:) I'm just a little proud of this post's title. The point is, I reeeally want to enjoy living again, and that means a hobby, and hobby's mean money. I would like to take up cooking. Andy and I were talking about food in America and it is true - we just don't have enough time to cook any more. But do I? YES!!! So, for my family, and myself, I would like to take up cooking. Nothing normal, though, I want to try new and exotic dishes. I know that Andy probably won't like it, but he'll come around to it.
I found some interesting websites -
Tastespotting.com - I love browsing the vast array of food blogs! They have so many amazing ideas, from exotic new dishes to the actual serving ware to cool, modern kitchen gadgets
(If I see one more recipe for something requiring peanut butter I swear I'm going to scream!)
Foodgawker.com - One and the same as taste spotting, same thing different name
(I found this blog with a recipe for gnocchi - http://www.mygoodgravy.com/no-no-gnocchi Must try!)
Why am I including all of these links? Probably because I am sick of being at a loss every day for what to make for dinner. Pasta AGAIN?!! I think not. I just don't want to lose these links!
These food people get really into it - they make food based on all those distant, weird holidays that nobody celebrates. (Australia Day? I should also probably know when the Chinese New Year is...) How fun is food?
Supercook.com - I will probably come crawling on my hands and knees to Supercook at about 5 PM with my offerings of whatever I have in my pantry, praying that someone will help me, and viola! A recipe will appear and I will be saved.
And of course, epicurious.com, realsimple.com, and cookinglight.com... the first of which has been a favorite for sometime. I suppose my fear of failing and fear of disappointing (it's one thing to cook for oneself... it is a totally different thing to cook for others... I feel so exposed! Critics!) Perhaps I should just do my thing and then wear earplugs. I will ask for all feedback to be forwarded to my comment box and ask that people are kind and think before they critique.
Sigh... the end of a long day. Yay for inspiration! :)
The thing with cooking is that it takes money. Take, for instance, the black pepper grinder that I must have. A respectable one starts at about $30 (although I'm sure if I hunted I could find one for cheaper). There are ingredients to buy, some of which you can only buy online, and that means shipping! I am caught in the conundrum of wanting to break out of my rut but being afraid to spend money. I suppose it has protected me a little, and, of course, it's a byproduct of my Dad being a financial planner and investment adviser... but one question I always had was what's the point of money if you don't spend it? I realize how foolish this may sound to the saver and I understand the time value of money... I just don't want to look back on my life and regret all the saving and not the doing... I want to make memories and I'd like to enjoy my life. Can we afford that?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Unsteady
These times are unsteady, which leaves me wondering, is life ever "steady?" No, it's probably just an illusion. The truth is, we never have a hold on anything. Everything is constantly changing. Everything we hold dear now will change or pass away. Nothing is sound.
Why all the emo-ness? Because I'm emo. :) Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I had food poisoning yesterday and felt miserable, or the fact that my husband is feeling miserable and no one can seem to help him, or the fact that no matter what I do it seems like I am damned to live in an eternal mess (literally, that's no metaphor...). I don't know what it is I ate yesterday that could have caused such a violent reaction, I just hope that it doesn't affect the baby.
Speaking of babies, Emma was such a comfort to me yesterday. We were finally able to get her her 12 month shots, and I knew that she would develop a fever from them. Turns out, she didn't get her fever until that night, and I started feeling sick around 2PM. So we cuddled together and slept a lot, it was just what I needed. <3
Andy was a big help, too. It was supposed to be our big grocery shopping day for the week, but I was in no state to go... so he bought me Gatorade and FiberOne bars and Teddy Grahams... (all my favorites!) because he is such a sweetie. He even got me a clear Ring Pop in a case and asked me to marry him again, how sweet is that?
Anyway, I really don't feel like doing homework right now but it's not a lot. I just have to push through and before you know it, it will be over. No pictures today but just wanted to check in with you guys and let you know what was going on with us. Andy started physical therapy and he's just feeling worse because of it. Apparently, they're trying to stretch his hip flexors and do ab exercises, both things that cause him pain. They say that it should feel good and to stop if it hurts, but what's he supposed to do when all of it hurts? I don't know about the medicine he's on right now, either, Neurontin. It was originally formulated for patients with epilepsy, but it's not primarily used for prolonged pain patients. It works with the synapses in your brain and tries to stop the pain signals. It's basically a psychotherapy drug, so it's taken about 2 weeks to build up. Reminds me of depression medication. All in all, he's not supposed to be driving on it and it makes him feel pretty crummy and tired during the day. I just want my husband back... We joined a gym with a pool so that he can work out so that's good. Even though it's low impact, though, he says that it still hurts. The Navy is going to start monitoring his weight at every doctor's appointment, so I hope that they don't discharge him on the three failed PFAs? If they do, though, he's going to fight it since it is a complication of surgery he received while in the Navy. He should be getting out on a medical discharge, not this way. The Andy I knew is fit and strong and loved it. The Navy has all but ruined him, and he will not get better until he is out.
