I remember when I was about 10ish, we had a babysitter who had gotten in trouble for calling her little sister a Nerd. As part of her punishment, she had to come up with a positive meaning for NERD. It stuck with me:
Never
Ending
Radical
Dude(ette)
and I wear the Nerd badge proudly...most days.
I've discovered Pinterest. This is where my Inner Nerd is really starting to shine! If you follow me, you will start to see some of these projects I've done, with our own little twists. But what really gets me, is that there isn't just a few projects that I want to do. It's ALL of them. But woe is me, I am still in need of a laminator, cricut system, scissors with a sharp edge, and heavy duty magnets.
As I'm standing in my yard last night, looking around and thinking about all that I would like to do, I realized something. Sometimes, I overwhelm myself.
And then I went inside and looked around, and remembered all of the things that I want to do inside the house. Yes, sometimes, I overwhelm myself.
When the To-Do list is longer than there are days in a year, it gets a bit scary. And when I think about how much work is involved, I start to panic. I used to be really good at getting down and dirty and just getting things done. A real go-getter. Nowadays, not so much. I would rather be spending time with my family, not doing work. Yes, gardening and baking and crafting are wonderful times to visit with the girls and talk about our days and stuff in our lives. They don't want to do the other stuff. The hard stuff. Like pack up the inside of the garage. Or move rock. Or put away laundry.
Low and behold, some of these projects that I want to do...they WANT to do too! Addie loves to do crafts, especially ones she can wear and use. Ry likes to bake. Well not really, but she sure does enjoy the eating part! But she does like things that make you feel good or treats we could make for her HorseChildren.
So picking projects that are fun for all of us is the goal. And for D too, there are plenty of projects that I would like to do that he may also enjoy (some involve using a blow torch even!). Please be expecting lots of "Homemade With Love" gifts from our house this year :)
I've got a list. I've got some ingredients. I've got a sewing machine. I've got mason jars and mismatched china pieces. I've even got a borrowed Cricut System! And I've got a plan. Baby steps. One project at a time. We are all set. Almost.
If you don't follow me on Pinterest, you should, I'm a Creative Genius! Just kidding, but I'm trying.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Goals and Baby Steps
In September of last year, I set a goal to lose 25 pounds and become healthier.
I had done Weight Watchers previously and had great success...losing. It was the keeping it off that was the issue. I had gained back all the weight I had lost, and then some. So, when I saw this picture of myself:
I about threw up in my mouth.
WTF happened?!?! I had worked so hard to get the weight off! I realized that I had gained 'some' back, I just didn't realize how much!
Immediately, I printed off this picture and put it on my desk. This is my motivation picture, and it remains there still today. So I could look at it every day and it would serve as a constant reminder that wearing my boyfriends clothes (while very comfortable) was not what I wanted.
I wanted to be healthy. Never did I really have a problem with the number on the scale. Well, maybe a little bit, but my bigger focus was that I was not healthy. I was not eating to provide a full balanced meal (unless you count bacon and butter as food groups). I was not exercising to maintain a healthy inside. I was simply not making healthy decisions for myself, and I was not setting a good example for my girls.
Let me further explain this. I was setting a good example for them in that I was comfortable in my own skin. And by example, showing them that it is totally ok to be comfortable with the body you have. It did not matter if I was pushing 2 Bills or if I was at my lowest weight ever, I would still walk around the house in next to nothing. I am not ashamed of my body, not now and not ever. This is the body I get. What I do with it is up to me. This is what I tell the girls too. It's what's on the inside that counts.
So, what if the inside of you is not healthy? What if bacon and butter really aren't food groups? And what if the Doctor tells you that at 30, your cholesterol is so bad you're Heart Disease Walking? What then?
Go back to Weight Watchers, duh! So starting on October 10, 2011, I went back to my 'first' meeting. And wouldn't you know it, the first thing I learned...everything in moderation is ok. I learned to not deprive myself of anything. If I want bacon, or ice cream, or beer, or cake, or white bread, or anything else that is 'not allowed' on other diets, I can have them. And I could have as much as I wanted.
This was about accountability. Taking responsibility for my own food choices. Taking responsibility for my own activity (or lack of). I learned how to pick the better choice. And wouldn't you know it, most of the time I liked the better choice better!
So, after about a year, I've finally dropped those 25 pounds!! And it's been a struggle. I love to eat things that are not nutritionally sound - especially salt - but I've also learned that I can get a salt fix from some cucumber slices sprinkled with sea salt, just as well as I can from a bag of potato chips. Remembering these substitutions is key. Now, when I want something sweet, dark chocolate is my go to. If I'm craving crunchy, raw veggies crunch.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a glutton during my "girl time". Salt can be in no better form than ham and directly poured on my hashbrowns & cheese. But picking up on the activity during this time helps even it out, right, maybe? :)
Just the other night, I substituted greek yogurt for sour cream in a recipe, when I figured out the nutritional and PPV difference, it was incredible. And this is when it hit me. I was so disappointed that it took me a whole year to drop 25 pounds. But it was a good reminder that good things come in time. Baby steps. I cut 250 calories from 1 meal the other night. Another 100 calories, I walked out on the treadmill on my break at work. A year ago, I would have eaten those calories, and not walked on my work breaks. A year ago, I was not moving much at all. A year ago, I was pretty unhealthy.
