TIME - It is one of our most valuable resources. It's right up there with oxygen. Time is not a renewable resource. All of us have at one time or another wasted time. Far too many of us have tried to control time with time management practices. Time is having none it. The famous quote goes, " Man plans and God laughs." The truth is we have very little control over the timing of things in our lives.
Tomorrow is a very special day in my life. It's the first birthday of my granddaughter, Coco. Believe me 18 months ago when I found out I was going to be a grandmother, I was not a happy camper. The timing was all wrong. It was far too soon for me. I was not ready. Then a brilliant person said, "It is not about you." (Excuse me, sadly I thought everything was about me and my plans.)
Well, people who know me personally, know that Coco has brought insurmountable joy into my life. She is precious! At this point, I can't imagine life without Coco. Now, everything is about her.
Some times, when our timing is not what we have planned for ourselves, it is not about us. Some times it may feel like it is a punishment or major set back. When in reality, it could be the opportunity of a life time for the future.
So with great happiness: Happy First Birthday, Coco!
Below is a recipe requested by CareBear.
Shredded Barbecue Pork
2 - small pork tenderloins placed in a stone covered casserole dish
Rub the tenderloins with a BBQ seasoning rub
1 - very large onion or 3 smaller onions sliced & placed on top of the tenderloins
pour in (approximately) 1 cup water or I used left over champagne.
Cover the dish and place in the oven @ 250 degree and bake for at least 3 hours. I check on the contents every hour or so. When the meat is breaks apart, it's done
Remove the meat and shred it into small pieces. Mix with the cooked onions and stir in BBQ sauce. I usually serve this on hamburger buns for sandwiches.
MOM
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
K. I. S. S.
KISS - Keep it simple Stupid. Personally, I think the stupid seems a little harsh, but then what do you do with extra S?
This is a phrase I try to follow. When things or situations start to overwhelm me, somehow I remember KISS or it knocks me in the head. Then I take a breath and try to reduce everything to its simplest form. Good organizational skills help immensely.
My thoughts of what to write about for this blog can sometimes truly overwhelm me. A great idea will pop into my head. Sometimes as the thought process begins, the subject becomes so huge and complex in my head, I have to give up the initial idea. For example, no one including myself, wants to ignore the historic day yesterday. Yes, it was a great day in our history that Barak Obama, an African American, took the oath of office yesterday. But what can I add that has not been said by 50+ gas bags (news reporters) and still keep this blog semi-interesting? Nothing, but that it was a great day. And I was fortunate enough to be home to have the opportunity watch it on TV.
So back to my dilemma, what do I write about that is simple and not a dissertation? A friend suggested recipes. Why not? The name of the blog is "Move Over Martha - MOM."
Below are two recipes for things I made yesterday. For the most part, I do not cook from a cookbook. These recipes will not have definite measurements or times.
The first recipe is the most important one. Once completed, it will help you with the second recipe. Also, if the second recipe does not turn out the way out want it and if you have mastered the first recipe, you won't care about the second one.
Blue Lagoon Martini
This is a phrase I try to follow. When things or situations start to overwhelm me, somehow I remember KISS or it knocks me in the head. Then I take a breath and try to reduce everything to its simplest form. Good organizational skills help immensely.
My thoughts of what to write about for this blog can sometimes truly overwhelm me. A great idea will pop into my head. Sometimes as the thought process begins, the subject becomes so huge and complex in my head, I have to give up the initial idea. For example, no one including myself, wants to ignore the historic day yesterday. Yes, it was a great day in our history that Barak Obama, an African American, took the oath of office yesterday. But what can I add that has not been said by 50+ gas bags (news reporters) and still keep this blog semi-interesting? Nothing, but that it was a great day. And I was fortunate enough to be home to have the opportunity watch it on TV.
So back to my dilemma, what do I write about that is simple and not a dissertation? A friend suggested recipes. Why not? The name of the blog is "Move Over Martha - MOM."
Below are two recipes for things I made yesterday. For the most part, I do not cook from a cookbook. These recipes will not have definite measurements or times.
The first recipe is the most important one. Once completed, it will help you with the second recipe. Also, if the second recipe does not turn out the way out want it and if you have mastered the first recipe, you won't care about the second one.
Blue Lagoon Martini
- One martini shaker with ice (remember, shaken never stirred)
- 1 ounce vodka - my personal favorite is Grey Goose
- 1 ounce lemonade
- 1/2 ounce Blue Curacao
- shake the closed martini shaker and pour into your favorite martini glass
- adjust to your personal taste
Minestrone Soup
- One large soup kettle
- with olive oil saute 1 garlic clove and one sliced lee
- Add water and beef broth
- Add chopped fresh carrots, green beans
- Add 1 can each of black beans, white kidney beans and red kidney beans
- Add 2 cans of diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and olive oil
- Add fresh chopped cabbage and spinach
- Simmer for about 1 hour
- Add 1 cup of orzo pasta - when pasta is tender you have soup
- Serve with some warm bread and enjoy
Of course, go back to the first recipe and make another martini.
So keep it simple and enjoy the week.
Monday, January 12, 2009
HELP! - John Lennon
Help! I need a job!
With each passing day, my inner Martha is growing into my entire being. But in my case, it's more of a house Frau.
For example, this morning, I prepared a pasta dish for a Tuesday night dinner. Since I am home all day and my friend works all day, why not prepare the dinner? For that same group gathering, I volunteered to bring the treat. Of course, heavens no, at this point in my life, I would never, ever bring a store bought item or something from a box. It's a cake and frosting made from scratch!
