Today has been a great day.
1. I woke up and there was coffee already made and waiting for me. (Thank you gorgeous man!)
2. I got to wear my awesome new military jacket I got from my wonderful sister-in-law for Christmas.
3. I also got to wear the greatest scarf ever, courtesy of Katie.
4. Lunch with Katie at Sweet Tomatoes. (Soup on cold days is the best thing ever)
5. It snowed. In Arizona. In the middle of Phoenix to be exact!
6. It's my Friday.
7. I don't have to be back at work until next Thursday.
8. I get to go home early.
9. It is payday so we get to eat dinner out. Therefore, no cooking and even better? NO DISHES!
Hope yours has been just as great!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Christmas Day
I had a wonderful Holiday with my family this year. The day started with brunch at my sister-in-law, Holly's. Biscuits and gravy and cinnamon rolls... yum! Then much to the relief of my children, it was time to open gifts!
Aidan: So excited for his new Cars bed set.
Lily: Loved her Tinkerbell bedding so much she made me open it up and make her a bed on the floor!
My Grandpa Smith was with us, time we always cherish!
This was our first Christmas together so it was very special.
After opening presents, the kids were worn out so Mom took them over to her house for a nap while Holly and I worked on our dishes for Christmas dinner. (As a side note- If you are using an industrial Kitchen Aid mixer to make your cream cheese frosting for the red velvet cake, you need to keep two things in mind. 1. It is a strong mixer, so don't turn it up all the way to level 8. 2. If you do this and the guard is not attached, you WILL look like you got into a fight with the abominable snowman.)
Dinner at Mom's was delicious as always, and then some of our extended family (the Dowdy's) and friends of the family joined us to go on a hay ride and carol for the neighbors. It was a wonderful day full of family, laughter and love- the greatest gift I could have asked for!
Aidan: So excited for his new Cars bed set.
Dinner at Mom's was delicious as always, and then some of our extended family (the Dowdy's) and friends of the family joined us to go on a hay ride and carol for the neighbors. It was a wonderful day full of family, laughter and love- the greatest gift I could have asked for!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Quick and Easy Chicken and Rice Dish
I thought I would share this recipe with you all today. I love it because it is quick and easy, and so delicious! I work long hours and often don't have much energy by the time I get home so I make this usually about once a week. It is easy to make variations depending on what you have on hand. For instance, if you don't have milk you can use water, or for a flavor variation you can add some sour cream to the soup mix! You can also make this with leftovers of chicken, and I also made it with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. It keeps great for leftovers!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
Milk (I don't have an exact measurement, I just fill the empty soup can about halfway)
2 tablespoons butter, salted (I use real butter, always salted in everything I cook!)
1/2 package crushed Ritz Crackers
1 cup uncooked rice
2 tablespoons Adobo seasoning
Directions:
(If you are using chicken or turkey that is already cooked, skip to step 2)
1. In a saucepan big enough to hold the chicken, mix Adobo seasoning with your water and bring to a boil.
(This is just for flavor, so if you don't have any, you can season the water with some chicken bouillon, garlic powder, salt and pepper- or whatever you may have in your spice rack to make it not so bland)
My chicken is usually frozen, so it takes 15 minutes to fully cook. The chicken will float when it is cooked, and you can always check by making a small slice in the middle of the chicken breast to make sure.
2. Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and put into the bottom of a baking pan, I usually use my bread loaf pan but you can put it into an 8" x 8" pan as well.
3. Cut the 2 tablespoons of butter into thin pats and place over the top of the chicken. (This is so that it will melt while cooking and keep the meat from drying out. Also adds a touch of amazing flavor!)
4. Mix together the condensed soup and milk in separate bowl. You want the consistency to be creamy, but not as thin as it would be if you mixed it according to the directions on the can for making soup.
5. Pour this mixture over the top of the chicken and butter.
6. Pour crushed crackers over the top of this. You want a nice thick layer, about 1/4 inch. Make sure you evenly distribute to cover the entire dish, and that the edges are completely covered. You should not be able to see the soup mixture through the crackers. This will ensure the dish stays nice and moist.
7. Cover with tinfoil and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. (This step is just to heat everything thoroughly. I usually let it stay in the oven while I cook the rice and get everything on the table.)
8. Cook rice according to directions on package, or the click here to see easy step-by-step instructions on how to cook perfect rice every time. (This is the method I use!)
9. Serve chicken mixture over rice. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
Milk (I don't have an exact measurement, I just fill the empty soup can about halfway)
2 tablespoons butter, salted (I use real butter, always salted in everything I cook!)
