So, my husband got a new job today. One day, not even a full 24 hours of being unemployed and the man has another job! Fantastic! Why couldn't everything be this easy???
Today is one of those days when everything you've been anticipating so anxiously culminates and although you thought you knew exactly how you'd feel and react, you really had no idea. I've never had a moment turn from everyone saying "Everything will be okay," (and wanting to punch them in the face for saying so) to everything actually being okay so fast. Which, of course, is why I'm proceeding carefully. The whole "too good to be true" mentality. If it looks too good to be true, smells too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true. But I welcome being proven wrong here, I really do. Everything seems so up in the air. While I was so sure what my reaction would be regardless of what the solution was, I'm now second-guessing myself. I've done that before and now here I am a few months later, exactly where I was. Maybe this time I should just stick with my original decision. Stick to my guns!!!
Regardless of what it is I'm talking about (I know you don't really know because I'm so incredibly vague), all I ask is that my integrity not be questioned and that I not be made to feel like something is my fault when I know it is not. Is that too much to ask??? I think not.
My promise to you today is that I will not talk about this stuff anymore. Enough beating around the bush. Let's talk about something real. Like the fact that whoever decided that the average working person should work from Monday-Friday from 8(9)-5 ought to be hurt. Did it ever occur to anyone that if most all business are open during those hours and the typical working person works during those hours that it's not exactly conducive to productivity? I really think I would prefer to have my Sunday and have another weekday off. You would avoid having to take time off for things as simple as going to the doctor or having maintenance performed on your car. Wouldn't that be nice? A girl can only dream. Actually, and I realize I may have a lot of angry women on my heels by saying this, I'd be fine with staying home now. Down with feminism! Take care of me!
Ooops, did I just say what most women are thinking but too stubborn to say? Maybe....
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Nothing to say...
Although I may have nothing to say at this particular moment, don't think I'm not thinking of a lot of things to say, maybe even tomorrow. You ever have so many thoughts that you really can't even formulate a coherent thought. That's where I am. But believe me, when I can get it together to you'll be the first to know it.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Brain-dead
Do you ever go through a day and come out on the other side feeling completely and utterly brain-dead? That was me yesterday. I felt numb, I felt brain-dead! But, fortunately for me, it was nothing that some good Mexican food and half-price margaritas couldn't cure. I went to bed at 8:00 as soon as we got home from dinner. I got over 12 hours of sleep. I haven't done that in forever and it feels great.
I have a lot to think about this weekend. A lot of really important things to think about. Do I make a decision that means I'm remaining most true to myself and my beliefs, even if it means some pretty serious consequences in the near future? Or do I make a decision that means I just have to grin and bear it, lie about and fake my feelings? The first option to many on the outside could seem like the selfish solution - what I ultimately really want to do for myself. But where do you draw the line? If I choose the latter, well, I'm just not sure I can possibly choose the latter. I don't think I could.
I know this is all very vague. But I can't go into details right now. If things go my way, I just might be able to soon enough.
What do you think? What would you do? Stay true to yourself and what you believe to be right at the risk of being put in a tight spot or essentially lie, be miserable, but not seem selfish or stupid to others?
I have a lot to think about this weekend. A lot of really important things to think about. Do I make a decision that means I'm remaining most true to myself and my beliefs, even if it means some pretty serious consequences in the near future? Or do I make a decision that means I just have to grin and bear it, lie about and fake my feelings? The first option to many on the outside could seem like the selfish solution - what I ultimately really want to do for myself. But where do you draw the line? If I choose the latter, well, I'm just not sure I can possibly choose the latter. I don't think I could.
I know this is all very vague. But I can't go into details right now. If things go my way, I just might be able to soon enough.
What do you think? What would you do? Stay true to yourself and what you believe to be right at the risk of being put in a tight spot or essentially lie, be miserable, but not seem selfish or stupid to others?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Technologically Challenged
Sometimes I feel so dumb - really, really dumb. (Run and tell that ---- homeboy). I know how to use a computer and do most things on one. I also can use a cell phone and send a text message. But I don't have a Twitter, I don't have a smart phone or a data plan. I didn't even really know how to use this blog to its full potential until now, as witnessed by the changes I've made (am about to make). I am a young woman in the modern world. I have cable, wireless internet and an iPod, albeit an old one. But sometimes I still feel so inadequate, like I'll never be able to catch up with most of you technologically advanced people.
Yet, at the same time I'm not sure I want to. I get overwhelmed enough as it is, checking blog stats and comments and a facebook account. Or fielding text messages as I check my inbox at work. Not that I ever do that. Never. So unprofessional. I can't imagine having emails actually come to my cell phone and being able to access the internet. Mind-boggling. I really think it would just stress me out too much. I am trying and toying with the idea of a smart phone, but those data plans. Yeesh! For now I will humor myself (and you) in pretending that my little blog is enough!
Yet, at the same time I'm not sure I want to. I get overwhelmed enough as it is, checking blog stats and comments and a facebook account. Or fielding text messages as I check my inbox at work. Not that I ever do that. Never. So unprofessional. I can't imagine having emails actually come to my cell phone and being able to access the internet. Mind-boggling. I really think it would just stress me out too much. I am trying and toying with the idea of a smart phone, but those data plans. Yeesh! For now I will humor myself (and you) in pretending that my little blog is enough!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The American(-Italian) Dream
Buddy Valastro is known to everyone as "The Cake Boss", the head baker/owner/operator of Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey. I think he is absolutely amazing. I can't not watch him when he's on TV. And now I get to watch him even more. We just finished up "Next Great Baker" where Buddy put up-and-coming bakers through the ringer to find the newest addition to his bakery staff. Now he's starting a weekday series "The Kitchen Boss" - think Rachel Ray 30 Minute Meal, but a lot less obnoxious. We got to see today's episode on Street Food. My husband didn't really have anything negative to say, so you know it must be good. I always joke with him that he can be a bit of a food snob. And he can, don't get me wrong. But deep down inside, I actually love it because it shows just how much integrity he has in making Italian food and how he refuses to compromise it.
The American Dream's reputation precedes it. Wikipedia has the following to say:
"The American Dream, sometimes in the phrase "Chasing the American Dream," is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the American Dream, first expressed by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.[1] The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the second sentence of the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."[2]"
A lot of people think it's dead. I know this to be untrue. I would fully agree that The American Dream is partially dead for the vast majority of native Americans. Notice that the native is lower case - this is not a narrative on the plight of the American Indians. Americans have become entirely too complacent. No one has that enterprising spirit. Who would even define themselves an entrepreneur anymore? Yes, I would have to say that I feel that foreigners have the market on The American Dream these days. This is because of one key reason. Foreigners, unlike us Americans, do not have our same luxuries to take for granted. If my husband and I had stayed in Italy, he would have been stuck, miserable in his law enforcement job (surrounded by corruption) and I would have been stuck with whatever job I could come by, even if they expect me to work 6 hours overtime with no pay (yes, that actually happened). No hope of ever owning our own restaurant. No hope of ever owning a home. That is the plight of a lot of people in this world - and I realize, yes, also in our own country. But I firmly believe that in America if you have the desire and the dedication to achieve something that you can do it. America has Cinderella stories out the wazoo. Why do you think that is?
