Have you ever had one of those days where all you want to do is find some good recipes and cook...and cook...and cook?
That's been me for the past couple of days...weeks really.
Usually I get into the "domestic mode" when we are expecting company for the weekend or just friends over for dinner. Well, we've had company every weekend for the past 3 weeks and I'm working on a "gift" for a friend (pre-made frozen meals that are in gladware containers).
In the past 24 hours I have made homemade mac'n'cheese, chicken taco filling, cooked carrots, cooked apples, a chocolate cream pie, an apple pie, and I'm not done yet. (I'll admit that I took a short cut and bought pre-made pie crust.)
I'm still planning on making chili, sloppy joe filling, beef stew, possibly some cookies...and that's on top of regular meals this weekend which are as follows: sausage gravy, monkey bread, steaks on the grill, tacos, plus sides.
I really have to share that I enjoy making the pies the best. There's just something about the time challenging, and multitasking skills needed when making a real chocolate cream pie with a meringue top. I took pictures. I'll post one later, if I can remember. I love my standing mixer...it makes a near-perfect meringue with little to no effort on my end (other than watching it and making sure it doesn't get over beat.)
Sometimes I feel inspired by my friends. I have several good friends who share my love for cooking and I stalk their blogs looking for new ideas or quick, easy recipes.
I'm planning on challenging my dessert making skills in a week or two. I have a Donald Duck shaped cake pan and I'm going to attempt to make a chocolate mold out of it and fill it with cheesecake (honestly, it probably won't be a homemade cheesecake just with the chocolate mold factor). If anyone has any tips or ideas on this one, PLEASE let me know. Otherwise google will be my friend in researching this endeavor.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
What Do I Value?
Loaded question, right?
I am speaking on merely basic terms...nothing major...at least that's my intention.
I am realizing...
...that I will have been out of high school for 10 years this year.
...I met my husband 8 years ago.
...I finished college 6 years ago.
...we will have been married for 6 years in May.
...we had our first child 3 1/2 years ago and are expecting the arrival of our second daughter at the end of June.
...I will be 28 years old in July...(young, right?)
After realizing all this, I am moderately amazed, but not surprised, that what I humanly valued 10 years ago, I still greatly value today.
I value...
...good conversations with great friends.
...a good dessert loaded with calories. :o)
...a fast-paced, well written book.
...my "me" time.
...my family.
...positive, infulential people in the media and in my personal life.
...common sense and reasoning; logic is a virtue in my world.
...well delivered critiques.
...simple joys that can be found when playing with small children.
...SLEEP.
The last one...SLEEP. It has become something that I've never really been able to fully achieve when I most want or need it. I love sleep. I love being warm and cozy in my cocoon of covers. (Brian wonders why I try to kick him out of bed in the morning...it's simple; I Want The Covers - and to a degree the bed - all to myself.) I love feeling refreshed. (My body requires more sleep than the average adult. Please don't laugh at or mock me when I say that I thrive and do my best on at least 12 full hours of sleep.) I love being able to start a new day with a fresh outlook...even if it may be noon when I roll out of my cocoon.
When I first came to Chicago, I had to be at work at 6:30am...6:30AM!!! When there was an opening to work in the "late classes" 3 days a week, I jumped at it because it meant that I wouldn't have to be at work until 9:30-10am or later...I didn't care that it meant I wouldn't get home until 7-7:30pm, I wanted my sleep.
I stopped working when Mackenzie was born. Now, we all know that if you plan on sleeping when you have a newborn, you can just kiss that pipe-dream goodbye. I was blessed that she would sleep until 9:30am or later, but the broken sleep with 3am feedings killed me. I'd nap when she'd nap, but it's not the same as a full night's rest. (I am NOT looking forward to the sleep schedule that awaits me in a few short months.)
I can only dream of a day when I can make my own sleeping schedule...that'll be when the kids are all in college, unless I've gone back to work full-time by then. :oP Which means I've got...hmm...over 19 years to go at least (add more years if we have more kids.) During those years I will be at the mercy of school schedules and events. I will be responsible for dragging my children out of bed to get dressed, fed and out the door so they aren't late. *sigh* Oh well, it's worth it.
I can long for the days when I can sleep as long as I want, but for now I will cherish the days and nights when I stay at my parents' house, or the child(ren) stay with others overnight. I will milk those precious hours of sleep for all they are worth...and I will value them all the more.
I am speaking on merely basic terms...nothing major...at least that's my intention.
