Jamie's Journey

Menu Monday (#2) - January 25 - 31st

2010-01-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Insanity has once again claimed my house. Our schedules are crazy! But instead of stay focused on making my menu plans I let the chaos take me over and our mealtime has shown that lack of thought. So here I am again, posting my meal plan and hoping that some organization will calm the storm and make part of our day relaxing. Check out the menus posted at Menu Monday to get some more great ideas.

Monday - Sweet and Sour chicken on rice
Tuesday - Spaghetti with Alfredo or Meat Sauce
Wednesday - Beef Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy and Yorkshire Pudding
Thursday - Pancakes
Friday - Beef Soup with Bread
Saturday - Leftover
Sunday - Turkey Dinner

Let's see if I can stay on track now........

Windows into New Worlds

2010-01-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

I was an only child growing up with my grandparents and even though life was good (even better than I realized after growing up) it was often lonely. My grandfather was an immigrant from Norway. He didn't have a huge education, but enjoyed life and all it had to offer. My grandmother had to drop out of school at age 12 when her father disappeared. Off to work she went to help support herself and her mother. Both grandparents craved knowledge and books were like gold.

Just after I started grade one, I remember my grandfather saying he had something planned for me. We walked down the street hand in hand and my excitement only grew bigger with each minute because I had no clue what he had in store for me. We entered a large brick building downtown and I was hooked. This was our local library. Shelves upon shelves of books surrounded me. My grandfather took me to the front desk and purchased my first library card - something I have never been without since that day.

He saw this as an opportunity. A gift of knowledge!

As the years past I couldn't get enough from that building and all it had to offer. And over the years I graduated from Richard Scary and Enid Blyton to the Nancy Drew Series, to historical biographies to romance like Barbara Cartland. I challenged the librarians often to order in books that they themselves deemed upfit for me to read (ie, I fought for 2 weeks to get them to order in East of Eden and finally won the battle and had victory when the librarian read it herself)

My comfort with the library led me to work at the local library as a teenager and to later in life volunteer at my new town library. I still get that overall warm feeling of being surrounded by "old" friends and "new".

Reading was something I took for granted until my daughter started to read herself. It didn't come easy or natural for her. I found it heartbreaking that she didn't share the same enthusiasm I did for the written word. To her it was just a struggle she didn't want to have to deal with. Only with the Twilight craze has she started to have moments of craving for books. Who would of thought a vampire/werewolve flick would open her eyes to the possibilities.

Anyway....for 2010 I wish to open my eyes to new worlds, new challenges, and new experiences. So in true form I am making lists of things I want to accomplish. The book challenges online are vast. And with great restraint I am limiting myself to 4.

Nymeth from Things mean a lot here and Chris at Stuff as Dreams are Made on have joined in to host Graphic Novels Challenge 2010 With my daughter's reading challenge, many teachers have guided her to read these types of books to ensure success and encourage excitement. I have listened to her and her friends talk about characters and storylines and decided before I even knew about this challenge that this year I would explore this new world.

So - rules and guidelines:

The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st (but we don't mind you starting early.)

You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)

We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate (3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.

There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.

Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.

We also wanted to ask participants whether they'd rather post their reviews to the blog like we did for the past two years, or if we should post a monthly/bi-monthly Mr Linky where you'd enter your reviews like some other challenges do. We'd be fine with either option - just let us know in the comments which one you'd find more convenient, and we'll let the majority decide.

I have a list of 4 series that was recommended by some of Ms. S's friends. Let's see what the year brings.

1. The Record of a Fallen Vampire
2. Vampire Knights
3. Bleach
4. Fullmetal Alchemist

The next book challenge was so created for me. I love books but honestly my love affair with movies is just as strong if not stronger. Read the book, see the movie is just an exciting concept. Honestly keeping the books and movies separate and reviewing them as an entity of there own will be difficult but fun.

Here's how to join:

1. Select a challenge level:

Matinee: one book/movie

Double Feature: two books/movies

Saturday Movie Marathon: four books/movies

Film Festival: eight books/movies

Festival Jury Member: ten books/movies

2. Copy and paste the Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge button to your blog. (Optional. If you don't have a blog, you can still sign-up and play along. You can post reviews here.)

3. Sign up using Mr. Linky below. Please list your challenge level in a comment.

4. Get together a list of books/movies that you plan on reviewing. (Optional. You can just see what comes along during the year if you'd rather.)

I am going for the Festival Jury Member and have chosen the following as my list for the year.

1. Angela's Ashes
2. Angels and Demons
3. DaVinci Code
4. Anna Karenina
5. The Color Purple
6. The Green Mile
7. My Sister's Keeper
8. Great Expectations
9. The Handmaid's Tale
10. The Time Traveler's Wife

The A to Z Challenge 2010 is a godsend because no previous lists are required. If you are reading, you are participating. This works well for me because with my volunteering at the local library, I am putting books back onto the shelves and often bring home many "treasures" I wouldn't have known about otherwise.

January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010.

How does this reading challenge work? Choose the option that works best for you...

Authors -- Read alphabetically by author. Commit to 26 books.

Titles -- Read alphabetically by title. Commit to 26 books.

Authors & Titles -- Commit to reading 52 books

I have decided to do both books and authors

And finally the challenge I do each year - To Be Read Challenge 2010 (TBR)

I have piles of books to read in my craft room and lists of books that I wish to read in my reading book.

For this challenge you should…

** Pick 12 books – one for each month of the year - that you’ve been wanting to read (that have been on your “To Be Read” list) for 6 months or longer, but haven’t gotten around to.

** OPTIONAL: Create a list of 12 “Alternates” (books you could substitute for your challenge books, given that a particular one doesn’t grab you at the time)

** Then, starting January 1, read one of these books from your list each month, ending December 31. )
By the end of the year you should’ve knocked 12 books off of your TBR list! (of course, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have added *at LEAST* 12 more to the ever-growing pile by then! LOL).

The good news is, though, that you’ll be making some progress! ;o)

Additional rules/guidelines for this challenge:

* the challenge is to read 12 TBR books in 12 months — you can read those all in one month if you want, or one a month, or however you wanna do it.

* you should have a list posted somewhere for others to see

* you CANNOT change your list after January 1st, of the current year!!!

* you can create an Alternates list of MAXIMUM 12 books, if you want, in order to have options to choose from (you can read these in place of books on your original list).

* audiobooks and e-books ARE allowed

* re-reads are NOT allowed, as they aren’t TRUE “TBRs”

* you CAN overlap with other challenges

* OPTIONAL: you can join the Yahoo! Group created for participants of the TBR Challenge, if you want to have a place to keep your list, or just to share with others about how you’re doing!

My list......
1. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
2. The Stand by Stephen King
3. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
4. Memoirs of A Geisha by Arthur Golden
5. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
6. The Silver Wedding by Maeve Binchy
7. Have A Little Faith by Mitch Albom
8. The Adventures of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
9. The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin
10. Beloved by Toni Morrison
11. Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
12. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I am looking forward to the year and the challenges ahead. Let's see how things go.

Menu Monday (#1)...January 4 - January 10

2010-01-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

It is time to start the new year getting back to basics. Having a menu makes life so much easier, especially with my dear daughter's busy schedule. I am hoping to utilize things I already have in my pantry and freezer - clean out the old to make way for the new. Also, I am looking forward to reading everyone else's creative menu ideas.

This week we are having.........

Monday - Pasta with sauce
Tuesday - Ham with scalloped potatoes
Wednesday - Pancakes
Thursday - Turkey soup and buns
Friday - Hamburgers with home fries
Saturday - Out to friends ( I bring dessert - lefsa)
Sunday - Turkey and fixings

A New Year......A New Beginning!

2010-01-01T10:34:00.019-07:00

With 2010 fastly approaching all I could think about was what it all meant. A new year! A new beginning! A fresh start! A blank page! Starting over! Making improvements! Revising past mistakes! These are all positive ways of viewing a new year. With that mentality we make lists upon lists of things we want to change and we make resolutions that many of us have full intentions of keeping. But as the days, weeks and even months flow past, we fall back into those past habits that didn't serve us very well in the past year or years.

Does our enthusiasm for change and a fresh start overtake us with such vigor that we set ourselves up for failure before we even have begun. I know only from my own personal experience that these words are so true. I make HUGE lists of changes. I want to lose weight...and not just 5 or 10 lbs but I set myself up to lose 40 - 50 lbs in 4 months. I plan on eating better. But in that quest to make healthy meals I forget that I am a creature of habit and love my junk food. Deprivation from that vise completely is never a good thing for me. I plan on improving myself by reading self-help and self-improvement books, but my list is so large that I might finish 3 books before I crave some "fluff" to indulge in. I plan on....I plan on....I plan on.

My intensions are always good but in the back of my mind I have already seen myself fail and so I think a part of me already has decided what the future will bring. Disappointment in failing to meet my ideal goals, turns me to food, which in turn makes me depressed, which in turn has me sitting on the couch feeding my face and not accomplishing anything. It is a vicious cycle!

So this year I have decided I have one and only one resolution...and that is to just enjoy life and write atleast once weekly in my personal blog . If I lose weight....great! If I read a self-improving or enlightening book...awesome! If I try a new experience....terrific! But if I just accomplish that one resolution of being the person I already am and being happy with the direction I am heading then 2010 will be a complete success!

Here is to a new year...a new beginning....a new (relaxed) me :-)

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-04-01T08:50:00.005-06:00

THE ONLY WAY TO EAT AN ELEPHANT IS ONE BITE AT A TIME!!!

This last week while trying to accomplish one of my tasks, I became very frustrated. I was struggling to find all my pictures. Where were they? It is a sad state of affairs when you are still unpacking 1 1/2 years after moving. Sigh!!

While stewing over this lack of organization hubby said tackle the problem one box at a time. Simple isn't it!?!? But hubby couldn't be right...could he???
I think someone was trying to get a point across to me this week because the very next day I was watching Peter Walsh from "Clean Sweep". He was asked "where do you start an organizational job?" and his response was "my grandmother always said the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time!" Lightbulb flashed overhead. The only way to get from point A to point B is one step at a time. Hubby was right...but please don't tell him ;-)

With this new affirmation leading the way I have since taken time each day to empty, sort, purge and fling one box daily. Some days I have been lucky and done a few more. It took time to get to this point - it will take time to get where I want this house and my life to be.

So this week other than my daily box I want to clean off the baker's rack in the kitchen. It has become a catch all for many things. As you can see its time to do the recycling too.

BEFORE

AFTER

Okay is anyone else finding this project tackling addicting???
Now what to do next.......

For more inspiring tackles check out Tackle It Tuesday

#24 - cook an ethnic meal

2008-03-31T12:15:00.007-06:00

Cooking has always been a source of enjoyment for me, but lately I have noticed that I cook mostly the basics or tried and true recipes. My sense of adventure and curousity has been limited. So on this journey, I have decided to make an "ethnic" meal at home atleast every 2 months.

One of our family favorites is Chinese food. I have noticed lately however that much of what we get as take-out does not meet our standards and we have been left disappointed. So I thought why not imitate a couple of these family standards.
Sorry...no recipes. I just tossed in a bit of this and that til my tastebuds said YES!

Firstly I made homemade egg rolls with store - bought wrappers, coleslaw mix, shredded chicken and spices/sauces to taste. After assembly I fried them in some oil till golden brown. Hubby asked if they were store bought :-) Not sure, but am taking that as a compliment.

Fried rice is another standard of any Chinese takeout. My only complaint of most fried rice is that the veggies/meat are few and far between. I sauted ginger and garlic with some onions. Cut up waterchestnuts, bamboo shoots, carrots, baby corn and broccoli and sauteed this ginger/garlic mixture...added rice and soy sauce. Yum!

Finally I made hubby's all time favorite - Pineapple chicken. VH sauces now has a Pineapple sauce. I lightly battered small chunks of chicken breast and fried in oil til golden. Then I added to warming pineapple sauce.

All in all...the Chinese feast was a hit and I will be doing this again for sure.

Menu Monday - Mach 30th - April 5th

2008-03-31T11:03:00.004-06:00

Surprize! Surprize!! I actually followed my menu this week. LOL
And it made my days much more pleasant.

This week is using up items in the freezer so grocery shopping was for fresh produce, milk and snacks only.

Sunday: Meatloaf burgers, home fries, broccoli, coleslaw
Monday: Roasted chicken thighs,gravy, mashed potatoes, salad, corn
Tuesday: Salmon, rice, green beans, coleslaw
Wednesday: Pierogis, sausage, coleslaw
Thursday: leftovers or wraps
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad

For more appetite pleasing ideas check out I'm an Organizing Junkie

Friday's Feast #13 (185)

2008-03-28T11:45:00.002-06:00

Appetizer
What does the color dark green make you think of?