The American Dream's reputation precedes it. Wikipedia has the following to say:
"The American Dream, sometimes in the phrase "Chasing the American Dream," is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the American Dream, first expressed by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.[1] The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the second sentence of the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."[2]"
A lot of people think it's dead. I know this to be untrue. I would fully agree that The American Dream is partially dead for the vast majority of native Americans. Notice that the native is lower case - this is not a narrative on the plight of the American Indians. Americans have become entirely too complacent. No one has that enterprising spirit. Who would even define themselves an entrepreneur anymore? Yes, I would have to say that I feel that foreigners have the market on The American Dream these days. This is because of one key reason. Foreigners, unlike us Americans, do not have our same luxuries to take for granted. If my husband and I had stayed in Italy, he would have been stuck, miserable in his law enforcement job (surrounded by corruption) and I would have been stuck with whatever job I could come by, even if they expect me to work 6 hours overtime with no pay (yes, that actually happened). No hope of ever owning our own restaurant. No hope of ever owning a home. That is the plight of a lot of people in this world - and I realize, yes, also in our own country. But I firmly believe that in America if you have the desire and the dedication to achieve something that you can do it. America has Cinderella stories out the wazoo. Why do you think that is?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Black... Like the Color of my Soul
I'm generally an upbeat person. But today's events at work coupled with the ugly gray color of the sky, just about put me under. Luckily my house is warm and lovely and my husband is willing to cuddle.
I've wish-washed back and forth in my satisfaction at my job for a few months how. Up until now I've written it off as a knee-jerk reaction to what's currently going on or the fact that the 'honeymoon period' is over. This past week has made me rethink all of that and actually give some validation to how I'm feeling and how my work environment is affecting me. I'm tired of all the talking behind people's backs, the manipulation, the childlikeness. I was under the impression that we were all adults now. But apparently we are back in middle school. I am not happy there and I do not see how that is ever going to change.
But the real entrapment comes with my other circumstances right now. What am I supposed to do about this when I am really in no position to look for another job? My husband will be out of the job by the end of the week. He is the priority right now. But, too, it brings up the questions for me - where would I fit in? what am I even qualified to do? what can I offer an employer? The terrifying fact of the matter is that I am still not a college graduate. I know a lot of people who are who would beg to differ that it makes any difference. I would hope that the fact that I'm not a graduate and I've still gained a lot of valuable experience to put on my resume would speak well of me as a candidate for any job. But I'm afraid that the combination of lack of education and mix-matched work experience (especially currently) will just confuse the heck out of any potential employer. I've been made a supervisor over three wonderful girls, but I don't think I'm anywhere close to management material yet. However, putting myself in an employer's shoes, would I seem overqualified for a position that involves no supervising or management? I just don't know. It's all very confusing. I'm confusing myself. Am I confusing you?
Speaking of confusing... why, oh why is Glee still re-runs? Did the season end and I missed it? I just want them to come back!!! Is that to much to ask? I say no. Is anyone with me?
I've wish-washed back and forth in my satisfaction at my job for a few months how. Up until now I've written it off as a knee-jerk reaction to what's currently going on or the fact that the 'honeymoon period' is over. This past week has made me rethink all of that and actually give some validation to how I'm feeling and how my work environment is affecting me. I'm tired of all the talking behind people's backs, the manipulation, the childlikeness. I was under the impression that we were all adults now. But apparently we are back in middle school. I am not happy there and I do not see how that is ever going to change.
But the real entrapment comes with my other circumstances right now. What am I supposed to do about this when I am really in no position to look for another job? My husband will be out of the job by the end of the week. He is the priority right now. But, too, it brings up the questions for me - where would I fit in? what am I even qualified to do? what can I offer an employer? The terrifying fact of the matter is that I am still not a college graduate. I know a lot of people who are who would beg to differ that it makes any difference. I would hope that the fact that I'm not a graduate and I've still gained a lot of valuable experience to put on my resume would speak well of me as a candidate for any job. But I'm afraid that the combination of lack of education and mix-matched work experience (especially currently) will just confuse the heck out of any potential employer. I've been made a supervisor over three wonderful girls, but I don't think I'm anywhere close to management material yet. However, putting myself in an employer's shoes, would I seem overqualified for a position that involves no supervising or management? I just don't know. It's all very confusing. I'm confusing myself. Am I confusing you?
Speaking of confusing... why, oh why is Glee still re-runs? Did the season end and I missed it? I just want them to come back!!! Is that to much to ask? I say no. Is anyone with me?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Illusionist
Today I found out that one wandering in my midst was in fact an illusionist. Creating the illusion of being a friend, of being on my side, of having my best interest at heart, when in reality they were just playing a game - pinning me and one of my colleagues against each other. Now, it's all I can think about. What is it that bothers us most about being disillusioned with a person that we thought had our back? Is it the pure and simple fact of what they did? Or is it the betrayal? Who knows? Either way, it kind of really sucks.
That's really all for today. Just act right y'all? Okay?! Are you out there? Anyone?
That's really all for today. Just act right y'all? Okay?! Are you out there? Anyone?
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Spill it all...
Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.
-- Raymond Lindquist
Crossroads. It's where I'm at. I know you don't use a preposition at the end of a sentence, but as I like to say, TTB - too tough bad. With the impending end of my husband's current employment, I have been brought to a really pensive place today. Preoccupied is more like it, but pensive sounds better and less panicky. I know God will provide a new job for him and means for us in the meantime, but my quandary is more on a grand scale. We're at a point in our lives where we know exactly what we want to do and now we need to find a way to do it and just do it. The problem with that is I'm a little scared ****less. Pardon the ****, but it's true. I am.
Our dream is to have our own restaurant. It was originally a passion of my husband's that quickly transferred to me as well. We say this knowing fully (and I really mean fully) that it is an incredibly difficult undertaking that will more than likely take over our lives. We know it is hard work and an extremely volatile field to be in. All of that we know and... We still want to do it. In my mind, that says to me that it's exactly what we're meant to do. Our pull to this idea has been so strong and for so long that I know it could only be in God's plan for us. I'm slow on the uptake. Well, now I am. I used to not be so stubborn in seeing God's will for my life. There have been times in my life when after I've come through a really tough time, I looked back, and in retrospect was so sure that what I had thought was God's will for my life was me convincing myself that it was God's will when it really wasn't. I realize how silly that sounds. And how impossible that is.
I have taken leaps of faith in my life. For those of you who know me, leaving home at 16 to move across the world for 9 months probably seems like one of those. Nope. That was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made - just like making the decision to marry my husband. The tough part came when at 19 I went back to Italy to live on my own in a very antiquated part of the country. I was going to go to the music conservatory to sing. I was going to find a job and support myself. Yeah right. That whole idea and experience chewed me up and spit me right back out into the bottom of a big black pit. And it stung, bad. I actually convinced myself that I had simply made the wrong decision and had not followed God's will for my life. I still to this day do not fully know why God had me there at that time. But that experience has made me cautious.
Which brings me back to present day. We know we want to open a restaurant in some shape or form. We are quite certain that this is God's will for us. But actually doing this, risking financial security, employment stability, etc., to me, is terrifying. The push to think about it and do it now is obviously related to my husband losing his job at the end of this next week. Why not do it now? Studies show that, the economy being what it is now, if you have an idea for a small business, now is the time to just do it. Create your own job security. Now, all that's really left for us to do is take that first step in a leap of faith.
