Today I am thankful for closure and maybe even validation, although I think I'm using that word wrong.
A few months ago, Scott and I were sitting on the couch talking about vague childhood memories that give us the "
weird feeling" (
the good/bad, somewhat nostalgic feeling one gets when one remembers something one hasn't thought of in a lot of years... usually from the 70's or early 80's, strange times for the eyes and the ears).
Do you all remember the show "
Too Close for Comfort"? It was an 80's sitcom starring Ted Knight? Also starring in that show, was Jim J. Bullock who played the lovable "
Monroe". He was the quirky neighbor who antagonized Ted Knight's character... very flamboyant.
Flash forward: On the couch, a few months ago, I suddenly remembered an episode that disturbed me then and haunts me now. It is known as the "
Too Close for Comfort Monroe male rape episode" and for a while I doubted it's existence.
Maybe I was hoping it didn't happen, knowing it really did, because watching an "family" sitcom that suddenly wants to raise awareness about male rape is profoundly disturbing and awkward for both children and adults!!! Not to mention the unfortunate assault occurred in the back of a van parked at a shopping mall lot and the female offenders were morbidly obese! So weird.
Anyway, Scott initially doubted as well, so we did a quick google search and came across a blog celebrating all things retro and wacky. In this blog, was a post devoted to the "
TCFC Monroe male rape episode" and I was freaking out! This blogger testified to it's existence, and it's mysterious disappearance. Apparently I wasn't the only one disturbed. It was so controversial, that it was even left out of the "
TCFC" dvd pack and if you remember it, you know why.
So, this morning, while checking out this hilarious blog, which I'm admittedly addicted to now, I saw a "
TCFC Monroe male rape episode" update. Another fan and witness made a short film about the stress and anxiety that has come from witnessing and suppressing such an abomination, and wouldn't you know, Jim J. Bullock himself, aka Monroe, aka star of the "
TCFC Monroe male rape episode" saw the video and loved it! He wrote the most hilarious letter thanking the writer/director for the homage and included some of his memories of this most infamous episode. OK, case closed.
So I ask you,
1. Have you seen this episode?....
2. Is this even physiologically possible? (on second thought, don't answer that).... and
3.Why do I always get mixed up in the weirdest things?
Today I am thankful for closure and maybe even validation, although I think I'm using that word wrong.
scrappiest person I know. Give her some duck tape, string, and a small stool and the possibilities are endless. Very McGuyver like. She's also an excellent second hand shopper. Check out the sweet DOUBLE PLAY KITCHEN in the background of this picture. I still love her "waste not want not" attitude, because she continues to hook me up with numerous treasures today!
7. My mother is artistic. She can sing and dance well, AND she's a crafty girl. When we were little my mom used to make us clothes with beautiful embellishments. She also made things for the house. In this photo, behind us creepy kids, is a lovely macrame planter she made when it was the height of home fashion.
I am thankful for excessive spring rains... even though it's killing my roses! 
My peonies, on the other hand, are doing quite well, along with the lavender and lilies. I only
lost a couple of plants over the winter, so I'm grateful for that as well!
dough covered in emulsified vanilla sugar, served with warm chocolate on the side for dipping. I know this sounds like a powdered doughnut, but it's not at all! I'm telling you, if I'm ever on death row, this is what I will request for my last dessert..... hmm do you even get a dessert option, or is it just a last "meal"? Technically dessert is part of a meal, right? Hopefully this will never
be an issue.
Spencer turned 11 and was awarded his Webelos badge along with his Arrow of Light. It was a very exciting night and we are extremely proud of him. We celebrated with a cake at my parent's house because for some reason he opted out of a party this year. Why ask why, right?
I was delighted to be able to attend "Mother's tea" with Grace at her school and "Muffins with Mom" with Sophie at her school. Here's an excerpt from Grace's sweet letter she presented to me. Ahem, "Dear Mom, I just wanted you to know how much I care about you. I love it when you cuddle with me.... You are so special.... When you comfort me when I am sad I feel special... You're great.... Love, Grace." 
At Sophie's school, they made adorable cards with facts about each mother they learned from the various preschoolers. For example, she told them I am 14 years old, with black hair and stand 45 feet tall. I get mad when my children do naughty things (true) and hate to clean up the messes they make (also true). Sophia loves it when I make "tempchi and rice" for her. Hilarious!!!
sy with his drumming. He made the drum line at the high school and is just unbelievable! Someday when we get a digital video camera, I'll post one of him actually playing.
Off to Chicago we went for Spring Break! First on our agenda, seeing the staircase Scott fell off of in the 5th grade. Miraculously, he did not seriously injure himself, falling from three flights up. What was he doing?........ being a typical 11 year old boy of course!
Later in the week, we visited the Museum of Science and Industry in the Hyde Park section of Chicago.
Some eggs were easier to find than others!
Happy Easter and happy Easter baskets!
Spencer was a little disappointed in his loot, but soon lightened up.
Back to our beautiful Tennessee! Ahhhh, 70 degrees and spring.