The color dark green makes me think of nature and all its calmness.
Trees, grass and all the serenity that goes with the experience of world around us.

Soup
How many cousins do you have?

Many....LOL
8 first cousins on my mom's side
5 first cousins on my dad's side
And then their kids, and their kids' children

Salad
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how honest are you?

I rate honesty very highly and strive to been honest as much as I can.
Of course there is the occasion "white" lies do happen....the phone solicitor you just don't feel like dealing with or the ones we share with our children (tooth fairy, santa, easter bunny)

I would say I rate about a 9 on the honesty scale.

Main Course

Name something that is truly free.

Happiness because your happiness comes only from your state of mind...nothing else.

Dessert
Using the letters in the word SPRING, write a sentence.

Some People Realize Inspiring Notions Generally.

For more feasting check out Friday's Feast

Booking through Thursday #11

2008-03-27T11:37:00.000-06:00

This week’s question comes from Julie, who asks:

While acknowledging that we can’t judge books by their covers, how much does the design of a book affect your reading enjoyment? Hardcover vs. softcover? Trade paperback vs. mass market paperback? Font? Illustrations? Etc.?

Book design usually has very little do with my reading enjoyment. My library is full of hardcovers, softcovers, plain covers, eleborate pictured covers, fonts of varying sizes and literature that is main stream and off the beaten path. I am often drawn to a book by the author, or how catching the blurb is written inside the jacket. At times I pick a book just on a whim or something recommended by a friend/family member.

The only time I think book design has any effect on me is when I am travelling and my space is limited. Then I look for small paperbacks. Something that is light and takes up a small space.

For more viewpoints check out Booking through Thursday

Wordless Wednesday #9

2008-03-26T11:09:00.003-06:00

#23 - New Dessert Each Month

2008-03-25T08:28:00.008-06:00

As part of my "101 things in 1001 days" project, I wanted to start cooking more...and new things! Things that I have never tried - but always wanted to.

For March's new Dessert I wanted to go with something that I could use to celebrated St. Patrick's Day. Oh we all know the typical stuff of Corned Beef and Cabbage with Soda Bread. But what is a typical dessert? I browsed the internet and came up with this recipe.

Rhubarb and Raspberry Jam Roly - Poly

Filling: 1/2 lb rhubarb, chopped (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp water
1/2 cup raspberry jam

Dough: 2 cups flour
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
10 tbsp frozen unsalted butter
2/3 cup ( or more) iced water
1 tbsp whipping cream with 1 tbsp sugar

For filling : Combine rhubarb, sugar and 1 tbsp water in medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Cover; cook until rhubarb softens to thick pulp, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Mix in jam. Cool. Can be made one week ahead. Cover. Chill.

For Dough : Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into large bowl. Using large holes in box grater, grate frozen butter into mixture; stir to blend. Cover and freeze atleast 15 minutes. Add 2/3 cup iced water to flour mixture, tossing to form soft dough. Trasfer to floured surface and knead to form ball. Roll out dough to 12 x 9 rectangle.

Spread 6 tbsp filling over dough leaving 1 inch border all around. Starting at long edge, roll up jelly roll style; seal seam. Place seam side down and seal ends. Brush with glaze. Bake at 400F for 30 minutes. Cool briefly.

Vanilla Custard Sauce

1 1/2 cups half and half
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
6 large egg yolks
1/3 cup sugar

Place half and half in heavy medium saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring to simmer. Remove from heat, cover and let steep 30 minutes. Whisk yolks and sugar in medium bowl until thick. Gradually whisk half and half with vanilla bean into yolk mixture. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir custard over low heat until thickened enough to leave path on back of spoon when finger is drawn across, about 6 minutes. Do Not Boil! Pour into bowl. Chill uncovered until cold, atleast 2 hours. Discard vanilla bean before using.

Reviews: DD loved it!
Hubby said was good but thought with custard, an apple filling might be
better. Time to search for an Apple Roly-Poly :-)

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-03-25T08:13:00.003-06:00

Another week! Another tackle!!
This project of tackling something each week, started as something "fun" to do and has now grown into a compulsion. Each Monday night I start looking around the house for something that needs to be completed. Believe me...my list is endless!!

This week's projects....

1. DD has FINALLY cleared out her closet. 4 bags for donation later and a bunch of other stuff boxed and waiting patiently for a home somewhere in the room, I was able to remove the existing clothes hanging set up and put patch fix on the walls. Today I plan on sanding down the patched spots....reapply patch fix if necessary and picking up white paint to finish off the walls.

2. A project that cannot be put off any longer. My side of the family is having a family reunion in June and a cousin is piecinig together a Memory book. Each family needs a page put together and I have been putting off this task. But it is needed before April 1st...so today out comes the photo albumns and boxes and I will be going down "memory lane" and putting together a page of my family.

3. If time allows I would very much like to reorganize, clean and purge the fridge freezer.

Happy Tackling everyone. Pictures of my finished tackles to follow.

To see more things that people are accomplishing...check out Tackle It Tuesday

Menu Monday : March 23rd - 29th

2008-03-24T10:55:00.004-06:00

It's Monday again. Another week and another menu. Yup! Reoccuring theme!!!
Last week's review....wasn't a week I followed the menu very closely. Started the week okay, then I wasn't feel great and then we were home and it just fell apart. Friday we snacked on hot wings because I wasn't in the mood to cook much. Saturday, we ate out for lunch and no one was very hungry come supper time.

Monday I did make the "Irish" stew and potato rolls.
Stew was pretty standard but the rolls were from a new recipe. And we will definitely be having them again.

Potato Rolls

2 small russet (baking potatos), peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup butter
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
5 - 5 3/4 cups bread or all purpose flour
2 pkgs active dry yeast
2 tbsp butter, melted

In a small saucepan, cook potatoes, covered, in enough boiling water to cover for 15 ot 20 minutes or until tender; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Using a fork, mash the potatoes; set aside. Add buttermilk, the 1/4 cup butter, sugar and salt to the hot cooking liquid; heat until warm and butter almost melts.

In a large bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups flour and the yeast. Stir in the buttermilk mixture and mashed potatoes. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining four to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic ( 6 to 8 minutes total) Shape dough into a ball. Place in a buttered bowl; turn once. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double (about 1 hour)

Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Cover; let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease three baking sheets ( or line baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a 10 x 6 inch rectangle (3/4 inch thick). Cut each rectangle of dough into fifteen 2 - inch squares. Place squares 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush tops with the 2 tbsp melted butter. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes.

Bake in at 375F for 15 - 18 minutes or until golden. Immediately remove rolls from baking sheet. Cool slightly on a rack. Serve warm.

Oh well....time to try again. LOL

Sunday: Tacos, Mexi-fries
( I know its Easter but I still have turkey and ham in the freezer from Christmas and New Years, so we dared to be different)
Monday: Fritatta, Salad
Tuesday: Pork chops with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli
Wednesday: Egg Rolls, Fried Rice, Pineapple Chicken
Thursday: Leftovers or wraps with veggies
Friday: Chicken thighs, gravy, mashed potatoes, beans, salad
Saturday: Steak, baked potato, salad, corn

More menus can be found at Organizing Junkie

Friday's Feast #10, #11 & #12 (182, 183 &184)

2008-03-21T09:02:00.003-06:00

Feast One Hundred & Eighty Two

Appetizer
If you could be any current celebrity for one whole week, who would you want to be?

I would want to be Oprah. She is making strong changes in the way people think and how people interact with others. Not only is she successful but she is enlightened and compassionate. A great combination!

Soup
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you enjoy talking on the phone?

Depends on who I am talking to. If I am talking to family and friends, then it would be a 9 or 10. If I am talking to solicitors or strangers, it would be about a 2 or 3.

Salad
Name a charitable organization to which you have donated (or would like to).

Any organization that has to do with children and helping make their lives better is high on my list of worthy charities.

Main Course

What is a food you like so much you could eat it every single day for a month?

Shrimp. I just love shrimp! Anyway!! Anyhow!!
Kind of makes you think about the scene in Forrest Gump doesn't it. LOL

Dessert
Have you or anyone in your family had the flu this year?

We haven't had a full blown case of the flu but we have had a couple days of sniffles and just not feeling very good.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Feast One Hundred & Eighty Three

Appetizer
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 as highest), how much do you like your own handwriting?

My handwriting is a combination of printing and writing. Hated it growing up because I was forced to change my style because a teacher felt it was too small. Now I write back handed and large. But as my daughter has gotten older, I have learned to appreciate it more. Reason???? She commented one day that forging my signature would be almost impossible for her. Dang I love my handwriting! :-)

Soup
Do you prefer baths or showers?

Hot bubble baths all the way.

Salad
What was the last bad movie you watched?

I would never label a movie "bad". Each one has its own redeeming qualities. Some just don't appeal to me. The last movie I was glad I rented and didn't pay full price to see was "The Comebacks". It was spoof funny but not worth $12 at the theatre.

Main Course
Name something you are addicted to and describe how it affects your life.

Food. It can be a downer sometimes...especially when trying to lose weight.

Dessert
Which instrument is your favorite to listen to?

Guitar and piano
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Feast One Hundred & Eighty Four

Appetizer
Given the choice, would you prefer to live in the country or in the city?

I prefer neither. Right now I enjoy the community I live in.
It is a smaller community about 15 minutes away from the city. Best of both worlds. Country close by when needed and city with it conveniences just as close.

Soup
Who is the cutest kid you know?

My daughter of course. She was adorable from day one! Big eyes. Infectious smile! Pebbles pony as she was roaming through the toddler years. Even during her awkward elementary years she had a smile that could light up a room. As she matures that smile and zest for life follows and I know we are in so much trouble as these teen years descend upon us.

Salad
Fill in the blank: I couldn’t believe it when I heard (a motorcycle buddy was involved in an accident).

Main Course
If you could star in a commercial for one of your favorite products, which one would you want to advertise?

Something from the Body Shop

Dessert
What type(s) of vitamins and/or supplements do you take on a regular basis?

Calcium, Glucosamine Chondroitin, Vitex and Time-released vitamin C

Booking through Thursday #11

2008-03-20T08:56:00.001-06:00

You’ve just reached the end of a book . . . what do you do now? Savor and muse over the book? Dive right into the next one? Go take the dog for a walk, the kids to the park, before even thinking about the next book you’re going to read? What?

(Obviously, there can be more than one answer, here–a book with a cliff-hanger is going to engender different reactions than a serene, stand-alone, but you get the idea!)

I am a rusher! I usually have the next book lined up ready to read. Mulling over the ending of books can happen for me....but usually days later, even weeks and months later. But this mulling never stops me from reading something new.

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-03-18T08:03:00.007-06:00

This week I have decided to clean off my bedside dresser. It has become a catch all for everything and anything. Ugh!

So out came the wipes, wood cleaner, and garbage bags. I sorted, purged, relocated and found a dresser top. Wow! It looked so amazing when I was done that I continued the surfacing cleaning and worked my way around the room. Looks great :-)

Menu Monday: March 16th to 22nd

2008-03-17T10:49:00.000-06:00

Another week and another menu. It is helping - when I decide to follow the plan ;-)

Sunday: Pizza
Monday: Irish Stew, Potato Rolls
Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatsauce, salad
Wednesday: Salmon, Rice, Beans, Coleslaw
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Egg Rolls, Fried Rice, Pineapple Chicken
Saturday: Roasted chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, broccoli

For more ideas check out Menu mondays

101 in 1001

2008-03-13T11:28:00.003-06:00

Recently I have been thinking a lot about life. What have I accomplished? What do I want to accomplish still? Last week I celebrated 19 years of marriage. Last summer I turned 42. As I look back I think about all I still want to do.

Then I stumbled across Day Zero, the home of the 101 in 1001 days project. What a great way to keep a person focused on their goals. So I set out to make my list.

