There are signs we must pay attention to in our daily activities or we could wake up some morning and realize, "Oh my god, I'm old!" So I try and pay close attention to the changes in myself, however small so I can either scrutinize them or be thankful of who I am.
Lately, I'm noticing that I appreciate some rather domestic activities that I'd never really cared about before. For example, I make a mean omelet. It's a challenge and if I make a perfect one it sets the tone for my day. I like to make and not only eat omelets but I like to make them for others. If they are satisfied and smiling, so am I. It is a sense of accomplishment.
Being raised in a farm house in Kansas, we didn't eat out much and mother was always working hard in the kitchen. That is when she wasn't working her full time job outside of the home. I know I didn't appreciate this labor of love and even declined being taught how to cook when she offered. That was a stupid choice on my part but I feel I picked up on some basics and the rest I learned myself. I really enjoy cooking. Never thought I'd say that.
So, with this new love of the culinary arts I wonder, am I turning domestic? Oh horror of horrors! I'm really hoping to put that off until I have children... IF I have children. I like having a clean, organized home but I also don't want to be a slave to it. I want to be spontaneous and fun and out doing things.
But I'm not out doing. I cleaned the house today and got really excited when I changed the wax out of my Scentsy. It's citrus now! Excited over the smell of citrus? Is this really who I am becoming? Seriously, why am I not out at the beach having fun with my friends, soaking up too much sun?
The truth is I decided before this weekend hit that I just didn't have the money to go anywhere. Gas, food, unexpected expenses, it all adds up. So I made the ADULT decision to stay home. Man it sucks being responsible.
With that said, I have to be thankful for the amazing weekend my fiance and I had last weekend. Kayaking at the lake, hiking around, BBQ on the peaks overlooking the lake fireworks made for a pretty amazing weekend. This weekend we didn't go out at all. I think the boredom was getting to us as we started watching the complete series of Deadwood.
Maybe I need to rethink this. I hung out with my guy all weekend, watched mind numbing television, stayed up late and didn't get out of bed before noon. That's something someone with no responsibilities would do... sleep until noon. That's just downright lazy.
So maybe there's hope for me yet. Maybe I'm not all grown up and done having fun. If I can have one amazing weekend, followed by a laid back one, sleep until noon and still make a killer omelet before cleaning my house than I'd say I'm pretty well rounded.
Cooking is an accomplishment and sleeping in is a luxury. So I guess I've got it all. Plus, it smells AMAZING in here!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
One tear shed for cheese
Dairy in its many forms is an indulgence not allowed me. I've mentioned before that I've been working on improving my health the last four months. Some changes had to be made in my diet. I found out I was lactose (dairy) and gluten (wheat) intolerant. I can have European cheeses and goats milk/cheese. All the antibiotics and crap Americans inject their cows with makes it untouchable for me. Just one more thing this dear country of ours has managed to screw up.
Needless to say this change has come with a fair share of ups and downs but I've really adjusted well to it. I'm experimenting with new recipes and meal ideas all the time and learning some great ways to make up for that loss. I prepare almost all my own food so I know exactly what is in it and if I do eat out I'm very careful to order items that won't make me sick. Many restaurants now have a menu with all allergy information attached. I've even gotten to a point where I pack my own meals and snacks if we are going to a bbq or something, just in case there's nothing I can eat there.
Other than the obvious items like mile, cheese, bread and pasta, you may be suprised what has gluten and/or dairy in it. Most of all the taisty stuff it would seem, to one who must go without. But like I said, I'm adjusting.
So when I think I get to cheat a little I get a bit excited. Our boss ordered pizza for our entire department and I just planned on bringing my lunch that day. A bummer yes, but nothing I couldn't handle. Didn't bother me. I was blown away when my boss informed me he was going to order a gluten free pizza for me and the other unlucky soul in our office. I was glowing! Pizza, really! Granted my side would be sans cheese but it's pizza!
Noon rolled around and those two sweet words, "Pizza's here!" hit my ears and I immediately made a bee line for the lunch room. I seriously was overly excited for this and don't think I was this filled with much christmas morning vibe on Christmas.
I was just to enthusiastic for a silly gluten free, cheese free pizza. My portion, of course, did not come with out cheese as ordered.
Bummer dude.
So, I grabbed my purse and planned to get an over priced salad at Subway. Healthier option anyway, I told myself. Almost proud of my decision I hopped in my car and pulled out of the parking lot. As I turned the corner I noticed my right cheek was damp. A tear, maybe two?
