Oh the Monday blues!!
It was such a struggle to get out of bed and get going this morning. The sun was also quite slow in making its appearance...I tried to convince myself that there is no way it could really be 6 am because it was too dark outside. But alas it was 6 am, actually 6:25 by the time I rolled out of bed, and the sun was hiding behind a deary, cloudy sky.
Jameson didn't have school today, and it was tough to get ready for work while watching him sleep, snuggled warm and cozy in our bed. I stared at him with glaring, malicious eyes, finding myself resenting him for being able to sleep in (I really like sleeping, it's my favorite). He must have felt my intense glare, because he became restless and eventually woke up, immediately asking if he should start my car for me. What a sweetheart right?? Of course my resentment then melted away, for the most part, and I was able to finish getting ready without giving him the stink eye.
Once on my way to work, I again doubted whether or not I got up at the right time because there was no one on the roads!! It was 10 minutes into my trip before I passed another car. Then it hit me, today is a holiday, most people don't have to work today! My foggy, sleepy brain didn't put those two things together while watching Jameson peacefully sleep.
I thoroughly enjoyed my effortless commute this morning, but it was such an isolated and forlorn feeling to be one of only a few people who had to get up, go to work, and suffer through this rainy, slow-moving Monday.
Ohhhh 4:30...please hurry and get here!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Happy Birthday!!
Today is my dear friend Laurel's birthday.
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| Hi! |
Her name rhymes with Floral. She has fabulous red hair. She's the proud owner of a deaf cat. She makes great fruit salsa and eggplant Parmesan. She is a fabulous planner and always prepared. She loves mother earth and treats it with care. Her wit is uncanny and keeps me in stitches.
My husband loves her, and so do I.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLO!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
New Favorite Soup
I'm definitely a soup girl. Love, love, love soup. Especially in the winter. When it's 30 degrees outside, I'm not sure you can beat a hot bowl of soup, sharp cheddar cheese, and warm bread or crackers.
On Sunday, before all motivation left me with the onset of snow, I made a pot of Tomato Dill Soup. Paula Dean's Tomato Dill Soup. It is fabulous (not tooting my own horn here, just Paula's).
The first time I made this soup, my sister was lucky enough to be at my house dropping something off and went home with a container of soup to test. She loved it, and so did I. So this time I made enough to share with ol' sister again (she requested it numerous times) and my Mom. I received such positive reviews, and demands to have the recipe, that I decided to share it here.
Of course all credit is due to Ms. Paula Dean. The recipe is found in her book entitled Paula Dean's Kitchen Classics; I highly recommend it.
Tomato Dill Soup
3 cups peeled and diced fresh tomatoes, or one 28 oz can
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp chopped garlic
1/3 to 1/2 cup white wine
1 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
3 tbs chopped fresh dill
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped parseley
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Combine first 7 ingredients. Cook over medium heat about 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Here are my variations:
I used a 28 oz can of petite diced tomatoes.
I processed the tomatoes and onion in a food processor just a little bit because I didn't want chuncky soup.
I used chicken broth instead of white wine.
I used a little more than 3 tbs of chopped dill; the dill flavor is so wonderful!
Thank you Paula!!
On Sunday, before all motivation left me with the onset of snow, I made a pot of Tomato Dill Soup. Paula Dean's Tomato Dill Soup. It is fabulous (not tooting my own horn here, just Paula's).
The first time I made this soup, my sister was lucky enough to be at my house dropping something off and went home with a container of soup to test. She loved it, and so did I. So this time I made enough to share with ol' sister again (she requested it numerous times) and my Mom. I received such positive reviews, and demands to have the recipe, that I decided to share it here.
Of course all credit is due to Ms. Paula Dean. The recipe is found in her book entitled Paula Dean's Kitchen Classics; I highly recommend it.
Tomato Dill Soup
3 cups peeled and diced fresh tomatoes, or one 28 oz can
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp chopped garlic
1/3 to 1/2 cup white wine
1 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
3 tbs chopped fresh dill
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped parseley
1/4 grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Combine first 7 ingredients. Cook over medium heat about 30 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Here are my variations:
I used a 28 oz can of petite diced tomatoes.
I processed the tomatoes and onion in a food processor just a little bit because I didn't want chuncky soup.
I used chicken broth instead of white wine.
I used a little more than 3 tbs of chopped dill; the dill flavor is so wonderful!
Thank you Paula!!
Lazy...
Well, I realized this morning that it has been a week since my last blog past. Unacceptable.
I believe the snow has made me lazy. Something about the way it makes everything seem slow moving and quiet makes me want to burrow in a quilt and not move. Most of the snow has melted in Nashville, but in Dickson there is still a blanket of white covering all surfaces. By the time we get home in the evenings, the sun is already setting, and our silent snow-covered surroundings prompt me to hurry inside get settled in for the evening as quickly as possible.
