ok here is the thing, I love to travel.
I love the packing, the mad dash to leave your house clean so it is clean upon your return
I love planning the trip... maps.... directions
I love looking up places on the Internet
I love travel sized shampoo
I love imagining how many pairs of pants I am really going to need then bringing clothes home I didn't even look at
I love the anticipation of getting to the airport... security.... checking my bags and settling in the awaiting lounge
I love the "hudson news" the magazine mecca that awaits you around every corner of the airport
I love listening to other peoples conversations learning where they are going or where they are coming from as I flip through the latest trashy magazine I have picked up for the flight--this being as much a part of the ritual of travel as buying the ticket itself.
who is dating who, who is famous now, who within the glossy pages of the tabloid news do I have no idea about? for the most part I don't know half the people in the magazines.. does this mean I am too old to buy them now?
I love loading up the plane, I love watching the people who in spite of the rows being called feel the need to rush on-- dude that is why you have a ticket... you have a seat on the plane... no one can take that from you!
I love stowing my luggage appropriately watching Mr.I-don't-check-anything try to cram his over-regulation-sezed "carry on" suitcase int he overhead bin then gripe about how there is no room... shoving the carefully stowed baggage of some poor unsuspecting old lady into the back corner..
I love the pre-flight bustle the safety panel and the seatbelt demo...
I love the take off.. the time in the flight that you feel like you are limp being forced back into your seats by the shear power of the moment you leave the earth and begin your climb airborn... still a bus shouldn't fly
I love when they come around asking what you would like splashed over your 20 ice cubes giving you the impression you are getting something to drink
I love the turbulence, the bumps, the thrills
I love the landings.. especially when people clap! I love that on the way here I was on a flight sitting beside a very nervous flyer... dressed in a suit... I swear the poor man read the safety brochure 100 times to the point I asked him if there was going to be a test on it later that I didn't know about it and if there was I was definitely going to copy off him.
*insert tiny awkward chuckle from him here then right back to the safety insert.
because nothing is better then surviving the crash into the body of water, I am excited about using my seat as a floatation... I will pay my respects to Davey Jones before I remove the seat cushion that a million sweaty strange asses have sat on only to clutch it to my chest in a bear hug type fashion locking my arms tightly around it.... mmmmm talk about motivation to stay up on my swimming! there must be a better piece of fuselage to cling to than that one article!
yes I do enjoy traveling... getting to your destination having someone meet you at the gate big hugs discussion of all the fun people watching on the trip while you collect your luggage and get ready to begin your vacation/holiday...
So as I finish up my lovely time on holiday I am doing it all in reverse... it is a bitter sweet event.
I love it here, but I miss home too so I know I can come back but it is never soon enough for my liking :)
SO until next holiday I will put away my traveling gear and hope for a gentle transition back into full time life :)
and remember to study that card in the seatback in front of you cause you never know when you might need to get up close and personal with your seat cushion
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
needles are not just for poking
So I am 100
I have been knitting... I have known how to knit forever, but over the last little bit I have re-discovered how nice it it to complete a project.
I have purchased a sweet little book of hats and yes even considered it as a little side job... I love watching a ball of yarn turn into a little hat, scarf, booties, or blanket. There have been 7 babies born in the last year within my circle of friends and most of those little people have been the lucky recipients of a aunty Shonee original fun times.. poor kids probably just wanted a toy who likes getting clothes anyways!
So here I sit on the couch the rain falling outside week one of my holidays over and a bag of possibilities at me feet...
I confess I am the "witty knitter" and honestly I am proud of what I can do... just think how good I will be when I am finally of an acceptable age to be a knitter.. hehe
This knitting thing is contagious... as I sit here I look over to see my friend knitting away on a beautiful project of her own! Michaels is an amazing store.... it has a wonderful aisle full of possibilities wonderful fuzzy possibilities...
so the dog is asleep beside me, the cinnamon bun candle is burning, the kettle is almost boiling... I think life thus far is pretty good :)
so yes I confess my alter ego is "witty knitter with tricky sticks" we'll see if this nursing thing doesn't work I may just go underground and knit my way into retirement... tell your friends...
I have been knitting... I have known how to knit forever, but over the last little bit I have re-discovered how nice it it to complete a project.
I have purchased a sweet little book of hats and yes even considered it as a little side job... I love watching a ball of yarn turn into a little hat, scarf, booties, or blanket. There have been 7 babies born in the last year within my circle of friends and most of those little people have been the lucky recipients of a aunty Shonee original fun times.. poor kids probably just wanted a toy who likes getting clothes anyways!
So here I sit on the couch the rain falling outside week one of my holidays over and a bag of possibilities at me feet...
I confess I am the "witty knitter" and honestly I am proud of what I can do... just think how good I will be when I am finally of an acceptable age to be a knitter.. hehe
This knitting thing is contagious... as I sit here I look over to see my friend knitting away on a beautiful project of her own! Michaels is an amazing store.... it has a wonderful aisle full of possibilities wonderful fuzzy possibilities...
so the dog is asleep beside me, the cinnamon bun candle is burning, the kettle is almost boiling... I think life thus far is pretty good :)
so yes I confess my alter ego is "witty knitter with tricky sticks" we'll see if this nursing thing doesn't work I may just go underground and knit my way into retirement... tell your friends...
Friday, October 22, 2010
fall...it has been too long
life is funny I think,
I am in California.... actually the place the whole blog was re-invented for me..
So this is full circle.
I think it amazes me how looking back to a friendship that has been nurtured and maintained for years you tend to forget how long it has been in existence, you just feel like it has been forever.
I am visiting my sweet friend Sarah, she lives here in Sunny California. A state which I love... mostly cause who lives here... anyways, we were talking about how long we had known each other... it has been longer than 10 years! amazing. It really has flown by..
this is a truly solid friendship
so solid I have been cooking for her... yes me who "claims" to not cook has whipped out the 3 things I know how to make..
I made a really yummy "clean eating" meal
A rice bowl of sorts, more fusion cooking kinda Mediterranean/Spanish rice bowl
It was avocado, black beans, cilantro, black olives, lime juice, grape tomatoes, and feta cheese all tumbled together and let stand while you cook the brown basmatti rice. Serve the topping cold over the hot rice with a drizzle of the dressing which was balsamic, lemon juice a squeeze of spicy grainy mustart and salt and pepper to taste... delish...
what made it even better was it was wonderful stuffed into a wrap the next day for lunch then served cold over a salad yesterday... it kept very well in the fridge and the flavours only got better!
Then it turned cooler outside so thought turned to fall...
I made Butternut squash soup
chicken broth, an onion, 2 lbs of squash salt and pepper... simmer it till squash is cooked whizz it up in the blender and serve hot... another crazy simple one but oh so good and filling and good the next day served with tuna melts!
I confess I am getting better with the whole cooking thing...
BUT I tend to cook when it is not just me eating it... honestly I could live off Breakfast cereal... and really I have before--heck with all the enrichment they do to breakfast cereal and milk I get everything I need :)
That and I am able to relax, me and her dog chill on the couch I knit.. the dog sleeps we catch up on the OFFICE.. another show I could watch over and over again
life is good... I am happy relaxed and enjoying the little things in life once again.
I miss my family and my little beasts but that is what makes coming home from a holiday so much better too ! If you had nothing to look forward to when you got home why would you not just move?
so I will probably post again just cause I have time..
sigh life is good
I am in California.... actually the place the whole blog was re-invented for me..
So this is full circle.
I think it amazes me how looking back to a friendship that has been nurtured and maintained for years you tend to forget how long it has been in existence, you just feel like it has been forever.
I am visiting my sweet friend Sarah, she lives here in Sunny California. A state which I love... mostly cause who lives here... anyways, we were talking about how long we had known each other... it has been longer than 10 years! amazing. It really has flown by..
this is a truly solid friendship
so solid I have been cooking for her... yes me who "claims" to not cook has whipped out the 3 things I know how to make..
I made a really yummy "clean eating" meal
A rice bowl of sorts, more fusion cooking kinda Mediterranean/Spanish rice bowl
It was avocado, black beans, cilantro, black olives, lime juice, grape tomatoes, and feta cheese all tumbled together and let stand while you cook the brown basmatti rice. Serve the topping cold over the hot rice with a drizzle of the dressing which was balsamic, lemon juice a squeeze of spicy grainy mustart and salt and pepper to taste... delish...
what made it even better was it was wonderful stuffed into a wrap the next day for lunch then served cold over a salad yesterday... it kept very well in the fridge and the flavours only got better!
Then it turned cooler outside so thought turned to fall...
I made Butternut squash soup
chicken broth, an onion, 2 lbs of squash salt and pepper... simmer it till squash is cooked whizz it up in the blender and serve hot... another crazy simple one but oh so good and filling and good the next day served with tuna melts!
I confess I am getting better with the whole cooking thing...
BUT I tend to cook when it is not just me eating it... honestly I could live off Breakfast cereal... and really I have before--heck with all the enrichment they do to breakfast cereal and milk I get everything I need :)
That and I am able to relax, me and her dog chill on the couch I knit.. the dog sleeps we catch up on the OFFICE.. another show I could watch over and over again
life is good... I am happy relaxed and enjoying the little things in life once again.
I miss my family and my little beasts but that is what makes coming home from a holiday so much better too ! If you had nothing to look forward to when you got home why would you not just move?
so I will probably post again just cause I have time..
sigh life is good
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
fall is here
fall is here and as thoughts are driven indoors so we are crowded into the rooms that have been dormant for the last 4 months...
yes I am talking about the kitchen...
I was recently at my favourite veggie store and placed a small red cabbage into my basket... why I am not sure, for the same reason I put the worlds largest apple into the cart as well. Have I mentioned that the fruit and veggie drawers in my fridge are a sure fire death sentence to anything I should place in there?
I digress... So tonight, I chopped up the cabbage, monster apple, and red onion, threw them into my fvourite pot with some cider vinegar, a little bit of sugar, pepper, a spash of cinnamon, and turned it on low... I am attempting to re-create the best use of red cabbage out there...
I also had some meat balls so I cooked them up first in the pot then removed them and added the rest of the ingredients...
and I am proud to say so far so good... It is too late to eat it tonight so I ate a fresh fruit salad and cottage cheese... see I am attempting to eat my perishables prior to their best before dates!
So as I stirred the dish and cursed the fruit flies all at once life was a little bit better :)
So I am attempting to cook one meal that can carry me through my work days... we will see how my collegues appreciate my first attempt with cabbage... hehe
I also made a pot of rice to serve the cabbage over as I do not have "a broad noodle" with sausage..
so it is shonee's german cabbage with meatballs and rice... talk about fusion cuisine!
I'll let you know how it is!
yes I am talking about the kitchen...
I was recently at my favourite veggie store and placed a small red cabbage into my basket... why I am not sure, for the same reason I put the worlds largest apple into the cart as well. Have I mentioned that the fruit and veggie drawers in my fridge are a sure fire death sentence to anything I should place in there?
I digress... So tonight, I chopped up the cabbage, monster apple, and red onion, threw them into my fvourite pot with some cider vinegar, a little bit of sugar, pepper, a spash of cinnamon, and turned it on low... I am attempting to re-create the best use of red cabbage out there...
I also had some meat balls so I cooked them up first in the pot then removed them and added the rest of the ingredients...
and I am proud to say so far so good... It is too late to eat it tonight so I ate a fresh fruit salad and cottage cheese... see I am attempting to eat my perishables prior to their best before dates!
So as I stirred the dish and cursed the fruit flies all at once life was a little bit better :)
So I am attempting to cook one meal that can carry me through my work days... we will see how my collegues appreciate my first attempt with cabbage... hehe
I also made a pot of rice to serve the cabbage over as I do not have "a broad noodle" with sausage..
so it is shonee's german cabbage with meatballs and rice... talk about fusion cuisine!
I'll let you know how it is!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
ode to september
Yes it is that time of year once again...
thoughts turn to back to school shopping, school supplies, new shoes, books, fall coats etc
change is afoot!
Seasons are changing, children seem so much older as they wait for the bus or run into pre-school to meet all their new friends!
Things are changing as adults too, I always feel like this is the "new year" to me, January first never really felt like it was the start of a new year it is always September. granted I have been in school longer than I have been out but it has a certain excitement and like the whole world is holding it's breath as kids go back to school new schools, new friends, a whole lot of change.
Then when September finally exhales it brings fall with it, the leaves are already turning, falling off the trees, the mornings are cooler and have a certain fall smell about them. Fruit is hanging on the trees, a last offering before the tree shuts down hibernating through fall and winter, windows are rolled up, heat is turned back on, thoughts go to soups and hearty stews to feed out loved ones in hopes of wrapping them in a warmth even at meal times.
I love this time of year, the crunchy leaves come soon, the wonderful sunrises visible on the way home from a night shift, and the magnificent sunsets with the colors bouncing off the mountains and clouds that inevitable grace our cool blue skies this time of year.
Smells play a big role in this season, the smell of leaves being burned in a big pile in someones backyard, the smell of the morning dewy and wet, the smell of the first hint of snow in the air, even coffee smells comforting, people* start baking more, breads, cookies, cakes, indoor activities move into the kitchen and dining room the warm centers of home life we get cozy.
So as this year turns a new leaf for many I offer you a suggestion, just open a fresh new notebook or a clean blank piece of paper and see if you don't just have the urge to fill it with new ideas or lists.. the thrill of what this season holds...
and before all the Halloween candy crowds out the school supplies take a stroll down the aisle, and when no ones looking smell a box of fresh crayons... for old times sake :)
*please note I clearly stated people... not me....
thoughts turn to back to school shopping, school supplies, new shoes, books, fall coats etc
change is afoot!
Seasons are changing, children seem so much older as they wait for the bus or run into pre-school to meet all their new friends!
Things are changing as adults too, I always feel like this is the "new year" to me, January first never really felt like it was the start of a new year it is always September. granted I have been in school longer than I have been out but it has a certain excitement and like the whole world is holding it's breath as kids go back to school new schools, new friends, a whole lot of change.
Then when September finally exhales it brings fall with it, the leaves are already turning, falling off the trees, the mornings are cooler and have a certain fall smell about them. Fruit is hanging on the trees, a last offering before the tree shuts down hibernating through fall and winter, windows are rolled up, heat is turned back on, thoughts go to soups and hearty stews to feed out loved ones in hopes of wrapping them in a warmth even at meal times.
I love this time of year, the crunchy leaves come soon, the wonderful sunrises visible on the way home from a night shift, and the magnificent sunsets with the colors bouncing off the mountains and clouds that inevitable grace our cool blue skies this time of year.
Smells play a big role in this season, the smell of leaves being burned in a big pile in someones backyard, the smell of the morning dewy and wet, the smell of the first hint of snow in the air, even coffee smells comforting, people* start baking more, breads, cookies, cakes, indoor activities move into the kitchen and dining room the warm centers of home life we get cozy.
So as this year turns a new leaf for many I offer you a suggestion, just open a fresh new notebook or a clean blank piece of paper and see if you don't just have the urge to fill it with new ideas or lists.. the thrill of what this season holds...
and before all the Halloween candy crowds out the school supplies take a stroll down the aisle, and when no ones looking smell a box of fresh crayons... for old times sake :)
*please note I clearly stated people... not me....
Sunday, September 5, 2010
......back in the saddle again......
I took the summer off...
I confess it's true.
not like I didn't exercise or anything but I think I may have darkened the doors of the gym maybe a handfull of times.
I have a list of legitamate excuses none of them really plausible now in retrospect. Each and everyone of them were compleately convincing at the time...
now as I climb back up onto the treadmill I am at a loss for words and breath for that matter as I started plodding way again..
back in the learn to run for fun program... yes fun... sweating is fun....
I worked 12 hours today.... then ran for 30 minutes... silly I know but I really do feel better afterwards as I am totally wasted out on the couch wondering if I will be able to do more than lift my head from the pillow in the morning.
We will see.
So I am back in the saddle again.... and the old country song drifts into my memory just that one line. But that's all I need to get my groove back. So here is to another go 'round. So we meet again my pretty. all belts and gears... I shall overcome!
so after work tomorrow I have a date with Jillian Michaels... and I am afraid... she is mean! I will let you know if there is anything left of me... if I have the strength to lift my t-rex prone arms to type...
I confess it's true.
not like I didn't exercise or anything but I think I may have darkened the doors of the gym maybe a handfull of times.
I have a list of legitamate excuses none of them really plausible now in retrospect. Each and everyone of them were compleately convincing at the time...
now as I climb back up onto the treadmill I am at a loss for words and breath for that matter as I started plodding way again..
back in the learn to run for fun program... yes fun... sweating is fun....
I worked 12 hours today.... then ran for 30 minutes... silly I know but I really do feel better afterwards as I am totally wasted out on the couch wondering if I will be able to do more than lift my head from the pillow in the morning.
We will see.
