Music Man's Pitcher

On Friday, I posted the story of Music Man and his Crystal Light pitcher for work. You will all be happy to know that he took the pitcher with him this morning. Course I was standing in the kitchen with him at the time and making sure he had all of his stuff, but it went with him. Whether it made it into his office or is still sitting in his truck is another matter entirely.

So, on my weight loss blog, I posted a challenge to lose 20 pounds by my birthday in 6 weeks. If you'd like to join me in my challenge, click on my profile, then click on my weight loss blog. So, I'm thinking I need a challenge for everyday life too.

Maybe I should do another poll. I need some ideas for the poll, leave me a comment with your idea for what I should do for the next six weeks. I'm thinking like vacuum everyday for the next six weeks. Leave me your ideas and I'll post a poll by Wednesday.

Okay I'm on my way to the store for a few groceries. Have a great day everyone!

Music Man

Music Man asked me to buy him a pitcher to take to work. He wanted to be able to drink Crystal Light while he was there. Plain water was beginning to bother him. Since we've been trying to eat and drink healthier, I really couldn't refuse the request. I told him I'd get him one when I went grocery shopping.

Grocery day was yesterday. I found him a pitcher. It's plastic and inexpensive so if it doesn't last or disappears, it's not a big deal. I brought it home and ran it through the dishwasher. The lid doesn't fit real well, but it works. I put it and the new canister of Crystal Light that I bought especially for him on the counter so he could take them to work this morning. I even had him put the lid on it, just to make sure it would fit.

He left for work and I was still in the bedroom. I came out to get some water and what is sitting on my counter right where I left it? That's right, it's the pitcher with the Crystal Light canister still inside the pitcher.

Music Man, you reading this? Did you forget something Honey? When all you have to drink today is plain water, remember it's not my fault. I can buy you a pitcher and Crystal Light, but you have to take them with you to work. Just a little tip.

Dinner at Grandma's

So, on Tuesday night we went to Grandma's and had dinner. My cousin, Cheffy, was down for a few days and Grandma knew that we'd want to see him. She called me on Saturday to invite us. I happily accepted. She said she would call me later to let me know which night as she knew Cheffy had plans this week. She called me back within 2 minutes and asked which was better for us, Monday or Tuesday. I said Tuesday. I had been fighting a sore throat and achy muscles on Friday. Saturday Dad started feeling bad. I felt much better. So, Tuesday morning Dad still wasn't feeling better. I called Grandma to see what time she wanted us to arrive. She suggested 6 and I told her we'd be there. I was about to call Music Man and tell him when he called me. I told him and he said he'd try to leave work around 4. He managed to get away about 4:30 and came home. We left immediately upon his arrival to go to Grandma's house. We got to the gate around 6:05. We gave Grandma's and our names at the gate. The very nice man looked and there was no pass for us. I was getting out my cell phone to call Grandma when he stepped back to the car and asked what we were on our way to do. Music Man said we were going to have dinner with his wife's grandmother. He nodded and said to go ahead, just remind them they need to call in a pass next time. He was very gracious. So when we got to the house I teased Grandma about not calling in a pass. She gasped and clapped her hand over her mouth. She asked what we did. Now, since I was standing in her kitchen having this conversation with her, I thought that was a silly question, but I told her that the very nice man at the gate let us in anyway. He just told us to remind them about leaving a pass. So then I said "Apparently we don't look like a threat." She laughed and said "Shows what they know, huh?"

Grandma made lasagna which is Music Man's favorite food of all time. She did a really good job with it too. Especially when you consider some of the other food she's made over the years. It's been a family joke for years. But like I said, dinner was delicious.

It was nice to get to see Cheffy. I hadn't seen him since...well, for quite a while. I'm not sure when the last time I saw him was. He was in good spirits and had cut his hair quite a bit.

Grandma took Grandpa some dinner before she sat down to eat. She said he took one bite and then said he was full. Grandma suggested to him he might want to eat some more. He said that was her problem. Apparently he's been saying that one for a while. Not sure what it means, but that's what he said.

