Walking out of her house that crisp spring evening is an experience I replay time and time again. The reality of letting go of a hand you know as well as your own, never to hold again is a truth which never dissolves. However if I could have ran back and had the moment to express to you my gratitude and endearment I don't know that I would've had the strength, but time has allowed me this gift now.
Reflection is a gift best paired with time. A deep understanding of the ones we love and their impact in our lives are always examined with more clairty as days have passed. My friend, I always admired your blessing of making everyone feel as if they were the best people with which to spend your time. To be around you was soothing, inviting, and the reason why humans of all walks of life gravitated to you. I was not born with such a natural gift, but because of witnessing your beautiful actions I have made it a priority to emulate such positivity in my interactions with others.
Positivity, even in your most daunting days, radiated from your soul. I lived in awe of this strength. You found the aspects of life that were worth hanging your hat on even though no one would have faulted you for the opposite. But this was your attitude at this point in your life because it had always been the way you lived your life. There was not a day in your time on this Earth that your gorgeous smile did not frame your face. Every conversation we had began with an incomparable, "Hi Yar." Two small words could lift me from the darkest days, and speaks volumes about your spirit. This is what I strive for now in my life, the recognition that greeting a loved one in your life could put their restless mind at ease.
As beautiful as you were physcially, it could not hold a candle to your spiritual beauty. So on this your 35th birthday I am comforted by the realiztion that this beauty is not gone but surrounds me and all of those that were so influenced by your life everyday.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Goodbye Summer-hello organized chaos
Because of my occupation summer is a time for myself and my children to slow down, but this blissful break is quickly coming to a close and the organized chaos will again begin. The word here is indeed organized, because if our lives are not then this ship sinks like the Titanic. However, it is chaos, because the unpredictability of two young children will not have it any other way. However, through years of trial and error, I have developed tips and strategies so that lunches are not hastily thrown together in the mornings, dinner is not an after thought, a family's budget is not desimated by eating out, and I can keep shedding pounds.
First, to ensure that we eat home-cooked, healthy, scrumptious meals during the week, Saturdays mornings I plan my meals for every night and write it on the chalkboard in the kitchen. This, of course, helps me to plan ahead with meats that may need defrosting, but it also lets the family plan, too. Like most cooks I enjoy making food that my family will gobble up, and so while some meals will change each week there are always a few favorites that help me keep planning simple. For example, we love tacos and so every Monday night is taco night. The added advantage to this planning is Mondays suck and this is an easy meal that makes the first day back to the work week a breeze.
After the menu is determined, next is the shopping list which is essential to a family budget. There is no quicker way to overpsend at the grocery store than to go in without a plan. Also I take inventory of my kitchen so I do not buy items that we have in surplus or more fruits and veggies that will go bad when not eaten soon enough. I am not a big couponer, although I will use a few so I make sure that I double check my list for money saving opportunities.
Eating healthy is an improtant factor in what I cook for dinner, and so to keep it healthy I buy very little frozen, precooked foods which although convenient are full of sodium and preservatives. Also, we eat fresh vegetables which I often prechop on Sundays to keep weekday evening prep short. One last tip for healthy lunch and dinners is to shop the perimeter of the grovery store. The middle aisles contain many of the afore mentioned processed foods, but the outer regions of the store hold your produce, meats, dairy and grains.
The final step to keeping sanity while feeding my family is the most crucial and that is prepping on Sundays. It may sound like a chore, using your very precious relaxation time to prep, but it is crucial to keeping my week running smooth. Prep work usually consists of dicing the veggies that keep well for the week, like onions and peppers; making salads for our lunches so I am not scrambling tired in the evenings or the mornings; and washing fruits, lettuce, and herbs. The easiest excuse to eat poorly or not at home is tiredness, but if you prep accordingly the added stress is reduced, plus your budget and behind will thank you.
So in cliff notes format:
1. Plan your menu
2. Shop with a list
3. Shop fresh
4. Prep ahead
5. Give it a few weeks because it will quickly become routine
First, to ensure that we eat home-cooked, healthy, scrumptious meals during the week, Saturdays mornings I plan my meals for every night and write it on the chalkboard in the kitchen. This, of course, helps me to plan ahead with meats that may need defrosting, but it also lets the family plan, too. Like most cooks I enjoy making food that my family will gobble up, and so while some meals will change each week there are always a few favorites that help me keep planning simple. For example, we love tacos and so every Monday night is taco night. The added advantage to this planning is Mondays suck and this is an easy meal that makes the first day back to the work week a breeze.