So I am back in the saddle again.... and the old country song drifts into my memory just that one line. But that's all I need to get my groove back. So here is to another go 'round. So we meet again my pretty. all belts and gears... I shall overcome!
so after work tomorrow I have a date with Jillian Michaels... and I am afraid... she is mean! I will let you know if there is anything left of me... if I have the strength to lift my t-rex prone arms to type...
Sunday, August 15, 2010
"there is a chink in the armor"
I thought myself to be sensitive and open about my feelings, but today I realize that as we go about our daily lives and interact with people on so many differing levels we are in fact making the choice of letting them into our parlour so to speak, letting them in behind the guard we have slowly built up around our hearts to keep the barrage of emotions at bay and allow us to go about our business without falling to pieves at the drop of a hat.
Then something happens
Something that is unsettling
it is like holding up an opaque object to the light only to see the sliver of light getting through
that sliver is big enough to let through those feeling that you thought you had in check
In my proffession it is imperative to maintain that water tight barrier or life will come flooding through and sweep you away.
Leaving you a wet sopping mess-of-a-person totally drained and unable to cope.
So as a nurse one of the quintiscential caring compassionate proffessions in the world it is important to maintain the hard candy coating to our hearts.
But today I realized after my work night that someone flew in under the radar... there is a chink in the armor I painstakingly erected to keep safe and protected-- this thought was both humbling and terrifying
So my friends as I head to bed after a nightshift that was both equal parts physically exhauting as well as emotionally difficult do a quick check to make sure your hearts are not vulnerable yet not too difficult to penetrate... because it is the people who find a way into your hearts that make life so rich and full--those moments of reflection and learning are so much better and the relationships you make with people every day so much more rewarding and meaningful
so as I lay me down to sleep-- hug your loved ones and be thankful for those who weaken those barriers by making us stronger
Then something happens
Something that is unsettling
it is like holding up an opaque object to the light only to see the sliver of light getting through
that sliver is big enough to let through those feeling that you thought you had in check
In my proffession it is imperative to maintain that water tight barrier or life will come flooding through and sweep you away.
Leaving you a wet sopping mess-of-a-person totally drained and unable to cope.
So as a nurse one of the quintiscential caring compassionate proffessions in the world it is important to maintain the hard candy coating to our hearts.
But today I realized after my work night that someone flew in under the radar... there is a chink in the armor I painstakingly erected to keep safe and protected-- this thought was both humbling and terrifying
So my friends as I head to bed after a nightshift that was both equal parts physically exhauting as well as emotionally difficult do a quick check to make sure your hearts are not vulnerable yet not too difficult to penetrate... because it is the people who find a way into your hearts that make life so rich and full--those moments of reflection and learning are so much better and the relationships you make with people every day so much more rewarding and meaningful
so as I lay me down to sleep-- hug your loved ones and be thankful for those who weaken those barriers by making us stronger
Sunday, August 8, 2010
it was a marvelous night for a moondance...
** caution this post contains the word ass/a-hole.... alot....
I was fortunate enough to accompany a friend to a Van Morrison concert tonight, it was awesome... I forgot how much I love this legends music... legend=old guy who has been making music for 100 years!
It was good then the family sat down behind us.. the a-hole family
An entire row of loud mouth, drunk, whiny a-holes. Grandma in the bag at the end of the row two little ass grandsons too young to buy beer so mom and auntie-a-hole bought them beer... far to much beer...daddy ass-head drunk stumbled in next next to auntie skirt was far too short who boot legged beer for the two under aged philosophising butt munches parenting at it's best!
insert half a show worth of talking loudly bumping and spilling beer on the row in front of them... dancing sloppily and yelling at the stage both in encouragement as well tell Van what they thought of his choice of music choices... yes it was great!
The couple sitting beside us had words with them, the security "hosts" had words as did the couple next to us on the other side... finally when I was about to have worlds with family a-hole there was a brave soul sitting behind them who decided to speak up and the f-word was bandied about and how the grandson was loudly saying it was all about grandma tonight... blah blah blah how the poor guy being verbally assaulted better not effing ruin grandmas night... then he loudly stood up saying to whomever was still paying attention to them that "fine I'll leave, is this what you want? I will leave ruining grandmas night... " for being all about g-ma it was awfully a lot about him poor grandson a-hole... ran out of money for bootlegged beers?
Well our entire row gave each other high fives and settled in to enjoy the last half of the concert which by the way was amazing!
even better than the first half!
I have to admit I was wandering if it was going to be Van Morrison who stormed off, as he has been known to be a bit of a diva but it was a very good mellow un-diva like show! and to make things even more magical he sang Brown Eyed Girl right out of the gate! so it kicked off the concert on a high note! love it and highly recommend taking in one of his concerts if you are fortunate enough to be able to catch him on a good day...
and not to worry you will have a good night, I have the ability to attract odd/weird people and my friend has the ability to conjure up groups of people... so between the two of us we created a whole group of a-holes .... with great power comes great responsibility!!
all in all a fantastic night
my appologies for the frequency of the profane but there is no reasoning with drunk people let alone drunk a-holes who loudly are always right and will make things worse if they can after being asked to tone it down....
but let me tell you how I really feel... hahaha
till then always have a safe drive home folks and enjoy yourselves responsibly!
I was fortunate enough to accompany a friend to a Van Morrison concert tonight, it was awesome... I forgot how much I love this legends music... legend=old guy who has been making music for 100 years!
It was good then the family sat down behind us.. the a-hole family
An entire row of loud mouth, drunk, whiny a-holes. Grandma in the bag at the end of the row two little ass grandsons too young to buy beer so mom and auntie-a-hole bought them beer... far to much beer...daddy ass-head drunk stumbled in next next to auntie skirt was far too short who boot legged beer for the two under aged philosophising butt munches parenting at it's best!
insert half a show worth of talking loudly bumping and spilling beer on the row in front of them... dancing sloppily and yelling at the stage both in encouragement as well tell Van what they thought of his choice of music choices... yes it was great!
The couple sitting beside us had words with them, the security "hosts" had words as did the couple next to us on the other side... finally when I was about to have worlds with family a-hole there was a brave soul sitting behind them who decided to speak up and the f-word was bandied about and how the grandson was loudly saying it was all about grandma tonight... blah blah blah how the poor guy being verbally assaulted better not effing ruin grandmas night... then he loudly stood up saying to whomever was still paying attention to them that "fine I'll leave, is this what you want? I will leave ruining grandmas night... " for being all about g-ma it was awfully a lot about him poor grandson a-hole... ran out of money for bootlegged beers?
Well our entire row gave each other high fives and settled in to enjoy the last half of the concert which by the way was amazing!
even better than the first half!
I have to admit I was wandering if it was going to be Van Morrison who stormed off, as he has been known to be a bit of a diva but it was a very good mellow un-diva like show! and to make things even more magical he sang Brown Eyed Girl right out of the gate! so it kicked off the concert on a high note! love it and highly recommend taking in one of his concerts if you are fortunate enough to be able to catch him on a good day...
and not to worry you will have a good night, I have the ability to attract odd/weird people and my friend has the ability to conjure up groups of people... so between the two of us we created a whole group of a-holes .... with great power comes great responsibility!!
all in all a fantastic night
my appologies for the frequency of the profane but there is no reasoning with drunk people let alone drunk a-holes who loudly are always right and will make things worse if they can after being asked to tone it down....
but let me tell you how I really feel... hahaha
till then always have a safe drive home folks and enjoy yourselves responsibly!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
my new book has a title...
Did I mention my new inspiration? it is a book that I have picked up and thought to myself hey I could have written this... it is the book of awesome... and it is a chuckle out loud kinda feel good book. I felt kinda ripped off and in awe of the simplicity of it all.
I really could have been this author... well I am writting my newest book... the book of awkward....yes that is it's title, I have finished an entire section on personal space, and another on greetings.... so far so good... I have laughed out loud just jotting a few things down.... if it doesn't get published in paper I promise to let you all read it!
till next time, when something happens to you and you think man that was awkward or the flush of a blush from the sheer awkwardness of a moment happens write me and tell me about it and you too, yes you sitting there can be in my book :)
carry on my friends enjoy life to the last drop
ps- everyone loves a good space robot background yes?
I really could have been this author... well I am writting my newest book... the book of awkward....yes that is it's title, I have finished an entire section on personal space, and another on greetings.... so far so good... I have laughed out loud just jotting a few things down.... if it doesn't get published in paper I promise to let you all read it!
till next time, when something happens to you and you think man that was awkward or the flush of a blush from the sheer awkwardness of a moment happens write me and tell me about it and you too, yes you sitting there can be in my book :)
carry on my friends enjoy life to the last drop
ps- everyone loves a good space robot background yes?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
"....Book of Moments..."
1. running
I have become an amature runner, not too far but love it none the less, It is something to go from not running to when you hit that moment where you realize I CAN do this! My body is capable to pushing past the whiny little inner person that begs you to stop when you feel tired or get winded. But the greatest moment is when you say no whiny little person I can do this and you push past the huffing and puffing and realize you are running and not panting! Your mouth isn't even hanging open... you are able to run whilst breathing through your nose!
So if you have ever had this moment well done, it is one of my favourite moments of greatness.
I have become an amature runner, not too far but love it none the less, It is something to go from not running to when you hit that moment where you realize I CAN do this! My body is capable to pushing past the whiny little inner person that begs you to stop when you feel tired or get winded. But the greatest moment is when you say no whiny little person I can do this and you push past the huffing and puffing and realize you are running and not panting! Your mouth isn't even hanging open... you are able to run whilst breathing through your nose!
So if you have ever had this moment well done, it is one of my favourite moments of greatness.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
excuse me but I think you dropped something..
I was reflective this morning as I scrolled through the many books offered on a website for e-books... so it is a cyber library so to speak. I think I have always loved books, so I am torn when it comes to the rush of "e-books" "e-features" web based and online endeavors.
I think today we are all looking to connect on a personal level. the popularity of e-dating used to mearly introduce two lonely people who are in front of their computers instead of on the front line of life. Take E-harmony for example, it is a prime example of lonely people using the very technology that keeps us all isolated to create an environment safe and clinical to meet people and get to know them without ever laying eyes on them and breathing the fresh air with them.
This has proven most successful as well as proven that there is nothing like meeting someone "in the real world"
Fine and good for me to say right? Single girl "poo-pooing" the use of technology to meet people and have meaningful relationships .... I say Yes! what are ya gonna do about it?I have tried it both ways... blind date where all the man/boy did was talk about his cats... yes his cats* (please note I have nothing against cats or men who own them but just an aside first date conversation should extend beyond cat talk and replacement of the plumbing in your washroom... yes he did you can't make this stuff up!) or online where you chat a bit then before you know it your free subscription is over and all you are left with is hmm I wonder what he would have been like in person.
These things plague me from time to time. Not often but often enough!
So as I sip my coffee this morning listening to music that sings of the love we all look for, love loss and the joy of that reunion of the love thought to be lost.
I met some great people, not here in the city I live and work in but in New York.... the city I visited and wandered through for a short time how does this work? you connect and are sad it is only for that moment but I guess that is what makes life what it is yes?
I recently purchased a book called the book of Awesome... it is one I wish I had written, not often do I pick up a book and think I could have written this, it is a fun read you can pick it up and read a couple pages and put it down and it is good. No pressure to read lots of it at once. There is the "nod to stranger when doing similar tasks" It is so true you make eye contact with stranger A and you have that moment, a smile the "nod" and the moment is gone.. it is how the book says you are "like hey we are both walking down the street--lets be friends for a second"
this is the meat of the daily interactions I love and I think human nature thrives on...
So as you go about your day think of all those little interactions with people.... real flesh and blood people.
Cherish those moments, grocery store line-ups, coffee shop barristas, drive through people all good people plugging away filling the day with those little interactions..
life is good, enjoy the journey
I think today we are all looking to connect on a personal level. the popularity of e-dating used to mearly introduce two lonely people who are in front of their computers instead of on the front line of life. Take E-harmony for example, it is a prime example of lonely people using the very technology that keeps us all isolated to create an environment safe and clinical to meet people and get to know them without ever laying eyes on them and breathing the fresh air with them.
This has proven most successful as well as proven that there is nothing like meeting someone "in the real world"
Fine and good for me to say right? Single girl "poo-pooing" the use of technology to meet people and have meaningful relationships .... I say Yes! what are ya gonna do about it?I have tried it both ways... blind date where all the man/boy did was talk about his cats... yes his cats* (please note I have nothing against cats or men who own them but just an aside first date conversation should extend beyond cat talk and replacement of the plumbing in your washroom... yes he did you can't make this stuff up!) or online where you chat a bit then before you know it your free subscription is over and all you are left with is hmm I wonder what he would have been like in person.
These things plague me from time to time. Not often but often enough!
So as I sip my coffee this morning listening to music that sings of the love we all look for, love loss and the joy of that reunion of the love thought to be lost.
I met some great people, not here in the city I live and work in but in New York.... the city I visited and wandered through for a short time how does this work? you connect and are sad it is only for that moment but I guess that is what makes life what it is yes?
I recently purchased a book called the book of Awesome... it is one I wish I had written, not often do I pick up a book and think I could have written this, it is a fun read you can pick it up and read a couple pages and put it down and it is good. No pressure to read lots of it at once. There is the "nod to stranger when doing similar tasks" It is so true you make eye contact with stranger A and you have that moment, a smile the "nod" and the moment is gone.. it is how the book says you are "like hey we are both walking down the street--lets be friends for a second"
this is the meat of the daily interactions I love and I think human nature thrives on...
So as you go about your day think of all those little interactions with people.... real flesh and blood people.
Cherish those moments, grocery store line-ups, coffee shop barristas, drive through people all good people plugging away filling the day with those little interactions..
life is good, enjoy the journey
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"writing to me is simply thinking through my fingers"
Who would have thought Isac Asimov would share my feelings on writing!?
I found this quote today whilst researching Russian writers for potential book club titles
But as I cruised down the list of titles and authors the thought struck me that summer time books tend not to be books that have been "translated into modern English" by anyone.
Light not neccesarily trashy or pointless but a book on the lighter side of life, we read the Guernsey Literary and Potato peel pie society in the warmer months and it was fantastic... Wicked.... not such a fun summer book -- for those who like it it's OK to like it but man I had the hardest time ploughing through that one! Just about killed me. But we had some good discussion about it. I find when there are strong feelings linked to a book or experience it makes for lively talk.
There are 5 of us in book club so it is often hard to come to a general consensus about which one to read but the last couple have been duds so whats another one thrown into the mix!
So... drum roll.... I hope to put forward the idea to read Eat, Pray, Love. It fits the criteria for a summer book, I shunned it at first because it was such a "good book" "moving" "spellbinding" and if Oprah has anything to say about it I'm Tapping out. But a friend of mine has been reading it and telling me it is a laugh out loud at parts book as she stood in the line up at the motor vehicle branch! (or DMV for my American friends) I totally trust her judgement in books so I picked up a copy at walmart this was all before I learned a little about it, and saw the movie trailer. It is fun to be able to see a book you have read and discussed on the big screen then chat about it later over coffee or drinks.
Does anyone have a favourite book to read? maybe one you have read over and over again? We are always open to suggestions and really we will try anything!
The great thing about having so many differing minds in the discussion things are brought up that one might have overlooked at a casual reading... oh and if the book has book club questions for discussion in the back all the better!
Recently I went to see Bard on the Beach and never has Shakespeare been so good! I loved every moment of it, it is hard to know how it is going to be but to see all of His double meanings and visual comedic moments on stage made for a wonderfully good time and I highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested!
We saw Much ado about nothing and it was very funny! There are 3 others playing for the duration of the summer go early have a picnic and enjoy!
I plan on heading back if not this year again but next year for another go round! Most of the actors have been doing this for years! if you haven't noticed I highly recommend it I love books I have stacks of them everywhere, I am a "friend of the library" not through generous donation of course but through my love and kindness in keeping books until I finish them and paying the fine... I figure as long as it is still cheaper than buying the book I am still good...
So happy reading as we finally join the majority of the world celebrating summer with the blankets the lawn chairs the beaches barbecues and of course the books!
don't forget your sunscreen and book!
I found this quote today whilst researching Russian writers for potential book club titles
But as I cruised down the list of titles and authors the thought struck me that summer time books tend not to be books that have been "translated into modern English" by anyone.
Light not neccesarily trashy or pointless but a book on the lighter side of life, we read the Guernsey Literary and Potato peel pie society in the warmer months and it was fantastic... Wicked.... not such a fun summer book -- for those who like it it's OK to like it but man I had the hardest time ploughing through that one! Just about killed me. But we had some good discussion about it. I find when there are strong feelings linked to a book or experience it makes for lively talk.
There are 5 of us in book club so it is often hard to come to a general consensus about which one to read but the last couple have been duds so whats another one thrown into the mix!
