Part of me wishes Thanksgiving happened more often. Not because of the food. That would be unnecessary. But because of the reflective side of the holiday.
In my family, we've always used this holiday as a time to share what we're really thankful for, no matter what is going on in life, good or bad. And I wish I did it more often. It's just such a great reminder that life is good.
Today, as I run around frantically preparing food, I thought I'd share a list of things I'm thankful for, right at this moment. These are in no particular order.
1. Health
2. Amazing travels this year
3. Family
4. Good friends, old and new
5. The chance to go to grad school, and enjoying the experience so far
6. Money to pay the bills every month
7. A job flexible enough to work in my life
8. A cute apartment with great roomies
9. A fully functional, fuel efficient car
10. Dogs that like to snuggle
11. Memory foam mattress toppers
12. Blog and internet friends
13. Technology, even if it can be a pain occasionally
14. Two awesome blogs that I'm excited to put time into
15. Having grandparents that live right in town
16. My cousin's healthy new baby
17. A warm cozy bed (that is totally calling to me right now)
18. The start of the college basketball season
19. Finding out about friends and family expecting babies
20. Music that makes me want to dance
I know I have so much more than this to be thankful for. But this is enough to remind me to be content with life.
So, what are you thankful for today?
Now go get your stretchy pants on and get ready to eat! Happy turkey day!
11.24.2011
11.23.2011
Sweet Potatoes, again
I'm going back to my sweet potato kick for this one. I'm all about sweet potatoes in the fall and winter, especially when the store down the street has them 2 lbs/$1. My bank account and my belly win.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble
I'd love to give you amounts, but I have no idea for this one.
I diced and lightly sauteed onions, garlic, and peppers (red and green) until the onions became a little translucent.
Then I added the sweet potatoes, peeled and diced, and cooked the mixture until the sweet potatoes were softened. I seasoned it with curry and cumin.
While the potatoes were cooking, I whisked together a couple eggs and milk. Then I added the mixture to the skillet and cooked eggs through.
Put it in a bowl and, voila, a delicious breakfast.
11.22.2011
Ten on Tuesday: Thanksgiving
Believe it or not, these questions are actually courtesy of yours truly. I was feeling creative over the weekend in all my spare time and these 10 (well, actually 9, one of them is Chelsea's) questions just came out of nowhere.
It's okay. No need to applaud.
Sorry for the excessive poor humor in this post. I'm actually writing it Monday night and I should really, really be asleep. It's been a long couple of days.
Let's just move on and forget that ever happened. Except for that whole being posted on the internet.
You should definitely join up in the Ten on Tuesday fun by heading over to Roots and Rings. Seriously. Do it.
1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?
My uncle and aunt from my dad's side of the family are driving over for a few days to spend time with us and Grampie. The big event will be at my parents house, which will be entertaining with my grandpa in a wheelchair (he broke his hip this fall) and no entrance without stairs. We're very accessible here.
2. What are you most thankful for this year?
The chance to go back to grad school. Even though I'm more than a little scared about taking out more school loans and what job I'm actually going to have while attending, I feel very blessed to have this opportunity.
3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps?
The parade is not high on that list, only because I don't like what TV has turned it into. Just give me a shot of the main parade area with a little info now and again. Stop with the yammering already. I love football. And I'm not a napper. Never have been. Literally never. Just ask my mother.
4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish?
Stuffing; dressing goes on salad. And we cook some of both.
5. Do you cook?
More and more every year. My mom had her gall bladder removed last week (we're just falling apart left and right around here), so my aunt and I will be dealing with most of the cooking.
6. What is your favorite dish?
This is a really hard question for me. I love food. I'd probably go with stuffing or green bean cassarole, especially the Paula Dean version. It may not be healthy, but it's delicious. But there is nothing we have in our meal that I don't like. Literally.
7. What is your dessert preference?
I don't really like pie. I know, Thanksgiving sacrilege. Last year we made this really delicious pumpkin bread pudding, courtesy of Bobby Flay's showdown with the Pioneer Woman. You may have heard of them. Anyways, the stuff is like crack, especially fresh out of the oven. And by crack I mean rot your teeth, OD (on sugar) addicting.
8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
I have a very distinct memory of being at Grampie's (and Grammie's) house one year. One of my cousins had a whoopee cushion, which we preceded to place on Grampie's chair every time he got up. We found it hilarious every time. In related news, my day bought a book about a farting dog at Goodwill tonight. I just thought you should get a true picture of our family.
9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?