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Jamie's Journey of 101 items in 1001 days

Starting March 13th, 2008
Ending December 9th, 2010

FINANCIAL

1. Save $1 into Sheridan's savings each day
2. Sell something I made
3. Save $1 each day for something for just me
4. Set budget and stick to it for 6 months
(hopefully it will become a habit)

HEALTH AND FITNESS

5. Lose 40 pounds
6. Join a gymn
7. Take a yoga class
8 Take a tai chi class

TRAVEL

9. Trip to Disneyland
10. Trip to Las Vegas
11. Trip to Greece

PERSONAL

12. Have a facial once a year
13. Have a professional massage
14. Get a tattoo in honor of the boys when weight loss is complete
15. Professional bra fitting
16. Have eyes tested to see if I can have lasic surgery
17. Wade in the ocean
18. Visit Matthew's grave on his birthday onto earth (Aug 26) and
his birthday into heaven (Oct 15)
19. X-mas shopping finished by December 1st for 2008 and 2009
20 Buy a piece of art/sculpture I love
21. Plan something special to celebrate Sheridan's 13th birthday

FOOD

22. Eat at 5 new restaurants
23. Make a new dessert each month
24. Plan a full ethnic meal every 2 months
25. Make sourdough starter and use it
26. Take a cooking class
27. Start an indoor herb garden
28. Try 5 new vegetables
29. Use juicer every 2 weeks

HOME/ORGANIZATIONAL

30. Make a control journal
31. Redecorate/paint each room in house
32. Declutter each room
33. Declutter and organize under the stairs
34. Put all photos into scrapbooks
35. Trace family back atleast 5 generations
36. Blog atleast weekly
37. Send out Christmas cards in 2008 and 2009
38. Make place of honor for my angels
39. Frame picture of kids and hang by front door
40. Make changes to make our home "green"
41. Create home filing system
42. Steam clean family room couch

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

43. Learn to swim
44. Learn to speak basic Greek
45. Learn to play the keyboard
46. Take learner's motorcycle class
47. Learn to ice skate
48. Learn calligraphy
49. Take a cake decorating class
50. Take a first aid/ CPR class
51. Take a car maintenance class

SPIRITUALITY/CHARITY

52. Read/Study course of miracles with Marianne Williamson
53. Personal affirmation weekly
54. Make a vision board
55. Do charity knitting every 4 months
56. Give blood twice
57. Adopt a family for Christmas 2008 and 2009
58. Take 6 spirituality classes
59. Send 30 Make a Child Smile submissions
60. Do a charity walk
61. Start a gratitude journal...journalling 3-5 things daily
62. Learn to meditate

Creative

63. Make a quilt
64. Knit 3 sweaters for me
65. Make Level One of SWAP
66. Publish a short story
67. Take a pottery class
68. Take a photography class
69. Crochet a blanket out of granny squares
70. Do a knitting project with beads
71. Make cards
72. Make Ukranian eggs with Sheridan
73. Update recipe box
74. Make ceramic mozaic table
75. Refinish vanity
76. Refinish kitchen table and chairs

CULTURAL/FAMILY/FRIENDSHIP

77. Take Sheridan to see The Nutcracker
78. Take Sheridan to see Swan Lake
79. See 3 Stage West performances
80. Put together 10 puzzles with Sheridan
81. Take family portrait in 2008 and 2009
82. Have a game night with Sheridan every 2 weeks
83. Build a snowman
84. Go Sledding
85. See an Opera
86. Fly a kite
87. Perform a RAK with friends/family once a week
88. Coffee or lunch with Cindy monthly
89. Visit Chris every 2 months
90. Make a Will to protect my loved ones

BOOKS/MOVIES/MUSIC

91. Read 150 of 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die
92. Read 15 books from Oprah's Book Club
93. Read 20 books from the Banned Book List
94. See 50 movies from Ebert's 102 movies Before You Die
95. See 50 movies from IMDb 250 Top movies by users
96. Record all vinyl and cassettes onto CDs or hard drive
97. Read 5 books of poetry
98. Read Newspapers & magazines at library weekly
99. Read Bible every morning
100. Attend a live music concert
101. Listen to a new singer/composer every month

102. Make new 101 in 1001 list

I hope to update my accomplishments and this list every 2 months.
Looking forward to the journey :-)

Booking through Thursday #10

2008-03-13T10:39:00.003-06:00

Suggested by John :

How about a chance to play editor-in-chief? Fill in the blanks:

__________ would have been a much better book if ______________________.

Playing editor of a book is a dream....directing the course of characters, plots, etce. But as I ponder what book I would change, I stop and realize that most books, whether I agree with the components of the book or not, I could not change. Like in Back to the Future....changing one event/character could have an enormous effect on the final outcome. Would Gone with the Wind be the same if Rhett didn't leave Scarlett at the end? Would Pride and Prejudice have been more effective if there hadn't been so much miscommunication and assumption. What would of happened if Alice hadn't followed the rabbit, in Alice in Wonderland.

Now that being said, I recently read one book that had me seething at its completion. It affected me so profoundly that I still feel the rage bubbling when I think about it....

The book I talk about is Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison.
The experience of Bone are heart-wrenching....but the choices of her mother at the end baffles me. For a mother to choose her "rapist" husband over her child is unforgiveable to me.

So.....Bastard out of Carolina....would have been a much better book if....Anney Boatwright had put her child before everything else. To me it was horrendous that the mom would think that a birth certificate would make it all better for Bone in the end...instead of being there for her daughter whenever she was needed.

For more editor fixing attempts check out Booking Thru Thursday

Wordless Wednesday #8

2008-03-12T07:32:00.002-06:00

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-03-11T10:55:00.008-06:00

Its been a couple of weeks since I have posted....but that doesn't mean I haven't been working.

Progress on the three large projects I posted a couple weeks' ago is as follows...
1) TV cabinet still waiting to be finished...hardware arrived in mail but life has been busy on the weekends...so it sits pleading with me to finish it.

2) Closet organizer is still waiting patiently to be installed. For anyone who has a near-teenage/teenage daughter...they don't like to be rushed...and I REFUSE to clean out her closet for her. My daughter is the type that when she cleans, she takes forever because "treasures" are found that she has forgotten she owned...LOL
At the moment the closet is about 5/6 cleaned and hopefully today she will finish the last couple piles.

3) The recipe box project...it is almost completed. I have painted the box, sorted through my recipes, purged what family didn't like or stuff that just won't be made, filed those that have not been tried yet and written family favorites on cards. However, hubby suggested this is the archaic way of tackling this project....he suggests putting everything on the computer...so I think this project will need another week.

Now onto the new stuff.....each Tuesday I have tackled a smaller project since larger ones seem to stall in their progress.

Tackle job #1 - February 26/08
Tired of the mess I call the storage container cabinet. Its an odd shape and often I am scrounging through the containers just to find a lid...plus there are unused items in there...I just knew it.

Tackle Job #2 - March 4/08
This week I cleaned our section couch in the familyroom.
I must admit posting pictures of its tired, dirty state is something no one should endure. Let's just say it looks tons better and leave it at that :-)

Tackle Job #3 - March 11/08
And finally this week...as I was sitting at my desk in my craft room I had a lightbulb moment. My craft room....a room just for me...for creative moments and such had become a dumping ground for almost everything. The mess is overwhelming! Where to start!?!?! I decided to focus on the desk itself. Its amazing what a little tidying can do for the spirit. I filed bills, shredded old papers and compartmentalized the little things. The results are wonderful.

Hopefully next week I can post that the 3 larger projects are done and I am ready to move forward.

Menu Monday : March 9 - 15th

2008-03-10T12:14:00.009-06:00

Wow! Last week was a busy one but thanks to my menu I was ready each and every night. It was a great feeling to know exactly what needed to be in the house for each meal.

Highlights....

Saturday night I relived my memories of university by making Indian Tacos.
I noticed the recipe on many a blog lately and just had to make them. My summer job during University was at a replica "whisky trading post" and we had living history. Fry bread was a staple food made in the kitchen for tourists to sample and as a treat for the staff we had Indian tacos after everyone had left. The recipe didn't leave me disappointed and even though I am not sure it was loved by all in my home, I can honestly say I will be eating this lovely stuff again in the future.

Now Friday was hubby's 42nd birthday. In honor of the occasion I started out making a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate creme filling. I baked the cake successfully. Put one layer on the plate when cooled and placed the yummy cream filling over top. Then I placed the second layer ontop and proceeded to frost the cake. As the chocolate frosting oozed down the sides of the cake a cake earthquake must of happened....the cake began to split in half and then half again. I stood in shock! What should I do? This can't be happening!!!!

Then I just giggled, grabbed my largest bowl and dropped in on top of the natural disaster. I inverted the bowl and presto.....bowl chocolate explosion cake. LOL

In spite of the "disaster" no on seemed too disappointed in the cake!

This week I am utilizing my deep freeze stash to plan.

Sunday: ribs(from freezer), baked potato, beets, coleslaw
Monday: Turkey soup (broth and meat in freezer), buns
Tuesday: S & S meatballs (freezer), rice, beans, coleslaw
Wednesday: Salmon crown (pantry salmon), rice, corn, salad
Thursday: Chicken thighs (freezer), roasted potatoes, peas/corn, salad
Friday: Roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes and glazed carrots (beef in freezer)
Saturday: Leftovers

Happy planning everyone. For more ideas check out
Menu Monday

Travelling Back in Time

2008-03-04T06:35:00.003-07:00

If you could travel back in time...

With so many choices how do I choose just one......?

Where would you go?
I would go back to Early England or the deep south during Civil war times

Who would you see?

I would visit the English court of the time....be it King Arthur, King Henry VIII or Queen Elizabeth I.
And in the deep South I would love to meet people who ran the Underground Railroad, President Lincoln or General Robert E. Lee.

What would you do?
In either case I would love to be involved in the great changes that were taking place at these times. Neither time was easy but it made a huge mark on the world.

Menu Monday : March 2 - 8

2008-03-03T11:06:00.002-07:00

This week is full of celebrations...so let's see if I can stick to the plan.

Sunday: fend for yourself...didn't feel well
Monday: spaghetti with meatsauce, salad
Tuesday (anniversary): chicken cordon bleu, mashed potatoes, salad, peas/corn
Wednesday: Salmon roll, rice, beans with almonds
Thursday: Quesidillas, veggies with dip
Friday (hubby's b-day): Clay's choice...still waiting for him to decide
Saturday: Indian tacos (saw over at The full-handed housewife's website and it brought back memories of my summer job in University)

For more great menu idea's check out Laura's blog.

Friday's Feast #9 -181

2008-02-29T06:58:00.003-07:00

Appetizer

Who was the last person you hugged?

My hubby as he went off to work this morning

Soup

Share a beauty or grooming trick or tip with us.

When putting lotion on your skin in the morning and night don't forget your feet.
Feet take the most abuse on the body and need some love and affection too.
I have foot cream on the dresser beside my bed and the last thing I do nightly before climbing under the covers is to massage some cream all over my feet.

Salad

What does the color yellow make you think of?

Sunshine, warmth and happiness!

Main Course

If you were to make your living as a photographer, what subject would your pictures revolve around?

Nature all the way. The beauty in the world around us is breath-taking!

Dessert

What was the longest book you ever read?

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Enjoying the story helps with the length of the book though....you get lost in the story.

For more feasting check out Friday's feast

Booking through Thursday #9

2008-02-28T06:53:00.003-07:00

Who is your favorite female lead character? And why? (And yes, of course, you can name more than one . . . I always have trouble narrowing down these things to one name, why should I force you to?)

When I first read this question, the name that popped into my head was Scarlett O'Hara. I have had a love affair with this character and all her flaws since fourth grade when I watched the movie in the theatre with some girlfriends. Oh I know, Scarlett is selfish and self-absorbed, but she is also independent, strong willed, persistant, courageous and a risk taker. Most of these qualities are associated with men, not women, in older literature. It was refreshing for me as a young adolescent to see that women could be all that and more. Scarlett's flaws just make her more loveable in my eyes. Her experiences showed me that being human means taking failure with success...and just to push through.

Other women characters I admire would be Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. She is a lady who is comfortable in her own skin, despite what society (and her mother) expect of her.

Then there is Anne of Green Gables. She is merely a girl when her story begins but her love of live, drama, imagination and desire to be loved leads us, the reader, on a journey of human experience. She is very endearing.

Herominie Granger is another female character I just adore. Watching her grow up through the Harry Potter series, she stands out as someone who possesses many qualities I find necessary in the real world. She is kind, compassionate (do not forget her fighting for the rights of house elves), smart, devious and commited. She morphs before our eyes and grows into these traits along the way.

My list would not be complete without Jo March from Little Women.
She is another female character who is not your typical flower. She is strong willed, lively, a writer, energetic, almost tom-boyish in nature. She has an intense love of family that will not be denied. And once again she is not afraid to live by her rules and not those decided for her by society.

I am noticing a theme here...most of my beloved female characters are ladies who buck the system and live by her own rules and not that which has been decided is right for ladies. Is that my subconscious rebelling to the establishment? LOL I do know that I am drawn to those that believe strongly in themselves and follow their dreams wherever that may take them.

Who is your favorite female character?
Check out Booking through Thursday for more favorite heroines.