-- Raymond Lindquist
Crossroads. It's where I'm at. I know you don't use a preposition at the end of a sentence, but as I like to say, TTB - too tough bad. With the impending end of my husband's current employment, I have been brought to a really pensive place today. Preoccupied is more like it, but pensive sounds better and less panicky. I know God will provide a new job for him and means for us in the meantime, but my quandary is more on a grand scale. We're at a point in our lives where we know exactly what we want to do and now we need to find a way to do it and just do it. The problem with that is I'm a little scared ****less. Pardon the ****, but it's true. I am.
Our dream is to have our own restaurant. It was originally a passion of my husband's that quickly transferred to me as well. We say this knowing fully (and I really mean fully) that it is an incredibly difficult undertaking that will more than likely take over our lives. We know it is hard work and an extremely volatile field to be in. All of that we know and... We still want to do it. In my mind, that says to me that it's exactly what we're meant to do. Our pull to this idea has been so strong and for so long that I know it could only be in God's plan for us. I'm slow on the uptake. Well, now I am. I used to not be so stubborn in seeing God's will for my life. There have been times in my life when after I've come through a really tough time, I looked back, and in retrospect was so sure that what I had thought was God's will for my life was me convincing myself that it was God's will when it really wasn't. I realize how silly that sounds. And how impossible that is.
I have taken leaps of faith in my life. For those of you who know me, leaving home at 16 to move across the world for 9 months probably seems like one of those. Nope. That was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made - just like making the decision to marry my husband. The tough part came when at 19 I went back to Italy to live on my own in a very antiquated part of the country. I was going to go to the music conservatory to sing. I was going to find a job and support myself. Yeah right. That whole idea and experience chewed me up and spit me right back out into the bottom of a big black pit. And it stung, bad. I actually convinced myself that I had simply made the wrong decision and had not followed God's will for my life. I still to this day do not fully know why God had me there at that time. But that experience has made me cautious.
Which brings me back to present day. We know we want to open a restaurant in some shape or form. We are quite certain that this is God's will for us. But actually doing this, risking financial security, employment stability, etc., to me, is terrifying. The push to think about it and do it now is obviously related to my husband losing his job at the end of this next week. Why not do it now? Studies show that, the economy being what it is now, if you have an idea for a small business, now is the time to just do it. Create your own job security. Now, all that's really left for us to do is take that first step in a leap of faith.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Perfection = This Saturday
Ever have one of those unsuspecting days that turns into a great day. You can never actually pinpoint what exactly it is that makes it so great, it just is. After awaking from a lovely, peaceful sleep (instead of my usual violent awakening from the alarm clock), we lounged a little, watching trash TV - Toddlers & Tiaras, Property Ladder (my absolute Saturday fav) - then we met up with Duffy for a little play-date with Lyla. We grabbed a bite to eat with my dad and ran into the brother! Turned into a family affair within a matter of moments! Now we're getting ready to head to finally see the newest Harry Potter ( I know, 3 months late) and we're getting the matinee price. Score! See? It really is the little things in life...
Now that I'm feeling better, I'm looking all around me and realizing that my house is in disarray and something has to be done about it. Our office space has become a complete mess. Tax time is nearing and I can't quite remember if I've gotten all my W-2's. That might be a problem. Taxes, taxes... My husband still has a difficult time understanding how the government will actually give you money back if you paid too much in over the course of the year. He comes from a place where the government takes and takes with the promise of giving you back great "free" healthcare, a "generous" pension, etc. Sounds nice in theory, right? You might think the only place they get you is in taxes, but you would be wrong. It costs roughly $30 to get a drivers license in Tennessee (at least when I did, I know it might have changed, but we're still in the same ballpark), in Italy try over 1000 Euros or $1400. Or things like getting your pet a passport to travel internationally - $45 for a badly photocopied piece of paper that translates the dog's vaccination records (actually already done in the actual passport, but you have to have it). That's where they really get you. And what do you actually get in return? Sub-par, superstitious health care, facilities and technology, and living in poverty in your golden years, unless, of course, you are one of the few who paid into a separate pension fund. Whoo! I got on a roll, sorry. I know our country, as all do, has its fair share of problems and imperfections, but overall, we really don't have it that bad. Just think about it the next time you want to bash America. I, personally, wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Now that I'm feeling better, I'm looking all around me and realizing that my house is in disarray and something has to be done about it. Our office space has become a complete mess. Tax time is nearing and I can't quite remember if I've gotten all my W-2's. That might be a problem. Taxes, taxes... My husband still has a difficult time understanding how the government will actually give you money back if you paid too much in over the course of the year. He comes from a place where the government takes and takes with the promise of giving you back great "free" healthcare, a "generous" pension, etc. Sounds nice in theory, right? You might think the only place they get you is in taxes, but you would be wrong. It costs roughly $30 to get a drivers license in Tennessee (at least when I did, I know it might have changed, but we're still in the same ballpark), in Italy try over 1000 Euros or $1400. Or things like getting your pet a passport to travel internationally - $45 for a badly photocopied piece of paper that translates the dog's vaccination records (actually already done in the actual passport, but you have to have it). That's where they really get you. And what do you actually get in return? Sub-par, superstitious health care, facilities and technology, and living in poverty in your golden years, unless, of course, you are one of the few who paid into a separate pension fund. Whoo! I got on a roll, sorry. I know our country, as all do, has its fair share of problems and imperfections, but overall, we really don't have it that bad. Just think about it the next time you want to bash America. I, personally, wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sick as a Dog
I have been, as the title of this post suggests, sick as a dog since Tuesday at about 2 AM. Where we got that saying I don't know, but I'll use it none the less. All I will say is I have lost 5 pounds in the last 48 hours, let's just leave things at that. (PS - don't read my last post if you're reading this one, it will give you some really graphic mental images)
Anyway, I am thankful for the time I have had at home to do absolutely nothing. This has brought me to a few new realizations. 1. Will they ever make another Bridget Jones movie? and 2. I kind of have this thing for Colin Firth. I watched both movies back to back, something I used to do much more often, and I just love them! How can you not love her? I think it's because there's something so human and normal in her that we find in ourselves as well. I know we've all felt "verbally incontinent" at one time or another, just hopefully not as much as Bridget seems to in her movies. That brings me to Colin. Oh, Colin, the man who loves Bridget despite all of her shortcomings. The man who always listens patiently as Bridget rambles on and on and on and only waits until she is finished to respond. Not only do I think that Colin Firth is a fantastic actor (in any role or movie), but I think specifically in this role, it makes me grateful that I have a husband who loves me despite all of my shortcomings. I definitely married up.
On another note, have you seen Winter Wipeout? That show is a good laugh!
Anyway, I am thankful for the time I have had at home to do absolutely nothing. This has brought me to a few new realizations. 1. Will they ever make another Bridget Jones movie? and 2. I kind of have this thing for Colin Firth. I watched both movies back to back, something I used to do much more often, and I just love them! How can you not love her? I think it's because there's something so human and normal in her that we find in ourselves as well. I know we've all felt "verbally incontinent" at one time or another, just hopefully not as much as Bridget seems to in her movies. That brings me to Colin. Oh, Colin, the man who loves Bridget despite all of her shortcomings. The man who always listens patiently as Bridget rambles on and on and on and only waits until she is finished to respond. Not only do I think that Colin Firth is a fantastic actor (in any role or movie), but I think specifically in this role, it makes me grateful that I have a husband who loves me despite all of my shortcomings. I definitely married up.
