Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!!

The boys carved their pumpkins last night. I'm still getting used to our new camera. Sometimes it seems to focus, other times it doesn't. I like the "orbs" in this shot. Very fitting for Halloween.

We went to see Paranormal Activity 2 yesterday. I think I liked it better than the first one, but that was because much of the film is shot from home security cameras, meaning there's less hurky jerky camera movements. The story ties into the original rather nicely, and there are a few good, jump from your seat moments.

At home we watched The Crazies, (the remake). We all enjoyed this movie too, although its more of a thriller than chiller.

Tonight I'm excited to check out The Walking Dead on AMC. This will be after my own zombie finishes trick or treating. He's going to be a businessman zombie. I just need to figure out how to layer him up since its going to be 29 degrees tonight.

The timer's going off so I have to run. After soaking them all night in salty water, I'm roasting the unborn.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Friday Five - Halloween Costumes

"So! Let's go! This week's challenge is to list 5 of your favorite ways to dress up for Halloween. You could list your favorite costumes from when you were a trick-or-treater, or you could list ways you would like to dress up today (if you didn't think the little brat from next door would laugh at you). In either case, have fun!"

1. I remember my mother loved to make costumes out of felt. One year I was a caterpillar and  won a costume contest.

2. My mom once tried to make me a tomato, but the left over red fabric she used had little tiny white dots on it. Everyone thought I was more of a strawberry. I remember being self conscious anyway because the costume was stuffed to plumb me out.

3. I did the 80's punk rock look with my best friend. Trick or treating in heels I can't recommend.

4. Hobo- Doesn't every kid trick or treat in this costume at least once? Its the classic, I want candy, but I don't want to put together a costume trick.

5. Princess - This was the store bought costume I just had to have one year. For some twisted reason, it came with a plastic mask, fully decked out with makeup and fake blond hair and tiara. Common sense would be to apply real makeup to your child, but instead this came with a fake princess face. I remember the mask getting bumped on my head while trying to go through a haunted house. I couldn't see a thing.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tuesday Thoughts 10/26/10

I dreamed of my garden. I was picking peppers and cucumbers which in real life I hadn't grown this past season. I remember being pleasantly surprised and thinking, wow, we have peppers and cukes!!! I will have to plan a spot for these next year.

Maybe I dreamed about produce because I cleaned our refrigerator's veggie bin last night. :)

For the record, I'm also planning on adding spaghetti squash next year. I've been hooked ever since my friend shared one from her garden with me several weeks ago.

I have all the longer pieces of quarter round trim installed in the living room. I still have to work on cutting the smaller lengths and working the corners. If you ever install quarter round and you have access to an automatic hammer, I suggest you use it. I'm doing this by hand and its tricky trying not to bang the trim up. We're still working on the transition from the living area to the kitchen. We noticed a bump last night so we may just take the floor up in that area and see if we can level the floor better.

I'm going through baking withdrawal. I dropped my Kitchen Aid off for a tune up and oil change. With the holidays coming, I needed to get this done sooner rather than later. Of course after I dropped it off, I had the urge to bake something. It won't be ready until next Monday.

I saw a soup commercial where this woman is happy she fits into her wedding dress. This inspired me. I still have my dress, cleaned and box sealed. I had kept it thinking I'd have daughters one day, but that wasn't meant to be. Now I should make it my goal to get back into it and have an anniversary portrait done. I'm about 4 sizes away from this and it will probably take me a year or two, but its a goal I will have to visualize to help me get there.

More nostalgia, I found our 8mm camcorder and several tapes from when the boys were little guys. Its bitter sweet. I wish I would have recorded way more, especially of son #2. I'm the baby of my family, and I always had noticed there wasn't many photos of me. You would think I would have known better and taped more of DS11. Now the goal is to get what footage we do have onto the computer so we can burn discs. The old camcorder is on its last leg.