Wordless Wednesday #7

2008-02-27T07:59:00.002-07:00

Tina's Tuesday - Gotta Love E-mail

2008-02-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

How many email accounts do you have?
5

How often do you check these accounts?
3 I check daily and 2 I check whenever the urge hits

What was one of the best or worst emails you have ever got?
I love e-mails from friends and family...they are among the best
The worst are some of the crappy spam e-mails that enter my mailbox on a daily basis.

Menu Monday - February 24 to March 1

2008-02-25T08:33:00.003-07:00

Another week! Another menu!
Last week was a true bust!!
With my daughter out of school for the week and me feeling a bit under the weather, I am not sure if we followed the plan at all. We ate out a couple times, once because we got a call from my old University roommate...a great time.

I knew we had eaten out a bit too much when DD asked to eat meals at home. LOL
That is always a sign that menus for home haven't been followed.

So let's try this again this week.

Sunday: Shake and Bake Pork Chops, baked potato, salad
Monday: Meatballs, rice, broccoli, salad
Tuesday: Tuna casserole, peas & corn
Wednesday: Hamburger pizza, salad
Thursday: Baked potato soup, biscuits
Friday: Thai chicken wraps, veggie sticks with dip
Saturday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad

For more menu ideas check out I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Tag - Your It!!

2008-02-22T08:54:00.003-07:00

Was browsing through my weekly list of blogs when I came to Stephanie's

She has tagged me before and I must admit I didn't follow up with it. Feeling the guilt this morning, I decided to take her challenge/tag and run with it. Plus it looks like it could be fun.

Anyone else who wishes to join in...by all means do...but Emily I tag you personally. I know you have a book just to the side of you :-)

The Rules
1. Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages.
2.Open the book to page 123 and find the 5th sentence.
3. Post the next 3 sentences.
4. Tag 5 people

Book - Bastard Out Of Carolina by Dorothy Allison

Page 123...starting at sentence 5

Tears began to run down my face.
"Bone?"
"Auntie, don't ask me."

How much am I worth dead?????

2008-02-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

$4765.00

Friday's Feast #8 - 180

2008-02-22T07:26:00.002-07:00

Appetizer

Have you ever played a practical joke on anyone? If so, what did you do and who was your victim?

No I have not played practical jokes on anyone. I am no good at jokes.
Plus having been on the receiving end of practical jokes...I know how destructive they can be when they go too far.

Soup

What do your salt and pepper shakers look like?

I have some novelty salt and pepper shakers...but they are mainly for decoration.
My main duty shakers are the grinders for peppercorns and sea salt that you can get at Costco. I love the fresh ground taste. And it makes me feel more like the chefs on the Food Network ;-)

Salad

Where is the next place you plan to visit (on vacation or business)?

We are taking a family trip to Disneyland in April.

Main Course

What kind of lotion or cream do you use to keep your hands from getting too dry?

I have a variety of lotions/creams throughout the house.
Jergens, Nivea and The Body Shop butters are my favorite.

Dessert

Make up a dessert, tell us its ingredients, and give it a name.

Chocolate explosion: Take a piece of chocolate fudge brownie and place it on a plate
Place a scoop of chocolate chip mint ice cream on top.
Drizzle with chocolate fudge sauce and chocolate shavings.
Enjoy!!!

Friday's Feast #7 - 179

2008-02-22T07:08:00.003-07:00

Appetizer

Name one thing that is unique about you.

What is unique about me is my loyalty to friends and family & my ability to forgive.

Soup

Fill in the blank: My favorite _________ is __________ but I like _________ too.

My favorite pastime is to knit but I like to read too.

Salad

What type of wood do you have for your home’s furnishings?

Mainly oak but have some alder wood too.

Main Course

Who do you talk to most often on the phone?

Hubby, cousin and aunt

Dessert

What level of responsibility do you have in your job?

My level of responsibility is high with my job. I am the CEO of my family. I ensure the house runs as soothly as possible as well as helping to raise a healthy, happy child who will be part of our world's future. I consider my job to be a pleasure and one of the most underappreciated but important roles of society.

Booking through Thursday # 7 and #8

2008-02-21T06:38:00.005-07:00

Still playing catch up from last week's removal from the world. LOL

Here’s something for Valentine’s Day.

Have you ever fallen out of love with a favorite author? Was the last book you read by the author so bad, you broke up with them and haven’t read their work since? Could they ever lure you back?

After pondering this question for some time I must admit that there is only one author that I can truely say that I have "fallen" out of love with. That would be Danielle Steele. As a girl I would absorb her books at an increasingly speedy rate. However, as I entered university and was exposed to a larger world of literature, I must admit her books became boring and predictable. I was shocked at how each book seemed to flow in the same manner.

Now that being said....I still will read her books from time to time. I usually gravitate towards her literature when I need a simple escape from reality because I find she doesn't require must from me the reader.

All other things (like price and storage space) being equal, given a choice in a perfect world, would you rather have paperbacks in your library? Or hardcovers? And why?

Surrounding myself with books has always given me a thrill. I love having books around to read, to look at and to enjoy. And at the moment most of my books are paperback. The reason....cost is usually the main factor,

But as I look at my collection I must admit the books I treasure the most are the hardbacks. They seem to stand up to the marching of time better....comparing books my grandmother has passed down to me. And they are just gorgeous on a bookshelf with their spines all standing in a row.

SO given the choice hardback would always be my choice if price was not a factor.

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-02-19T07:40:00.006-07:00

Tackle it Tuesday has helped me focus on the things that require my attention, but I am finding many of the jobs I choose are ones that require more than an hour or a day to complete.

With this in mind....my Tackle it Tuesday will probably be a continuing story for the next few months. I want to declutter, reorganize and decorate this house to truely (and finally) make it ours. I have three projects to tackle this week.

First there is my recipes. The binder and the black recipe box are my present system...or lack there of. The binder is full of strips of paper of recipes I want to try and recipes I have tried...some have failed and some have been successful. The yellow box is my new organizing system. It is larger than the black box. So this week I plan on throwing out the recipes my family doesn't like and moving all family favorites over to the new box. I will also start a file for "recipes to try". The yellow box also needs its final finishing touches to make it more personal.

We decided to finally splurge and get the flat screen tv for the family room. For the tv we found a nice entertainment unit so once again I am putting together furniture. The table part was easy to assemble and I was on a high thinking I might actually complete the table quickly. Oops! Thought it too soon. As I start putting together the surround for the tv...what do I find? A piece missing! Sigh! After a phone call I am told that "no" it couldn't be as easy as to just have to go to the store to get the part. No! I have to phone the actual store across Canada and have them send me the piece. So once again a furniture piece is waiting patiently for me to finish assembling it. The man on the phone promised to express mail the piece so with any luck it should be here today or tomorrow and I can finish what I started.

And the final project of the week is my daughter's closet. Ugh! In our previous house I had installed an organizer to use the space properly. This house, I bought the organizer but in my craftroom it sits...once again a project waiting patiently for me to pay attention. LOL So since DD has this week off, we will be tackling her closet. As you can see she uses her closet as a catch-all and her clothes are stored in my craftroom. So first we must sort, and purge what is there, remove the existing rod and patch the walls, paint (once she agrees on a color) and then add the organizer. Hopefully if the stars are in alignment it might be finished by the weekend.

Wish me luck! This is a busy week.

Tina's Tuesday - Party Time

2008-02-19T07:08:00.002-07:00

What was the last party you attended? When?

October....my cousin's wedding reception...good reason to party.
Family, friends and lots of music. What a celebration!!!!

When is the next party you're going to? What is it?

Not much of a party person so I have no clue when the next party will be.

Have you ever attended any costumes or themed parties?

Yes I have attended both costume and themed parties.
The most fun are era themed parties.

Tina's Tuesday - The Last 5 things

2008-02-19T06:59:00.003-07:00

What were the last five foods you ate?

Pizza, Theatre Popcorn, Glosette Raisins, Oatmeal,and an Apple

What were the last five songs you listened to?

Leanne Rimes - Nothing Better to Do
Myle Cyrus - See You Again
Ashley Tisdale - He Said She Said
Garth Brooks - The Beaches of Cheyenne
Timbaland - Apologize

What were the last five things you did in the past few hours?

Checked e-mail
Slept
Watched WWE Raw with family
Vacuumed
Went to movies...."The Spiderwick Chronicles"

Menu Monday (February 17 - 23)

2008-02-18T18:29:00.002-07:00

I have learned a very important lesson! Last week I was lazy beyond belief...I didn't feel like practicing guitar. I didn't feel like posting on my blog. And I didn't feel like making a menu for the week. Lesson learned.....not creating a menu leads to uncertainty, chaos and not always having the necessary food items in the house.

So last night I sat down with my list of family favorites, torn out and copied recipes that have intrigued me and my new cookbook and planned out 4 weeks of menus.
Oh it is not written in stone that those will be the foods eaten on the assigned night...there will be nights that no one is really hungry or nights with unplanned activities or even nights we are just not in the mood for what is planned...but atleast there is a set plan in action.

Sunday: ordering Panago Pizza
Monday: BBQ beef, mashed potatoes, veggie
Tuesday: honey dijon salmon, rice, asparagus
Wednesday: cranberry pork chops, baked potato, salad
Thursday: turkey soup, buns
Friday: ribs, rice, salad, corn on the cob
Saturday: Thai chicken wraps, salad

I will let you all know how meal time goes this week. Until then, go to I'm an Organizing Junkie to get inspired to make your own menu for the week.

Someone got spoiled yesterday!

2008-02-15T07:29:00.002-07:00

And I feel very blessed.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

What movie is your love life like?

2008-02-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

Your Love Life is Like Casablanca

"Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time."

For you, love is never finished. If you've loved someone once, you'll always love them.

You're an old fashioned romantic... even if your relationships don't end up as romantic as you'd like.

Your love style: Traditional and understated

Your Hollywood Ending Will Be: Complicated and ambiguous

What Movie Is Your Love Life Like?

Friday's Feast #6

2008-02-08T15:48:00.001-07:00

Friday's feast is experiencing some technical difficulties so a couple regulars decided to step up to the plate and fill in the void us feasters were sure to experience this week.

Bethany created some freaky friday questions.

What are some of your favorite websites?
Yahoo groups...mainly A Loving Home
Facebook to catch up with friends and play Scrabble
Heritage Springer Owners Association
And numerous blogs I like to browse through

If you had boy/girl twins today, what would you name them?

I am a sucker for family tradition so it would probably be Anton and Sarah....my grandparents names. Both names have been handed down for generations.

What was your favorite grade in elementary school? Did you have a favorite teacher?

My most memorable grade was grade one. I didn't attend kindergarten like many of my classmates and it was a thrill to be in school. Also, I was blessed with Mrs. Rolfson as my teacher. It was her final year of teaching and she was a surrogate grandmother for all her students. I still remember sobbing at the end of the year because I couldn't imagine anyone being a better teacher than she was. She helped me to look forward to learning for years to come.
What types of punishment did your parents use while you were growing up? Which were most effective on you?

Can you parallel park? Did you have to parallel park for your driving exam?

I didn't get my drivers license until I was in my mid-30s. I remember practicing repeatedly with my husband to master this necessary item in passing my exam. The practicing sessions often ended in tears because I feared failing this all important task. Well I was able to parallel park for my exam and to this day I do everything in my power to avoid testing this skill anymore. I am sure I could struggle through if I needed to but I "hate" this skill with all my heart.

Bonus: Use this site to find where you should live. What are your top 5 and have you ever been to them before? ~~~~~
1. Las Cruces, New Mexico
2. Baltimore, Maryland
3. Oakland, California
4. Portland, Oregon
5. Chico, California
And no have not been to any of these places.

Gabriel also added questions.

Appetizer - What would be your most treasured memory of your childhood?
I have many treasured memories from my childhood. I grew up in my grandparents home with my aunts and uncles (my mom was the oldest girl). So I was lucky enough to have a housefull of "parents", "aunts and uncles" and "brothers and sisters" all rolled into one. Often the lines of relation were blurred but that is okay...I was well loved by all and knew I had someone on my side at all times.

So if I must state my most treasured memory of childhood, I would say it is that I was loved!!!!

Soup - When was the last time you just 'bit your tongue'?

I bite my tongue often. LOL I am the mom of an emerging teenage girl. That should explain everything.

Salad - Name that silly fact about you that was unknown...until now.

My bathrooms must have the toilet seats closed and toilet paper rolling from the bottom. It drives me crazy if it isn't!

Main Course - You're a superhero, but with 'non typical' superpowers. What would your super powers be, and what would you like to be called?

I would have the power of adding extra time to each day when needed and I would be called Time Infinite!

