Over the years, I have found it soothing to "celebrate" holidays as much as possible in winter, post Christmas, as this time of year can be a major drag. I absolutely love to find things to make in the winter to take the focus off the miserable cold weather. Ever since I graduated from college (way back in winter of 2002) and moved into an apartment with my man, I have been trying to figure out this whole cooking, baking and "homemaker" thing. I've learned a great deal over the years from simply going to the library and sitting down with a good cookbook or scouring recipe blogs/sites for things that seem tasty and doable. So, in that vein and in lieu of upcoming holidays, I'll try to hunt down recipes in the coming weeks to help us to warm our tushes and "celebrate".
Let me know if I missed any good ones!
February:
2/3 - Chinese New Year: Short ribs and string beans?
2/5 - My hubby's birthday (32): He has specifically requested New Orleans' BBQ shrimp (its not what you'd imagine) and his favorite yellow or chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting.
2/6 - Superbowl Sunday: White meat "wings" and jalapeno bacon babies? Just an idea.
2/14 - Valentines Day: I'm thinking spaghetti with homemade meatballs and red sauce.
March (lots of alcohol this month....):
3/8 - Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras: G-U-M-B-O or Jambalaya and Abita. Baby.
3/17 - St. Patrick's Day: Split pea soup or boiled cabbage with ham with not-green beer. (My home will be a flatulant paradise).
3/20 - Purim: I think the only requirement here is alcohol.
3/24 - My favorite Uglyhoma munchkin turns 2!
Happy Winter Weekending to all!
Molly
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Other Side
I think I have survived the roughest two weeks I've had in a long time, probably since we brought Bebe home from the hospital. I've almost figured out how to do what I need to do. Financial aid finally came through this week. Now if I can just nail down how to study for my pathopharm class....maybe flashcards....who the hell knows.
My old man and I will sit down this week and work through a budget for the rest of the semester. I think that after May, I'll retire from the office gig and find a part time gig at a nursing home or hospital as an aid. That will work if he gets a regular full time job. I'll be able to spend my summer mostly playing in the mini pool and garden with bebe. Fingers crossed that it works out just like that. Lollipop, lollipop, oh lolli-lollipop.
I am having a hard time shutting down the homework beast in my head. I have something to read or work on every night, but one night a week, I really need to shut her down. I haven't quite figured out how to, as my friend Jon would say, Shut That Down. Just writing this out will probably help. Having a few drinks on the night I want to do it on will also help. I'm not high functioning when I have more than one. I'm sure someone else could attest to that...with photos. I'm also hoping that she won't. :)
News and Views: There's a new vampire/supernatural smut show on SyFy called Being Human. I've found it to be highly entertaining. An interesting perspective on what it means to be a monster.
Did you watch the SOU? You totally should. HuffPost posted text and video here. Thanks Arianna...you crazy sounding liberal you.
Movies: Old man and I saw The Green Hornet this weekend. Funny as hell, action packed. Its no True Grit, but lots of fun if you need an evening out and your theaters don't carry Biutiful. Because I need to see Biutiful and how. Hell, I could use a good cry.
Recipe: Its the time of the year to celebrate Mardi Gras. Yes, we all partake, even if we've (see: I've) never set foot in New Orleans. I've mastered Jambalaya, Cajun gumbo and beignets. Now its time to figure out this whole King Cake thing. I find the best authentic recipes not to come from the Allrecipes or "food" network sites, but from those dedicated to a particular holiday or cultural tradition. So go on now and get your King Cake on.
Also, check out this here beer: Abita - Marti Gras Bock It goes well in my Jambalaya recipe...that I'll share someday. But not today....its a secret. So for now, the beer.
Big Love,
Molly
My old man and I will sit down this week and work through a budget for the rest of the semester. I think that after May, I'll retire from the office gig and find a part time gig at a nursing home or hospital as an aid. That will work if he gets a regular full time job. I'll be able to spend my summer mostly playing in the mini pool and garden with bebe. Fingers crossed that it works out just like that. Lollipop, lollipop, oh lolli-lollipop.
