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Remembering 9/11

Today marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The numbers nine and 11 will forever be etched in the minds of people around the world who were old enough to be aware of what happened that tragic day. I’ll never forget my husband walking up to me and simply saying “something has happened.” After hearing those words, my husband and I were glued to the TV, we called everyone we knew in New York, D.C. or possibly on a plane in Boston to check on them. We cried and hugged each other. Stunned.

Ten years later, I still am at a loss for words to express how I feel. I spent time watching the anniversary specials on TV, reading the new articles and shedding more tears. I was not a mother on 09/11, so ten years later, the events mean different things to me. It affects me differently now. Still impactful and still horrific, but different.

I was not sure how to remember the day. Honor the people who died that day, the people who saved lives that day. My husband and I proudly hung the United States flag on our house. We dressed in red, white and blue. We went to church. The flag is an obvious choice. The clothing is just a way to honor our country; we wear patriotic clothes every Fourth of July and today seemed fitting too. Going to church was seeking comfort, reason, inspiration and hope.

Like churches all over the country, my church offered an Act of Remembrance, which helped me find the words I needed. I share those words with you today:

When we remember stockbrokers, office workers, maintenance workers, bystanders, window-washers and all the others who worked together so valiantly to help each other, we can say together,

We remember great courage.

When we recall the firefighteres who rushed upstairs as most of everyone else was racing out, we can say together,

We remember selfless service.

When we recall teh police officers who stiod to protect and defend the people and perforned their duties, we can say together,

We remember selfless sacrifice for the safety of others.

When we recall those citizens who rushed to help, did all they could to helo we can say together,

We remember and give thanks for dutiful commitment to those in distress.

When we recall the thousands of workers, women and men, old and young, single and married, American-born and those born in countries around the word who did not escape the buidlings, we can say together,

We remember the loss of human life.

Please share my thanks and respect to Rev. Dr. John Elford and the University United Methodist Church if Austin, Texas for those words. Read more from Pastor John at his blog, he’s doing his best to Keep Jesus Weird each and every day.

God Bless America, my home sweet home.

- LTV Mom

Photo Credit: SB Nation

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on September 11, 2011
in Family, Laptop Television and Life in Austin
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Daytime TV with David, Robert and Rocco

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Rocco DiSpirito

My family moved to Austin, Texas more than a year ago. There were many changes big and small to endure: finding a new home, sending my child to Kindergarten, figuring out how to find the grocery store, and the biggie for me, learning how to work from home.

I have worked for the same company for nearly 11 years, so I know my colleagues like family. I have the inside jokes, the rants and raves, and the daily interactions. Working from my home-office can make me feel isolated and, quite honestly, lonely.

So, I turn to my beloved TV… and a whole new kind of Laptop TV was born. Laptop TV at night is easy because I sit on my couch with a glass of wine, fire up the laptop, and finish up my work for the day. Laptop TV during the day is a different beast. I am actually cranking on work, and the TV just provides background noise to break the silence and to keep me company.

Because I am in the business of news, I spend a lot of time watching CNBC and CNN during the day. But there are some days I simply need a break from the doom-and-gloom of a failing economy, the political pundits frothing at the mouth and the loss of innocent lives. So I found some new guilty pleasures for Daytime Laptop TV:

My Fair Wedding with David Tutera = This is my ultimate guilty pleasure. The premise of the show is easy: seemingly nice brides plan uber-tacky weddings, and celebrity wedding planner David Tutera saves the day by planning (and paying for) ultimate dream weddings. I have a massive crush on David, he is so sweet, thoughtful and creative. I’m already married, so maybe I’ll plan a tacky renewal ceremony and call David for help? Find this show on WeTV.

Restaurant Impossible = This is my new favorite show on Food Network. Celebrity chef Robert Irvine gives a failing restaurant a massive makeover. (Think Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, but for restaurants.) I tell you what, there are some disgusting restaurants out there… think grease, grime and dead rats. This delicious show is like a train wreck and I can’t look away.

Say Yes to the Dress = A show about brides with big budgets trying on glam gowns? Please! I have a daughter and I rushed through my wedding. This show is pure fantasy and pleasure… and on TLC.