Dessert - World Cup final, Olympic Games, Superbowl, World Series, NBA finals, Stanley Cup... which one would you like to play in?

If I had any talent when it comes to sporting events I would want to participate in the Olympic Games. Don't think they have knitting or cooking as a competing sport yet.

Friday's Feast #6

2008-02-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Booking through Thursday #6

2008-02-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, even I can’t read ALL the time, so I’m guessing that you folks might voluntarily shut the covers from time to time as well… What else do you do with your leisure to pass the time? Walk the dog? Knit? Run marathons? Construct grandfather clocks? Collect eggshells?

Reading has always been my escape from reality for as far back as I can remember. But there are days where I wonder where the people on my reading lists get their time. There still is only 24 hours in a day right? How can someone read 20 or more books in a month and still have time to eat, work, play, run errands, look after their home, sleep and relax?

I can tell you that reading is only one of my many hobbies. Knitting, sewing, painting, listening to music, watching movies, playing games with my daughter, cooking, and computer time is just a few of the many other activities I do with my time. If one book gets read each month I am happy and if 2 or more is completed, I am just thrilled!

My tastes are much too diverse to focus only on one activity for fun.

If you want to see what others do with their time check out Booking through Thursday

Wordless Wednesday #6

2008-02-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-02-05T20:08:00.001-07:00

Okay for weeks I have been fighting the untamed beast of my hubby's den. First it was the painting. It took forever to find an idea for color and then after painting one wall my vision changed and I had to find another color to coordinate with the rich chocolate brown I fell in love with.

Next came the desk. It tried to defeat me! I began to tackle this project 2 weeks ago but became disheartened when some of the pieces didn't fit the way I wanted. I walked away, got a new determination to finish and today.....I finished the desk!!!

Flying high from success I decided also to tackle a new project this week.
Our TV cabinet has become a catch-all for all the papers, books and crafts that get left on the couch.

BEFORE

AFTER

Now I feel energized to accomplish some more around this house.
To find more inspiration from completed projects check out Tackle it Tuesday

Tina's Tuesday - Favorite Holidays

2008-02-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

1. What is your favourite holiday and why?
Christmas
This time of year has always been my favorite. The sights! The smells! The sounds! The sentimentality!!! Also, Christmas holiday is not just one day...its a season...a whole experience. Family, friends, festivities, fun! I love it all.
I start preparing for this holiday months before in anticipation. I emmerse myself in the moment.

2. What is your least favourite holiday and why?
April Fool's day.
This holiday just seems nasty to me. I can take jokes as well as anyone however, sometimes the joking goes too far and people forget about others just to get ahead of others. Who can outdo whom? There is nothing caring, loving or sentimental about this holiday at all.

3. What day would you declare a holiday? What holiday would it be?
I would declare "Me" day and it would occur on a different day for each individual. It would fall on their birthday. The holiday would be a celebration of a person's own birth. I find quite often people forget how special they really are. This holiday would celebrate the day that such a unique person was born. I can't think of anything better than remembering how miraculous birth is and how each person is special in their own way.

Menu Monday - February 3 - 9

2008-02-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

Another week gone...another menu planned.

Last week wasn't our best. Oh don't get me wrong, the intensions were all good, however the plan of actions just misfired occasionally. Monday's soup turned out more like a hamburger soup than a beef barley...so I am on the hunt for another recipe. Tuesday's stirfry was good. How can a stirfry go wrong? Wednesday's pizza ended up Thursday's pizza because after eating out for lunch on Wednesday no one was very hungry come supper. Friday's chicken was replaced with fast and easy McDs and Saturday's spaghetti ended up put off until this week because we went out for supper instead. Not a very successful week. Maybe this week will be better.

Sunday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, salad
Monday: baked potato soup, cheese bacon biscuits
Tuesday: short ribs, rice, broccoli
Wednesdy: chicken florentine, corn muffins
Thursday: cheese, bacon and potato pierogis, sausage, coleslaw
Friday: hamburgers, potato salad, corn on the cob
Saturday: nachoes

Don't forget to add to your menu ideas by visiting
I'm an organizing junkie

Friday's Feast #5 (178)

2008-02-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite kind of cereal?

Kashi Go Lean Crunch

Soup
When was the last time you purchased something for your home, what was it, and in which room did it go?

Paint for hubby's den

Salad
What is the funniest commercial you’ve ever seen?

To be quite honest how can a person pick just one!?!?!?

I love European commercials. They have a sense of abandonment that North American commercials don't have.

Want a good giggle go to YouTube and watch some of the commericals they have. Today I watched what many are calling "The funniest commercial". It starts with a family climbing in the car, buckling up and turning on the car. Mom, Dad, and two little girls. A song comes on the radio. I won't repeat the wording but lets just say the language is inappropriate for kids. The dad starts to bounce to the music and smile, followed by the mom and then the two girls...they drive away enjoying the beat of the music. It is a commercial for learning English. Thank goodness!!! LOL

I love commercials with children.

One of my favorites is the commercial with moms sitting around the table chatting as a little boy is playing...only to find out that he is playing with a vibrator...LOL

And well there is always the yearly assortment of Superbowl commercials to see.

Main Course
Make up a name for a company by using a spice and an animal (example: Cinnamon Monkey).

Nutmeg Hamster

Dessert
Fill in the blank: I haven’t visited with my aunt since before Christmas.

For more feasting visit Friday's Feast

Booking through Thursday #5

2008-01-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

This week’s question is suggested by (blogless) JMutford:

Sometimes I find eccentric characters quirky and fun, other times I find them too unbelievable and annoying. What are some of the more outrageous characters you’ve read, and how do you feel about them?

Hhhhhmmmmmmmm?????????
I had to really think on this question. At first read, it had me very stumped! Did I read books with lots of quirky characters? Did they bother me?
What is quirky?????

quirk·y
–adjective, quirk·i·er, quirk·i·est.
having or full of quirks.

quirk n.
1. A peculiarity of behavior; an idiosyncrasy: "Every man had his own quirks and twists" (Harriet Beecher Stowe).
2. An unpredictable or unaccountable act or event; a vagary: a quirk of fate.
3. A sudden sharp turn or twist.
4. An equivocation; a quibble.
5. Architecture A lengthwise groove on a molding between the convex upper part and the soffit.

Well if every man has his own quirks, then I must of read something that had quirky characters.

After reading many of the posted responses to this question...I finally had my answer. I adore quirky characters! They are rich with reading flavor. They mix things up...change the story line...add depth to the adventures.

Luna Lovegood and Sybill Trelawney are two quirky characters that come to mind from the Harry Potter series. These two ladies are glaring examples of quirkiness but don't many or most of the characters from this series have quirks of one kind or another. Hagrid and his love for unusual animals springs to mind.

Then of course any strong willed woman from literature that is based before 1930 also would be considered quirky. Anne of Green Gables and her imagination and drama. And then there is Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice or Jo from Little Women. Both these woman were consider "odd" because they were not meek and mild...they had opinions and followed their own code of beliefs.

Well then you can look at children's literature....there is Winnie the Pooh and many loveable characters from Alice in Wonderland. Now that is a strange bunch! LOL

With all this being said, I would have to admit to LOVING quirky characters in literature. I find they enrich the story in a way that a "normal" character would not and I look forward to many more quirky characters to bless my life.

For more quirky responses check out Booking through Thursday

Your Quirk Factor: 65%

You're so quirky, it's hard for you to tell the difference between quirky and normal.
No doubt about it, there's little about you that's "normal" or "average."

How Quirky Are You?

Wordless Wednesday #5

2008-01-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Menu Monday - January 27 to February 2

2008-01-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend winter hit HARD!
-31C today with a windchill of up to -50C. Can you say BBBRRRR?!?!?!
On days like this I just want to immerse myself into the kitchen with baking and cooking of comfort foods and the rest of the week shows more winter weather.

With this in mind, my menu for the week is full of foods that warm you.

Sunday - Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti and broccoli
Monday - Beef Barley Soup and buns
Tuesday - Beef stirfry and basmati rice
Wednesday - Homemade Pizza
Thursday - Ham slices, applesauce, scalloped potatoes, salad, and mixed veggies
Friday - Chicken Florentine and corn muffins
Saturday - Spaghetti with meat sauce and salad

For more menus check out Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie

Also on the topic of food, a friend blogger has started something new.
The cookie of the week.
Emily thought it would be interesting to post recipes and pictures for a new cookie each week. WOW! Now there is a lot of recipes to choose from. Love the idea. But in this household we have our famiy favorites and those numbers go no where near 52....so I am going to do a dessert a week.

With the snow and cold I needed something to remind me of the warm days of summer. When I think of the warm season now and even my childood, I think of rhubarb. Growing up we always had a massive plant to use up in all types of recipes. I have images of my grandmother making cakes, muffins, sauces, and more just to use up the tart fruit.

I revisited those memories when we bought this house since there was a large plant already well established.

With this in mind I pulled cut rhubarb from my freezer yesterday and made our favorite summer treat....Rhubarb cake.

YUM!!! Just taking a bit takes me back to warm days of summer.

Mix together and set aside:
4 cups rhubarb, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar

Prepare as directed minus the oil:
1 yellow cake mix

Put batter into a 9 x 13 inch greased cake pan. Pour rhubarb mix over the batter.
Pour 1 1/2 cup cream over everything. Bake at 350F for 50-60minutes.
Serve warm with cream or whipped cream.

Your life is written through numbers

2008-01-25T11:11:00.001-07:00

Your Life Path Number is 3

Your purpose in life is to express your unique self.

You are a creative and artistic person with an interesting view on life.
Witty and outgoing, you enjoy sharing your crazy ideas with anyone who will listen.
A total social butterfly, you're the life of any party.

In love, you inspire and enchant your partner. You are often an object of fantasy and desire.

While you are very talented, you sometimes lack the ambition to put your talents in play.
And while your wit carries you a long way, you occasionally use it to mask your true feelings.
Your natural abilities can bring you all the success in the world ... if you let them

What Is Your Life Path Number?

It's Dinnertime!

2008-01-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Friday's Feast #4 (177)

Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?
I try to laugh often throughout the day.
My grandmother always said it was "better to laugh than cry!" so often I try to find the humor in situations. Also laughter can relieve tension in almost any situation.

Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?
I have two sets.
One is a clip on for my glasses that fit their shape.
The others I call my Buddy Holly glasses...LOL They are prescription sunglasses that cover the whole eye. I had them created for my motorcycle riding times.

Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
I would love to take a trip either through the mountains. The Rockys are gorgeous and I really don't appreciate that beauty enough. Or I would take a long train ride from Canada into the States...probably touring the Southern States. I have a soft spot for that countryside.

Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.
It is a smaller sized "town" which has close access to the city.
So I have the friendliness of the town and the conveniences and culture of the city all within my reach.

Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?
It would be wonderful if the sky could have the red/orangey hues of the sunset/sunrise. There is nothing more awe-inspiring!

Check other inspiring feasts at Fridays feast

Booking through Thursday #4

2008-01-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

What’s your favorite book that nobody else has heard of? You know, not Little Women or Huckleberry Finn, not the latest best-seller . . . whether they’ve read them or not, everybody “knows” those books. I’m talking about the best book that, when you tell people that you love it, they go, “Huh? Never heard of it?”

Oh there are so many books that I have enjoyed so far in my life. Many authors - both popular and unpopular. And if I must pick just one that is not well known...I would pick The Tin Flute by Gabrielle Roy

Gabrielle Roy is a french-canadian author and The Tin Flute is her first novel. I was introduced to this piece of literature by pure accident. While watching TV one night I stumbled across a movie of the week and was curious. After watching this heartfelt drama, I knew I just had to see what the author really wanted to show her audience (we all know books are so much richer than movies). So off I went to the library and brought the book home. It was a book I couldn't put down. Her take on life in Quebec at the end of the depression and just as WWII was starting is hopeful, heart-breaking and true to life. You feel for each character and their hopes, dreams and obsessions.

The Tin Flute is a "good friend" I like to visit with from time to time and she graces my bookshelf with such classics as Pride and Prejudice and Gone with the Wind that I must keep for myself.

I enjoyed her so much that I took a French-Canadian literature course in University and studied more of Ms. Roy's books as well as a few other authors I might not have ever had the opportunity or inclination to read.

If anyone enjoys rich characters, and history, this may be a book that you would like to explore.

Wordless Wednesday #4

2008-01-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Tackle it Tuesday...the project continues!

2008-01-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am sad to say that I am still working on last week's job.
Underestimating the time needed for the task, I found I didn't have enough time last Tuesday and then throughout the week I tried to get motivated and failed. Sunday I went to work on the job and was so frustrated I left it to calm down and figure out how to make some of the components fit in a space that it has no desire to fit.

