I really took my own advice this Memorial Day weekend and had some down time. After work Friday I went out in the rain to the garden store to buy plants so I would be ready for Saturday.
Saturday was super-accomplished with planting, took Deuce to "Kung Fu Panda" and had dinner with the neighbors.
Sunday things came a halt for me. Bob was working on the gate for our fence and I just hung out with Deuce and our neighbor's mom while he played with the neighbor. We had a home cooked meal, vegged together for a while and after Deuce went to bed we sat and chatted under the stars.
Today was slow in the morning, then I went shopping! That was good and bad. Good because I got myself some summer clothes for work and casual that I was desperately needing. Bad b/c I had a whole route and a bunch of stops planned which didn't happen b/c I left my debit card at home accidentally. I was really annoyed with myself. But, in the spirit of taking things in stride, I came home and got the card, did what I absolutely had to do and came home to enjoy the rest of the day.
I find myself thinking I could have done a lot more. It's back to the grind tomorrow, so for now my mission is to stay relaxed!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I have something of a high-class problem. So many things I want and need to do and so little time.
It's really a great thing to have a family, a home, friends, hobbies... All requiring attention and investment. When I get to feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, I sometimes need to remind myself that I *want* to have a life so full.
But maybe not so full that I don't have a minute to think.
What's the point of accomplishing things if I don't stop and enjoy them?
It's really a great thing to have a family, a home, friends, hobbies... All requiring attention and investment. When I get to feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, I sometimes need to remind myself that I *want* to have a life so full.
But maybe not so full that I don't have a minute to think.
What's the point of accomplishing things if I don't stop and enjoy them?
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What a day, what a week, what a life!
Despite being an a great place in life, and having a decent handle on all of life's responsibilities, and fun, I managed to get run down this week.
Apparently I have penicillin-resistant strep throat. Hee haw. I didn't know this until Friday. All week I did all the fun things life has to offer (and some not-fun things too - organizing garage ahem) and finished up antibiotic round 1 Wednesday. Friday morning when I woke up feeling like a pile of hot garbage, I had already made plans for the day/weekend and didn't want to cancel everything.
And now I'm so tired.
I saw the doctor, and went to the pharmacy. I also went to happy hour and then over to the neighbor's house.
And now I'm so tired.
It's sunny outside, we have a babysitter coming over so we can go out to dinner and concert, tomorrow's mother's day... and I'm so tired.
I have a stack of pages (located downstairs) that need titles and embellishments (located on 3rd floor), and I've been trying all day to psych myself up enough to carry everything upstairs. I want a nap.
But the babysitter's on her way and I need to wipe the kitchen table.
Life is good. And I'm so tired
ZZZZZzzzzz ;)
Apparently I have penicillin-resistant strep throat. Hee haw. I didn't know this until Friday. All week I did all the fun things life has to offer (and some not-fun things too - organizing garage ahem) and finished up antibiotic round 1 Wednesday. Friday morning when I woke up feeling like a pile of hot garbage, I had already made plans for the day/weekend and didn't want to cancel everything.
And now I'm so tired.
I saw the doctor, and went to the pharmacy. I also went to happy hour and then over to the neighbor's house.
And now I'm so tired.
It's sunny outside, we have a babysitter coming over so we can go out to dinner and concert, tomorrow's mother's day... and I'm so tired.
I have a stack of pages (located downstairs) that need titles and embellishments (located on 3rd floor), and I've been trying all day to psych myself up enough to carry everything upstairs. I want a nap.
But the babysitter's on her way and I need to wipe the kitchen table.
Life is good. And I'm so tired
ZZZZZzzzzz ;)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Should have known better - NSM Day 3
I'm so incredibly spoiled that my almost-4-year-old is amazingly respectful of my things. He just knows not to mess around with my knitting or scrapbooking, even when I leave it on the coffee table or some other similarly accessible location.
But last night, when our friends brought their just-turned-2-year-old over, I really should have picked up the supplies and photos from the living room. Or at least moved the glass of water sitting next to the supplies and photos.
Because by the time I thought to check up on them, the glass of water had been spilled into my tote bag. Luckily, everything was in plastic folders, so I just wiped up and thanked my lucky stars.
Please excuse the hideous cell phone photo of the stack of stuff I wiped off before giving up for the evening.
No paper was harmed in the making of this blog post. Sadly, no scrapbooking was accomplished either.
But last night, when our friends brought their just-turned-2-year-old over, I really should have picked up the supplies and photos from the living room. Or at least moved the glass of water sitting next to the supplies and photos.
Because by the time I thought to check up on them, the glass of water had been spilled into my tote bag. Luckily, everything was in plastic folders, so I just wiped up and thanked my lucky stars.
Please excuse the hideous cell phone photo of the stack of stuff I wiped off before giving up for the evening.
No paper was harmed in the making of this blog post. Sadly, no scrapbooking was accomplished either.