Why all the emo-ness? Because I'm emo. :) Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I had food poisoning yesterday and felt miserable, or the fact that my husband is feeling miserable and no one can seem to help him, or the fact that no matter what I do it seems like I am damned to live in an eternal mess (literally, that's no metaphor...). I don't know what it is I ate yesterday that could have caused such a violent reaction, I just hope that it doesn't affect the baby.
Speaking of babies, Emma was such a comfort to me yesterday. We were finally able to get her her 12 month shots, and I knew that she would develop a fever from them. Turns out, she didn't get her fever until that night, and I started feeling sick around 2PM. So we cuddled together and slept a lot, it was just what I needed. <3
Andy was a big help, too. It was supposed to be our big grocery shopping day for the week, but I was in no state to go... so he bought me Gatorade and FiberOne bars and Teddy Grahams... (all my favorites!) because he is such a sweetie. He even got me a clear Ring Pop in a case and asked me to marry him again, how sweet is that?
Anyway, I really don't feel like doing homework right now but it's not a lot. I just have to push through and before you know it, it will be over. No pictures today but just wanted to check in with you guys and let you know what was going on with us. Andy started physical therapy and he's just feeling worse because of it. Apparently, they're trying to stretch his hip flexors and do ab exercises, both things that cause him pain. They say that it should feel good and to stop if it hurts, but what's he supposed to do when all of it hurts? I don't know about the medicine he's on right now, either, Neurontin. It was originally formulated for patients with epilepsy, but it's not primarily used for prolonged pain patients. It works with the synapses in your brain and tries to stop the pain signals. It's basically a psychotherapy drug, so it's taken about 2 weeks to build up. Reminds me of depression medication. All in all, he's not supposed to be driving on it and it makes him feel pretty crummy and tired during the day. I just want my husband back... We joined a gym with a pool so that he can work out so that's good. Even though it's low impact, though, he says that it still hurts. The Navy is going to start monitoring his weight at every doctor's appointment, so I hope that they don't discharge him on the three failed PFAs? If they do, though, he's going to fight it since it is a complication of surgery he received while in the Navy. He should be getting out on a medical discharge, not this way. The Andy I knew is fit and strong and loved it. The Navy has all but ruined him, and he will not get better until he is out.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2 AM Inspiration
Ok, so just wondering if any psych majors out there know why we resist sleep? I usually don't a problem with this (lol), but my daughter, on the other hand, who can't go to sleep without mommy, does. She is shaking two egg shakers right now and it is so cute. Perhaps it is because we sleep in until noon most days and we simply don't need to go to bed at midnight? 12 hours is a lot of sleep... Too much, some experts would say, so perhaps being awake now is a good thing.
I am learning to be more thankful for the things I have. A funny thing made me discover this today, I was watching FitTV and this show came on about a Chief Examiner at the morgue. It's called Dr. Somebody... I can't remember. Kind of creepy, huh? But when you watch it, the thing that she kept saying was that her job makes her enjoy the every day and it really makes you thankful for what you have. You never know when it will be taken away from you.
I have always had a goal. I have always wanted to get somewhere that I failed to enjoy the journey, and, worse, enjoy those I was journeying with. I am learning to put my priorities in order and to enjoy the little moments throughout my day. There are so many little moments I want to remember, and I try really hard to make a mental memory. Unfortunately, I know that I will probably forget them with all the new information and memories that will come at me in the coming years. Things like holding Emma and listening to her talk or breathe and just hugging her while she drinks from her sippy cup. These, are the most precious things, and the most easily forgotten.
It will be hard to appreciate all the little milestones once baby #2 comes along, but it will also bring its own advantages and possibilities. Emma has started kissing my belly (I'm not showing very much yet but perhaps she knows?) She actually started licking my belly instead of kissing it, which was a little weird, but SO funny when she started doing it to Andy! She is such a little nerd sometimes.
Anyway, Andy is on some super medication for the pain that will basically nuke disqualify him. At this point, we don't really care, we just want him to get better. We're working on eating healthy and exercising, although it's really hard when going outside makes you have a brain freeze!
I am going to start Emma at the Little Gym. Nick's last night with us is tomorrow night, since he has duty Wednesday and leaves to go on deployment on Thursday. It stinks that he has to do it, but at least he is single and can see some of the world. My Dad visits us this Thursday (SO excited!!), and we are making plans to go to Orlando next month. My Dad is getting an award from his company and they're going to give it at this conference. Disneyland + Islands of Adventure is a plus! Plus, it will be on the weekend of my Dad's birthday, so we will be able to celebrate that also.
