Cooking via Pinterest and MPM

I've been cooking like crazy. I think I took an unofficial week off two weeks ago. I've just been researching and enjoying Pinterest so much. How sad is that? But seriously? Everything I have re-pinned and cooked from Pinterest have been delicious. I have also gotten quite good at using leftovers and extras. For instance, I made my own "cream-of"soup for one recipe and then used the remainder for another recipe. I've done that a couple times now.

I cleaned out and organized the freezer and I have been cooking main courses from the freezer. I am also trying to use leftovers like crazy. There's no reason to not eat them. On top of all that, I recently re-organized and cleaned the pantry. It looks much nicer in there! And I am more inclined to use what is in there for our meals. For instance, tonight's meal was not purchased during our weekly grocery shopping. Broiled tilapia with a parmesan sauce (thank you Pinterest) and parmesan flavored couscous.

Here's this week's Menu Plan Monday

Sunday - Hot wings (but we ate fried chicken instead)
Monday - Chicken pot pie
Tuesday - Tilapia and couscous
Wednesday - Hot links and leftover sides
Thursday - Pizza
Friday - Chicken, bacon, ranch pasta
Saturday - Hot wings

Yummy food!

Loafing Meat

I went for a foo flashback for supper tonight. I had a pound of ground beef in the fridge and a box of scalloped potatoes - not my finest moment, but it did the job. Talkin about the potatoes, folks! I had planned taco soup but this week hasn't been the best. Plus, we went to Cici's on a whim last night. I just haven't been feeling the cooking bug this week. Instead of being willing to try something new, I made something with what we had that we would both like.

Meat Loaf

1 pound ground beef - mine was lean, get one with a higher fat content
1 egg
1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste (about a half teaspoon of each)
Dash of red pepper

Preheat oven to 400 F. Mix all ingredients by hand. Squeeze the living day lights out of it. Like you want to squeeze someone's little neck. Iiiiiiii might be kidding on that one. Have a sip of vodka and pipe the [expletive deleted] down. And that's a YouTube reference. I am a loser. It might be helpful to let the meat sit out so your arthritis in your hand isn't flared up and splitting your knuckles apart due to the freezing temperature of the meat.

Get back on track, Lena.

Mix the meat and egg and all the other stuff together. Make sure the egg is entirely mixed... You don't really want egg whites hanging out on or in your loaf like a giant, uh nevermind.

Once everything is mixed together, slap that lump of meat in a glass loaf pan, pat it down and bake it at 400 for about 45 minutes.

Metal loaf pan? Lower temp to about 350.

What am I thinking? I haven't made this in a long time. Tonight I had the temp too low or didn't cook it long enough at first then bumped up the temp way too much. But it came out juuuuust fine.

Love Locks

Another topic I had been debating on whether or not to "put out there" is about one of my family members. My mother is part of a very large family. She is child number 10 of 15. And we are all fairly close. I mean, the majority of us all lived in the same local area during my childhood. Several of us cousins (my mom's nieces and nephews) all grew up together in batches. We have a yearly family tradition: Christmas party slash family reunion and every year, we have an updated phonebook. I was thumbing through it this year and kept asking Mom, "Well, who is this?" It's that large... This is strange to me. Growing up together, but not knowing further extensions of the family and the 4th or 5th generation. I wouldn't know quite a few of them on sight alone.

A portion of our family has started a little tradition of their own. Every Sunday, they get together and cook lunch or supper. My mom goes. Two of my aunts are there. A few cousins and their kids. When I'm in town on Sundays, I make a point for me and Ivy to go and visit. This is precious time for us. After one of my aunts had passed away, I realized that I needed to make an effort for us to spend more time with family.

We decided on a whim to visit family for the three day weekend. We always tell Ivy who we are going to see and she is excited. And as per usual, we attended the Sunday lunch. Ivy was excited to see Aunt Wanda, Aunt Sandra, BJ and her kiddos, baby cousin Bentley, Uncle Chuck and of course, NaNa and Pops. I am so glad we can sit and visit. It almost feels like the "old times."

Facebook keeps me updated on what is going on in my family. I recently found out (within the past 6 months) that Aunt Wanda has breast cancer. She had surgery to remove the mass. She went through chemo and radiation. They found two more masses. She is currently on her third round of chemo I think. And her hair has fallen out.

While we were there today, Ivy and Aunt Wanda were outside. I suppose Aunt Wanda took off her hat to show Ivy because they came in and my aunt told me that my darling little child wanted to cut off her hair and give it to her Aunt Wanda. My sweet, thoughtful, generous three-year-old baby wants to donate her thick, strawberry blonde, straight-with-a-luscious-curl-at-the-end hair that was dark brown at birth to our precious aunt.