Part of a page - NSM Day 2
I put together a page for National Scrapbooking Month Day 2 on Monday. Well, part of a page. I'm am so blocked on titles!
I took this picture of Deuce last winter and just like it. There's no real story behind it. He's smiling, he's cute, we've been outside in the snow and his cheeks are flushed, he's wearing a hat I knit for him... all nice things. But nothing jumped out for me as title worthy.
I'm just going to add this to the stack of title-less pages to work on for Saturday
I took this picture of Deuce last winter and just like it. There's no real story behind it. He's smiling, he's cute, we've been outside in the snow and his cheeks are flushed, he's wearing a hat I knit for him... all nice things. But nothing jumped out for me as title worthy.
I'm just going to add this to the stack of title-less pages to work on for Saturday
Monday, May 2, 2011
Mission: Scrapbook every day in May
May is National Scrapbooking Month!
I'm giving myself a personal challenge to do something scrapbook related every day in May. I used to think that scrapbooking was all about sticking photos to paper (still is a pretty good working definition :D ), but Stacy Julian's Photo Freedom turned the tables on all that. Scrapbooking is all the things we do that result in a memory being preserved. Taking photos, editing photos, organizing supplies, designing and making pages, presenting them online and in your house and making other memory items are all part of what is important to me about scrapbooking - having fun and capturing stories and moments.
So, Sunday I took some pictures and a couple of short movies.
Bob, Deuce and I went to the beach near our house for kite flying day. Luckily the event was free and the kite was $1 and bought 2 years ago, so I wasn't disappointed when he just dug in the sand the whole time. Bob and I flew the kite and my brother, visiting from out of town, stopped by and played with Deuce on the playground.
The light was weird. It was overcast and everything was moving, so I don't feel like I got any good shots. But here are a couple of Deuce and Uncle Andy that are workable.
One of my goals is to dust off Photoshop Elements. These photos seem like good candidates for some fixes.
I'm giving myself a personal challenge to do something scrapbook related every day in May. I used to think that scrapbooking was all about sticking photos to paper (still is a pretty good working definition :D ), but Stacy Julian's Photo Freedom turned the tables on all that. Scrapbooking is all the things we do that result in a memory being preserved. Taking photos, editing photos, organizing supplies, designing and making pages, presenting them online and in your house and making other memory items are all part of what is important to me about scrapbooking - having fun and capturing stories and moments.
So, Sunday I took some pictures and a couple of short movies.
Bob, Deuce and I went to the beach near our house for kite flying day. Luckily the event was free and the kite was $1 and bought 2 years ago, so I wasn't disappointed when he just dug in the sand the whole time. Bob and I flew the kite and my brother, visiting from out of town, stopped by and played with Deuce on the playground.
The light was weird. It was overcast and everything was moving, so I don't feel like I got any good shots. But here are a couple of Deuce and Uncle Andy that are workable.
A little kid on a big slide
A big kid on a little slide
One of my goals is to dust off Photoshop Elements. These photos seem like good candidates for some fixes.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Project Craftastic
I squeaked in my project for Project Craftastic on the last day of the month - phew! I was the hostess this month (I posted this month's challenge) so I really needed to participate! Go check it out here.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Scrapbook Pages
I haven't really been able to focus on anything, but I've managed to do a scrapbook page. Sometimes I get an idea that just takes a lot of fussing with, and this was one.
Sorry for the out-of-focus pic, I'm not too steady in low light w/ no flash. The background is a 12x12 piece of corrugated cardboard, painted with a coarse brush and brown and blue paint. The mushrooms, owl and beaver embellishment were cut from patterned paper, I bought the wood tree and the hearts are cut from felt. It needs a title... suggestions?
And then sometimes a page just comes together. This is using a patterned paper pack that I love but have a hard time using. Apparently I found the right use. The title is a stock cricut cut from Designer Calendar, the rocket journalling spot is a sticker and the other rocket is a wooden shape from the craft store. (just noticing I used a premade wooden embellishment on both of these. hmm.) For whatever reason this page just went together easily for me. I guess it makes up for fussy cutting out an owl on a branch.
Sorry for the out-of-focus pic, I'm not too steady in low light w/ no flash. The background is a 12x12 piece of corrugated cardboard, painted with a coarse brush and brown and blue paint. The mushrooms, owl and beaver embellishment were cut from patterned paper, I bought the wood tree and the hearts are cut from felt. It needs a title... suggestions?
And then sometimes a page just comes together. This is using a patterned paper pack that I love but have a hard time using. Apparently I found the right use. The title is a stock cricut cut from Designer Calendar, the rocket journalling spot is a sticker and the other rocket is a wooden shape from the craft store. (just noticing I used a premade wooden embellishment on both of these. hmm.) For whatever reason this page just went together easily for me. I guess it makes up for fussy cutting out an owl on a branch.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Lost and Found
School registration in our district is this month, a task which I have been working on since before Christmas, and will finish on the last possible day. I was sidelined by my inability to find Deuce's birth certificate. I finally found it this morning, promptly forgot my victory, and left the house without it.