I am having a hard time shutting down the homework beast in my head. I have something to read or work on every night, but one night a week, I really need to shut her down. I haven't quite figured out how to, as my friend Jon would say, Shut That Down. Just writing this out will probably help. Having a few drinks on the night I want to do it on will also help. I'm not high functioning when I have more than one. I'm sure someone else could attest to that...with photos. I'm also hoping that she won't. :)
News and Views: There's a new vampire/supernatural smut show on SyFy called Being Human. I've found it to be highly entertaining. An interesting perspective on what it means to be a monster.
Did you watch the SOU? You totally should. HuffPost posted text and video here. Thanks Arianna...you crazy sounding liberal you.
Movies: Old man and I saw The Green Hornet this weekend. Funny as hell, action packed. Its no True Grit, but lots of fun if you need an evening out and your theaters don't carry Biutiful. Because I need to see Biutiful and how. Hell, I could use a good cry.
Recipe: Its the time of the year to celebrate Mardi Gras. Yes, we all partake, even if we've (see: I've) never set foot in New Orleans. I've mastered Jambalaya, Cajun gumbo and beignets. Now its time to figure out this whole King Cake thing. I find the best authentic recipes not to come from the Allrecipes or "food" network sites, but from those dedicated to a particular holiday or cultural tradition. So go on now and get your King Cake on.
Also, check out this here beer: Abita - Marti Gras Bock It goes well in my Jambalaya recipe...that I'll share someday. But not today....its a secret. So for now, the beer.
Big Love,
Molly
Friday, January 14, 2011
Things Are Different Now
Today is Friday (I think...) and things are completely different now than they were Monday. I can feel it. It is so nice to just be in the office today and not have to worry about what class I need to be at and its somewhat unfamiliar location.
I feel like my adrenaline has been working overtime for the past 3 days and let me tell you why.
1. My registration window didn't open until 1:00PM on the day of orientation. Everyone else, it seemed was already registered and could access their course information, syllabus, schedules, course documents online already. I felt completely unprepared and out of the loop and consequently, nervous.
2. I also did not have my books yet as I was hoping to purchase them once my financial aid processed, that hasn't happened and won't happen until next Wednesday. Needless to say, I was freaking out because:
I need to get some work done. Have a great weekend, y'all!
Molly
I feel like my adrenaline has been working overtime for the past 3 days and let me tell you why.
1. My registration window didn't open until 1:00PM on the day of orientation. Everyone else, it seemed was already registered and could access their course information, syllabus, schedules, course documents online already. I felt completely unprepared and out of the loop and consequently, nervous.
2. I also did not have my books yet as I was hoping to purchase them once my financial aid processed, that hasn't happened and won't happen until next Wednesday. Needless to say, I was freaking out because:
- Classes started the next day
- By the time I got out of orientation, it was 4:19 and I still had to get the car, find a parking space at the bookstore (the only one that had the course packets), find everything I needed amidst others wandering aimlessly, get everything paid for and out of there before 6 so I didn't get charged extra monies when picking up Bebe. Nervous wreck, but I made it.
- When I got home I fell apart and told my husband I had to go and quickly register for my classes. Then, of course, the registration system rejected me for both classes. Totally melt down at this point. I already felt 2 days behind, spent evening trying to get as organized as I could and relax a bit. Not enough sleep that night.
- Class (skills lab) started on Wednesday and wasn't as bad as I had imagined, but lasted from 8AM to 1PM. Still had no online access to my courses at this point. Spent afternoon on phone ("at work") with the IT guys, who basically told me the feed hadn't loaded yet and may not for another few days. Ok, one more day behind. Stayed up late reading material to prep for the next day. Not enough sleep and really feeling it.