I immediately felt like a complete fool. Am I really shedding a tear over cheese?! I'm no cry baby and I've gone through some pretty rough times and not shed a tear. So what is my deal? I guess I felt sorry for myself. Maybe I felt like that kid in school who couldn't have chocolate and had to watch as all the other students chowed down messy cocoa bunnies during Easter.
I was over my self indulgent boo fest very soon and although a little embarassed at my self I was none the worse for wear. I enjoyed my salad at lunch (wrote a blog about it) and planned my dinner. Tonights menu - homemade gluten free pizza, toppings yet to be determined and goat cheese.
Maybe I'll throw in a bite of chocolate as dessert for my little homeys who can't.
Cheers to the eating challenged! May your meal always have flavor!
Needless to say this change has come with a fair share of ups and downs but I've really adjusted well to it. I'm experimenting with new recipes and meal ideas all the time and learning some great ways to make up for that loss. I prepare almost all my own food so I know exactly what is in it and if I do eat out I'm very careful to order items that won't make me sick. Many restaurants now have a menu with all allergy information attached. I've even gotten to a point where I pack my own meals and snacks if we are going to a bbq or something, just in case there's nothing I can eat there.
Other than the obvious items like mile, cheese, bread and pasta, you may be suprised what has gluten and/or dairy in it. Most of all the taisty stuff it would seem, to one who must go without. But like I said, I'm adjusting.
So when I think I get to cheat a little I get a bit excited. Our boss ordered pizza for our entire department and I just planned on bringing my lunch that day. A bummer yes, but nothing I couldn't handle. Didn't bother me. I was blown away when my boss informed me he was going to order a gluten free pizza for me and the other unlucky soul in our office. I was glowing! Pizza, really! Granted my side would be sans cheese but it's pizza!
Noon rolled around and those two sweet words, "Pizza's here!" hit my ears and I immediately made a bee line for the lunch room. I seriously was overly excited for this and don't think I was this filled with much christmas morning vibe on Christmas.
I was just to enthusiastic for a silly gluten free, cheese free pizza. My portion, of course, did not come with out cheese as ordered.
Bummer dude.
So, I grabbed my purse and planned to get an over priced salad at Subway. Healthier option anyway, I told myself. Almost proud of my decision I hopped in my car and pulled out of the parking lot. As I turned the corner I noticed my right cheek was damp. A tear, maybe two?
I immediately felt like a complete fool. Am I really shedding a tear over cheese?! I'm no cry baby and I've gone through some pretty rough times and not shed a tear. So what is my deal? I guess I felt sorry for myself. Maybe I felt like that kid in school who couldn't have chocolate and had to watch as all the other students chowed down messy cocoa bunnies during Easter.
I was over my self indulgent boo fest very soon and although a little embarassed at my self I was none the worse for wear. I enjoyed my salad at lunch (wrote a blog about it) and planned my dinner. Tonights menu - homemade gluten free pizza, toppings yet to be determined and goat cheese.
Maybe I'll throw in a bite of chocolate as dessert for my little homeys who can't.
Cheers to the eating challenged! May your meal always have flavor!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
There's a time for everything
It has taken me some time to jump on the Blogging band wagon, or the blog wagon if you will, but today I decided was time. Not that I've ever been one to follow with any trend so it really is no surprise that I am just now taking this up. I think I've steered away from it for so long because I love the feel of an empty notebook that is just waiting for me to fill up the pages. But lets face it, I can't read my own handwriting half the time and much of what goes in a virginal notebook is for my eyes only.
My inspiration started as I was driving into work this morning, dreading the day to come as usual and I realized I'm missing something. I'm hoping by banging it out on the keyboard that I will either find some solace or answers.
Maybe I need a real challenge in life. Something that takes me a considerable amount of brain energy to muddle through and leaves me a better, wiser, (richer would be nice), more well-rounded individual. Yeah, that sounds awesome!
Then I thought about the people I deal with on a daily basis, work people, people in the store, neighbors. Basically, my conclusion was that people themselves can be challenging on a daily basis and I really don't want any more of that. Do I want to be more challenged in my job? Maybe, but with the job I currently have that doesn't sound appealing either.
The more I thought about the definitions of "challenge" the more I realized I've had my fair share of those in my adult life and I'm not sure I need any more character building moments right now.
Challenges can come at a great cost. So much so, you pay for them your whole life. You come out an educated person because of them but they leave a wake of destruction like an F4 tornado. I don't need that. All stocked up at the moment.
So what do I need?