After the menu is determined, next is the shopping list which is essential to a family budget. There is no quicker way to overpsend at the grocery store than to go in without a plan. Also I take inventory of my kitchen so I do not buy items that we have in surplus or more fruits and veggies that will go bad when not eaten soon enough. I am not a big couponer, although I will use a few so I make sure that I double check my list for money saving opportunities.
Eating healthy is an improtant factor in what I cook for dinner, and so to keep it healthy I buy very little frozen, precooked foods which although convenient are full of sodium and preservatives. Also, we eat fresh vegetables which I often prechop on Sundays to keep weekday evening prep short. One last tip for healthy lunch and dinners is to shop the perimeter of the grovery store. The middle aisles contain many of the afore mentioned processed foods, but the outer regions of the store hold your produce, meats, dairy and grains.
The final step to keeping sanity while feeding my family is the most crucial and that is prepping on Sundays. It may sound like a chore, using your very precious relaxation time to prep, but it is crucial to keeping my week running smooth. Prep work usually consists of dicing the veggies that keep well for the week, like onions and peppers; making salads for our lunches so I am not scrambling tired in the evenings or the mornings; and washing fruits, lettuce, and herbs. The easiest excuse to eat poorly or not at home is tiredness, but if you prep accordingly the added stress is reduced, plus your budget and behind will thank you.
So in cliff notes format:
1. Plan your menu
2. Shop with a list
3. Shop fresh
4. Prep ahead
5. Give it a few weeks because it will quickly become routine
Monday, November 14, 2011
I may be 34 but my skin thinks I'm 14 again
Like many women my age I thought for sure that my pimple days were well in my rear view mirror. Luckily, I had gone many, many years without the pain in the ass bumps that attack our faces, however, times they are a changing. I am not ignorant to the fact that hormones change, however I was really hoping for the "older women get hornier" ones, instead of the "Where's the Proactive?" kind.
What have my 34 year old, post 2 baby hormones decided to take on these days...Big F-ing pimples. What in the hell, body? And not just the sweet ones on your face but nasty vicious bastards inside of my nose, and yes the shit hurts. Without fail at the end of every cycle and right before the next one begins, these monsters appear. They are ridiculous, and even more why? M.I.L.F. acne is shit that I don't want to add into my daily worries.
And as coincidence strikes, while I write this bitch fest the brainiacs at Oil of Olay interrupt my Real Housewives to explain that I am not alone, and they have created a for sure cure all for my menacing issue. Thank you skin gods, but is it really a magic serum?
Skepticism hits a raw spot, since lately I have been overcome by many a cure all, and specifically about those concerning my next pending issue-my weight. As I stated earlier, I am a mom of two born in the last 3 years, and like most women my body took a hit. However, I have lost 50+ lbs since my 2nd baby was born, a feat that I hold with great pride. Furthermore I worked hard for these results by using diet and exercise. Unfortunately, this didn't happen overnight, in fact it has taken 18 months to get where I am. But too many women these days want to get these results in 6 weeks time, and the shit is ludicrous.
I admitted to my husband tonight and I'll put it out to the world now that I am envious of the ladies I know who have recently started intense diet pills and lost 15 lbs a week. It's like the Oil of Olays of weight loss-use this and all your woes are cured. Since I am sane, deep down I know that this is not realistic, because to change a body for life it takes time and permenant lifestyle changes. However on the flip side, like most I want to say "F*%@ this give me the pills!"
Cheers to my husband who once was the driving force to my 70 lb weight loss in college, which I kept off till my first babe baked in the oven, and who said tonight, "If you want it done right you must work hard." I may feel behind in the weight loss race now but speak to me come spring when I have nipped these pain in the ass pimples as well as the dimples still lingering on my ass.
What have my 34 year old, post 2 baby hormones decided to take on these days...Big F-ing pimples. What in the hell, body? And not just the sweet ones on your face but nasty vicious bastards inside of my nose, and yes the shit hurts. Without fail at the end of every cycle and right before the next one begins, these monsters appear. They are ridiculous, and even more why? M.I.L.F. acne is shit that I don't want to add into my daily worries.
And as coincidence strikes, while I write this bitch fest the brainiacs at Oil of Olay interrupt my Real Housewives to explain that I am not alone, and they have created a for sure cure all for my menacing issue. Thank you skin gods, but is it really a magic serum?
Skepticism hits a raw spot, since lately I have been overcome by many a cure all, and specifically about those concerning my next pending issue-my weight. As I stated earlier, I am a mom of two born in the last 3 years, and like most women my body took a hit. However, I have lost 50+ lbs since my 2nd baby was born, a feat that I hold with great pride. Furthermore I worked hard for these results by using diet and exercise. Unfortunately, this didn't happen overnight, in fact it has taken 18 months to get where I am. But too many women these days want to get these results in 6 weeks time, and the shit is ludicrous.