Greatest parent of all time.
Tomorrow's mission is, obviously, Mission: Register Deuce for Pre-K.
Weekend's mission is Mission: Organize Office. I already took the "before" picture, and it's straight out of Hoarders. (I jest. there isn't one animal dropping)
Life's mission is to learn to persevere/work around losing important items, stuff I like, stuff I know I have around here somewhere... you get the drift.
Even though I could have registered him with his baptism certificate (what this proves from a legal standpoint I do not know), but I don't know where his first year's scrapbook is, so that was out. So I did nothing for a week or so in between searches.
Also lost in the move is my precious, precious coupon-and-gift-card sorter. I still can't stand the though that it's around here somewhere (or gone? *fretful look*), and anything else I misplace compounds that feeling.
In the weeks after we moved, we did a great job unpacking a little every day. Now we're down to more difficult things, but we still need to make progress. Maybe one item per day minimum gets unpacked or put the garage saleMt. Everest pile. Whatever it takes to find my precious coupons! I mean, sanity!
Greatest parent of all time.
Tomorrow's mission is, obviously, Mission: Register Deuce for Pre-K.
Weekend's mission is Mission: Organize Office. I already took the "before" picture, and it's straight out of Hoarders. (I jest. there isn't one animal dropping)
Life's mission is to learn to persevere/work around losing important items, stuff I like, stuff I know I have around here somewhere... you get the drift.
Even though I could have registered him with his baptism certificate (what this proves from a legal standpoint I do not know), but I don't know where his first year's scrapbook is, so that was out. So I did nothing for a week or so in between searches.
Also lost in the move is my precious, precious coupon-and-gift-card sorter. I still can't stand the though that it's around here somewhere (or gone? *fretful look*), and anything else I misplace compounds that feeling.
In the weeks after we moved, we did a great job unpacking a little every day. Now we're down to more difficult things, but we still need to make progress. Maybe one item per day minimum gets unpacked or put the garage sale
Sunday, March 20, 2011
It only took... 15 years?
I made chili for the first time 15 years ago. It tasted good, but it wasn't thick. And since then I've tried a couple of times a year to make really good chili. My secret ingredient is cocoa. Apparently chocolate and chilis are awesome together, and I think it really adds something. Not enough to taste chocolatey, but a little richness. So taste - good, texture - eh. Well, somewhere in the ballpark of 50 chilis later, I think I got it. I substitued a can of tomato paste for one of my cans of tomatoes. I know, right? Less liquid? Makes sense? Maybe I'm slow on the uptake...
Maybe everyone else under the sun knew this, but I didn't, so here's what I did. In case it's like they said in school and if I have a question someone else probably does too..
Thick Chocolate Chili
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
2 bell peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
1 T minced garlic
1 T chili powder
1 T unsweeted cocoa
2 t oregano
1 t cumin
1/2 t black pepper
1/2 cayenne (or to taste)
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
2 14 oz cans kidney beans
In a large pot, brown the meat and break it up. Drain the fat from the meat. Add the peppers, onions and garlic and cook until softened or 5 minutes. Add the spices and stir, cooking for about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Allow to cook for about 2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and the beans with the liquid in the cans. Simmer for at least 2 hours before serving.
I haven't tried this in the crockpot yet. Bob (husband) thinks that nothing thickens properly in the crockpot, but I'm trying it anyway ;)
It's hard to see, but it's kind of heaped instead of soupy. That's what I've been trying for! (I used 1 can kidney beans and 1 can pinto beans, that's why there are light colors in there)
Let me know if you try it and what you think!
Maybe everyone else under the sun knew this, but I didn't, so here's what I did. In case it's like they said in school and if I have a question someone else probably does too..
Thick Chocolate Chili
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
2 bell peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
1 T minced garlic
1 T chili powder
1 T unsweeted cocoa
2 t oregano
1 t cumin
1/2 t black pepper
1/2 cayenne (or to taste)
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
2 14 oz cans kidney beans
In a large pot, brown the meat and break it up. Drain the fat from the meat. Add the peppers, onions and garlic and cook until softened or 5 minutes. Add the spices and stir, cooking for about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Allow to cook for about 2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and the beans with the liquid in the cans. Simmer for at least 2 hours before serving.
I haven't tried this in the crockpot yet. Bob (husband) thinks that nothing thickens properly in the crockpot, but I'm trying it anyway ;)
It's hard to see, but it's kind of heaped instead of soupy. That's what I've been trying for! (I used 1 can kidney beans and 1 can pinto beans, that's why there are light colors in there)
Let me know if you try it and what you think!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Briefly, on entertaining quickly
We have a standing Tuesday night dinner with neighbors from our old neighborhood. We alternate houses each week and the visitors bring dessert.
