Bad Habits

OK, honey.  This is a post you can just skip.  I know I have billions millions a lot of bad habits.  I don't need you to hand me a book list of my other habits.  Maybe someday I will talk about some of the other bad habits.  Oh, yea, and, honey, you can just skip the rest of this post since you are familiar with all of my bad habits.

OK, back to my topic.  I have this bad habit of leaving a water glass out.  It's a glass that I'm using to drink water and usually has water in it.  I have been known to have several glasses in various places around the house.  I have bee a lot better lately with only one glass.  Hey!  I try to use the same glass all day.  Why dirty several glasses.  I mean, I'm the one who does the dishes!  I think RT is used to it.  He points it out once in awhile but is "a little" understanding.  Nick has pointed it out, but, now he saves his glass (without water) and uses the same one all day.

I have recently noticed that Bella has picked up my bad habit (or she is just lazy).  I find her glasses everywhere.  Sometimes they have water in them, sometimes they are empty.

This is where RT comes in.  He pointed out that I have handed down my bad habit and that the glasses are now multiplying all around the house.  I say he should be happy that it's just water glasses and not dirty underwear.

Do you have any bad habits that drive your family crazy?

Pen Shortage

If you know me, you know how much I appreciate writing instruments.  You also know that I have an ample supply of pens and pencils.  Such is not the case at work.

We don't use pens often at work, but, there are times where one is needed (customer to sign a card, write names down for personalizing, etc.).  The only problem is, pens are hard to find at work.  One day there is an abundance of pens.  The next day, you are scrambling to find just one.

One of my coworkers brought in some extra pens from home.  You know, the free ones from hotels or companies that you have laying around the house?  I was there the day she brought them to work and was quite excited that we would actually have some pens to use.  The next time I went to work (two days later) all of the pens were gone!

I've learned from these experiences and always have a pen in my apron (I'm using it now to write this post).  When this pen dies, I'll snag another one to hide from everyone.  I would bring some of my extra pens in to work, but, I know they will disappear quickly and might go unused.  I owe it to my pens to use every last drop of ink.  Maybe I should bring one of my pens to work to keep in my apron?

Paper Towels

I know paper towel use is not eco-friendly, but, there are times when they are absolutely necessary.

Hey!  I use towels and rags when necessary, but, there's always that one time that using just one paper towel is mandatory.  I can buy a case of paper towels and they will last me years (that's how few I use).  Just one roll can get me through several months.  I have taken to buying paper towels in packages of two since I don't use them that fast.

Recently, it has come to my attention that "someone" has been carelessly using my paper towels.  My full roll is empty in a week or two.  Since I don't buy in bulk, my paper towel stash is disappearing rather quickly.

So, I did what any normal person would do in this situation.  I hid my paper towel roll.

It didn't take long for Nick "someone" to notice that the roll was gone.

"So, we are hiding the paper towels now?"

"Yes.  The paper towels were granted asylum.  They are now being protected by the government.  They will be protected until it is guaranteed that they can return to a safe environment."

Pet Peeve

All these years writing this blog and I never talk about my pet peeves.  I'm sure I have many, but, there is one in particular that is currently driving me crazy.  The multiple texting.  It's when you send a single text message but send it in three or four texts.  So, instead of your phone buzzing once for the message, it buzzes four times.  Something like this:

  Hi How are

  you

  doing?  I'm having  a great

  day!

Seriously?  You couldn't put all of that in one text message?  (Now the two people that I know that read this will send me multiple texts just to tick me off).

The take away from this post is to just send one text.  Who cares if it's too long.  If it's going to be too much, then call or send an email.

Inspirational Quote of the Day

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."  Aesop

The Cool Mom

The other night, B had some friends over.  I gave them a little time to hang together and then I decided to see what they were doing.

First of all, I have to say that I like to get to know my kids' friends.  Know who they are hanging out with, what they are doing, how they get along, personalities, etc.

While talking to the girls, I started joking around with them.  I had them laughing.  I then said I better go so I don't embarrass B.  That's when B said it.  "You're not embarrassing.  You're the cool Mom!"

Those words you always want to hear.

Both of her friends agreed.  They said their Moms aren't cool like me.

A little later, all three girls came in to the kitchen.  They were talking about dance moves.  The one girl started teaching me the dance move (the dental floss - yea, don't ask me to show you...could be a little embarrassing).  She even said I did the move better than B (I think she was being nice).

I know the title isn't going to last long.  Give her a little time and I will be the farthest thing from cool.  Right now, though.  I'm enjoying my reign.

Bucket List

You hear a lot about people making bucket lists.  They put down all of the fun things they want to do before they die.

Jump out of an airplane.
Visit the Great Wall of China
Swim with dolphins
Climb a mountain
Run a marathon
Backpack across Europe.
Swim the English Channel.

I have never made a Bucket List.  I usually have very little free time to think about what I want to do in the future.  The future to me is tomorrow.  I'm usually just trying to get through the current day.

