Tagged...I'm It

My sister tagged me; here I go!

a) Four job I have had in my life:

- Copier Salesperson
- Event Planner
- Proofreader
- Relevancy Administrator (prompting my father to exclaim, "Is that anything like a Knowledge Manager?")


b) Four movies I would watch over and over:

- Father of the Bride (with Steve Martin)
- The Princess Diaries (1 and 2)
- High School Musical (that's for you, Colleen)
- Clue


c) Four places I have lived:

- Buffalo, NY
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Sorry, folks...that's it!

d) Four TV shows I love to watch:

- Heroes
- How I Met Your Mother
- Studio 60
- Sports Night (I know, it's not on anymore. But, I LOVED it!)


e) Four places I have visited:

- Grand Cayman
- Jamaica
- Bermuda
- Mexico


f) Four websites I visit daily:

- weather.com
- wgrz.com (which is stupid, because I am often annoyed at them)
- google.com
- My bank


g) Four of my favorite foods:

- Melted cheese on bread (40 seconds in the microwave)
- Anything Mexican
- Sushi
- Seafood


h) Four places I would like to be right now:

- Disney World
- That 5 star hotel in Dallas
- Camping in South Gibson, PA
- Getting a massage


i) Four bloggers I'd like to tag:

- Law Fairy, because I would like to know more about her

- Thought Runner because he can make me laugh

- Longnoodle because I would like to meet her someday

- Pastor Steve, because he is a cool guy

Storm and Chaos

If you think that it's been forever since I have posted, it has. The (stupidly named) October Surprise Storm 2006 really gave WNY a beating. So many people went without power for days - some are still without it and it has been over two weeks now. I was lucky enough not to lose my electric or heat, so we ran a sort of mini-shelter and on the first weekend had 18 people in our small house. But, there was a lot of drinking and game playing and only moderate stress between me an my mother-in-law.


This is a picture taken early the next morning - can you see the line down behind the van? So many lines were knocked down from the heavy limbs that fell off of our trees.


This is my neighbor's house right afterward.

I could really go on and on about all of the damage this storm caused. Interestingly, the snow melted within two days, leaving trees and limbs everywhere. We were told that the weight of the snow on the still leaved-trees is what caused the problem; the trees were just not strong enough to hold all of that weight. There are still areas that look like a war zone. Clean up may take up to two months. The kids had nine days off of school. The whole thing has been incredible, really.

Okay, I will stop...for now! I am just glad to be back online! (I just got internet service about an hour ago. Woohoo!)

Autumn = Delicious

We had sliced apples for a snack the other day. Now, apples are pretty good on their own (although I admit they are not my favorite food) but are even better with additional sugar! So, I also provided two dips to enhance our snacking pleasure - caramel and peanut butter caramel. Now, if you have never had the peanut butter caramel sauce for apples, you must stop what you are doing right now and get some...it is incredible! You can warm it up right in the tub and start snacking in about a minute. I realize that this takes away some of the nutritional value that apples have, but I guarantee that it is totally worth it!

I also love autumn because the meals get heartier. The other day, I made a sort of mock-jambalaya that was out of this world. I sauteed some chopped, smoked sausage with cut up shrimp in just a little bit of butter and white wine. At the same time, I prepared two packages of Lipton Rice and Sauce (I think I used the Cajun flavor, but you can really pick whatever you want) in a separate pot. When everything was done, I mixed it all together and served it. The whole meal probably took about 15 minutes to cook/heat and everyone loved it. Even better, you can use whatever type of meat you want. I happened to have shrimp because my grocery store had a great sale. But, you could also use chicken, pork or any type of sausage. I guess you could try tofu, also, but I have never prepared anything with it so I can't really say.

Last but not least, I got a new crock pot! My in-laws gave me one for my birthday last week since I have been using their original one from my mother-in-law's bridal shower. This thing has so many options and settings that it may require an additional degree just to operate it. I am hoping to try it soon, though, and will keep all of you informed on my (*hopeful*) successes!

More Food

I have absolutely no patience. None. I am making pork in the crock pot today and it smells too good...I had to try it before dinner. IT IS SO GOOD. This time, I have a 2 pound boneless sirloin pork roast with one bottle of Caribbean jerk sauce and one bottle of Saranac Octoberfest beer. Amazing. We are having it on big rolls. Mmmmmm!

The other day, I made a red potato casserole with ham and cheese. I thinly sliced the potatoes first and cooked them in a pan coated with butter. In another pan, I had 1/2 of a red onion, chopped, with 1 chopped green pepper. Once the onion and pepper were pretty much cooked, I added a chopped ham steak and cooked that through. Now, I did not cook the potatoes completely because I thought they would get too mushy once I put them in the oven. As it turns out, red potatoes are a bit more durable than that. So, if you decide to try this, cook them all the way through in the pan first. After the potatoes are done, add the onion mixture to the potatoes and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture cool to room temperature (if you are making it ahead of time) and then put 1/2 in a 13x9 pan. Then, pour 4 tablespoons of cream (I used half and half, but you can probably use fat free half and half if you would like) over the mixture and cover with about 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Put the rest of the potato mixture on top and repeat the cream and cheese over top. Cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake at 350 degree oven for about 1/2 hour. Let it set for about 5 to 10 minutes and serve.