So... drum roll.... I hope to put forward the idea to read Eat, Pray, Love. It fits the criteria for a summer book, I shunned it at first because it was such a "good book" "moving" "spellbinding" and if Oprah has anything to say about it I'm Tapping out. But a friend of mine has been reading it and telling me it is a laugh out loud at parts book as she stood in the line up at the motor vehicle branch! (or DMV for my American friends) I totally trust her judgement in books so I picked up a copy at walmart this was all before I learned a little about it, and saw the movie trailer. It is fun to be able to see a book you have read and discussed on the big screen then chat about it later over coffee or drinks.
Does anyone have a favourite book to read? maybe one you have read over and over again? We are always open to suggestions and really we will try anything!
The great thing about having so many differing minds in the discussion things are brought up that one might have overlooked at a casual reading... oh and if the book has book club questions for discussion in the back all the better!
Recently I went to see Bard on the Beach and never has Shakespeare been so good! I loved every moment of it, it is hard to know how it is going to be but to see all of His double meanings and visual comedic moments on stage made for a wonderfully good time and I highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested!
We saw Much ado about nothing and it was very funny! There are 3 others playing for the duration of the summer go early have a picnic and enjoy!
I plan on heading back if not this year again but next year for another go round! Most of the actors have been doing this for years! if you haven't noticed I highly recommend it I love books I have stacks of them everywhere, I am a "friend of the library" not through generous donation of course but through my love and kindness in keeping books until I finish them and paying the fine... I figure as long as it is still cheaper than buying the book I am still good...
So happy reading as we finally join the majority of the world celebrating summer with the blankets the lawn chairs the beaches barbecues and of course the books!
don't forget your sunscreen and book!
Friday, July 2, 2010
So it's early
0530...
That's five thirty to those who are playing along at home...
It is what time my eyes popped open this morning.
It is criminal really
I tried to fall back asleep a skill I think after many years of hard training I feel I am usually most successful at... I was once the subject of great envy for my ability to fall asleep... but my super powers wane...
I m afraid caffeinatrix is close at hand
For those who are not familiar with her let me fill you in... not long after x-men came out a friend and I were discussing our super powers being x-men of course and mine was the ability to sleep at a moments notice any time anywhere or to use my powers on others bringing sleepiness to those I encounter which can be good... but with great power comes great responsibility...
my alter ego is the over-caffeinated "day person" the two sides of the coin... Narcalepto and Caffeinatrix it is my secret .....my legend
hahaha long story short-to late!
These things happen at 530 in the morning
I tried desperately to get cozy again, to recreate the cocoon that envelopes you in warmth and fuzzy feelings the one that you are desperate to re-claim once the alarm has gone off... but alas it is the cocoon of necessity and because I had no real reason to be up so gosh darm early I lacked the conviction and drive to fall asleep again.
I tried
I read half a book, I put a movie on-- a trick I learned to keep the dogs from barking at the people coming home late who park on the street and talk loud enough to alert the hyper vigilant ears of the little night watchmen who cuddle up at the end of the bed... with the movie on they think it is tv fall asleep and don't bark when the late comers who think they are whispering come home they don't wake up!
no luck!
So with a load of laundry on and my dishwasher merrily humming I am struck with the urge to do something major...if I sit quietly the feeling will pass... It's ok I have had this before and I am actually still tidying up after it!
So with a fresh pot of Christmas blend sitting and a cup of the precious elixir wafting my way the day hold such promise the promise of a nap? maybe!!! It is a cold day so far... as the skies are already light it is kinda grey out there hence the change to the layout.. I wasn't going to be one of those change the layout to fit the mood people but I have yet to settle on one I really liked... I loved the green one I recently tried but it was not quite right.. might have to make one of my own ... today!
hahahaa not likely... I will probably continue to surf the Internet looking for wonderful things I might make another little hat.. there are 100 pregnant girls at work ( well maybe a few less than that) and I am trying to find a little project that I can get finished to stock pile for when the blessed days arrive! I have found a cute little hat pattern that is relatively easy but I have to find my big sewing needle so I can finish it off... we will see if it works I will try my hand at posting a picture for all to see...
all three of you :)
till then I have a pot of coffee and a bag of fresh books from the library to try out!
That's five thirty to those who are playing along at home...
It is what time my eyes popped open this morning.
It is criminal really
I tried to fall back asleep a skill I think after many years of hard training I feel I am usually most successful at... I was once the subject of great envy for my ability to fall asleep... but my super powers wane...
I m afraid caffeinatrix is close at hand
For those who are not familiar with her let me fill you in... not long after x-men came out a friend and I were discussing our super powers being x-men of course and mine was the ability to sleep at a moments notice any time anywhere or to use my powers on others bringing sleepiness to those I encounter which can be good... but with great power comes great responsibility...
my alter ego is the over-caffeinated "day person" the two sides of the coin... Narcalepto and Caffeinatrix it is my secret .....my legend
hahaha long story short-to late!
These things happen at 530 in the morning
I tried desperately to get cozy again, to recreate the cocoon that envelopes you in warmth and fuzzy feelings the one that you are desperate to re-claim once the alarm has gone off... but alas it is the cocoon of necessity and because I had no real reason to be up so gosh darm early I lacked the conviction and drive to fall asleep again.
I tried
I read half a book, I put a movie on-- a trick I learned to keep the dogs from barking at the people coming home late who park on the street and talk loud enough to alert the hyper vigilant ears of the little night watchmen who cuddle up at the end of the bed... with the movie on they think it is tv fall asleep and don't bark when the late comers who think they are whispering come home they don't wake up!
no luck!
So with a load of laundry on and my dishwasher merrily humming I am struck with the urge to do something major...if I sit quietly the feeling will pass... It's ok I have had this before and I am actually still tidying up after it!
So with a fresh pot of Christmas blend sitting and a cup of the precious elixir wafting my way the day hold such promise the promise of a nap? maybe!!! It is a cold day so far... as the skies are already light it is kinda grey out there hence the change to the layout.. I wasn't going to be one of those change the layout to fit the mood people but I have yet to settle on one I really liked... I loved the green one I recently tried but it was not quite right.. might have to make one of my own ... today!
hahahaa not likely... I will probably continue to surf the Internet looking for wonderful things I might make another little hat.. there are 100 pregnant girls at work ( well maybe a few less than that) and I am trying to find a little project that I can get finished to stock pile for when the blessed days arrive! I have found a cute little hat pattern that is relatively easy but I have to find my big sewing needle so I can finish it off... we will see if it works I will try my hand at posting a picture for all to see...
all three of you :)
till then I have a pot of coffee and a bag of fresh books from the library to try out!
Friday, June 25, 2010
it's a well known fact....
It's a well known fact that when boiled milk will seperate cooking the protien and seperating out the watery parts from the "milk solids" So why would a recepie call for bringing milk/cream to a boil for 30 seconds then reducing the heat to simmer for 30 minutes? 30 seconds is a long time... a very long time as you are witness to the seperation of the milk into its base elements...
So as an aside to my lovely curry dinner last night and subsequent left overs tonight I have to say the "sauce" doesn't taste different but it sure walks the fine line of texture violation when the sauce is not as smooth as it could have been had the recepie not asked you to boil it... sigh the things you learn..
It is a long road paved with many mistakes... and thanks to The good people at General Mills Cereal us singles girls will never go hungry as long as there is a box of cheerios in the house.
So as an aside to my lovely curry dinner last night and subsequent left overs tonight I have to say the "sauce" doesn't taste different but it sure walks the fine line of texture violation when the sauce is not as smooth as it could have been had the recepie not asked you to boil it... sigh the things you learn..
It is a long road paved with many mistakes... and thanks to The good people at General Mills Cereal us singles girls will never go hungry as long as there is a box of cheerios in the house.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
It's hot outside... lets make spicy food!
So I think that summer has finally decided to grace us with her presence... and my thoughts turn to what am I going to make for dinner...
I was thinking this as I rummaged through my shelves loking for the slightest bit of inspiration... I found a little packet of curry paste and decided to build a meal around it!
I set to work almost immediately looking for the ingretients it suggested on the back of the package... I had them all I had to go to the back of the freezer for any form of meat that wasn't fish... not sure how Talapia curry would work! So I thawed out the meat and set to chopping carrots potatoes and onions I had an apple a day or so past crispy eating raw goodness cut it up and threw it in.. now I wait I am keeping close watch on my beutiful yellow pot as I do not want a repeat of the spaghetti disaster of the spring..
I think it might turn out it is merrily simmering in the coconut milk and waiting till the potatoes are soft to the fork test... I think I will fire up the rice cooker and make some rice and get ready for a sweaty evening! I love curry and wonder why I don't make it more often.. then I remember the fact I have a miniscule window in my kitchen that does not open... and mildly useful stove ventilation in a small place it is an aroma that while cooking and eating it is good but when you awake to the smells of dinner for days after it may just be a little much... but I have decided it will be good for now!
So until next time I am signing off to get back in the kitchen... barefoot and scared of ruining my favourite pot~!
I was thinking this as I rummaged through my shelves loking for the slightest bit of inspiration... I found a little packet of curry paste and decided to build a meal around it!
I set to work almost immediately looking for the ingretients it suggested on the back of the package... I had them all I had to go to the back of the freezer for any form of meat that wasn't fish... not sure how Talapia curry would work! So I thawed out the meat and set to chopping carrots potatoes and onions I had an apple a day or so past crispy eating raw goodness cut it up and threw it in.. now I wait I am keeping close watch on my beutiful yellow pot as I do not want a repeat of the spaghetti disaster of the spring..
I think it might turn out it is merrily simmering in the coconut milk and waiting till the potatoes are soft to the fork test... I think I will fire up the rice cooker and make some rice and get ready for a sweaty evening! I love curry and wonder why I don't make it more often.. then I remember the fact I have a miniscule window in my kitchen that does not open... and mildly useful stove ventilation in a small place it is an aroma that while cooking and eating it is good but when you awake to the smells of dinner for days after it may just be a little much... but I have decided it will be good for now!
So until next time I am signing off to get back in the kitchen... barefoot and scared of ruining my favourite pot~!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Rainy Days
I am home sick today, yes and the weather has been good enough to match my melancholy outlook...
It's June and its pouring rain... not the nice rain that comes and washes everything and then dries and the flowers get a drink the grass perks up and all is right with the world leaving that much loved smell of clean pavement in the air... this is the rain that seeps into your bones insidious cold and damp feeling that drives even the bravest back into flannel and socks turning thoughts towards "what can I do indoors"
So as I sit and wait for my trusty coffee maker to finish brewing the dark velvety elixir who's aroma fills my nostrils and makes me wish it be finished... I write. I write about sad winter activities... but I also have a confession is it wrong to be so excited about the outbreak of newborns at work? 8 of my co-workers will have newborns by Christmas! this is exciting enough but I was gazing at my stash of yarn... yes I am thirty something going on eighty something --I knit and crochet... and have been know to sew but since the great green grad dress scandal of 2000(remind me to tell you about it) I have not sewn more than quilts... like I said I am eighty... but as I ramble I was inspired to wander down my shelves of yarn trying to picture the perfect baby gift to wrap all these new additions in! I found a beautiful little striped hat and I will count on my old standby afghan for them all I love it and by now I can knock one out in a matter or 2 or 3 movies.
Yes I measure my projects in episodes or old movies I have seen before so I don't feel like I am sitting at home alone knitting in a quiet room... the only thing missing is the creepy creaking of the rocking chair from psycho... Norman... NORMAN!
Ok snap out of it! Shake it off.... burrrrrrrr
So my coffee has finished that little reassuring beeeeeeep of a pot well completed I shall go select some yarn fit for the little princes and princesses that I have yet to meet... so until next time stay warm and dry... and don't forget it really is JUNE!
It's June and its pouring rain... not the nice rain that comes and washes everything and then dries and the flowers get a drink the grass perks up and all is right with the world leaving that much loved smell of clean pavement in the air... this is the rain that seeps into your bones insidious cold and damp feeling that drives even the bravest back into flannel and socks turning thoughts towards "what can I do indoors"
So as I sit and wait for my trusty coffee maker to finish brewing the dark velvety elixir who's aroma fills my nostrils and makes me wish it be finished... I write. I write about sad winter activities... but I also have a confession is it wrong to be so excited about the outbreak of newborns at work? 8 of my co-workers will have newborns by Christmas! this is exciting enough but I was gazing at my stash of yarn... yes I am thirty something going on eighty something --I knit and crochet... and have been know to sew but since the great green grad dress scandal of 2000(remind me to tell you about it) I have not sewn more than quilts... like I said I am eighty... but as I ramble I was inspired to wander down my shelves of yarn trying to picture the perfect baby gift to wrap all these new additions in! I found a beautiful little striped hat and I will count on my old standby afghan for them all I love it and by now I can knock one out in a matter or 2 or 3 movies.
Yes I measure my projects in episodes or old movies I have seen before so I don't feel like I am sitting at home alone knitting in a quiet room... the only thing missing is the creepy creaking of the rocking chair from psycho... Norman... NORMAN!
Ok snap out of it! Shake it off.... burrrrrrrr
So my coffee has finished that little reassuring beeeeeeep of a pot well completed I shall go select some yarn fit for the little princes and princesses that I have yet to meet... so until next time stay warm and dry... and don't forget it really is JUNE!
Friday, June 4, 2010
summer time and the living is easy?
I had to do a double take as according to my calendar and the general population when polled, it is June...
First of all how did that happen? is it a leap year that skips April and May?
Did wonder woman actually spin the wrong way and shot us into the future?
All of these are valid and totally believable explanations to how it got to be June without me knowing it!
Sadly I have not heard my beautiful serenader lately not because I have not been home but the windows are all closed and the flannel I am dressed in head to toe muffles any sounds I may encounter!
It is cold.... not just cold but cold and wet... my back yard garden is sadly green... not many flowers yet I think they are scared to come show their pretty faces.
So the approach of June brings me to another dreadful realization I have been going to the gym for 6 months... yikes I thought I would be so much svelter than I am... I am still a potato with toothpick legs... yes good visual yes? I am tired of all the fruit-related body types I am going for veggies. hey I am potato who wishes to be carrot like instead I am a potato with "man calves"
There is no denying my genetics these days I have gotten back into running after a not too brief hiatus and it was hard at first but I am up to about 3-4 minutes with just a minute breather in between so I am happy with that I am not training for a marathon just training for a healthier me. It was unfair to tell my cardiac patients to exercise when I myself didn't now I can tell them hey if I can do it you can do it. They take better to that and if they disagree with me I just flash my man calves at them and they comply... kidding!! really I am ...
But I highly recommend making summer resolutions, me? I am learning Spanish, what will you conquer this summer? there is something magical about summer time it is a time where anything seems possible, people are happier, air smells sweeter, and there is nothing like the smells of a bbq winding its way on the breeze into your house --- it's just a shame all my windows are closed up and my BBQ is still in the box!
Bring on the summer I say and here's to a summer time challenge!
Cheers~
First of all how did that happen? is it a leap year that skips April and May?
Did wonder woman actually spin the wrong way and shot us into the future?
All of these are valid and totally believable explanations to how it got to be June without me knowing it!
Sadly I have not heard my beautiful serenader lately not because I have not been home but the windows are all closed and the flannel I am dressed in head to toe muffles any sounds I may encounter!
It is cold.... not just cold but cold and wet... my back yard garden is sadly green... not many flowers yet I think they are scared to come show their pretty faces.
So the approach of June brings me to another dreadful realization I have been going to the gym for 6 months... yikes I thought I would be so much svelter than I am... I am still a potato with toothpick legs... yes good visual yes? I am tired of all the fruit-related body types I am going for veggies. hey I am potato who wishes to be carrot like instead I am a potato with "man calves"
There is no denying my genetics these days I have gotten back into running after a not too brief hiatus and it was hard at first but I am up to about 3-4 minutes with just a minute breather in between so I am happy with that I am not training for a marathon just training for a healthier me. It was unfair to tell my cardiac patients to exercise when I myself didn't now I can tell them hey if I can do it you can do it. They take better to that and if they disagree with me I just flash my man calves at them and they comply... kidding!! really I am ...
But I highly recommend making summer resolutions, me? I am learning Spanish, what will you conquer this summer? there is something magical about summer time it is a time where anything seems possible, people are happier, air smells sweeter, and there is nothing like the smells of a bbq winding its way on the breeze into your house --- it's just a shame all my windows are closed up and my BBQ is still in the box!
Bring on the summer I say and here's to a summer time challenge!
Cheers~
Friday, May 28, 2010
donde esta...?
Languages have always facinated me and not to toot my own horn I have always had a bit of a knak for language enough that I can butcher my way through a good many scenarios.. granted don't ask me to put a verb into past perfect or anything but for the here and now I am pretty not bad.
I also have a compulsion to buy "speak in a week" "roadtrip audio" "learn and go" language courses so I was thinking what I should undertake this summer, since I am continuing with the running I will have to start something new...
So I am going to crack open the "See, Hear, Say and earn Spanish" so here we go ladies and gentlemen!!!
or should I say: Hola! I just have to figure a way to invert my exclainmation marks ala espanol its bueno si?
fun times-- I figure now is as good a time as any to tackle something like this.. suddenly I have a craving for a burrito and some green chilli sauce mmmm maybe some pico de guyo... sigh too bad I am not as good in the kitchen as I am with linguistics..
maybe I should go to spain and spend a season leaning to cook using my newly learned language.