- Thursday: lectures for Nursing Fundamentals and Pathopharmacology. Didn't read the right book for Fundamentals and so didn't have my assignment finished (but it wasn't turned in, so that's a relief, but I was still embarrassed). Officially registered for the classes and as of that morning, still had no access to online content. By the time I got back to work after the fundamentals class, I was online. Whew! I was able to print needed materials for PathoPharm before class. PathoPharm moves fast, baby, but I think it will be interesting material. It all is, finally. Still painfully sleep depraved and starting to feel weird. Up until 11:30 studying and reading.
- Friday's I have off. I am trying to figure out what normal feels like but may need another week to get that figured out. I have all my homework for next week in my little planner and I have a long weekend (of nights and early mornings) to work on it. I won't get it all done, but I'll get the immediate things done. I got some sleep last night and am mentally gearing up for the weekend.
I need to get some work done. Have a great weekend, y'all!
Molly
Monday, January 10, 2011
A Long-Short Weekend
This past weekend went by really fast, but at times felt painfully slow in the moment. Bebe was a snot nosed kid all weekend and slept with us two out of three nights. She was also not in a great mood most of the time. Derek fevered at night and had the snots all weekend as well. Everyone was a hot mess. I now, awesomely, have the morning crud. It goes away after my shower, but I'm sure is building to a fabulous aria of snot and general misery. Hooray.
Some of our time-killing exercises included Bebe and I making a chicken pot pie and then later on, some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. She did a great job, but I really had to keep an eye on her with that chocolate chip cookie dough. She absolutely love, love, loved it. We'll be doing more of that in the future. Gotta get with dad to make that kitchen stand so I don't have to tie her to one of my dining room chairs with one of my scarves. Don't judge me, it works.
Snow is on the way again to the Bluegrass region. My friends in TN and NC already have snow and hopefully are just plain staying out of it. Tonight we have a 70% chance of snow and tomorrow an 80%. This is particularly annoying because my College of Nursing Orientation is tomorrow. I'm going to be perturbed if I don't get to go. Seriously perturbed. Either way, I'll be bringing in some firewood to dry, you know, just in cases.
3 Day Potty-Potty Boot Camp: Daddy, Bebe and I will be embarking on Potty Boot Camp this coming weekend. Much like Genderist (click here to see her plan), I too went shopping for the basics: underoos and a potty seat for the big toilet. I got 20 pairs of non-fancy teeny-weeny underwear and went with the Dora toilet seat cushion cover. Sometime this week, before Friday, I'll run back out to the la groceria and get salty snacks and drinks so she'll be sucking down liquids all day. Juice boxes, sprite, water and chocolate milk. Baked chips, chex mix, cheezy poofs, it'll all be there. Potty-Potty Time will be every 20 minutes or so. Should be an exciting weekend.
Should have some fun tales to share after orientation. Until then, live long and prosper.
Molly
Some of our time-killing exercises included Bebe and I making a chicken pot pie and then later on, some chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. She did a great job, but I really had to keep an eye on her with that chocolate chip cookie dough. She absolutely love, love, loved it. We'll be doing more of that in the future. Gotta get with dad to make that kitchen stand so I don't have to tie her to one of my dining room chairs with one of my scarves. Don't judge me, it works.
Snow is on the way again to the Bluegrass region. My friends in TN and NC already have snow and hopefully are just plain staying out of it. Tonight we have a 70% chance of snow and tomorrow an 80%. This is particularly annoying because my College of Nursing Orientation is tomorrow. I'm going to be perturbed if I don't get to go. Seriously perturbed. Either way, I'll be bringing in some firewood to dry, you know, just in cases.
3 Day Potty-Potty Boot Camp: Daddy, Bebe and I will be embarking on Potty Boot Camp this coming weekend. Much like Genderist (click here to see her plan), I too went shopping for the basics: underoos and a potty seat for the big toilet. I got 20 pairs of non-fancy teeny-weeny underwear and went with the Dora toilet seat cushion cover. Sometime this week, before Friday, I'll run back out to the la groceria and get salty snacks and drinks so she'll be sucking down liquids all day. Juice boxes, sprite, water and chocolate milk. Baked chips, chex mix, cheezy poofs, it'll all be there. Potty-Potty Time will be every 20 minutes or so. Should be an exciting weekend.