I am realizing...
...that I will have been out of high school for 10 years this year.
...I met my husband 8 years ago.
...I finished college 6 years ago.
...we will have been married for 6 years in May.
...we had our first child 3 1/2 years ago and are expecting the arrival of our second daughter at the end of June.
...I will be 28 years old in July...(young, right?)
After realizing all this, I am moderately amazed, but not surprised, that what I humanly valued 10 years ago, I still greatly value today.
I value...
...good conversations with great friends.
...a good dessert loaded with calories. :o)
...a fast-paced, well written book.
...my "me" time.
...my family.
...positive, infulential people in the media and in my personal life.
...common sense and reasoning; logic is a virtue in my world.
...well delivered critiques.
...simple joys that can be found when playing with small children.
...SLEEP.
The last one...SLEEP. It has become something that I've never really been able to fully achieve when I most want or need it. I love sleep. I love being warm and cozy in my cocoon of covers. (Brian wonders why I try to kick him out of bed in the morning...it's simple; I Want The Covers - and to a degree the bed - all to myself.) I love feeling refreshed. (My body requires more sleep than the average adult. Please don't laugh at or mock me when I say that I thrive and do my best on at least 12 full hours of sleep.) I love being able to start a new day with a fresh outlook...even if it may be noon when I roll out of my cocoon.
When I first came to Chicago, I had to be at work at 6:30am...6:30AM!!! When there was an opening to work in the "late classes" 3 days a week, I jumped at it because it meant that I wouldn't have to be at work until 9:30-10am or later...I didn't care that it meant I wouldn't get home until 7-7:30pm, I wanted my sleep.
I stopped working when Mackenzie was born. Now, we all know that if you plan on sleeping when you have a newborn, you can just kiss that pipe-dream goodbye. I was blessed that she would sleep until 9:30am or later, but the broken sleep with 3am feedings killed me. I'd nap when she'd nap, but it's not the same as a full night's rest. (I am NOT looking forward to the sleep schedule that awaits me in a few short months.)
I can only dream of a day when I can make my own sleeping schedule...that'll be when the kids are all in college, unless I've gone back to work full-time by then. :oP Which means I've got...hmm...over 19 years to go at least (add more years if we have more kids.) During those years I will be at the mercy of school schedules and events. I will be responsible for dragging my children out of bed to get dressed, fed and out the door so they aren't late. *sigh* Oh well, it's worth it.
I can long for the days when I can sleep as long as I want, but for now I will cherish the days and nights when I stay at my parents' house, or the child(ren) stay with others overnight. I will milk those precious hours of sleep for all they are worth...and I will value them all the more.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Righteous Indignation
I admit here and now that I have a soapbox. Occasionally I like to get on it. I am aware that what I say while on my soapbox may not always be popular, but it would drive me crazy if I didn't get on it and type what's on my mind. (I have never done overly well with on the spot debates or apologetics, but I generally continue to process and linger on topics of converstaions or debates well after they are over.)
Soapbox topic of the day: the "Tim Tebow Ad"
I am astounded at how much media attention this 30-second commercial spot is receiving.
I mean what is advertising other than a mean of promoting your beliefs and products?
Are there voiciferous protestors out there that slam alcohol ads because they are insensitive to those who have drinking problems? How about those "Go Daddy" ads that are usually a part of the Super Bowl repetoir that border on pornographic? Car ads that encourage the middle class workers to take on more debt and drive them further into financial instability? Fast food retailers that don't tell you that the meal they just advertised contains your entire daily caloric intake, plus at least 2 full days worth of recommended fat intake?
We've already banned cigarette ads on TV, why not go the whole 9 yards and ban anything that is "unhealthy" for the general public or better yet, the minority public?
Why not? Because in the end it's who has the most money and the loudest voice. $2.5 million dollars for 30 seconds to influence the minds of millions of people watching a football game (many of these millions are likely drinking and possibly intoxicated and won't pay a bit of attention - or take the commercial time to grab a snack or use the restroom). Why does the content of 30 seconds matter so much? Because we think it does and that's all that matters, right?
--
I will now outline what I know of the Ted Tebow ad: His mother had several children already. She and her family were on a mission trip during her pregnancy. She got sick or had other underlying health complications. Her doctors recommended she have an abortion due to her health. She CHOSE not to.
It aggravates me to no end when I read articles from supporters of N.O.W. or other feminist movements and pro-choice organizations.
Why?