We will, Ivy. We will both grow our hair out and donate it.

Italian Lemon Shrimp

In my last post, I linked a recipe to a shrimp dish from Pinterest. I found the recipe!

1 1/2 lb shrimp shelled deveined 
1 stick butter melted 
1 lemon, sliced thin 
1 package dry italian seasoning packet 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking pan with foil. Layer lemon slices and shrimp. Sprinkle with Italian dressing mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, until light golden brown.

This is such an easy recipe! Surprisingly sweet and tangy and a tiny bit spicy. It was very yummy. I paired that with smashe baby red potatoes. 

We decided that with the three day weekend, we would travel to visit family again. Christmas was so wonderful and I am still feeling very homesick. It will be so nice to see everyone again.

My head is exhausted. It is the end of the first semester and all I have been doing is grading work. It's one of the only things I loathe about teaching. I hate grading papers. 

I'm tired.

Brought to You by Pinterest

This week is the end of my first semester teaching at the middle school. We will have two days of reviews (of which I need to plan) and three days of semester exams (of which I still need to make).

Today we went to see Les Miserables. I got our babysitter who Ivy loves. She is a former student of mine and such a sweet girl! The movie was in one of those dine-in movie theaters with comfy chairs. Every time we have the opportunity, we see movies at that theater. Spoiled. The movie was long. I'd heard bad and good things about the movie. I've never seen the musical on stage. I had no idea about the story.

Man is imprisoned for stealing bread. Is given parole. "Jumps" parole and somehow gets his third chance at life. Creates a new identity, saves and adopts a former-employee-turned-prostitute's child. Citizens start a revolution. Boy falls in love with the child and she with him. Okay... long story short. A ton of singing and a lot of separate story lines that make my eyeballs cross. It's depressing. Anne and Amanda's singing is beautiful. Everyone else, not-so-much. For not having seen the musical or knowing the story beforehand, I would say it was good. Not the best movie ever.

That's pretty much what is floating around in my head. I need to really buckle down and do some actual work.

This week's Menu Plan Monday is compiled entirely by various Pinterest Pins that I have... pinned.

Sunday - Chicken Spaghetti made with homemade cream of chicken soup
Monday - LO Chicken Spaghetti and crack potatoes
Tuesday - Shrimp - I don't know what it's called. It's a dead link (photo only) - I need to find the original recipe.
Wednesday - Crock Pot Taco Soup
Thursday - LO Soup
Friday - Breakfast. I have a lot of breakfast pins with hash browns so I'm gonna find something to try.
Saturday - It's up in the air. Clear out the fridge?

Forced Procrastination

I really needed and wanted to be productive and get some work done this evening at home. I don't have what I need and that bothers me. So I have to hurry in the morning at work to make a quiz and print and copy it. I am not amused.

I wrote on Facebook "Today, I miss our families." With the piling amount of personal events going on in our families, I find myself wishing we could pack up and spend a lot more time with them all. I want to help my mom. I want to hug the necks of my aunts and uncles. I want to snuggle the new family members. I want to hold their hands, comfort them, listen to them and be there. I feel like we are a million miles away. I've considered... hey, let's finish this year and move back to be closer to family. But there are fewer opportunities. Could all the dead space between our two regions disappear?

I can only imagine how our lives would be different if we had not moved so I could attend graduate school. It's something that I don't want to dwell on. I know the decision to move was preferable to staying in what would be a dead end for us. I love Dallas and the suburbs. So much culture and so many activities. A diverse mix of, well, everything.

But the one thing that pulls me back is our families. I love them all. If you see this, I love you all.

MPM and Other Things Including Decisions

So, Christmas and New Year... We decided to spend the entirety of our vacation with family. It was very nice being able to spend all that time together. A couple of my mom's sisters have made a new tradition... Every Sunday, they will all get together and cook and eat a lunch/supper. Whenever we are in town, I always make an effort to go. Since Aunt Carol died, I've been trying to get Ivy to spend more time with some of my relatives.

I have jumped on the hipster train. Lord help us all. It first started when I went to my mom's shop and got new glasses. A pair of retro-ish sunglasses. Then I decided to go ahead and get regular prescription lenses in the same frames. Retro/nerdy glasses! I was hesitant to wear them, but once I put them on, I haven't worn any other glasses since! And everyone has been complimenting them. Next, I got a couple pairs of skinny jeans with Christmas gift money. I wore them with my TOMS, and it didn't look bad. Then, I ordered myself some fake Uggs. Fuggs. Soooo comfy! Combine all that together with a flannel/plaid shirt and BLAMO! I'm a hipster.