I think yes!
Si
oh dear, well it is raining yet again another perfectly good night to stay in and learn somthing new.. lesson one here we go!
until next time donde esta el bano?
I also have a compulsion to buy "speak in a week" "roadtrip audio" "learn and go" language courses so I was thinking what I should undertake this summer, since I am continuing with the running I will have to start something new...
So I am going to crack open the "See, Hear, Say and earn Spanish" so here we go ladies and gentlemen!!!
or should I say: Hola! I just have to figure a way to invert my exclainmation marks ala espanol its bueno si?
fun times-- I figure now is as good a time as any to tackle something like this.. suddenly I have a craving for a burrito and some green chilli sauce mmmm maybe some pico de guyo... sigh too bad I am not as good in the kitchen as I am with linguistics..
maybe I should go to spain and spend a season leaning to cook using my newly learned language.
I think yes!
Si
oh dear, well it is raining yet again another perfectly good night to stay in and learn somthing new.. lesson one here we go!
until next time donde esta el bano?
Saturday, May 22, 2010
put your money literally where your mouth is...
So I am sitting here after working out all glorious and virtuous... and sweaty
Fun times.. But as I sweat to the oldies (well not really) I had an idea... I would dig out a piggy bank and put a dollar in it for every pound I lost....and gained and lost again so if I don't continue to lose weight this could be an expensive venture...
This is so that I am accountable, pardon the banking punn, to more than just my own virtuous feeling self hahaha only on the good days
So my reading friends I am hoping that you too will keep my on my toes I need all the help I can get on the cold nights when it is not quite summer so it is condusive to curling up in front of the fire with a movie or a book when I should be out at the gym moving in some vigorous kinetic fashion!
So I have seeded my little piggy bank with a crisp $20 bill and change in order to motivate and inspire we will see how this one goes.
Till then I must shower and get all scrubbed up for work... wow two bad punns in one post I am really sorry... it must be all the oxygen rushing through my veins my brain is not quite sure what to do with it all!
Fun times.. But as I sweat to the oldies (well not really) I had an idea... I would dig out a piggy bank and put a dollar in it for every pound I lost....and gained and lost again so if I don't continue to lose weight this could be an expensive venture...
This is so that I am accountable, pardon the banking punn, to more than just my own virtuous feeling self hahaha only on the good days
So my reading friends I am hoping that you too will keep my on my toes I need all the help I can get on the cold nights when it is not quite summer so it is condusive to curling up in front of the fire with a movie or a book when I should be out at the gym moving in some vigorous kinetic fashion!
So I have seeded my little piggy bank with a crisp $20 bill and change in order to motivate and inspire we will see how this one goes.
Till then I must shower and get all scrubbed up for work... wow two bad punns in one post I am really sorry... it must be all the oxygen rushing through my veins my brain is not quite sure what to do with it all!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Bravery
As most of my meager few readers know I have two little dogs...
emphasis on little
to those who know them they believe they are huge... they have the biggest hearts
They believe they are invincible
I leave the back door open for them if I am in the kitchen they heard a big dog bark... I know it was a big dog because it was one of those barks that you can feel in the pit of your stomach... big dog that means business
well didn't the two little warriors rush outside to take on the world.... this big dog was of course on the other side of the fence but these two little scrappy dogs would have given that big dog what for. I looked out over the fence, what I could see was the back window of a SUV with the biggest Shepherd I have seen in ages... big face, big eyes, big teeth,looking out barking.... then I realized it was a "dog with a job" and his two partners were visiting my neighbor.... it was awfully hot to be dressed all in black... and I don't know if it is cause I just spent time in NYC or just my chicken instincts I quickly collected my little mouth pieces and headed indoors... the collecting of the dogs was just about as easy as scooping up a cracked egg with bare hands but we managed to make it indoors safe and sound..only to peer out the window looking for any signs of action...chicken maybe, curious heck yeah!
Never a dull moment in the neighborhood Mister Rogers where are you when I need you .... its a beautiful day in the neighbourhood will you be mine.... will you be mine .....won't you be my neighbour?
So gold stars for my two little brave souls... special treats are in their futures... and I know they would fight till the death for me.
Sweet little dogs now as I look under the table, they are both sacked out on their respective beds Rocco in his little dog donut bed Chappa on her princess bed dreaming of saving the day
emphasis on little
to those who know them they believe they are huge... they have the biggest hearts
They believe they are invincible
I leave the back door open for them if I am in the kitchen they heard a big dog bark... I know it was a big dog because it was one of those barks that you can feel in the pit of your stomach... big dog that means business
well didn't the two little warriors rush outside to take on the world.... this big dog was of course on the other side of the fence but these two little scrappy dogs would have given that big dog what for. I looked out over the fence, what I could see was the back window of a SUV with the biggest Shepherd I have seen in ages... big face, big eyes, big teeth,looking out barking.... then I realized it was a "dog with a job" and his two partners were visiting my neighbor.... it was awfully hot to be dressed all in black... and I don't know if it is cause I just spent time in NYC or just my chicken instincts I quickly collected my little mouth pieces and headed indoors... the collecting of the dogs was just about as easy as scooping up a cracked egg with bare hands but we managed to make it indoors safe and sound..only to peer out the window looking for any signs of action...chicken maybe, curious heck yeah!
Never a dull moment in the neighborhood Mister Rogers where are you when I need you .... its a beautiful day in the neighbourhood will you be mine.... will you be mine .....won't you be my neighbour?
So gold stars for my two little brave souls... special treats are in their futures... and I know they would fight till the death for me.
Sweet little dogs now as I look under the table, they are both sacked out on their respective beds Rocco in his little dog donut bed Chappa on her princess bed dreaming of saving the day
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Spring is in the air...
Spring has sprung, the weather is crazy, the birds are singing, flowers blooming and yes it is leave your windows open time.
This brings me to the glorious point.
I live in a movie... you know that moment the beautiful woman leaves her wonderful house, steps out onto the perfectly manicured lawn the coolness just on the edge of the wind, freshness in the air....and the sound of music filters through the air piano music to be exact.... I have a neighbor who plays the piano and I am so happy that it is warm enough for both of us to have our windows open this happened last year in the summer and it was in a word magical... they are very good, they play classical piano..is one of my favourites. The good classical piano not the angry kind of piano, the beautiful kind that floats through the air making simpe things like walking with the dogs in your not so perfect back yard to fetch a frisbee from the other side of the fence.. it makes these simple things magical... makes you feel like you are in a movie. yes I Am cheesy I know a nerd yes but I do love the little moments that make simple daily activities wonderful.
I am a romantic, I love my life it is sweet and good and it is magical. I am blessed to have a wonderful slice of perfection right in my own backyard.
So thank you to my neighbor for adding the soundtrack.. I wish that each of you also finds the soundtack to your backyard
This brings me to the glorious point.
I live in a movie... you know that moment the beautiful woman leaves her wonderful house, steps out onto the perfectly manicured lawn the coolness just on the edge of the wind, freshness in the air....and the sound of music filters through the air piano music to be exact.... I have a neighbor who plays the piano and I am so happy that it is warm enough for both of us to have our windows open this happened last year in the summer and it was in a word magical... they are very good, they play classical piano..is one of my favourites. The good classical piano not the angry kind of piano, the beautiful kind that floats through the air making simpe things like walking with the dogs in your not so perfect back yard to fetch a frisbee from the other side of the fence.. it makes these simple things magical... makes you feel like you are in a movie. yes I Am cheesy I know a nerd yes but I do love the little moments that make simple daily activities wonderful.
I am a romantic, I love my life it is sweet and good and it is magical. I am blessed to have a wonderful slice of perfection right in my own backyard.
So thank you to my neighbor for adding the soundtrack.. I wish that each of you also finds the soundtack to your backyard
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I've moved....
Picture this it is pouring down rain...the wind is howling bits of tree are flinging themselves up against the house... and I am in the middle of moving... good thing it was done all at the table lap top in front of me..
So Xanga readers I have moved to Blogspot... I think it is easier to navigate and access so please don't get sad I have left the blogging community I am just moving addresses I will still link it to Facebook so all is well :)
keep me accountable my friends and readers!
write at ya soon!
So Xanga readers I have moved to Blogspot... I think it is easier to navigate and access so please don't get sad I have left the blogging community I am just moving addresses I will still link it to Facebook so all is well :)
keep me accountable my friends and readers!
write at ya soon!
Holiday Hang-over
Friday, May 14, 2010
Holiday Hang-over
I know what you are thinking... but it is a different kind of hangover than the standard over-enjoyed the alcohol type one..
I just returned from a holiday, I was in New York City for 10 glorious days (but that is a post for another day) Now I am rudely faced with having to return to work.... sad I know I can hear all your hearts breaking for me. It isn't usually this bad, I feel so happy to be home to see my family and friends once again but at the same time I miss being there, the little routine you adopt when on holidays living out of a hotel room.... coffee in the morning at the starbucks across the street, seeing the same barristas each day makes it feel a little closer to home..... the routine of heading out for the day with a whole day worth of adventure ahead of you discovering something else you have to tell folks back home about.
The lure of what is down that little street and where is that place from here. Living from a map, loving the freedom of a packed day of trekking to and fro...
The feeling after a long day walking tired yet satisfied. A whole day worth of architecture, museums, priceless work of art all swimming in your head as you try to capture the essence of the day in your journal trying to recap the personal interactions as well... all the crazy and interesting people you meet... those of us who attract the crazy and unusual... makes for a fun adventure.... to go from that returning to the stress of the unpredictable patient switching gears and going in a whole nother direction I think it is so very different I am sad and sick about having to switch back to reality...
yes for those who are crying great tears for me and playing the worlds smallest violins for me I know it sounds like I am whining (again) and not appreciative at all-- don't get me wrong I love my job and that it allows me the chance to take great trips like this one but it still sucks coming home from a holiday whether it is a weekend trip camping or a month long trip to Europe it is hard to return to the day in day out after having the time away...
I think this is why we have holidays to motivate us to work harder in order to provide for another holiday... I swear it is all a ploy! and I have bought in with all I have! Sign me up for the overtime shifts now that I am home in order to pay for the next fun adventure I can plan... as I have already started the next trip away :) pretty sure I have already planned the next one on the flight home from this one!
So whether it is one day one week or one month away I think all of us feel the same sadness to see it come to an end... so until absolutely necessary
I am here lingering in my New York state of mind...
Holiday Hang-over
I know what you are thinking... but it is a different kind of hangover than the standard over-enjoyed the alcohol type one..
I just returned from a holiday, I was in New York City for 10 glorious days (but that is a post for another day) Now I am rudely faced with having to return to work.... sad I know I can hear all your hearts breaking for me. It isn't usually this bad, I feel so happy to be home to see my family and friends once again but at the same time I miss being there, the little routine you adopt when on holidays living out of a hotel room.... coffee in the morning at the starbucks across the street, seeing the same barristas each day makes it feel a little closer to home..... the routine of heading out for the day with a whole day worth of adventure ahead of you discovering something else you have to tell folks back home about.
The lure of what is down that little street and where is that place from here. Living from a map, loving the freedom of a packed day of trekking to and fro...
The feeling after a long day walking tired yet satisfied. A whole day worth of architecture, museums, priceless work of art all swimming in your head as you try to capture the essence of the day in your journal trying to recap the personal interactions as well... all the crazy and interesting people you meet... those of us who attract the crazy and unusual... makes for a fun adventure.... to go from that returning to the stress of the unpredictable patient switching gears and going in a whole nother direction I think it is so very different I am sad and sick about having to switch back to reality...
yes for those who are crying great tears for me and playing the worlds smallest violins for me I know it sounds like I am whining (again) and not appreciative at all-- don't get me wrong I love my job and that it allows me the chance to take great trips like this one but it still sucks coming home from a holiday whether it is a weekend trip camping or a month long trip to Europe it is hard to return to the day in day out after having the time away...
I think this is why we have holidays to motivate us to work harder in order to provide for another holiday... I swear it is all a ploy! and I have bought in with all I have! Sign me up for the overtime shifts now that I am home in order to pay for the next fun adventure I can plan... as I have already started the next trip away :) pretty sure I have already planned the next one on the flight home from this one!
So whether it is one day one week or one month away I think all of us feel the same sadness to see it come to an end... so until absolutely necessary
I am here lingering in my New York state of mind...
TP Russian Roulette
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
TP Russian Roulette
I live on the edge I confess. I life a life full of risky behavior like just last week I realized I was down to my last roll of toilet paper-- you have to realize I think I bought a costco mega pack (about a year ago!!) so I have not had to purchase toilet paper for it feels like forever ... it was like playing russian roulette each time I spun that roll! will it run out or will it last another go round? this lasted 4 days... lets just say it was a jumbo roll and I am not lacking in hygiene... and to top it all off I have a cold so I have been rolling it off to blow my nose on without thinking about the consequences.... I know CRAZY!
I saw the light and decided to stop at the Shoppers on my way home one of the only stores open on my way home from work in the mornings, so in I went bee-lined it for the toilet paper aisle only to find old mother hubbard's cupboards were bare... not a package of toilet paper on the entire shelf and when asked there was no more toilet paper in the stope I could wait for the truck.... um no thanks.... good thing I hit the potty before I left work!
Last attempt after my second night shift I thought Walmart would be a good idea... do you know how overwhelming the toilet paper aisle is on a good day let alone after working all night?
Jumbo rolls.. newer softer formula..squeezable...single ply...double ply...triple ply...single roll....double roll....triple roll... bears, kitten soft, swans, magestic.... recycled...planting trees... unbleached....quilted...blah blah blah
I had to just reach blindly grab a package of toilet paper and run! It was toilet paper for crying out loud... I think I will have to go back to costco just to ease the stress of buying the wrong brand of toilet paper! thus limiting my toilet paper buying needs to once or twice yearly...
So until next time.." if you are not living on the egde-- you are taking up too much space! "
next time you go to a store check out the toilet paper aisle!
TP Russian Roulette
I live on the edge I confess. I life a life full of risky behavior like just last week I realized I was down to my last roll of toilet paper-- you have to realize I think I bought a costco mega pack (about a year ago!!) so I have not had to purchase toilet paper for it feels like forever ... it was like playing russian roulette each time I spun that roll! will it run out or will it last another go round? this lasted 4 days... lets just say it was a jumbo roll and I am not lacking in hygiene... and to top it all off I have a cold so I have been rolling it off to blow my nose on without thinking about the consequences.... I know CRAZY!
I saw the light and decided to stop at the Shoppers on my way home one of the only stores open on my way home from work in the mornings, so in I went bee-lined it for the toilet paper aisle only to find old mother hubbard's cupboards were bare... not a package of toilet paper on the entire shelf and when asked there was no more toilet paper in the stope I could wait for the truck.... um no thanks.... good thing I hit the potty before I left work!
Last attempt after my second night shift I thought Walmart would be a good idea... do you know how overwhelming the toilet paper aisle is on a good day let alone after working all night?
Jumbo rolls.. newer softer formula..squeezable...single ply...double ply...triple ply...single roll....double roll....triple roll... bears, kitten soft, swans, magestic.... recycled...planting trees... unbleached....quilted...blah blah blah
I had to just reach blindly grab a package of toilet paper and run! It was toilet paper for crying out loud... I think I will have to go back to costco just to ease the stress of buying the wrong brand of toilet paper! thus limiting my toilet paper buying needs to once or twice yearly...
So until next time.." if you are not living on the egde-- you are taking up too much space! "
next time you go to a store check out the toilet paper aisle!
Heros
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Heros
I was thinking about heros today, and I don't mean the Nissan Versa driving Hiro as good as that hero is ..
I was thinking of the many characteristics of a hero, what they do, what they represent and how they shape our lives..
I then started thinking of who my hero was..... do they wear a cape? are they a man? a woman? do they work? are they missionaries? explorers? scientists? ...
the characteristics of my hero are near and dear to my heart
she is loving
she speaks her mind
when she doesn't like something she will tell you
she is not afraid to stand up for the little guy
she is spontaneous
she is kind
she is artistic
she loves music
she is sweet
she has spent her entire lives being an individual
she is not influenced by the majority
ahe is happy
she is adventurous
she is fun loving
she cares for others
she is good with children
she is brave
she is strong
she is always forgiving
she loves the quiet moments
she spends time in contemplation
she is willing to try something new
she will share her last drink of water with you
she would give you the clothes off her back
I have known her for 10 years and every day I have known her I have been encouraged and challenged to be a better person...
she is my niece, she has special needs, she is my hero and I love her and am very proud she calls me Aunty
I love you Deebers
Heros
I was thinking about heros today, and I don't mean the Nissan Versa driving Hiro as good as that hero is ..
I was thinking of the many characteristics of a hero, what they do, what they represent and how they shape our lives..