At my physical last month, my Doc was impressed with how my cholesterol is improving. I'm still dangerous, but it's getting better. Baby steps. She told me to exercise, I told her to shut it.
So while I've reached the number on the scale goal, I've still got healthy living goals to achieve. Baby steps, Wii fit, and dates with the gym on my breaks. Good Cholesterol, I'm coming...watch yourself!
I had done Weight Watchers previously and had great success...losing. It was the keeping it off that was the issue. I had gained back all the weight I had lost, and then some. So, when I saw this picture of myself:
WTF happened?!?! I had worked so hard to get the weight off! I realized that I had gained 'some' back, I just didn't realize how much!
Immediately, I printed off this picture and put it on my desk. This is my motivation picture, and it remains there still today. So I could look at it every day and it would serve as a constant reminder that wearing my boyfriends clothes (while very comfortable) was not what I wanted.
I wanted to be healthy. Never did I really have a problem with the number on the scale. Well, maybe a little bit, but my bigger focus was that I was not healthy. I was not eating to provide a full balanced meal (unless you count bacon and butter as food groups). I was not exercising to maintain a healthy inside. I was simply not making healthy decisions for myself, and I was not setting a good example for my girls.
Let me further explain this. I was setting a good example for them in that I was comfortable in my own skin. And by example, showing them that it is totally ok to be comfortable with the body you have. It did not matter if I was pushing 2 Bills or if I was at my lowest weight ever, I would still walk around the house in next to nothing. I am not ashamed of my body, not now and not ever. This is the body I get. What I do with it is up to me. This is what I tell the girls too. It's what's on the inside that counts.
So, what if the inside of you is not healthy? What if bacon and butter really aren't food groups? And what if the Doctor tells you that at 30, your cholesterol is so bad you're Heart Disease Walking? What then?
Go back to Weight Watchers, duh! So starting on October 10, 2011, I went back to my 'first' meeting. And wouldn't you know it, the first thing I learned...everything in moderation is ok. I learned to not deprive myself of anything. If I want bacon, or ice cream, or beer, or cake, or white bread, or anything else that is 'not allowed' on other diets, I can have them. And I could have as much as I wanted.
This was about accountability. Taking responsibility for my own food choices. Taking responsibility for my own activity (or lack of). I learned how to pick the better choice. And wouldn't you know it, most of the time I liked the better choice better!
So, after about a year, I've finally dropped those 25 pounds!! And it's been a struggle. I love to eat things that are not nutritionally sound - especially salt - but I've also learned that I can get a salt fix from some cucumber slices sprinkled with sea salt, just as well as I can from a bag of potato chips. Remembering these substitutions is key. Now, when I want something sweet, dark chocolate is my go to. If I'm craving crunchy, raw veggies crunch.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a glutton during my "girl time". Salt can be in no better form than ham and directly poured on my hashbrowns & cheese. But picking up on the activity during this time helps even it out, right, maybe? :)
Just the other night, I substituted greek yogurt for sour cream in a recipe, when I figured out the nutritional and PPV difference, it was incredible. And this is when it hit me. I was so disappointed that it took me a whole year to drop 25 pounds. But it was a good reminder that good things come in time. Baby steps. I cut 250 calories from 1 meal the other night. Another 100 calories, I walked out on the treadmill on my break at work. A year ago, I would have eaten those calories, and not walked on my work breaks. A year ago, I was not moving much at all. A year ago, I was pretty unhealthy.
At my physical last month, my Doc was impressed with how my cholesterol is improving. I'm still dangerous, but it's getting better. Baby steps. She told me to exercise, I told her to shut it.
So while I've reached the number on the scale goal, I've still got healthy living goals to achieve. Baby steps, Wii fit, and dates with the gym on my breaks. Good Cholesterol, I'm coming...watch yourself!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
2 By 2
I was sitting outside the other night and something occurred to me. D and I must be direct decedents of Noah.
I was thinking:
2 Daughters
2 Dogs
2 Cats
2 Rodents
2 Blenders
2 Crock Pots
2 Apple Trees
2 Garages
You get the picture. We have a lot of pairs in our home!
And as I'm thinking deeper about this, since I am such a deep thinker - we've tried to have more or less of all of many items. But it always comes back to 2.
We had 1 dog, then 4, then 1, then 2, then 3, now 2.