This tradition started when I was home full time, and I cooked elaborate dinners and decadent desserts. Good times. Now, with 4 full time jobs between the two families, we need to be more realistic. Some weeks, like last week, we pull it together.
This week, we ordered pizza.
And on top of the pizza? That's a peanut butter pie.
With all the time I didn't spend planning a meal, shopping and cooking I made this peanut butter pie. (oddly enough, posted originally by another Megan). Minor tweaks - piled the whole batch of filling into one crust instead of two, and chopped a couple of peanut butter cups for the top.
We had just as good of a time, and there were a lot less dishes than last week!
This tradition started when I was home full time, and I cooked elaborate dinners and decadent desserts. Good times. Now, with 4 full time jobs between the two families, we need to be more realistic. Some weeks, like last week, we pull it together.
This week, we ordered pizza.
And on top of the pizza? That's a peanut butter pie.
With all the time I didn't spend planning a meal, shopping and cooking I made this peanut butter pie. (oddly enough, posted originally by another Megan). Minor tweaks - piled the whole batch of filling into one crust instead of two, and chopped a couple of peanut butter cups for the top.
We had just as good of a time, and there were a lot less dishes than last week!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Some stuff I like
The point behind having this blog is to talk about my goals and my hobbies. But I don't think I've talked about what those hobbies actually are!
Here's a brainstorm of some things I like to do:
Not that "efficiency" and "enjoyable" are often used in the same sentence, but "less stress" is!
It's bath time, and then... I should pick something off this list to do!!
Here's a brainstorm of some things I like to do:
- I actually like my job (what? what?! I know...), so that's 9 hours a day, plus a commute. I love books, and manage to consume some literature thanks to audio books and this commute.
- There are some nice guys in my life like my husband and son who I like to do special things with and for, along with taking good care of each other and relaxing.
- We just moved into (another) house that is awesome but outdated, so there are projects and decorating to do.
- And the better the house looks, the more I love entertaining
- I cook and bake, and this is fairly easy to integrate into real life
- I love to garden, particularly veggies, fruits and flowers for cutting
- I want to much to be an amateur photographer. I'm a not even a novice. I have a DSLR and Photoshop Elements and I don't really know how to use either one yet. Bummer.
- I knit - this is one hobby I can combine with exhausted-couch-sitting at the end of the day, so I do a fair amount of this
- We have a dog. I should walk that beast, and maybe teach him manners some day. I actually like walking him, I think. I barely remember.
- I enjoy film, but that's just a joke at this point in my life. 2 hours of uninterrupted time? Go to a theater? Ha! Haha!
- I scrapbook. This is in bold because it's my favorite hobby. I'm always in the mood to scrapbook, but it is just for me, so gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Always. Except for...
- I really enjoy exercise, though you would not know it. This is very last on the list because given any free time to myself, I will gladly scrapbook rather than exercise!
Not that "efficiency" and "enjoyable" are often used in the same sentence, but "less stress" is!
It's bath time, and then... I should pick something off this list to do!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
I love paper
Day 2 of scrapbooking, and I'm back!
After doing literally one blank gift book and one page last night in the space of about 5 hours, I'm rolling at a much better pace today. The surroundings are definitely helping.
I love that every time I finish a page, half a dozen people around me ooh and ah without being asked. Any tool - someone has it. Deciding between two papers/colors/approaches - someone has the answer. Need inspiration - pages, books, magazines are everywhere.
I don't want to make it sound like I discovered the concept of a retreat. People have been getting together in groups to participate in common interest since the nudist colonies. But I have not wanted to go for a couple of reasons.
One is that I am a home body, and miss home deeply minutes after I leave the driveway, sometimes to the point of actual regret that I left. Issuey, I know.
Secondly, I'm not the most confident person and it's hard for me to go into a social situation where everyone else is there with friends and I'm alone. I know about a third of the people there, but some of these ladies are here with childhood friends, neighbors... I'm the only person here as a single. I'm sharing a room with two really nice people, and sitting at a table with another group of two. I got a couple hugs when I came.
Between having fun socially and being productive, I'm really glad I came.
After doing literally one blank gift book and one page last night in the space of about 5 hours, I'm rolling at a much better pace today. The surroundings are definitely helping.
I love that every time I finish a page, half a dozen people around me ooh and ah without being asked. Any tool - someone has it. Deciding between two papers/colors/approaches - someone has the answer. Need inspiration - pages, books, magazines are everywhere.
I don't want to make it sound like I discovered the concept of a retreat. People have been getting together in groups to participate in common interest since the nudist colonies. But I have not wanted to go for a couple of reasons.
One is that I am a home body, and miss home deeply minutes after I leave the driveway, sometimes to the point of actual regret that I left. Issuey, I know.
