Bringing back class to the White House
10/19/2012
10/14/2012
White Jello
One of the patients at the dental office gave me her family recipe for White Jello. I was a little leery, but made it for a family dinner a few weeks ago.
It was a hit!!!
I made it again yesterday. I doubled the recipe and put it in a 9X13 pan.
Inverted it and placed a few raspberries on it.
I had started dividing it up before I thought to take a pic. I wanted you to get a look at it anyway.
Here is the recipe! Enjoy!
Patty's White Jello
1 1/2 CUP WATER
3/4 CUP SUGAR
1 PKG.+ 1/4 TSP. UNFLAVORED KNOX GELATIN
16 OUNCES SOUR.CREAM
8 OUNCES COOL WHIP
1/4 TSP ALMOND EXTRACT
FRESH BERRIES
BOIL WATER; STIR IN SUGAR AND GELATIN; DISSOLVE AND LET COOL.
FOLD IN SOUR CREAM, COOL WHIP AND EXTRACT UNTIL WELL MIXED.
POUR INTO A MOLD THAT HAS BEEN SPRAYED WITH PAM
LET JELLO SET, OVERNIGHT IS BEST
.
UNMOLD AND GARNISH WITH FRESH STRAWBERRIES OR RASPBERRIES
It was a hit!!!
I made it again yesterday. I doubled the recipe and put it in a 9X13 pan.
Inverted it and placed a few raspberries on it.
Here is the recipe! Enjoy!
Patty's White Jello
1 1/2 CUP WATER
3/4 CUP SUGAR
1 PKG.+ 1/4 TSP. UNFLAVORED KNOX GELATIN
16 OUNCES SOUR.CREAM
8 OUNCES COOL WHIP
1/4 TSP ALMOND EXTRACT
FRESH BERRIES
BOIL WATER; STIR IN SUGAR AND GELATIN; DISSOLVE AND LET COOL.
FOLD IN SOUR CREAM, COOL WHIP AND EXTRACT UNTIL WELL MIXED.
POUR INTO A MOLD THAT HAS BEEN SPRAYED WITH PAM
LET JELLO SET, OVERNIGHT IS BEST
.
UNMOLD AND GARNISH WITH FRESH STRAWBERRIES OR RASPBERRIES
7/09/2012
4/11/2012
Recipe for #1 Daughter
My last post was got some mouths watering. The recipe was requested and I listen to my sparse followers!!
Croquettes ( Thank you Aunt Willy!)
4-5 lbs. Beef Chuck Roast, cooked and ground ( when you have leftovers, freeze them til you have enough)
6-7 potatoes, cooked and ground
1 cup celery leaves no stalks, chopped fine
salt & pepper, to taste
¾ cup beef consume , give or take
flour, enough to make them stick together
bread crumbs
egg whites
oil for frying, peanut oil is nice
Heat this bad boy up to 340°
Mix ingredients in a bowl.
Add enough flour to make the mixture form into nice
torpedo shapes about the size of your thumb or a bit larger. As long as they are all the same size so they get done at the same time.
Dip in egg whites, then bread crumbs.
Place 5 or 6 in a Deep fryer at 340° until crispy brown, about 7 minutes.
Remove from fryer and let sit on paper towel or brown paper bag to cool a bit.
Serve with spicy mustard. ( I eat them plain )
Enjoy!
Croquettes ( Thank you Aunt Willy!)
4-5 lbs. Beef Chuck Roast, cooked and ground ( when you have leftovers, freeze them til you have enough)
6-7 potatoes, cooked and ground
1 cup celery leaves no stalks, chopped fine
salt & pepper, to taste
¾ cup beef consume , give or take
flour, enough to make them stick together
bread crumbs
egg whites
oil for frying, peanut oil is nice
Heat this bad boy up to 340°Mix ingredients in a bowl.
Add enough flour to make the mixture form into nice
torpedo shapes about the size of your thumb or a bit larger. As long as they are all the same size so they get done at the same time.
Dip in egg whites, then bread crumbs.
Place 5 or 6 in a Deep fryer at 340° until crispy brown, about 7 minutes.
Remove from fryer and let sit on paper towel or brown paper bag to cool a bit.
Serve with spicy mustard. ( I eat them plain )
Enjoy!
4/05/2012
Number One Daughter
My poor dad. I have two older sisters and no brothers. Between our mom and the three girls there was a good chance that no matter what week it was, someone had PMS.
Some of us were worse than others. (ahem! Jennifer?) Just kidding Jen! You were by far the sweetest among us!
Anyway, we are all older now. At 40, I'm the youngest. I won't go into how old the other two are!
In the last few years or so, there has been a little joke/competition between the three of us.
I don't remember how it started but at some point Dad turned to one of us and said, " you are my number one daughter!" this was after some small but cool thing one of us had done for or given to Dad.
I think we each have our own ways of achieving said Number One Daughter Spot.
Theresa is an amazing baker. I can't tell you all the yumminess she can create. All she has to do is stop by with something sweet for Dad and BAM! Number One Daughter. Well, just as long as there aren't any cherry pits in it. :-)
Jennifer lives in Ohio. She just has to show up at Mom and Dad's in Green Bay and there she is! The Number One Daughter.
I live in Illinois. I think for awhile just bringing our son to visit with Grandma and Grandpa put me there a bit, but the thing that scores every time is when I make Dad some croquettes.
What are they? Basically deep fried leftover beef and potatoes.
They are glorious!
Dad, I'll see you with these goodies on Friday!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Some of us were worse than others. (ahem! Jennifer?) Just kidding Jen! You were by far the sweetest among us!