Last week was RT's birthday (March is a big birthday month for us) and I made him a cake.  Not just any cake.  A double tiered cake.  It was a first for me.  I was excited to make it and even jokingly said that I can cross it off my bucket list now.  RT told me that if making a double tiered cake is on my bucket list, then, I need to get out more.

I guess I'm going to have to try to schedule some time for research and for the actual making of my bucket list.

Do you have a bucket list?

If yes, have you crossed anything off your bucket list yet?

My Weird Dog

I know how much everyone enjoys my weird dog posts.  I thought I would let you know that today is his birthday.  I know everyone wants to help him celebrate his birthday today.

He is born on "the ides of March."  Beware the Ides of March.  That probably should have been a warning to us when we rescued him.....

So, go ahead and have an extra cookie today on Pippen.  And, maybe grab a nap or three.

Vegan Diaries - Jambalaya

I've been missing my days in New Orleans.  I miss the music.  I miss the weather.  I miss the history.  But, most of all, I miss the food!  

While in New Orleans, I was lucky to find places that served vegetarian meals.  Finding Creole and Cajun vegetarian meals was difficult, but, possible (if you walked far enough).   I found this recipe here and thought I would give it a try. This is my first time making Jambalaya, so I was a bit nervous.  Especially after tasting delicious Jambalaya in New Orleans!  Turns out, this Vegan Jambalaya brought back lots of good New Orleans memories.  

Here's the recipe:

Slow Cooker Vegan Jambalaya

Ingredients:

1 TBSP olive oil

1 28oz can diced tomatoes with juice

8oz seitan, cut into cubes

8oz smoked vegan sausage, cut into 2" slices

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 green pepper, chopped

3 stalks celery, chopped

okra, chopped*

1 cup vegetable broth

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 TBSP miso paste

1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning **

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp oregano

1 cup rice

1 TBSP chopped parsley 

Directions:

Drizzle bottom of slow cooker with olive oil.  Stir in tomatoes with juice, seitan, sausage, onion, green pepper, celery, okra, vegetable broth, garlic, miso paste, Cajun seasoning, thyme and oregano into crock.

Cook on low for four hours.  Add rice to crock and cook on high until rice is cooked through (about 30 minutes).  Garnish with parsley.

*I added okra, because, what's jambalaya without okra?  I added about 8-10 whole pieces (then chopped them).

**Don't have Cajun seasoning?  Make your own.

Cajun seasoning:

1/2 TBSP sea salt

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp white pepper

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 TBSP paprika

1 TBSP dried oregano

1 TBSP onion granules

1 TBSP garlic granules

1 tsp dried thyme

Mix together in a bowl and store in a small jar.

Hope you give this recipe a try.  If you do, let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

Something I Miss

The end of the school year is right around the corner.  We just got a list  huge packet  with all of the fun things happening in the next two months for seniors (Alex is a senior in High School).  I have been reading through the packet and checking things off the list.  Signing permission forms.  Marking dates and putting reminders on the calendar.  It's all very exciting to see the fun things that they will be doing these next two months.

But...then...  I realize he will graduate High School in May.   And, all of the Mom feelings bubble up.

I miss the hugs and cuddles.

I miss holding him and carrying him around.

I miss his chubby little hands.

I miss his head of curly hair (although, sometimes he lets it grow out).

I just want a Groundhog Day moment where I can go back in time and do it all over again.

But, I can't.


Yes.  I have one who is older.  I felt the same way when he graduated.

Vegan Diaries - Cauliflower Fried Rice

It's been awhile since I've posted a recipe.  I haven't totally committed to being vegan, but, I do try to avoid dairy and eggs whenever possible.

I had a head of cauliflower and I wanted to try a new recipe.  I found a Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe and thought I would give it a try.  We like fried rice.  All that's different is substituting the cauliflower for the rice.  Great for people trying to avoid too much rice/starch. 

The recipe is (A LOT) easier to make than regular fried rice.  I feel like I didn't dirty as many pots and pans.  I substituted a little rice vinegar and I think that helped take out the bite (tang?) that cauliflower has when cooked.  

Here's the recipe:

Cauliflower Fried Rice

ingredients:

vegetable oil

1 head cauliflower

1 TBSP grated ginger

1 cup chopped green onions

1 cup green peas

1 cup corn

1 cup carrots, finely chopped

1 TBSP rice vinegar

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 

soy sauce (to taste)

3 eggs, scrambled, cooked, chopped (optional)

tofu  browned, cut in small cubes  (optional)

directions:

Cut out stem and remove leaves from cauliflower.  Cut Cauliflower into small pieces and place in food processor.  Pulse until resembles rice.  You might want to do this in several steps to make sure all of the cauliflower gets chopped up.

Heat 2 TBSP of oil in large skillet on medium heat.  Add onions, garlic and ginger and carrots.  Cook until softened.  Add cauliflower, 3-4 TBSP soy sauce and rice vinegar and let cook.  I put the lid on the pan and let it cook for a little (10 minutes).  Check and stir often so doesn't stick.   Add peas and corn.*  Also, time to add egg or tofu.  Cook for another 10 minutes.

Once thoroughly cooked, season to taste**   

*If using frozen peas and corn, this step might take a little longer.  You will have to check the mixture and make sure that the peas and corn are heated through. 