1/2 package crushed Ritz Crackers
1 cup uncooked rice
2 tablespoons Adobo seasoning
Directions:
(If you are using chicken or turkey that is already cooked, skip to step 2)
1. In a saucepan big enough to hold the chicken, mix Adobo seasoning with your water and bring to a boil.
My chicken is usually frozen, so it takes 15 minutes to fully cook. The chicken will float when it is cooked, and you can always check by making a small slice in the middle of the chicken breast to make sure.
2. Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and put into the bottom of a baking pan, I usually use my bread loaf pan but you can put it into an 8" x 8" pan as well.
3. Cut the 2 tablespoons of butter into thin pats and place over the top of the chicken. (This is so that it will melt while cooking and keep the meat from drying out. Also adds a touch of amazing flavor!)
4. Mix together the condensed soup and milk in separate bowl. You want the consistency to be creamy, but not as thin as it would be if you mixed it according to the directions on the can for making soup.
5. Pour this mixture over the top of the chicken and butter.
6. Pour crushed crackers over the top of this. You want a nice thick layer, about 1/4 inch. Make sure you evenly distribute to cover the entire dish, and that the edges are completely covered. You should not be able to see the soup mixture through the crackers. This will ensure the dish stays nice and moist.
7. Cover with tinfoil and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. (This step is just to heat everything thoroughly. I usually let it stay in the oven while I cook the rice and get everything on the table.)
8. Cook rice according to directions on package, or the click here to see easy step-by-step instructions on how to cook perfect rice every time. (This is the method I use!)
9. Serve chicken mixture over rice. Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
My Achilles Heel
It is now Tuesday, December 21st, exactly 4 days before Christmas. One would think there would be a huge pile under my tree of beautifully wrapped Christmas presents, teasing the imaginations of the recipients as they wait in anticipation for Christmas Day, wondering what surprises will appear when they rip off the shiny paper. Sadly, this is not the picture you see in my living room. Instead, there is only the twinkling of the lights flashing their warning, "Hurry up! Hurry up! Hurry up!"
Every year I lecture myself that I will not wait until the last minute to finish my Christmas shopping. That I will not be up all hours on Christmas Eve wrapping presents. That I will be prepared early, and have a relaxing week before Christmas instead of joining the frenzy of the all the crazed procrastinators like myself. And every year, somehow that just never happens!
So here it is, 4 days before the big day and I have presents for exactly 3 people. The presents that I do have are not wrapped, I actually don't even have wrapping paper yet! (Or tape for that matter. Slight pause as I add those items to my list!) I work well under pressure, however, so I have my list of everyone I need to buy presents for, and I know exactly what I want to get each and every one of them. I have a plan for the most efficient route to hit all the stores I need to go to in order to minimize my time in the madness. As far as wrapping goes? A bottle of wine and a movie does wonders!
Wish me luck!
Every year I lecture myself that I will not wait until the last minute to finish my Christmas shopping. That I will not be up all hours on Christmas Eve wrapping presents. That I will be prepared early, and have a relaxing week before Christmas instead of joining the frenzy of the all the crazed procrastinators like myself. And every year, somehow that just never happens!
So here it is, 4 days before the big day and I have presents for exactly 3 people. The presents that I do have are not wrapped, I actually don't even have wrapping paper yet! (Or tape for that matter. Slight pause as I add those items to my list!) I work well under pressure, however, so I have my list of everyone I need to buy presents for, and I know exactly what I want to get each and every one of them. I have a plan for the most efficient route to hit all the stores I need to go to in order to minimize my time in the madness. As far as wrapping goes? A bottle of wine and a movie does wonders!
Wish me luck!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Car fire! Blindness! Wait..Fog?!?!?!
To preface this posting, please remember that I am a born and raised Arizonan. Please no judgement!
I was driving to work this morning, radio blasting, belting out Katy Perry's 'Firework'- more than likely providing oodles of entertainment for my fellow commuters with my antics when the police car in front of me turned on it's lights and siren. I gave it no more than a passing thought, just grateful that the lights were not for me as I cannot afford another speeding ticket!
A few miles down the road, there was what seemed to be an immense amount of smoke floating over the road and almost obscuring the shopping center to my right. I thought to myself, "I wonder where the fire is?" I could see no starting point for the smoke, and as I drove it continued to thicken. I contemplated the police car I had seen a few minutes earlier and wondered if perhaps there was a car on fire ahead on the road.
As the air continued to get denser, I started to blink my eyes, reevaluating the cause for the obstruction to my vision. Was I going blind?! My frantic mind started spiraling out of control as the cars in front of me disappeared from view.