I then started thinking of who my hero was..... do they wear a cape? are they a man? a woman? do they work? are they missionaries? explorers? scientists? ...
the characteristics of my hero are near and dear to my heart
she is loving
she speaks her mind
when she doesn't like something she will tell you
she is not afraid to stand up for the little guy
she is spontaneous
she is kind
she is artistic
she loves music
she is sweet
she has spent her entire lives being an individual
she is not influenced by the majority
ahe is happy
she is adventurous
she is fun loving
she cares for others
she is good with children
she is brave
she is strong
she is always forgiving
she loves the quiet moments
she spends time in contemplation
she is willing to try something new
she will share her last drink of water with you
she would give you the clothes off her back
I have known her for 10 years and every day I have known her I have been encouraged and challenged to be a better person...
she is my niece, she has special needs, she is my hero and I love her and am very proud she calls me Aunty
I love you Deebers
It's Easter time.... and again time for cooking
Sunday, April 04, 2010
It's Easter time.... and again time for cooking
I am not sure why I put this much pressure on myself to cook well... Honestly I get by.
I live in a Mennonite rich community and here at Easter time there is a bread that is traditionally made by the mennonite families, growing up with mennonite friends I have been fortunate enough to partake in this delicious bread on more than one occasion... now here I am on my own... not a mennonite to be seen and I am attempting to make it.
It is a wonderful golden yellow sweet bread that in true menno form is smothered in icing and sprinkles...called Paska
I first had to find a recipe for said bread so I turned to the internet.... oh what would this cooking challenged girl do without the internet and of course my cooking friend who is pretty much on speed dial and had gotten strange phone calls as I attempt to cook but that is another story all in itself!
I stumbled on a blog that lists traditional mennonite recipes as well as non traditional recipes, when I first clicked on the "mennonite recipe" button I half expected to be faced with a series of trivia questions followed by a secret handshake and a "who are you related to" series of pictures and then and only then if I answered correctly I would be allowed to access the recipes that if I was a true mennonite I should know already.... but I clicked on it and nothing happened... no Menno Simons or Hildibrandt for pope rally or anything.. just a beautiful picture of these yellow loaves of citrussy goodness
I followed the recipe literally sweating bullets, why does it stress me out so much? honestly cooking and baking is one of those things people do to relax.. oh no I get everything out on the counter, line it all up make sure I have each chemical in the formula that I need 'cause after all isn't baking just a branch of chemistry? Perhaps this is the source of my stress and distress... it is a branch of Chemistry.... I am a biologist....not a chemist... too bad the biology in me cannot survive without the chemistry... shoot.
Well I had my blender blending whizzing up the rind of a whole lemon and a whole orange along with the juicy pulpy meat of both fruits whizzing merrily as my heart was racing measuring out the eggs and salt and sugar melting butter in the warmed milk all adding to the blender which by the way did most of the work.. then checking and rechecking the most important part the yeast mixture... it was getting poofy as the recipe said it would churning up in foamy bubbles as the yeast multiplied eating up the sugar in the water bubbling and growing heating and churning...
the true test of courage combining the two... the blender full off buttery yellow tart smelling liquid and the bubbly earthy smelling yeast.....they mixed--the bubbles swirling gently like the foam on the top of a hot steamy latte... a little heat rose off the bowl of heated milk, butter, sugar yeast, eggs and fruit... now to add the flour...
I was sad at this next stage.... there was no measurement... it was "add no more than 7 and 1/2 cups" oh dear
I started slowly.... but realized it would take all day so I got liberal with the flour cup after cup kneading and stirring until I had a bowl full of sticky smooth yellow dough I tucked it all in a ball and set it under the towel to rise...once kneading it into a small ball...twice forming it into golden yellow loaves of promise and finally once the loaves had risen slightly popped them into the oven... pacing I peeked every 3 or 4 minutes checking to make sure something that held so much promise was in fact turning out...
well I have 2 traditional loaves and a hearth loaf (round no loaf pan) cooling on the rack in the kitchen... the oven is turned off, my house smells of sweetness and citrus... I can relax... until someone has to taste it.
So as my friend told me today I am adventurous in my cooking challenges but why not? you cannot fly if at first you don't take that first leap.
Well my friends there is no ground beneath my feet at this point I feel the wind on my face rushing through my hair... I am just waiting for the updraft to carry me on before I hit the ground
Happy cooking!
It's Easter time.... and again time for cooking
I am not sure why I put this much pressure on myself to cook well... Honestly I get by.
I live in a Mennonite rich community and here at Easter time there is a bread that is traditionally made by the mennonite families, growing up with mennonite friends I have been fortunate enough to partake in this delicious bread on more than one occasion... now here I am on my own... not a mennonite to be seen and I am attempting to make it.
It is a wonderful golden yellow sweet bread that in true menno form is smothered in icing and sprinkles...called Paska
I first had to find a recipe for said bread so I turned to the internet.... oh what would this cooking challenged girl do without the internet and of course my cooking friend who is pretty much on speed dial and had gotten strange phone calls as I attempt to cook but that is another story all in itself!
I stumbled on a blog that lists traditional mennonite recipes as well as non traditional recipes, when I first clicked on the "mennonite recipe" button I half expected to be faced with a series of trivia questions followed by a secret handshake and a "who are you related to" series of pictures and then and only then if I answered correctly I would be allowed to access the recipes that if I was a true mennonite I should know already.... but I clicked on it and nothing happened... no Menno Simons or Hildibrandt for pope rally or anything.. just a beautiful picture of these yellow loaves of citrussy goodness
I followed the recipe literally sweating bullets, why does it stress me out so much? honestly cooking and baking is one of those things people do to relax.. oh no I get everything out on the counter, line it all up make sure I have each chemical in the formula that I need 'cause after all isn't baking just a branch of chemistry? Perhaps this is the source of my stress and distress... it is a branch of Chemistry.... I am a biologist....not a chemist... too bad the biology in me cannot survive without the chemistry... shoot.
Well I had my blender blending whizzing up the rind of a whole lemon and a whole orange along with the juicy pulpy meat of both fruits whizzing merrily as my heart was racing measuring out the eggs and salt and sugar melting butter in the warmed milk all adding to the blender which by the way did most of the work.. then checking and rechecking the most important part the yeast mixture... it was getting poofy as the recipe said it would churning up in foamy bubbles as the yeast multiplied eating up the sugar in the water bubbling and growing heating and churning...
the true test of courage combining the two... the blender full off buttery yellow tart smelling liquid and the bubbly earthy smelling yeast.....they mixed--the bubbles swirling gently like the foam on the top of a hot steamy latte... a little heat rose off the bowl of heated milk, butter, sugar yeast, eggs and fruit... now to add the flour...
I was sad at this next stage.... there was no measurement... it was "add no more than 7 and 1/2 cups" oh dear
I started slowly.... but realized it would take all day so I got liberal with the flour cup after cup kneading and stirring until I had a bowl full of sticky smooth yellow dough I tucked it all in a ball and set it under the towel to rise...once kneading it into a small ball...twice forming it into golden yellow loaves of promise and finally once the loaves had risen slightly popped them into the oven... pacing I peeked every 3 or 4 minutes checking to make sure something that held so much promise was in fact turning out...
well I have 2 traditional loaves and a hearth loaf (round no loaf pan) cooling on the rack in the kitchen... the oven is turned off, my house smells of sweetness and citrus... I can relax... until someone has to taste it.
So as my friend told me today I am adventurous in my cooking challenges but why not? you cannot fly if at first you don't take that first leap.
Well my friends there is no ground beneath my feet at this point I feel the wind on my face rushing through my hair... I am just waiting for the updraft to carry me on before I hit the ground
Happy cooking!
egg plant....chameleon of the veggie aisle
Friday, March 26, 2010
egg plant....chameleon of the veggie aisle
Well the lasagna is out of the oven, in containers and in the freezer waiting for the big reveal... but I had one more piece than containers so I tucked into the remaining piece that looked so lonely in the pan.. the most awesomest pan in the world thanks to my mom thinking I can cook is a vote of confidence...
I was a little unsure about the whole egg plant issue but I had em and looked up a recipe for egg plant lasagna made it all from scratch except for the noodles and I must admit for all the work that went into the ruddy thing it is not half bad.
I highly recommend the flat sheet noodles from the fridge next to the the pre-made ravioli type stuff pan ready and tastey
So I have to admit I am quite proud of my adventure in the kitchen, the eggplant who I had been prejudiced against from an early age-- a random act of eggplant texture violation as a child... turned out pretty darn good, the eggplant sliced thinly absorbed the flavour of the sauce of the lasagna so it was a hearty layer after the noodle and ricotta cheese layer right before the sauce with spinach and mushrooms... I took a friends advice and photographed the masterpiece only to have my camera die so photo of the pan to follow after I find the transfer cord.
thanks for all those who are rooting for me and my kitchen challenges... cause it is a lot of lasagna to eat if it sucked!
until next time!
--elbow deep in dishes and loving the smell of my house... gotta find me a man who cooks!
egg plant....chameleon of the veggie aisle
Well the lasagna is out of the oven, in containers and in the freezer waiting for the big reveal... but I had one more piece than containers so I tucked into the remaining piece that looked so lonely in the pan.. the most awesomest pan in the world thanks to my mom thinking I can cook is a vote of confidence...
I was a little unsure about the whole egg plant issue but I had em and looked up a recipe for egg plant lasagna made it all from scratch except for the noodles and I must admit for all the work that went into the ruddy thing it is not half bad.
I highly recommend the flat sheet noodles from the fridge next to the the pre-made ravioli type stuff pan ready and tastey
So I have to admit I am quite proud of my adventure in the kitchen, the eggplant who I had been prejudiced against from an early age-- a random act of eggplant texture violation as a child... turned out pretty darn good, the eggplant sliced thinly absorbed the flavour of the sauce of the lasagna so it was a hearty layer after the noodle and ricotta cheese layer right before the sauce with spinach and mushrooms... I took a friends advice and photographed the masterpiece only to have my camera die so photo of the pan to follow after I find the transfer cord.
thanks for all those who are rooting for me and my kitchen challenges... cause it is a lot of lasagna to eat if it sucked!
until next time!
--elbow deep in dishes and loving the smell of my house... gotta find me a man who cooks!
junk mail might not be so junky
Friday, March 26, 2010
junk mail might not be all that junky...
As I sit sipping orange Kool-aide (yes so cool it's spelled with a K) post work out I am struck with the need to philosophize not sure if its the muscle fatigue or over flow of oxygen coursing through my veins but great none the less.
Work has been both physically and emotionally hard lately and all I have been able to do in response is sleep.
I have found it is my body's defense mechanism against stress... sleep. I become a raging narcoleptic when faced with stress. I have been looking at what I would do if I couldn't be a nurse...if I didn't want to do this anymore, or if for some odd reason I wanted to change horses in the middle of the proverbial stream. I came up dry. Lots of things I would love to do but not many options are actually attainable without many years of school.
Advertising is one thing I thought I might be good at coming up with funny sayings or slogans that stick with you longer than the other guy and lead you to believe you need the product I was selling then I got the mail today....
I opened my mail and found the best piece of junk mail ever!
It was an add for a phone company or something but the tag line was and I quote..
" Make sweet sweeter by adding little awesome" I could have come up with that! seriously the best line ever mailed to me by the junk mail kings of slogans.
Sign me up for marketing school!
But until then I shall continue to come to work day and night doing my best and come home maintaining a semblance of order to the little life I lead I guess this is what it means to be a grown up yes? until then I shall try making my sweet life a little sweeter by adding a little awesome :)
junk mail might not be all that junky...
As I sit sipping orange Kool-aide (yes so cool it's spelled with a K) post work out I am struck with the need to philosophize not sure if its the muscle fatigue or over flow of oxygen coursing through my veins but great none the less.
Work has been both physically and emotionally hard lately and all I have been able to do in response is sleep.
I have found it is my body's defense mechanism against stress... sleep. I become a raging narcoleptic when faced with stress. I have been looking at what I would do if I couldn't be a nurse...if I didn't want to do this anymore, or if for some odd reason I wanted to change horses in the middle of the proverbial stream. I came up dry. Lots of things I would love to do but not many options are actually attainable without many years of school.
Advertising is one thing I thought I might be good at coming up with funny sayings or slogans that stick with you longer than the other guy and lead you to believe you need the product I was selling then I got the mail today....
I opened my mail and found the best piece of junk mail ever!
It was an add for a phone company or something but the tag line was and I quote..
" Make sweet sweeter by adding little awesome" I could have come up with that! seriously the best line ever mailed to me by the junk mail kings of slogans.
Sign me up for marketing school!
But until then I shall continue to come to work day and night doing my best and come home maintaining a semblance of order to the little life I lead I guess this is what it means to be a grown up yes? until then I shall try making my sweet life a little sweeter by adding a little awesome :)
Best tuna wraps ever!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
when you wake up as early as I did you are starving by 11! I rummaged through the fridge and came up blank... lots of toppings no bread/vehicle to get said yumminess to my mouth.
I put a loaf of whole wheat bread with ground flax on to bake and dove into my freezer in hopes of finding a hiding loaf of bread... no bread but I did find healthy flax laden wraps... my GI will be happy... anyways I went back to the fridge, grabbed the soft unripe goat cheese
log and Moms home made chili sauce so here is my recipe..
Kick Ass Tuna wraps
2 frozen super healthy nutty wheaty wraps thawed
1 can of flaked tuna drained
couple of Tbs of goat cheese
2 Tbs of mom's chunky sweet tomato sauce (not sure how to sub this...)
fresh cracked salt and pepper
what would have been good is some sort of green leafy veg to add to the wrap
spread the cheese thinly on the wraps
mix tuna and chili sauce together spread over cheese layer
add greens if you have em
roll and slice like pinwheels
crack fresh pepper over the cut ends of the pinwheels and enjoy!
tastes best when you are very hungry :) might actually make these again!
thoughts that tumble before 7 in the morning
I was awoken at 6 this morning by the staffing clerk where I work asking I wanted to come in this morning, I had to take stock and found I was actually quite awake this morning but having just recovered from a horrific set I had to decline the offer... that and I have sadly neglected my friends and family these past couple of weeks/months you get the picture...
so as I stumbled around grinding coffee and feeding the dogs thoughts were tumbling around in my head
It is my birthday at the end of this week and this time of year is a wonderful time to have a birthday (not that I am biased or anything). Why you may ask? because this year it is so very springy out, birds chirping, flowers blooming, it was just yesterday I was coming home from work early in the morning and the birds were overwhelming--not in an Alfred Hitchcock kinda way either-- and I got out of the car to a morning filled with the scent of grape hyacinth sweet and lush flower smells mingled with wet grass... are you sold yet? It fills you with a surge of hope for what is to come, a looking forward to a new season. With a birthday around the corner it can be thought about in a oh my goodness I am so old but how can you deny feeling energized and hopeful at a time like this!!
So I look forward to another year and all the adventures it may hold...
The other thoughts that were stumbling through my head were many but now I am sitting to share them with you it is hard to remember them in their entirety... maybe I need another cup of coffee... mmmm coffee
I was at costco last night and picked up a bag of Salt Spring Island coffee beans, I have always been partial to that little island I spent a bunch of time on the summer of 2002 learning the ways a little island that wished it was in fact int he middle of nowhere instead of nestled between two of the biggest cities in BC the cream filling of the oreo which is the Vancouver/Victoria cookie. As I ground those said beans I was whisked back to my time on the island and thought it rather ironic the island that wanted to revolt as much as possible from the "big man" box stores was selling coffee with it's namesake at the biggest man of all the warehouse superstore... "isn't it ironic...doncha think...a little tooooooo ironic... yeah I really do think..." yes a little Alanis in the morning is a good thing.
I was shopping at Costco for groceries.... on 5 hours of sleep.... the day after night shift. If you have ever worked a night shift or just had to be awake all night you know this is not the best idea ever.. You should have seen what was in the cart or better yet what almost made it into the cart..
I could have come home with oh so much more...
pineapples, cases of yoghurt, cheese, grapes, case of hotdogs and buns, chocolate, granola bars, movies, books, and oh the magazines... instead I brought home eggplants, mini cucumbers a 100lb bag of pink grapefruits ( well maybe not that many) a log of goat cheese, coffee, a dress for my niece, ravioli and a bag of scallops...
logical or a shopping list with meal plans in mind a veritable no.. oh dear I must dig deep into my pile of cookbooks from the library to see what can be done with these fine ingredients :)
not to worry I will keep you posted on the attempts
until next time it's best not to shop on such little sleep... I'm not just saying that... it's science
when you wake up as early as I did you are starving by 11! I rummaged through the fridge and came up blank... lots of toppings no bread/vehicle to get said yumminess to my mouth.
I put a loaf of whole wheat bread with ground flax on to bake and dove into my freezer in hopes of finding a hiding loaf of bread... no bread but I did find healthy flax laden wraps... my GI will be happy... anyways I went back to the fridge, grabbed the soft unripe goat cheese
log and Moms home made chili sauce so here is my recipe..