On another note, have you seen Winter Wipeout? That show is a good laugh!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Be Jealous!
Right about now my husband is upstairs clamoring around in the kitchen preparing a special meal that I requested. Not feeling too good today, I just had a hankering for some straight up pasta with fresh tomatoes. My husband makes the best, by the way. While in the grocery store I was redirected by the magnetic pull of the deli counter and the fact that they carry genoa salami. So, I got some of that too and now it's going into the pasta. I can hear the soft thud of the knife hitting the cutting board and the clanging of the pots and the lids and I'm getting really, really excited!
Food, oh, food. What is it about not feeling well and having a craving for whatever your "comfort food" may be? Is it because our mothers, in an attempt to make us feel better and perk up, were just willing to make whatever when were sick as children? Maybe. I don't clearly recall that, but it sure seems to work now. More than likely I'm writing this post about food because I didn't eat lunch today. I literally didn't feel like it. And I had a good lunch today. Minestrone, freshly made by none other than my husband last night. Italian food has become my new norm for comfort food. Not only are the flavors, consistency and warmth full of comfort, but there's a certain sense of comfort found it the actual construction of Italian food. I'm downstairs in the basement and all I know is that I picked up some tomatoes and the salami for my husband to prepare dinner. But I can guarantee that the chopping sound I've been hearing was garlic, basil and salami which will then be sauteed together in hot olive oil. The flavors will diffuse in the oil and carry through the whole dish. Then he'll add the tomatoes until they've cooked down and will season to taste. Halfway through cooking the sauce, he'll put the pasta in boiling water with a few drops of olive oil. A few minutes in to cooking the pasta, he'll salt the water. Drain the pasta, combine ingredients and voila! See? Now that's real comfort. Knowing every single ingredient that goes into your food. How often can we say that?
The Italians have not only mastered "l'arte di non far niente" (the art of doing nothing), but I think they've also mastered the art of cooking. Two of the things I love most in my life, hence my choice of spouse. Oh, sloth.... ugh!
Food, oh, food. What is it about not feeling well and having a craving for whatever your "comfort food" may be? Is it because our mothers, in an attempt to make us feel better and perk up, were just willing to make whatever when were sick as children? Maybe. I don't clearly recall that, but it sure seems to work now. More than likely I'm writing this post about food because I didn't eat lunch today. I literally didn't feel like it. And I had a good lunch today. Minestrone, freshly made by none other than my husband last night. Italian food has become my new norm for comfort food. Not only are the flavors, consistency and warmth full of comfort, but there's a certain sense of comfort found it the actual construction of Italian food. I'm downstairs in the basement and all I know is that I picked up some tomatoes and the salami for my husband to prepare dinner. But I can guarantee that the chopping sound I've been hearing was garlic, basil and salami which will then be sauteed together in hot olive oil. The flavors will diffuse in the oil and carry through the whole dish. Then he'll add the tomatoes until they've cooked down and will season to taste. Halfway through cooking the sauce, he'll put the pasta in boiling water with a few drops of olive oil. A few minutes in to cooking the pasta, he'll salt the water. Drain the pasta, combine ingredients and voila! See? Now that's real comfort. Knowing every single ingredient that goes into your food. How often can we say that?
The Italians have not only mastered "l'arte di non far niente" (the art of doing nothing), but I think they've also mastered the art of cooking. Two of the things I love most in my life, hence my choice of spouse. Oh, sloth.... ugh!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
99 cent Value Menu
I've shopped enough in my life to know that good quality things do not have to cost an arm and a leg. Take places like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. You can find great designer items at a great bargain price. I know this because I am, in fact, a registered Maxxinista. Anyway, translate that into the food world and you've got a whole different situation. Really. How high quality can a $.99 burrito from Taco Bell be? It can't! Just take into consideration that big businesses "cannot", or more appropriately, will not sell something without making a profit, and a fairly large one at that. Is it a convenience that you can not get out of your car and drive up to a window and pay roughly $1 to get something that for most people can constitute a meal? Yes. Do I do it? Heck yes! But after last night's vom fest (on my husband's part, I was fine), I think my husband is cured. All of these bred-by-laziness conveniences that the "greatest nation in the world" has created, are completely new to him, namely the fast food drive-thru.
Anecdote: The town we lived in in Italy up until year before last was one of the few blessed by the presence of the almighty McDonald's. Not only were they fortunate enough to have the golden arches, but they also had a McDrive. I was shocked. I have spent a considerable amount of time in Italy, and in different areas, but this was the first drive-thru I had ever seen. As foreign as the idea of beer and espresso at a McDonald's was for me, so was the idea of the drive-thru for the natives. For months after they opened it, they would have signs on the ordering intercom to pull forward to the window on the other side. This was not because anything was broken, but because the people had no idea how it worked. I actually witnessed a person in front of me one day, pull up to the window, get out of his car and complete his order standing at the window. Simply hysterical. Anecdote done.
While I know how disgusting fast food is, until someone finds me a healthy, acceptable alternative to the golden starch and fat of the french fry, I'm pretty sure I'll just be fat for the rest of my life.
Anecdote: The town we lived in in Italy up until year before last was one of the few blessed by the presence of the almighty McDonald's. Not only were they fortunate enough to have the golden arches, but they also had a McDrive. I was shocked. I have spent a considerable amount of time in Italy, and in different areas, but this was the first drive-thru I had ever seen. As foreign as the idea of beer and espresso at a McDonald's was for me, so was the idea of the drive-thru for the natives. For months after they opened it, they would have signs on the ordering intercom to pull forward to the window on the other side. This was not because anything was broken, but because the people had no idea how it worked. I actually witnessed a person in front of me one day, pull up to the window, get out of his car and complete his order standing at the window. Simply hysterical. Anecdote done.
While I know how disgusting fast food is, until someone finds me a healthy, acceptable alternative to the golden starch and fat of the french fry, I'm pretty sure I'll just be fat for the rest of my life.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Lovely Cheddar
My husband is Italian. He immigrated a little over one year ago, so he still has a very thick accent and his English is not exactly fluent. Despite these "handicaps" he does amazingly well in communication and is virtually fearless to try new words and word construction.
The other night my father was showing us some pictures of our dog Lyla and their dog Duffy. They're in a relationship - and I think it's getting serious. Anyway, Benny saw a picture of the pair cuddled up together and said, "Lovely cheddar". Now, I knew exactly what he was trying to say, but I had to confirm precisely what words he had formulated, because I thought it was too good to be true. Indeed he had uttered the words "lovely cheddar" or "love each other". I love my husband and hope he never loses the accent. It will be very good for business one day.
He will kill me for telling this if he ever reads the blog, but he also threatened to "rape" my presents around Christmas time. I quickly corrected that it was wrap, and that the other word should just be taken out of his American vocabulary.
That's okay, I had my blunders in the Italian language as well. I'm fairly certain I once told my host father that I was "turned on"(eccitata, although not completely incorrect, it definitely has some sexual connotations) at the idea of my family coming to visit instead of "excited" (emozionata, a word that at the time, I thought meant emotional). I also once told Benny about two people screwing (scopare, literally to sweep, but you use that word and you're only talking about one thing) instead of escaping (scapare).
