In What Kind of World?

I'll admit it. I didn't watch the Grammy's and I don't keep up on my music or pop culture like I used to. However, it's hard to miss some of the chatter even in Switzerland. While listening to the radio I heard about the five awards Amy Winehouse picked up - one of them Song of the Year for catchy "Rehab" song. WHAT!? Heath Ledger dies an untimely death of an "accidental overdose" and Hollywood is stunned but then the music biz folks turn around and reward a drug addict for her song about refusing help for her addiction? In what kind of world do we live in? No wonder kids are so confused these days.

The very star that gave her the award, disagreed with the music industry's choice. “I think she has a great talent but I don’t agree with the Grammys giving her those nods,” Natalie Cole said at the Sony BMG post-Grammy Awards party. “I think it sends the wrong message, that even in the midst of her stupor of drugs she can get nominated for all these awards."

Now I am about to become a hypocrite to some of you. I laughed as that song was played in an advertisement for the TV show House that shows clips of him popping Vicodin pills. But I must remind you. This is a fictional show and while I agree it's not the most wholesome sitcom on television, it doesn't reward drug abuse. It's a small, underlying part of the storyline and the other characters are always trying to get him to stop. Prescription & illegal drug abuse is a real, growing problem in the world and it really isn't funny.

In any case, I am a free speech advocate and think that musicians, artists, etc. should have the freedom of expression in as much as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. But it is up to us to decide how we will let others influence our home, neighborhoods, and ultimately our society. It was a sad day for our society when the Song of the Year for 2008 became "Rehab." Can't wait to see what next year brings. Something about sex? Last year's was about not apologizing with the Dixie Chick's "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice." So to musicians out there, write about something that teaches kids the opposite of what they should do, put a catchy tune to it and you're sure to get nominated for next year's Grammy's.

And the winner is...

Kelsey!

I entered her in a photo contest for Kaloo (a European kids toy brand) and she won (well, tied with another girl). In the email they wrote back to me, they called Kelsey a "he" so maybe they thought they'd have a boy and girl win. Ha! Anyway, just thought I would share the fun news with you all. Here's the picture that won or you can visit the site.

This is funny, London is my LEAST favorite city I've been to!

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique soul like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

First Rollover

Tonight I was trying to take pictures of her so I put her on her stomach on the couch. She was obviously tired of me doing this because she wouldn't look at me so I kept calling her name and flashing the camera to get her attention. Well she sure showed me! The next thing I knew she rolled over onto her back and then smiled. She was so proud of herself for her new-found mobility. Granted the couch does slant in at the middle, I'm not sure how she would fare on hard surfaces. Anyway, I got some pics and a video of it.



She is also spitting now which is oh so becoming of a young lady. Actually, I think it's hilarious. I love the face she makes when she does it. I think she's trying to imitate noises we make with our tongues. I'll have to get a better one later but here's an idea.

Basil Chicken in Coconut-Curry Sauce

I've been inspired to try new recipes lately and I finally made it happen this week..\ I'm not usually one to try exotic dishes, but Tally has really had a thing for curry lately. This one is out of the Better Homes & Gardens (the red checkered one or pink if you're Jade) cookbook. I thought it tasted good and Tally & Janelle said it was good too. You be the judge.



Prep: 25 min.
Chill: 1-2 hours (chicken marinade time)
Cook: 15 min.
Makes: 4 servings

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 large red onion, chopped (1 cup)
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (I substituted for red peppers and my fingers are still burning. It made the dish go from medium to hot - exactly what I wanted)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 14 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
3 cups hot cooked rice

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place chicken in a medium bowl. In a small bowl stir together the curry powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Sprinkle spice mixture over chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and chill for 1-2 hours to allow spices to penetrate meat.

2.In a large nonstick wok or skillet cook and stir onion, garlic, and peppers in hot oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Remove onion mixture from wok. Add half of the chicken to wok. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from wok. (If necessary, add additional oil.) Cook remaining chicken as above; remove from wok.
3. Combine coconut milk and constarch. Carefully add to wok. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Return chicken and onion mixture to wok. Stir in basil and ginger. Cook and stir abou 2 minutes more or until heated through. Serve over hot rice.

At Last...Toes Meets Mouth

Kelsey finally figured out how to get her toes into her mouth today. It kept her occupied everytime she found them. I'm sure they have many more fun-filled days together to look forward to.

My Little Eater

Last night after feeding Kelsey, she still seemed hungry. It was dinnertime, so I sat her in the Bebe Pod & spoon fed her rice cereal. As you can see, she was so hungry it looked like she was trying to eat the cupcakes off her bib! I tried not to get her dirty because I had already given her a bath but no such luck. It got everywhere, including all over me. She kept trying to grab the spoon to feed herself. I guess I wasn't quick enough for her voracious appetite.

New Play Mat

This week, Tally brought home a new play mat for Kelsey from the FAO Schwartz-esque toy store on the Bahnhofstrasse called Franz Carl Weber. It's a Kaloo mat I've had my eye on for a few months now. Well, she loves it! Here's some pics I took of her on it.


I didn't know I had a "Label Looker" at such a young age. It's as if she's saying, "Ah it's Kaloo? You shouldn't have."

My Laughing Baby!

This song, "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson is Kelsey's (& my) favorite song right now. Seriously, Kelsey starts smiling when it turns on and laughing when I sing it to her. I tried to record it but she wont do it again of course. If you scroll to the bottom of the blog, you can put the music on pause so you can here here laughing in this video I took the other day.



It's funny how babies can look like both parents. She looks a ton like Tally and everyone comments about that (and I agree). However, in this video, she looks a lot like me when I was a baby.

Heath Ledger Found DEAD!?

Can you believe it? How sad is that! I'm on the phone with my mom right now and she just told me. I almost cried! Who knew that my "10 Things I Hate About You" highschool hearthrob's death would still have such an effect on me. Anyway, it's a sad day in Hollywood.

We were just there in NY near Soho too...

On another note, check out the 4 months post, NY post, Christmas post, beach post (new video)... they're a couple posts back.