We had 2 kittens, then 3, then 2, then 3, then 2, then 6, then 3, now 2.
Somehow we always go back to 2.
Maybe it's something underlying with my CDO ways, I don't know, but we just can't seem to have things in odd numbers. Like the volume on the TV. Or the number of projects I have going on at a time. Or the number of pies baked. Or the number of jars of veggies canned.
Something is deeply rooted here in the preference to pairs....
I was thinking:
2 Daughters
2 Dogs
2 Cats
2 Rodents
2 Blenders
2 Crock Pots
2 Apple Trees
2 Garages
You get the picture. We have a lot of pairs in our home!
And as I'm thinking deeper about this, since I am such a deep thinker - we've tried to have more or less of all of many items. But it always comes back to 2.
We had 1 dog, then 4, then 1, then 2, then 3, now 2.
We had 2 kittens, then 3, then 2, then 3, then 2, then 6, then 3, now 2.
Somehow we always go back to 2.
Maybe it's something underlying with my CDO ways, I don't know, but we just can't seem to have things in odd numbers. Like the volume on the TV. Or the number of projects I have going on at a time. Or the number of pies baked. Or the number of jars of veggies canned.
Something is deeply rooted here in the preference to pairs....
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
All I Want for Christmas
**Disclaimer, I'm talking about shooting animals - just FYI, if you want to stop now.
If not, don't say I didn't warn you.
We are still wrestling with our masked friends. They continue to disturb everything they possibly can out at our house. It's the fact that they have thumbs that really gets me. It's seriously like having a toddler trying to deter them from coming back.
We have 'pests' all the time. After all we live in "The Country". There are all kinds of critters out here. I've also decided that Boxelder Bugs, qualify as critters!! The deer eat the apples, we eat the deer, circle of life. Racoons eat grain, cat food, kitten legs, we eat none of the above. Food chain maybe fits here, not sure. Just let me go with this - killing little critters is not something I ever imagined would be happening in my first hand life, so the struggle is still there. I like to eat animals, yes. I do not like to look at thier faces before I eat them, no.
However, when they are as destructive as these little monsters, I'm considering sticking one of those fat boys in a crock pot with some BBQ sauce and eating it late night, outside my window, just to show that little bugger who has worked the shutter off, What's Up. And I'll hold and stroke so lovingly the kitten that he attacked. And when he looks at me with his little innocent eyes, I'll cry. That probably isn't the best idea. I'll just stay inside and let the rest of my family handle this problem.
I had posted this picture to Facebook a couple weeks ago.
The funny part of this story is that D told me I had to shoot it, like that would ever happen. To which I promptly replied that he had to shoot this creature - he is the Man, this is Man's work, I would just stay inside and make lunches for our family, this is Woman's work - and before I can finish this sentence, our little girl, a little Woman, comes tearing out of her room and asks if she can shoot it. Proud Daddy Moment. I did what any good Mom would do and grabbed the camera.
I was worried about what would happen when it was actually time to pull the trigger.
Now, mind you, this is the same child who last year when cleaning a deer, used the legs as telephones and had conversations with imaginary people while talking into the hoof. It was rather disturbing.
Nonetheless, I was still worried, she is my little angel, my kind hearted mini me, I could never do something like this, this is why I have D. I was thinking she would get nervous and not be able to do it. I was hoping that she would see it's eyes and change her mind. I was praying that she would have some overwhelming feeling regarding stopping another heartbeat.
But she didn't.
And she did it.
And was so proud.
And her Dad was so proud.
I threw up in my mouth and cried on the inside.
So, a few days later during a long practice session - she says all she wants in her stocking for Christmas is "a new can of BB's".
Lord help me, why does D steal all my girls?!?!?!
If not, don't say I didn't warn you.
We are still wrestling with our masked friends. They continue to disturb everything they possibly can out at our house. It's the fact that they have thumbs that really gets me. It's seriously like having a toddler trying to deter them from coming back.
We have 'pests' all the time. After all we live in "The Country". There are all kinds of critters out here. I've also decided that Boxelder Bugs, qualify as critters!! The deer eat the apples, we eat the deer, circle of life. Racoons eat grain, cat food, kitten legs, we eat none of the above. Food chain maybe fits here, not sure. Just let me go with this - killing little critters is not something I ever imagined would be happening in my first hand life, so the struggle is still there. I like to eat animals, yes. I do not like to look at thier faces before I eat them, no.
However, when they are as destructive as these little monsters, I'm considering sticking one of those fat boys in a crock pot with some BBQ sauce and eating it late night, outside my window, just to show that little bugger who has worked the shutter off, What's Up. And I'll hold and stroke so lovingly the kitten that he attacked. And when he looks at me with his little innocent eyes, I'll cry. That probably isn't the best idea. I'll just stay inside and let the rest of my family handle this problem.
I had posted this picture to Facebook a couple weeks ago.