I think I'm going to love this windy day. The sky show is amazing this morning. The clouds are blowing north so quickly and the sunrise keeps trying to poke through. We will have quite a bit of yard clean up to do when its over though.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Our Pumpkins For 2010

We picked out pumpkins along with two gourds. Don't they look like fruit? The smaller gourd is an Apple gourd but if you ask me, it resembles a watermelon. The larger one is an African Kettle Gourd. We loved how it was pear shaped. We hope to dry the gourds and use them for art projects next year. The boys will probably carve their pumpkins later this week. 

I Only Woke Up Once!!

I can actually remember dreaming. That's a good thing. I know I have finally benefited from serious sleep. The honey and apple cider trick really works better than cough meds.

I'm grateful to be coming off a great weekend, where my family took such great care of me. Even though I had to work a safety event yesterday, my husband took the time to chauffeur me and help me set up and take down. The event was actually kind of slow. I probably only spoke with a dozen families before it all came to an early end when a little boy was seriously injured. So much for it being a safety event!

It was the fault of the sports complex hosting the event. This gated doorway that fell off should not have in my opinion. The boy was naturally barefoot because his family was promoting martial arts. I certainly hope they do all they can for the family, especially since this boy's father was giving free seminars on Halloween safety.

We booked our room for the Kalahari Sandusky for the Unschoolers Gathering next May. We've always wanted to go, but years prior the event was held in February, which is unpredictable winter driving season. Knowing this will be during the later part of spring, I feel better planning for that drive. Although it is somewhat unpredictable if or where DH will be working then, we can't allow fear to lead us. We have plenty of time between now and next May to set aside money for the trip. I want to make memories and travel while our boys are still with us.

I became a Great Auntie yesterday! (How come we skip "grand" and go right to "great" when you're not the grandparent?) Its my sister's first grandchild and my parents first great grandchild. I can still remember being in high school when my mom called to inform me my nephew had been born. Now he's a daddy! It's amazing how fast times goes by.

I better get moving. I want to drop off my Kitchenaid for servicing. Its running but making noise, and I will need it working this coming holiday season. Have a great Monday!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar Cough medicine

Description:
I've been taking this instead of cough medicine. I gargle first and then swallow. I didn't have any cayenne pepper, but my first batch seems to be working well without it.

Ingredients:
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/4 t powdered ginger
1 T honey
1 T apple cider vinegar
2 T water

Directions:
Add all the ingredients into a small jar with a lid and shake it.

Take a spoonful or two as needed to treat your cough.

Home-made cough medicine seems to be working. I actually got some sleep last night. Or maybe I'm feeling better because DH is home, taking care of me. :)

Zucchini Oat Bread


Description:
This came out very satisfying. I love quick breads. Its a "dessert" I feel less guilty about enjoying. I adapted a recipe from BH&G and next time I make this, I'll use two smaller loaf pans instead of the 9 x 5 x 3 pan they originally suggested. My bread expanded out and over the loaf pan. I did have a cookie sheet underneath so it didn't turn into an oven disaster.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 C sugar
2 1/2 t cinnamon
2 1/2 C flour
1 C oats
1 t baking powder
3/4 t baking soda
3 eggs
1 C applesauce
1/4 C butter melted
1 t vanilla
2 C shredded zucchini
1 C chopped walnuts
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 and prepare your bread loaf pan(s)

In a small bowl, mix 1 T of sugar and 1/4 t cinnamon. This will be your topping.

In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, baking powder,salt, baking soda and remaining cinnamon.

In a large bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Add the applesauce, melted butter, vanilla and remaining sugar.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the egg/applesauce mixture. Stir in zucchini, walnuts and chocolate chips.

Pour your batter into your loaf pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar prepared earlier.

Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I ended up baking my giant loaf for 1.5 hours. Your house will smell wonderful!

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before popping the loaf out to cool completely on a wire rack.

Friday, October 22, 2010

I'm Ready For My Throat Transplant Now

I pulled an all nighter with Yumi watching her favorite scary movie, Sleepwalkers, among several others. After trying for 4 hours to fall asleep, I decided I've give DH a break and take my hacking elsewhere. I sat upright, sipping gallons and gallons of tea and water, hoping this dry cough would turn off. Now either from the mass consumption of beverages or the ab crunching coughing, it feels like my kidney stones want to know where the party is.