We went back to work yesterday. Boooo! I just want to stay home and snuggle with Ivy and sleep. And drink hot cocoa and eat cutout cookies. And clean, clean, clean. I have really gotten my act together about keeping things clean and organized.

And speaking of organizing... Menu Plan Monday!

Sunday - Baked potato soup
Monday - LO soup
Tuesday - Appetizers
Wednesday - Appetizers
Thursday - Pizza
Friday - Pizza or Chicken pot pie
Saturday - Chicken salad

I received an email from one of my students the day before we went back to work. My sweet little rat friend that I had the pleasure of visiting my classroom for two weeks straight had died. I do miss the sweet little ball of fur racing to sleep on my neck. Before I had the opportunity, I never knew that rats could have so much personality and love the way they do. Everyone could tell she loved me. I know that sounds narcissistic but it's true... she would push away hands that grabbed at her when she would cuddle on me and she would find her way and race towards me when I was nearby. I do intend on having my own pet rat in the future. One for Ivy, one for me ;).

Today, we all took a break from our day to honor a local soldier who was killed in Afganistan on Christmas Eve. All of the students were lined up along the road in front of the school. Everyone was silent as the motorcade drove by. It is difficult for me to express my feelings on this. I am honored to witness the somber occasion. To all of the current and former military personnel, thank you for your service.

Stupid Dreams

Winter vacation ends in about 30 minutes. Gone will be the long, quiet days that I can take naps and sleep late. Gone are the days that I don't have to get dressed or really worry about showering or fixing my hair. Don't judge, it's winter. It's not like I'm sweating and getting into messes. Sheesh.

Ivy has been learning some manners. Yes ma'am and no ma'am have been coming out of her mouth at all times. Potty training is complete. Well, except accidents when she is having a tantrum/fit and bedtime. That's next... maybe a little later bedtime and taking away beverages after dinner.

I'm doing a Sunday Spa night just to take care of myself and get ready and relaxed for the work week. I would like to stick with it. Today was my first one and I almost didn't do it because I've been cleaning so much.

I was planning on writing a whole post about last night's dream. It is still pretty vivid but I want to go to bed early. I hope you can figure this out ;)
Hawaii, Christmas, dark, small island, cliffs, deep water, sharks? Diamond Head, eruption? Family (Ryan's), who is Marshall? cats, Ryan, whiney, ornament/gift/music box, run away, friend and kids, vomit, kidnapping, cop, family (mine), uncle, "arrest" 18-wheeler, sushi restaurant, huge, 4 tiny snakes, bite, storm (?)

Anyway, I've been having pretty vivid dreams and if I remember them, I may start a series of posts on them.
Other things I want to write about
- goals for this year (gala darling inspo)
- Cleaning like nobody's business

I just needed to get this out of my head.
Goodnight!

I'm considering leaving this blank

A very boring topic indeed. But this is how I rang in the new year.

I made plans to spend time with my relatives. And offered to bring a dish. My mom decided to bring several dishes but also had to work. I offered to cook her dishes for her and to watch my nephew while she was at work. So I made two things at her house. Pack the little man up, hung out with my mom at work for a bit and finished cooking the other two dishes at my in-law's house. In all, I made deviled eggs, Oreo cheesecake, pigs-in-a-blanket, and "crack" potatoes. 

When mom got off work, we all headed on out to my aunt's house. While we were there, I continued cooking (or helped cooking). I made pimento dip, chicken salad, and egg salad for sandwiches and I cannot recall what else. I think I just cut an onion for my cousin. And we all just hung out. The kids played. My cousin manned the computer and became YouTube DJ as usual and we had a mini dance party/dance-off. Her two kids and I were serving or challenging each other to crazy dance moves. And we ate and as soon as it was dark, we started having some tasty beverages. More people came over and I snuggled my cousin's one-month-old baby. This little boy is a cuddle bug! Anyway, I spent a good two hours rocking, cooing, feeding and burping him. Another cousin's husband commented that I was good at "that." And you know what? I am! Ain't gonna lie! Although he did assume that I was the mommy at one point - uh, nope! 