The funny part of this story is that D told me I had to shoot it, like that would ever happen. To which I promptly replied that he had to shoot this creature - he is the Man, this is Man's work, I would just stay inside and make lunches for our family, this is Woman's work - and before I can finish this sentence, our little girl, a little Woman, comes tearing out of her room and asks if she can shoot it. Proud Daddy Moment. I did what any good Mom would do and grabbed the camera.
I was worried about what would happen when it was actually time to pull the trigger.
Now, mind you, this is the same child who last year when cleaning a deer, used the legs as telephones and had conversations with imaginary people while talking into the hoof. It was rather disturbing.
Nonetheless, I was still worried, she is my little angel, my kind hearted mini me, I could never do something like this, this is why I have D. I was thinking she would get nervous and not be able to do it. I was hoping that she would see it's eyes and change her mind. I was praying that she would have some overwhelming feeling regarding stopping another heartbeat.
But she didn't.
And she did it.
And was so proud.
And her Dad was so proud.
I threw up in my mouth and cried on the inside.
So, a few days later during a long practice session - she says all she wants in her stocking for Christmas is "a new can of BB's".
Lord help me, why does D steal all my girls?!?!?!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Freezer Cooking
I've been on Pinterest...
Freezer Meals. What more needs to be said? A few hours on a Saturday and you have meals for the whole week! Whoo Hoo!!
I always make a menu for 2 weeks before shopping. Whether or not we stick to that menu is usually determined by how motivated I am to make dinner when I get home. So sometimes, some of those ingredients are wasted, or used for other things. And the amount of money spent going out to eat, is significantly increased. So, in an effort to curb our out to eat spending habit, I went ahead and planned the next 4 weeks. And left Wednesdays for leftovers, Friday open and only planned for dinners on Saturday and Sunday. This should help. And if the meals are already prepped, and all that is required is re-heating...BONUS!! I was determined to give this whole Freezer Cooking thing a try.
So first thing, I scoured my "Freezer Meals" board for recipes that I liked. And recipes I "knew" I could get my family to eat. And when I say "knew", I am still crossing my fingers and holding out hope since these are new. New is kinda scary in my house.
I came up with these: - I'm not posting recipes, that takes too much of my precious time - if you want them, click on the links :)
Garlic Honey Chicken - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Crock Pot Beef Burritos - modified from - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Teriyaki Pork Chops - modified from - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Italian Sausage Soup w/ Tortellini - http://dreamingofpoultry.com//content/10-freezer-meals-1-day
Chicken Fajitas - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
I also had a few other things I wanted to try:
Banana Bread - just cause we hadn't had it in a while, and the bananas in the freezer were starting to pile up
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispy Treats - modified from - http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2012/01/1036.html
Pancake Bites - theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com
So, first item on the agenda - do an inventory of the kitchen and make a grocery list. I had a $165 budget to get groceries for these next 2 weeks. If you know my family, and how much we eat, that is a VERY tight budget! And of course I did go over. BUT, only by $35 - and I blame it on school starting. Those little things for "I don't like school burritos" days and some after school easy snacks, yeah, they added up quickly. So I went over, but it was worth it. I went shopping Saturday morning, and filled the counter by noon.
I busted out all the recipes and looked for a recipe that had pre-cooked ingredients. Only the soup did, so that was the first item on the agenda. The soup is almost totally cooked beforehand (only the tortellini goes in when you are ready to eat) and needs to cool before freezing. I stuck to this recipe and as the family started arriving home, they all had to check out the pot and tell me how good it smelled. Too bad they have to wait 2 weeks to eat it!
Next, I started writing on all the bags. I learned previously that writing on a wet (or even slightly moist) freezer bag...doesn't work! So write on the bags first. I put the name of the dish and any prep instructions, as well as any serving suggestions or side dish suggestions.
Then following the directions for the recipes, I started filling bags.
First up - Teriyaki Pork Chops - this turned into Teriyaki Steaks as I forgot to buy the pork chops on the grocery list, and we had steak in the freezer already. So I transferred the steak, made up the sauce, and viola, first freezer meal complete!
Next - I also modified the Crock Pot Beef Burritos because I knew some of the ingredients would be iffy for my family. We used steak tidbits instead of the London Broil it called for 1, because I already had it, and 2, London Broil is spendy! And I went with no peppercorns, no vinegar, no chipolte and used 1 packet of taco seasoning instead. Cross your fingers.
Then - Garlic Honey Chicken - I should not have taste tested the sauce on this one! Oh My Delicious!! At this point in time, I doubled the sauce recipe and froze it all. It is amazing!
Next - Chicken Fajitas - I followed this recipe almost exactly. Since there is a certain person in our house who does not care for peppers, I put in a few less than it called for, and an extra piece of chicken.