Anyway, we are all older now. At 40, I'm the youngest. I won't go into how old the other two are!
In the last few years or so, there has been a little joke/competition between the three of us.
I don't remember how it started but at some point Dad turned to one of us and said, " you are my number one daughter!" this was after some small but cool thing one of us had done for or given to Dad.
I think we each have our own ways of achieving said Number One Daughter Spot.
Theresa is an amazing baker. I can't tell you all the yumminess she can create. All she has to do is stop by with something sweet for Dad and BAM! Number One Daughter. Well, just as long as there aren't any cherry pits in it. :-)
Jennifer lives in Ohio. She just has to show up at Mom and Dad's in Green Bay and there she is! The Number One Daughter.
I live in Illinois. I think for awhile just bringing our son to visit with Grandma and Grandpa put me there a bit, but the thing that scores every time is when I make Dad some croquettes.
What are they? Basically deep fried leftover beef and potatoes.
They are glorious!
Dad, I'll see you with these goodies on Friday!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
2/13/2012
The Arrogance of Authority
this was too good not to share!!!
A DEA officer stopped at a ranch in Texas , and talked with an old rancher.
He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs."
The rancher said, "Okay , but don't go in that field over there.....", as he pointed out the location.
The DEA officer verbally exploded saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me !"
Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher.
"See this badge?! This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On any land !!
No questions asked or answers given!! Have I made myself clear......do you understand ?!!"
The rancher nodded politely, apologized, and went about his chores.
A short time later, the old rancher heard loud screams, looked up, and saw the DEA officer running for his life, being chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull......
With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it seemed likely that he'd sure enough get gored before he reached safety. The officer was clearly terrified.
The rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs.....
(I just love this part....)
"Your badge, show him your BADGE........ ! !"
2/09/2012
Why Do Bad Things Happen?
Or why do really inconvenient things happen all on the same day?
Some one posted this on Facebook and I had to share.
Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise u won't get mad...
God: I promise
Me: Why did u let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right
Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Let me see, the Death Angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that
Me (humbled): OH
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me (embarrassed):Ok
God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.....in all things , the good & the bad.
Me: I will trust you
God: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I love looking after my children...
(Steph's side note) What if God only gave you everything you thanked Him for yesterday? I saw that some where on Facebook or Pinterest too and it really smacked me upside the head!
Some one posted this on Facebook and I had to share.
Me: God, can I ask you a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise u won't get mad...
God: I promise
Me: Why did u let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right
Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did you do that?
God: Let me see, the Death Angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that
Me (humbled): OH
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me (embarrassed):Ok
God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm sorry God
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust me.....in all things , the good & the bad.
Me: I will trust you
God: And don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, thank you for everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I love looking after my children...
(Steph's side note) What if God only gave you everything you thanked Him for yesterday? I saw that some where on Facebook or Pinterest too and it really smacked me upside the head!
2/03/2012
My Alternate Reality
They listened to either twangy solid gold country or the dreaded elevator music.
I felt lucky if Dad put on some 50's or 60's rock. Well as "rock" as that gets!
Every time we drove up north to our grandparent's we listened to WOCO out of Oconto.
It was awful elevator music!! I can still hear the jingle in my head. WOCO... Oconto! AM and FM!! I silently screamed in the back seat. Dad thought it should be acceptable to us as he always turned on the FM station and not the AM. I don't even want to contemplate what could have been on the AM dial!!
(• Basically same play as Original Uno with 2 exceptions. When a "0" is played--all players need to pass their hands to the next player. When a "7" is played the person that played the "7" trades their hand with another player of their choice.)
It was awful elevator music!! I can still hear the jingle in my head. WOCO... Oconto! AM and FM!! I silently screamed in the back seat. Dad thought it should be acceptable to us as he always turned on the FM station and not the AM. I don't even want to contemplate what could have been on the AM dial!!
I remember begging for anything with lyrics. Actual singers. But to no avail. It was the same crap my dentist played. I guess I can be happy there wasn't a drill involved.
Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2011.
Mom and her three girls were on the way to Thanksgiving Eve Service at the Moravian Church at Heritage Hill.
Some song came on the radio that I didn't know. I'm guessing we had a Top 40 station on. What ever the song was, the same lyrics were repeated over and over. I made some comment like "Sing if you know the words!" Only to realize Mom was already singing!!!
Wait... What???
Ok, maybe it was a fluke and a catchy tune. I just let it slide.
A couple nights later we were about to get down and dirty with our usual family fun
of playing Uno. We like the house rules for Seven-0 Uno.
(• Basically same play as Original Uno with 2 exceptions. When a "0" is played--all players need to pass their hands to the next player. When a "7" is played the person that played the "7" trades their hand with another player of their choice.)
Anyway, I digress. Most of us were waiting around for Mom to get her self over to the table so we could start. She said, I want to watch this first. I walk over to see what she is watching that is so important as to interrupt our sacred Uno time. You will not believe this! In fact I thought she was joking.
The Lady Gaga Christmas Special!!! Of all things! My mom!!! Lady Gaga??? What is going on?
Did aliens come and abduct my mom and leave someone ( or something ) else in her place???
I of course looked shocked and questioned this person claiming to be my mom.
She said, "I like her."
And that is it. I have learned not to question my mom further. She is, and will always be, right. Sometimes with a little persuasion, I can try to change what she feels is right, but mostly, she's the bomb!