Dr. Phil = Say what you want about Dr. Phil and his psychology-based advice show, but I love the dude. I appreciate his “Get Real” attitude and the fact he does not coddle his guests. I respect that he calls BS when he hears BS. Of course, the real reason I watch this show is because Dr. Phil’s guests make me feel somewhat normal.

Rocco’s Dinner Party = I’m so happy to see my boyfriend Rocco get his own show on Bravo. Sigh. This show is competition where three highly skilled chefs have the opportunity to create the perfect dinner party for Rocco and his celebrity guests, including A-listers like Kenneth Cole and Liza Minelli. My six-year-old daughter and I never miss an episode!

– LTV Mom

Photo credit: Bravo TV

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on September 8, 2011
in Food Network, Laptop Television and Working Mom
.Comments

Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey

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Creamy Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey and Jennifer Perillo

I am part of several blogging networks, and it’s a great way to meet people from around the country. One of the uber-smart women I have been fortunate enough to meet and write with is Jennifer Perillo, who is an A-list food blogger and the food editor at Working Mother magazine.

Last Sunday, Jennifer Perillo lost her husband to a sudden heart-attack. No warning, so signs, no signals. And now, she and her two young daughters are left with broken hearts. My eyes filled with tears when I read the news, just the idea of losing my husband is too much to think about. I was saddened for Jennifer and those precious girls.

Jennifer celebrated her husband’s life today in a private ceremony, and she asked her community of friends to honor her husband my making his favorite dessert: Creamy Peanut Butter Pie.

Today, I proudly made Mikey’s favorite Creamy Peanut Butter pie in his honor. I purchased the ingredients, heck I even had to buy a 9-inch springform pan to make it work. Yeah, I even emailed my friends at Bowl Licker and Dirt and Noise to see if a regular pie pan would work! (I decided to go tried and true.)

Jennifer’s story touched me deeply. So much I actually found a babysitter so I could have a dinner date with my husband for the first time in months and months and months. And the Creamy Peanut Butter Pie was our dessert.

Jennifer thoughtfully asked everyone to share Mikey’s Creamy Peanut Butter Pie with someone you love and then “hug them like there’s no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on.” Jennifer, in honor of your family, that’s exactly what I did…

– LTV Mom

Photo credit: Food For My Family (because my pie looked *absolutely nothing* like your beautiful creation)

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 13, 2011
in Food, Laptop Television and Yahoo! Mother Board
.Comments

365 Days in Austin

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My Southern Belle

One year ago today, the Libby family rolled into Austin. In the past 12 months, we have had highs and lows as we built our new life in Texas. It was hard to adjust to a new hometown with very few friends, a remote job and shallow roots in the community. As I look back at the evolution of our life, even since I wrote a post at the six-month mark, I can happily report my favorite parts of the past year:

Becoming a Tex-Mex and BBQ expert: The food in Austin is awesome, as evidenced by my impressive flabdomin and muffin top. I have found my favorite fried fish taco, ahi and avocado taco, fried egg sandwich, Sunday brunch, and Mexican martini. My mouth waters just typing this post…

Finding an amazing elementary school: One of the reasons for saying “yes” to a work transfer was the public school system in Austin. I am happy to report that our elementary school is excellent, and we are so happy with our daughter’s progress and thankful for her wonderful teachers.

Cheering for the Cyclones: I do have to admit, I love being back in Big 12 Country. We were lucky enough to witness an Iowa State football win at UT… and not-so-lucky to witness an Iowa State slaughter on the UT basketball court. Regardless, this loyal Iowa State grad loved watching my team with fellow alums.

Making some great friends: I’ve said it before, people in Austin are kind and nice and welcoming. We have made some very nice friends… and drank a lot of wine in the process.

Buying a house: We sold our house in California and bought a house in Austin. This helped with the “deepening the roots” process. We have nice neighbors, and even found babysitters and cat-sitters just a few doors down.

Enduring a Texas Summer: Dude. Summer in Austin is hot. H. O. T. We are talking 107 degrees for days on end. Thankfully, we have air conditioning and a neighborhood pool. I hope to forget about August in Austin when it’s March and we are enjoying the 75 degree-weather while we eat dinner outdoors.