Next - I started on the Rice Krispy Treats - this recipe must be done in phases. It was a little difficult as many of the ingredients kept accidentally getting on my fingers and making their way into my mouth (it's ok, my kitchen in not certified by the Health Board, we encourage licking our fingers - but NOT eating off the floor!!). They were definately well worth the effort! I did leave off the top layer (chocolate gnache) but I didn't feel it needed it. And I was getting full :) Of all the things that we made, this was by far the favorite!
After That - Pancake Bites - these were super simple. Loved the idea! I did modify the recipe and use just plain old pancake mix and regular pancake syrup. I prepared the mix as directed and added just a couple of squirts of syrup to the mix. Then poured into the greased muffin tin and topped with frozen blueberries, chocolate chips, and bacon. And I made a couple just plain, just cause. I heated these up for the kids breakfasts this morning. Hit Made.
Lastly, was the banana bread. I just love the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. It was as good as always, Betty Crocker provided this recipe.
So, when all was said and done, this is what I ended up with:
Meals for a few days of the week so I don't have to cook, and enough goodies to last at least through Wednesday. It took a while, and I kept getting interrupted, but the time spent was well worth it.
I'll be doing this again in 2 weeks, when the next cycle of the menu rolls around. And in the meantime, I won't have to worry about cooking dinner, except for 5 times. I think I can handle 5 times in 2 weeks :)
Freezer Meals. What more needs to be said? A few hours on a Saturday and you have meals for the whole week! Whoo Hoo!!
I always make a menu for 2 weeks before shopping. Whether or not we stick to that menu is usually determined by how motivated I am to make dinner when I get home. So sometimes, some of those ingredients are wasted, or used for other things. And the amount of money spent going out to eat, is significantly increased. So, in an effort to curb our out to eat spending habit, I went ahead and planned the next 4 weeks. And left Wednesdays for leftovers, Friday open and only planned for dinners on Saturday and Sunday. This should help. And if the meals are already prepped, and all that is required is re-heating...BONUS!! I was determined to give this whole Freezer Cooking thing a try.
So first thing, I scoured my "Freezer Meals" board for recipes that I liked. And recipes I "knew" I could get my family to eat. And when I say "knew", I am still crossing my fingers and holding out hope since these are new. New is kinda scary in my house.
I came up with these: - I'm not posting recipes, that takes too much of my precious time - if you want them, click on the links :)
Garlic Honey Chicken - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Crock Pot Beef Burritos - modified from - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Teriyaki Pork Chops - modified from - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
Italian Sausage Soup w/ Tortellini - http://dreamingofpoultry.com//content/10-freezer-meals-1-day
Chicken Fajitas - http://www.savingyoudinero.com/2012/06/12/1-hour-1-mess-5-crock-pot-meals/
I also had a few other things I wanted to try:
Banana Bread - just cause we hadn't had it in a while, and the bananas in the freezer were starting to pile up
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispy Treats - modified from - http://www.yourcupofcake.com/2012/01/1036.html
Pancake Bites - theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com
So, first item on the agenda - do an inventory of the kitchen and make a grocery list. I had a $165 budget to get groceries for these next 2 weeks. If you know my family, and how much we eat, that is a VERY tight budget! And of course I did go over. BUT, only by $35 - and I blame it on school starting. Those little things for "I don't like school burritos" days and some after school easy snacks, yeah, they added up quickly. So I went over, but it was worth it. I went shopping Saturday morning, and filled the counter by noon.
 |
| Time to get started! |
Next, I started writing on all the bags. I learned previously that writing on a wet (or even slightly moist) freezer bag...doesn't work! So write on the bags first. I put the name of the dish and any prep instructions, as well as any serving suggestions or side dish suggestions.
Then following the directions for the recipes, I started filling bags.
First up - Teriyaki Pork Chops - this turned into Teriyaki Steaks as I forgot to buy the pork chops on the grocery list, and we had steak in the freezer already. So I transferred the steak, made up the sauce, and viola, first freezer meal complete!
Next - I also modified the Crock Pot Beef Burritos because I knew some of the ingredients would be iffy for my family. We used steak tidbits instead of the London Broil it called for 1, because I already had it, and 2, London Broil is spendy! And I went with no peppercorns, no vinegar, no chipolte and used 1 packet of taco seasoning instead. Cross your fingers.
Then - Garlic Honey Chicken - I should not have taste tested the sauce on this one! Oh My Delicious!! At this point in time, I doubled the sauce recipe and froze it all. It is amazing!
Next - Chicken Fajitas - I followed this recipe almost exactly. Since there is a certain person in our house who does not care for peppers, I put in a few less than it called for, and an extra piece of chicken.