The nice thing about this casserole is that it can be adjusted in so many ways. You can add other vegetables or omit the ham. I think I would use a little less fat by cooking the onion and pepper in a sprayed pan rather than using butter there. I would also use fat free half and half. However, I would absolutely add more cheese than I did last time.

Food

I had a birthday brunch for my mother yesterday. The menu was quiche, sausage, melon and crescent rolls. The crescent rolls were adapted from a Rachel Ray recipe (30 Minute Meals) I saw the other day; they were SO yummy! Just take a can of crescent rolls (probbaly found in the dairy section of your grocery store) and open them up. Break the rolls apart at the perferation. Heat up some orange and apricot preserves or jam just enough to make them a little more like liquid than gel, then spread onto the dough triangles. Next, roll the triangles into crescent rolls. Brush each roll wiht an egg mixture and sprinkle with slivered almonds. Bake according to the crescent roll package instructions. I cannot tell you how delisicous they are! (After lunch we had a pumpkin-praline cheesecake!)

Today, I helped my mother can tomatoes. I had actually decided not to can this year, but ended up helping her anyway. We managed to get things done pretty quickly, although she ran out of jars. So, she had to refridgerate some of the stuff until she can get to the store. I am kind of hoping that she shares some of the finished product. (Although, to be fair, I didn't plan on having any this year.)

This weekend has been super busy which means I am not ready for the week yet. I feel like there are still so many things left to be done - I don't feel like getting back into school and everything already!

Yet Another...

Check out my recently published content on AC:
Women and Weight Loss

Life Continues

You would think that I would be around more since I am not working in an office anymore. For some reason, I feel like I am even more busy. On a positive note, I have been following my "orders" and have been getting the kids out of the house and (for the most part) have been keeping everything picked up. However, being good means that I am very rarely sitting at my computer. NO FUN! Pirate and TBell are playing right now, so I thought I would check in and post some pictures.



Princess started cheerleading this year. I think it's an awful big commitment - especially for someone her age - and am not sure if she is going to do it again next year or not. But, she loves it and is having a great time.



TBell had to wear her UB cheerleading outfit so she could be just like her big sister on game day.

Last weekend we drove by a garage sale and bought this bike for only $40! Since Pirate is turning three next month, we bought it for him as an early birthday gift. We could never afford one at full price...Power Wheels start at $180 and just go up from there. He absolutely loves it!

More

Another article on Associated Content:
The Top(Cheap)Places to Take Children in Buffalo

Moving Right Along

Paco sent me an email right before I stopped working and said that he really wanted me to keep the house clean (which I admittedly don't do well) and be sure to get the kids outside rather then playing inside all day. Now, this is kind of a touchy subject with a lot of women, I think. I know he wasn't trying to be mean or chauvinistic. But, why doesn't HE keep the house clean? I did tell him that I refuse to do the laundry. (Our tubs don't empty automatically. We have to empty them every time they fill, which is twice a washing, by turning on the pump. So, until that pump is replaced, I will not run down to the basement every 20 minutes while doing laundry.) So, I guess I should be able to keep the rest of the house clean. Or, at least picked up. I have managed to keep the dishes done. And, I have picked one project everyday to make the house look better. I am so proud of myself! The house is almost in a state that I wouldn't mind if I have uninvited visitors! Maybe not completely...but very close!

Now, to address the "getting outside" business. I admit that I am prone to staying indoors. And, if I have a book to read, I tend to do that before anything responsible like parenting or cleaning. But, everyday this week we have been out and about. I have drawn pretend streets on the driveway with stores, restaurants and a park so the kids can ride their bikes "around town". TBell has had a friend over twice this week.

In addition to being a very good wife and mother, I have been proofreading like a mad-woman for a client and writing articles for Associated Content. So, every night after the kids are in bed, I am at my computer working away.

The hope now is that I can keep it up!

It Begins...

Check out my recently published content on AC:
Raising Respectful Children

Morning Happiness

Princess started back to school today. She was so excited. In fact, she kept coming downstairs last night to find out if it was morning; she was too excited to sleep. I can only hope that this excitement lasts the whole year...I have heard that even 1st grade has a lot of homework and is generally much more work than kindergarten.

I am enjoying quite a bit of peace and quiet this morning as I blog and drink my coffee. This is partly because Pirate would not sleep last night; we ended up bringing him downstairs so he would not keep Princess up with his screaming. And, this is what happens when Pirate is up too late...he turns into a monster!