So from elevator music to Lady Gaga. It's been over 2 months since that night and I am STILL in shock. In fact, I may never be the same. When I was 16 I would have given my left arm for my mom to enjoy listening to WIXX with us! I guess she just wasn't ready. Also, at that time Lady Gaga was 2 years old. I guess she can't be all bed, her birth name is Stefani. :-) Perhaps we are soul sisters...
I really do enjoy her music for an upbeat workout, but have you seen some of those videos? A bit odd. I prefer this one.
Have your parents ever freaked you out like this? Please tell me about it so I don't feel alone!!!
1/26/2012
1/20/2012
Don't Do it!
I love menu planning. I seldom really look at the nutrition information as I fill in blanks on my calendar. I think I need to start.
Tonight I put together a breakfast dish that sits in the fridge overnight.
It's called one thing but I'm renaming it. It's now:
Don't Do It Caramel Apple French Toast Bake
2 sticks butter
2 C. Brown Sugar
4 TBSP light Corn Syrup
2 Tart Apples peeled Cored and sliced
1 loaf soft french bread cut in 1" slices
1/2 c chopped walnuts or pecans optional
5 eggs
1 1/4 C milk
1 tsp Vanilla extract
3 TBSP sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Cook butter, sugar and corn syrup in saucepan over medium heat until it thickens to a syrup. Pour into a 9X13 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread apple slices across syrup & sprinkle with nuts if using. Place bread slices on top.
Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla. Pour over bread.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350° Before baking sprinkle top with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Bake uncovered 40-45 minutes. Remover from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
Invert onto nice platter and serve.
Serving Size: 8
Number of Servings: 8
Now here's the fun part. I plugged the ingredients in to SparkPeople Recipe Calculator and here's what I got. Oh and I didn't enter the nuts in, so if you add that it will change this info.
Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 696.8
Total Fat: 28.0 g
Cholesterol: 177.4 mg
Sodium: 606.7 mg
Total Carbs: 123.8 g
Dietary Fiber: 3.0 g
Protein: 10.5 g
Now this is if you actually get 8 servings out of it. Between Keith and I, well, it could be 6 or 7.
But you see how this is a little over a third of my calories for the day??? And it's only the main course. What if I made sausage or bacon with that? A glass of juice or milk?
I really need to start planning better.
This is proof for sure!
Next post: From Elevator Music to Lady Gaga
Tonight I put together a breakfast dish that sits in the fridge overnight.
It's called one thing but I'm renaming it. It's now:
Don't Do It Caramel Apple French Toast Bake
Ingredients
2 sticks butter
2 C. Brown Sugar
4 TBSP light Corn Syrup
2 Tart Apples peeled Cored and sliced
1 loaf soft french bread cut in 1" slices
1/2 c chopped walnuts or pecans optional
5 eggs
1 1/4 C milk
1 tsp Vanilla extract
3 TBSP sugar
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions
Cook butter, sugar and corn syrup in saucepan over medium heat until it thickens to a syrup. Pour into a 9X13 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread apple slices across syrup & sprinkle with nuts if using. Place bread slices on top.
Whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla. Pour over bread.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350° Before baking sprinkle top with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Bake uncovered 40-45 minutes. Remover from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
Invert onto nice platter and serve.
Serving Size: 8
Number of Servings: 8
Now here's the fun part. I plugged the ingredients in to SparkPeople Recipe Calculator and here's what I got. Oh and I didn't enter the nuts in, so if you add that it will change this info.
Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 696.8
Total Fat: 28.0 g
Cholesterol: 177.4 mg
Sodium: 606.7 mg
Total Carbs: 123.8 g
Dietary Fiber: 3.0 g
Protein: 10.5 g
Now this is if you actually get 8 servings out of it. Between Keith and I, well, it could be 6 or 7.
But you see how this is a little over a third of my calories for the day??? And it's only the main course. What if I made sausage or bacon with that? A glass of juice or milk?
I really need to start planning better.
This is proof for sure!
Next post: From Elevator Music to Lady Gaga
1/10/2012
Children's Advil
Children's Advil: Thanks Pfizer and #Children's Advil for my free sample. Click here for a $1.00 coupon:http://bit.ly/uLNtqx. Like us on Facebook.
grab a coupon.
Check it out! Click the link above for a coupon! They are sending me a free bottle of Advil for my son. I'll let you know how it is!
grab a coupon.
Check it out! Click the link above for a coupon! They are sending me a free bottle of Advil for my son. I'll let you know how it is!
12/29/2011
Yeah, Like That Worked!
So my End Of Year Resolution didn't quite make it past day two.
So here is my next idea for New Year's Resolutions.
I got this in an email and had to share!
Words for Women to Live By
1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.
2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.
3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.
4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!
5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).
6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.
8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.
9 Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.
11. When life gives you lemons - buy some Coronas. (Not really me, but maybe for you!)
12. Forget about the perfect man - he's living in San Fran with his boyfriend.
13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.
14. If it has tires or testicles it's gonna give you trouble.
15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong. ( Yay! I have a boy!)
So here is my next idea for New Year's Resolutions.
I got this in an email and had to share!
Words for Women to Live By
1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.
2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.
3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.
4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!
5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).
6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.
8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.
9 Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.
11. When life gives you lemons - buy some Coronas. (Not really me, but maybe for you!)
12. Forget about the perfect man - he's living in San Fran with his boyfriend.
13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.
14. If it has tires or testicles it's gonna give you trouble.
15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong. ( Yay! I have a boy!)
11/30/2011
End of year resolution
I've always bailed on traditional New Year's Resolutions. I guess the Christmas season comes and goes so quickly, that January is all of a sudden there and I hadn't had time to even think about a resolution. So instead of stressing about it, I just don't resolve to do or not do a single thing.