The most important thing is to be able to laugh at yourself when venturing to speak a different language. You will say things that are wrong. You will say things that are humorous and you'll probably say things that are offensive (a classmate of mine once entered into a little shop in Italy and told the woman at the counter that he would like to steal something instead of throw something away (rubare vs. buttare). But don't we do that in our native languages too? I sure do. Anyone else? Anyone.....?
The other night my father was showing us some pictures of our dog Lyla and their dog Duffy. They're in a relationship - and I think it's getting serious. Anyway, Benny saw a picture of the pair cuddled up together and said, "Lovely cheddar". Now, I knew exactly what he was trying to say, but I had to confirm precisely what words he had formulated, because I thought it was too good to be true. Indeed he had uttered the words "lovely cheddar" or "love each other". I love my husband and hope he never loses the accent. It will be very good for business one day.
He will kill me for telling this if he ever reads the blog, but he also threatened to "rape" my presents around Christmas time. I quickly corrected that it was wrap, and that the other word should just be taken out of his American vocabulary.
That's okay, I had my blunders in the Italian language as well. I'm fairly certain I once told my host father that I was "turned on"(eccitata, although not completely incorrect, it definitely has some sexual connotations) at the idea of my family coming to visit instead of "excited" (emozionata, a word that at the time, I thought meant emotional). I also once told Benny about two people screwing (scopare, literally to sweep, but you use that word and you're only talking about one thing) instead of escaping (scapare).
The most important thing is to be able to laugh at yourself when venturing to speak a different language. You will say things that are wrong. You will say things that are humorous and you'll probably say things that are offensive (a classmate of mine once entered into a little shop in Italy and told the woman at the counter that he would like to steal something instead of throw something away (rubare vs. buttare). But don't we do that in our native languages too? I sure do. Anyone else? Anyone.....?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Potato Peeler in the Pocket
My husband took a chunk out of his pinky today. He did this by sticking his hands in his pocket, and unfortunately for his left hand, he found a potato peeler. Now, that's dedication. Nerds wear a pocket protector, jocks carry their balls around, prissy girls carry their hairbrush, and my husband the chef carries a potato peeler in his pocket. And I absolutely love him for it. I have never in my life encountered a more dedicated, loyal human being than him. Although he sometimes worries that the qualities I love most about him (trusting, good-spirited) will one day get him into trouble, I know that they will one day bring him great success doing what he loves.
Terrible, practically non-existent segue into this evening's next topic...
Have you seen those crackheads from that radical church? You know, the ones who so infamously protest at our soldiers' funerals? Well, their latest victims are the already-victims of the horrendous crime in Arizona this past weekend. ***Now, please do not misunderstand what I am about to say. *** While I in no way, shape or form agree with what they do or why they do it, I can understand when they protest at soldiers' funerals. I understand (while not agreeing at all) where the logic might come from. People have protested wars since the beginning of time. You don't agree with the war, or any war for that matter, that's your business. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. Protesting at the funeral of someone who already sacrificed their life so that you can be entitled and even express your absurd opinion publicly is despicable. But I get the protesting of the war. Do you get what I'm saying? Do you hate me? Please don't. But right now, I have struggled all day trying to wrap my head around these same radicals protesting at the funerals of the innocent people who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. What's worse is that these people use the name of God to justify their maniacal rantings. I take offense, I take deep, deep offense. How do you fight an evil like them? I just don't know...
On another note (to lighten the mood a little!), I'm pretty sure I'm going to see Lady Gaga in April and I'm psyched...
Terrible, practically non-existent segue into this evening's next topic...
Have you seen those crackheads from that radical church? You know, the ones who so infamously protest at our soldiers' funerals? Well, their latest victims are the already-victims of the horrendous crime in Arizona this past weekend. ***Now, please do not misunderstand what I am about to say. *** While I in no way, shape or form agree with what they do or why they do it, I can understand when they protest at soldiers' funerals. I understand (while not agreeing at all) where the logic might come from. People have protested wars since the beginning of time. You don't agree with the war, or any war for that matter, that's your business. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. Protesting at the funeral of someone who already sacrificed their life so that you can be entitled and even express your absurd opinion publicly is despicable. But I get the protesting of the war. Do you get what I'm saying? Do you hate me? Please don't. But right now, I have struggled all day trying to wrap my head around these same radicals protesting at the funerals of the innocent people who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. What's worse is that these people use the name of God to justify their maniacal rantings. I take offense, I take deep, deep offense. How do you fight an evil like them? I just don't know...
On another note (to lighten the mood a little!), I'm pretty sure I'm going to see Lady Gaga in April and I'm psyched...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
I will cut you!
Do you ever have one of those days when you just know that it would be in everyone's best interest if you were to not be around people? I think I'm having one of those. Granted, it's not nearly as bad as it can be sometimes, but I just was not on my nice game today. So, for those of you I came in contact with today, I apologize for my witchiness. But, really y'all should just act right. I'm just saying...
So, I am closing out my day quietly and calmly, watching those freaks on My Strange Addiction and trying to gain back some of my previous motivation with I Used to be Fat. I have found a love that dare not speak it's name... TLC. Take My Strange Addiction. This is actually pretty interesting. It's showing the general public that addiction stretches far and wide, it's not just alcohol, it's not just drugs. And to some degree, we all have our own little vices. I wonder... what's yours?
On the other end of the spectrum, we have shows that epitomize exactly what's wrong with America like Toddlers and Tiaras. Okay, train wreck!!! One of those that I really can't look at but I can't look away either. The latest preview shows an infant in a strapless bikini top being spray tanned, a toddler having her eyebrows waxed and some crazy stage mom squalking like some sort of jungle animal to attract her not even two year-old's attention while on stage. Yowza. Really? How sick do you have to be to do that to your child? Now, I'm not knocking pageants or the like. If that's your cup of tea, have at it. But don't subject your innocent children (who are too young to choose for themselves) to all that madness. And especially don't turn something potentially fun for your child into a "you're not doing it right!" moment of eye rolling and huffing and puffing (by you, not your child). It's so sad to see these children who only want validation from their parents, being put down. For shame!
I have no children, so no worries there, but I do have a couple of dogs and their wardrobe is growing... slowly, but growing. Who knows? I could have a break-out series next year - Pooches and Ponchos.
So, I am closing out my day quietly and calmly, watching those freaks on My Strange Addiction and trying to gain back some of my previous motivation with I Used to be Fat. I have found a love that dare not speak it's name... TLC. Take My Strange Addiction. This is actually pretty interesting. It's showing the general public that addiction stretches far and wide, it's not just alcohol, it's not just drugs. And to some degree, we all have our own little vices. I wonder... what's yours?
On the other end of the spectrum, we have shows that epitomize exactly what's wrong with America like Toddlers and Tiaras. Okay, train wreck!!! One of those that I really can't look at but I can't look away either. The latest preview shows an infant in a strapless bikini top being spray tanned, a toddler having her eyebrows waxed and some crazy stage mom squalking like some sort of jungle animal to attract her not even two year-old's attention while on stage. Yowza. Really? How sick do you have to be to do that to your child? Now, I'm not knocking pageants or the like. If that's your cup of tea, have at it. But don't subject your innocent children (who are too young to choose for themselves) to all that madness. And especially don't turn something potentially fun for your child into a "you're not doing it right!" moment of eye rolling and huffing and puffing (by you, not your child). It's so sad to see these children who only want validation from their parents, being put down. For shame!