Contrary to the above opening paragraph, I actually am in good spirits. Your brain must trigger feel good hormones when you're lacking so much sleep. Or maybe its because I know there is nothing I have to do or anywhere I have to go. If I feel like attempting to sleep later, I can.

I should be cleaning because DMIL is coming tomorrow and being sick all this past week, you wouldn't believe how the dust bunnies have all come out to keep me company. I'll wait and see if I feel like it later or not. I'm telling you I have this C'est La Vie attitude today. Again, is it the sleep deprivation?

I did feel like I had hit the wall earlier and the little girl in me wanted her mommy. When she actually called me out of the blue, it was the power of Mommy Love, Man! Its amazing how somehow she knew to call me at that moment. I hope I have this with my kids.

Speaking of kids, mine are up now, so I'm off to see if I can score any "I'm sick, won't you hug me" points. Hope you have a great Friday and thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers for recovery! 


 

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Thoughts For Thursday 10/21/10

Honestly I don't know how I'm managing to plow through these days and nights. I will admit, I have/had a virus. The coughing progressed and each new day when I had hoped to be back at 100%, a new symptom emerged. Yesterday it was a cramping stomach and when I attempted to speak more than a few sentences, uncontrollable dry coughing. This is not good when your job requires you to converse with the public.

Tuesday night I drugged, I mean dragged, myself to work thinking I shouldn't be there. Then when sweet little thing, after sweet little thing, stopped for their after lesson hand stamps, I realized why I was sick in the first place. Child after child, hacking away in my face, its amazing I hadn't become sick sooner. (I do still feel the propane exposure pushed me over the edge.)

Wednesday night I drove to work with severe stomach cramps. I almost called DH and said I can't drive, come get me, but I kept thinking about how continuing straight down the road, mile after mile, was bringing me closer to getting this night over with. I sipped tea and the distraction of work took my mind off my stomach. The worse of it was when I'd be on the phone trying to speak when all I wanted to do was hack. If all I had to do was smile and nod, I'd be set no problem.

Tonight I'll make it because its the last night of the week for me, and then I'll have two entire days where I get to decide what I choose to do. If I feel like laying around watching junk TV, so be it! 

Speaking of junk TV, I've been watching that Sister Wife show on TLC. Polygamy has always fascinated me. I can't fathom how anyone would want to share their spouse. I've always wondered why these woman settle for a part-time husband. To me that's not a true marriage.

I watched as wife #1 was trying to have a conversation with the husband, regarding her jealousy issues with wife#4 coming aboard. She asked him how he would feel if she was with another man. His response was very telling. He said his mind could not even fathom that because its "VULGAR" and against God. He also admitting saying this was hypocritical but he didn't care. He actually turned it back on her, saying she was the problem regarding the jealousy because it was her idea he hook up with wife #4.

I was disgusted. What a cruel, selfish man! He knows he is hurting wife #1, and probably #2 & #3 as well, but he doesn't care. His satisfaction comes first. He claims this is God's will, but I know God does not will for pain, jealousy and hurt for anyone.

I've always wondered why most of polygamy was so one sided, one man, many wives. Its just a way to put down women and create an artificial ego boost for the husband. Don't get me started on what I think it does to the children!  

The women on this show continue to claim how much they agree with this lifestyle, but you can't help but see their constant pain and wonder why are they choosing to live this way?!

Well, I better get off my soapbox and get ready for the rest of my day.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup - a quick, easy version


Description:
I was craving my mother in law's chicken pot pie soup but I couldn't find the recipe. I also am recovering from a cough cold so I didn't have a lot of energy to spend in the kitchen. I found a quick cheat recipe online and improvised. It came out tasty enough, although not as good as DMIL's, but what really impressed me, is how fast it all came together. It satisfies that craving for chicken pot pie without having to wait an hour or consume the extra fat and calories from the pie crust.