Should have some fun tales to share after orientation. Until then, live long and prosper.
Molly
Friday, January 7, 2011
School's About Here and other news....
I start school/orientation type thingies on Tuesday. I'm excited, excited, excited. Financial aid came through, plus extra for child care. Next fall I hope to have a scholarship lined up because I don't want to be paying these loans off forever and ever, Amen. I just need my books, school supplies and some scrubs to get me started. I'm getting there, people! Its all coming together.
At least this time around, I know the following things:
A. What college is like
B. How hard Molly needs to study to get good grades (which is hard)
C. What my end goal is and how to achieve it
I didn't know shit from shinola the last time I did this, but that's about all you know at 18. I don't have to worry about lusting after boys that don't like me, or whether or not I'll keep that piercing and life's other unknowns. I already have a kid, I married a great guy, bought a house.... I sure hope my kids do something like Americorp before they run off to school all not knowing what they are doing. Hey, maybe I'll just make them do that...or hey, I'll give them a choice: Americorp, PeaceCorp, or they have to find a job as a ranch hand somewhere. Hard labor, that'll get them to think!
So next weekend, I'm doing potty boot camp, in tandem with Genderist. Its going to be epic. But although I love having that little bonding moment with my kid, she's totally ready to put her pee pee and poo poo in the potty. It will be also be a nice cost savings. I'll totally post about it for posterity.
Here's to a really wonderful, restful weekend. Stay warm out there. Go make some popcorn and watch movies. M'kay?
Molly
At least this time around, I know the following things:
A. What college is like
B. How hard Molly needs to study to get good grades (which is hard)
C. What my end goal is and how to achieve it
I didn't know shit from shinola the last time I did this, but that's about all you know at 18. I don't have to worry about lusting after boys that don't like me, or whether or not I'll keep that piercing and life's other unknowns. I already have a kid, I married a great guy, bought a house.... I sure hope my kids do something like Americorp before they run off to school all not knowing what they are doing. Hey, maybe I'll just make them do that...or hey, I'll give them a choice: Americorp, PeaceCorp, or they have to find a job as a ranch hand somewhere. Hard labor, that'll get them to think!
So next weekend, I'm doing potty boot camp, in tandem with Genderist. Its going to be epic. But although I love having that little bonding moment with my kid, she's totally ready to put her pee pee and poo poo in the potty. It will be also be a nice cost savings. I'll totally post about it for posterity.
Here's to a really wonderful, restful weekend. Stay warm out there. Go make some popcorn and watch movies. M'kay?
Molly
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Interesting Foreshadowing Post, December 2005
Here's a post where I'm just pondering life and trying to figure out what in the hell to do with mine. Interesting foreshadowing from early December of 2005.
Well, it has been a slow, thoughtful, depressing week. I have my tree up and it is fabulous. And I count the days until we make the fateful trek to West Virginia for an Appalachian Christmas/Hanukkah. I have been doing some serious thinking about life and my career this week. As I struggle to sit at my stenographer for even 30 minutes of typing, I wonder if I'll ever finish the lessons. Deep down, I know that I will. But then what? Months and months of tedious practicing until I can type 225 words/minute flawlessly. I am determined to do it. But its temporary, I don't think I will want to do that forever. I have, however, been thinking of going back to school. I know I said I would never, ever go, but I think I am ready. I have been considering getting my teaching certificate. Your next question should be "why?"
Here's my answer: As I sit at work and read the dreadful news of our country and our world on CNN and MSNBC, I have been trying to figure out what I can do with my life where I'll make a difference and really help people. I have considered going to law school and becoming a politician. But I don't think I would survive in the world as a lawyer/politician. I would probably lose my mind if I was surrounded by corruption all day long. I also thought about being a nurse. I admire my friend Lara, an oncology nurse, and my mother Kathy, a cardiac nurse. It takes a great deal of inner strength to deal with the ups and downs of being in the medical field, let alone getting through nursing school! I am way too emotional these days. I'd freak out, cry all the time and wouldn't have anyone to have happy tea with. Not gonna do it. I have even considered being a superhero, but I don't have any super powers. So much for that.