I have no children, so no worries there, but I do have a couple of dogs and their wardrobe is growing... slowly, but growing. Who knows? I could have a break-out series next year - Pooches and Ponchos.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Save Our American Raptors
Happy snow day again! While I was ecstatic last night, I just about went crazy today being cooped up in the house. We did venture out briefly to satisfy a craving for some Zaxby's (slight lapse in judgement due to lack of routine since Friday). The roads were questionable, especially considering that the temperature is supposed to drop drastically and everything that melted today will in all likelihood re-freeze. I have to be at work by 10 tomorrow. We'll see how that goes. Oh, and when I went to start my car and the battery was beyond dead. So, if the ice doesn't get me, the battery might. It's all charged up now, hopefully it will last overnight.
So, back to my title. While I was being distracted by all the closings and delays while watching What Not to Wear, I saw Save Our American Raptors has been delayed. I have no idea what that is all about, but I thought I should share it with you because you might enjoy it. So, enjoy.
I am looking forward to getting back to my routine tomorrow. I had the foresight to fill my gas tank and go to the grocery store on Saturday and Sunday, but I didn't get that much stuff so hopefully by the time I go tomorrow, they will have replenished their supplies. I understand that we live in an area of the country that doesn't get much snow, but really? Let's not act like a bunch of dumbunnies. There may be conflicting feelings on the subject of driving, but this is my opinion. Being cautious on the road should be a happy medium - not too slow, not too fast. Too slow, you really won't get anywhere (especially uphill) and you'll just piss people off. Too fast and you're just playing with fire, especially if you're following too close. I beg you to follow me too close and crunch up the back of my car when I have to stop and you slide into me. Well, not really, please don't! But, I'm just saying...
That brings me to the grocery store. Guys, really? How is it possible that almost everyone you talk to who has gone near a grocery store will tell you that the shelves are practically empty? I realize that we live in a fast food society so the thought of not having access to that "luxury" gets people kind of panicked, but get in, get your essentials (your normal amount for a couple of days, not for the duration of the winter!) and go on! Sheesh!!!
Okay, I think I'm done for the night and climbing down off my soapbox and back onto the couch. Enjoy the rest of the snow and be extra careful tomorrow and tonight. Don't mess with the ice!
So, back to my title. While I was being distracted by all the closings and delays while watching What Not to Wear, I saw Save Our American Raptors has been delayed. I have no idea what that is all about, but I thought I should share it with you because you might enjoy it. So, enjoy.
I am looking forward to getting back to my routine tomorrow. I had the foresight to fill my gas tank and go to the grocery store on Saturday and Sunday, but I didn't get that much stuff so hopefully by the time I go tomorrow, they will have replenished their supplies. I understand that we live in an area of the country that doesn't get much snow, but really? Let's not act like a bunch of dumbunnies. There may be conflicting feelings on the subject of driving, but this is my opinion. Being cautious on the road should be a happy medium - not too slow, not too fast. Too slow, you really won't get anywhere (especially uphill) and you'll just piss people off. Too fast and you're just playing with fire, especially if you're following too close. I beg you to follow me too close and crunch up the back of my car when I have to stop and you slide into me. Well, not really, please don't! But, I'm just saying...
That brings me to the grocery store. Guys, really? How is it possible that almost everyone you talk to who has gone near a grocery store will tell you that the shelves are practically empty? I realize that we live in a fast food society so the thought of not having access to that "luxury" gets people kind of panicked, but get in, get your essentials (your normal amount for a couple of days, not for the duration of the winter!) and go on! Sheesh!!!
Okay, I think I'm done for the night and climbing down off my soapbox and back onto the couch. Enjoy the rest of the snow and be extra careful tomorrow and tonight. Don't mess with the ice!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Reverse Psychology
Clearly my reverse psychology approach worked on the weather. I will be accepting thanks for your extra day off work in the form of comments and following my blog. You are welcome!
In all seriousness, the snow is beautiful. Having grown up on a mountain that would consistently have snow during the winter when the valley areas did not, I was so worried when we moved off the mountain in June that I would never see snow again. Well, here it is, the second week in January and since December we have seen substantial snow three times! God really does love me. Our streets are still completely covered. It's so funny that when I don't really have a choice of being home (i.e., when I have to go to work five days a week), I want nothing more than to be home and when I do get an extra day at home like today, I kind of want to go somewhere, which isn't an option. We live in a subdivision that is pretty much all uphill. And while I did park my car on the street since my driveway is also uphill, I am fairly certain that I would end up just sliding all the way down out of the neighborhood, should I attempt to go anywhere. So, I'm just going to get over the desire to get out and sit back, relax and love on my puppies and husband. I think I may even paint my nails later on and watch a movie with popcorn. I love having a day ahead of me when I can do whatever I want... The rest of you enjoy yours!
In all seriousness, the snow is beautiful. Having grown up on a mountain that would consistently have snow during the winter when the valley areas did not, I was so worried when we moved off the mountain in June that I would never see snow again. Well, here it is, the second week in January and since December we have seen substantial snow three times! God really does love me. Our streets are still completely covered. It's so funny that when I don't really have a choice of being home (i.e., when I have to go to work five days a week), I want nothing more than to be home and when I do get an extra day at home like today, I kind of want to go somewhere, which isn't an option. We live in a subdivision that is pretty much all uphill. And while I did park my car on the street since my driveway is also uphill, I am fairly certain that I would end up just sliding all the way down out of the neighborhood, should I attempt to go anywhere. So, I'm just going to get over the desire to get out and sit back, relax and love on my puppies and husband. I think I may even paint my nails later on and watch a movie with popcorn. I love having a day ahead of me when I can do whatever I want... The rest of you enjoy yours!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Skeptic
So, it's 9:00 and I haven't seen a flake of this so-called snow they're predicting. All I'm saying is that everytime they predict the crap out of winter weather like this, it never ends up being as bad as they think it is and vice versa. I love snow just about more than anything. But I really love it when I can be all warm and cozy in my house while there's a winter wonderland going on outside. And when someone gives me some false hope, it tends to kind of put a damper on my whole mood for the day. I'm not a happy camper.
Also, I find it to be very distracting while I'm trying to be glued to Desperate Housewives as usual on a Sunday evening, to have those closings and delays going every which way on the bottom of the screen. I especially find it maddening when my place of employment is not on there...
Earlier when I was awaiting the start of Desperate Housewives, they interrupted the end of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to go live in Detroit to unveil VW's big new secret car that they will be producing here at the plant in Chattanooga. I love unveilings. I get that thrill of thinking that I'm about to be in on some big secret. So, they build up as much suspense as you can on a local news channel, only to reveal that this super top secret new car that Volkswagen will be producing is the.... Passat. Okay, I love Volkswagen cars and the Volkswagen brand, so I figured I'd take one for the team and wait it out (even if it meant missing the first few moments of Desperate Housewives), but the Passat?! First of all, that is a car you already make, so technically, not new. Second, although pretty, I didn't think the body style was all that and a bag of potato chips. It better have some really fancy bells and whistles going on inside.
In conclusion, I really do hope it snows and I'm just jealous because I don't have a new car. Good night!
Also, I find it to be very distracting while I'm trying to be glued to Desperate Housewives as usual on a Sunday evening, to have those closings and delays going every which way on the bottom of the screen. I especially find it maddening when my place of employment is not on there...