*Might want to add a tad more rice vinegar or soy sauce at this point.  

What's great about this recipe is that you can throw different vegetables in depending on what's in your refrigerator.  Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach or onion.  You get the picture.

International Women's Day

First celebrated in the US in 1911.

I'm glad women persisted.  We now have the right to vote.  We can hold any job we want, we can get an education and work in any field we choose.  We have property rights, reproductive rights and the right to work for equal pay.

Unfortunately, there are some countries where women do not have all of these rights.  They are not able to get an education,  married before they turn 18, some are killed because they are perceived to bring shame to their family.  The list goes on and on.

We have come so far as women.  It's hard to believe what we have done.  It's also hard to believe how much more work has to be done.

The theme this year is #pressforprogress .

How will you #pressforprogress?

Maintain a gender parity mindset?
challenge stereotypes and bias?
forge positive visibility of women?
influence other's beliefs and actions?
celebrate women's achievements?

taken from Internationalwomensday.com *

 Let's see what we can do this year to improve women's rights throughout the world.

*need some more info?  check out this link

My Weird Dog

Springtime brings lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of rain.  Because of the tremendous amount of rain, our yard (sometimes) floods.  If it's not flooded, then it's REALLY muddy.

On wet, rainy days, we can't let Pippen out in the yard for long periods of time.  I'm sure I've mentioned his psychotic behavior  territory issues.  Pippen is afraid another dog will walk by and take over our yard.  He acts like a mad dog  runs back and forth trying to bite the dog walking by  along the fence barking.

We are quite well known in the area.  Yes.  The neighbors (and neighborhood) just love us.  Sometimes, in order to give us privacy, they go out of their way to avoid walking by our fence  and ferocious beast .  Most people walk their dogs on rainy days.  This means there's ample opportunity for Pippen to get some exercise and terrorize the neighbors run around the yard and get muddy.  So, we try to limit his time in the yard.

This morning it was raining when I let Pippen outside.  I wasn't planning on having him out for very long.  Apparently, due to the rain, Pippen decided his time outside was going to be cut short because he didn't want to get wet.  I knew he had to visit the yard so I tried shooing him off the deck.  I tried telling him to go and do his business.  He wasn't interested.  I ended up taking my socks off and walking outside in the cold rain and having him follow me down the stairs to the patio.  He finally decided to go and do that thing he does when outside.

I think he figured if he had to suffer in the cold rain, then I had to suffer along with him.

We will be setting up a Go-Fund Me page for Pippen so we can purchase booties, raincoat and an umbrella for his outdoor excursions in spring-like weather.

Advice my Parents gave me that stuck

When I first started driving, (obviously) my parents told me to be careful.  I think all parents say that to their children .  Especially the new drivers taking the car out by themselves for the first few hundred times.

The one thing my parents told me (way back when) that has stayed with me is:  Drive very carefully when someone else is in the car.  When you are by yourself, you can do whatever you want.

So, in other words, when someone else (one of my parents) is in my car, I have to be very careful when driving.  If I'm by myself, I can drive around like a maniac.

To this day, I remember those words.  I'm very careful with the kids in my car, or another passenger.  But, when I'm on my own, Look out!  I'm all over the road.  Taking chances.  That crazy driver that tried to run you off the road?  That was me.  Driving by myself.  Hey!  My parents told me I could drive crazy when driving alone.  That could be my plea, right?

Famous Birthdays

Did you ever search your birthday to find out what famous person shares your special day?

I know people who share their birthday with singers, actors, presidents, Nobel Prize winners, famous inventors, etc.

My brother shares his day with Dr. Seuss.

Alex shares his birthday with Albert Einstein.

RT shares his day with Shaquille O'Neal.

And then, there's me.....

Yea.  Go ahead.  Search my birthday.  It's today.  March 4.  And tell me how many people you recognize.

None, right?

It kind of goes along with finding your name on one of those keychains.  I never find my name on those things.  People tell you that you are special if your name doesn't appear on a keychain.

Maybe everyone that is born on this day gets to share their special day with me.  Yea.  That's the reason.  I'm the special person today!

Go ahead and have a piece of cake today to celebrate my birthday.

TV

We have an older television that we use.  This television was given to us.  The previous owners used it quite a bit.  I guess it really isn't that old, it's a lot newer than the one we have in the basement.  I think it's because it was used a lot more.

Anyway....

Lately, we have been having some slight problems with the TV.  If you turn it on, it takes a good 3-5 minutes for the TV to be completely on and ready to go.  It goes through several minutes of where the TV turns on, but its a black screen.  The TV shuts off, turns back on and the screen is yellow and fuzzy.  Turns off and back on to a green fuzzy screen and a REALLY LOUD screeching sound (that's always pleasant).  You get the idea.

By the way, it doesn't matter where we put the volume before we turn off the TV.  When it gets to that screeching sound, it's at maximum volume.  I think Pippen has gotten used to it.

We don't watch a lot of TV, but, when we do, we have to add in a good five minutes just to get the TV warmed up.