This year I'm trying something different. I'm calling it an End of the Year Resolution.
It will start December 1st. As I write this post, it is less than 30 minutes from being December first. Still kind of last minute, huh?
Anyway, I figure if I get the hang of this resolution by the time January hits, I've got it IN THE BAG!!
What do I resolve?
I resolve to track every morsel I put in my mouth. Every bite, lick and taste. ( thank you Weight Watchers)
I also have a "cleaning schedule" in my calendar so I do one or two things a day. Sometimes nothing is scheduled, but then I'm not stuck with hours of cleaning on the weekend. I've kind of gotten away from that.
I resolve to do the chores on the day I've scheduled them and not let them pile up.
Do you make N.Y. Resolutions?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This year I'm trying something different. I'm calling it an End of the Year Resolution.
It will start December 1st. As I write this post, it is less than 30 minutes from being December first. Still kind of last minute, huh?
Anyway, I figure if I get the hang of this resolution by the time January hits, I've got it IN THE BAG!!
What do I resolve?
I resolve to track every morsel I put in my mouth. Every bite, lick and taste. ( thank you Weight Watchers)
I also have a "cleaning schedule" in my calendar so I do one or two things a day. Sometimes nothing is scheduled, but then I'm not stuck with hours of cleaning on the weekend. I've kind of gotten away from that.
I resolve to do the chores on the day I've scheduled them and not let them pile up.
Do you make N.Y. Resolutions?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:State of Insanity
10/06/2011
FreeCycle
Have you heard of freecycle.org?
I love it!! It's a great concept. Here's a bit of their history.
I have found some really great things on it and have helped folks get some things they need as well!
One of the many things I've found, and it never occurred to me that I would, was friendship.
There was a gal on there who was posting a lot of stuff. Lots of kids stuff, so I was keeping my eyes peeled for anything for Josh. The reason I remember her is that her name is Stephanie. Great name!!
Anyway, I went to her house to pick some things up a few times. Turns out she lives just 3 blocks away. Easy and on the way to the park so Josh and I can multi task!
One day we decided we really need to get our boys together for a play date. Her son, Logan, will be 3 next month and mine just turned 2.
They ADORE each other!
Josh will wake up from a nap and when he used to say Dada or Mama he now says "Gogan?? Gogan??" He really likes playing with Logan!
Steph and I have a great time together too!
Back in May, Steph and her sister Jen ( I know, it's too weird right?) started walking and biking a 3 mile route every other day. Biking one day and walking the other.
I met Steph in mid August I think. They had each lost a considerable amount of weight from this. I'm so shy, I just blurted out, " Can I come too?"
They didn't mind at all and their duo became a trio.
Neighbors along the route commented that they were multiplying. Cool that people noticed. They really HAD walked every day!
It's been getting cooler out and darker earlier so we've been discussing getting a gym membership.
Cha ching!!! Bells and whistles going off in my brain. Good news is that we found a gym with a super decent fee and at the time of our enrollment ( a week ago today) there was zero enrollment fee!! Sweet!
We had a physical evaluation with a trainer. After answering a ton of questions and getting some measurements, I was informed that to get to an average body composition I would need to lose 49 pounds. I was floored!! He wasn't telling me I had to lose 100 pounds!! whoo hoo!! I have had a goal weight in my head for a long time now. Not a small number, but I remember looking good and feeling good at that weight. Losing 49 pounds now would bring me 10 pounds away from achieving that!
So we've been using the treadmills and elliptical and the weights. They have free day care for your first child at the gym as well. Yes!! I can work out in the morning some days!! Josh loves the play room too! It's a huge win win!!
I weighed myself today. I know it's a few days from "that time of the month" and I haven't lost a single pound, but I am not discouraged. I have 2 new friends who double as work out buddies and one of my neighbors has been using a guest pass
for a few days at the gym and might join as well. We are filling another neighbor in on the idea of joining the gym and it's possible I could have 4 work out buddies soon!
I really needed to get some inspiration to lose weight. Steph and Jen are it. Between the two of them, they have lost more than 60 pounds since May. Steph and I are getting to be pretty good friends as well.
God does answer prayers. It killed me to not have any friends down here. The people I did meet were always working or busy with family life.
That really made me miss my Green Bay friends.
Thanks Freecycle!!!
I love it!! It's a great concept. Here's a bit of their history.
I have found some really great things on it and have helped folks get some things they need as well!
One of the many things I've found, and it never occurred to me that I would, was friendship.
There was a gal on there who was posting a lot of stuff. Lots of kids stuff, so I was keeping my eyes peeled for anything for Josh. The reason I remember her is that her name is Stephanie. Great name!!
Anyway, I went to her house to pick some things up a few times. Turns out she lives just 3 blocks away. Easy and on the way to the park so Josh and I can multi task!
One day we decided we really need to get our boys together for a play date. Her son, Logan, will be 3 next month and mine just turned 2.
They ADORE each other!
Josh will wake up from a nap and when he used to say Dada or Mama he now says "Gogan?? Gogan??" He really likes playing with Logan!
Steph and I have a great time together too!
Back in May, Steph and her sister Jen ( I know, it's too weird right?) started walking and biking a 3 mile route every other day. Biking one day and walking the other.
I met Steph in mid August I think. They had each lost a considerable amount of weight from this. I'm so shy, I just blurted out, " Can I come too?"
They didn't mind at all and their duo became a trio.