Suddenly, somewhere in my swirling brain a memory started to tickle my consciousness. I was 14 years old on a trip to California to visit family and we took a day to visit San Fransisco. We left the Sacramento area early in the morning and I fell asleep in the car. I woke up as we were crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and rubbed my sleepy eyes. Then I rubbed them again. I shot upright in my seat, now fully awake as I tried to clear my blurry vision. My mom started laughing and explained that it was just fog.
Fog! The realization screamed through my hysterical brain. I was not going to run into a car that was on fire, and I was definitely not going blind. I called my eternally patient boyfriend and made him go look out the window to assure me that it was indeed a weather condition, not my eyesight, and that I would be seeing his beautiful face again. He just chuckled softly and said, "You are too cute, you know that?" I don't know about all that, but if at some point in the next 22 years fog decides to visit the Valley of Sun, hopefully I will immediately recognize it for what it is!
I was driving to work this morning, radio blasting, belting out Katy Perry's 'Firework'- more than likely providing oodles of entertainment for my fellow commuters with my antics when the police car in front of me turned on it's lights and siren. I gave it no more than a passing thought, just grateful that the lights were not for me as I cannot afford another speeding ticket!
A few miles down the road, there was what seemed to be an immense amount of smoke floating over the road and almost obscuring the shopping center to my right. I thought to myself, "I wonder where the fire is?" I could see no starting point for the smoke, and as I drove it continued to thicken. I contemplated the police car I had seen a few minutes earlier and wondered if perhaps there was a car on fire ahead on the road.
As the air continued to get denser, I started to blink my eyes, reevaluating the cause for the obstruction to my vision. Was I going blind?! My frantic mind started spiraling out of control as the cars in front of me disappeared from view.
Suddenly, somewhere in my swirling brain a memory started to tickle my consciousness. I was 14 years old on a trip to California to visit family and we took a day to visit San Fransisco. We left the Sacramento area early in the morning and I fell asleep in the car. I woke up as we were crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, and rubbed my sleepy eyes. Then I rubbed them again. I shot upright in my seat, now fully awake as I tried to clear my blurry vision. My mom started laughing and explained that it was just fog.
Fog! The realization screamed through my hysterical brain. I was not going to run into a car that was on fire, and I was definitely not going blind. I called my eternally patient boyfriend and made him go look out the window to assure me that it was indeed a weather condition, not my eyesight, and that I would be seeing his beautiful face again. He just chuckled softly and said, "You are too cute, you know that?" I don't know about all that, but if at some point in the next 22 years fog decides to visit the Valley of Sun, hopefully I will immediately recognize it for what it is!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Soapbox
I don't know what it is about today, but I decided it is necessary to vent upon the listening ears of my few blog readers my pet peeves in the professional world. I suppose listening ears isn't quite appropriate since you are actually reading this, but I am not sure what else to say. Observing eyes perhaps? Anyways- I digress. The list that I am about to disclose is a short one, just a couple obscure things that never fail to make me question the intelligence of the people I am co-existing with in society.
#1. In my line of work, I listen to a lot of voice mails. On most messaging systems there is an option to leave your callback number, and you generally have to select a key to do so. The automated system will then repeat the number that you have called in on and ask if that is the number you would like to leave for your call back. I cannot tell you how many times I have written a callback number down at the beginning of a message only to have the caller verbally leave a different number to be called back at in their voicemail. Now, perhaps it is only in my slightly OCD mind that this makes no sense, but I fail to see why you would go through all that effort and push extra buttons before leaving your message if you are not even going to bother to enter the correct information!!!
#2. If you call an establishment to schedule an appointment and request the first available time and they tell you the next available appointment is Monday at 11, please don't reply- "Oh, that's the next appointment? There is nothing available sooner?" Let me think about that.... NO! Or they would have said, "The next available appointment is tomorrow at 3", or "Friday at 10", etc.!
Like I said, short and obscure, but truly irritating things that people do on a daily basis!
Thank you for listening...err reading that is. I feel so much better!
PS- If you would like to share any of your pet peeves I will be happy to indulge you and read about them!
#1. In my line of work, I listen to a lot of voice mails. On most messaging systems there is an option to leave your callback number, and you generally have to select a key to do so. The automated system will then repeat the number that you have called in on and ask if that is the number you would like to leave for your call back. I cannot tell you how many times I have written a callback number down at the beginning of a message only to have the caller verbally leave a different number to be called back at in their voicemail. Now, perhaps it is only in my slightly OCD mind that this makes no sense, but I fail to see why you would go through all that effort and push extra buttons before leaving your message if you are not even going to bother to enter the correct information!!!