Ingredients:
1 can cream of chicken soup (I use the reduced fat version.)
1 can cream of potato soup
2 C skim milk
1 16 ounce bag of frozen veggies (I used peas, carrots, green beans & corn.)
2 C cut up leftover roasted chicken breast (I used a little less. We only had one good sized, cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast left in the fridge.)
Pepper and Garlic powder to taste

Directions:
In your soup pot, whisk together the condensed soups and milk over medium to high heat. Add in the frozen veggies and chicken. Season with pepper and garlic powder to taste. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently and reduce heat.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

On The Mend

I must have over done it yesterday. By early evening I was running a fever. I went to bed early with chills and woke up several times during the night, once completely soaked in a cold sweat. I broke down and took two Advil, and that helped me stay asleep until morning. I'm now fever free.

I'm wondering if I've been fighting off a flu bug. At one point last night, it was so painful to move any of my muscles. This morning my cough is still here but my body isn't achy anymore. I must be on the mend.

I tend to stress over becoming sick, but when I look back, I heal rather quickly. I may start to get sick, but it disappears before I'm completely knocked off my feet. I just don't like having my plans come to a complete halt, and I stress over letting others down. This must be a mom thing.

There is so much going around. I know at work we're dropping like flies and every night so many families call in sick. My son's friend came over and said he had just recovered from a serious case of strep where he was almost hospitalized. I'm grateful I'm not that sick, and I seem to be fighting this off, if it is a virus and not the propane reaction I thought it was. Or maybe the propane exposure weakened my immune system, allowing the virus to start up? Either way, its great to be headed back uphill rather than down. 

I'm not going to be as ambitious today. I'll need the energy for work tonight. Thankfully my DMIL sent home several soups with DH on Sunday so that's my plan for today - to eat soup.  I probably will bake up some squash too. Half my battle is being able to listen to the needs of my body and not over due it. Yesterday my ambitions got the better of me. 

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monday's Mental Notes

Hot Toddies are on order today. My throat and chest still feel shredded from my grilling exposure Saturday. It's slowly getting better, but I still taste metal when I cough. I'll have to let my boss know, I can no longer be the Grill Master at work. At our last event, I can remember experiencing a similar effect, only it didn't last as long as this one is.

I feel badly I haven't been able to exercise. When I even try to climb our stairs, my asthma kicks in, and I end up coughing. I know its the grilling and it will eventually go away. I just hate that I've poisoned my body!

I tried to rest most of the day yesterday, but today there's too much I want to get done. I need to get my kitchen back in functioning order. Way back when, the pantry was organized but somehow it didn't manage to stay that way. Now when you open the door, you never know what's going to jump out at you. The same thing is happening in our refrigerator. I have become my mother!

This past weekend, we watched the end of the X-Games Movie. One of my favorite athletes, Bob Burnquist, who by the way, also suffers from asthma, said something that really motivated me. I may not be quoting this exactly as he said it, but it went something like, "Dream It. Believe It. Work hard at it, because you don't want it to come easy to you."

I love that!! I had forgotten to remember how important it is that what you desire should not come easily to you. Working for it makes it so much better! You're stronger and can appreciate it so much more, than if it was just given to you. I will have to focus on that. Going through the failure and disappointment while trying to reach my goals has a purpose. I shouldn't try to avoid the discomfort, but embrace it.

My family watches Survivor, and every season there is someone who wants to quit. They get rained on, they're cold and hungry and they want to go home. I've always thought - haven't they watched Survivor??!! Don't they KNOW going into it what's involved?! I suppose they may not be able to predict how they will react to those realities, however, I also wonder why can't they just accept them and let it be. Its raining, so let the rain hit you, get wet, be cold. Just let it be. Why think about how you could be warm and dry and fed? Doesn't that make it worse? Maybe one should allow their mind to accept the environment they're in and just let it be. Exist it in and know that it won't always be that way.

I think I'm going to try and apply that lesson to my own life, along with my decision to accept that nothing easily arrived is worth as much as something worked and waited for.

Tea kettle's calling my name. Have a great day!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Yumi's New Hutch

We had just moved in the new to us antique hutch we received from G-Ma, and while I was deciding on what to store in the hutch, Yumi decided she'd make the best accessory, claiming the space for herself. I guess I better fill it with cat treats and toys. 