But I am not defeated. Hubby has found me the rubber mallet (great to relieve frustrations) and those little pieces will fit! LOL Hopefully by the weekend I will be able to show a completed desk.

I will defeat "the beast"!!!

Tina's Tuesday - Shopping

2008-01-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

What was the last thing you bought?
Groceries

What things do you have on your list to buy?
Bookcases, paint and new curtains

What was the most expensive purchase you have ever made?
With hubby...that would be our house
Otherwise the items are fairly small.

menu Monday - January 20-26

2008-01-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

Well another week bites the dust, however my menu plan was in tacked and took the sting out of the supper time rush. It is so comforting knowing ahead of time what will be on the table.

The only unpredictable part of last week was we ordered supper from a new Chinese place and had McDs instead of the meal planned for Thursday. Family concensus....we would rather eat food prepared from home than have this stuff. OMG!! Did my family actual say they wanted homemade over bought?? I am shocked beyond belief!! Guess I will be looking for recipes for some of our past favorite take-out suppers.

So that being in mind I am planning a week of family favorites. Sheridan has mid-terms this week and I want to make sure her mind (as well as her body) are well nourished. The best way to accomplish that is to make sure the food on the table is something she enjoys.

Sunday
Roasted chicken with gravy
mashed potatoes
stuffing
carrots
fresh buns

Monday
Homemade chicken noodle soup
Fresh buns

Tuesday
spaghetti with meat sauce
salad

Wednesday
Beef stroganoff
noodles
peas and corn

Thursday
pork chops in mushroom soup gravy
mashed potatoes
corn
salad

Friday
meatloaf burgers
potato salad

Saturday
leftovers or sub sandwiches

To see more yummy menu ideas check out
Menu Plan Mondays

Friday's Feast #3 (176)

2008-01-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?
Green tea with a touch of honey

Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.
Coffee cup, Ipod and files that need filing

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?
I would think about an 8.5...truthfullness is one of the most important things to me.
My daughter hears quite often that lying is the one thing that drives me crazy!
I do need to work on the avoidance of truth with some family members though.

Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?

My hometown of Raymond, Alberta.
Had a good childhood but it was a town filed with chatter (gossip). Everyone knew everyone's history...everyone's life. The saying was if Mrs.Smith flushed her toilet everyone in town would know in 5 minutes....LOL
So a more appropriate name would of been Peyton Place!

Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?
Lack of organization and a list of too many things to do stresses me out beyond belief.

To calm down I need "time outs" and once in a while I need "family" time with my aunt to re-centre me again.

Check out Fridays Feast for more interesting answers to these questions.

Booking through Thursday #3

2008-01-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

How much do reviews (good and bad) affect your choice of reading? If you see a bad review of a book you wanted to read, do you still read it? If you see a good review of a book you’re sure you won’t like, do you change your mind and give the book a try?

I rarely accept the opinion of reviewers. Most books I read are books that strike my fancy, stories that grab my attention or are written by authors I enjoy. Occassionally I will read books on recommendation of friends or family. But I have found that books, like with movies, are very subjective. What one person likes is not necessarily something another would enjoy.

Actually reviews often work in reverse for me. Especially if the reviews are bad! LOL Call me contrary, but if a review is terrible, I will often read it just to see what was so bad. LOL

Wordless Wednesday #3

2008-01-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-01-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hi!
My name is Jamie and I have project ADHD.

This new year I started by looking for things to do through out the year. As I was assessing the lay of the land I could see:

- the yarn in the bag that was bought to make a sweater
- my daughter's clothes in my craftroom closet - moved with the intension of putting a closet organizer in her room
- the boxed closet organizer waiting to be installed
- the paint cans waiting to be put on the way
- the box that contains the desk we bought before the move for my hubby

And the list goes on and on and on and on...........

I get excited about a project. Often buy what is required for said project. Sometimes begin the project. AND THEN....get distracted by a new idea or notion.

Tackle it Tuesday was made for me!!!

This week I am tackling my husband's desk. Last week I forced myself to finish painting the walls of his den. Poor guy has been waiting "patiently" for me to finish this project since we moved into the house in summer 2006. Now that the walls are the color I was hoping for...he needs a desk!

Like the little engine that could....
I think I can! I think I can! I THINK I CAN!!!
I KNOW I CAN!!!!

More to follow today when project is done.

Tina's Tuesday

2008-01-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

This week's topic is Dinner time.

What time is dinner time?

We try to have dinner around 5 or 5:30. However with dd's after school schedule many nights we are eating after 6. Not a favorite time for us :-(

What is a frequent meal at your house?
Frequent meals are soup and spaghetti with meat sauce. Often we have hamburgers and nachoes too.

What do you drink to wash it all down with?

Hubby and dd most times drink milk with the meal.
I drink water as milk makes me feel yucky!

For more other people's answers check out
Tina's Tuesdays

Menu Monday - January 13-19

2008-01-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Organization has never been an easy endeavor for me! But here I am on week two of Menu Monday and I am hoping this habit of organization will stick. It was great knowing what would be on the table for supper. It was even better knowing that the ingredients to make these delicious meals were either in the fridge, freezer or pantry. No having to run to the store at the last minute for forgotten items.

I am trying to get DD involved in cooking as well. Last week she helped by making the cheesecake. This week she helped make the Hobo Packets.

I have fond memories of making Hobo packets and grilling them over an open campfire. We made these for our Outdoor Ed Camp in grade nine. Now there are memories from the past. My group made them....carried them for miles into our camp...stored them in a bag in the river to keep them cool and then cooked them and "bribed"....oh I mean fed them to our instructors as well as ourselves in hopes of a good grade. LOL

Making them in the oven isn't quite the same! The meat doesn't get quite crispy enough for our liking.

But as you can see we had lots of fun making them!

Menu for January 13-19

Sunday: Hobo Packets
Monday: Vegetable Beef Soup and fresh buns
Tuesday: Chicken fingers, noodles and stir-fry veggies
Wednesday: Sweet and sour Pork Stir-fry with basmati rice
Thursday: Primary teacher's delight with creamed corn
Friday: Pizza with raw veggie sticks
Saturday: Take-out...treating to local Chinese food

Also last week I received a couple requests for a chicken recipe I was trying.

Apricot Pecan Chicken

4 chicken breasts, halved
1/4 cup broken pecans ( or walnuts or slivered almonds depending on taste)
2 tbsp. margarine
1/3 cups apricot preserves
1 tbsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Rinse chicken and pat dry. In large skillet melt margarine and then add chicken and nuts. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Trasfer chicken breasts to serving platter, reserving juices in skillet.

Keep chicken warm. To prepare glaze: stir preserves, vinegar and ginger into reserved juices in skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is heated through. Spoon glaze over chicken and serve.

Note: This is a first time for this recipe. I made extra glaze to spoon over rice as well as the chicken. Also the nuts singed when place in pan to cook with chicken. Next time I will save toasting the nuts til close to the end of cooking time with the chicken.

Otherwise this recipe is a keeper.

More Menus can be found at Menu Monday's
What a great way to liven up meal time.

Friday Feast #2 (175)

2008-01-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
What is your middle name? Would you change any of your names if you could? If so, what would you like to be called?

My first name is Jamie.
As a child I hated it. It was a boys name until the Million Dollar woman became popular. Then it was the spelling that bugged me. But over time this name has grown on me. It is more unique than many. I see it as an extension of me....a little different..but that's okay!
My middle name is Lynette.
I would never change this name as it was chosen for me by my maternal grandmother.
A great gift from an even greater lady :-)

Soup
If you were a fashion designer, which fabrics, colors, and styles would you probably use the most?
If I was a designer I would work with fabrics like silk, satin and chiffon. I love the fluid motion of the fabric and the softness of its texture. Colors would be vibrant! Reds, Rusts, Oranges and lots of design. Style would be feminine. The fabrics just lend themselves to a girlie style and I love the romance of fashion. Afterall I am a girl.

Salad
What is your least favorite chore, and why?

I HATE cleaning the bathrooms. The cleansers hurt my chest, and there is always lots of scrubbing. It is a job that loses its newness quickly. And toilets...well I think that explains itself.

Main Course
What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life?

Heights and Ferris Wheels. UGH! I remember being on a ferris wheel with a girlfriend when I was in elementary school. She loved to rock the cart back and forth as we turned around. Well....on one trip she was rocking and we were turning. When it reached the top the safety bar came loose! It is a memory burned into my mind. Freaked us both out and it took (what seemed like hours but I am sure was minutes) for the controller to see and react. Needless to say to this day ferris wheels and heights cause my heart to pump faster.

Dessert
Where are you sitting right now? Name 3 things you can see at this moment.

I am sitting in my craft room in front of the computer.
I see boxes that need emptying.
I see a hamster cage
And I see lots of yarn, fabric and craft supplies :-)

Check out Fridays Feast for more great answers to these questions.

Booking through Thursday #2

2008-01-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

How did you come across your favorite author(s)?

Recommended by a friend? Stumbled across at a bookstore? A book given to you as a gift?

Was it love at first sight? Or did the love affair evolve over a long acquaintance?

My favorite authors are Maeve Binchy and J.K. Rowlings.

Maeve Binchy, I started reading after seeing the movie "Circle of Friends". Once I picked up the book from the local library I was unable to put it down. Through her development of the characters, they became good friends and not just people in a book. With each book I have read, my love for this author's work has become stronger. I recommend her to all who I chat with. It is a true gift when an author can make her characters "real"! She even crosses these pals from book to book which endears them even more to the readers heart :-)

I was introduced to J.K.Rowlings when I saw the first Harry Potter movie. Oh I had heard about her before, but as a children's author only. Nothing that grabbed my fancy. Then after the movie my daughter wanted to read the book, however, with her young age we made it a family book to read at night. After reading the first book, my daughter lost interest, but I was curious to see how the story would evolve. My girlfriend loaned me the next three books. I read the next two but must admit my love did not happen until I read the fourth book "The Goblet of Fire". This book pulled me into Harry's life in a way the other three had not. It became more than just a book to read. The final three I devoured with increasing speed each time. I cried when Dumbledore died, I cheered for Harry's victorys, I hissed with hatred at Dolores Umbridge and her cruelty and I sobbed when I read the final page of the final book and realized that this journey would be no more. Oh I can read the books again...and will with great enjoyment but the curiosity and thrill of new adventures is gone. I hope that this is not the end of this great author's gifts to the literary world.

Wordless Wednesday #2

2008-01-09T08:31:00.001-07:00

Tackle it Tuesday!

2008-01-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

One of my hopes for 2008 is to eliminate ( or atleast reduce) my ability to procrastinate!

I am a firm believer in putting off what needs to be done. Either that or my list is just too large most days and much gets put off. My first clue to this condition should of been one of my favorite movie lines..."After all tomorrow is another day!" said in my best Scarlett O'Hara twang. LOL

As I was browsing for different blog ideas I came across Tackle it Tuesday What a great idea! Making myself accountable by tackling on job at a time.

So today is my maiden voyage for the year...first job is removing the signs of Christmas. Does anyone else find this task depressing? I put off putting away my Santas, bulbs and lights until the last moment because once removed I feel as empty as my house. The warmth of the season seems to disappear and a bit of sadness is left behind.

But I knew that it was time to go......

BEFORE

AFTER

The day was filled with endless trips up and down the stairs. Removing! Wrapping! Reboxing! Organizing! Wrapping in Plastic! and finally storing under the stairs until the next Christmas season peeks out to be seen!

First task accomplished :-)

Menu Plan Monday - January 7th

2008-01-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

With a new year, of course I am trying something new...organization! LOL
I always try to organize my life but over time I seem to get distracted and things fall apart.

This year....I am first trying to get the home menu in order and making a weekly menu helps with food prep, food purchasing and planning my days.

After looking at the weekly activites, I asked family for suggestions on things they would like and then I looked at my collection of new recipes that have caught my eye and then I created!!

Monday: Clam Chowder, Buns

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, Salad

Wednesday: Apricot Pecan chicken, Rice, French style Beans

Thursday: Open faced roast beef sandwiches with gravy, Home Fries, Raw carrots and cucumbers

Friday: Tacos, Mexi fries

Saturday: Leftovers, or nachoes

Desserts for week: Leftover christmas treats, pudding, jello and cheesecake

Friday/Saturday I will prepare the menu for the following week.

Here's to success in organizing my family meals.
If you want more Menu Plan Monday, head over to Organizing Junkie

Friday's Feast #1

2008-01-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?

Yesterday....I got my package from Christmas Around the World Knitters Swap. It was filled with all sorts of surprizes including a handpainted glass ball with an angel on it...one of a kind. I just loved it!

Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?

If I could have a summer and or winter home, it would be in one of the southern states....Tennesse or South Carolina probably. I just love the countryside, history and weather.

Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.

Cherry

Main Course
Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.

A green suede coat with blanket cloth around the shoulders.
It was a surprize gift on Christmas from my hubby and it holds a special place in my heart and wardrobe to this day.

Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?

Actually I would be greedy and chose two...the days my sons passed away.
I love the memory of my sons but the days they died are a dark spot that clouds over from time to time.

Christmas in January :-)

2008-01-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

I joined Christmas Around the World Knitters Swap this past year. It was made for those who enjoy the whole Christmas experience....giving and receiving...music, food, gifts, ornaments, everything! It was a pleasure spoiling Stephanie and I was beyond thrilled when I found out my package arrived on time. Shipping from Canada to the States at Christmas makes a person have images of dogsleds, snowstorms, and very slow moving packages.

I was doubley thrilled when I found out that my package from Ingrid had arrived today.
Boy did I have a partner who likes being Santa!

After fighting off my daughter LOL I opened all my little packages to find out the surprizes.

There was dark chocolate and chai tea.

Smelly things like pumpkin spice bubble bath, lemongrass soap and apple/cinnamon potpourri.

Fuzzy novelty wool in two vibrantly delicious colors!

And finally two great heartfelt gifts......

Gorgeous red felted slippers made especially for me by my secret Santa.....

And a Li Bien glass ornament in its own satin box for safety.
The Li Bien Ornament showcases the age-old skill of inside painting. Through a small opening in the ornament, the artist repeatedly inserts a miniature brush to paint the artwork. The process is painstaking and time consuming requiring two day to paint each ornament. The resulting ornament is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind keepsake you'll treasure for years to come. This ornament was of an angel to add to my collection that holds a dear place in my heart. Ingrid, you really took the time to get to know me and it is very much appreciated....all that you did!

I send a huge thanks to Stephanie and Ingrid for pleasure of getting to know two wonderful ladies and to Maryanne and Kasia for organizing this fantastic swap.

Insanity prevails!

2008-01-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yup that's right.
It's official! I am insane!!!
I just joined another book list for 2008.
What's the worst that can happen??? I don't finish the list!?!?!?
Just think of all the fun I will have trying.

Requirements:

~ align the author's last name or the title of a book (excluding "the", "a", etc.) with its corresponding letter in the alphabet

~ enter a different book for each author and title (total of 52 books)

~ complete the alphabet lists anyway that suits your fancy
(i.e.: complete each list separately in alphabetical order, read both "A" entries, then "B" entries, fit whatever you're reading into either list, etc.)

~ complete the challenge in the year 2008

~ enjoy the experience!

Booking through Thursday #1

2008-01-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

What new books are you looking forward to most in 2008? Something new being published this year? Something you got as a gift for the holidays? Anything in particular that you’re planning to read in 2008 that you’re looking forward to? A classic, or maybe a best-seller from 2007 that you’re waiting to appear in paperback?

I must admit I literature ADHD. I start each year with a list of 12-24 books that I plan on reading...and then BAMMMMM....out of no where I get blindsided. Reading other people's lists, hearing recommendations of new books, or old books that I haven't read...even as I shelve books at my local library. I get distracted!! Hording books! Gathereing more than I have time to read in my available time! I just get distracted and find by the end of the year I have not accomplished what I set out to do in the year.

This year I have joined the TBR challenge I made a list of 12 books to read (one a month should be obtainable) and 12 alternates in case I find it difficult to concentrate or am able to read more. I have included books that have caught my attention, a couple classics, books given to me by friends and family and a few that were recommended.

I pledge to try and focus on my list of books...but will not chastize myself for reading outside my list. And I will make a list of books recommended to me, or that have caught my interest for future lists in the years to come.

I must admit though that the book that has caught my interest the most is Eat, Pray and Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The fury over this book has me curious! And best of all the library called today and after weeks of patient waiting, it has arrived!

Other than this I mainly just look forward to reading. Ever since I was a child this has been a great escape for me. I love to disappear into worlds of other' creation and just the pure escapism of it all.

Wordless Wednesday #1

2008-01-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

How was your Christmas for 2007?
Christmas this year was relaxed. I didn't stress over gift giving. Was finished most before my daughter was finished school. I didn't stress over baking or cooking. Had planned ahead the meals and baked the weekend before the holiday what I felt was wanted. I didn't stress over decorating. Only brought out what I wanted and nothing more. I didn't stress over visitors. Remembered they were here to see us and not the house. I would say this year was not stressful at all. Relaxing, enjoyable and fun!

Did you do anything to celebrate the new year?
We celebrated New Years the way we have always done since our daughter was born.
We stayed home, snacked, watched movies, played games and wished each other "Happy New Year" when the clock struck midnight. Wouldn't want to do it any other way.

Come on...be honest...How much did you end up drinking last night? LOL!
I had 2 cups of tea with Bailey's and that was it for me :-)

A New Beginning

2008-01-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Another year has begun!
What is it that is so exciting about a new year that the world celebrates with great exuberance? The new beginning? A clean slate? A time to start over or just make a fresh start? All these things are true.
The new year brings with it hope and promises of great things.
I must admit that the prospect of change, hope and an unchartered frontier has caught me up as well. This a new year to be who I want to be, to do things I want to do, to make myself a better person.

Each year I start off with a huge list of things I want to change, improve or do. And as the days tick off of each year I find that the list becomes daunting! Taunting me over and over about my failure to accomplish the simple things.

This year will be different. No huge list! No paper with things to check off as I go. My attitude this year is to do better. Focus on me! Something a SAHM has a difficult time doing. I will approach each day as a clean slate and accomplish what I can, change what I want to and am able to and no more.

I wish you all a successful year for 2008. Accomplish what you want and can. Be the best you can be. Look for the positive. Make the world a better place. And most of all be happy :-)

Literature plans for 2008

2007-12-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

I have done it. I signed up to the TBR challenge again for 2008.
After much agonizing about what to plan for...I have choosen.

Main list
1. Eat, Pray , Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
2. Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
3. About a Boy by Nick Hornby
4. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
5. Persuasion by Jane Austen
6. The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
7. The Whitehorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
8. Eldest by Christopher Paolini
9. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
10. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
11. THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH, by Ken Follett
12. Homeland by John Jakes

Alternates
1. Sons and Loves by D.H. Lawrence
2. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery
3. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
4. Where Nests the Water Hen by Gabrielle Roy
5. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
6. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
7. All that Lives by Melissa Sanders-Self
8. Twice Burned by By Jan Coffey
9. For whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
10. An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
11. Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier
12. P.S. I love you by Cecelia Ahern

Hope I can accomplish this list. Many of these books have been on "the list" for many years.

Quizzes for Christmas fun

2007-12-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 8/10 correct

You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas.
When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details.

Random Christmas fact: Most Christmas trees are edible. The needles are a good source of Vitamin C.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about emotional connections and bonds. You are happiest being around those you love.

You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items.

During the holidays, you feel magical. You love all of the decorations and how happy people are. You like to sit back and take it all in.

You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child.

Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

You Are Valentine's Day

You are a true romantic who places the ultimate importance on love.
You are warm hearted, and you find it easy to care for people.
Love is what drives you - and you have a love to give.
You enjoy making someone's day. You're full of surprises.

What makes you celebrate: Being with the person you love on a special day

At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The sentimental one

On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: See it as romantic and special

What Holiday Are You?

What holiday ornament are you???

2007-12-07T06:39:00.001-07:00

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on your tree!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Thanks Talia

2007-11-09T11:38:00.001-07:00

Last Friday I got a notice in the mail that a package was at the office. Giddy with excitement I just knew it had to be my KTS4 package. I was not disappointed!

I ripped open the box and found it swimming with treasures. A beautiful table scarf, candies, tea, scented lotion and yummy wool. The flavors were heaven the colors were right on the money...so much so...the rust Silky wool I already have in my stash waiting to become "Sizzle". LOL Goes to show how much . Talia was able to channel my inner self. Now I have an extra ball to play with.

A public thank you I am adding to the private one I have already sent. The Knitters Tea Swap has been a repeat success for me. I have participated in the last 3 swaps and been blessed each time with great partners.

What could be better??? Meeting new people and combining two of my favorite things....tea and wool ;-)

The countdown is on!

2007-10-28T10:33:00.000-06:00

O.M.G!!!

2007-10-27T14:11:00.000-06:00

As I repeat this to myself, I hear "Janice" from Friends saying the exact same thing over and over in my head.

What is causing me to repeat these words over and over....my Boo-ty Swap package arrived today.

Now I am sure many of you understand when I say you just never know what might end up in the mail. I have had swaps where I have been disappointed and swaps where I have been spoiled and many variations in between. Today's package was a definite spoiling!

This package was a huge spirit lifter. Best part is my spoiler
Robyn owns her own online yarn shop. Can life get any better? Now I have another Canadian source to use.

Breaking the package down we have halloween socks with candy corn on them, a needle holder, cookie cutters, 2 sets of bamboo DPNS and skull stitch markers.

Next we have a plethera of candy and tea packages. This should keep me happy for some time.

And finally Robyn included her Sock of the month kit. Pattern and yummy yarn included.

Oh I almost forgot..she also included a breast cancer toe ring and "I love yarn" pin.

All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. This day I feel truly blessed!

You can map your life through your favorite movies,

2007-10-09T11:27:00.000-06:00

and no two people's maps will be the same.
Mary Schmich

My life has revolved around watching movies!

One of my earliest memories are of watching movies with my uncle. He was in his last year of high school and he would come home on his break and watch the afternoon movie. Often I couldn't watch the whole movie (because of napping and content), but I did watch bits and pieces before and after my naps.

My first movie in the theatre was Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I remember dressing in my favorite dress and being thrilled to go and do something so grown up. The smell of the popcorn, feeling overwhelmed by the size of the room and being lost in the story that was playing before my eyes are still stored within my memory vault.

I remember crying for Scarlett O'Hara when Rhett left, and for Old Yellar when he had to be put down. I remember cheering for Robin Hood and for Rocky Balboa. I remember screaming at Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween and pulling up my feet at night forever after watching the little people in Are you Afraid of the Dark. No where else can you be swept away in another person's life like in the movies.

Movies are a love I enjoy sharing with my daughter and has become a weekly ritual.

This weekend we saw two movies....

Uncertain about what to expect from this production, I was pleasantly surprized.
The story begins with a young boy trying to copy with his life...puberty, girls, a large family. He feels lost, and out of place - like he can't do anything. As we are swept up the fabric of the show, we find that this boy has special qualities that are challenged by evil. He learns to trust in himself and what he alone can accomplish. The movie had us at the edge of our seats, rooting for the underdog and cheering on good over evil.

And as a special treat we decided to treat ourselves to another feature.

This ended up being a cute, almost predictable romantic comedy. A nice way to spend an afternoon. The characters, setting and challenges may be different, but in the end boy and girl meet, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl have a falling out and boy and girl reunite. There are times when the predictable is fine and this movie hit the spot for us yesterday afternoon. It was not a great piece of earth- shattering film but it still a nice entertaining way to view life. It had the "awwww" factor. When you route for love and overcoming obstacles.

I will always enjoy my movies...my escapism from my world into someone else's.
What will the months ahead bring?

Another one bites the dust

2007-09-27T17:56:00.000-06:00

This year I made myself the promise to read atleast 2 books each month.
However, my choices have sometimes made this a difficult promise to keep.

My latest book was read on the plane rides to and from Knoxsville, Tennessee this past weekend.

Daughters of Eden
By Charlotte Bingham
538 pages

The story is centered around 4 women at the start of World War II. Each is selected by a man named Jack Ward because he recognizes special traits that he believes with help with the cause. The ladies become part of the spying effort of WWII at Eden Park. There is Petunia, the quiet lady who loves her books, married badly and thinks herself a wallflower. Lily, the boy crazy girl who sees herself wilting away stuck with these girls. Kate, the talent girl whose father sees her as a burden and won't let her grow anymore in her education and talent. And then there is Majorie, the girl who had nothing, and no one..who finally had a family, only to have them taken away for unknown reasons.

The flow of these lives is elequant. And you are transported into the fearful and exciting time of Hitler, Chamberlain, and Churchill. There is success and loss.

My only complaint of the whole book is the ending. It happens way too quickly. It feels like everything is rushed and needs to be tied up with a neat little bow. Instead of satisfied and complete, the ending left me wanting more.

Overall, I would recommend this book. Especially if you are a history buff like me.
Nothing better than history and romance rolled up into one book.