Ready for a tangent? I have a huge family. Enormous. Gargantuan. There are always new babies. Multiple babies every year. I think we had about 6 this year. Whenever I was younger, I never wanted anything to do with the babies. Never wanted to touch or be near their screaming, messy butts. The Plague, I tell you! But now, since Ivy, I love babies! And I'm excellent with them. 

Returning back from the ADD train, the rest of the evening went as follows… I returned to my in-law's house and rung in the new year with my husband. A quiet evening enjoying another tasty beverage and the distant cracks of fireworks that were being (illegally?) shot within the neighborhood.

...

We got back home on Wednesday we took it pretty easy: unpacking most stuff, picking up dinner and relaxing. Thursday was a major errand day. Ivy had a doctor's appointment so we headed out early to one of our preferred breakfast joints for Austin style breakfast tacos. Ivy's doctor reported that we have a perfect child ;). THREE years old, THREE feet tall and THREE-zero (read:30) pounds. A well-rounded child indeed! She did have to have two needle sticks. All was forgotten once we went to Chuck-E-Cheese! 

We all ran around playing games, winning tickets, riding rides and picking out prizes. Ryan wanted to stop by JC Penny's to look for a certain type of shirt. Apparently IZOD took over and his favorite brand is gone. After that disappointment, we headed on over to Central Market for grocery-getting stop #1 and picked up Five Guys for lunch (per usual after a CM stop) and hung out at home for a little while.

Once we had rested up, I finished unpacking the cars and put more things away. Ryan hooked up our new speakers. Ivy played and  ate supper then we all went to Market Street for grocery-getting stop #2. Back home, we gave Ivy a bath and put her to bed. I took down 90% of the Christmas decorations while Ryan tried for grocery-getting stop #3 at Wal-Mart - which is NEVER a good idea.

It should be mentioned here... How many married women out there work at cleaning and organizing and maintaining a home have a husband that says "Stop, let me do something, let me help!" I'm guessing that not too many. I have gotten really into maintaining my home. I don't mind doing everything that it entails. I'm not complaining that I need help or anything like that. I'm just doing what I think needs to be (and what I want) done. 

And now, here I sit. I am exhausted. Not only was today very busy, but I also didn't sleep very well last night. And tomorrow is going to be busy again! Carpet cleaners, a second attempt at Wal-Mart, something fun for Ivy, run to the bank, maybe some other random shopping. Who knows?

Menu Plan Monday

I am including this Friday and Saturday because we returned home mid-week and, well, we planned it!

Friday - Appetizers (crab rolls, smashed potatoes)

Saturday - Nachos

Sunday - Baked potato soup (crock pot)

Monday - LO soup

Tuesday - LO soup

Wednesday - Pizza

Thursday - LO pizza

Friday - Chicken pot pie

Saturday - Chicken salad sandwiches

Happy (?) New Year

I cannot recollect correctly - say that five times fast - but is there a New Year's superstition that says 'the first day of the year predicts the rest of the year'? Because if so, I'm already screwed. Cat piss, TMI ladies, and back spasms that keep me in bed all day are what I'll be looking forward to this year. Oh hooray (bitter taste of sarcasm).

I went to bed physically fine last night (after all the fireworks stopped) and woke up a few times to my back hurting. And by the time Ivy got up, it was worse so I took a muscle relaxer. After that wore out of my system, the pain was worse so I took a heavy pain killer which knocked me out until 2pm. It was getting so close to being on the verge of an unwanted trip to the ER. And it still hurts.

Then we decided to go out to eat for 'one last meal' for just the two of us. So I got dressed and headed to put on my jacked and shoes to find that one of the cats had pissed on my pile of stuff. How excellent. So those things got put into the wash. I really don't remember putting my jacket on the floor. But whatever.

And at dinner tonight, we decided to go to the local hibachi grill slash Japanese sushi and steakhouse. We opted for the grill and were alone for some time until three middle aged, Real Housewives wannabes were seated with us. I really did not need to know the following things: Why one was dumped by her date 2 hours before it happened, cervix widths, a husbands sleep apnea/thyroid issues, d&c miscarriage details, why one can get pregnant but not stay pregnant (progesterone levels), and birth control methods. Oh, let's not forget the special, expensive handbag that was ordered and ruined in one day with a pumpkin spice latte and how hot the UPS man was.

Stay classy!

Another (the last) End of Year/Year in Review Post

Roll your eyes. Enjoy that feeling. This is the last one. I think.

* In 2012, I gained (another family member - Gabe is my new nephew)

* I lost (Aunt Carol - we've been over this before)

* I stopped (caring)

* I started (taking medication again)

* I was hugely satisfied by (afore mentioned medication - and food)

* And frustrated by (people, myself)

* I am so embarrassed that (I acted the way I did. It wasn't necessary.)