Secondly, I'm not the most confident person and it's hard for me to go into a social situation where everyone else is there with friends and I'm alone. I know about a third of the people there, but some of these ladies are here with childhood friends, neighbors... I'm the only person here as a single. I'm sharing a room with two really nice people, and sitting at a table with another group of two. I got a couple hugs when I came.
Between having fun socially and being productive, I'm really glad I came.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Total scrapbooking immersion
I am at my first weekend scrapbooking retreat this weekend. I'm blogging from my phone so I can't promise much. What I will say is that if you want to get back into doing something that you once loved, pack all your shit in the car and go somewhere that you're surrounded by people who love the same thing.
I warmed up with a gift book (to be gifted without pictures) and then started my house books I've been planning. I'm just cutting paper and after an hour or ao of that I felt ready for the real thing.
I hade made some kits of photos, papers and embellishments along with layout ideas and I rocked one of those. I started a second one, but got stuck on the title. Titles and journalling are not strong points for me so I wasn't shocked.
I really feel confident that tomorrow is going to be creative and productive. I haven't felt either of those things is a while. I'm ready!
I warmed up with a gift book (to be gifted without pictures) and then started my house books I've been planning. I'm just cutting paper and after an hour or ao of that I felt ready for the real thing.
I hade made some kits of photos, papers and embellishments along with layout ideas and I rocked one of those. I started a second one, but got stuck on the title. Titles and journalling are not strong points for me so I wasn't shocked.
I really feel confident that tomorrow is going to be creative and productive. I haven't felt either of those things is a while. I'm ready!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The SATs for grown-ups
One of the goals I'm working toward that I have almost no control over is to get civil service status in my job. I have very little control over this because, long story short, there is no test for the title I (and several others in my office) hold.
But so help me, when the state writes and administers an exam for us, I'm going to pass that thing with shining colors!
I've never taken a civil service exam before, so I signed up for a test taking strategies class. I recall being a good test taker... the last time I took a test, which was sometime around 10 years ago. And the last time I took a standardized test with a bubble sheet? Talk to me about 1998. It was a very good year. Regardless...
The class was yesterday and today, and wow do I feel rusty! I did well on the first practice test (I'm saving the second one for closer to the test, should it ever get announced...) Spelling, grammar, analogies, reading comprehension... there's even a section with long division! Where's my spreadsheet at? I do not do math without spreadsheets.
It was actually fun. We did some of those self-evaluations, like multiple intelligences (we're all intelligent in our own special way) and right/left brain (explains why I'm a slow runner).
And I got familiar with the test and learn/refresh some test taking strategies. Now if only the test would be announced soon so that it would mean something....
If you interested in your brain, check out
Right brain/left brain quiz
Multiple intelligences
Learning styles
But so help me, when the state writes and administers an exam for us, I'm going to pass that thing with shining colors!
I've never taken a civil service exam before, so I signed up for a test taking strategies class. I recall being a good test taker... the last time I took a test, which was sometime around 10 years ago. And the last time I took a standardized test with a bubble sheet? Talk to me about 1998. It was a very good year. Regardless...
The class was yesterday and today, and wow do I feel rusty! I did well on the first practice test (I'm saving the second one for closer to the test, should it ever get announced...) Spelling, grammar, analogies, reading comprehension... there's even a section with long division! Where's my spreadsheet at? I do not do math without spreadsheets.
It was actually fun. We did some of those self-evaluations, like multiple intelligences (we're all intelligent in our own special way) and right/left brain (explains why I'm a slow runner).
And I got familiar with the test and learn/refresh some test taking strategies. Now if only the test would be announced soon so that it would mean something....
If you interested in your brain, check out
Right brain/left brain quiz
Multiple intelligences
Learning styles
Monday, March 7, 2011
Holy Weekend!
Well, that went fast!
For a quick recap, the red velvet cake was a flop. The cake was too crumbly and not really chocolatey and the frosting was gluey. Not even writing a post about it. (is there an "attitude" font?)
Friday night was Meg time - the dudes went to an outdoor show and I ate pizza and wings with some people from work, and even played a hand of dominos!
Saturday was some much needed Deuce & Mommy time. I've been so busy I started to miss him!
He and I cooked together. We made a variation of Creamy Farfalle with Cremini, Asparagus, and Walnuts
We didn't use mushrooms, and roasted the asparagus and pine nuts (instead of walnuts) in the oven tossed in garlic, herbs and olive oil. It was sinful, and not healthy by a long shot, but totally delicious.
Then to top off the carbs tossed in cheese, we also made a Clementine Cake. I didn't know that by "ground almonds" she meant almond meal (or flour), so the texture wasn't there for me. I made ganache for the top b/c I was pissed about how the cake came out and thought some melted chocolate would cheer me up. Didn't work. That's actually two duds from Smitten Kitchen a row, and all the sudden I'm off the bandwagon. Not that I wouldn't cook anything she recommends, but I'm done taking her recipes at face value.