So needless to say, I haven't given a second thought to blogging. I'm much too cold and concerned about the warmth of my toes to think of things to share.
As much as I've enjoyed the beauty of the snow this week, I believe I'm ready for it to melt away and thus bring back my motivation. Hopefully.
I believe the snow has made me lazy. Something about the way it makes everything seem slow moving and quiet makes me want to burrow in a quilt and not move. Most of the snow has melted in Nashville, but in Dickson there is still a blanket of white covering all surfaces. By the time we get home in the evenings, the sun is already setting, and our silent snow-covered surroundings prompt me to hurry inside get settled in for the evening as quickly as possible.
So needless to say, I haven't given a second thought to blogging. I'm much too cold and concerned about the warmth of my toes to think of things to share.
As much as I've enjoyed the beauty of the snow this week, I believe I'm ready for it to melt away and thus bring back my motivation. Hopefully.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Thursday!!
This week, much to my surprise, has FLOWN by!! I was soo dreading coming back to work, and quite frankly it really hasn't been that bad! I find it hard to believe that today is Thursday; of course some of that could be attributed to the fact that I didn't know what day it was for most of Monday and Tuesday.
But it is Thursday and I'm stoked!!
I brought a super yummy (and healthy) lunch, some not so healthy (but delicious) snacks, and the sun is shining!! Jameson has to work tonight, which is sad, but also means I have the house to myself. I plan to do some yoga and then watch hours of girly TV, including Grey's Anatomy. So excited. For years I enjoyed this show with my girlfriends; it was a weekly ritual to get together and drool over McDreamy and cry with Meredith. My already wonderful Thursday could be greatly improved if my girlfriends (who I miss very much) would come over, bring fattening snacks, a box of tissues, some gossip magazines, and crash my house for an evening of shameless girliness!!
Happy Thursday!!
But it is Thursday and I'm stoked!!
I brought a super yummy (and healthy) lunch, some not so healthy (but delicious) snacks, and the sun is shining!! Jameson has to work tonight, which is sad, but also means I have the house to myself. I plan to do some yoga and then watch hours of girly TV, including Grey's Anatomy. So excited. For years I enjoyed this show with my girlfriends; it was a weekly ritual to get together and drool over McDreamy and cry with Meredith. My already wonderful Thursday could be greatly improved if my girlfriends (who I miss very much) would come over, bring fattening snacks, a box of tissues, some gossip magazines, and crash my house for an evening of shameless girliness!!
Happy Thursday!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Resolutions
So, it's already January 5th, and it seems I'm a little behind on pondering my New Year's resolutions. (Our as one of our consumers recently called them, 'revolutions').
I believe I've been in denial that the new year was actually upon us, and was heartbroken that Christmas was actually over, and that I actually had to return to work, and actually work while there.
But the truth must be faced....it's 2011 now, and time to make some resolutions. I, like many other people, don't always do well at keeping resolutions. But maybe there will be something different about 2011, maybe I will tap into some previously unrealized vat of motivation, maybe I will become more productive and focused than Jameson, maybe I will conquer the world and eliminate hunger.....all not likely. But there are a few things I'd like to work on.
- Take my vitamins everyday. I've always wanted to be better at taking vitamins, but I suppose I've lacked motivation. But this year is different; I'm SO sick of my short hair and I'm hoping taking multi-vitamins will make it grow super fast!! (It worked for my girlfriends who've taken pre-natal vitamins..so here's hoping!)
-Exercise. It is absolutely ridiculous that I get out of breath when I climb a set of stairs. Ridiculous. So I bought some yoga/pilates dvds, some work-out attire, and hope to get my heart-rate up at least twice a week.
-Continue to learn about photography. I am determined to master this craft. I bought a book about 35mm photography from Amazon for $2.50 (waahooo!) and hope to practice, practice, practice. Anybody want their picture taken?? It's hard to find pretty, inanimate objects to take pictures of in the winter... everything is dead and brown. So let me know if you want to be my guinea pig.
-Continue to learn about cooking, sewing, home-making, and gardening (how old does that make me sound???). This is a resolution that is on-going. Mastering these 'talents' will take me a long time, but since Jameson and I are kid-less, now is the perfect time to tackle them.
Happy New Year!!!
I believe I've been in denial that the new year was actually upon us, and was heartbroken that Christmas was actually over, and that I actually had to return to work, and actually work while there.
But the truth must be faced....it's 2011 now, and time to make some resolutions. I, like many other people, don't always do well at keeping resolutions. But maybe there will be something different about 2011, maybe I will tap into some previously unrealized vat of motivation, maybe I will become more productive and focused than Jameson, maybe I will conquer the world and eliminate hunger.....all not likely. But there are a few things I'd like to work on.