#2. If you call an establishment to schedule an appointment and request the first available time and they tell you the next available appointment is Monday at 11, please don't reply- "Oh, that's the next appointment? There is nothing available sooner?" Let me think about that.... NO! Or they would have said, "The next available appointment is tomorrow at 3", or "Friday at 10", etc.!
Like I said, short and obscure, but truly irritating things that people do on a daily basis!
Thank you for listening...err reading that is. I feel so much better!
PS- If you would like to share any of your pet peeves I will be happy to indulge you and read about them!
Monday, December 13, 2010
To My Angel
Dear Guardian Angel,
Thank you for being so patient with me. I know I have probably caused many inconveniences for you, and for that I apologize. Today, I have been continually thinking about how thankful I am for two very specific times you have helped me in my hour of greatest need.
First, you gave me my son. From an outsiders perspective I am sure many people had their doubts of timing, but for me? You and I both know you saved my life by giving me him. I am sure my Mom in particular questioned what had happened to her daughter, and how it was possible that at 18 years old I was going to be a mother myself. I wish I could help her understand that her firstborn grandson- now the light of her life- not only brings a ray of sunshine to all of our lives, but gave her the chance to get her daughter back. As I see my precious babies growing up so fast, I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused my parents and hope that the life I have made for myself and my children is one that they can be proud of.
That brings me to the second thing I am extremely struck by today. Thank you for the strength you helped me find. Strength to get my life together and be a healthy mom for first Aidan, and now Lily. Thank you for the strength to survive the last 4 years. I try not to complain about my situation, as it had the potential to be far worse, but I am sure you know what it was to live a day in my world. I am thankful for the strength to recognize how unstable that world was, and for being able to walk away. Thank you for opening doors so I could provide for my children. The support of my loving family and finally. And last, for bringing me to true love. One that has allowed my battered heart to find peace.
For everything you have done, I am thankful.
Me
Thank you for being so patient with me. I know I have probably caused many inconveniences for you, and for that I apologize. Today, I have been continually thinking about how thankful I am for two very specific times you have helped me in my hour of greatest need.
First, you gave me my son. From an outsiders perspective I am sure many people had their doubts of timing, but for me? You and I both know you saved my life by giving me him. I am sure my Mom in particular questioned what had happened to her daughter, and how it was possible that at 18 years old I was going to be a mother myself. I wish I could help her understand that her firstborn grandson- now the light of her life- not only brings a ray of sunshine to all of our lives, but gave her the chance to get her daughter back. As I see my precious babies growing up so fast, I am deeply sorry for the pain I have caused my parents and hope that the life I have made for myself and my children is one that they can be proud of.
That brings me to the second thing I am extremely struck by today. Thank you for the strength you helped me find. Strength to get my life together and be a healthy mom for first Aidan, and now Lily. Thank you for the strength to survive the last 4 years. I try not to complain about my situation, as it had the potential to be far worse, but I am sure you know what it was to live a day in my world. I am thankful for the strength to recognize how unstable that world was, and for being able to walk away. Thank you for opening doors so I could provide for my children. The support of my loving family and finally. And last, for bringing me to true love. One that has allowed my battered heart to find peace.
For everything you have done, I am thankful.
Me
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Writers Block
I have been trying to write about some thoughts I had on relationships, fate, and whether or not I believe in it. I am not sure if my own head is still trying to process how I feel about it and am therefore too confused to make any sense of it all or if I simply am uninspired to finish my thoughts! So instead, I am going to abandon my efforts to finish that post and move on.
Random Thoughts of the Day
1. My kids are really funny- But if my son asks me one more time why girls have "Bee-Ginas" I am going to start second guessing my decision to teach him the proper names for body parts.
2. I love dark chocolate.
3. I wish I had more time to cook.
4. I can't believe Christmas is in two weeks.
5. I think I am going to not be able to stop myself from spending every extra penny I have on my children for Christmas.
6. The above mentioned may possibly get me into trouble.
7. I can't wait to get off work today. My Mommy is making homemade turkey pot pie for dinner.
8. I am so tired my eyes are blurring.
9. My Dad taught Aidan how to ride his bike without training wheels. I am so proud of him, but it made me cry that I didn't get to help him learn.
10. I want another another baby. (Not to be confused with me being pregnant. I am just saying that at some point, I do actually want another child, and I have never really thought I would ever want that.)
Random Thoughts of the Day
1. My kids are really funny- But if my son asks me one more time why girls have "Bee-Ginas" I am going to start second guessing my decision to teach him the proper names for body parts.