* Once again, I (rolled over and took it)

* Once again, I did not (use my time wisely)

* The biggest physical difference between me last December and this December is (maybe my weight)

* The biggest psychological difference between me last December and this December is (I'm back on medication - broken record much?)

* I loved spending time (in the kitchen, in front of the camera, snuggling Ivy)

* Why did I spend even two minutes (worrying)

* I should have spent more time with (family)

* I regret buying (the car. I think we could've managed without it. It would have been difficult, but it would've saved us a lot of money)

* I will never regret buying (personal beautification items) even though with that money I could have (saved it)

* I (ate) way too much.

* I didn’t (read) enough.

* (The kids) drove me crazy.

* Was/were (peoples' clothing choices) crazier than ever last year? Or was it me?

* The most relaxing place I went was (bed/bath)

* I feel so relaxed when I (have time to nap and nothing else to do.)

* Why did I go to (see that movie? I could've done without that.)

* The best thing I did for someone else was (given them my time or resources)

* The best thing I did for myself was (take time for myself)

* The best thing someone did for me was (hug me. Hugs are the best. I love hugs.)

* The one thing I’d like to do again, but do it better, is (my job - I can always improve)

Crack Potatoes

Another successful Pinterest completed

Crack Potatoes or Loaded Potato Casserole

2 (16oz) containers sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 (3oz) bags real bacon bits
2 packages Ranch Dip mix
1 large (28 - 30oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes - shredded kind

Combine first 4 ingredients, mix in hash browns. Spread into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 400 for 45-60 minutes.

I thought the mixture ratio to potatoes would be too much, but it wasn't. The hash browns do need to be thawed. I added extra cheese on to and let it bake a wee bit longer. I am certain this can be halved as well.

And yum. Yum yum yum.

End of Year Survey

What did you do in 2012 that you have never done before?

Stage kittened. I had a lot of fun that evening. My dance teacher asked me to and I had volunteered a long time before hand. I guess this is/was the closest I will ever get to performing. It was a new view of the scene - backstage.

Did you keep all of last years resolutions?

No? I don't even know what they were. Come to think of it, I don't think made any. It's always the same thing anyway. Be more ladylike. Be a more "well-rounded" individual. Do more good with my time instead of waste it. Exercise. Save money. I guess one worked. I did my nails more often.

Have you any resolutions for next year?

I guess the same as every year… better myself, manage money, etc. Take care of myself. Do what I like to do.

What would you like to have in 2013 that you didn’t have in 2012?

I would love to have a house. But I don't think that'll happen. Even though our income has doubled, our savings has dwindled due to the need to purchase a new vehicle and pay for child care.

What date in 2012 will remain etched in your memory?

November 21 - Ivy fell into the pool and I save her life.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I honestly feel that I did not achieve anything this year.

What was your biggest failure?

All of my lows. Not keeping it together. Anxiety and depression hit hard this year.

Did you suffer any illness or injury?

Not really. Just stress related issues.

What was the best thing you bought?

Bath products. A ton of it! And a lot of it on sale.

Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

My own

Where did most of your money go?

Food, work, nail polish

What did you get really really really excited about?

YouTube. Watching YouTubers and trying to be one.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying and wasting time

How will you be spending Christmas?

We decided to spend Christmas in the hometown this year.

Which bloggers did you meet for the first time?

Didn't meet anyone.

Did you fall in love in 2012?

Besides Ryan and Ivy? I really like a rat named Truffles.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope

What was/were the best books you read?

Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I thought I had read more books this year. Hm.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Purity Ring and some old music.

What did you want and get?

What I wanted

What did you want and not get?

Other things I wanted

What was your favorite film this year?

For actually watching? "Brave" and "Django Unchained"

What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

I turned 32. I had a doctor's visit. I don't remember anything else.

What one thing would have made your year more satisfying?

If I had gotten back on my meds a long time ago

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

So freaking relaxed (read=lazy). The last half of work (Jan-June), we wore a lot of blue jeans. The first half of the new work year (Aug-Dec), I mostly wore blue jeans.

What/Who kept you sane?

Medication which is a new addition.

Which celebrity did you fancy the most?

Joseph Gordon Levit - he's done a lot of good movies lately

Which political issue stirred you the most?

Presidential election, school shooting

Who did you miss?

Aunt Carol. She passed away in January. I (we all) still miss her terribly. She always led the children's Christmas songs at the family reunion/Christmas party. 