So, now I am at teaching. I believe this is something I could do. I am still researching schools. I would probably go to UK-Lexington, if that is wherever Derek ends up. I'll try to do it at night and over the weekends at first. Then when Derek graduates and is working, I'll go full time and be a stenographer part time. This is all just speculation. Anything could happen between now and then. And I have no preconceived notions. I know it will probably be really hard. But what in life is easy? I am finally ready for my next life challenge.
I did try the teaching prerequisites for a good 3 semesters, long enough to know I wasn't interested in "going the distance" to become a teacher. Thank goodness for the Bebe. If I hadn't had her, I may be still wandering and I'm done with that for a while.
Well, it has been a slow, thoughtful, depressing week. I have my tree up and it is fabulous. And I count the days until we make the fateful trek to West Virginia for an Appalachian Christmas/Hanukkah. I have been doing some serious thinking about life and my career this week. As I struggle to sit at my stenographer for even 30 minutes of typing, I wonder if I'll ever finish the lessons. Deep down, I know that I will. But then what? Months and months of tedious practicing until I can type 225 words/minute flawlessly. I am determined to do it. But its temporary, I don't think I will want to do that forever. I have, however, been thinking of going back to school. I know I said I would never, ever go, but I think I am ready. I have been considering getting my teaching certificate. Your next question should be "why?"
Here's my answer: As I sit at work and read the dreadful news of our country and our world on CNN and MSNBC, I have been trying to figure out what I can do with my life where I'll make a difference and really help people. I have considered going to law school and becoming a politician. But I don't think I would survive in the world as a lawyer/politician. I would probably lose my mind if I was surrounded by corruption all day long. I also thought about being a nurse. I admire my friend Lara, an oncology nurse, and my mother Kathy, a cardiac nurse. It takes a great deal of inner strength to deal with the ups and downs of being in the medical field, let alone getting through nursing school! I am way too emotional these days. I'd freak out, cry all the time and wouldn't have anyone to have happy tea with. Not gonna do it. I have even considered being a superhero, but I don't have any super powers. So much for that.
So, now I am at teaching. I believe this is something I could do. I am still researching schools. I would probably go to UK-Lexington, if that is wherever Derek ends up. I'll try to do it at night and over the weekends at first. Then when Derek graduates and is working, I'll go full time and be a stenographer part time. This is all just speculation. Anything could happen between now and then. And I have no preconceived notions. I know it will probably be really hard. But what in life is easy? I am finally ready for my next life challenge.
I did try the teaching prerequisites for a good 3 semesters, long enough to know I wasn't interested in "going the distance" to become a teacher. Thank goodness for the Bebe. If I hadn't had her, I may be still wandering and I'm done with that for a while.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Molly's Old Resolutions, Vol 1: 2006
I thought it would be hilarious to look at my old posted blog resolutions and comment on them.
Original Post, Wednesday January 4. 2006
I know some think that resolutions are silly, and sure, they kinda are. However, its good to have some goals for the year. I am sure this list will evolve over the year, as it should. Here goes the first draft.
1. Read all the books in the pile on my night stand. - Done!
2. Less crappy, commercial-ly TV (we have already removed the TV from the bedroom), and watch more movies - Hahahahahahahahahahaha....
3. Almost always eat dinner at the table, not in front of the TV - Ok, most of the time.
4. Lose 15-20 lbs. - I think I actually did this..a few years later.
5. Finish up my steno studies and get certified (to be a Court Reporter, aka: the back-up plan). Uhhhhh, no. I did not continue to pursue my steno studies. Maybe I'll add this to my list for this year. Can't hurt to have a back up, right?
6. Buy a house…somewhere. Check!
7. Go to Las Vegas! Check, check, check!
8. Be more mindful of my thoughts and actions. Yes, this was the year I studied Buddhism. I could do it in 2006, but not in 2007.