Next - I started on the Rice Krispy Treats - this recipe must be done in phases. It was a little difficult as many of the ingredients kept accidentally getting on my fingers and making their way into my mouth (it's ok, my kitchen in not certified by the Health Board, we encourage licking our fingers - but NOT eating off the floor!!). They were definately well worth the effort! I did leave off the top layer (chocolate gnache) but I didn't feel it needed it. And I was getting full :) Of all the things that we made, this was by far the favorite!
After That - Pancake Bites - these were super simple. Loved the idea! I did modify the recipe and use just plain old pancake mix and regular pancake syrup. I prepared the mix as directed and added just a couple of squirts of syrup to the mix. Then poured into the greased muffin tin and topped with frozen blueberries, chocolate chips, and bacon. And I made a couple just plain, just cause. I heated these up for the kids breakfasts this morning. Hit Made.
Lastly, was the banana bread. I just love the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. It was as good as always, Betty Crocker provided this recipe.
So, when all was said and done, this is what I ended up with:
Meals for a few days of the week so I don't have to cook, and enough goodies to last at least through Wednesday. It took a while, and I kept getting interrupted, but the time spent was well worth it.
I'll be doing this again in 2 weeks, when the next cycle of the menu rolls around. And in the meantime, I won't have to worry about cooking dinner, except for 5 times. I think I can handle 5 times in 2 weeks :)
Monday, August 6, 2012
A Trip Down Ricky Lane
Whenever we go "North", we take 35. And usually, 35 ends for us in Albert Lea. Driving any further North, usually results in a bit of anxiety. And that's one of the main reasons our trips are usually limited to Mankato, not any further North. 35 is a road filled with memories. And I can hear my Dad saying "35 Dub-Ya" right now.
It's been a really, really, really long time since Dad lived on Ricky Lane. It's the house that has all the "growing up with Dad" memories. We have wonderful memories in the "new" house. Addie was never in the "old" house, all of her Grandpa Larry memories are in the "new" house. But for me and Alicia growing up, this was the place. The "Old" house.
Yesterday, driving home from getting the kid and spending the weekend with Gramma Debbie, we were coming up on the turn. And we decided to take it.
I didn't even recognize the entrance! I thought we had missed a turn somewhere. The entrance was lined with beautiful trees and grass. It was completely different than what I remembered, thank goodness there was a sign! Even coming into the park, I wasn't sure I would remember where to go it looked so different. Dad moved out of that house when I was 18 years old. That was a while ago! But I remembered. It was like coming home. The turns pretty much made themselves.
The first thing I noticed was that the park Alicia and I played at so often, just in the backyard, was gone. I started to think I was going the wrong way. Then I saw it...
Ricky Lane. There it was, the street. It was time to take the turn. Alicia was on the phone with me, it felt like she was there with me, minus that we would be holding hands in real life.
The strangest feeling came over me. I couldn't and still can't tell you what it was. It was just this strange feeling. Anxious, Happy, Pride, Scared, Sad, and about 50 million other emotions. All rolled into 1. Memories were racing through my mind by this point.
My girls were with me. We pulled up in front of the house and just looked. Thank goodness no one was home, they probably would have thought we were some crazy stalker folks. Really, who pulls up in front of your house and sits there to cry for a few? That was us. I just needed to see it again.
The house looks almost exactly the same. I took pictures, but won't put them here to respect the new family. But, I could tell it was the exact same house...by the front door. It's a new color, there were gorgeous plants everywhere, a cute swing set in the yard, the patio had new "railings" (for lack of a better word). It was beautiful. Someone was loving this house and making new memories with their little girls (I say girls only because the 2 little bikes out front, were Pink Princess bikes), just like our Dad had done with his little girls.
Alicia even asked me, "Are you sure it's the same house? Go look at the back door." Didn't need to, the bush gave it away. When he was still there, it was a lonely bush. One bush out front, growing up in the tongue of the trailer. It's still there. And it's beautiful. And it's surrounded by beautiful flowers, and new pretty bushes. But it's still there, in all it's glory.
We sat for a spell and I told my girls about growing up there and a few stories of how it used to look and the shed he built for the snowmobile that was still standing out back. About the way there was a path worn into the backyard hill leading to the playground that was no longer there. About how I remembered when the patio overhang went up. And the door. It was the same front door. Still after all these years, and all the changes to the house, the front door remained the same.
Then we drove up to the pool and I told them about all the summer days we spent in that pool. That was where I learned how to do a somersault, front flip, and dive. That was where Alicia and I had matching swimsuits - but not matching haircuts. That was where Dad taught us how to properly launch a Canonball for the biggest splash possible. For a skinny guy, he could sure make a splash!!
There was so much emotion, and I still had to drive 250 miles. It was time to go. We drove out, and I got lost, the other entrance is totally different. Thank goodness Mariah has a good sense of direction! We made it back to the highway and were on our way to Our Home. The home where D and I make these memories with our little girls. The home that someday will hopefully bring them the same nostalgic feelings when they crazy stalk it.
