Blog Schmlog

Time does fly, whether or not you are having fun.  It is the way of things, no?

Things have changed since I posted last.

I have gone gluten-free.  It hasn't been easy.  But the pain that I have suffered on a daily basis for some time seems to be a thing of the past.  Mostly, anyways. 

My oldest prepares to go into the Navy.  It is hard for me to reconcil the man that stands before me today with the baby that I held in my arms some years ago.  It seems like such a short period of time that he was mine.  Now he is his own man.  He will be missed.  And we will look forward to his visits.

I moved into a much larger house.  It is probably three times as big with the basement area.  I like it so much better. 

I am making a vow to blog more often.  Blogging gets my creative juices going.  I like feeling as though I have a voice, even if no one sees it.  I love my own little private spot in the blog world, but I treat it better.

Things I love...

My children.  They are the things I love the most.  They are the items that make my life worth living.

My job.  I am really good at what I do.  I take the responsiblity that I have very seriously, and it makes me happy to think that there are days in which I have made a difference to someone.

Books.  Big books, little books, old books, new books.  Picture books, books missing their spines due to mistreatment, books about dreams, realities, fantasies, and more.  The smell of old books, the feel of the parchment like paper that is so fragile it shatters at your fingertips.  If I could get lost in a book, shrink down the size of one of these letters and make my way into a book, I would. 

Movies.  Documentaries, zombies, love stories, based on comic books.  All of them, some more than others for whatever reason.

My friends.  Athesists, Christians, Republicans, Democrats, male or female.  I love them all for who they are.  The only thing my friends have in common seems to be strenghth of conviction.  I have a ballsy group of friends, and I love them for it.

The juice is lose!

I watched an amazing documentary this weekend called Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead.  It fools this heavy fellow that also has some kind of weird auto-immune disorder.  For 60 days, he survived on vegetables and fruit juice.

 


So I got the wise idea that I should be juicing.  Juice will revolution my life!  I will have energy, less mood swings, and my skin will clear up.  The coworker that had encouraged me to watch this documentary was also excited about juicing. 

Yesterday she calls me from Walmart (a.k.a. the root of all evil) and tells me that she has found a juicer on sale for $7.  "WHAT?" I screeched.  It was true, could she find me one too?  Well, yes, she can. 

Here is a pic of a juicer that is similar to the one that she was able to purchase for me for $7.  Isn't she a beauty?

*If you want to find out what happened to the heavy dude in the movie, you will have to rent it, purchase it from Amazon, or watch it streaming on Netflix!

Hysterical!!!!

I went to see Horrible Bosses with my 15 year-old pumpkin on Sunday. 

Firstly, I was not aware that this movie was going to have fifteen thousand cuss words in it.  I was a little surprised at how liberally the f-word was flung about. 

Secondly, this movie is hilarious!  I adore Jason Bateman.  Since he was James on Little House on the Prairie in my youth, he has had my heart.  The three friends have a true camaraderie and seem to really enjoy working together.  Jennifer Aniston's turn as a "man eater" is such a welcome change for her. 

I give this movie a thumb's up, but it is definitely not for young children.  Loads of cussing, drug use, and some nudity!

Holy Tots, Batman!

Peyton loves my tater tot casserole.  He can eat an entire casserole by himself. It isn't the healthiest of meals, but it is his favorite, so I break down and make if for him at least once a month.

It is also an incredibly economical and easy-peasy recipe.  I thought I would share my version.

Tater tot casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb. hamburger
1 medium yellow onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of milk (more or less depending on you like it)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 package of tater tots

Brown hamburger and onion, then drain and return to the pot/skillet.  Add soup, milk, and all spices.  Put as much milk as you want to achieve the consistency that you like.  Add as much of the spices to achieve the flavor that you like.  Place in baking dish, layer cheddar cheese and tots on top.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes.

I usually serve this with a green vegetable.

Better late than never!

My menu plan for this week is:


Monday:   fish sticks, french fries, and buttery corn

Tuesday: mushroom and swiss burgers, chips, and mixed veggies

Wednesday: tater tot casserole and peas

Thursday: veggie soup

Friday: stuffed green peppers

Saturday:  having friends over for a "Game Night", so finger foods!

Sunday: leftovers

Being Thankful...

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. -- Albert Schweitzer

I believe that - that it is through the love and light of others I have learned to be thankful, to appreciate what I have, to want to share it with others.  It is the time of year to light sparks in others through acts of kindness.  I am hoping to do my part.