Dad has been sick all week but is feeling better tonight. This flu or cold or whatever it is has had several people at his work out for a week or more. Hopefully, he will be able to go back to work on Monday. I think he could probably go tomorrow, but it might wear him out too much. And he's off on Friday anyway.

Well, I decided it is easier to keep track of Weight Watchers points than to keep track of Jillian Michaels calories, carbs and protein. So, I'm still doing the JM workouts (or rather I'm starting them again) and doing her online buddy thing while doing the Weight Watchers online. I think that will work better for me. I'm doing a much better job of keeping track with the Weight Watchers points than I ever did with calories. Kind of ironic really.

That's all the news from here. I'll try to post again soon.

My profession

I'm listening to Focus on the Family's Daily Broadcast from Monday. It's titled "The Value of Full-Time Moms part 1". I am a stay at home mom. I love my job. I get to spend the day taking care of my family. I can't imagine a more rewarding career. It is a career, not just a job. Taking care of my family is the most important thing in my world. I am professional. I have not thrown away my education, or my life taking care of my family. I have chosen to put my family first. Do I recommend this career for everyone? No. That is each family's decision. Do I resent my choice? Never. I have honestly felt for a long time that the best career for me has always been to be at home for the family. My husband's job is outside of the home. But could he do his job as effectively if I weren't home? I don't believe so. The reason is he would be worried about stuff at home. Now he can go to work and not worry about the house or children, he knows I'm taking care of them.

It really bothers me when I hear people criticize a Stay-At-Home Mom. She works just as hard as the mom who works outside the home. The biggest difference is she is at work all day, every day. And people don't expect her husband to do half the housework since they both work. I've talked to my husband and he told me one thing that really made me laugh. He's seen my job and he doesn't want it. I have job security. And it doesn't look like my company will be downsizing and laying me off anytime soon. Just one of the perks for a Full Time Mom.

Well, like any good professional, I need to go put my shoes on and scrub some toilets. Have a great day!

Happy Thursday

Well, this morning has started out rather off. I got up a bit later than I had been. I made Music Man (that's the name that won in the poll, by the way) oatmeal. Even though I bought turkey bacon yesterday morning at the grocery store. We were running a little late, cause of sleeping in. Got him off to work, and came into the bedroom to do my Biggest Loser Power Sculpt video. I got through that and a 24 oz bottle of water drunk without any trouble. Even though I'm still a little sore. I've had my shower and even updated my weight loss journal. I have a bunch of lesson planning to do today, and laundry. I'd like to finish cleaning off the TV stand and the dresser today too. Plus I need to go to the grocery store and post office. What a fun day I have planned.

We and by we I mean, Miss Goofy, Music Man and I called Grandma last night to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. She giggled the whole time and thanked me like 3 times. Seriously I would thank the people for stopping before I'd thank them for singing to me. She said we were right in tune, that at her house that never happens. I said obviously my house isn't the problem then. She giggled again. I have been there when that song is sung, it's an adventure that should not be missed. It should come with a warning, but it shouldn't be missed. Course, Grandma needs to have her hearing aids repaired so I'm not sure she could hear us very well, and that's probably a good thing. No one needs to hear that.

All of us here are doing pretty good. Dad is working long hours but he's off Friday through Sunday so we do spend a lot of time with him then.

I had planned to have a poll to name Miss Goofy, but then she told me about the air guitar thing and I called her Goofy and well...she kind of named herself. She seems to like it okay. She does a lot of goofy things, so it works for her.

Miss Goofy and I call my dad the "Grouchy Old Man", so I figure I'll just call him Gomy. It also pays tribute to a cat that my (step)brother, The Soldier had as a kid. That and I like to add the "E" sound to the end of names. I don't know why, but I do. In case you're wondering it's pronounced with a short o. Like on only with an m instead of an n. Just so you know, we call him that in a loving and teasing way. Never in anger. We tease a lot in this house.