Then Sunday I worked, which sucked, and I was across the street from the only Hobby Lobby within 100 miles (maybe more!) and it was closed. Which sucked.
But then I took a nap with Deuce which was awesome!
We had dinner with my parents (brought the clementine cake and left them the last 2 pieces, so I won't feel like I need to eat the rest of it before I bake something else haha!). Did watch the Criminal Minds from last week, which was a total cliffhanger and had my rapt attention so I didn't knit a stitch. I know, I know, TV, not accomplishy, but it was worth it!
Oh, and I almost forgot - I exercised! I know! Who replaced the real Meg with this "doing healthy thing for self" Meg??? I did a video Saturday and shoveled the driveway (an hour of misery) Sunday... am I on a roll? Two days is not exactly the long road to fitness, but it's a start!
Despite all the action, I've had a lot of energy today - a fun week and weekend coming up!
For a quick recap, the red velvet cake was a flop. The cake was too crumbly and not really chocolatey and the frosting was gluey. Not even writing a post about it. (is there an "attitude" font?)
Friday night was Meg time - the dudes went to an outdoor show and I ate pizza and wings with some people from work, and even played a hand of dominos!
Saturday was some much needed Deuce & Mommy time. I've been so busy I started to miss him!
He and I cooked together. We made a variation of Creamy Farfalle with Cremini, Asparagus, and Walnuts
We didn't use mushrooms, and roasted the asparagus and pine nuts (instead of walnuts) in the oven tossed in garlic, herbs and olive oil. It was sinful, and not healthy by a long shot, but totally delicious.
Then to top off the carbs tossed in cheese, we also made a Clementine Cake. I didn't know that by "ground almonds" she meant almond meal (or flour), so the texture wasn't there for me. I made ganache for the top b/c I was pissed about how the cake came out and thought some melted chocolate would cheer me up. Didn't work. That's actually two duds from Smitten Kitchen a row, and all the sudden I'm off the bandwagon. Not that I wouldn't cook anything she recommends, but I'm done taking her recipes at face value.
Then Sunday I worked, which sucked, and I was across the street from the only Hobby Lobby within 100 miles (maybe more!) and it was closed. Which sucked.
But then I took a nap with Deuce which was awesome!
We had dinner with my parents (brought the clementine cake and left them the last 2 pieces, so I won't feel like I need to eat the rest of it before I bake something else haha!). Did watch the Criminal Minds from last week, which was a total cliffhanger and had my rapt attention so I didn't knit a stitch. I know, I know, TV, not accomplishy, but it was worth it!
Oh, and I almost forgot - I exercised! I know! Who replaced the real Meg with this "doing healthy thing for self" Meg??? I did a video Saturday and shoveled the driveway (an hour of misery) Sunday... am I on a roll? Two days is not exactly the long road to fitness, but it's a start!
Despite all the action, I've had a lot of energy today - a fun week and weekend coming up!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
How not to schedule your day
Follow-up to the red velvet cake is coming - we aren't going to get to eat it until tomorrow afternoon, so I'll be able to discuss it better then. Cream cheese frosting licked from bowl gets an 'A', though.
So in the meantime, I'm on Mission: Figure Out My Mission.
In broad strokes, it's really simple - I want to have fun.
I also work full time and have a preschooler and a husband, so if I expect to do anything besides work, laundry and sleep, I need to be organized about it. I tend to sign up for everything I think would be fun, and cram in all my responsibilities and then end up having to cancel what I wanted to do b/c I'm overcommitted. It's awesome. So I want to have fun, and make time to do fun things.
For example, tonight after working all day I have a parents meeting at day care 5-6, the dog has a vet appointment at 6:15, dinner, and I have a craft group at 7. Seems like with two adults we can handle it, right?
Wellllll....I have to leave work early if I want to go to parents' group (Bob's not interested), but if I go to that, he has to take the dog to the vet. I want to take the dog to the vet b/c our vet does all this unecessary stuff to the dog that I refuse, but Bob won't argue w/ the vet. I can't get home to get the dog before the meeting, and I can't get home and to the vet in time if I pick him up after the meeting. It's not that easy to take our son to either of those activities, especially at dinner time. Deuce would eat a Happy Meal but Bob and I don't like fast food and if we order a pizza someone's going to end up eating it cold. Oh and we ate up the leftovers last night. Craft group is at someone's house so I can come late, but one of the reasons it's on Thursday night is b/c I can't go on Wednesday so I feel guilty blowing it off when everyone alternates days of the week for me.
At this point I have been known to fake a stomach bug and cancel everything.
Instead, I'm blowing off the parents meeting (his daycare is awesome, and I participate in the activities, I just obviously can be a leader too). If I leave work when I would have for the meeting, we can all eat hot food together, I can take the dog to the vet and still make craft night at a reasonable time. Assuming Bob had nothing he wanted to do this evening.
Not too shabby, but if I had the parents group and craft night on my calendar, I would not have schedule the vet the first Thursday of the month.