I admitted to my husband tonight and I'll put it out to the world now that I am envious of the ladies I know who have recently started intense diet pills and lost 15 lbs a week. It's like the Oil of Olays of weight loss-use this and all your woes are cured. Since I am sane, deep down I know that this is not realistic, because to change a body for life it takes time and permenant lifestyle changes. However on the flip side, like most I want to say "F*%@ this give me the pills!"
Cheers to my husband who once was the driving force to my 70 lb weight loss in college, which I kept off till my first babe baked in the oven, and who said tonight, "If you want it done right you must work hard." I may feel behind in the weight loss race now but speak to me come spring when I have nipped these pain in the ass pimples as well as the dimples still lingering on my ass.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Happy tummies=happy families
Eating out is not a regular in the Davis house so cooking is my favorite hobby since like most peeps we love tasty food. I haven't yet shared any recipes so I am deflowering with a tasty dish that is meant to appeal to a family with various tastes.
We love burgers but I am someone who is encouraged by twisting an old favorite so and my Cheeseburger Paradise Casserole is a perfect example, and yes it is a casserole but a damn delicious one. My fam scarfed it up and Magnus even took the time between bites to say, "This is very yummy in my tummy and splendid!"
It helps that the tomatoes were fresh from our garden, the last before the season was over, however any tomatoes will do. By using the 1% milk the cheese sauce is not as high in calories as typical cheese sauces can be, and draining the meat helps to cut down on the majority of the grease. But the best part of this meal is that for as tasty as it is, it does not break the bank.
Cheeseburger Paradise
1 lb Cavatappi noodles
1 ½ cup sliced onion
½ cup pickles diced
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp celery salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup grape tomatoes sliced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
½ cup 1% milk
Pinch pepper
Pinch salt
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1. Start boiling water. When it comes to rolling boil lightly salt water and add noodles. Stir occasionally and boil for 10 minutes then drain.
2. Heat skillet with a small dash olive oil.
3. Slice onions and sautee in pan till lightly brown.
4. Dice pickles and add to pan. Sautee for 3 minutes.
5. Remove to plate.
6. Begin browning meat for 5ish minutes, and then add spices. Continue to brown for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove to pastry cooling rack layered with paper towels to drain. Then lightly wipe out the pan.
8. Warm tomatoes in pan then remove to plate with onion mixture.
9. Add butter and melt. Remove from heat and stir in flour. Next, whisk in ¼ cup of milk and whisk till smooth. Add another ¼ and repeat. Return to heat.
10. Add remaining milk and whisk till small bubbles appear and thickens.
11. Remove from heat and add cheese. Stir till it melts.
12. Layer noodles, meat, veggie mix, and pour cheese over. Cook for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
13. Spread bread crumbs and put under broil for 5 minutes.
14. Remove from oven and let stand 5 mintues.
We love burgers but I am someone who is encouraged by twisting an old favorite so and my Cheeseburger Paradise Casserole is a perfect example, and yes it is a casserole but a damn delicious one. My fam scarfed it up and Magnus even took the time between bites to say, "This is very yummy in my tummy and splendid!"
It helps that the tomatoes were fresh from our garden, the last before the season was over, however any tomatoes will do. By using the 1% milk the cheese sauce is not as high in calories as typical cheese sauces can be, and draining the meat helps to cut down on the majority of the grease. But the best part of this meal is that for as tasty as it is, it does not break the bank.
Cheeseburger Paradise
1 lb Cavatappi noodles
1 ½ cup sliced onion
½ cup pickles diced
1 lb 80/20 ground beef
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp celery salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup grape tomatoes sliced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
½ cup 1% milk
Pinch pepper
Pinch salt
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1. Start boiling water. When it comes to rolling boil lightly salt water and add noodles. Stir occasionally and boil for 10 minutes then drain.
2. Heat skillet with a small dash olive oil.
3. Slice onions and sautee in pan till lightly brown.
4. Dice pickles and add to pan. Sautee for 3 minutes.
5. Remove to plate.
6. Begin browning meat for 5ish minutes, and then add spices. Continue to brown for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove to pastry cooling rack layered with paper towels to drain. Then lightly wipe out the pan.
8. Warm tomatoes in pan then remove to plate with onion mixture.
9. Add butter and melt. Remove from heat and stir in flour. Next, whisk in ¼ cup of milk and whisk till smooth. Add another ¼ and repeat. Return to heat.