2. I love dark chocolate.
3. I wish I had more time to cook.
4. I can't believe Christmas is in two weeks.
5. I think I am going to not be able to stop myself from spending every extra penny I have on my children for Christmas.
6. The above mentioned may possibly get me into trouble.
7. I can't wait to get off work today. My Mommy is making homemade turkey pot pie for dinner.
8. I am so tired my eyes are blurring.
9. My Dad taught Aidan how to ride his bike without training wheels. I am so proud of him, but it made me cry that I didn't get to help him learn.
10. I want another another baby. (Not to be confused with me being pregnant. I am just saying that at some point, I do actually want another child, and I have never really thought I would ever want that.)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Pecan Cheesecake Pie
I was making this pie today and decided to share the recipe since it is just so yummy! Enjoy!
To Begin, you will need 1/2 a package of premade pie crust (I use Pillsbury. You can make your own crust if you prefer, but the packaged ones taste just as good and make this so much easier.) 1 8oz package of softened cream cheese, 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/4 cup chopped pecans and 1 cup of light corn syrup.
Set your oven to preheat to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Put pie crust into a 9 inch pie place and pour in cream cheese mixture.
Chop pecans and sprinkle evenly over the cream cheese mixture.
In a bowl, combine remaining 3 eggs, corn syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and pour mixture over pecans.
Cover edges of pie crust with tinfoil. Bake for 50-55 minutes on the lowest rack.
Let pie cool completely, about an hour. Chill before serving, usually 3-4 hours. Will keep covered in fridge up to 4 days.
Enjoy!
To Begin, you will need 1/2 a package of premade pie crust (I use Pillsbury. You can make your own crust if you prefer, but the packaged ones taste just as good and make this so much easier.) 1 8oz package of softened cream cheese, 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/4 cup chopped pecans and 1 cup of light corn syrup.
Set your oven to preheat to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Put pie crust into a 9 inch pie place and pour in cream cheese mixture.
In a bowl, combine remaining 3 eggs, corn syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and pour mixture over pecans.
Cover edges of pie crust with tinfoil. Bake for 50-55 minutes on the lowest rack.
Let pie cool completely, about an hour. Chill before serving, usually 3-4 hours. Will keep covered in fridge up to 4 days.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Pre-Dawn Adventure
I was snuggled deep under the covers, blessedly oblivious to the world around me, when the blaring of the alarm clock rudely shocked me into semi-consciousness. Somewhere in my brain a voice was screaming, "No! It can't possibly be time to get up yet! Just pull the covers over your head and return to the beautiful oblivion of sleep!" Then magically, the sound stops. Could it have been a horrible dream?! I returned my head to the comfort of my pillow only to feel a gentle hand on my shoulder and heard the voice of my love softly saying, "Wake up Mamita, we have to get ready to go."
These are the days that only having one car between two working adults is an excruciating reality. Ernesto is blessed with a wonderful job- that is unfortunately an hour and fifteen minutes away from our house. So in the event of a cruel schedule, such as today, that requires him to be there at six AM, and the need to get Christmas shopping done while the kids are at their dad's, the result is that both of us have to be up at an hour that was not meant for the human eye to see.
I grudgingly emerged from my warm cocoon of blankets and staggered sleepily down the hall to kitchen where I proceeded to grope around until my hands landed on the coffeemaker. By some miracle, I got the coffee started and get dressed in my favorite yoga pants and a hoodie. By now, I could smell the delicious aroma of fresh brewed coffee and returned to the kitchen with high hopes that I would be at the very least on my way to feeling human when I realized I had left my coffee cup at work. With no time to mourn the loss of my humanity, I resigned myself to my fate and did a mad dash (through what felt like Arctic air) to the car.
Fortunately for me, traffic was proving to be quite sparse at such an hour! I spotted a QT, thanked the heavens above, and ran inside for a 'Vanilla Creme Cappachino". Blech. Definitely not coffee's finest hour, but it was hot and full of caffeine- Pretty much all I could hope for by this point. As we were speeding down the freeway, the fog in my brain finally started to dissipate. I looked across the city as we drove. The sky was still pitch black and the lights from the high rise buildings downtown sparkled brilliantly. It was beautiful, and I decided I would just pretend it was late at night rather than the beginning of my day.
These are the days that only having one car between two working adults is an excruciating reality. Ernesto is blessed with a wonderful job- that is unfortunately an hour and fifteen minutes away from our house. So in the event of a cruel schedule, such as today, that requires him to be there at six AM, and the need to get Christmas shopping done while the kids are at their dad's, the result is that both of us have to be up at an hour that was not meant for the human eye to see.