- Take my vitamins everyday. I've always wanted to be better at taking vitamins, but I suppose I've lacked motivation. But this year is different; I'm SO sick of my short hair and I'm hoping taking multi-vitamins will make it grow super fast!! (It worked for my girlfriends who've taken pre-natal vitamins..so here's hoping!)
-Exercise. It is absolutely ridiculous that I get out of breath when I climb a set of stairs. Ridiculous. So I bought some yoga/pilates dvds, some work-out attire, and hope to get my heart-rate up at least twice a week.
-Continue to learn about photography. I am determined to master this craft. I bought a book about 35mm photography from Amazon for $2.50 (waahooo!) and hope to practice, practice, practice. Anybody want their picture taken?? It's hard to find pretty, inanimate objects to take pictures of in the winter... everything is dead and brown. So let me know if you want to be my guinea pig.
-Continue to learn about cooking, sewing, home-making, and gardening (how old does that make me sound???). This is a resolution that is on-going. Mastering these 'talents' will take me a long time, but since Jameson and I are kid-less, now is the perfect time to tackle them.
Happy New Year!!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Back to reality
Oh what a harsh, harsh reality to be back at work today! I've been off work since December 22nd, and it was such a wonderful break!
As expected, Jameson and I were super busy:
Friday afternoon we headed to McMinnville for Christmas Eve celebrations with his Mom's side of the family.
Then back to Dickson Friday night.
We slept soundly at our own house Christmas Eve and woke to a wonderful present..... a White Christmas morning!! It was quite a memorable morning for our first Christmas together as a married couple!! (cheesy, cheesy, cheesy....I know...I can't help it)
Then we headed to my parent's house for our traditional breakfast and opening of presents.
Next we all loaded up and traveled to Winchester for the Clardy Christmas with Gary's family.
After that, Jameson and I departed from my family (tear!) and headed back to McMinnville for celebrations at Nana's house with aunts, uncles, and first cousins from Jameson's Dad's side.
And THEN, we made the short trek to Jameson's parent's house for final Christmas day activities with the immediate family. 4 Christmases in one day!!
Sunday we went to church and enjoyed a pot-luck get together with Jameson's Dad's extended family. It was quite the family reunion!
Monday we went back to Dickson to have lunch with my Dad at my sister and brother-in-law's home. (awesome meatloaf Laura!!!)
Then back to McMinnville Monday afternoon to hang with Jameson's cousin and brother that night, and spend a few more days with the Bouldins.
It was a busy, busy, busy few days, but we felt so blessed to have such a great family to spend the holiday with! The sad thing about such a whirlwind break is how quickly it goes by. It's as if I blinked and the next thing I know I'm sitting at my desk unable to recall what day it is, and trying to remember how to turn my computer on. It took me till nearly 11 o'clock today to feel slightly coherent as to my surroundings, and remember exactly what my job duties are.
Hopefully my acclamation process will be quick, and my sadness for the abrupt passing of our Christmas holiday will subside as Tuesday comes around.
Here are a few photos from our memorable, whirlwind Christmas 2010! (Note there aren't any of Jameson and I...what was I thinking?!)
As expected, Jameson and I were super busy:
Friday afternoon we headed to McMinnville for Christmas Eve celebrations with his Mom's side of the family.
Then back to Dickson Friday night.
We slept soundly at our own house Christmas Eve and woke to a wonderful present..... a White Christmas morning!! It was quite a memorable morning for our first Christmas together as a married couple!! (cheesy, cheesy, cheesy....I know...I can't help it)
Then we headed to my parent's house for our traditional breakfast and opening of presents.
Next we all loaded up and traveled to Winchester for the Clardy Christmas with Gary's family.
After that, Jameson and I departed from my family (tear!) and headed back to McMinnville for celebrations at Nana's house with aunts, uncles, and first cousins from Jameson's Dad's side.
And THEN, we made the short trek to Jameson's parent's house for final Christmas day activities with the immediate family. 4 Christmases in one day!!
Sunday we went to church and enjoyed a pot-luck get together with Jameson's Dad's extended family. It was quite the family reunion!
Monday we went back to Dickson to have lunch with my Dad at my sister and brother-in-law's home. (awesome meatloaf Laura!!!)
Then back to McMinnville Monday afternoon to hang with Jameson's cousin and brother that night, and spend a few more days with the Bouldins.
It was a busy, busy, busy few days, but we felt so blessed to have such a great family to spend the holiday with! The sad thing about such a whirlwind break is how quickly it goes by. It's as if I blinked and the next thing I know I'm sitting at my desk unable to recall what day it is, and trying to remember how to turn my computer on. It took me till nearly 11 o'clock today to feel slightly coherent as to my surroundings, and remember exactly what my job duties are.
Hopefully my acclamation process will be quick, and my sadness for the abrupt passing of our Christmas holiday will subside as Tuesday comes around.
Here are a few photos from our memorable, whirlwind Christmas 2010! (Note there aren't any of Jameson and I...what was I thinking?!)
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