Aha moment of the trip, homes are just homes. But the memories you make in those homes are what's important. Make the memories. Give the kids, and yourself, something to hold on to. And something to tell their kids about.
The very best part, that morning, we were sitting out on the patio at the "new" house just chatting and enjoying some girl time talking about the absolutely beautiful gardens Debbie has created and talking about some of the silly things Dad would say and do, and we were accosted by a Dragonfly. And this Dragonfly, would not go away. We didn't shoo him, we watched in amazement as he circled and circled and circled all of us girls. He landed a few times, never far away, still within sight. I believe that those who love us are never truly lost, they come back and check on you when you don't even know it. But we knew it. He stopped to say Hey. And show us that no matter what, he's still with us, and he still loves us, and he will always be with us, no matter what form he takes, he will always be there.
It's been a really, really, really long time since Dad lived on Ricky Lane. It's the house that has all the "growing up with Dad" memories. We have wonderful memories in the "new" house. Addie was never in the "old" house, all of her Grandpa Larry memories are in the "new" house. But for me and Alicia growing up, this was the place. The "Old" house.
Yesterday, driving home from getting the kid and spending the weekend with Gramma Debbie, we were coming up on the turn. And we decided to take it.
I didn't even recognize the entrance! I thought we had missed a turn somewhere. The entrance was lined with beautiful trees and grass. It was completely different than what I remembered, thank goodness there was a sign! Even coming into the park, I wasn't sure I would remember where to go it looked so different. Dad moved out of that house when I was 18 years old. That was a while ago! But I remembered. It was like coming home. The turns pretty much made themselves.
The first thing I noticed was that the park Alicia and I played at so often, just in the backyard, was gone. I started to think I was going the wrong way. Then I saw it...
Ricky Lane. There it was, the street. It was time to take the turn. Alicia was on the phone with me, it felt like she was there with me, minus that we would be holding hands in real life.
The strangest feeling came over me. I couldn't and still can't tell you what it was. It was just this strange feeling. Anxious, Happy, Pride, Scared, Sad, and about 50 million other emotions. All rolled into 1. Memories were racing through my mind by this point.
My girls were with me. We pulled up in front of the house and just looked. Thank goodness no one was home, they probably would have thought we were some crazy stalker folks. Really, who pulls up in front of your house and sits there to cry for a few? That was us. I just needed to see it again.
The house looks almost exactly the same. I took pictures, but won't put them here to respect the new family. But, I could tell it was the exact same house...by the front door. It's a new color, there were gorgeous plants everywhere, a cute swing set in the yard, the patio had new "railings" (for lack of a better word). It was beautiful. Someone was loving this house and making new memories with their little girls (I say girls only because the 2 little bikes out front, were Pink Princess bikes), just like our Dad had done with his little girls.
Alicia even asked me, "Are you sure it's the same house? Go look at the back door." Didn't need to, the bush gave it away. When he was still there, it was a lonely bush. One bush out front, growing up in the tongue of the trailer. It's still there. And it's beautiful. And it's surrounded by beautiful flowers, and new pretty bushes. But it's still there, in all it's glory.
We sat for a spell and I told my girls about growing up there and a few stories of how it used to look and the shed he built for the snowmobile that was still standing out back. About the way there was a path worn into the backyard hill leading to the playground that was no longer there. About how I remembered when the patio overhang went up. And the door. It was the same front door. Still after all these years, and all the changes to the house, the front door remained the same.
Then we drove up to the pool and I told them about all the summer days we spent in that pool. That was where I learned how to do a somersault, front flip, and dive. That was where Alicia and I had matching swimsuits - but not matching haircuts. That was where Dad taught us how to properly launch a Canonball for the biggest splash possible. For a skinny guy, he could sure make a splash!!
There was so much emotion, and I still had to drive 250 miles. It was time to go. We drove out, and I got lost, the other entrance is totally different. Thank goodness Mariah has a good sense of direction! We made it back to the highway and were on our way to Our Home. The home where D and I make these memories with our little girls. The home that someday will hopefully bring them the same nostalgic feelings when they crazy stalk it.
Aha moment of the trip, homes are just homes. But the memories you make in those homes are what's important. Make the memories. Give the kids, and yourself, something to hold on to. And something to tell their kids about.
The very best part, that morning, we were sitting out on the patio at the "new" house just chatting and enjoying some girl time talking about the absolutely beautiful gardens Debbie has created and talking about some of the silly things Dad would say and do, and we were accosted by a Dragonfly. And this Dragonfly, would not go away. We didn't shoo him, we watched in amazement as he circled and circled and circled all of us girls. He landed a few times, never far away, still within sight. I believe that those who love us are never truly lost, they come back and check on you when you don't even know it. But we knew it. He stopped to say Hey. And show us that no matter what, he's still with us, and he still loves us, and he will always be with us, no matter what form he takes, he will always be there.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Day 2 on this Non-Smoking Planet
I had set a goal for myself to quit smoking while Addie was on vacation this summer.