Trying to heal my respiratory system today. Inhaled too much hot dog fumes and propane yesterday....Cough! Cough!!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

I'm A Sleepyhead Today...

I didn't sleep well. Lately I can't turn off my brain even though my body is fatigued. I have trouble falling asleep, and I wake up too early, when my eyes don't want to open because they haven't been closed long enough but my mind decides its time to race.

This morning at 4:00am, I made a cup of Sleepytime tea, and gave Yumi a warm lap to curl up on while I watched the end of Howard's End on cable. Of course when it was the time I really wake up and start my day, I finally wanted to fall back asleep. So I'm going through today with a serious case of brain cloud zombie head.

Cyst update- its much, much smaller, almost gone really, and isn't causing me any pain. Thanks for your prayers!

The dishwasher leak I believe is coming from the door seals being too old, but tomorrow I'll experiment a little more, removing the lower panel. I could see water dripping from the door, but not enough to soak the base boards along the cabinets. The toe boards on the cabinets are wasted, so I removed them. There is a little bit of water damage on the cabinets, but I'm hoping that dries out and we can install new toe boards before installing the kitchen floor. Of course the real challenge is finding the time! Our weekend is already booked.

I need to help DS11 put together his Halloween costume. He usually comes up with great ideas, (see my Halloween photo album). This year he wants to be something scary. At first he decided to be a zombie businessman, but now he's thinking scary clown. Either way, he understands I have no time to sew this year so we'll see what we can put together at Goodwill.

I better get moving and see if that wakes up my brain cells a bit. Have a great Thursday!


Food Diary- Wednesday 10/13/10

Breakfast- cereal w/almond milk

Lunch- Veggie sub from Subway, not pictured, cookie

Snack at work- more nibbles from my popcorn,walnut, dried cranberry snack mix- (previously pictured)

Supper- kamut yogurt pancakes


Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Thankful to have a home, even if that means something always breaks. Today I will learn about dishwasher repair and possibly even how to repair water damaged cabinets!! Also I'm thankful we hadn't installed the kitchen flooring yet.

Food Diary- Tuesday 10/12/10

Breakfast- raisin bran extra cereal w/almond milk

After workout craving- small spoonful of peanut butter- craving salt

Lunch- Left over spaghetti- Why does spaghetti always taste better re-heated?

Snack at work- walnuts, dried cranberries and popcorn- I nibbled on about 1/2 C and brought the rest home. Fuze Green Iced Tea w/honey- My latest vice!

Supper - I can has cheezeburger!! My version of the The Spot, cheese and ketchup only. I had to snap the pic quick or it would have been someone else's supper!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Enemy Is Me

I'm being really hard on myself. I have no good reason to but I am.

Yesterday my head turned, and I looked in a direction I wasn't headed. I saw a sign which read, If you knew you couldn't fail, what would you do?

After that brief moment, I turned away and headed towards my responsibilities, but the question has stayed with me. I've stalled out in trying to make my dreams come true.

I can cite all matter of excuses for why I can't get to where I want to be, but that's my lack of maturity talking. This isn't suppose to be about instant gratification.

Yes, I'm confused. I don't know where to start, and I don't have a clear picture of what success will look like.

Am I up for all the falls I will have during the journey?

Can I keep life functioning and happy while trying to figure it out?

I've got to take a step, in ANY direction, and just start trying. Some people have it all mapped out, but I don't. Maybe in the long run, it won't matter. There's been plenty of people who have cut their own path.

I actually was most likely born to approach challenges this way. Its my true nature when I take off the mask others want to put on me. I have to stop worrying about not having all the answers, tell myself I'm an excellent autodidact, and just do it. 


Food Diary- Monday 10/11/10

Breakfast- cereal w/almond milk

After workout (lunch)- yogurt smoothie, banana, pineapple,blueberries, almond milk

Snack- The Honey Crisp apple I didn't eat on Sunday, shared with the boys since it was so big

Supper- spaghetti with my homemade sauce, ground beef, a slice of bread w/Smart Balance (not pictured)

Snack- Not pictured, 1% chocolate milk, light ice cream - I always crave ice cream or shakes after enjoying spaghetti or pizza. It must be something in the marinara sauce that triggers this craving for me.