Buying my first cowgirl hat: Now, this might be the highlight of my year. My husband organized a bash to celebrate my 40th birthday in February. Many friends (who happen to be some of my favorite people ever!) traveled to Austin to help me celebrate the Big Day. My friends decided I needed boots and a hat, so they took me to Cavendar’s to go shopping. I got a cowgirl hat. I love my hat… and just look at how cute my little girl looks in it!

While we miss our California friends terribly, I’d say life is good.

- LTV Mom

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 12, 2011
in Austin, Family, Food, Laptop Television and Life in Austin
.Comments

Wordless Wednesday: Costa Rica

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... and some of my favorite people in the world!

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on August 10, 2011
in Family and Wordless Wednesday
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Wordless Wednesday: Orange County Sunset

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Orange County Sunset

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on June 15, 2011
in Wordless Wednesday
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I am a Snackoholic.

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My arch-nemesis? Late-night snacking.

It’s 10:08 p.m. on a Tuesday. I am working, watching The Voice, drinking red wine and noshing on Pop Chips. Argh, I know I need to stop eating this late at night, so I wrap-up the snacks and remind myself this is an ongoing issue for this mama. In fact, here’s a post I wrote for Silicon Valley Moms Blog more than three years ago:

At the start of the New Year, like many moms, I make a pledge to get healthy both physically and mentally.  This means exercising, thinking positive thoughts, attending church, honoring my family, and (oh yes, the biggie) eating right.

It’s amazing. I have been so good at the first four goals.  I hit the treadmill 2 times a week (not as often as pre-baby, but more often than in 2007); I try to keep a positive attitude, I attend my wonderful and loving church; I spend time with my husband and daughter; and I eat healthy, home-cooked meals.

And here’s where it gets complex. From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. I eat like Dr. Sears himself:  cottage cheese, fruit and sliced almonds for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken for lunch, and lean meats and roasted veggies for dinner.  And lots and lots and lots of water.  Oh yes, and vitamins and supplements.  Then, around 9 p.m., I put the Kid to bed, toss a load of laundry in the washer, load up the dishwasher, and hit the couch with my laptop for work and television.  And then it starts.

The minute (no, the second) my butt hits the couch, the need to eat overwhelms my brain and I raid the pantry.  I crave chips and salsa, pretzels, popcorn, edamame, rice crackers, “puffy peas,” or string cheese.  And, depending on the time of the month, I’ll toss in a little chocolate to go with that salt.  And let’s not forget the constant craving: red wine.

It is so frustrating that I am a dietary rock-star for 21 out of 24 hours a day.  But when I reach the magic hours of Laptop Television — from 9 p.m. to midnight where I sit on the couch trying to be a good employee and decent homemaker — I feel the need to eat junk food.  Why is that?  Am I bored?  Stressed?  Confused? Overwhelmed?

I think I reached my low point last week when I was butt-on-couch, eating an entire bag of Almond M&Ms, and watching The Biggest Loser on TV.  At that point, I decided that I am, in fact, the Biggest Loser.

I not-so-secretly want to talk to Biggest Loser hottie Trainer Bob for answers. In the meantime, can my fellow [Mom-bloggers] offer some cyber-therapy and talk me out of raiding the pantry, and loading up on unnecessary and empty calories, at 10 p.m. each night?

– LTV Mom

This post was written by LTV Mom and published on Silicon Valley Moms Blog in 2008. Sadly, three years later, I still partake in late-night snacking.

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on June 15, 2011
in Food, Laptop Television and Silicon Valley Moms Group
.Comments

WINOS Pick of the Week: Elk Cove Pinot Noir

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Elk Cove Pinot Noir

I don’t consider myself a wine-snob, but I do consider myself a Pinot Noir snob. I think it’s the hardest wine to select on the menu, and I never go “cheap” when ordering a bottle. In my humble opinion, Pinot Noir is an unforgiving wine, and a cheap Pinot usually disappoints. My rule of thumb for selecting the right bottle: look for a Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley in Oregon and order it without hesitation.

Last weekend, my husband and I had guests over for dinner and received a bottle of Elk Cove Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir as a hostess gift. I hadn’t heard of this winery before, but was so excited when I saw Willamette Valley on the label. I was hoping the wine would be tastey, and this bottle of red did not disappoint.