Now that you're really confused, I'm going to quit rambling and see if I can't get most of my to do list done. Have a great day.

My Goofy Daughter

Okay so this morning Miss Goofy and I are driving to the grocery store. She tells me that she hurt her shoulder. I asked what she had done, and she was strangely quiet. After a couple of minutes I hear her mumble something about "air guitar". I couldn't help it, I started laughing. So, I asked her, "So, this was a tragic air guitar accident?" I am really glad that I was blessed with a daughter with a sense of humor. She eventually saw the humor and started making jokes with me, and tonight at dinner she and I shared a moment of private joking over her tragic air guitar accident.

By the way, I think she'll be better tomorrow.

Happy Birthday !

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

Today is my grandma's birthday. She turns 82 today. I hope she doesn't mind me telling that. I'm sorry if you do mind, Grandma. She is a strong woman and I hope that when I'm 82, I look as young and beautiful as she does. I would include a picture of her here, but she may not appreciate me doing that. So, just imagine your grandma, now picture her looking 20 years younger than she is. Yeah, now compete with that!

I love you, Grandma!

The Chowder

Okay, it was pointed out to me that I neglected to talk about last night's Winter Vegetable Chowder. It was really good by the way. So, it's a pretty simple recipe. You cut up 3 leeks, I've also used green onions and it was good that way, but it didn't have quite the same flavor. Over a medium high heat you cook the leeks in 1 Tablespoon of olive oil until they are softened. I cut my leeks up to around 1/4 of an inch. Slice 4 pieces of turkey around the same size. My family loves turkey bacon so I think I actually sliced more like 10 slices. Add the bacon to the leeks and cook until the leeks are completely cooked and the bacon is browned. Remember it's turkey bacon so it's usually pre-cooked, sometimes mine will brown, sometimes it won't. You can also brown it in the microwave, it just won't have the flavor from the leeks cooked into it. The recipe calls for 2 russet potatoes. However, everyone in my house prefers red potatoes, so I substituted red potatoes for russet. I also added more like 8, instead of 2. I cut mine in half and then into sixths or eighths depending on the size of the potato. The recipe also calls for 1 medium butternut squash. I've made this with a butternut squash before. Let me tell you those things are hard to cook and cut. My suggestion, go to the store and see if in the fresh produce aisle you can find pre-cut butternut squash. If not, go try the freezer section and see if they have it frozen. You can buy one and bake and cut it yourself, but it's much easier if someone else does it. Anyway I used 4 little bags of butternut squash. I think they are 8 oz. I could be wrong. I've also used acorn and yellow squash, it's good but the butternut is better. Cook the potatoes and squash with the leeks and bacon for around 3 minutes. Add 2 cans of chicken broth, I use lower sodium, about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of thyme, about 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a ton of pepper. (I love pepper) If I have white pepper I add it too. Sadly I was out last night. Cover the pan and let it simmer for around 25 minutes. You want the veggies to be soft. With a potato masher, mash about half the veggies. Don't go overboard, you want some intact. It gives it a nice texture and flavor. Add 1 cup half and half. Heat it with the half and half, but don't let it boil. If you do the half and half will break and the chowder doesn't taste as good. Correct the seasoning if you need to, and serve. It's really good. This serves 6 people, and is 283 calories per serving. By the recipe, add to it if you added more bacon. This recipe came from a book I bought a couple of years ago called, Saving Dinner by Leanne Ely. Try some you may be surprised by how much you like it.

Fun Things To Do On A Tuesday

Okay so I've got my morning coffee, which I have successfully spilled all over myself by the way. And a bottle of water, which I'm planning to spill soon.

So, to continue our discussion of "Ways To Make Your Husband Wonder What You're Up To", do number #1 two days in a row. (For those of you who missed it, #1. Spend nearly 10 years hating to get up early. Then one weird morning wake up at 4 am (yes, there is a 4 am too) snuggle up for 45 minutes or so, then go make him egg whites with cheese, turkey bacon and toast with Splenda sweetened strawberry preserves. Pack him a lunch. Make sure it's nice and healthy. And when he asks what you're up to, giggle mischievously.)