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned this year?

Don't take anyone for granted, not even myself.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year…

Shake it Out by Florence and the Machine

"I am done with my graceless heart, so tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart"

Actually, the whole song really sums up my year. A reminder the let things go and just effing live. Because I need to.

To Edit? Or to Not Edit?

That's my question.
Today, we saw Django Unchained. And I'll be Dang-o. That movie was awesome. Quentin Tarantino did not disappoint.

It's a story of a slave turned freed man slash bounty hunter searching to find his wife. And he delivers justice/revenge along the way.

And this is why I'm not a writer. My brain has just shut off. I don't know what else to say about this movie. This is my favorite of the year. Yes, I had to hide my eyes at one point because it was just so gory. There were quite a few lol moments. My biggest surprise was Christoph Waltz. His character was a very compassionate man. Al also really loved the sountrack. Tarantino's films always have a great variety of songs that seem to be almost a carefully thought out mix tape. On point!

I highly recommend Django. Go see it.

Merry Christmas!

Another year has come and gone. Well, it's nearly gone anyway.So I present to you A Summation of My Year:2012. Are you ready? It's rather quick. But before that, some holiday chit chat!

Ivy grasped the concept of Christmas this year - being three and all so we got to have a bit of fun! We took her to see Christmas lights. We did a very basic Elf on the Shelf. She refused to see Santa for a photo-op. She didn't do a real letter to Santa. But she did leave out milk and cookies and was hoping to see Santa when she woke up. She was rather upset with that but was again thrilled when she realized he left her something. She really enjoyed opening all of her gifts this year!

2012 in Review

This year was filled with ups and downs. But a couple of things were somewhat constant throughout the year: We attended several burlesque shows and movies and I regularly attended dance/fitness classes. I also noticed a cycle with my moods and once it got pretty bad, I went back to the doctor for some much needed assistance.

January - Beloved Aunt Carol died

February - Got my CHL, Dallas Burlesque Festival

March - I think we bought our guns this month, Spring break, hometown visit

April -  Became interested in vlogs and started vlogging, hometown visit for Easter, tornado

May - Got transferred to another school, became interested in makeup

June - Graduations, annual girls beach weekend, became a coffee drinker, San Antonio, another death in the family

July - Celebrated my birthday, new nephew, hometown visit x2, got a new car

August - Started working at the middle school, Ryan started his new job and celebrated his birthday

September - Anxiety on high alert

October - Crafting and costume making, Halloween, high hits of depression

November - Presidential election, stage kittened, Ivy nearly drowned, Ivy turned 3, hometown visit, back on head meds, Thanksgiving

December - Became good friends with Truffles the rat, school shooting, end of the world, hometown visit, Christmas

A lot of highs and lows. I'm ready to try again for 2013. I hope to make things better.

I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas holiday!

12 in '12

Last year, I did an 11 in '11 blog post. Since it's coming up on "that time of the year" again, I decided to see if I could find one for this year. I will probably do other posts similar to this in the next few days. I found this year's version of 11 in '11. And it is appropriately named 12 in '12.

Via miss-kindergarten.com

This year's theme is 12 Favorites! 

12. Favorite movie you watched: I took my mom to see Breaking Dawn part 2. It wasn't a good movie. It was awful. The experience was why I say it's my favorite. I took my mom on a date. She needed some time for herself. She takes care of her grandson and was so exhausted (she is exhausted every day, actually). We had dinner at a local sushi restaurant. She had gift certificates for the theater so we got in for free even though I intended on paying.  

11. Favorite TV series: Parenthood. I went through two seasons in about a month on Netflix and started the current season. It is interesting to see all the dynamics of that family and to see how the characters are written. I still like Grey's Anatomy too. I've been watching since season 2. We don't have cable and the first season was on when I was going to college in Denton. We could get that channel in with the antenna and it was fuzzy. But I got hooked.

10. Favorite restaurant: Mua Sushi - Every time Ivy is out of town, I make a point to go there. I just love sushi. I always get a shrimp tempura roll (at any sushi place really) on soy paper and they're usually topped with crab meat and spicy mayo. The one at mua has cream cheese in it too.

9. Favorite new thing you tried: Fortune Cookie Soap. I had been watching vlogs that reviewed their products so I got a sample box and had been waiting for their subscription service to open up. I got my first real subscription box in and I love everything! I also tried vlogging. I wouldn't say I've given up - I just don't have much time to sit and edit hours of videos. But I want to continue!