10. Add remaining milk and whisk till small bubbles appear and thickens.
11. Remove from heat and add cheese. Stir till it melts.
12. Layer noodles, meat, veggie mix, and pour cheese over. Cook for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
13. Spread bread crumbs and put under broil for 5 minutes.
14. Remove from oven and let stand 5 mintues.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Redemption is mine
If you read my previous post than you are aware that I endured a devastating Halloween last year courtesy of my Scarecrow and his distaste for his home made digs, but such a fate did not deter me from crafting again this Halloween season. To my shock and awe Magnus requested a snowman costume and proving how fickle a child's memory can be agreed I should make it. No problem. I researched and found the ideal template or so I thought.
I began creating the said snowman with a good deal of anxiousness, because well truth be told I could not endure another Halloween heartbreak. I got my husband's old wind breaker, cut the sleeves, and draped it over my step ladder so the spray adhesive madness could begin. After the said adhesive was applied I stuck pillow batting everywhere, but as I stepped away to inspect my snowman I began to see no resemblance to the Frosty friend my Mags was anticipating, and no I was not just clouded by all the fumes. As I took in the fluffy monstrosity a new idea emerged. This was no snowman, but a cloud and how could I toughen up a cloud-make it a thunderstorm. But I had to sell the idea to Mags, the nervous-pervous, who was scared to death of thunderstorms.
The sell was successful and thunderstorm creation went full force. I sprayed the pillow batting silver, cut raindrops out of cardboard, covered each in foil, hung them from the bottom, and adhered a yellow lighting bolt across the top. Awesome was the only word to sum it up. Lighting in a bottle, if you will. I then took the idea went with it and made it a family affair. Nellie would be the sun, which was also crafted by me-Martha Stewart kiss-ass.
I am happy to report that Magnus had one kick-ass Halloween and found a great deal of enjoyment by being unique. Instead of tears I received accolades for all my hard work. It is lame to say but I was moved more than you would expect. Parents, each in their own way, try to make an impact on their children in case tomorrow they may not have the chance, and yes it seems silly to think of a costume that way, but one day my work will have memories that a costume in a bag would never elicit.
Friday, October 7, 2011
June's first Halloween horror, but probably not my last
The above pictures are adorable right? This cute scarecrow that now adorns our front yard for a festive fall feel may be cute but just a year ago it caused me my first broken mom heart, and truth be told the bitterness I wrongly carry around in life will not allow for me to let it go. This will be the moment for me that my son will never be allowed to live down.
I don't think most people think of me as a crafty person but they are wrong. As a child if I was allowed to learn how to use my mom's sewing machine I would've created some amazing shit, but my mom hates to share and so my seamstress dreams never manifested. However I remember the day I cut a pair of sweats into amazing elf like, button decaled sweet sweat shorts. Tim Gunn would've been proud.
Last year the creative hits continued, and my first born was the lucky recipient. I asked my son for weeks what he wanted to be for Halloween and even though he was obsessed with all things commercial he asked to be a scarecrow. Fabulous, I thought to myself. That means I do not have to endure the college sluts and rednecks at Party City jockeying for the nurse moonlighting as a hooker costume. On the cheap I created for my son the most adorable scarecrow made from his own flannel and jeans, a hat given to me from a friend, and supplies from Hobby Lobby that in total cost me $10. Nightly for a week once the babes were asleep I sat in the living room crafting away and burning the shit out of my fingers with a hot glue gun, and when the product was finished I was so damn proud of myself. I was gushing over my creation, elated with my creativeness.
The day of my son's school Halloween party I did not send the costume to school because it was not a costume I could throw into a bag and have schlepped around by a 3 year old. My son had a costume with depth and character and the necessity for a hanger and delicacy. However, as soon as I crossed the threshold of his preschool room I could see the horror on my son's face. I went into instant panic mommy mode. What the hell had happened at school today? Did he go to timeout? Did he curse out the teacher? Why did he have this look on his face? And then reality hit me in the face like Kim K's booty. He was embarrassed and ashamed.