Neighbors along the route commented that they were multiplying. Cool that people noticed. They really HAD walked every day!
It's been getting cooler out and darker earlier so we've been discussing getting a gym membership.
Cha ching!!! Bells and whistles going off in my brain. Good news is that we found a gym with a super decent fee and at the time of our enrollment ( a week ago today) there was zero enrollment fee!! Sweet!
We had a physical evaluation with a trainer. After answering a ton of questions and getting some measurements, I was informed that to get to an average body composition I would need to lose 49 pounds. I was floored!! He wasn't telling me I had to lose 100 pounds!! whoo hoo!! I have had a goal weight in my head for a long time now. Not a small number, but I remember looking good and feeling good at that weight. Losing 49 pounds now would bring me 10 pounds away from achieving that!
So we've been using the treadmills and elliptical and the weights. They have free day care for your first child at the gym as well. Yes!! I can work out in the morning some days!! Josh loves the play room too! It's a huge win win!!
I weighed myself today. I know it's a few days from "that time of the month" and I haven't lost a single pound, but I am not discouraged. I have 2 new friends who double as work out buddies and one of my neighbors has been using a guest pass
for a few days at the gym and might join as well. We are filling another neighbor in on the idea of joining the gym and it's possible I could have 4 work out buddies soon!
I really needed to get some inspiration to lose weight. Steph and Jen are it. Between the two of them, they have lost more than 60 pounds since May. Steph and I are getting to be pretty good friends as well.
God does answer prayers. It killed me to not have any friends down here. The people I did meet were always working or busy with family life.
That really made me miss my Green Bay friends.
Thanks Freecycle!!!
8/22/2011
Hey Ladies...
Is it just me? After a long day, is there anything better than that moment when you take your bra off and all the stress of the day seems to come off with it???
Ahhhhhh!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Ahhhhhh!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
7/28/2011
Frustration gets the best of me.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (for pure convection, adjust accordingly; I used 310 F on convection). Grease cookie sheets, or line them with parchment paper or use a Silpat (which is what I did).
Sift the flour, salt and baking soda and set aside.
Mix the sugars and butter just until thoroughly mixed, then add egg, yolk and vanilla and mix until creamy. Add the sifted ingredients and mix until just blended.
Stir in the chocolate chips/chunks, then drop dough 1/4 cup at a time on a cookie sheet, about 3 inches apart, and bake for 15-17 minutes. Leave them on the cookie sheet to cool a bit when removed from the oven (this is important… they fall apart if you move them too quickly). Once they cool a few minutes, remove the cookies to a cooling rack to finish cooling. Or eat them right away, with milk!
Hair Ordeal. Part 3
So here I go again.
In limbo waiting for the next hairstylist to drop into my lap.
I'm thru with hunting. I am beyond frustrated.
About 3 or 4 months after my class reunion, I was getting anxious for a new "do".
I mentioned this to Julie and she told me she needed to try this new place that was in town. ( Her town, not mine. We live about 20 min. or so apart.) Scott's HQ Salon.
She tried it. When I saw her hair I thought it was the BOMB!!! :-)
I thought that I could give that guy a shot with my straight, fine, boring hair.
When I called, I of course wanted to be seen that day or the next.
Scott said he didn't have any openings, but one of his gals did. Ana.
He promised she was great.
Boy was she ever!!
She asked me what I wanted to do. I told her to have fun. I wanted it shorter and I was bored with the color. The rest I left up to her. This is before.
And this, my friends, is after! My hair has NEVER been this cute! This is "Rena worthy" hair! ( great friend who always has great hair dos! )
Ana, you are amazing!!
So I've been to see her a couple of times now. I'm still in that 4-6 month mindset.My hair still rocks. I think it was about 3 or 4 weeks after one of my visits to Ana, some lady came up to me as church was being let out. I have no idea who this woman is. We have a very large congregation. I hardly know anyone. :-)
Anyway, she came right up to me and said, "I just had to tell you that I just love your hair! Everything about it, the cut the color, everything!"
Wow! That really made my day!!! I thanked her a few times I think!
I was pleased to know that after 3 weeks, I could still style it so it looked great!!
So you'd think my story was over. That would be too easy.
My little family was visiting Julie's family and she said, " Oh yeah, Scott's HQ is moving. Well at least Scott is." Something about the rent being increased.
I just about freaked out. No no no no no!! This can't be happening!!!!
She said that he was taking one girl with him to the new place where he would be renting a chair for awhile. She wasn't sure, but thought it was Ana.
I just called today and left a message to find out for sure. I may be needing a hair cut in the next 2 or 3 months and I'd just like to know.
So when I find out, you'll find out.
7/03/2011
My Hair Ordeal. Part 2
So off to Illinois I go!!
I dread looking for new stylist!!! I had last seen Cindy in April. Just before my wedding.
Now keep in mind that I am used to going every 6-8 weeks.
That would put me somewhere in June.
Well, by the time I came to terms with the fact that Cindy's schedule ( now Tuesday through Thursday ) and my weekend trips of Friday through Sunday were never going to accommodate a hair cut. I decided to start looking for salons.
Did I mention it's October? 6 months!!! not 6 weeks! I have been living in "hair hell"!
Well I found this nice little shop up in Antioch. I drive to Antioch for church and Keith's brother and sister in law live up there. It's a really quaint little downtown area.
I went in thinking I want to have a perm so I can grow it out. Then I wouldn't need to come in so often. Which would work out especially well if this gal turned out to not be so great. I hate telling stylists that I want a perm. You'd think you were asking them to
give you a mullet!