Except this morning make him waffles just the way he likes them. For added fun, do the same thing for the kids. Then giggle when they look shocked and dumbfounded. My husband was so busy looking for the pod last night that we didn't get to bed until after 10. And I tend to have problems with insomnia. Of course last night, I fought to go to sleep. Somewhere after 11:30 I finally fell asleep. Let me just say 4am came awfully early this morning.

Now at almost 8, I should be more than a little bleary-eyed, however I have a secret weapon. And it's not coffee. No, it's not an energy drink. No, it's not drugs. It's much easier to obtain than all of that combined. I simply worked out this morning. I got my exercise and I feel so much better. I should sleep really well tonight too.

So, I've started to work on several posts, they still need some refining, but they include: Stuff I Am Just Unable To Do, and Things My Credit Counselor Has Taught Me. Although that last one may go up today. I'm also planning on adding "I Have Issues". That one should be a lot of fun for y'all. I have some weird issues. Just wait.

I know I said "y'all" and I'm not from the south (apparently Southern California doesn't count as I have been repeatedly told), but my hubby is so I'm southern by marriage. So, now I need to decide on what to call my husband here on my blog. Oh I know, I'll put up a poll. Hopefully someone other than my husband will vote.

Okay well, I got to go make a poll. It will be open from the time I get it written and posted until let's say 8pm Pacific tomorrow, the 5th of March.

Ways to make your husband wonder what you're up to

I like lists. We'll do most things in list form. Unless I'm in a rambling mood. Then we'll ramble.

#1. Spend nearly 10 years hating to get up early. Then one weird morning wake up at 4 am (yes, there is a 4 am too) snuggle up for 45 minutes or so, then go make him egg whites with cheese, turkey bacon and toast with Splenda sweetened strawberry preserves. Pack him a lunch. Make sure it's nice and healthy. And when he asks what you're up to, giggle mischievously.

That one was fun this morning. Except he didn't ask what I'm up to. I think he's afraid.

I'll post more as I think of them

First Post and Update on Grandpa

Okay so I've decided to join the blogging world. So how should I start? I think with a list of goals.

1. Don't blow up computer while figuring out how to set up blog. Check
2. Figure out what to write about. Still working on that one.
3. Update family, friends, poor people who stumbled onto this page by accident of Grandpa's condition.

Update on Grandpa. He's still alive. Okay, I have a terrible confession. I have been busy and unable to go visit he and Grandma for way too long. I know I should make time. But it hasn't happened in the last 2 months and it isn't likely to happen this week either. I did make a left turn and see Grandma sitting at a stop light around noon today. She didn't see me. "Hi Grandma," as I wave enthusiastically. "Love you and miss you!" She was on her way to go get gas for her car. I know cause I saw where she pulled in after I pulled into the supermarket parking lot.

(Goal list #3, check)
4. Tell the world what is going on with me.

Well, let's see. I have a headache. It's sad when your 13 year old looks at you like you need a life.

5. Edumacate the child. Okay that one I can't do here, but I can tell funny stories that involve homeschooling her. By the way, I know it's not edumacate. It's a family joke. Don't think about it too hard, it'll give you a headache.

6. Come up with neat way to warn family when post will not include update on Grandpa.
Oooooh, how about if I say Update on Grandpa in the title? I think that will work. I better add that to the title. Hold on.

Okay, I'm back. Okay so for my list I have accomplished all the easy ones. Now my time is up though, I need to do something I have been meaning to do for, well, too long. Clean my desk. Not that I'm procrastinating or anything.

Just cause I am telling you all about the Winter Vegetable Chowder I'm making for dinner, that doesn't mean I'm trying not to work on my desk. The chowder is so wonderful, and healthy. Lots of good veggies.

Okay, back to cleaning. I'll tell you about the chowder tomorrow.