I'll be tuning in provided I can find it online], but I especially loved the accompanying commentary:

"It’s really amusing to tune in to Julia & Jacques on PBS... You pick up a lot of tips doing it. I watched an episode before the holidays and Julia was making a crust for a chicken pot pie. To flatten the crust quickly, she first took the rolling pin and slammed it down into the crust numerous times, before starting to roll it out. I would have thought this was a huge crust no-no (wouldn’t this count as overworking it?),
but Julia did it. And now so do I."

I think that last bit should be my own mantra -
Julia did it. And now so do I.

Splurge Purge

Ruthless inbox purging happening right now.

(also - dreams of montreal, paris, london - sigh)

For Krista

Somehow, the moose call became one of my defining traits as a freshman in college. Can't help but think of it now...

Surprise

1) I was the rodeo queen in high school.

2) I grew up on a cattle ranch & don't particularly care for beef.

3) I rocked a mullet. I blame my mother.

4) My first kiss was a black african man named Norman.

5) I've only read one Austen novel start to finish - Pride & Prejudice.

Singular Focus

Remember how Julia Child and I would have been kindred spirits? So I read a comment re: Julia Child's "My Life in France" today that strikes a chord:

The most incredible part of Julia’s Parisian life so far, in my opinion, is that she was able to spend time doing something she truly loved—and not only that, but she was able to focus on it solely, without any distractions, and get REALLY GOOD at it. What an opportunity—and luxury! So here’s my question for you: If you had the chance to immerse yourself in one thing and really master it, what would that thing be? If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have said golf (don’t laugh). But now I’d probably say baking—specifically really tall, grand, layer cakes.
(Real Simple's executive editor Sarah Humphreys)

What would I immerse myself in? I think sewing (quilting and home goods to be exact). And then writing notes (and actually mailing them). Maybe fashion - of the practical put-together sort (I could stand to be really good at that).

Name-Calling

Last night Nonna got after Reagan - "Reagan Eugene Bradley!"

He was outraged.

"No! I not 'gene bra-li!" (complete with furrowed brows and all)

Today's Favorites

Nickelback ('cause really, I wanna be a rockstar)

Regina Spektor (the k, the hair, the lyrics)