I guess TBell must have known what I was thinking, because as I type she is walking down the stairs. So much for peace and quiet!

Jam

Princess and I made pear jam today with pears picked at the house of Paco's Godmother. It was a rather messy experience, but fun nonetheless. I am actually disappointed that we only have 6 containers, as I was hoping to have some for myself and some to give away at Christmas. I think we are going to get some more pears and make several more batches. Princess seemed to have a great time; TBell had started to help us, but decided that playing on the computer sounded like more fun.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

I am taking advantage of blogger moving to Google to make some changes to my blog. I will probably not stick with any one thing until I find something I really like. Let me know what you think!

In addition to my blog changes, I am making some life changes as well. As of yesterday at 3:30pm, I am no longer employed. This decision was not made lightly, but took a lot of thought and consideration about my family and all that goes with it. Paco and I encountered so many issues with childcare, finances and family harmony that we ultimately decided that my being "at home" was the best for all of us. I admit that I am a little nervous about the way I am going to handle this...I really liked working - both my job and the people I worked with - and am afraid that my self-worth will plummet. However, I am looking forward to being with my kids a little more and being the one to help with homework, go the the MD and so on. Also, some wonderful people have given me some advice as to how to become a freelance writer. I have already submitted an article for consideration and have started an application for another site. Say a prayer for me that all of this works out! (I may actually have time to cook again, too, which means I may even post recipes again!)

Another change is a physical one in Princess. She is starting 1st grade this year and is growing up so fast! While my other two children tend to have growth spurts, I am pretty sure Princess just grows continuously. I took her clothes shopping for school today and am absolutely stunned at how big she is.

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Getting Old(er)

Soon after Pirate was born, it was determined that I have a bleeding disorder after several surgeries. It was also sometime after Pirate's birth that I started displaying symptoms of rosacea. I also remember having heel spurs around that time, which I have again now. As I mentioned a week or two ago, I had kidney stones. Last night I started having intense foot pain which resulted in a Urgent Care visit today and a diagnosis of gout. Now, I don't mean to bring anyone down by sharing this information...but, seriously people, I am not even 32! How many issues do most 31 year old women have? I blame my parents, of course, as most of these things are hereditary and am sad that my kids will most likely have very similar issues. However, I have two sisters...*they* don't have these problems! (At least I am the most fun to be around and the family favorite!)

NYC Fun

You Belong in the Upper East Side

You're an aspiring blue blood, and you want the best of New York high society. And while some may think you're conservative, you still appreciate good art and culture.

Where Should Your Inner New Yorker Live?

Nothing

I have nothing much to report. The Chillow works pretty well, although it is definitely a little strange. Plus, I have very thick hair, so it's sometimes difficult to feel the coolness through all of that. The weather really hasn't been that warm since I bought it...of course!

This is quite annoying; I certainly hope that the council member/pastor can keep his jobs separate!

What's up with all of you?

As Seen on TV

So, I ordered a Chillow on Monday - I can't tell you how excited I am about it. I can't stand summer. At all. I hate the heat. I don't think I was like this when I was younger, but somewhere around my mid to late 20s I started to despise it. When I forwarded the Chillow link to Paco the other day, he asked why I hadn't ordered it yet. The best part of this entire story is that it ALREADY CAME! Actually, it came yesterday, not quite 24 hours after I ordered it - and I didn't pay for expedited shipping. Now, I am sure there are many of you laughing at me right now. But, if this stupid thing will keep me cool, I am all for it. Anyway, after a work happy hour (okay, hours), I came home and Paco helped me follow the Chillow directions. Sadly, it takes 2 hours to activate and by that time I will probably be in bed; you will all need to wait for the Chillow update.

I am too distracted right now to talk about it, but remind me to tell you what my MD said!

Restaurant Fun

We wanted to go to Pizza Plant for dinner to celebrate Paco's birthday but there was an hour wait. (I tried to call ahead since there was going to be a big group, but they do not take reservations or do any type of call ahead seating.) So, we ended up at Smokey Bones and had a great time. The pulled pork was out of this world. Paco had all-you-can-eat ribs, which he assured me were worth the over-stuffed feeling afterward. While I am sure there are those from the south who would say that this restaurant does not serve "real" barbecue, I have to say that all of us found it to be quite delicious and am certain that we will go back another time.

In other restaurant news, I was thrilled to find out that The Melting Pot is coming to my neck of the woods - what can be better than fondue? And, if that isn't enough, we are also getting a Bonefish Grill! (This is particularly exciting since we don't have many great fish places around here.) We are also getting The Cheesecake Factory and some other places that I have not heard of.

I think that I am going to be gaining some weight!

Brief Points

1. I am feeling better, although I believe I am facing many MD appointments and tests.

2. Happy Birthday, Paco!