I grudgingly emerged from my warm cocoon of blankets and staggered sleepily down the hall to kitchen where I proceeded to grope around until my hands landed on the coffeemaker. By some miracle, I got the coffee started and get dressed in my favorite yoga pants and a hoodie. By now, I could smell the delicious aroma of fresh brewed coffee and returned to the kitchen with high hopes that I would be at the very least on my way to feeling human when I realized I had left my coffee cup at work. With no time to mourn the loss of my humanity, I resigned myself to my fate and did a mad dash (through what felt like Arctic air) to the car.
Fortunately for me, traffic was proving to be quite sparse at such an hour! I spotted a QT, thanked the heavens above, and ran inside for a 'Vanilla Creme Cappachino". Blech. Definitely not coffee's finest hour, but it was hot and full of caffeine- Pretty much all I could hope for by this point. As we were speeding down the freeway, the fog in my brain finally started to dissipate. I looked across the city as we drove. The sky was still pitch black and the lights from the high rise buildings downtown sparkled brilliantly. It was beautiful, and I decided I would just pretend it was late at night rather than the beginning of my day.
Friday, December 3, 2010
My Parsimonious Self
Thrifty. Miserly. Economical. Frugal. Whatever adjective you prefer, it all boils down to CHEAP! In an ironic twist, I have found that years of being the sole provider for my family has turned me into the penny-pinching queen. I used to be the girl that wouldn't bat an eye to drop my entire paycheck on a pair of shoes, the perfect pair of jeans or a superb handbag- but those days are long gone! Somewhere deep inside me, the suppressed fashionista begs to be reintroduced to Guess, Seven for All Mankind and make some new friends named Christian Louboutin, Valentino and Dior, but she will have to wait.
I was doing some shopping on my lunch break today, hoping to find some great deals at Kohl's for my kids. They are growing faster than I can keep up with, and have both jumped a size in clothes simultaneously. (Dear Aidan and Lily: For future reference, it would be extremely helpful if you could stagger your growth spurts! Love: Mommy) Along with the cold snap that has finally hit us here in Arizona, I am scrambling to keep them properly dressed! During this quick excursion is when it hit me just how cheap I have become. All of the kids clothes were 50% off, and I still found myself debating in my head over purchases because I know they will grow out of them so soon.
This realization made me feel so old, and completely removed from myself. I am becoming more and more like my beloved Grandfather, who is notorious for keeping a tight reign on the purse-strings! I battle because I don't want to waste money foolishly, however I still want to love the life I live and enjoy myself instead of simply surviving. In light of this lunch time revelation, I have made a vow to myself to continue being a good steward of the means I have been blessed with, but to not become a Scrooge. Aidan- enjoy your jeans that cost more than mine...please don't rip them anytime soon!
I was doing some shopping on my lunch break today, hoping to find some great deals at Kohl's for my kids. They are growing faster than I can keep up with, and have both jumped a size in clothes simultaneously. (Dear Aidan and Lily: For future reference, it would be extremely helpful if you could stagger your growth spurts! Love: Mommy) Along with the cold snap that has finally hit us here in Arizona, I am scrambling to keep them properly dressed! During this quick excursion is when it hit me just how cheap I have become. All of the kids clothes were 50% off, and I still found myself debating in my head over purchases because I know they will grow out of them so soon.
This realization made me feel so old, and completely removed from myself. I am becoming more and more like my beloved Grandfather, who is notorious for keeping a tight reign on the purse-strings! I battle because I don't want to waste money foolishly, however I still want to love the life I live and enjoy myself instead of simply surviving. In light of this lunch time revelation, I have made a vow to myself to continue being a good steward of the means I have been blessed with, but to not become a Scrooge. Aidan- enjoy your jeans that cost more than mine...please don't rip them anytime soon!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Holiday Traditions
The holiday season is my favorite time of year. Starting with Halloween through the New Year, I am the happiest girl in the world! I love the food, the time with family, the weather- but most of all, I love the traditions. This is somewhat of a paradox, I know. I generally prefer to break the mold, but in this area, I am perfectly content to staunchly follow tradition!
Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. For me, this means the entire family gathers at my mom's house for the day. We usually play some sort of game- basketball, volleyball, kickball, depending on how much of our extended family has joined us. Then there is the food, of course! As a child, I HATED Thanksgiving because the only thing I liked were the rolls! I am still not a fan of stuffing, cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie, but I do love the turkey, green bean casserole and of course, the rolls! After lunch, we all sit down with the ads for Black Friday and map out our shopping plan for the next day.