Its a Wooly Ghoul Time

2007-09-18T16:26:00.000-06:00

With September comes cool/crisp mornings, darker evenings, apples, starting of school and schedules, and holidays. The main holiday of choice next to Christmas is Halloween.
Who doesn't like halloween? A time to scare yourself and others. A time to have fun and be a child for a day. Dressing up. Trick or treating. And of course it is time for the Boo-ty Swap

I stumbled upon this swap by accident last year and had a great time spoiling another Halloween lover like myself. Pleasantly I was extended an invitation to join in the fun again and jumped at the opportunity. Today we were awarded our "secret pals" and mine has requested a wish list of ideas to help with her task.

Telling people what I want has always been a difficult task due to the fact that if I feel I need something I usually go out and get it...LOL
But in trying to fulfull this request I can give a general list of things I like.

I love soft wools and unusual textures or blends.
I love vibrant colors...especially anything fall like...ie, red, rust, oranges.
I love novelty wools...the unusual type that have pieces of wool, fabric or beads woven into it.
I love small project that are completed quickly.
I love all crafts of any kind.
I have always wanted to try a project that included beads with knitting.
I love knitting books, cookbooks, or books of any kind to be quite honest.
I love teas...mainly herbal...for the cool nights ahead.
I have started a collection of bamboo needles but also own a couple turbo addis.
I love candles with scents of cinnamon and apple spice.
I collect angels to the point of obsession.

And most of all I am thrilled to have a secret pal be part of my life.
Hope this helps :-)

Christmas Around the World

2007-09-16T13:07:00.000-06:00

I am a huge sucker for Christmas. This is the one season that tugs at my heartstrings year round. And its not just the gifts! I love the sentiment of putting others first. I love the smells of cinnamon, evergreen and cloves. I love the sounds of bells chiming and carols being sung. I love the sappy movies that go along with Christmas and brotherly love. Its a Wonderful Life. Miracle on 34th Street. The Santa Clause.

With this in mind I decided to join the Christmas around the World swap. What could be more up my alley...LOL

Here is my questionaire for my swapping partner.

Are you religious? Spiritual more than an organized religion

How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? I have been knitting since I was 7 when my grandmother told me all girls needed to know the basics. (35 years) My knitting life since has be both obsessive and non-existant...just depends on the time in my life and the season.

Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? Almost any handicraft you can think of...cross-stitch, scrapbooking, beading, crocheting, painting and the list goes on

Favorite color(s)? Love vibrant true colors but my favorite is red

Do you collect anything? Angels..especially if they have expressive faces

Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? itchy wools and smoke

Do you have any pets? Yes dog, cats and hamster

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? Herbal or green tea, flavored coffees

Cookies or Sweets? Like both...its my weakness next to wools

Do you knit socks? Have made 2 pairs. Not an obsession but I enjoy a simple pattern

If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) I am a sucker for novelty wool. Each September I check out the new types and knit up a few scarves. My collection is endless....LOL

Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do? Absolutely. We have our big one in the livingroom and our smaller version in our family room. I am Christmas obsessive.

Favorite holiday treats? Gingerbread tea or coffee, Cinnamon candies, apple cider

Favorite holiday smells? Fresh stuffing being made, turkey baking, cinnamon, cloves, fresh baking

Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.
We are a traditional family...one gift christmas eve, stockings in the morning and then gifts followed by crepes and strawberries for breakfast and turkey for dinner. We try to stay home for Christmas eve, christmas and boxing day. Days before and after we share with extended family...often travelling a bit. Family means a lot to me.

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Family breakfast after gift opening. Chosing the one new ornament for each family member each year. Re-reading the christmas classics. Listening to music. Putting up the tree with my daughter.

Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....” family

If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? an angel

What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given? Given - afghan I made the three grandmothers to keep them warm ( have my grandmother's now that she has passed. Received - an angel necklace my husband got me the christmas after my son passed.

When do you start your Christmas? December 1st because hubby insists nothing should go up sooner...but occassionally I start slipping things out before.

Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? If I remember I send them out...usually comical bought cards. Would be fun to try homemade this year

What is your favorite Christmas dish? My grandmother's homemade sage stuffing

Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Haven't seen carolers in ages. I remember singing carols door to door as a kid and getting cookies or something hot to drink at people's homes

When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? One on Christmas eve and the rest on Christmas morning

Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Depends from year to year...always family and sometimes friends are included

Can't wait for this swap to begin....Merry Christmas all.

Tea Swap 3

2007-09-16T12:40:00.000-06:00

Its difficult to believe that another 3 months has flown by and I haven't been saying a word. Its like I have become a hermit. Stuck in my own whirlwind of activity which leaves little or no time for my blog.

A great way to come out of the silence is with a huge thank you to Emy for the fabulous package she sent to me for our Knitters tea swap 3. I was beyond thrilled to be paired with a lady from Singapore and I was not disappointed.

Firstly she sent me 6 balls of luscious yarn. 4 are tomato red (leaning towards an orange) cotton and 2 are a varigated pink/white bamboo blend. I have never used bamboo blends before and I am very much looking forward to the experience.

Secondly was the teas and sweets. Wow Emy you outdid yourself!
She sent mem - a box of green tea
- 2 packages of Milo nuggets by nestle ( they are a chocolate malted candy...reminds me a lot of my favorite easter treat!
- Eark Grey mix hard candies ( my daughter says YUM!)
- Another bag of hard candies ( my daughter says Double Yum!!)
- a package of Longan Meat
- a package of dried Sweet Prunes
- a package of seedless red dates
- a package of Qi Zi Wolfberries
and lastly a letter with instructions on how to make my own brews of tea with these ingredients.

I am so looking forward to try new teas and enjoying the treats.

Once again thank you so much Emy for making this swap so much fun.

Gratitude Monday

2007-05-07T16:34:00.000-06:00

Back from being MIA.
Well I can't believe I disappeared for another month.
Where does the time go.

Weekly affirmation:
Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

I am grateful for.....
1. sunny days
2. an understanding supportive husband
3. reconnecting with friends
4. family time
5. reading with my daughter
6. getting comfortable in my own skin
7. realizing me time is important
8. reading quality literature
9. creativeness in the kitchen
10. nature beginning to bloom

Time stands still for no one

2007-04-01T15:11:00.000-06:00

Sigh!!!
Life has been busy lately. Daughter's school activities, after school activities, homework, housework, covering at old job for employee, family time, husband time and maybe if I am lucky some me time. But somehow me time isn't very much.

This weekend I have been taking stock and I don't like what I have found.
When I put me last it shows.....

This is a virtual model of me at 174 pounds. YIKES!!!
Where did the weight come from? I can tell you. No exercise. Every excuse in the book not to exercise - no time, weather sucks, I would rather being...
Also, a less than good diet. Junk and processed foods are so much easier than the good foods that take an effort to make.

Am I worth the effort? You are darn right I am and things need to change.
Time for a change. Stay tuned for the new me...little by little I will carve her out again.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-03-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs a mini-me

2007-03-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

After the success of knitting my socks I needed a simple and quick project.
Gail had been kind enough to gift me a mini sock blocker key chain with the sock pattern and handpainted wool.

So I rumaged thru the needle drawer, cast on stitches on extremely small needles and knit away.

An hour and a half later I had a mini sock keychain to be proud of.
I am thinking this keychain could be lots of fun....minis to match every pair I successfully make for my feet. Oh the possibilities :-)

Gratitude Monday

2007-03-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today's affirmation
The best inspiration is not to outdo others, but to outdo ourselves.
- Anonymous

I am grateful for.....
1. Spending down time with my hubby
2. warm chinook winds
3. movies that make me laugh
4. crafting or cooking with my daughter
5. conquering challenges
6. steamy bubble baths
7. books that transport me to other worlds
8. inspirational music
9. helping friends
10. remembering those who have passed over already

Success is doing!

2007-03-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

As I posted earlier my first experience making socks was less than satisfactory.
I ended up with socks that were too big, puckered and a depressed spirit.

It took some gentle encouragement from a fellow knitting buddy from my knitting list. Gail sent me some gorgeous handpainted wool, a pattern and loads of nudging. Taking up the dpns again, I tried because "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

And after 5 days of knitting success was found.

They turned out great. They fit and no puckering at the heel. I am in love...LOL

I see many pairs of handmade socks in my future.

“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”

2007-03-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have always loved history. Learning about how people lived, what they wore, and how they died. Romances, wars, hatred, compassion all are parts of what make up our whole being.

My daughter's recent unit for social studies was China. What a hoot!
The teachers began the with a "flight" to China. The kids were met at the door of the school and had to "purchase" tickets for the flight...using their library cards as identification. Then they proceeded through security and kids with "suspicious items" in their backpack proceeded onto the local police to be questioned. Some understood the game and others where confused. But sooner or later all arrived safely on the "flight" in the library. They went to China, visited the sites and flew back home. It was a fantastic way to spark the curiosity of the students.

Just yesterday we went on a field trip to Chinatown.

We visited the museum and cultural center, ate at a local buffet and visited local shops asking questions and soaking in the culture.

Looking up at the center of the cultural centre we found a gorgeous sight to be seen. Bright colors, symbols, inlaid gold and animal representing the Chinese New Year.

Replicas of the Emperor's chariet and servants amazed the kids.

The grandeur of the emperor's life was shown in many of the artifacts.

Can you guess what this picture is made of?
On close inspection it was discovered that every single detail was created from feathers of types, sizes and colors.

They even taught the students some Tai Chi moves to use everyday.

The kids had a great time. I can't think of anything more fun than experiencing another culture. What better way to remember all than to actually live the experience.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Gratitude Monday

2007-02-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Today's affirmation:
Use your imagination not to scare yourself to death but to inspire yourself to life.

-Adele Brookman

I am grateful for.....
1. Family time
2. cooking with my daughter
3. a husband who lightens my load
4. fluffy white snow flakes
5. laughter
6. good food
7. good books
8. quiet time
9. the sounds of a quiet night
10. courage to try challenging things

If at first you don't suceed, try, try again!

2007-02-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have always hated failing. And nothing sends a bigger red flag in my face then telling me "I can't" do something. It always makes me try harder.

Lately I have been attempting to expand my knitting abilitities. Some things are more challenging than others. I have made dish clothes, knit with novelty yarn, and felted and enjoyed each new adventure. However, knitting socks was not so successful.

These were my first attempt. Love the colors but the technique needs a lot to be desired. The heels pull funny, and the socks ended up being way too big in the foot and tight around the calf. I was disheartened.

The socks didn't go to waste...they are now around the house slipper socks. And I told myself I would try again.

Fast forward almost 2 years. One of my knittingparents buddies gifted me with some gorgeous handpainted yarn and a pattern to make socks and loads of encouragement to get started. With a little apprehension I cast on and so far so good.

Looking great actually!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-02-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path

2007-02-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

My grandmother was an only child of poor farmers. They lived with very little but had lots of love. When she was in her early teens, it was decided to sell the family farm and move. She and her mother went to live with relatives in Kimberly, British Columbia, while her father travelled to around Calgary, Alberta to purchae another farm. That was the last she ever saw or heard from her father!

It was her one great heartache of life - never knowing what happened to this man. This happened at the beginning of the Depression and she was required to quite school and go work as home help just to help her mother make ends meet. To many this may not be much however, my grandmother had a great talent. She could look at a dress and make an exact copy with no pattern but what she saw in her mind. Her plan had been to be a designer but this would never happen.

I was always amazed at how she could make something good out of any bad situation. This was not her last sorrow in life but she never let it get her down.

She generously opened her home to me as an infant and I never went without, even though often she did. Hardships to her always had silver linings and there was always someone worse off than her who could use her help. She always had an extra plate at the table, coat to give or shoulder to help carry the burden.

Grandma Sarah always reminded me that it was my duty to help others. She actually was the first person who ever told me to pay it forward. Whenever she helped someone she never wanted anything in return. Her words were always.."help the next person who needs it. That is all I want."

Those words ring in my ears as true today as they did back when she was saying them.
As I was browsing my weekly blog reading I came across one that told me about Project Compassion

This is a group that was formed to help others in need. The first project for this group was to help 2 members of a family who lost 3 others in a terrible vehicle accident on December 23. It was decided that a blanket was to be created for each of the surviving members.

To know more about this family read

The project sound just like something my grandmother would of supported and encouraged. So I rummaged through my yarn drawer and found a dusty pink just waiting. Why was this the one? It was my grandmother's favorite color - it was just destined to be. I made four squares and shipped them off to be lovingly stitched together with others to wrap this family in the warmth compassion of others.

So if you are looking for something to make your knitting extra special drop by Project Compassion and help out in their next endeavor.