I'm considering checking out Best Buy after midnight. There's a couple deals I have my eye on and I would actually have to get up early, just stay up for a bit. Then I can sleep in all I want. Last year my sister and I went. We got some good deals and had a plan, but it was exhausting. And I'm already tired enough.
10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year?
Probably having family around while simultaneously trying to get work and school stuff done. I really need to get a few things accomplished. Work for the money and school because the quarter is almost over. Eek!
It's okay. No need to applaud.
Sorry for the excessive poor humor in this post. I'm actually writing it Monday night and I should really, really be asleep. It's been a long couple of days.
Let's just move on and forget that ever happened. Except for that whole being posted on the internet.
You should definitely join up in the Ten on Tuesday fun by heading over to Roots and Rings. Seriously. Do it.
1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?
My uncle and aunt from my dad's side of the family are driving over for a few days to spend time with us and Grampie. The big event will be at my parents house, which will be entertaining with my grandpa in a wheelchair (he broke his hip this fall) and no entrance without stairs. We're very accessible here.
2. What are you most thankful for this year?
The chance to go back to grad school. Even though I'm more than a little scared about taking out more school loans and what job I'm actually going to have while attending, I feel very blessed to have this opportunity.
3. Do you have any traditions on Thanksgiving? The parade? Football? Long naps?
The parade is not high on that list, only because I don't like what TV has turned it into. Just give me a shot of the main parade area with a little info now and again. Stop with the yammering already. I love football. And I'm not a napper. Never have been. Literally never. Just ask my mother.
4. Is it called stuffing or dressing? Is it in the bird or a separate dish?
Stuffing; dressing goes on salad. And we cook some of both.
5. Do you cook?
More and more every year. My mom had her gall bladder removed last week (we're just falling apart left and right around here), so my aunt and I will be dealing with most of the cooking.
6. What is your favorite dish?
This is a really hard question for me. I love food. I'd probably go with stuffing or green bean cassarole, especially the Paula Dean version. It may not be healthy, but it's delicious. But there is nothing we have in our meal that I don't like. Literally.
7. What is your dessert preference?
I don't really like pie. I know, Thanksgiving sacrilege. Last year we made this really delicious pumpkin bread pudding, courtesy of Bobby Flay's showdown with the Pioneer Woman. You may have heard of them. Anyways, the stuff is like crack, especially fresh out of the oven. And by crack I mean rot your teeth, OD (on sugar) addicting.
8. What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
I have a very distinct memory of being at Grampie's (and Grammie's) house one year. One of my cousins had a whoopee cushion, which we preceded to place on Grampie's chair every time he got up. We found it hilarious every time. In related news, my day bought a book about a farting dog at Goodwill tonight. I just thought you should get a true picture of our family.
9. Do you plan to shop on Black Friday?
I'm considering checking out Best Buy after midnight. There's a couple deals I have my eye on and I would actually have to get up early, just stay up for a bit. Then I can sleep in all I want. Last year my sister and I went. We got some good deals and had a plan, but it was exhausting. And I'm already tired enough.
10. What are you most dreading about Thanksgiving this year?
Probably having family around while simultaneously trying to get work and school stuff done. I really need to get a few things accomplished. Work for the money and school because the quarter is almost over. Eek!
11.19.2011
Easy Breakfast Cups
I have another recipe for you today. Though considering my measuring practices, 'recipe' may be a bit of a stretch. My sister found the idea for this treat on Pinterest--the place that sucks all the time and has all the pretty things. Here's our version:
I have no idea what to call this, but it's basically a breakfast sandwich in a muffin tin. So there you go.
You start by flattening a piece of bread and shaping into the muffin tin. We went with 5 for two of us and it ended up being pretty much perfect. Next we layered in cheese, bacon (cooked), and sauteed onions and peppers. Once you have all the filling, crack an egg over the top. Bake at 350 until the egg sets. Take breakfast sandwich muffins out of the tins and consume the deliciousness.
A couple notes: We ended up buying an oversized muffin tin for the second batch so we could get more goodies in each cup. Also, I ended up using a scramble egg mixture (eggs and milk) the second time. Be warned that the mixture will expand, so don't fill to the rim.
I would love to try this with biscuit dough instead. Yum!
What fun dishes have you made lately?
You start by flattening a piece of bread and shaping into the muffin tin. We went with 5 for two of us and it ended up being pretty much perfect. Next we layered in cheese, bacon (cooked), and sauteed onions and peppers. Once you have all the filling, crack an egg over the top. Bake at 350 until the egg sets. Take breakfast sandwich muffins out of the tins and consume the deliciousness.