I happen to be a huge fan of Black Friday. I rarely go for any big ticket items, make more than a couple purchases, or make any real progress on holiday gift buying. I simply go because I thoroughly enjoy the mayhem. Traditionally speaking, this is the day people begin playing Christmas music (although I am aware that there are the unbalanced few who break the rules and play it earlier!!!). The hustle and bustle of the crowd, with so many crazed individuals that people-watching is at it's best! And then there is the weather. Here in Arizona, it doesn't truly feel like fall until now, with a crispness to the air and a chill that signals the holidays have arrived!
The weekend after Thanksgiving is also when I put up my Christmas tree! I prefer a live tree. I love going to buy the tree, picking the perfect one off the lot! The smell when you bring it into the house screams "Christmas is coming!!!" Decorating the tree is a family event, with Christmas music playing, stories about different ornaments told, laughter and love radiating as anticipation for the season grows. Then we all sit in the darkened house with only the lights from the tree glowing, soaking up the serenity of the moment together.
There are so many traditions I pack into this time of year, I could write on and on about all the things we do! Instead, I will sit here and reminisce on them as I sit on eternal hold with an insurance company at work. I wish you all happiness and peace this holiday season.
Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. For me, this means the entire family gathers at my mom's house for the day. We usually play some sort of game- basketball, volleyball, kickball, depending on how much of our extended family has joined us. Then there is the food, of course! As a child, I HATED Thanksgiving because the only thing I liked were the rolls! I am still not a fan of stuffing, cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie, but I do love the turkey, green bean casserole and of course, the rolls! After lunch, we all sit down with the ads for Black Friday and map out our shopping plan for the next day.
I happen to be a huge fan of Black Friday. I rarely go for any big ticket items, make more than a couple purchases, or make any real progress on holiday gift buying. I simply go because I thoroughly enjoy the mayhem. Traditionally speaking, this is the day people begin playing Christmas music (although I am aware that there are the unbalanced few who break the rules and play it earlier!!!). The hustle and bustle of the crowd, with so many crazed individuals that people-watching is at it's best! And then there is the weather. Here in Arizona, it doesn't truly feel like fall until now, with a crispness to the air and a chill that signals the holidays have arrived!
The weekend after Thanksgiving is also when I put up my Christmas tree! I prefer a live tree. I love going to buy the tree, picking the perfect one off the lot! The smell when you bring it into the house screams "Christmas is coming!!!" Decorating the tree is a family event, with Christmas music playing, stories about different ornaments told, laughter and love radiating as anticipation for the season grows. Then we all sit in the darkened house with only the lights from the tree glowing, soaking up the serenity of the moment together.
There are so many traditions I pack into this time of year, I could write on and on about all the things we do! Instead, I will sit here and reminisce on them as I sit on eternal hold with an insurance company at work. I wish you all happiness and peace this holiday season.
Friday, November 19, 2010
No regrets, Just lessons learned
No regrets. Such a simple statement, but it is the mantra I live my life by. I believe this so deeply I have it tattooed on my body as a statement to myself and the world that those are words that speak to my soul.
There are many moments in my life that I am in no way proud of, decisions that will haunt me for the rest of my life and memories that are best left untouched. Having said that, I do not waste my time wishing away pieces of my life. I find myself reflecting in quiet moments, not with sadness over where life has taken me, but with heartfelt gratitude that I not only survived, but have evolved into a woman I am proud to be. These are some of the lessons I have learned in the most harsh manner, but are what I consider to be the core basis of values I now hold dear.
Family is the most important thing.
Being open and honest is essential in discovering true love.
Becoming a parent will enhance every aspect of your life.
Respecting yourself is essential in finding peace.
Happiness is worth every ounce of effort you exert to posess it.
There are many moments in my life that I am in no way proud of, decisions that will haunt me for the rest of my life and memories that are best left untouched. Having said that, I do not waste my time wishing away pieces of my life. I find myself reflecting in quiet moments, not with sadness over where life has taken me, but with heartfelt gratitude that I not only survived, but have evolved into a woman I am proud to be. These are some of the lessons I have learned in the most harsh manner, but are what I consider to be the core basis of values I now hold dear.
Family is the most important thing.
Being open and honest is essential in discovering true love.
Becoming a parent will enhance every aspect of your life.
Respecting yourself is essential in finding peace.
Happiness is worth every ounce of effort you exert to posess it.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Quest
My quest to find the perfect pair of boots has become all consuming. To qualify that statement, "the perfect pair of boots" is perhaps not quite accurate. There are many styles of boots that I would currently love to own, but I am looking for a very specific pair. Now I have not seen these boots anywhere, I simply envision them in my mind and therefore assume that someone is as genius as myself and they must exist!