I'm thinking the best way to tackle this is (are you ready to groan? I'll wait), with scheduling and some ground rules. (cue the groan)
It won't be too bad though really! Scheduling like "putting commitments on the calendar" and "looking at the calendar" isn't a huge stretch. And for ground rules, I'm thinking "take at least one evening off each week." I mean, I'll never get anything done if I'm running all over town every night!
Before I started writing this, I looked at the calendar, and noticed one meeting and 4 activities Friday, but there is nothing on there on Saturday... Maybe there's something wrong with my computer... That's the only logical explanation. I should probably block it off and keep it that way!
So in the meantime, I'm on Mission: Figure Out My Mission.
In broad strokes, it's really simple - I want to have fun.
I also work full time and have a preschooler and a husband, so if I expect to do anything besides work, laundry and sleep, I need to be organized about it. I tend to sign up for everything I think would be fun, and cram in all my responsibilities and then end up having to cancel what I wanted to do b/c I'm overcommitted. It's awesome. So I want to have fun, and make time to do fun things.
For example, tonight after working all day I have a parents meeting at day care 5-6, the dog has a vet appointment at 6:15, dinner, and I have a craft group at 7. Seems like with two adults we can handle it, right?
Wellllll....I have to leave work early if I want to go to parents' group (Bob's not interested), but if I go to that, he has to take the dog to the vet. I want to take the dog to the vet b/c our vet does all this unecessary stuff to the dog that I refuse, but Bob won't argue w/ the vet. I can't get home to get the dog before the meeting, and I can't get home and to the vet in time if I pick him up after the meeting. It's not that easy to take our son to either of those activities, especially at dinner time. Deuce would eat a Happy Meal but Bob and I don't like fast food and if we order a pizza someone's going to end up eating it cold. Oh and we ate up the leftovers last night. Craft group is at someone's house so I can come late, but one of the reasons it's on Thursday night is b/c I can't go on Wednesday so I feel guilty blowing it off when everyone alternates days of the week for me.
At this point I have been known to fake a stomach bug and cancel everything.
Instead, I'm blowing off the parents meeting (his daycare is awesome, and I participate in the activities, I just obviously can be a leader too). If I leave work when I would have for the meeting, we can all eat hot food together, I can take the dog to the vet and still make craft night at a reasonable time. Assuming Bob had nothing he wanted to do this evening.
Not too shabby, but if I had the parents group and craft night on my calendar, I would not have schedule the vet the first Thursday of the month.
I'm thinking the best way to tackle this is (are you ready to groan? I'll wait), with scheduling and some ground rules. (cue the groan)
It won't be too bad though really! Scheduling like "putting commitments on the calendar" and "looking at the calendar" isn't a huge stretch. And for ground rules, I'm thinking "take at least one evening off each week." I mean, I'll never get anything done if I'm running all over town every night!
Before I started writing this, I looked at the calendar, and noticed one meeting and 4 activities Friday, but there is nothing on there on Saturday... Maybe there's something wrong with my computer... That's the only logical explanation. I should probably block it off and keep it that way!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
If you bake it, they will... expect more
My girlfriend at work, Lauren, baked me a birthday cake from scratch this year. It was awesome. So I baked her a cake for her birthday. Also, awesome.
In the spirit of sharing, we invited the rest of our work team (7 people total). This was generous, and kept us from digging in to a whole cake between the two of us, but we set the bar awfully high.
Now we're wondering who gets homemade, from scratch, delicious birthday cakes. Because I am rotten through and through, and dread the thought baking all these cakes for people I'm not close with (for the most part), somepeople cakes had to be stricken from the list, by objective decisions, not by how much I like them, to avoid hurt feelings.
The rules for cake disqualification are set as follows:
This effectively removed 3 cakes from the to-do list. Two of us already had our birthdays (mine in December and Lauren's in February), so that is only 2 cakes for the whole year, which will be baked together with Lauren and that will be fun in itself. No need to panic.
I guess the X factor is that the "I don't mention my birthday" and "I don't eat cake" crowd could change their tune in the name of having cakes baked especially for them. Cross that bridge when we come to it.
What are these cakes we're baking?
Lauren made me a Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate cake with Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate frosting. This recipe is tried and true and I highly recommend it.
I made Lauren the Chocolate Stout cake from Smitten Kitchen. I didn't put ganache on it, because I had to carry it in to work, and it was great with a dusting of powdered sugar. So great that I made it again the next week for my in-laws. I also used Saranac Brewing Company Caramel Porter in place of the stout. I did this both times, so I don't know how it compares to using stout, but it was delicious.
When will people be circling the cubicles looking for more cake?
Ha ha, yeah, James' birthday is Friday. Like, in two days.
Tonight Lauren and I are attempting the first red velvet cake either of us have ever made. We're using another Smitten Kitchen recipe (this one), because the chocolate stout cake came out amazing.