Earlier when I was awaiting the start of Desperate Housewives, they interrupted the end of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to go live in Detroit to unveil VW's big new secret car that they will be producing here at the plant in Chattanooga. I love unveilings. I get that thrill of thinking that I'm about to be in on some big secret. So, they build up as much suspense as you can on a local news channel, only to reveal that this super top secret new car that Volkswagen will be producing is the.... Passat. Okay, I love Volkswagen cars and the Volkswagen brand, so I figured I'd take one for the team and wait it out (even if it meant missing the first few moments of Desperate Housewives), but the Passat?! First of all, that is a car you already make, so technically, not new. Second, although pretty, I didn't think the body style was all that and a bag of potato chips. It better have some really fancy bells and whistles going on inside.
In conclusion, I really do hope it snows and I'm just jealous because I don't have a new car. Good night!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Plateau
Wow! It's the weekend. And a real weekend, at that. No more of those pre-holiday weekends or actual holiday weekends when everything is totally crazy and you can't relax at all. Don't get me wrong, I live for the holidays (or at least I thought I did until now), but what a whirlwind of craziness. I told my husband sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas that I didn't want the holidays to end. They give such a sense of season and time that, I feel, no other time of year has. But maybe that's okay.
We had a housewarming party / Christmas open house the week before Christmas. We worked so hard for months to get our house ready for that party so we could open our home to our family and friends. We had a blast and the party was wonderful. Then we get hit with Christmas and New Year and it's so much fun, and you get to spend time with family, and the wonderful meals and events and the presents and warm fuzzies. On the eve of returning to work for the rest of my life, I was completely depressed. I just knew it would be terrible. While my husband slaved away putting Christmas up and organizing all over the house, I found every excuse I could to become completely engrossed for the four hundred and fifty-first time in The Notebook. It was almost painful how hard I was trying to hold on to the holidays.
But sitting here almost a week later, I see how silly I was. I am actually thrilled to have a routine back. And the best part about it all is that I took the opportunity to make a completely new routine. And so far, I think it's working for me. Typically, we have been spending every waking moment during the weekend tackling some project around the house. Well, today it became clear to me that we're pretty much done with all major projects around the house. For a second, I was alarmed and toyed with the idea of going into depression mode. But then I thought better of it and decided to sit back and enjoy the view. We have worked so hard to make a home out of our house. And today in the midst of my Saturday relaxation, I looked around and saw that we have done an incredible job. I love our house (and we couldn't have done any of it without my Daddy!) and we are so happy to be home. Let the normalcy begin!!!
We had a housewarming party / Christmas open house the week before Christmas. We worked so hard for months to get our house ready for that party so we could open our home to our family and friends. We had a blast and the party was wonderful. Then we get hit with Christmas and New Year and it's so much fun, and you get to spend time with family, and the wonderful meals and events and the presents and warm fuzzies. On the eve of returning to work for the rest of my life, I was completely depressed. I just knew it would be terrible. While my husband slaved away putting Christmas up and organizing all over the house, I found every excuse I could to become completely engrossed for the four hundred and fifty-first time in The Notebook. It was almost painful how hard I was trying to hold on to the holidays.
But sitting here almost a week later, I see how silly I was. I am actually thrilled to have a routine back. And the best part about it all is that I took the opportunity to make a completely new routine. And so far, I think it's working for me. Typically, we have been spending every waking moment during the weekend tackling some project around the house. Well, today it became clear to me that we're pretty much done with all major projects around the house. For a second, I was alarmed and toyed with the idea of going into depression mode. But then I thought better of it and decided to sit back and enjoy the view. We have worked so hard to make a home out of our house. And today in the midst of my Saturday relaxation, I looked around and saw that we have done an incredible job. I love our house (and we couldn't have done any of it without my Daddy!) and we are so happy to be home. Let the normalcy begin!!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Sloth
I am a completely lazy-natured person. If I have the choice of being productive or being a couch potato, I'm going for the couch. I realize that this is not always a bad thing. However, this time should come only after I get done everything I need to get done in the day. And that is where I am now. No, like, right this minute. On the couch in my pajamas watching one of my new favorite shows, My Strange Addiction. God bless TLC. But, for me, this is kind of a big deal.
See, my usual daily routine up until just recently was this: get up, go to work, suffer through work, come home, get on the couch, round something up for dinner, get back on the couch, and go to bed. Lovely day, no? NOT. That day was a terrible day, but it was my life. I hated that work was the biggest event of my day. I enjoy my job, but I don't want my job to be my whole life. So, I am changing things up.
Today, yes, get up, go to work, work was alright, go to grocery store, work out with the hubs at home, shower, make a homemade dinner (delicious by the way), and laundry. Now, that's more like it. At the risk of sounding like a big, fat dork, I feel like superwoman. Feeling like I'm on top of things is so much better than feeling like I'm not. Yeah, I'm sticking with it...
See, my usual daily routine up until just recently was this: get up, go to work, suffer through work, come home, get on the couch, round something up for dinner, get back on the couch, and go to bed. Lovely day, no? NOT. That day was a terrible day, but it was my life. I hated that work was the biggest event of my day. I enjoy my job, but I don't want my job to be my whole life. So, I am changing things up.
Today, yes, get up, go to work, work was alright, go to grocery store, work out with the hubs at home, shower, make a homemade dinner (delicious by the way), and laundry. Now, that's more like it. At the risk of sounding like a big, fat dork, I feel like superwoman. Feeling like I'm on top of things is so much better than feeling like I'm not. Yeah, I'm sticking with it...
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Cardioke!!!
Yes, I did it. There's something about music and choreographed dance that I just can't get enough of. Billy Blanks Jr., son of the Tae Bo empire, has come up with (in my humble opinion) the greatest workout combination known to man. Now, several months ago I got really into Zumba at the local Downtown Y. Once my job became more stressful I stopped going, but that doesn't mean I haven't stopped thinking about it. In fact, I think about it every day, knowing that I could bust a move at any moment. When they pump the Pussycat Dolls' version of "Jai ho!" from Slumdog Millionaire I somehow don't really care how much I'm sweating or how hot I am or how red my face is. I just have to shake it. Yes, shake it.
I knew when working through the Cardioke video when they put on "Don't Cha" that this was the workout for me. So, here I am in our basement living room with the coffee table moved out of the way and my husband behind me. We're shaking, sliding, you name it and yelling "Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me? Don't cha? Don't cha?" IT WAS AWESOME.
For additional motivation and inspiration, we're now watching The Biggest Loser. Wow. What an epidemic our country is facing! What people fail to realize is that it's not as simple as just encouraging people to exercise or eat better. The only way that obesity will be cured is if the general American mentality and lifestyle receives an entire overhaul. What happens when you want to eat right and you're on a tight budget? To really eat right is more expensive than eating the other crap they sell you. I love things like almonds and raspberries, which are considered super foods among the diet world. Almonds are approximately $6/lb, with a small container of raspberries coming in at $3-4. When you try to stick to around $50/week for all your food, you won't get very far with those items. If I'm on that budget and I can buy a frozen cheese pizza for $1.75 ( plenty for a dinner), I'm doing it! And until our society slows down, we will always be drawn to the convenience of the drive-thru too. Look at all the Dollar Value Menus out there. For those who need a quick, cheap bite on their lunch break to the family on the go, those options at those prices are mighty enticing. I guess unless you can afford to buy all the right things, the most important thing we can learn is moderation and portion control. That, in my opinion, is where energy should be focused in educating ourselves and our children.