1. Mrs. Tebow is a woman. As a feminist, she is one of your own because she is a woman.
2. Mrs. Tebow was given a CHOICE. She made a CHOICE. She chose against what others were telling her.
3. PRO-CHOICE organizations should be championing her case, because she is clearly stating that she was given options and she chose the one that was right for her. Evidently it was not abortion...which leads me to a much longer side rant...
If pro-choice organizations and members are only championing people who step up and say "I was given a choice, I chose abortion," what exactly are they championing? Death? There have been other commercials championing pro-life messages (Bethany adoption centers, The Cradle, etc.) What makes this one any different? Or are they not necessarily being negative towards the choice, but more towards the sponsoring organization - Focus On The Family? If that be the case, then direct your anger elsewhere...there are plenty of advertisers that get their funding from less than kosher/questionable intent organizations. What does it matter who paid the bill for an advertisement? Television corporations don't really care so long as the check is good...most of the time (I will conceed that there are exceptions to this rule that I know of.)
I've even seen negative comments towards this ad from Human Right advocates! HUMAN RIGHTS! Is the unborn child not human? Is it the product of alien experimentation? So what exactly is the big deal? Who gives us the right to decide when exactly an unborn fetus is considered a "human" or even a complete person worthy of the rights we all share in this free country? Who is their voice?
I am tired of every time a story comes out from a "Pro-Life" proponent that various other organizations cry "Foul!" or "Insensitivity!" I think it's positively sad and pathetic. Again, let me reiterate a point I have previously made...Pro-Choice, when given a choice a person chooses the option that they feel is best for them. Are we really striking a senstive chord when we want to hear positive outcome stories from minorly influential people? Do they really think we are trying to cram "God" and "Religion" down their throats in a meager 30-seconds? Why aren't they attacking the "Catholics Coming Home" advertisements??
I have known people who have had to cope with the decision to have an abortion - or not to. Every story is different: they were too young, they didn't know they had other options, it was the child of a rape or abusive relationship...
I have also known people who struggled with infertility and are desperately seeking a child to adopt - most of these children come from unwanted pregnancies. Many of these people are still on long waiting lists...
I have known people who chose life for their unborn child. And I applaud them. They did something completely self-sacrificing in having their child - against the counsel of friends, family, even religious leaders - they chose to give their lives away in the hopes and love that they knew they could share with their child.
I have also known people who have chosen adoption for their children. Children that they knew could go to a loving family to be raised and cared for. They gave someone else the precious gift of a child...the precious gift of life.
There are so many loving families waiting to adopt, why deny them the opportunity to love and care for a child that someone else does not want or feel they can? Why are we not FULLY educating troubled women with all of their options and not just the ones that fit our agenda - yes, even "pro-life" people. It is not our place to judge or sway, it is only for us to counsel and pray. Be an example through actions, not just words.
If you need more information on a great Chicago-based organization for those with unwanted or troubled pregnancy check out www.caris.org
*sigh*
I am done with my rant. So I will end with my disclaimer.
I am pro-life. I believe that no matter what circumstances a woman is in, that they become pregnant for a reason...regardless of the reason, we may never understand it.
To the unmarried and married, this is my mantra: "The second you choose to have unprotected sex is the second you're willing you say "okay" to becoming prego."
I am trying very hard not to bring God into the picture for a reason..I want my message to not be discounted by society as "just another Christian rant".
My beliefs and ideals are shaped not only by my faith in a higher power, but moreso by a value for human life. Who gets to decide when life truly begins? Conception? First heart beat? Able to sense pain? Or express emotion? Why and how did we get the right to play judge, jury and executioner with Human Life?
Oh yeah, God gave us freedom of choice from the get-go.
Do the world a favor, choose to think and reason first rather than simply react.
Soapbox topic of the day: the "Tim Tebow Ad"
I am astounded at how much media attention this 30-second commercial spot is receiving.
I mean what is advertising other than a mean of promoting your beliefs and products?
Are there voiciferous protestors out there that slam alcohol ads because they are insensitive to those who have drinking problems? How about those "Go Daddy" ads that are usually a part of the Super Bowl repetoir that border on pornographic? Car ads that encourage the middle class workers to take on more debt and drive them further into financial instability? Fast food retailers that don't tell you that the meal they just advertised contains your entire daily caloric intake, plus at least 2 full days worth of recommended fat intake?
We've already banned cigarette ads on TV, why not go the whole 9 yards and ban anything that is "unhealthy" for the general public or better yet, the minority public?