Let ya know how it goes!
In the spirit of sharing, we invited the rest of our work team (7 people total). This was generous, and kept us from digging in to a whole cake between the two of us, but we set the bar awfully high.
Now we're wondering who gets homemade, from scratch, delicious birthday cakes. Because I am rotten through and through, and dread the thought baking all these cakes for people I'm not close with (for the most part), some
The rules for cake disqualification are set as follows:
- People who don't tell anybody that their birthdays are coming up do not get a cake, because I'm not a damn mindreader
- People who "don't eat cake" or are "on a diet" do not get cakes because it would not be a good gift for them. Also because I don't understand these phrases and must conclude they are from another culture that doesn't celebrate things by eating delicious things. To each their own.
This effectively removed 3 cakes from the to-do list. Two of us already had our birthdays (mine in December and Lauren's in February), so that is only 2 cakes for the whole year, which will be baked together with Lauren and that will be fun in itself. No need to panic.
I guess the X factor is that the "I don't mention my birthday" and "I don't eat cake" crowd could change their tune in the name of having cakes baked especially for them. Cross that bridge when we come to it.
What are these cakes we're baking?
Lauren made me a Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate cake with Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate frosting. This recipe is tried and true and I highly recommend it.
I made Lauren the Chocolate Stout cake from Smitten Kitchen. I didn't put ganache on it, because I had to carry it in to work, and it was great with a dusting of powdered sugar. So great that I made it again the next week for my in-laws. I also used Saranac Brewing Company Caramel Porter in place of the stout. I did this both times, so I don't know how it compares to using stout, but it was delicious.
When will people be circling the cubicles looking for more cake?
Ha ha, yeah, James' birthday is Friday. Like, in two days.
Tonight Lauren and I are attempting the first red velvet cake either of us have ever made. We're using another Smitten Kitchen recipe (this one), because the chocolate stout cake came out amazing.
Let ya know how it goes!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Random Weeknight Entertaining
Whatcha doin'? Anything fun?
Yeah, tonight we're having friends over for dinner!
Weeknight entertaining is not for the faint of heart, but a simple menu, some shortcuts, and dividing up the work by grilling the entree and asking the guests to bring dessert makes it totally doable!
We're having
1 pkg Good Seasons Garlic Herb dressing mix
1 C sour cream
1 C mayonaise
2 C shredded cheese
Mix it, spread it on baguette slices, and broil until bubbly. Or, if it's a weeknight and you bought it pre-made anyhow, mix it up in an oven-safe baking dish until bubbly and serve with crostini or crackers.
Looking forward to a fun night in!
Yeah, tonight we're having friends over for dinner!
Weeknight entertaining is not for the faint of heart, but a simple menu, some shortcuts, and dividing up the work by grilling the entree and asking the guests to bring dessert makes it totally doable!
We're having
- Garlic herb cheese spread on baguette rounds
- Salad
- Steak on the grill (hot dogs for the kids, but Deuce will no doubt eat 1/4 of my steak)
- Lemon Spaghetti
- Steamed asparagus
- Booze
- and our guests are bringing dessert (I'm really pulling for cheesecake from Cheesy Eddie's)
1 pkg Good Seasons Garlic Herb dressing mix
1 C sour cream
1 C mayonaise
2 C shredded cheese
Mix it, spread it on baguette slices, and broil until bubbly. Or, if it's a weeknight and you bought it pre-made anyhow, mix it up in an oven-safe baking dish until bubbly and serve with crostini or crackers.
Looking forward to a fun night in!
Spring Fever Sets In
I'm out on a small lake in a boat on a summer day and the water's so clear and refreshing looking that I pinch my nose and jump in (woo! so refreshing!). Now I have options. Get back in the boat or swim for shore. It's a nice day for a swim. Which shore? North, South, East or West? Toward the beach at the north shore, the cottage toward the west?
If I really threw myself out of a boat today a) I would freeze to death because it's March 1 in New York State, and b) I would pick a direction because I know I can't stay in the middle of the lake forever.
Now envision this less picturesque but more real-life example:
I'm on the couch in the evening. I could work on any number of fun things I want to do, or I could stay on the couch (not a terrible option - we have premium cable). I've been on the couch. I know the couch. I'm comfortable on the couch. But I'm a little bored on the couch.
So, I'm throwing myself off the couch, into the water, picking a direction and starting to swim.
If I really threw myself out of a boat today a) I would freeze to death because it's March 1 in New York State, and b) I would pick a direction because I know I can't stay in the middle of the lake forever.
Now envision this less picturesque but more real-life example:
I'm on the couch in the evening. I could work on any number of fun things I want to do, or I could stay on the couch (not a terrible option - we have premium cable). I've been on the couch. I know the couch. I'm comfortable on the couch. But I'm a little bored on the couch.
So, I'm throwing myself off the couch, into the water, picking a direction and starting to swim.
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