I knew when working through the Cardioke video when they put on "Don't Cha" that this was the workout for me. So, here I am in our basement living room with the coffee table moved out of the way and my husband behind me. We're shaking, sliding, you name it and yelling "Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me? Don't cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me? Don't cha? Don't cha?" IT WAS AWESOME.
For additional motivation and inspiration, we're now watching The Biggest Loser. Wow. What an epidemic our country is facing! What people fail to realize is that it's not as simple as just encouraging people to exercise or eat better. The only way that obesity will be cured is if the general American mentality and lifestyle receives an entire overhaul. What happens when you want to eat right and you're on a tight budget? To really eat right is more expensive than eating the other crap they sell you. I love things like almonds and raspberries, which are considered super foods among the diet world. Almonds are approximately $6/lb, with a small container of raspberries coming in at $3-4. When you try to stick to around $50/week for all your food, you won't get very far with those items. If I'm on that budget and I can buy a frozen cheese pizza for $1.75 ( plenty for a dinner), I'm doing it! And until our society slows down, we will always be drawn to the convenience of the drive-thru too. Look at all the Dollar Value Menus out there. For those who need a quick, cheap bite on their lunch break to the family on the go, those options at those prices are mighty enticing. I guess unless you can afford to buy all the right things, the most important thing we can learn is moderation and portion control. That, in my opinion, is where energy should be focused in educating ourselves and our children.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Real World
So, today was the first day back to the harsh reality of working 40 hours a week, 8a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. When you think about it, you spend more time getting to work, being at work and getting home from work (well, and bitching about work) than you spend with your family. Whoever decided that that should be the case in most of the world, should be severely punished. I mean, you get placed in a, more than likely, dingy, windowless space with strangers that you would probably never socialize with outside of work and you're stuck there for 8 or 9 hours a day!
PS - Colleagues, if you actually read this, I'm not talking about you guys. I actually like you!!! Promise!
First day back actually went well. My realization today is that things might not be so terrible at work for the rest of my life. Was the week before Christmas a living hell? Yes. But my knee-jerk reaction was also to act like an impetuous child, which, let's face it, is just not flattering. But I successfully took a brisk walk on my lunch break, was uber-productive at the job, came home and worked out with the hubs, took a shower and I am now waiting for dinner to come out of the oven. Not bad for a Monday! We'll see how long that lasts...
On another note, I finally put down some legit words that actually made sense for our business plan. My husband, besides being ridiculously handsome and authentically Italian (immigrated Nov. 2009), is also a very gifted chef. No formal training or anything, but a whole lot of know-how. The man can cook! Our dream is to have a restaurant of our very own one day. But for now as a stepping stone, our hope is to open up a little take-out place, full of lasagna and delicious baked pastas. While we talk and dream about it all the time, we haven't actually done a lot to work towards it. So, another piece of my discipline in 2011 is to actually get our plans on paper and make something happen with it! Keep your fingers crossed and start fasting now. A whole lot of authentic Italian is coming your way...
PS - Colleagues, if you actually read this, I'm not talking about you guys. I actually like you!!! Promise!
First day back actually went well. My realization today is that things might not be so terrible at work for the rest of my life. Was the week before Christmas a living hell? Yes. But my knee-jerk reaction was also to act like an impetuous child, which, let's face it, is just not flattering. But I successfully took a brisk walk on my lunch break, was uber-productive at the job, came home and worked out with the hubs, took a shower and I am now waiting for dinner to come out of the oven. Not bad for a Monday! We'll see how long that lasts...
On another note, I finally put down some legit words that actually made sense for our business plan. My husband, besides being ridiculously handsome and authentically Italian (immigrated Nov. 2009), is also a very gifted chef. No formal training or anything, but a whole lot of know-how. The man can cook! Our dream is to have a restaurant of our very own one day. But for now as a stepping stone, our hope is to open up a little take-out place, full of lasagna and delicious baked pastas. While we talk and dream about it all the time, we haven't actually done a lot to work towards it. So, another piece of my discipline in 2011 is to actually get our plans on paper and make something happen with it! Keep your fingers crossed and start fasting now. A whole lot of authentic Italian is coming your way...
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Pre-Teen
"Being happy isn't having everything in your life be perfect. Maybe it's about stringing together all the little things like wearing these pants or getting to a new level of Dragon's Lair - making those count for more than the bad stuff. Maybe we just get through it... and that's all we can ask for." - Bailey in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Do I sometimes feel like a pre-teen living a 23 year-old's life? Yes. Does that mean that I still occasionally read the series Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and enjoy it? Yes. But, you know? I think that's okay. The books and movies pull me in everytime. I practically can't get enough. But enough about all that. My point is, that quote up there is really true. And because I know myself and that I am incapable of journaling in any way, I have decided to make things easier on myself. This year my goal is to write down one of the "little things" for each and every day. I do focus entirely too much on the negative. It affects my whole day because I let it. And from now on, I am going to not let it.
Enough with the sap. Now onto the grit. So, New Year's resolutions... every year we practically all make the same promises to ourselves. This is the year my whole life is going to change. This is the year I'm going to lose the extra pounds. My New Year's resolution this year is a little broader. Do I want to lose weight? Yes, among other things. But what I really wish for myself this year is discipline. Hence, the blogging. It's an outlet and a discipline. I can't discipline myself to do anything. I can't even discipline myself right now to get my butt off the couch and tear myself away from "Can't Buy Me Love" to start organizing my house like I had promised myself yesterday. But maybe that's just procrastination - one of my specialties. I know I need to take it slow; otherwise, I will just be setting myself up for failure. so, I figured I could start with something relatively small and try to write a little bit on the blog everyday. We shall see what happens...
Do I sometimes feel like a pre-teen living a 23 year-old's life? Yes. Does that mean that I still occasionally read the series Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and enjoy it? Yes. But, you know? I think that's okay. The books and movies pull me in everytime. I practically can't get enough. But enough about all that. My point is, that quote up there is really true. And because I know myself and that I am incapable of journaling in any way, I have decided to make things easier on myself. This year my goal is to write down one of the "little things" for each and every day. I do focus entirely too much on the negative. It affects my whole day because I let it. And from now on, I am going to not let it.
Enough with the sap. Now onto the grit. So, New Year's resolutions... every year we practically all make the same promises to ourselves. This is the year my whole life is going to change. This is the year I'm going to lose the extra pounds. My New Year's resolution this year is a little broader. Do I want to lose weight? Yes, among other things. But what I really wish for myself this year is discipline. Hence, the blogging. It's an outlet and a discipline. I can't discipline myself to do anything. I can't even discipline myself right now to get my butt off the couch and tear myself away from "Can't Buy Me Love" to start organizing my house like I had promised myself yesterday. But maybe that's just procrastination - one of my specialties. I know I need to take it slow; otherwise, I will just be setting myself up for failure. so, I figured I could start with something relatively small and try to write a little bit on the blog everyday. We shall see what happens...
New Year 2011
So cliche'. So much so that I won't even try to pass over it. It's January 1st, 2011 and here I am, wanting to reinvent my entire life and start fresh in the new year. I don't blog, never have. But I figure everyone's doing it, so why not me? Who knows? Someone just might find what I have to say, interesting! However, seeing as how it is already 12:26 AM on January 2nd, 2011, I might as well give it a rest for tonight and start fresh tomorrow... the story of my life!!!
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