So I just kept my mouth shut about that and told myself to let this gal do what she thought was best. Well to a certain dollar amount!
So after looking at my hair and touching it she suggested a texture wave.
Texture wave? What on earth is that???? Some new fangled thing?
So I asked her if it was anything like a perm. She leaned over and whispered " we don't call them that anymore." It was sort of like we were at some big soiree and she was instructing me on who to talk to and who not to talk to and that I shouldn't belch in public.
I was relieved though. She actually told me that I should get what I wanted and I hadn't even told her!
Sweet! Things went well, she was fun and my hair looked great!
I booked a trim for December.
I was in the grocery store when they called to confirm. But they told me the name of
some other gal. I said no, not Summer ( or what ever they said) but with Lisa.
Well, Lisa was no longer with them. Kill me now! I found a great stylist right off the bat and she was ripped away from me just like that??? Forget it!!
I told the gal on the phone I really wanted to see Lisa and as that wasn't going to happen I cancelled my appointment.
I wasn't able to get any info on where she went or if she was even doing hair anymore.
I was bummed!
Well it's February. I get an email. It's from Lisa! She's opened her own shop!!
Yay!!
I booked right away! If you remember, it had been October since my last cut. I was doing better, 4 months instead of 6.
Again, fabulous job. I booked another appointment.
I called in March to see if I could change my appointment around a little.
They were glad I called. Lisa was no longer there. Well they said a temporary leave of absence.
I calmly cancelled my appointment and sat at my desk, dumbfounded.
I needed to get in before Easter. The good news is I was headed to Green Bay and I'd be there on Thursday before Easter. I called my mom to see if she could bribe Cindy to get me in that day.
We have a winner folks!! 3 pm!! I think she normally leaves at 3, but I can't say for sure. Yay yay yay!!
So I'm good again for awhile til I find someone else!!
I was introduced to a colleague of Keith's the summer before we had Josh.
Julie. She had just had a baby in March. Her first as well.
Julie and her hubby and Keith and I got together a few times.
Julie's hair is always awesome. So I asked her where she goes. She told me his name is Alex. I'd never had a guy do my hair before. Can't hurt right? I mean really, what could be worse than "bomb scare hair"?
So Julie and I booked back to back appointments. Our hubbies were home with our boys. We were out doing girly things. It was like heaven!
Alex did a super job!! Oh and that guy at the shampoo bowl? He really knows how to massage a scalp!! Bliss!!!
I continued to see Alex. By now I'd gotten used to going about 3 times a year.
Alex moved from his current salon to one in Barrington. That's about 30 minutes from my house, but so is everything else. So I headed out to Barrington.
It's July. I need help!!!
Alex saves the day!
And I'm good again for awhile. I called him in August and told him my 20 year class reunion was in September and I want it colored and highlighted or whatever. I just wanted to look great! He told me that he'd call me back the following week to book it.
Never did.
I was bummed again!! So I didn't nothing exciting with my hair for the big event.
Keith and I actually left early. Very early :-)
So back to square one finding a stylist.
I guess I should stop now and give you a part three soon!!
Yes, the saga continues!
I dread looking for new stylist!!! I had last seen Cindy in April. Just before my wedding.
Now keep in mind that I am used to going every 6-8 weeks.
That would put me somewhere in June.
Well, by the time I came to terms with the fact that Cindy's schedule ( now Tuesday through Thursday ) and my weekend trips of Friday through Sunday were never going to accommodate a hair cut. I decided to start looking for salons.
Did I mention it's October? 6 months!!! not 6 weeks! I have been living in "hair hell"!
Well I found this nice little shop up in Antioch. I drive to Antioch for church and Keith's brother and sister in law live up there. It's a really quaint little downtown area.
I went in thinking I want to have a perm so I can grow it out. Then I wouldn't need to come in so often. Which would work out especially well if this gal turned out to not be so great. I hate telling stylists that I want a perm. You'd think you were asking them to
give you a mullet!
So I just kept my mouth shut about that and told myself to let this gal do what she thought was best. Well to a certain dollar amount!
So after looking at my hair and touching it she suggested a texture wave.
Texture wave? What on earth is that???? Some new fangled thing?
So I asked her if it was anything like a perm. She leaned over and whispered " we don't call them that anymore." It was sort of like we were at some big soiree and she was instructing me on who to talk to and who not to talk to and that I shouldn't belch in public.
I was relieved though. She actually told me that I should get what I wanted and I hadn't even told her!
Sweet! Things went well, she was fun and my hair looked great!
I booked a trim for December.
I was in the grocery store when they called to confirm. But they told me the name of
some other gal. I said no, not Summer ( or what ever they said) but with Lisa.
Well, Lisa was no longer with them. Kill me now! I found a great stylist right off the bat and she was ripped away from me just like that??? Forget it!!
I told the gal on the phone I really wanted to see Lisa and as that wasn't going to happen I cancelled my appointment.
I wasn't able to get any info on where she went or if she was even doing hair anymore.
I was bummed!
Well it's February. I get an email. It's from Lisa! She's opened her own shop!!
Yay!!
I booked right away! If you remember, it had been October since my last cut. I was doing better, 4 months instead of 6.
Again, fabulous job. I booked another appointment.
I called in March to see if I could change my appointment around a little.
They were glad I called. Lisa was no longer there. Well they said a temporary leave of absence.
I calmly cancelled my appointment and sat at my desk, dumbfounded.
I needed to get in before Easter. The good news is I was headed to Green Bay and I'd be there on Thursday before Easter. I called my mom to see if she could bribe Cindy to get me in that day.