Tasting notes say the wine has flavors of blackcurrent, cherry pit and rose petals. This novice (but frequent) wine-drinker says it was delicious. It didn’t have the bitter or “overly earthy” taste of some Pinots, rather it was smooth and flavorful and certainly had that distinct Pinot flavors that I really enjoy.

My first glass of Elk Cove was sans food, and I instantly enjoyed the taste, even without much breathing time. My second glass was accompanied by a grilled filet mignon, and I really liked the combined flavors of the wine and the meat. A wine that can stand alone, and stand up to my medium-rare steak, is a true find.

About Elk Cove: According to the winery Web site, Elk Cove Estate vineyards covers more than 220 acres on four separate sites in the Northern Willamette Valley. Elk Cove Vineyards proudly remains a family owned and operated winery.

Tasting and buying the wine: If you are interested in exploring the wines and visiting the tasting room, information can be found HERE. If you want to simply order some delicious Elk Cove wine, you can click HERE.

Cheers!

– LTV Mom

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on May 31, 2011
in Laptop Television and WINOS Pick of the Week
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“Like Mother, Like Daughter”

I was fortunate to attend the Mom 2.0 Summit in April, where I spent time with the wonderful people from the “Milk Mustache” campaign. I’ve always liked the campaign, I think it’s a clever way to engage celebrities to promote a healthy lifestyle that includes vitamin-rich milk.
At the conference in April, I learned of a new initiative from the Why Milk Foundation where they examined role modeling and influencing the next generation of women. The campaign — beautifully called “Like Mother, Like Daughter” — is anchored by a commisioned-study that suggests that mothers have a unique opportunity, and a powerful responsibility, to influence the next generation of women. Research shows a mother’s lifestyle and eating habits have a profound effect on her daughter’s health, weight and self-image. Read the report HERE.
The campaign also powerfully reminds us that the first female role model most of us have in our lives is our mother.  I was inspired to reflect on the values, morality and kindness my mother has role-modeled for me. I also acknowledge that it’s now my turn to be that role model for my young daughter.
To promote the “Like Mother, Like Daughter” campaign, a collection of moms attending the Mom 2.0 Summit participated in a video called “Thank you, Mom” to offer thanks and gratitude to the moms who have been inspirational role models in our lives. I was honored to participate in this video. Link can be found HERE.
Find more information on the “Like Mother, Like Daughter” campaign by following @MilkMustache on Twitter or find them on Facebook.
– LTV Mom

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on May 19, 2011
in Family, Food, Laptop Television and Working Mom
.Comment

Mother’s Day 2011

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My daughter's portrait of her mom

It’s hard to believe I just celebrated my seventh Mother’s Day as a mommy! Not only do I absolutely adore hearing my child tell me she loves me, but I also use this day to sit my child down and tell her how much I love being her mom!

Here are highlights from Mother’s Day 2011:

Best Card: I was lucky enough to receive several cards this year. I opened many cards from my daughter, as well as from my husband. My favorite card was a fill-in-the-blank card from my daughter’s school.

Here are the highlights:

My mother is the most wonderful mom in the world. She is a pretty as a “dafdil.” She weighs about “200 pounds” and is about “20 feet tall.” Her favorite food is “strawbarry.” I like it when she makes “my hart fele good.” I think my mom is funny when she “shos me piohrs of wen she has glasis.” (shows me pictures of when she had glasses) I know my mom is really angry when she “tells me to go to my room.” I love her because she “is the best.”

Favorite Tradition: I also am blessed to receive a card from my mom every year, and this tradition started long before I was a mom. My maternal grandmother died when my mom was only five years old, so since she did not have a mother to send cards, she sends Mother’s Day cards to her children every year. The message was simple: I love being your mom.

Best Surprise: My daughter and husband teamed up to decorate the kitchen with streamers, balloons and flowers. It was my daughter’s idea, and my wonderful husband did all the work!

Best Moments: I like the simple moments of being together, and I think my favorites were reading Harry Potter and playing Angry Birds with my daughter. I also loved taking a walk with my child, husband and dog. Happy!

Wishing all my fellow moms out there a very happy Mother’s Day all year long!

– LTV Mom

Published
by
Stacy Libby
on May 10, 2011
in Family, Laptop Television and The Kid
.
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