I scanned the room and saw every million dollar animated character in front of me. Buzz, Iron Man, Thomas, Dora. It was as if Toys R Us puked all over the room, and the only child not bowing down to capitalistic demi-gods was Magnus. My elated, "I'm such an amazing mom" bubble busted and I could feel myself begin to lose my decorum. Magnus and I went into the pisser to put on his costume and all hell broke loose. He let freedom ring and being only 3 didn't care that he was shattering my heart. He matter of factly stated scarecrows were stupid and he did not want to put it on. I pleaded because for hours I had been obsessed with the thought of my adorable man rocking the hell out of this scarecrow look. With much pleading and yes tears I finally got his little ungrateful ass into the costume, and as the picture above shows he did indeed look out of sight, even down to the scowl that any good scarecrow needs to do his job and scare the shit out of birds. But it wasn't birds that little s.o.b. was chasing away-it was my happiness. He refused to take pictures and hid behind an easel so he could cry, as if I showed up with a burlap sack filled with nails and said, "Happy Halloween." The entire party was terrible and all I wanted to do was rip my hard work off and tell him one day he'd appreciate me. Yep, the dreaded "one day" speech, I had been driven to that ridiculous point of motherhood already and we were only in the 1st quarter of his life.
Of course all adults who were at the party raved about the costume, because they had sense, but sadly he was out of the look in 15 minutes. I left his school and I succumbed to the moment and cried like a baby in the car. I could not believe that something I poured myself into was cast aside by the person I gained 60 lbs for and still hadn't lost. Devastation was the only correct descriptive word, and yes I do know how damn ridiculous that sounds. No one died, my house didn't burn down, but I didn't care. I was hurt, because if there is ever one person's approval you want it is the human you birthed and love more than any other on the planet.
Halloween came and I hoped that the notion of all you could eat candy would overshadow the costume. Wrong, again. As we ate our Halloween inspired dinner before the trick-or-treat trek Magnus announced, "I do not want to get candy if I have to be a scarecrow." The little bastard that ate me out of house and home was turning down free sugar because his costume was homemade. The disappointment immediately enveloped me and it was then that Dad let freedom ring. My hubs stepped into his role and very sternly explained to my son that he was going to get his little ass in that awesome scarecrow costume that took his mom many hours to make, which was not bought from a store so he should be happy he was not like everyone else, and he was going to happily walk his ass around the neighborhood and get his damn candy. It was then Magnus' turn to bust into tears, but I had never felt more proud of my husband.
These feelings reemerged last weekend as I took said costume for my fall DIY opportunity but as I staple gunned the shit out the scarecrow so he would stand I did find a sense of calm. Hmm.
And yes if you are wondering, Magnus has again requested a non-commercial costume: a snowman which again I will be crafting myself.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A dedication to Michelle-my #1 audience
Thelma had Louise. Lucy had Ethel. Laverne had Shirley. In life few people besides those who are bound to us by blood truly accept us, love us unconditionally, but a true friend is the exception. There are no boundaries or off-limits topics, and when needed they are your biggest cheerleader and your harshest critic. As a woman, life may be incomplete if this type of friendship is never fulfilled. I mean look at the examples I named out of potential many-it is so influential that it is glorified on screen and in print time and time again.
We can not predict the day that we meet our Louise, and just as bitterly we can not predict the day they may be taken from us. I think as we are young and lively we assume that everyday is a given, and as cliche as it sounds that outlook is light years from the truth. But I am eternally grateful that my Ethel and I did live life to the fullest. We threw caution to the wind and left no regrets, well maybe a few but it never wavered our opinion of each other. There was a synergy.
"Tell me a story." I hear her now so vividly.
I hated sleeping alone in my apartment in the city, and since life took my male significant other away for much of the time I spent many nights sleeping with Michelle at her apartment and yes in her bed. It was never discussed, it just was. I never had to say I'm scared. She just knew. Plus, I hate being thought of as a P, but she always knew the truth. And she always will.
Missing you doesn't get easier I just learn to live with the longing. And yes at night I sometimes wish we were back in Wrigleyville, sleep-over style, making life plans, but most significantly I wish I knew at that time to thank you for making my life that much more amazing.
We can not predict the day that we meet our Louise, and just as bitterly we can not predict the day they may be taken from us. I think as we are young and lively we assume that everyday is a given, and as cliche as it sounds that outlook is light years from the truth. But I am eternally grateful that my Ethel and I did live life to the fullest. We threw caution to the wind and left no regrets, well maybe a few but it never wavered our opinion of each other. There was a synergy.
"Tell me a story." I hear her now so vividly.
I hated sleeping alone in my apartment in the city, and since life took my male significant other away for much of the time I spent many nights sleeping with Michelle at her apartment and yes in her bed. It was never discussed, it just was. I never had to say I'm scared. She just knew. Plus, I hate being thought of as a P, but she always knew the truth. And she always will.
Missing you doesn't get easier I just learn to live with the longing. And yes at night I sometimes wish we were back in Wrigleyville, sleep-over style, making life plans, but most significantly I wish I knew at that time to thank you for making my life that much more amazing.
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