Maybe I just need a glass of red wine! (one moment please)
Aw, the wine is nice but maybe I need something more. Like life altering changes. But then I consider the changes I've made in the last few months and I realize I'm proud of how far I've come. I found out after some blood work that I had a laundry list of health issues that I've worked on solving in the last 4 months through my diet and supplements. I've lost weight, gained energy and muscle and the best part is I feel amazing!
What about a move? I really have moved plenty but it always means new and exciting things to come. In the last ten years I have moved 15 times within 4 states. Hmm, maybe its time to stay put for a bit.
Love, not even a question. I have plenty to go around.
Maybe I need to go back to school. A coworker of mine today had a tshirt from the community college I attended. It was really odd because the college is in KS and we live/work in NV so of course I found it interesting to say the least. But it got me thinking, as I'm always trying to listen to the signs the universe gives me, does this mean something? I've tossed the idea around literally since the day I got my degree at the Art Institute. I learned mid degree that graphic design was not my calling.
Schooling is expensive and what if I get board half way through? It is a tough call and I'm not sold one way or the other yet. If I did go back it would be for psychology/counseling/life coaching. I've always had an interest in it and I feel I'd be a quick study in the field. Can a blue collar woman whose almost 30 manage to get a descent education and get the right job with it? I do know after living in Nevada for one year that the need for psychological advisers and counselors is very high but it's hard to tell if that need would still be great be once I graduated.
It would appear I have no answer for myself as to what I need. Suffice to say I do feel better. Whether its the writing or the wine, or both I feel like my brain isn't so full of questions now.
It's hard to feel unsatisfied when I take a look around me and see my loyal, loving dogs and my best friend/fiance in the house that I love but I know the feeling will creep up again when I least expect it.
Maybe next time I'll be ready for it and fight it off with some answers. Maybe that will be the time I'm ready to make some real decisions.
My inspiration started as I was driving into work this morning, dreading the day to come as usual and I realized I'm missing something. I'm hoping by banging it out on the keyboard that I will either find some solace or answers.
Maybe I need a real challenge in life. Something that takes me a considerable amount of brain energy to muddle through and leaves me a better, wiser, (richer would be nice), more well-rounded individual. Yeah, that sounds awesome!
Then I thought about the people I deal with on a daily basis, work people, people in the store, neighbors. Basically, my conclusion was that people themselves can be challenging on a daily basis and I really don't want any more of that. Do I want to be more challenged in my job? Maybe, but with the job I currently have that doesn't sound appealing either.
The more I thought about the definitions of "challenge" the more I realized I've had my fair share of those in my adult life and I'm not sure I need any more character building moments right now.
Challenges can come at a great cost. So much so, you pay for them your whole life. You come out an educated person because of them but they leave a wake of destruction like an F4 tornado. I don't need that. All stocked up at the moment.
So what do I need?
Maybe I just need a glass of red wine! (one moment please)
Aw, the wine is nice but maybe I need something more. Like life altering changes. But then I consider the changes I've made in the last few months and I realize I'm proud of how far I've come. I found out after some blood work that I had a laundry list of health issues that I've worked on solving in the last 4 months through my diet and supplements. I've lost weight, gained energy and muscle and the best part is I feel amazing!
What about a move? I really have moved plenty but it always means new and exciting things to come. In the last ten years I have moved 15 times within 4 states. Hmm, maybe its time to stay put for a bit.
Love, not even a question. I have plenty to go around.
Maybe I need to go back to school. A coworker of mine today had a tshirt from the community college I attended. It was really odd because the college is in KS and we live/work in NV so of course I found it interesting to say the least. But it got me thinking, as I'm always trying to listen to the signs the universe gives me, does this mean something? I've tossed the idea around literally since the day I got my degree at the Art Institute. I learned mid degree that graphic design was not my calling.
Schooling is expensive and what if I get board half way through? It is a tough call and I'm not sold one way or the other yet. If I did go back it would be for psychology/counseling/life coaching. I've always had an interest in it and I feel I'd be a quick study in the field. Can a blue collar woman whose almost 30 manage to get a descent education and get the right job with it? I do know after living in Nevada for one year that the need for psychological advisers and counselors is very high but it's hard to tell if that need would still be great be once I graduated.
It would appear I have no answer for myself as to what I need. Suffice to say I do feel better. Whether its the writing or the wine, or both I feel like my brain isn't so full of questions now.
It's hard to feel unsatisfied when I take a look around me and see my loyal, loving dogs and my best friend/fiance in the house that I love but I know the feeling will creep up again when I least expect it.
Maybe next time I'll be ready for it and fight it off with some answers. Maybe that will be the time I'm ready to make some real decisions.
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