Monday, October 11, 2010

Food Diary- Sunday 10/10/10

Breakfast not pictured- a glass of OJ- not much but I wasn't feeling hungry yet.

Lunch at work- thinly sliced chicken breast, farmer's cheese on rye bread, Sweet Tea, green pepper strips. I was too full to eat the apple.

Supper- take out at home- KFC grilled chicken breast and wing, popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuit, not pictured- homemade strawberry jam for the biscuit

Snack for Dexter watching- almond milk hot cocoa, chocolate cats


Sunday, October 10, 2010

Thinking About Food

Have I told you how wonderful our neighbors are? They dropped off delicious breast cancer awareness bagels. I will say all bagels should stop being round and start being ribbon shaped. It gives you more bagel to love! I enjoyed one and then froze the rest. If I didn't, I would have dangerously eaten them all!

I'm trying to come up with a better eating plan. I'm a creature of habit but this time of year always confuses me. The temperatures keep messing with my cravings. I definitely crave certain kinds of food in cold weather versus hot weather. The problem is, some days its cold and hot in the same day!

I completed a free metabolic nutritional typing test offered from Mercola.com but the results didn't impress me. It said I was a mixed type, rather than carb or protein type. I was hoping for better direction, but what else should I expect for free?

I think what's really bumming me is I'm missing the fresh summer fruits and veggies. I enjoy fall's harvest, but I guess I haven't been focusing on recipes that take advantage of them. I'll have to pull out my soup and stew recipes and make something inspirational this week.

I should get back to posting a food diary. I have a new to us camera now I'll have to use.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Can I Go To The Overlook Now?

I'm in a funk. I feel like running away to a place no one would want to venture to just to be alone with my thoughts, a place where maybe I could be the puppet master for awhile rather than feel the pull of these strings.

I don't need to pretend to write a novel or talk to the dead, but I need to feel I have a handle on things and right now I'm far from that mindset. When something trivial such as overdue library books begins to stress you out, its a warning sign.

Okay, it not really about library books. I have a lump where a woman doesn't want to find one, in October of all months. October, when I should be enjoying family celebrations and the coming of my favorite season. Its probably only a cyst, but do you know what's so crazy mental of me? I'm more worried about co-pays than about achieving peace of mind. 

Why can I be foolishly frugal, especially when it comes to spending money for my needs? Its not that we can't afford the co-pay right now, DH is working and for the time being we have health insurance. As much as I fear the big C, I really don't think this lump is it. I feel like I'd be wasting money only to find out its just a cyst. That's completely warped of me I know.

I just don't feel like being normal right now. I actually would prefer to live a homeschooling socialization myth. Can we shut ourselves out from the world with enough food and books to last the winter? The Overlook is inviting me.

I can feel change arriving as the geese leave over my head, and I want to take a moment to figure out where should I be redirecting my focus. Life's distractions are preventing me from this task.

Monday, October 04, 2010

Weekend Notes 10/2-10/3

We celebrated DS15's birthday this past weekend knowing on his actual birthday our family won't be able to share much together time. He wanted to go to Red Lobster for all you can eat shrimp. He enjoyed it very much as did the rest of us. We spoiled him with gifts and ended the weekend eating cake.

The living room floor is almost complete. We still need to attach quarter round trims, but for the most part it feels done because we've been able to move furniture back into the room. I almost didn't want to do this because it began to cover up all our work. :)

Before our first frosty nights arrived this weekend, we pulled up much of the garden and trimmed bushes. Our city is suppose to pick up brush collection this week, but I'm sure they will skip our neighborhood like usual. We'll end up having to bring it to our city's yard waste compost pile ourselves. Its actually just down the road so its not too much trouble.

We did not pick pumpkins or tag our Christmas tree yet. Maybe we'll do this next weekend? Its never long enough is it, the weekend?