A couple notes: We ended up buying an oversized muffin tin for the second batch so we could get more goodies in each cup. Also, I ended up using a scramble egg mixture (eggs and milk) the second time. Be warned that the mixture will expand, so don't fill to the rim.
I would love to try this with biscuit dough instead. Yum!
What fun dishes have you made lately?
11.17.2011
Awkward and Awesome: Late Night List
I really need to start writing these things down throughout the week because I can't help but feel like I'm forgetting things when I try to recreate the week in awkward/awesome form.
Maybe someday I actually will.
Awkward:
- Getting the flattest of flat tires last week.
- My lack of motivation this week. I've gotten everything done that I need to, but I can't help but think I could have done a better job.
- Trying to maneuver two people (a.k.a. my grandparents) and their wheelchairs. It's not easy, I'll tell you that much.
- Meeting a ton of new people and trying to remember all their names. I fail at that.
- I've driven over 2,500 miles in the past 2 months. Me no likey. So many gallons of gas.
- It's that point in the quarter where I really need to create some to do lists. Otherwise, there is always some I forget.
- Class cancellations at work. I need those dollars. Not that I really hate sleeping in, but I'm not exactly swimming in money.
- The ADD nature of my digital life. The iPhone is great, but sometimes I have trouble deciding whether to use my computer or my phone for certain things, like tweeting, when both are near by. It's pretty much a first world problem.
- My sleep schedule. If I fall asleep before midnight, it's pretty much a miracle.
Awesome:
- Puppy cuddles. I got to play with a friend's puppy tonight and loved every minute of it.
- Extra time off work.
- Fun times out with friends and the movies last weekend that included a trip to a dueling piano bar.
- Successfully putting a spare on with a friend and having my flat tire fixed for free at Les Schwab.
- Having really awesome guest speakers in grad school. Jordan Weisman was in class this week. Google his name. Crazy cool.
- We still haven't turned on our heat in our apartment. Nov. 17th and counting...
- Criminal Minds. Intense. But not safe for right before bed.
- My hair. The length is awesome. My curls are cooperating. I often wake up and head out without doing anything--whether I should or not.
- Words With Friends. I haven't won yet, but I still love playing. I currently have about 6 different games going. If you want a chance to win, I'm eewiley.
Maybe someday I actually will.
Awkward:
- Getting the flattest of flat tires last week.
- My lack of motivation this week. I've gotten everything done that I need to, but I can't help but think I could have done a better job.
- Trying to maneuver two people (a.k.a. my grandparents) and their wheelchairs. It's not easy, I'll tell you that much.
- Meeting a ton of new people and trying to remember all their names. I fail at that.
- I've driven over 2,500 miles in the past 2 months. Me no likey. So many gallons of gas.
- It's that point in the quarter where I really need to create some to do lists. Otherwise, there is always some I forget.
- Class cancellations at work. I need those dollars. Not that I really hate sleeping in, but I'm not exactly swimming in money.
- The ADD nature of my digital life. The iPhone is great, but sometimes I have trouble deciding whether to use my computer or my phone for certain things, like tweeting, when both are near by. It's pretty much a first world problem.
- My sleep schedule. If I fall asleep before midnight, it's pretty much a miracle.
Awesome:
- Puppy cuddles. I got to play with a friend's puppy tonight and loved every minute of it.
- Extra time off work.
- Fun times out with friends and the movies last weekend that included a trip to a dueling piano bar.
- Successfully putting a spare on with a friend and having my flat tire fixed for free at Les Schwab.
- Having really awesome guest speakers in grad school. Jordan Weisman was in class this week. Google his name. Crazy cool.
- We still haven't turned on our heat in our apartment. Nov. 17th and counting...
- Criminal Minds. Intense. But not safe for right before bed.
- My hair. The length is awesome. My curls are cooperating. I often wake up and head out without doing anything--whether I should or not.
- Words With Friends. I haven't won yet, but I still love playing. I currently have about 6 different games going. If you want a chance to win, I'm eewiley.
11.15.2011
Ten on Tuesday: Food, Work, and other stuff.
Guys, it's almost Thanksgiving, which means Christmas is closing in. And that just reminds me that I'm a little behind on my Christmas shopping.
I'd rather have it mostly done by next week so I don't have to deal with the craziness that is the Christmas shopping season. So, get your requests in soon, otherwise who knows what you'll end up with!
Now, onto to the Tuesday morning line up. Head on over to Roots and Rings to join in the fun.
1. What are your pantry staples?
Pasta, black beans, salsa and chips, tomato products, bread, peanut butter, tea, and recently, sweet potatoes.