9. Go to the dentist…it's been a while. Check.
10. Stop shopping at Wal-Mart. Hahahahahahahahahaha...I was so young then.
11. Start working towards my teaching certificate. Check, then uncheck.
12. More time with my family. Check!
13. Drink less soda/coffee, more water/tea. Ahem, speaking of coffee, I could use a warm-up.
14. Practice my Samurai Sword more. Awe, man! I miss my samurai sword practicing. I killed my DVD. If only I had another DVD. Maybe next year.
15. Run a half-marathon. Nope.
16. Plan a 2006 trip to Guatemala for cousin's wedding. Nope. Sorry, Diana, but I did go to the Ohio version.
17. Start buying Christmas presents this summer. Fail.
18. Master the art of making seafood gumbo. Maybe when I get my beach house, I ain't tackling this one in KY.
19. Listen to more reggae. I do remember listening to lots of Bob that winter, and still do today.
20. Think less, and "just be" more. Fail. Total fail.
21. Send more hand written letters, post cards, etc. to family and friends. Fail.
Well, that's it for the first edition of Molly's Old Resolutions. Stay tuned
Original Post, Wednesday January 4. 2006
I know some think that resolutions are silly, and sure, they kinda are. However, its good to have some goals for the year. I am sure this list will evolve over the year, as it should. Here goes the first draft.
1. Read all the books in the pile on my night stand. - Done!
2. Less crappy, commercial-ly TV (we have already removed the TV from the bedroom), and watch more movies - Hahahahahahahahahahaha....
3. Almost always eat dinner at the table, not in front of the TV - Ok, most of the time.
4. Lose 15-20 lbs. - I think I actually did this..a few years later.
5. Finish up my steno studies and get certified (to be a Court Reporter, aka: the back-up plan). Uhhhhh, no. I did not continue to pursue my steno studies. Maybe I'll add this to my list for this year. Can't hurt to have a back up, right?
6. Buy a house…somewhere. Check!
7. Go to Las Vegas! Check, check, check!
8. Be more mindful of my thoughts and actions. Yes, this was the year I studied Buddhism. I could do it in 2006, but not in 2007.
9. Go to the dentist…it's been a while. Check.
10. Stop shopping at Wal-Mart. Hahahahahahahahahaha...I was so young then.
11. Start working towards my teaching certificate. Check, then uncheck.
12. More time with my family. Check!
13. Drink less soda/coffee, more water/tea. Ahem, speaking of coffee, I could use a warm-up.
14. Practice my Samurai Sword more. Awe, man! I miss my samurai sword practicing. I killed my DVD. If only I had another DVD. Maybe next year.
15. Run a half-marathon. Nope.
16. Plan a 2006 trip to Guatemala for cousin's wedding. Nope. Sorry, Diana, but I did go to the Ohio version.
17. Start buying Christmas presents this summer. Fail.
18. Master the art of making seafood gumbo. Maybe when I get my beach house, I ain't tackling this one in KY.
19. Listen to more reggae. I do remember listening to lots of Bob that winter, and still do today.
20. Think less, and "just be" more. Fail. Total fail.
21. Send more hand written letters, post cards, etc. to family and friends. Fail.
Well, that's it for the first edition of Molly's Old Resolutions. Stay tuned
Sunday, January 2, 2011
And the first one, she falls awayyyy!
Ahhhh, can't win them all. Know what I mean? After a comprehensive convo with the SIL, it has been determined that the time requirement necessary to be a member of the Roller Derby team just isn't realistic for us at this time. There is also the fact that neither of us will have health insurance in a week or so, so its just not prudent. So much for January's shot. Truth be told, I'd rather spend 4-6 hours of my weekend's waking hours with my husband and child and not on wheels, praying that the next time I fall that I don't actually break my tail bone.
So much for reservation number 1! And hey, I'm totally good with it!
Keeping it super-duper real,
Molly
So much for reservation number 1! And hey, I'm totally good with it!
Keeping it super-duper real,
Molly