We have a winner folks!! 3 pm!! I think she normally leaves at 3, but I can't say for sure. Yay yay yay!!
So I'm good again for awhile til I find someone else!!
I was introduced to a colleague of Keith's the summer before we had Josh.
Julie. She had just had a baby in March. Her first as well.
Julie and her hubby and Keith and I got together a few times.
Julie's hair is always awesome. So I asked her where she goes. She told me his name is Alex. I'd never had a guy do my hair before. Can't hurt right? I mean really, what could be worse than "bomb scare hair"?
So Julie and I booked back to back appointments. Our hubbies were home with our boys. We were out doing girly things. It was like heaven!
Alex did a super job!! Oh and that guy at the shampoo bowl? He really knows how to massage a scalp!! Bliss!!!
I continued to see Alex. By now I'd gotten used to going about 3 times a year.
Alex moved from his current salon to one in Barrington. That's about 30 minutes from my house, but so is everything else. So I headed out to Barrington.
It's July. I need help!!!
Alex saves the day!
And I'm good again for awhile. I called him in August and told him my 20 year class reunion was in September and I want it colored and highlighted or whatever. I just wanted to look great! He told me that he'd call me back the following week to book it.
Never did.
I was bummed again!! So I didn't nothing exciting with my hair for the big event.
Keith and I actually left early. Very early :-)
So back to square one finding a stylist.
I guess I should stop now and give you a part three soon!!
Yes, the saga continues!
My Hair Ordeal. Part 1
Ages and ages ago I was referred to a stylist by a friend. Cindy at the Haus of Hair.
She was great! Although it was 90's hair, not a lot of flair needed.
Anyway, I always went in, got my hair cut, colored or permed ( I know you
are laughing right now, who gets perms? I did! ) and then booked
my appointment for 6 or 8 weeks out. ALWAYS. If you didn't, you
had a difficult time getting in before it was shaggy looking or your
skanky roots were showing.
I'm not sure what transpired, but one time I didn't make that appointment.
Of course, I decided I was having a "hair emergency". Which for me means I am
frustrated beyond belief with my hair and I need a change. NOW!
Well it was Saturday afternoon. Not too many places open and if they are, not for long!
Cindy works Tuesday through Friday. No chance of getting in there.
So I opened the phone book to see what was at the closest mall.
Master Cuts and Regis.
I hemmed and hawed then finally went with Regis because in Green Bay ( at the time anyway) they had a reputation for being the best. Master Cuts I hadn't heard anything of so they lost.
Turns out there was an opening and I snagged it! Sweet!!
The gal who I was scheduled with brought me to her chair. Sort of in the back and hidden from view of the mall. Great with me. Although I could have people watched during my appointment, I didn't need anyone staring at me while I was getting my hair cut.
That was all I could let someone other than Cindy do.
I felt sneaky for scheduling with someone else. I was so loyal to Cindy!
So about five minutes into my haircut, the stylist tells me that she is in a hidden chair
so no one sees that she is working. Something about losing government money because they think she isn't working.
Seriously??? You tell people this?? What if I was working for what ever government
office or department that was sending you this money? Geesh lady... close your mouth NOW!!
I just nodded my head and said it wasn't a problem. In my head I said, " Just quit the chit chat and get this hair cut on the move!" She had a difficult time cutting and talking at the same time.
She went on to tell me that she and her hubby or boyfriend or whatever were going to declare bankruptcy. They had just bought a whole living room set at Montgomery Wards ( this tells you how long ago it was!) and made a payment on it. She seemed to think if they had "intent to pay" they wouldn't get it taken away. I have no idea.
What I did know was that she should shut that mouth of hers. Oh, and get on with my haircut!
I think she finally caught on that I wasn't the most talkative type.
You all know I am, but I either couldn't get a word in edgewise or chose not to.
I can't remember that part.
I do remember what happened next. Between the mirrors I saw a mall guard come up to the desk and start chatting with the receptionist. I remember thinking that nothing changes. When I worked at the mall downtown, the guards always stopped by to chat.
Nice job, huh?
Apparently this wasn't the friendly chit chat I assumed it was. The receptionist came over and said we needed to vacate the mall as there was a bomb threat. What???
BOMB THREAT????? You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!
I looked in the mirror and guessed this stylist was about halfway done. UGH!! Now what?
Well, the manager of the shop said they were going to conduct their staff meeting in the parking lot. The stylist says, what about my client?
Bring a chair, cape, water bottle and scissors. We'll do it during the meeting. In the PARKING LOT.
So you remember that part up there where I said I didn't need anyone staring at me
during my hair cut?
Well in the parking lot, I didn't just get stares, but cat calls and jokes. It was so great!
NOT!
Oh and did I mention it was windy? Not just your casual breeze, but hey, I think there's a storm moving in kind of windy. Mind you I can't see what she's doing. There isn't a mirror in this parking lot.
A little bit later the stylist asked her boss if she had to charge me. Thankfully she said no. I thanked them and took off for my car as fast as my legs could take me there!
So you know Cameron Diaz's bangs in that scene from Something About Mary?
That was exactly like mine were! Oh man!!!
I couldn't cry for laughing, but oh, I wanted to cry!!!
I looked up at Heaven and thanked God for his sense of humor. This is what I get for
not booking in advance, huh? :-)
After I got home and saw the mess that was my hair and made my mom check out the back, I knew what I had to do.
Sunday I called the salon and asked her to finish my cut. It was choppy and wild and well, not a finished cut.