8. Favorite gift you got: Ryan gifted me an amazing personalized date photo. He took photographs of the numbers of Ivy's birthday and all the photos were significant to our life. Her first home, her doctor's address, her birthday balloon... It was so touching and it is very beautiful. I cried when he was explaining it. And then I don't know if you'd call it a gift but we got MacBook Pro's at work. All teachers got one. I haven't touched my laptop at home and I loathe booting up my laptop at work. They're just so clunky! 

7. Favorite thing you pinned: Mostly crafts. I've made quite a few crafts because of Pinterest. Christmas ornaments, recycled t-shirts, some food/recipes. Makes me think that I should create a board of things I've pinned that I made/did/whatevered.

6. Favorite blog post: I'm not going to lie, I don't read many blogs. So I'm going to do this... Favorite vlog. Well, favorite vlogger: MyHousewifeLife. She has two other channels and I'm subscribed to them all.

5. Best accomplishment: I do not feel like I have accomplished anything this year. And this is sad to say. I don't think I have done anything noteworthy that I worked for. If anyone could let me know otherwise, I'd be appreciative. 

4. Favorite picture: I have a lot of photos I love this year. Photos filled with color, smiles, accomplishments, sentimental moments. But this one trumps them all. I cannot get over this sweet sleeping face. Sure, it was my pillow and I was basically kicked out of the bed. But her sleeping is always so nice to see. Everything is calm and quiet. She is peacefully resting. She is warm and she smells wonderful. I see the newborn and infant in this face. Time rewinds even though she is growing so fast. This picture makes those days last a little bit longer.

3. Favorite memory: Would you believe it's about Ivy? We took her Fossil Rim to drive through the "safari" again at the end of the summer. Is this a yearly tradition now? Who knows. She absolutely loved seeing all the animals up close. But there was one animal that surprised her. Maybe it was sticking it's head in the car or was next to the car. But all of a sudden we heard her scream "JEEZUSS!!" Not something we normally say so of course we had to laugh until we cried. I still get tickled when I think about it.

2. Goal for 2013: Get better. Enough said.

1. One Little Word: Patience. For myself. For others. For my goals. I'm getting help with that. I want to improve.

Hopes and Wishes

Some days, like today, I'm more lazy than I normally am. Or running behind. Or both. I skipped out on my shower this morning. And I neglected to make myself a lunch. I have something that I can eat but it isn't any good.

It would be nice if there was some service at the school every day that takes teachers' lunch orders and goes and picks it up. Or businesses would have a representative that would deliver. Yeah, that'd be nice.

Last night or the night before, I sang some songs to get Ivy to calm down and go to sleep. I pulled out one of the lullabies my mother passed down to me. She heard it from her grandmother. It's an old song. And apparently, lullabies happen to be sad. I remember when I was young and hearing this song, it made me cry. And that's the exact same thing that happened with Ivy.

I'd heard three lyrics and one year, I found a 'new' or unfamiliar second lyric. So here's the lullaby.

Oh do you remember a long time ago poor babes in the wood, whose names I don't know, They were stolen away, on a bright sunny day. And left in the woods, I heard people say Among the trees, beneath the blue sky They picked bright flowers and watched the birds fly; Then on blackberries fed, and strawberries red, And when they were weary "We'll go home,' they said. When it was night, wo sad was their plight, The sun it went down, and the moon gave no light! They sobbed and they sighed and they bitterly cried Poor babes in the woods, they lay down and died. And when they were dead, the robins so red, took strawberry leaves and over them spread And sang them a song, the whole night long Poor babes in the wood, poor babes in the wood.

Slowly Cooking

Today is Menu Plan Monday! I know, we are all excited. With cooler (read: not colder) weather, we have wanted soup. Last week, it was cold. This week, it's significantly warmer than last week. And I've been cooking with my crock pot! Sometimes it works. Sometimes, it goes wrong.

Prep is easy. I've been prepping the crock pot dinners the night ahead. I peel, rinse and dice my potatoes, cover them in water and store in the fridge over night. Drain them before putting them in the crock. I set out the colander and the crock and put the dry ingredients in the colander. All I have to really do is strain, pour and stir.

Last week I made a baked potato soup. It was surprisingly delicious! The recipe is below. I'm also going to review the recipes.

But first, this week's MPM!

Sunday - Chicken fettuccine alfredo
Monday - Crock pot beef stew (recipe below)
Tuesday - Crock o leftovers!
Wednesday - Crock o leftovers!
Thursday - YOYO - I'm going to a work holiday party
Friday - Possibly chicken with couscous
Saturday - Possible leftovers ... it's time to clear out the fridge!