The boots I am obsessing over need to be knee length, motorcylce or riding (I know- it must be a miracle... I actually want a pair of shoes that have no heel!!!) and the color- this is the most important element- must be fawn brown. Now I know what you are thinking- leave the 70's where they belong! However, I firmly believe that in a buttery soft leather over a pair of dark wash skinny jeans that fit like a second skin, this color will be perfection!
I have been to more stores hunting for these boots than I care to list, and consequently I have found several more pairs of boots that I love. I am sorry paycheck- I have a feeling you will be seriously depleted!
The boots I am obsessing over need to be knee length, motorcylce or riding (I know- it must be a miracle... I actually want a pair of shoes that have no heel!!!) and the color- this is the most important element- must be fawn brown. Now I know what you are thinking- leave the 70's where they belong! However, I firmly believe that in a buttery soft leather over a pair of dark wash skinny jeans that fit like a second skin, this color will be perfection!
I have been to more stores hunting for these boots than I care to list, and consequently I have found several more pairs of boots that I love. I am sorry paycheck- I have a feeling you will be seriously depleted!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Newbie
So I have been reading several friends' blogs and have found them to be very interesting and a nice way to keep up with their lives. In what I will probably come to view as a moment of madness, I have decided to join the ranks of the bloggers! (Please forgive my lack of knowledge on this, hopefully I will catch on quickly!) I am thinking this will end up revolving around the three F's that seem to define my life- Family, Fashion and Food.
For today, I am consumed by the third word in that list- Food. I have no earthly idea what possessed me to volunteer to make the turkey for Thanksgiving this year, but I did- and subsequently set in motion a crazed search to figure out how to make the perfect turkey. If I had only known when I started the array of methods I would have to sort through, I might have thought twice and kept my traditional offering of the green bean casserole! (As a side-note: I am immensely proud of myself for looking into this as early as I did, because typically I would be frantically scavenging the day before Thanksgiving for everything from the how-to down to the necessary supplies!)
I started my search by googling "how to make the perfect turkey". (You should try it... It's amazing how everyone thinks that 'their' way is fool-proof and will result in the most succulent meat every time!) The options are endless- To brine or Not to brine; Organic free range, or good old frozen Butterball; On a roasting rack, in a roasting bag, breast up, or breast down...and on and on it goes!
With my head spinning, and words such as aromatic and divine dancing through my brain I have managed to begin formulating my plan via process of elimination. First, I am going to use a frozen turkey because I have no time or energy to figure out where you even procure an organic turkey, nor any true desire to have a freshly butchered turkey delivered to my door. Secondly, I have decided to go with a brine, and I found a recipe involving apple cider, orange peel, peppercorn, rosemary, brown sugar and salt. Mmmmhhh. Sounds delicious to me!
My goal is to have the rest of my plan firmly mapped out and all supplies for this adventure purchased by this weekend. I refuse to procrastinate on this, as is my usual MO! Wish me luck in remaining steadfast in this endeavor, as well as success so my family doesn't end up having to order pizza for Thanksgiving dinner!!!
For today, I am consumed by the third word in that list- Food. I have no earthly idea what possessed me to volunteer to make the turkey for Thanksgiving this year, but I did- and subsequently set in motion a crazed search to figure out how to make the perfect turkey. If I had only known when I started the array of methods I would have to sort through, I might have thought twice and kept my traditional offering of the green bean casserole! (As a side-note: I am immensely proud of myself for looking into this as early as I did, because typically I would be frantically scavenging the day before Thanksgiving for everything from the how-to down to the necessary supplies!)
I started my search by googling "how to make the perfect turkey". (You should try it... It's amazing how everyone thinks that 'their' way is fool-proof and will result in the most succulent meat every time!) The options are endless- To brine or Not to brine; Organic free range, or good old frozen Butterball; On a roasting rack, in a roasting bag, breast up, or breast down...and on and on it goes!
With my head spinning, and words such as aromatic and divine dancing through my brain I have managed to begin formulating my plan via process of elimination. First, I am going to use a frozen turkey because I have no time or energy to figure out where you even procure an organic turkey, nor any true desire to have a freshly butchered turkey delivered to my door. Secondly, I have decided to go with a brine, and I found a recipe involving apple cider, orange peel, peppercorn, rosemary, brown sugar and salt. Mmmmhhh. Sounds delicious to me!
My goal is to have the rest of my plan firmly mapped out and all supplies for this adventure purchased by this weekend. I refuse to procrastinate on this, as is my usual MO! Wish me luck in remaining steadfast in this endeavor, as well as success so my family doesn't end up having to order pizza for Thanksgiving dinner!!!
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