So I went in. Same girl. Same chair. Whatever. Just fix it.
After a minute or two I hear the dreaded phrase, "I'm just gonna change this in the back" which translated means, "wow! I really messed this up!"
I just sat there in silence. I think she got the idea.
Needless to say, Tuesday I called Cindy and scheduled an appointment.
When I came in for it I told her all about the fun I had.
I completely learned my lesson!!
I continued to go to Cindy for all my styling needs and always booked my
appointments in advance. She even got a few clients that I referred her way.
Three years ago this past May, I got married to the most wonderful man!
Small problem is that I had to move away from Green Bay and Cindy.
It's a three hour drive. Initially, I thought, " why not just stay with Cindy? I'll be back here all the time!"
Yeah right!!
Part 2 continues with my search for the perfect stylist in Lake County, IL.
Stay tuned~
She was great! Although it was 90's hair, not a lot of flair needed.
Anyway, I always went in, got my hair cut, colored or permed ( I know you
are laughing right now, who gets perms? I did! ) and then booked
my appointment for 6 or 8 weeks out. ALWAYS. If you didn't, you
had a difficult time getting in before it was shaggy looking or your
skanky roots were showing.
I'm not sure what transpired, but one time I didn't make that appointment.
Of course, I decided I was having a "hair emergency". Which for me means I am
frustrated beyond belief with my hair and I need a change. NOW!
Well it was Saturday afternoon. Not too many places open and if they are, not for long!
Cindy works Tuesday through Friday. No chance of getting in there.
So I opened the phone book to see what was at the closest mall.
Master Cuts and Regis.
I hemmed and hawed then finally went with Regis because in Green Bay ( at the time anyway) they had a reputation for being the best. Master Cuts I hadn't heard anything of so they lost.
Turns out there was an opening and I snagged it! Sweet!!
The gal who I was scheduled with brought me to her chair. Sort of in the back and hidden from view of the mall. Great with me. Although I could have people watched during my appointment, I didn't need anyone staring at me while I was getting my hair cut.
That was all I could let someone other than Cindy do.
I felt sneaky for scheduling with someone else. I was so loyal to Cindy!
So about five minutes into my haircut, the stylist tells me that she is in a hidden chair
so no one sees that she is working. Something about losing government money because they think she isn't working.
Seriously??? You tell people this?? What if I was working for what ever government
office or department that was sending you this money? Geesh lady... close your mouth NOW!!
I just nodded my head and said it wasn't a problem. In my head I said, " Just quit the chit chat and get this hair cut on the move!" She had a difficult time cutting and talking at the same time.
She went on to tell me that she and her hubby or boyfriend or whatever were going to declare bankruptcy. They had just bought a whole living room set at Montgomery Wards ( this tells you how long ago it was!) and made a payment on it. She seemed to think if they had "intent to pay" they wouldn't get it taken away. I have no idea.
What I did know was that she should shut that mouth of hers. Oh, and get on with my haircut!
I think she finally caught on that I wasn't the most talkative type.
You all know I am, but I either couldn't get a word in edgewise or chose not to.
I can't remember that part.
I do remember what happened next. Between the mirrors I saw a mall guard come up to the desk and start chatting with the receptionist. I remember thinking that nothing changes. When I worked at the mall downtown, the guards always stopped by to chat.
Nice job, huh?
Apparently this wasn't the friendly chit chat I assumed it was. The receptionist came over and said we needed to vacate the mall as there was a bomb threat. What???
BOMB THREAT????? You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!
I looked in the mirror and guessed this stylist was about halfway done. UGH!! Now what?
Well, the manager of the shop said they were going to conduct their staff meeting in the parking lot. The stylist says, what about my client?
Bring a chair, cape, water bottle and scissors. We'll do it during the meeting. In the PARKING LOT.
So you remember that part up there where I said I didn't need anyone staring at me
during my hair cut?
Well in the parking lot, I didn't just get stares, but cat calls and jokes. It was so great!
NOT!
Oh and did I mention it was windy? Not just your casual breeze, but hey, I think there's a storm moving in kind of windy. Mind you I can't see what she's doing. There isn't a mirror in this parking lot.
A little bit later the stylist asked her boss if she had to charge me. Thankfully she said no. I thanked them and took off for my car as fast as my legs could take me there!
So you know Cameron Diaz's bangs in that scene from Something About Mary?
That was exactly like mine were! Oh man!!!
I couldn't cry for laughing, but oh, I wanted to cry!!!
I looked up at Heaven and thanked God for his sense of humor. This is what I get for
not booking in advance, huh? :-)
After I got home and saw the mess that was my hair and made my mom check out the back, I knew what I had to do.
Sunday I called the salon and asked her to finish my cut. It was choppy and wild and well, not a finished cut.
So I went in. Same girl. Same chair. Whatever. Just fix it.
After a minute or two I hear the dreaded phrase, "I'm just gonna change this in the back" which translated means, "wow! I really messed this up!"
I just sat there in silence. I think she got the idea.
Needless to say, Tuesday I called Cindy and scheduled an appointment.
When I came in for it I told her all about the fun I had.
I completely learned my lesson!!
I continued to go to Cindy for all my styling needs and always booked my
appointments in advance. She even got a few clients that I referred her way.
Three years ago this past May, I got married to the most wonderful man!
Small problem is that I had to move away from Green Bay and Cindy.
It's a three hour drive. Initially, I thought, " why not just stay with Cindy? I'll be back here all the time!"
Yeah right!!
Part 2 continues with my search for the perfect stylist in Lake County, IL.
Stay tuned~
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