Kick Ass Tuna wraps
2 frozen super healthy nutty wheaty wraps thawed
1 can of flaked tuna drained
couple of Tbs of goat cheese
2 Tbs of mom's chunky sweet tomato sauce (not sure how to sub this...)
fresh cracked salt and pepper
what would have been good is some sort of green leafy veg to add to the wrap
spread the cheese thinly on the wraps
mix tuna and chili sauce together spread over cheese layer
add greens if you have em
roll and slice like pinwheels
crack fresh pepper over the cut ends of the pinwheels and enjoy!
tastes best when you are very hungry :) might actually make these again!
thoughts that tumble before 7 in the morning
I was awoken at 6 this morning by the staffing clerk where I work asking I wanted to come in this morning, I had to take stock and found I was actually quite awake this morning but having just recovered from a horrific set I had to decline the offer... that and I have sadly neglected my friends and family these past couple of weeks/months you get the picture...
so as I stumbled around grinding coffee and feeding the dogs thoughts were tumbling around in my head
It is my birthday at the end of this week and this time of year is a wonderful time to have a birthday (not that I am biased or anything). Why you may ask? because this year it is so very springy out, birds chirping, flowers blooming, it was just yesterday I was coming home from work early in the morning and the birds were overwhelming--not in an Alfred Hitchcock kinda way either-- and I got out of the car to a morning filled with the scent of grape hyacinth sweet and lush flower smells mingled with wet grass... are you sold yet? It fills you with a surge of hope for what is to come, a looking forward to a new season. With a birthday around the corner it can be thought about in a oh my goodness I am so old but how can you deny feeling energized and hopeful at a time like this!!
So I look forward to another year and all the adventures it may hold...
The other thoughts that were stumbling through my head were many but now I am sitting to share them with you it is hard to remember them in their entirety... maybe I need another cup of coffee... mmmm coffee
I was at costco last night and picked up a bag of Salt Spring Island coffee beans, I have always been partial to that little island I spent a bunch of time on the summer of 2002 learning the ways a little island that wished it was in fact int he middle of nowhere instead of nestled between two of the biggest cities in BC the cream filling of the oreo which is the Vancouver/Victoria cookie. As I ground those said beans I was whisked back to my time on the island and thought it rather ironic the island that wanted to revolt as much as possible from the "big man" box stores was selling coffee with it's namesake at the biggest man of all the warehouse superstore... "isn't it ironic...doncha think...a little tooooooo ironic... yeah I really do think..." yes a little Alanis in the morning is a good thing.
I was shopping at Costco for groceries.... on 5 hours of sleep.... the day after night shift. If you have ever worked a night shift or just had to be awake all night you know this is not the best idea ever.. You should have seen what was in the cart or better yet what almost made it into the cart..
I could have come home with oh so much more...
pineapples, cases of yoghurt, cheese, grapes, case of hotdogs and buns, chocolate, granola bars, movies, books, and oh the magazines... instead I brought home eggplants, mini cucumbers a 100lb bag of pink grapefruits ( well maybe not that many) a log of goat cheese, coffee, a dress for my niece, ravioli and a bag of scallops...
logical or a shopping list with meal plans in mind a veritable no.. oh dear I must dig deep into my pile of cookbooks from the library to see what can be done with these fine ingredients :)
not to worry I will keep you posted on the attempts
until next time it's best not to shop on such little sleep... I'm not just saying that... it's science
so I had the cook book in my hand
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
so I had the cookbook in my hand....
I was out shopping today and had the tome "Mastering the art of french cooking volume one" in my hands hard cover, so close to discovering how to cook in Julia's kitchen.... but then I thought what the heck? do I want to master the art of french cooking, dude I am trying to lose weight sweating at the gym 2 hours every other day... to turn around and cook with pounds of butter and fatty duck liver? hmmmm no thanks.
I will have to start by journey through someone elses kitchen, maybe Jaime Oliver or the barefoot countessa...Nigella or even better Chef Ramsey... I can swear my way through one of his cookbooks... I may just start light and dig out my everyday foods with Martha... it really is a good thing-- most days. hehe
So I will see how this goes I will keep you all on the edges of your seat with my adventures in my tiny kitchen tripping over two rowdy dogs, using my beautiful yellow le cruset pot trying not to break it. Yes I am capable. I do have a some fabulous cereal bowls that I also love "Cooking" with. cheerios are my favourite.
until next time cook on my friends cook on.
Mango curry with rice....
Let me start by saying I need to grocery shop hence the awkward pairing of Mango curry and salmon..
what can I say, it is truly a westcoast "fusion" cooking experience..
I had some dental work done this morning so I was numb until 2ish this afternoon and then once I thawed it was fairly sensitive (aka. raw and painful) so I was not looking for anything crunchy or rough in any way.. so I was rummaging through the cupboards in search of inspiration... none to be had!.... instead I called my friend who cooks up a storm and she happen to be cooking at that very moment so we chatted and I found a package of mango curry paste... and that is where it all started.
I made a pot of rice, found a salmon fillet in the freezer thawed it and cooked it with some sesame oil until tender then added the mango curry paste, added some frozen mango chunks that had seen better days from the dark recesses of the freezer and threw in a container of coconut tofu... covered it up and let it mingle.
your tummy may be chrurning at the idea of all those flavours in one place but let me tell ya the tofu melted nicely so I didn't have to add milk (which is good cause I had half a carton that didn't pass the sniff test!) It took on the coconutty flavour and mixed with the soft mango chunks that would prolly have freezer burned had I not cooked them, not to mention the salmon separating into delicate chunks as it all melded with the subtle heat of the mango curry paste.... all in all a very tender tasty dish to serve over rice.
So I sit here contented, thinking it would be nice to have a little something sweet after a meal like that but alas mother hubbard I am and yes the cupboards are bare, my mouth feels good, no worse for wear after dinner so I think I will have a couple advil and pop in a movie as I page though a cook book I picked up at the library today... I am hunting for some inspiration... perhaps Jaime Oliver can save me!
so I had the cookbook in my hand....
I was out shopping today and had the tome "Mastering the art of french cooking volume one" in my hands hard cover, so close to discovering how to cook in Julia's kitchen.... but then I thought what the heck? do I want to master the art of french cooking, dude I am trying to lose weight sweating at the gym 2 hours every other day... to turn around and cook with pounds of butter and fatty duck liver? hmmmm no thanks.
I will have to start by journey through someone elses kitchen, maybe Jaime Oliver or the barefoot countessa...Nigella or even better Chef Ramsey... I can swear my way through one of his cookbooks... I may just start light and dig out my everyday foods with Martha... it really is a good thing-- most days. hehe
So I will see how this goes I will keep you all on the edges of your seat with my adventures in my tiny kitchen tripping over two rowdy dogs, using my beautiful yellow le cruset pot trying not to break it. Yes I am capable. I do have a some fabulous cereal bowls that I also love "Cooking" with. cheerios are my favourite.
until next time cook on my friends cook on.
Mango curry with rice....
Let me start by saying I need to grocery shop hence the awkward pairing of Mango curry and salmon..
what can I say, it is truly a westcoast "fusion" cooking experience..
I had some dental work done this morning so I was numb until 2ish this afternoon and then once I thawed it was fairly sensitive (aka. raw and painful) so I was not looking for anything crunchy or rough in any way.. so I was rummaging through the cupboards in search of inspiration... none to be had!.... instead I called my friend who cooks up a storm and she happen to be cooking at that very moment so we chatted and I found a package of mango curry paste... and that is where it all started.
I made a pot of rice, found a salmon fillet in the freezer thawed it and cooked it with some sesame oil until tender then added the mango curry paste, added some frozen mango chunks that had seen better days from the dark recesses of the freezer and threw in a container of coconut tofu... covered it up and let it mingle.
your tummy may be chrurning at the idea of all those flavours in one place but let me tell ya the tofu melted nicely so I didn't have to add milk (which is good cause I had half a carton that didn't pass the sniff test!) It took on the coconutty flavour and mixed with the soft mango chunks that would prolly have freezer burned had I not cooked them, not to mention the salmon separating into delicate chunks as it all melded with the subtle heat of the mango curry paste.... all in all a very tender tasty dish to serve over rice.
So I sit here contented, thinking it would be nice to have a little something sweet after a meal like that but alas mother hubbard I am and yes the cupboards are bare, my mouth feels good, no worse for wear after dinner so I think I will have a couple advil and pop in a movie as I page though a cook book I picked up at the library today... I am hunting for some inspiration... perhaps Jaime Oliver can save me!
baked=better
Sunday, March 07, 2010
baked = better
I work tonight and so as I said previously I have been aspiring to cook.... I was looking for something good to eat prior to working... I thawed out a porkchop and tentatively looked at it, I think it knew it was about to be it's near fatal demise... a cajun end to a promising beginning.... I cut up an apple, tossed it with a little bit of olive oil, put it in the bottom of the pan, put the poor pork chop on top and drizzled some garlic "finishing" sauce and worshestershershire (hehe) over top... popped it in the oven and BAM I'm cooking... hahahaha
I just finished a lovely baked porkchop with apple it was delish so attempt one was a success. So I am off for a delightful night shift! I'll keep you posted on how well attempt 2 goes tomorrow night...
~sm
baked = better
I work tonight and so as I said previously I have been aspiring to cook.... I was looking for something good to eat prior to working... I thawed out a porkchop and tentatively looked at it, I think it knew it was about to be it's near fatal demise... a cajun end to a promising beginning.... I cut up an apple, tossed it with a little bit of olive oil, put it in the bottom of the pan, put the poor pork chop on top and drizzled some garlic "finishing" sauce and worshestershershire (hehe) over top... popped it in the oven and BAM I'm cooking... hahahaha
I just finished a lovely baked porkchop with apple it was delish so attempt one was a success. So I am off for a delightful night shift! I'll keep you posted on how well attempt 2 goes tomorrow night...
~sm
proof....
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
proof....
I have a secret... come closer....closer....closer yet...
My name is shonee and I have trouble cooking...I am cooking challenged... not good in the kitchen... ok I suck big time.
The proof of this is I received beautiful pot for Christmas and I thought heck this will help! It is a buttery yellow pot of sunshine! well I was inspired by my friend Mo and I was in the process of making a beautiful meat sauce in order to create a meal plan for work noodles and turkey tomato sauce... mmmm sounds good? I had the ground turkey and celery onion garlic and some peppers in the magic pot... simmering with a little olive oil went pee real quick checked my email real quick.. honestly 6 minutes max I don't get many emails that don't offer free things or enhancing my "parts"
I caught a whiff of something borderline toasty to head to the kitchen to stir the sauce and BAM! burnt... not just toasty but black to the bottom of the pan... I was so sad my buttery yellow pan was blackened and charred.
I dumped it out immediately and put water into it, and let it soak... and yes fun times I scrubbed with soft soap and it finally came up leaving a stain in the outline of the worst potricide incident in history!
so before you encourage me saying oh no no no you can cook.. really really I have troubles in the kitchen... so thankfully barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen I wont be unless it is quick a moment to make a sandwich... mmmmm sandwiches... sandwiches are beautiful sandwiches are fine... I love sandwiches they are one of the only things I can make without burning.... and pancakes... they are what I resorted to after the sauce was a write off.....
Until next time any ideas? cooking tips? favorite no fail recipes for a cooking challenged nurse? Give me a cardiac arrest anyday I can cope, put an apron on me and I am a fish out of water!!!!!!!!!
Maybe I need to order Julia childs cookbook and start my own cooking journey
proof....
I have a secret... come closer....closer....closer yet...
My name is shonee and I have trouble cooking...I am cooking challenged... not good in the kitchen... ok I suck big time.
The proof of this is I received beautiful pot for Christmas and I thought heck this will help! It is a buttery yellow pot of sunshine! well I was inspired by my friend Mo and I was in the process of making a beautiful meat sauce in order to create a meal plan for work noodles and turkey tomato sauce... mmmm sounds good? I had the ground turkey and celery onion garlic and some peppers in the magic pot... simmering with a little olive oil went pee real quick checked my email real quick.. honestly 6 minutes max I don't get many emails that don't offer free things or enhancing my "parts"
I caught a whiff of something borderline toasty to head to the kitchen to stir the sauce and BAM! burnt... not just toasty but black to the bottom of the pan... I was so sad my buttery yellow pan was blackened and charred.
I dumped it out immediately and put water into it, and let it soak... and yes fun times I scrubbed with soft soap and it finally came up leaving a stain in the outline of the worst potricide incident in history!
so before you encourage me saying oh no no no you can cook.. really really I have troubles in the kitchen... so thankfully barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen I wont be unless it is quick a moment to make a sandwich... mmmmm sandwiches... sandwiches are beautiful sandwiches are fine... I love sandwiches they are one of the only things I can make without burning.... and pancakes... they are what I resorted to after the sauce was a write off.....
Until next time any ideas? cooking tips? favorite no fail recipes for a cooking challenged nurse? Give me a cardiac arrest anyday I can cope, put an apron on me and I am a fish out of water!!!!!!!!!
Maybe I need to order Julia childs cookbook and start my own cooking journey
putting my spending on a diet
Saturday, February 27, 2010
putting my spending on a diet
Ok so remember when I sid I was not going to spend... well it snuck back up on me..
but not really but things have gotten slightly snug, not tight but snug. I am planning a trip and so in order to have a bit of spending money I picked up an overtime shift... in the mean time I had dental appointment at which I found out I had to in fact get a crown put on so when I went off to work this morning I knew that every penny I made was going to end up in my mouth literally... who would have thought a little porcelain would cost so much! I am definitely in the wrong business!
So I was thinking I am in need to put a belt on my frivolous spending, not that there has been a lot but I did purchase a beautiful red handbag I didn't "need" and maybe a pen or two and a new book about new york.... so it does add up after a while heck it adds up after a weekend! or a day at Winners! so a tea pot is a beautiful thing and it is Spode...
I am again going to put my spending on hold in order to help me afford this wonderful trip! so really I am saving money now so I can spend money later yay!
So I need all the encouragement now especially if you want me to be able to afford anything for you ( yes you) in New York City come May :)
so here goes! jumping in with both feet once again-- bombs away!
putting my spending on a diet
Ok so remember when I sid I was not going to spend... well it snuck back up on me..
but not really but things have gotten slightly snug, not tight but snug. I am planning a trip and so in order to have a bit of spending money I picked up an overtime shift... in the mean time I had dental appointment at which I found out I had to in fact get a crown put on so when I went off to work this morning I knew that every penny I made was going to end up in my mouth literally... who would have thought a little porcelain would cost so much! I am definitely in the wrong business!
So I was thinking I am in need to put a belt on my frivolous spending, not that there has been a lot but I did purchase a beautiful red handbag I didn't "need" and maybe a pen or two and a new book about new york.... so it does add up after a while heck it adds up after a weekend! or a day at Winners! so a tea pot is a beautiful thing and it is Spode...
I am again going to put my spending on hold in order to help me afford this wonderful trip! so really I am saving money now so I can spend money later yay!
So I need all the encouragement now especially if you want me to be able to afford anything for you ( yes you) in New York City come May :)
so here goes! jumping in with both feet once again-- bombs away!
When running with scissors it's best to watch your step.
original post: Saturday, February 20, 2010
When running with scissors it's best to watch your step.
Good morning, it is saturday morning... just after 7 in the morning.... did I mention it's saturday and I don't work today...
Yes I found myself awake in the wee hours of the morning, when I awoke there were no sounds of stirring in the domicile upstairs which is unusual with small children living up there..
What did I do? this question I still am shocked at the answer to... I geared up and started a running program yes one I downloaded from the internets "learn to run" yes it is evil and I blame the early morning hour and lack of sleep or something but I pulled on the running shorts tank and runners loaded my ipod and jumped on the treadmill..... I know I did the easy way out on the treadmill-- I am not that crazy! it is freezing outside! so as I huffed and puffed my way through "womanizer" "black betty" and maybe a little "poker face" to keep me running the thought crossed my mind -- what the heck am I doing! hehe the dogs were looking at me like I was crazy!
So there you go my friends I am letting you all know what I am doing so I can be accountable and keep you updated on my progress cause seriously if I can haul my ass... yes my ass out of bed and do this anyone can do it.
So now I find myself forraging for food worthy of eating after a run... and I use this term loosely it was more like a walking fastly until it was time to kick it up for a minute or two then looking forward longingly to the moments I can turn the speed down to walk until the running interval started back up again hoping for a worthy song to keep my legs moving and my lungs from bursing through my chest!
all because a friend and I are going to new york in the spring and I happened to mention that "wouldn't it be fun to run in central park?" well little did I know that she would think this was somehow a good idea! me and my big mouth... meh it will be the ultimate experience and when I am all done the run in the park I will march into tiffany's and plunk down my money for a "I am so proud of me" gift :) it is all about the --blang blang
I'll pop an egg on to boil while I shower real quick sounds like a good idea.
Until next time...which will be day after tomorrow damn running program..
When running with scissors it's best to watch your step.