Today's adventure in crock-potting is beef stew. I picked up the following recipe from MyBiscuitsAreBurning

Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups beef broth

3 potatoes, diced

4 carrots, sliced

Directions 

Place meat in slow cooker. In a small bowl mix together the flour, salt, and pepper; pour over meat, and stir to coat meat with flour mixture. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, potatoes, carrots. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 10 to 12 hours, or on High setting for 4 to 6 hours. 

Adapted from allrecipes.com

I think we had a bit too much of the beef. I got two packages at just over a pound each. I only used two large baking potatoes and I didn't have any room for the carrots. I also eliminated the onions as I don't like them. But everything else went in.

It turned out... okay. The liquid was a bit too 'brothy' for me. I think I would've liked it more if if the stew was thicker and more 'stewy'. Maybe next time, I will half the recipe. I think it also needed some more salt. 

Aaaand the baked potato soup from last week!

Crock Pot - Style Loaded Baked Potato Soup from Food.com

Ingredients:

6 large baking potatoes, peeled, cut in 1/2 -inch cubes

1 large onion, chopped

1 quart chicken broth

3 garlic cloves, minced (or pressed)

1/4 cup butter

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 cup cream or 1 cup half-and-half cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

1 cup sour cream (optional)

8 slices bacon, fried & crumbled

cheese, for sprinkling

Directions:

Combine first seven ingredients in a large crock pot; cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours (potato should be tender).

Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soupy is slightly thickened.

Stir in cream, cheese and chives.
Top with sour cream (if used), sprinkle with bacon and more cheese.

Completely easy! I thought all the broth still sitting there before mashing was unnecessary and took some out. Wrong! It actually ended up being pretty thick and I put some broth back in. But it was certainly yummy!

Oh, Rats!

I totally cannot stop thinking about this rat!

A couple of the science teachers have classroom animals. And there are students who take care of the animals during the day and over weekends. For some reason, one kiddo came by my room with a rabbit and it hasn't stopped since. It may have to do with the fact that I squeal and baby-talk because I love animals so much. 

The teacher who these little friends belong to had to just check with me the other day. Making sure the kids weren't telling stories. I told her that any animal is welcome and the kids ask me first and I am totally okay with it.

The other day, one kiddo brought this rat and I got to know her... "Truffles." The kids have started to bring in animals during my class (of course, I approve of it if it's an appropriate time). I have started to request Truffles. She is just the sweetest little animal I have ever come in contact with! I put her on my shoulder yesterday and she just hung out there for two classes! For one class, she was walking back and forth and tickling my neck - and avoiding all of the other hands that tried to reach for her ;). The second class period, she relaxed and fell asleep. When it was time for her to go back to the teacher, I held her in my hands and nosed her and she fell asleep in my hands too! Love it! Her little tail wrapped around my wrist and neck. If I could, I would totally take this little baby home.

A Pleasant Surprise

Where first?

After several ridiculous roller-coaster cycles of emotions, I noticed so much of a decline that my depression really hit me. I was constantly feeling anxious and angry - for no apparent reason. Lashing out at everyone. I lost 10 pounds because of the anxiety affecting my digestive system and appetite. And I had daily thoughts of suicide. After a panic/anxiety/asthma attack at work, I made the decision to go to the doctor. I don't like to rely on medications. Sometimes I feel that it is a cop-out. Why can't I do this on my own? But then I realized I probably needed it.

And my life has changed. It. Has. CHANGED. I've been back on my medication for about a month. We can all tell a difference. I'm happy. I don't yell at anyone. I rarely get angry - unless it is warranted. I have patience - a TON of it. The downside is that I notice I still have a low energy level. I'm tired. I go to bed early - I'm talking fall out on the couch at 8pm. I have dizzy spells too. Not quite as bad as the first week, but it's still there. I'm also having trouble with my memory but I've gotten The Lists going again to help out with that.

This is necessary.

And I think I am more productive too. Last night, I cooked a side for our dinner of leftover chicken. I prepped a crock pot soup that I made this morning. I also made an actual lunch for myself today too. I did the laundry, we made this week's menu, and went grocery shopping.

Here's a Menu Plan Monday!!

Sunday - Leftover Hot Wings with Smashed potatoes

Monday - Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup (recipe forthcoming if it's any good)

Tuesday - Leftover soup

Wednesday - Leftover soup

Thursday - Nachos

Friday - Fettuccine Alfredo

Saturday - Pizza