Why not? Because in the end it's who has the most money and the loudest voice. $2.5 million dollars for 30 seconds to influence the minds of millions of people watching a football game (many of these millions are likely drinking and possibly intoxicated and won't pay a bit of attention - or take the commercial time to grab a snack or use the restroom). Why does the content of 30 seconds matter so much? Because we think it does and that's all that matters, right?
--
I will now outline what I know of the Ted Tebow ad: His mother had several children already. She and her family were on a mission trip during her pregnancy. She got sick or had other underlying health complications. Her doctors recommended she have an abortion due to her health. She CHOSE not to.
It aggravates me to no end when I read articles from supporters of N.O.W. or other feminist movements and pro-choice organizations.
Why?
1. Mrs. Tebow is a woman. As a feminist, she is one of your own because she is a woman.
2. Mrs. Tebow was given a CHOICE. She made a CHOICE. She chose against what others were telling her.
3. PRO-CHOICE organizations should be championing her case, because she is clearly stating that she was given options and she chose the one that was right for her. Evidently it was not abortion...which leads me to a much longer side rant...
If pro-choice organizations and members are only championing people who step up and say "I was given a choice, I chose abortion," what exactly are they championing? Death? There have been other commercials championing pro-life messages (Bethany adoption centers, The Cradle, etc.) What makes this one any different? Or are they not necessarily being negative towards the choice, but more towards the sponsoring organization - Focus On The Family? If that be the case, then direct your anger elsewhere...there are plenty of advertisers that get their funding from less than kosher/questionable intent organizations. What does it matter who paid the bill for an advertisement? Television corporations don't really care so long as the check is good...most of the time (I will conceed that there are exceptions to this rule that I know of.)
I've even seen negative comments towards this ad from Human Right advocates! HUMAN RIGHTS! Is the unborn child not human? Is it the product of alien experimentation? So what exactly is the big deal? Who gives us the right to decide when exactly an unborn fetus is considered a "human" or even a complete person worthy of the rights we all share in this free country? Who is their voice?
I am tired of every time a story comes out from a "Pro-Life" proponent that various other organizations cry "Foul!" or "Insensitivity!" I think it's positively sad and pathetic. Again, let me reiterate a point I have previously made...Pro-Choice, when given a choice a person chooses the option that they feel is best for them. Are we really striking a senstive chord when we want to hear positive outcome stories from minorly influential people? Do they really think we are trying to cram "God" and "Religion" down their throats in a meager 30-seconds? Why aren't they attacking the "Catholics Coming Home" advertisements??
I have known people who have had to cope with the decision to have an abortion - or not to. Every story is different: they were too young, they didn't know they had other options, it was the child of a rape or abusive relationship...
I have also known people who struggled with infertility and are desperately seeking a child to adopt - most of these children come from unwanted pregnancies. Many of these people are still on long waiting lists...
I have known people who chose life for their unborn child. And I applaud them. They did something completely self-sacrificing in having their child - against the counsel of friends, family, even religious leaders - they chose to give their lives away in the hopes and love that they knew they could share with their child.
I have also known people who have chosen adoption for their children. Children that they knew could go to a loving family to be raised and cared for. They gave someone else the precious gift of a child...the precious gift of life.
There are so many loving families waiting to adopt, why deny them the opportunity to love and care for a child that someone else does not want or feel they can? Why are we not FULLY educating troubled women with all of their options and not just the ones that fit our agenda - yes, even "pro-life" people. It is not our place to judge or sway, it is only for us to counsel and pray. Be an example through actions, not just words.
If you need more information on a great Chicago-based organization for those with unwanted or troubled pregnancy check out www.caris.org
*sigh*
I am done with my rant. So I will end with my disclaimer.
I am pro-life. I believe that no matter what circumstances a woman is in, that they become pregnant for a reason...regardless of the reason, we may never understand it.
To the unmarried and married, this is my mantra: "The second you choose to have unprotected sex is the second you're willing you say "okay" to becoming prego."
I am trying very hard not to bring God into the picture for a reason..I want my message to not be discounted by society as "just another Christian rant".
My beliefs and ideals are shaped not only by my faith in a higher power, but moreso by a value for human life. Who gets to decide when life truly begins? Conception? First heart beat? Able to sense pain? Or express emotion? Why and how did we get the right to play judge, jury and executioner with Human Life?
Oh yeah, God gave us freedom of choice from the get-go.
Do the world a favor, choose to think and reason first rather than simply react.
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