Good morning, it is saturday morning... just after 7 in the morning.... did I mention it's saturday and I don't work today...
Yes I found myself awake in the wee hours of the morning, when I awoke there were no sounds of stirring in the domicile upstairs which is unusual with small children living up there..
What did I do? this question I still am shocked at the answer to... I geared up and started a running program yes one I downloaded from the internets "learn to run" yes it is evil and I blame the early morning hour and lack of sleep or something but I pulled on the running shorts tank and runners loaded my ipod and jumped on the treadmill..... I know I did the easy way out on the treadmill-- I am not that crazy! it is freezing outside! so as I huffed and puffed my way through "womanizer" "black betty" and maybe a little "poker face" to keep me running the thought crossed my mind -- what the heck am I doing! hehe the dogs were looking at me like I was crazy!
So there you go my friends I am letting you all know what I am doing so I can be accountable and keep you updated on my progress cause seriously if I can haul my ass... yes my ass out of bed and do this anyone can do it.
So now I find myself forraging for food worthy of eating after a run... and I use this term loosely it was more like a walking fastly until it was time to kick it up for a minute or two then looking forward longingly to the moments I can turn the speed down to walk until the running interval started back up again hoping for a worthy song to keep my legs moving and my lungs from bursing through my chest!
all because a friend and I are going to new york in the spring and I happened to mention that "wouldn't it be fun to run in central park?" well little did I know that she would think this was somehow a good idea! me and my big mouth... meh it will be the ultimate experience and when I am all done the run in the park I will march into tiffany's and plunk down my money for a "I am so proud of me" gift :) it is all about the --blang blang
I'll pop an egg on to boil while I shower real quick sounds like a good idea.
Until next time...which will be day after tomorrow damn running program..
I'm good, just don't tell me what to do
original post Friday, January 08, 2010
I'm good, just don't tell me what to do.
I logged into my Facebook account today to be bombarded by updates and emails about posting my bra color on the internet as my status update... hmmm and as a fan of the overshare and this, I believe, to be in the category of "really?" or "seriously?" and a runner up for "why on Gods green earth do I need to know that"
As a nurse there is no mystery to the human form in any form... let there be some mystery to SOMETHING..
Before I had completed my quick perusal of the internet I had 3 more emails and 2 comments about this bra color event that "we are hoping to sweep the nation" with...now I am for breast cancer awareness so before I start getting 'boo'd or deleted of the face of the awareness loving internet just hear me out...
I am all for awareness, but seriously this, in my books, ranks up there with the chain letter emails that state if you don't forward this to 3 people in your address book little Suzi Connors won't get supper tonight and her dog will get beaten and her ice cream will fall in the sand so you'd better feel awful about deleting this email cause if you do you are a bad bad person... when in actuality you are a good person, tired or being told what to do by anonymous people on the internets!
If you want to do something about anything turn off your computer and DO something about it! Don't make others feel badly about not posting something on the internet, or forwarding your emails to donate 1 cent per email to a children's charity... really?
I make no apologies for not jumping on this bandwagon.. as I am not known to be a bandwagon jumper by any stretch of the imagination I tend to jump off the wagons that I find myself on... My only apology is that this blunt honest email may offend any of my 3 readers... so please remember I am a realist... its part of my nature, my profession and who I am... I love awareness and I say if this is your only means of action go for it! post your underwear color on the internets!! heck wear your underwear on your head! Fill you boots..
Just don't tell me what to do. Thats all I ask.. is that too hard? so post away my friends but think about taking the next step... turn off your computer and do something about it! and remember there are many other colors of ribbon than just pink.
I'm good, just don't tell me what to do.
I logged into my Facebook account today to be bombarded by updates and emails about posting my bra color on the internet as my status update... hmmm and as a fan of the overshare and this, I believe, to be in the category of "really?" or "seriously?" and a runner up for "why on Gods green earth do I need to know that"
As a nurse there is no mystery to the human form in any form... let there be some mystery to SOMETHING..
Before I had completed my quick perusal of the internet I had 3 more emails and 2 comments about this bra color event that "we are hoping to sweep the nation" with...now I am for breast cancer awareness so before I start getting 'boo'd or deleted of the face of the awareness loving internet just hear me out...
I am all for awareness, but seriously this, in my books, ranks up there with the chain letter emails that state if you don't forward this to 3 people in your address book little Suzi Connors won't get supper tonight and her dog will get beaten and her ice cream will fall in the sand so you'd better feel awful about deleting this email cause if you do you are a bad bad person... when in actuality you are a good person, tired or being told what to do by anonymous people on the internets!
If you want to do something about anything turn off your computer and DO something about it! Don't make others feel badly about not posting something on the internet, or forwarding your emails to donate 1 cent per email to a children's charity... really?
I make no apologies for not jumping on this bandwagon.. as I am not known to be a bandwagon jumper by any stretch of the imagination I tend to jump off the wagons that I find myself on... My only apology is that this blunt honest email may offend any of my 3 readers... so please remember I am a realist... its part of my nature, my profession and who I am... I love awareness and I say if this is your only means of action go for it! post your underwear color on the internets!! heck wear your underwear on your head! Fill you boots..
Just don't tell me what to do. Thats all I ask.. is that too hard? so post away my friends but think about taking the next step... turn off your computer and do something about it! and remember there are many other colors of ribbon than just pink.
not going to even attempt the resolution post
Original post: Saturday, January 02, 2010
not going to even attempt the resolution post
So another year has come to an end.
It's kind of like finishing a notebook or using a pen until it runs out of ink... it is a very satisfying feeling a sense of completion.
I was at work last night and I was filling in my new calendar it was an unreal moment filling in all those empty boxes turning them into "work days", "birthdays" or "vacation days" all these little notations in a calendar make all those blank days turn into the new year ahead.. it is strange to know in advance what your year may hold.
I can remember not having any idea New years comes and you make resolutions trying to come up with how you would spend the next 365 days ahead filling in birthdays and knowing that for the most part I would be in school with weekends off spring break, summer holidays..
Being a "grownup" is a wonderful thing-Planning a 365 day adventure plotting out when is good for working days, working nights, shopping, sleeping, reading, cleaning, camping, traveling, doing as little as possible, playing hard, road trips, day trips, days at the beach, days in the mountains, days spent outside, indoor days, rainy days, and days that have nothing planned those are my most favourite days ever cause you just never know what could happen!
So to all of you and your blank slates, your empty calendars, your next 365 days, your fresh new pens, your schedules, your appointments your birthdays and anniversaries I wish you Happy New Years! and all the best for 2010.
May 2010 be a full year and yet pass with many days to relax and feel refreshed. 365 days to learn more, laugh often, dance like a fool without caring and to love and be loved.
not going to even attempt the resolution post
So another year has come to an end.
It's kind of like finishing a notebook or using a pen until it runs out of ink... it is a very satisfying feeling a sense of completion.
I was at work last night and I was filling in my new calendar it was an unreal moment filling in all those empty boxes turning them into "work days", "birthdays" or "vacation days" all these little notations in a calendar make all those blank days turn into the new year ahead.. it is strange to know in advance what your year may hold.
I can remember not having any idea New years comes and you make resolutions trying to come up with how you would spend the next 365 days ahead filling in birthdays and knowing that for the most part I would be in school with weekends off spring break, summer holidays..
Being a "grownup" is a wonderful thing-Planning a 365 day adventure plotting out when is good for working days, working nights, shopping, sleeping, reading, cleaning, camping, traveling, doing as little as possible, playing hard, road trips, day trips, days at the beach, days in the mountains, days spent outside, indoor days, rainy days, and days that have nothing planned those are my most favourite days ever cause you just never know what could happen!
So to all of you and your blank slates, your empty calendars, your next 365 days, your fresh new pens, your schedules, your appointments your birthdays and anniversaries I wish you Happy New Years! and all the best for 2010.
May 2010 be a full year and yet pass with many days to relax and feel refreshed. 365 days to learn more, laugh often, dance like a fool without caring and to love and be loved.
Year of the ladle
original post :Monday, December 28, 2009
Currently
Psych: The Complete Third Season
By James Roday, Dulé Hill, Timothy Omundson, Corbin Bernsen, Maggie Lawson
see related
2010 the year of the ladle
So I have an amazing group of friends from a unit I used to work on, this past month I was fortunate enough to have them all together again for dinner at my place. We all brought something, I made a Cheddar Broccoli soup that turned out pretty good if I do say so myself-I am not a great cook on my best day so I was very excited it turned out :)
So we gathered at the table and we were about to ear when I was rummaging through my drawers in search for a ladle... well I only came up with a small one better suited for Gravy than the hearty soup that sit in front of us steaming.
We pressed on ladling out the soup little by little we managed to fill our bowls joking that I had asked Santa for a new ladle. Yes hopefully I would someday have a grown up ladle..
Well Christmas Eve I worked and in the middle of the night through the pneumatic tube shot a pod... when it was opened I found a ladle addressed to me from one of my girls... through the interoffice mail came another package... open on Christmas morning... yes it was a ladle.....someone came down to our unit with specific instructions to deliver a small something on christmas eve night... yes it was a ladle... so funny I wandered into the staff room and fastened to the front of my locker was wait for iiiiit... yes another ladle..
SO this is the year of the ladle.. Or the year of soup... one or the other.
So if anyone has a favourite soup recipe for me to try I will definitely try it out!
This week will be Turkey mulligatawny.., ready to ladle my way into 2010!!!
So thanks again to the girls from 2-east for the ladles full of love and cheer this Christmas! All the best for 2010 friends
Currently
Psych: The Complete Third Season
By James Roday, Dulé Hill, Timothy Omundson, Corbin Bernsen, Maggie Lawson
see related
2010 the year of the ladle
So I have an amazing group of friends from a unit I used to work on, this past month I was fortunate enough to have them all together again for dinner at my place. We all brought something, I made a Cheddar Broccoli soup that turned out pretty good if I do say so myself-I am not a great cook on my best day so I was very excited it turned out :)
So we gathered at the table and we were about to ear when I was rummaging through my drawers in search for a ladle... well I only came up with a small one better suited for Gravy than the hearty soup that sit in front of us steaming.
We pressed on ladling out the soup little by little we managed to fill our bowls joking that I had asked Santa for a new ladle. Yes hopefully I would someday have a grown up ladle..
Well Christmas Eve I worked and in the middle of the night through the pneumatic tube shot a pod... when it was opened I found a ladle addressed to me from one of my girls... through the interoffice mail came another package... open on Christmas morning... yes it was a ladle.....someone came down to our unit with specific instructions to deliver a small something on christmas eve night... yes it was a ladle... so funny I wandered into the staff room and fastened to the front of my locker was wait for iiiiit... yes another ladle..
SO this is the year of the ladle.. Or the year of soup... one or the other.
So if anyone has a favourite soup recipe for me to try I will definitely try it out!
This week will be Turkey mulligatawny.., ready to ladle my way into 2010!!!
So thanks again to the girls from 2-east for the ladles full of love and cheer this Christmas! All the best for 2010 friends
My gifts have no end
originally posted :Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Currently
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
see related
My "gifts" have no end...
As I sit sipping eggnog in the gentle glow of my Christmas tree I was thinking it has been a while since I have wondered out loud about the little things that I see and experience on a day to day basis..
I have many "gifts" so to speak... I have the gift of attracting bazaar people; chatty cashiers, wandering stock boys, strangers at the gas pump and little old men in the grocery store lineups a multi faceted group of people that have one thing in common... they are all OVER-SHARERS
I was at work, charting a novel about one of my patients when out of the corner of my eye I saw someone I hadn't seen in years... many many years, and as I glanced up our eyes met- the first sign of trouble, so I smiled- my second mistake
I was locked in!
I felt like I was a little space ship being sucked in my the mother ships tractor beam!
I laid down my pen, closed my folder, and stood ready to engage in small talk, the usual pleasantries...
"Oh it's been forever!...how are you doing?...Yes I am a nurse here ( by the way I am a nurse), yes I do enjoy what I do a lot...nope still single... love to travel... blah blah surface stuff...etc etc..." you get the picture .....
but I was not ready for the classic OVERSHARE..like a punch in the stomach.... Oh it's been forever... BAM! I was blindsided with the biggest overshare ever, she proceeded to go into great detail about a recent surgery she had undergone and the many subsequent life changing things happening since the last time I had seen her involving her and her family, her marriage, her kids lives...etc ...
I tried to keep the shock and mild horror from showing on my face as the awkwardness veritably prickled on my skin. I step back she countered with the step in and lowering of the voice--like she needed to get shy now!
nod and smile... she counters with further details, this is obviously not her first tango....I feebly attempted the "I better get back to work"-- hand on arm to keep me nailed to the spot my turn to lead... my left hand to her right shoulder step in.... putting me in motion... step in again and to the side... aiming at the desk to the hub of alarms and beeping that which makes up the station of a cardiac unit... more nodding glance up searching for someone to lock eyes with pleading for an intervention..another step in towards the sanctuary of the station...the vacated station.... it was like a ghost town not a soul in site, I swear I saw a tumble weed roll through and a desk chair spin slowly as if by some unseen desert wind....the same wind drying up the last drop of a chance of me escaping the scenario... only one thing to do turn and ENGAGE.... shields up!
My turn to lead this tango.... one, two, three! the counter strike begins, all smiles, good eye contact, open posture, leaning on the counter with one elbow.. see me I am relaxed, not uncomfortable with all the personal information I am now entrusted with at all! The conversation continues... flurry to the solar plexus... her turn to retreat step back I straighten, one hand on hip the other gesticulating wildly in the throes of a good story about one of my dogs no doubt... step back.. the french side of me takes over laughing jovially while starting in with the other hand now totally engrossed in the story at hand... a story so inconsequential but with enough humour to lure her in and flawlessly change the topic with no one the wiser... add a good crescendo all parties laugh heartily with the closing statement "well, take care.. good to see you"... and CLOSE.
Sound familiar? you too may have this gift as well!
yes my days are rich and full of colorful moments that make up the tapestry which is my life..
thanks for taking a minute to catch a glimpse of the blurring colors.... taste the rainbow
Currently
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
see related
My "gifts" have no end...
As I sit sipping eggnog in the gentle glow of my Christmas tree I was thinking it has been a while since I have wondered out loud about the little things that I see and experience on a day to day basis..
I have many "gifts" so to speak... I have the gift of attracting bazaar people; chatty cashiers, wandering stock boys, strangers at the gas pump and little old men in the grocery store lineups a multi faceted group of people that have one thing in common... they are all OVER-SHARERS
I was at work, charting a novel about one of my patients when out of the corner of my eye I saw someone I hadn't seen in years... many many years, and as I glanced up our eyes met- the first sign of trouble, so I smiled- my second mistake
I was locked in!
I felt like I was a little space ship being sucked in my the mother ships tractor beam!
I laid down my pen, closed my folder, and stood ready to engage in small talk, the usual pleasantries...
"Oh it's been forever!...how are you doing?...Yes I am a nurse here ( by the way I am a nurse), yes I do enjoy what I do a lot...nope still single... love to travel... blah blah surface stuff...etc etc..." you get the picture .....
but I was not ready for the classic OVERSHARE..like a punch in the stomach.... Oh it's been forever... BAM! I was blindsided with the biggest overshare ever, she proceeded to go into great detail about a recent surgery she had undergone and the many subsequent life changing things happening since the last time I had seen her involving her and her family, her marriage, her kids lives...etc ...
I tried to keep the shock and mild horror from showing on my face as the awkwardness veritably prickled on my skin. I step back she countered with the step in and lowering of the voice--like she needed to get shy now!
nod and smile... she counters with further details, this is obviously not her first tango....I feebly attempted the "I better get back to work"-- hand on arm to keep me nailed to the spot my turn to lead... my left hand to her right shoulder step in.... putting me in motion... step in again and to the side... aiming at the desk to the hub of alarms and beeping that which makes up the station of a cardiac unit... more nodding glance up searching for someone to lock eyes with pleading for an intervention..another step in towards the sanctuary of the station...the vacated station.... it was like a ghost town not a soul in site, I swear I saw a tumble weed roll through and a desk chair spin slowly as if by some unseen desert wind....the same wind drying up the last drop of a chance of me escaping the scenario... only one thing to do turn and ENGAGE.... shields up!
My turn to lead this tango.... one, two, three! the counter strike begins, all smiles, good eye contact, open posture, leaning on the counter with one elbow.. see me I am relaxed, not uncomfortable with all the personal information I am now entrusted with at all! The conversation continues... flurry to the solar plexus... her turn to retreat step back I straighten, one hand on hip the other gesticulating wildly in the throes of a good story about one of my dogs no doubt... step back.. the french side of me takes over laughing jovially while starting in with the other hand now totally engrossed in the story at hand... a story so inconsequential but with enough humour to lure her in and flawlessly change the topic with no one the wiser... add a good crescendo all parties laugh heartily with the closing statement "well, take care.. good to see you"... and CLOSE.