2. What are your refrigerator staples?
Milk, eggs, cheese, cream cheese, butter--apparently anything dairy--and fruits/veggies, which vary depending on price/availability. I've been going for pomegranates and just picked up some asparagus.
3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
My fear of letting others down,
4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
Experience. In the current climate it's really hard to compete. That's why I'm going to grad school.
5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
Frye boots, I've been lusting like "whoa".
6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
I've cut back on my spending this fall. Outside of bills, it's mostly food purchases, and I can't think of anything embarrassing I purchase a lot. When I was younger lass, I purchased a lot of shoes and nail polish (a.k.a. a couple months ago). If you know me well, and can think of something, now is the time to call me out!
7. What’s in/on your bed every night?
Me. Usually my cell phone (a decent distance from my person). An extra blanket. A handful of pillows. And if I'm at my parent's, their springer spaniel.
8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?
One pair of jeans that fits really, really well. So versatile and helpful for putting together many an outfit.
9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?
I don't really do "weird" sandwiches. I like cream cheese on my grilled cheese sandwiches, but I think that's more indulgent than weird.
10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
I'd probably give up Facebook, not because I really, really desire making it big with my blog, but because I'm completely addicted to Pinterest. I don't want to give it up. Ever.
I'd rather have it mostly done by next week so I don't have to deal with the craziness that is the Christmas shopping season. So, get your requests in soon, otherwise who knows what you'll end up with!
Now, onto to the Tuesday morning line up. Head on over to Roots and Rings to join in the fun.
1. What are your pantry staples?
Pasta, black beans, salsa and chips, tomato products, bread, peanut butter, tea, and recently, sweet potatoes.
2. What are your refrigerator staples?
Milk, eggs, cheese, cream cheese, butter--apparently anything dairy--and fruits/veggies, which vary depending on price/availability. I've been going for pomegranates and just picked up some asparagus.
3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
My fear of letting others down,
4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
Experience. In the current climate it's really hard to compete. That's why I'm going to grad school.
5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
Frye boots, I've been lusting like "whoa".
6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
I've cut back on my spending this fall. Outside of bills, it's mostly food purchases, and I can't think of anything embarrassing I purchase a lot. When I was younger lass, I purchased a lot of shoes and nail polish (a.k.a. a couple months ago). If you know me well, and can think of something, now is the time to call me out!
7. What’s in/on your bed every night?
Me. Usually my cell phone (a decent distance from my person). An extra blanket. A handful of pillows. And if I'm at my parent's, their springer spaniel.
8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?
One pair of jeans that fits really, really well. So versatile and helpful for putting together many an outfit.
9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?
I don't really do "weird" sandwiches. I like cream cheese on my grilled cheese sandwiches, but I think that's more indulgent than weird.
10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
I'd probably give up Facebook, not because I really, really desire making it big with my blog, but because I'm completely addicted to Pinterest. I don't want to give it up. Ever.
11.12.2011
Life's Little (annoying) Surprises
I had invited a friend over after we finished up a school project to have dinner. She was following me home when I heard an thumping noise and felt my car veer right.
The passenger side front tire was completely flat. As a pancake.
But we prevailed.
You can read more about our adventure over at C's blog for class, all about learning about car care. I was so happy to provide her with easy blog material.
(For serious, go give my friend some love.)
I came home and made homemade mac 'n' cheese for some good comfort. And drank wine. It just needed to happen.
Luckily, today has been wonderfully relaxing and fun. My dad came down for the day and we spent time thrifting, eating at a great Indian restaurant, going to a college basketball game, shopping a little, and getting fro-yo. Many of my favorite things here in Seattle.
Now I'm relaxing and getting ready to meet up with friends at an Irish pub for some evening fun. It's like I actually have a life down here in the Emerald City. I kind of like it (even if I could go for a little more sleep).
Hope you are all enjoying your weekends like "whoa"!
The passenger side front tire was completely flat. As a pancake.
But we prevailed.
You can read more about our adventure over at C's blog for class, all about learning about car care. I was so happy to provide her with easy blog material.
(For serious, go give my friend some love.)
I came home and made homemade mac 'n' cheese for some good comfort. And drank wine. It just needed to happen.
Luckily, today has been wonderfully relaxing and fun. My dad came down for the day and we spent time thrifting, eating at a great Indian restaurant, going to a college basketball game, shopping a little, and getting fro-yo. Many of my favorite things here in Seattle.
Now I'm relaxing and getting ready to meet up with friends at an Irish pub for some evening fun. It's like I actually have a life down here in the Emerald City. I kind of like it (even if I could go for a little more sleep).
Hope you are all enjoying your weekends like "whoa"!
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