Yes, I had quit. I had not smoked for over a year and a half. And then I just started again, like it was no big deal. But it was, and I shouldn't be smoking. I realize this.
So I'm "Kicking The Butts Out Of My Life", not 'quitting'. Cause I am NOT a quitter!
On day 4 - I bought some patches, I realized I would need help. And anyone near me while I was on Chantix, I think would rather that I just kept smoking rather than becoming the absolute bat case I was while taking it. So patches it shall be.
And yesterday - Day 8 of vacation - was Day 1 on The Patch (I call it Patchy). And wouldn't you know it, it wasn't terrible. It was bad, don't get me wrong. But it wasn't terrible. I made it thru the day without having a smoke. I even stood outside with D while he had one, and it was ok. I had stuff to do. I was busy. The urge wasn't overwhelming...until I got into the car.
I realized that being in the car is a HUGE trigger for me. So I got some new air freshners. That was my treat to myself for not smoking: a nice, fresh smelling car. And they were way more cost effective than a pack of smokes. And I also started rubbing my patch in the car. It didn't help the cravings, but it did help keep my hand busy.
So, today is Day 2. Patchy is trying so hard to help me. And she's doing a good job. This morning I was sure wishing that Patchy came in the form of a 3 inch stick I could inhale. But, as the saying goes, wish in one hand, sh*t in the other... And I didn't cave, I'm doing this!
Today, on my daily Walmart visit, I seemed to notice every single person who was smoking in their car. I had not noticed how many people really actually smoke in their cars. Or smoke with their kids in the car.
And here, I had an epiphany - I realized I was being selfish. I was a smoker for my own personal gratification, and for my own personal satisfaction. It was something that I did only for myself. This habit in no way benefitted anyone around me. But it affected everyone around me. Our kids hate smoking, seriously hate. Our kids ask us all the time to quit. They try to make deals with us so we would quit. They make fun of us all the time for smoking, and smelling, and killing ourselves. And they are right. I took years off my life and away from my future grandchildren. I teach a class to troubled kids, smelling like an ashtray. "Hey kids, don't smoke, it's bad, nevermind that smell". I went to my own kids events, and I was the bad smell in the gym, not the sweaty kids. We are late for everything, so I could suck down a quick smoke before we go.
So, the lesson on Day 2 - smokers are selfish. And I aim to be a non-selfish, non-smoker.
Yes, I had quit. I had not smoked for over a year and a half. And then I just started again, like it was no big deal. But it was, and I shouldn't be smoking. I realize this.
So I'm "Kicking The Butts Out Of My Life", not 'quitting'. Cause I am NOT a quitter!
On day 4 - I bought some patches, I realized I would need help. And anyone near me while I was on Chantix, I think would rather that I just kept smoking rather than becoming the absolute bat case I was while taking it. So patches it shall be.
And yesterday - Day 8 of vacation - was Day 1 on The Patch (I call it Patchy). And wouldn't you know it, it wasn't terrible. It was bad, don't get me wrong. But it wasn't terrible. I made it thru the day without having a smoke. I even stood outside with D while he had one, and it was ok. I had stuff to do. I was busy. The urge wasn't overwhelming...until I got into the car.
I realized that being in the car is a HUGE trigger for me. So I got some new air freshners. That was my treat to myself for not smoking: a nice, fresh smelling car. And they were way more cost effective than a pack of smokes. And I also started rubbing my patch in the car. It didn't help the cravings, but it did help keep my hand busy.
So, today is Day 2. Patchy is trying so hard to help me. And she's doing a good job. This morning I was sure wishing that Patchy came in the form of a 3 inch stick I could inhale. But, as the saying goes, wish in one hand, sh*t in the other... And I didn't cave, I'm doing this!
Today, on my daily Walmart visit, I seemed to notice every single person who was smoking in their car. I had not noticed how many people really actually smoke in their cars. Or smoke with their kids in the car.
And here, I had an epiphany - I realized I was being selfish. I was a smoker for my own personal gratification, and for my own personal satisfaction. It was something that I did only for myself. This habit in no way benefitted anyone around me. But it affected everyone around me. Our kids hate smoking, seriously hate. Our kids ask us all the time to quit. They try to make deals with us so we would quit. They make fun of us all the time for smoking, and smelling, and killing ourselves. And they are right. I took years off my life and away from my future grandchildren. I teach a class to troubled kids, smelling like an ashtray. "Hey kids, don't smoke, it's bad, nevermind that smell". I went to my own kids events, and I was the bad smell in the gym, not the sweaty kids. We are late for everything, so I could suck down a quick smoke before we go.
So, the lesson on Day 2 - smokers are selfish. And I aim to be a non-selfish, non-smoker.
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