Sound familiar? you too may have this gift as well!
yes my days are rich and full of colorful moments that make up the tapestry which is my life..
thanks for taking a minute to catch a glimpse of the blurring colors.... taste the rainbow
coffee a tribute and shout out to all things glorious
original post :Tuesday, November 10, 2009
coffee a tribute and a shout out to all things glorious
As fall has descended upon us for yet another dark and cozy season I sit in my favorite fuzzy sweater, with my favorite fuzzy friends and a large mug... yes one of my favorites...full of steamy hot delicious elixir.... yes it is creamy goodness it is the nectar of rejuvenation.. it is coffee Pikes Place blend to be specific-- fresh ground and brewed into a thermal carafe.. yes I am a bit of a coffee snob.
Coffee is a wonderful beverage that can be served in a variety of different manners, I am a nurse and someone who was in grade 9 or 10 when she lost her coffee virginity to Starbucks...I am sure it would have been younger but that is when we got our first starbucks here in town... now there are 5 or 6 locations so we can get our fix STAT! So I am a seasoned coffee drinker almost 20 years later... its a wonder I am not shorter than I am!
Now don't get me wrong I love a good Tim hortons X-Large 2 cream one sugar there is a time and place for all these good things. A Tim Hortons is a good option for a quick drive thru, it is almost always good! kinda like home when you kinda forget how many scoops of coffee you have put in so you put the amount of water that you think corresponds with the ground coffee sometimes it is a miss but most always it is a hit! Just add a little bit more milk if its too dark.. and feels like the enamel is peeling off your teethe!
Starbucks is a leisurely experience, you don't want to rush a cup of starbucks weather it is house blend or a caramel something something machiato, it is a flavourful adventure for your senses,nothing like walking into the location of your choice and smelling the fresh ground coffee hanging in the air, enveloping you in a cocoon of warmth and anticipation as you join your family of coffee drinkers in line for the joy of ordering said beverage, size-temperature-type of milk-sugar or sugar free-flavour shot or plain-with whip or without... it is (to borrow a line from an oft quoted movie) "a place that make you feel like you have absolute decision making ability.. tall.. decaff... cappuccino... "
There is also the flip side of the coin and I regret to inform you my precious 2 readers hehe that there are two camps the "Tim Hortons" side or the "Starbucks" side. Can't we all get along, don't they realize we are all on the side of coffee? we are all playing on the same team!
I think it a very personal thing your choice of coffee and it shouldn't;t be something you feel poorly about confessing to another coffee connoisseur. Half of the coffee experience is the ritual of drinking it. Wether it is your first mug of coffee while sitting on the porch in the morning before you start your day, or gathering in the lunch room with friends on your break a little oasis in an otherwise busy day, meeting up with friends and family at various coffee shops in the neighborhood just to be together. Coffee has been bringing people together for what seems like millions of years!
I had the best coffee from Walmart. it was the best most festive coffee ever, it was Gingerbread coffee beans when served with cinnamon vanilla cream it was amazing, like dessert in the liquid form... warm and delicious with the gingerbread flavours swirling with the cinnamon as it passes over your taste buds. Yes it's true while brewing it filled the house with warm gingerbread scent then with the cinnamon vanilla cream it was literally like the icing on the cake.
I also bought some pumpkin spice beans so give me a call and I will put the coffee on :) it's ok I have decaff too!
So I lift my now cooled cup to you in salute weather its grab-a-java, tim hortons, starbucks, ethical addictions, seattle's best, or walmart special :) So here is to you my friends may you all enjoy a cup or two of joy
coffee a tribute and a shout out to all things glorious
As fall has descended upon us for yet another dark and cozy season I sit in my favorite fuzzy sweater, with my favorite fuzzy friends and a large mug... yes one of my favorites...full of steamy hot delicious elixir.... yes it is creamy goodness it is the nectar of rejuvenation.. it is coffee Pikes Place blend to be specific-- fresh ground and brewed into a thermal carafe.. yes I am a bit of a coffee snob.
Coffee is a wonderful beverage that can be served in a variety of different manners, I am a nurse and someone who was in grade 9 or 10 when she lost her coffee virginity to Starbucks...I am sure it would have been younger but that is when we got our first starbucks here in town... now there are 5 or 6 locations so we can get our fix STAT! So I am a seasoned coffee drinker almost 20 years later... its a wonder I am not shorter than I am!
Now don't get me wrong I love a good Tim hortons X-Large 2 cream one sugar there is a time and place for all these good things. A Tim Hortons is a good option for a quick drive thru, it is almost always good! kinda like home when you kinda forget how many scoops of coffee you have put in so you put the amount of water that you think corresponds with the ground coffee sometimes it is a miss but most always it is a hit! Just add a little bit more milk if its too dark.. and feels like the enamel is peeling off your teethe!
Starbucks is a leisurely experience, you don't want to rush a cup of starbucks weather it is house blend or a caramel something something machiato, it is a flavourful adventure for your senses,nothing like walking into the location of your choice and smelling the fresh ground coffee hanging in the air, enveloping you in a cocoon of warmth and anticipation as you join your family of coffee drinkers in line for the joy of ordering said beverage, size-temperature-type of milk-sugar or sugar free-flavour shot or plain-with whip or without... it is (to borrow a line from an oft quoted movie) "a place that make you feel like you have absolute decision making ability.. tall.. decaff... cappuccino... "
There is also the flip side of the coin and I regret to inform you my precious 2 readers hehe that there are two camps the "Tim Hortons" side or the "Starbucks" side. Can't we all get along, don't they realize we are all on the side of coffee? we are all playing on the same team!
I think it a very personal thing your choice of coffee and it shouldn't;t be something you feel poorly about confessing to another coffee connoisseur. Half of the coffee experience is the ritual of drinking it. Wether it is your first mug of coffee while sitting on the porch in the morning before you start your day, or gathering in the lunch room with friends on your break a little oasis in an otherwise busy day, meeting up with friends and family at various coffee shops in the neighborhood just to be together. Coffee has been bringing people together for what seems like millions of years!
I had the best coffee from Walmart. it was the best most festive coffee ever, it was Gingerbread coffee beans when served with cinnamon vanilla cream it was amazing, like dessert in the liquid form... warm and delicious with the gingerbread flavours swirling with the cinnamon as it passes over your taste buds. Yes it's true while brewing it filled the house with warm gingerbread scent then with the cinnamon vanilla cream it was literally like the icing on the cake.
I also bought some pumpkin spice beans so give me a call and I will put the coffee on :) it's ok I have decaff too!
So I lift my now cooled cup to you in salute weather its grab-a-java, tim hortons, starbucks, ethical addictions, seattle's best, or walmart special :) So here is to you my friends may you all enjoy a cup or two of joy
Being thankful for all lifes little nuggets of goodness
originally posted Oct 8th 2009
"Being Thankful for all lifes little nuggets of goodness"
As a Canadian I am getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving... turkey, stuffing, fluffy salad, potatoes, carrots, pie.... you get the idea. I always love this day it helps you reflect and look back at the year. Sort of like New Years but for the warm and fuzzy events of the past year, what you are most thankful for.
Topping my list this year as always are my top 3 or 4 constants Family, Friends, Freedom a good job so I can be comfortable... but this year I am looking at the little things that without which we could all function but they make life good and easier and more enjoyable so sit back and prepare for the Thanksgiving list for 2009
I am thankful for:
Dryer sheets that smell like vanilla
The timer on my coffee maker
Soap that smells like sun tan lotion- makes me feel like I am on vacation with every shower (I highly recommend this one)
Resealable containers
travel mugs
togo coffee
Cheep slippers from Ikea
New fresh notebooks
A new fine point ball point pen
the smell of a clean house all bleachy and fresh
puppies warmed by the sun
hearing your favourite song on the radio on the way to work turning it up all the way and singing along with it!
towels fresh out of the dryer
Jukebox hero
The last piece of gum you find at the bottom of your bag/purse when you need it the most
a good sneeze
the public library and all the lovely people who work there
fresh baked bread
dinner invitations when you have nothing at home to eat
cereal cheerios to be specific
coffee when it is the perfect temperature
finding exactly what you are looking for whilst shopping and finding out when the cashier scans it, it is on sale!
used books
letters in the mail
the little tab on the milk jugs that helps you pull the seal off
christmas music played way too early- it makes you all warm and fuzzy for crispy mornings and snow!
funky luggage
garbage men
clean dishes
chicken soup
phone calls from friends
kleenex with lotion
tv remotes
being able to find my car in the parking lot after a long night shift
heck knowing my name after a long night shift
Black Betty...turned up loud
clearly printed expiration dates on dairy products
check stands with magazines to look at while-you-wait
finding a parking space close on a rainy day
a good book
a comfy chair
the snooze button
movie theatre popcorn
a day without Bills
ice cube trays
spontaneous hugs
Travel books and magazines--planning a trip anywhere!
running into someone you haven't seen in ages and remembering their name!
being proud of what you do
cross word puzzles done in pen
online banking
keyless remote entry when your arms are full of grocery bags
movies that make you feel good about life and good things
It's 5 o'clock somewhere
HOV lane
having a quarter for a shopping cart
finding a popcicle in the back of the freezer that isn't freezer burned
waking up early feeling rested on your days off
cordless phones
coupons
fuzzy socks
a couch without dog hair on it
lint rollers
Bing Crosby
sleeping in
one pot meals
swiffer wet mop for the muddy little dog prints
spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen
coffee shops
and appropriate for this time of year the perfect pumpkin pie, pumpkin spiced latte, or pumpkin cookie...
Seriously the list could go on forever it is fun to reflect on the little things that make life fun and full of Joy.
Joy is a highly underrated feeling...
Happy Thanksgiving friends!
"Being Thankful for all lifes little nuggets of goodness"
As a Canadian I am getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving... turkey, stuffing, fluffy salad, potatoes, carrots, pie.... you get the idea. I always love this day it helps you reflect and look back at the year. Sort of like New Years but for the warm and fuzzy events of the past year, what you are most thankful for.
Topping my list this year as always are my top 3 or 4 constants Family, Friends, Freedom a good job so I can be comfortable... but this year I am looking at the little things that without which we could all function but they make life good and easier and more enjoyable so sit back and prepare for the Thanksgiving list for 2009
I am thankful for:
Dryer sheets that smell like vanilla
The timer on my coffee maker
Soap that smells like sun tan lotion- makes me feel like I am on vacation with every shower (I highly recommend this one)
Resealable containers
travel mugs
togo coffee
Cheep slippers from Ikea
New fresh notebooks
A new fine point ball point pen
the smell of a clean house all bleachy and fresh
puppies warmed by the sun
hearing your favourite song on the radio on the way to work turning it up all the way and singing along with it!
towels fresh out of the dryer
Jukebox hero
The last piece of gum you find at the bottom of your bag/purse when you need it the most
a good sneeze
the public library and all the lovely people who work there
fresh baked bread
dinner invitations when you have nothing at home to eat
cereal cheerios to be specific
coffee when it is the perfect temperature
finding exactly what you are looking for whilst shopping and finding out when the cashier scans it, it is on sale!
used books
letters in the mail
the little tab on the milk jugs that helps you pull the seal off
christmas music played way too early- it makes you all warm and fuzzy for crispy mornings and snow!
funky luggage
garbage men
clean dishes
chicken soup
phone calls from friends
kleenex with lotion
tv remotes
being able to find my car in the parking lot after a long night shift
heck knowing my name after a long night shift
Black Betty...turned up loud
clearly printed expiration dates on dairy products
check stands with magazines to look at while-you-wait
finding a parking space close on a rainy day
a good book
a comfy chair
the snooze button
movie theatre popcorn
a day without Bills
ice cube trays
spontaneous hugs
Travel books and magazines--planning a trip anywhere!
running into someone you haven't seen in ages and remembering their name!
being proud of what you do
cross word puzzles done in pen
online banking
keyless remote entry when your arms are full of grocery bags
movies that make you feel good about life and good things
It's 5 o'clock somewhere
HOV lane
having a quarter for a shopping cart
finding a popcicle in the back of the freezer that isn't freezer burned
waking up early feeling rested on your days off
cordless phones
coupons
fuzzy socks
a couch without dog hair on it
lint rollers
Bing Crosby
sleeping in
one pot meals
swiffer wet mop for the muddy little dog prints
spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen
coffee shops
and appropriate for this time of year the perfect pumpkin pie, pumpkin spiced latte, or pumpkin cookie...
Seriously the list could go on forever it is fun to reflect on the little things that make life fun and full of Joy.
Joy is a highly underrated feeling...
Happy Thanksgiving friends!
Give us a chance to miss one another
Originally posted Sep 20 '09
"give us a chance to miss one another!"
So I confess I am a online addict.
I come home log on, check email, wander around facebook then log off, only to log back on moments later...
I have call waiting, caller ID and call answer home phone, text messages, cell phone, internet, emails, skype,blogs and facebook... In this day and age people have never been more accessible..
I have answered the phone only to have the person on the other end say "Oh I was going to leave a message"
How often when we find someone does not have a cell phone we look in horror and shock while uttering ...."you DON"T have a cell phone?????!" Good for you!
How is it that we think ourselves so interesting that we have to be so accessible? Are we a population of super heros that we have to be available at a moments notice?
Flash a signal in the sky and we come running! Today batman would just get a text message from the the mayor...
"dude need help thx" Bruce would excuse himself from the coffee shop where he was trying to pick up Lois Lane and text back while sipping his triple shot low fat half caff mocha trying to drive to the bat cave to do a quick change while quickly updating his facebook status to "Bruce Wayne rox the cape" and twitting about it on his iphone on the way to the emergency needing his assistance.
Just give us a chance to miss you already!
We email, no reply, we email again... text ... call ... leave messages...
what the heck would we do, the instant generation, if we had to resort to paper..
remember that stuff? it's what newspapers are made of if you don't read them online...
I read a book recently where the story depended on the letters written to one another as a form of keeping one another posted on how they were, what was new, what is happening in their lives.... what would happen if we then had to depend on this form of communication... we would be lost.
Forced to slow down and appreciate each other, appreciate how powerful words are, how valuable friendships are, how many times we say things we don't mean or mean to say things that get lost in all the senseless babble that happens oh so often.
I know I am slight hypocritical as I post this online.... but if I had a means to send each of you a letter I would.
I love getting mail, now that you can bank online, pay bills online, order anything under the sun online, write letters online, read newspapers and magazines online, and even date online what else do you need!?
Just get yourself a bigass computer and hunker in for a long winter indoors... The birth of the anti social individual who can't spell and expresses themselves using punctuation that resembles little happy faces or crying people.
Sound familiar? if it does GO OUTDOORS, meet with real people, have a conversation IN PERSON, play board games, read books, INTERACT with people, real life in person People. Not online people, not email people, messenger people, texty people, but real in person people...
and give us a chance to miss you!
until next time my friends
"give us a chance to miss one another!"
So I confess I am a online addict.
I come home log on, check email, wander around facebook then log off, only to log back on moments later...
I have call waiting, caller ID and call answer home phone, text messages, cell phone, internet, emails, skype,blogs and facebook... In this day and age people have never been more accessible..
I have answered the phone only to have the person on the other end say "Oh I was going to leave a message"
How often when we find someone does not have a cell phone we look in horror and shock while uttering ...."you DON"T have a cell phone?????!" Good for you!
How is it that we think ourselves so interesting that we have to be so accessible? Are we a population of super heros that we have to be available at a moments notice?
Flash a signal in the sky and we come running! Today batman would just get a text message from the the mayor...
"dude need help thx" Bruce would excuse himself from the coffee shop where he was trying to pick up Lois Lane and text back while sipping his triple shot low fat half caff mocha trying to drive to the bat cave to do a quick change while quickly updating his facebook status to "Bruce Wayne rox the cape" and twitting about it on his iphone on the way to the emergency needing his assistance.
Just give us a chance to miss you already!
We email, no reply, we email again... text ... call ... leave messages...
what the heck would we do, the instant generation, if we had to resort to paper..
remember that stuff? it's what newspapers are made of if you don't read them online...
I read a book recently where the story depended on the letters written to one another as a form of keeping one another posted on how they were, what was new, what is happening in their lives.... what would happen if we then had to depend on this form of communication... we would be lost.
Forced to slow down and appreciate each other, appreciate how powerful words are, how valuable friendships are, how many times we say things we don't mean or mean to say things that get lost in all the senseless babble that happens oh so often.
I know I am slight hypocritical as I post this online.... but if I had a means to send each of you a letter I would.
I love getting mail, now that you can bank online, pay bills online, order anything under the sun online, write letters online, read newspapers and magazines online, and even date online what else do you need!?
Just get yourself a bigass computer and hunker in for a long winter indoors... The birth of the anti social individual who can't spell and expresses themselves using punctuation that resembles little happy faces or crying people.
Sound familiar? if it does GO OUTDOORS, meet with real people, have a conversation IN PERSON, play board games, read books, INTERACT with people, real life in person People. Not online people, not email people, messenger people, texty people, but real in person people...
and give us a chance to miss you!
until next time my friends
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