All in all, life has been pretty easy lately, what with Winter Break and Christmas. Andy got to spend some time with us over Christmas which got extended because of the weather (we're expecting another 15" tonight!), and I enjoyed 2 weeks off from school. Going back is not fun, although I really enjoy learning new things. Accounting is not coming easily for me, but it is that much more rewarding when I actually do understand it and can apply it to my assignments. Thank goodness business is only my minor so I don't have to take any more of these classes! Bring on the English!
I hope you all are doing well, and don't be afraid to comment! It's nice to hear from you guys. :)
Love and hugs,
Kristen
I am learning to be more thankful for the things I have. A funny thing made me discover this today, I was watching FitTV and this show came on about a Chief Examiner at the morgue. It's called Dr. Somebody... I can't remember. Kind of creepy, huh? But when you watch it, the thing that she kept saying was that her job makes her enjoy the every day and it really makes you thankful for what you have. You never know when it will be taken away from you.
I have always had a goal. I have always wanted to get somewhere that I failed to enjoy the journey, and, worse, enjoy those I was journeying with. I am learning to put my priorities in order and to enjoy the little moments throughout my day. There are so many little moments I want to remember, and I try really hard to make a mental memory. Unfortunately, I know that I will probably forget them with all the new information and memories that will come at me in the coming years. Things like holding Emma and listening to her talk or breathe and just hugging her while she drinks from her sippy cup. These, are the most precious things, and the most easily forgotten.
It will be hard to appreciate all the little milestones once baby #2 comes along, but it will also bring its own advantages and possibilities. Emma has started kissing my belly (I'm not showing very much yet but perhaps she knows?) She actually started licking my belly instead of kissing it, which was a little weird, but SO funny when she started doing it to Andy! She is such a little nerd sometimes.
Anyway, Andy is on some super medication for the pain that will basically nuke disqualify him. At this point, we don't really care, we just want him to get better. We're working on eating healthy and exercising, although it's really hard when going outside makes you have a brain freeze!
I am going to start Emma at the Little Gym. Nick's last night with us is tomorrow night, since he has duty Wednesday and leaves to go on deployment on Thursday. It stinks that he has to do it, but at least he is single and can see some of the world. My Dad visits us this Thursday (SO excited!!), and we are making plans to go to Orlando next month. My Dad is getting an award from his company and they're going to give it at this conference. Disneyland + Islands of Adventure is a plus! Plus, it will be on the weekend of my Dad's birthday, so we will be able to celebrate that also.
All in all, life has been pretty easy lately, what with Winter Break and Christmas. Andy got to spend some time with us over Christmas which got extended because of the weather (we're expecting another 15" tonight!), and I enjoyed 2 weeks off from school. Going back is not fun, although I really enjoy learning new things. Accounting is not coming easily for me, but it is that much more rewarding when I actually do understand it and can apply it to my assignments. Thank goodness business is only my minor so I don't have to take any more of these classes! Bring on the English!
I hope you all are doing well, and don't be afraid to comment! It's nice to hear from you guys. :)
Love and hugs,
Kristen
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Emma breaks into the cupcakes
Ok, so I made cupcakes as Uncle Nick asked a couple of days ago. I didn't want to have the temptation, so I put them in Nick's room. Today, while Emma was in with boys while they were busy playing games, she managed to open the container the cupcakes were in, take one out, and proceeded to eat it. It was so cute when they found her, she had already bitten into it and had frosting all over her face! I think the cutest thing are the little bites she made. I included a b&w and a color version of the last picture just because it's so cute. That's Emma's face right before she gives you a kiss.The Snowball Fight!!!
Tony "Snowmo"
We had about 14-16 inches of snow Christmas evening. The boys took full advantage of this, going out for "sledding" (*ahem* using pizza pans?!), having snowball fights, and building a gigantic replica of Tony Romo out of snow. It was all good and fun... until we had to drive! We figured it out, though. After all, a Southern Californian and a bunch of Texans aren't really prepared for this type of weather!! Here's some pics of the fun.
Early mornings with "Messy Hair"
I wanted to upload these before I put up the photos from the new year. We didn't get many good photos of Christmas, but we got a lot of good video! Enjoy!
Aand, Christmas!
Emma and Mickey meet for the first time.
The embrace...
The kiss...
Friends forever!
All ready for football, Daddy!
Straight up gangsta
Aand, Christmas!
Emma and Mickey meet for the first time.
The embrace...
The kiss...
Friends forever!
All ready for football, Daddy!
Straight up gangsta
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