Last week, after 10 clean years, my vacuum died. Without hesitation, I went to Wal-Mart and Target to replace the vacuum. I can not live in a house without a vacuum. It's just not done. Because of my unemployment and tightened spending, I purchased the Hoover version of the Dyson. In my entire life, I have never gotten this excited about a vacuum. It's amazing! I vacuum every day! Since I am cooking and cleaning, I wear an apron most of the day to protect my new valuable work clothes (ripped jeans and a t-shirt) Yes, I need HELP!
My inner Martha has not been confined to only cooking and cleaning. Last week, I nearly completed the scrap book for my grandchild's first year. Due to my free time, the project is moving ahead very quickly. I needed additional scrap booking supplies. So last week, after our weekly luncheon, Neptune and I went shopping at Hobby Lobby. At some point this wekend, I stopped myself from scrapbooking anymore. I did not quite finish Coco's book. Since I will be scrap booking with a friend this coming Friday, I thought it best to keep something to do for that night.
So while at the Hobby Lobby last week, I had Neptune pick out yarn so I can start her full-sized single stitched afghan. Perhaps that will keep me busy for awhile. My universe is out of whack. Normally, if I were shopping during lunch, I would be at an AnnTaylor.
All this goes to show the world, I am a self-starter, creative, and hard working. So, please - HELP! - I need a job before I start wearing an apron full time.
With each passing day, my inner Martha is growing into my entire being. But in my case, it's more of a house Frau.
For example, this morning, I prepared a pasta dish for a Tuesday night dinner. Since I am home all day and my friend works all day, why not prepare the dinner? For that same group gathering, I volunteered to bring the treat. Of course, heavens no, at this point in my life, I would never, ever bring a store bought item or something from a box. It's a cake and frosting made from scratch!
Last week, after 10 clean years, my vacuum died. Without hesitation, I went to Wal-Mart and Target to replace the vacuum. I can not live in a house without a vacuum. It's just not done. Because of my unemployment and tightened spending, I purchased the Hoover version of the Dyson. In my entire life, I have never gotten this excited about a vacuum. It's amazing! I vacuum every day! Since I am cooking and cleaning, I wear an apron most of the day to protect my new valuable work clothes (ripped jeans and a t-shirt) Yes, I need HELP!
My inner Martha has not been confined to only cooking and cleaning. Last week, I nearly completed the scrap book for my grandchild's first year. Due to my free time, the project is moving ahead very quickly. I needed additional scrap booking supplies. So last week, after our weekly luncheon, Neptune and I went shopping at Hobby Lobby. At some point this wekend, I stopped myself from scrapbooking anymore. I did not quite finish Coco's book. Since I will be scrap booking with a friend this coming Friday, I thought it best to keep something to do for that night.
So while at the Hobby Lobby last week, I had Neptune pick out yarn so I can start her full-sized single stitched afghan. Perhaps that will keep me busy for awhile. My universe is out of whack. Normally, if I were shopping during lunch, I would be at an AnnTaylor.
All this goes to show the world, I am a self-starter, creative, and hard working. So, please - HELP! - I need a job before I start wearing an apron full time.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Forever in Blue Jeans - Neil Diamond
Happy New Year! As my fellow blogger K from tilweeatagain says, "In 2009, everything will be fine."
Now that the holidays are over, it's back to reality. Monday, it felt great getting back into the swing of job hunting. I still don't have a job or any leads. But most of the time, I am confident that I am working hard on finding a new job and things will fall into place soon.
Speaking of the workplace. Since I have been 18 years of age, I have worked in an office. At my advanced age, higher math and an algebraic equation would be required to compute the number of years it has been since I first started work.
Here's my confession. I went to a Chicago area Catholic high school. Since my parents truly believed that it was a waste of time and money to send a girl to college, I followed the secretarial track in high school. Each and every day we wore an uniform. There were no question about what to wear. If by chance we forgot, the nuns would gladly remind us what was appropriate to wear to school. It was easy.
One business mantra is "dress for the job you want." If you want to rise through the corporate ranks, look your best and dress conservatively. No sequins, mini-skirts, plunging necklines or go-go- boots. Building a "work" wardrobe requires good taste, money and time. Like so many things in life, it's a process. The wardrobe is built. Because of the cost of a proper wardrobe, most of us only can afford to add a few good pieces every season. Also, due to the cost, our casual (play clothes) wardrobe can suffer. Let's face it. We work 5 days a week and play 2 days a week.
Just guess what I am doing now? Each morning, I look in my closet and see all those (in my opinion) beautiful suits and proper work attire outfits. My casual wardrobe is just pitiful. Since I have been out of the work world for 2 months, it's time to start spending a few dollars on casual clothing. Otherwise, I would look awfully silly trotting off to the Jewel or Target on a Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM in a tailored suit. The few casual clothes I possessed were not up to par. Yesterday, I spent $20 on a new sweater at Target - not $58 on a blouse from Talbots. Just before Christmas, I splurged and purchased not one but two pairs of jeans. I found them on sale at Kohls.
Until now, I only wore jeans when I worked around the house. My jeans had bleach stains and rips. I only owned one pair of suitable jeans, but they were several years old. They were well- worn and too big for me. My last place of employment offered "jeans" day on Fridays. I never participated because I did not own any proper jeans and did not feel comfortable or business like in jeans. Now, I spend every day in jeans.
If this unemployment thing continues any longer, I may have an entire casual winter wardrobe. But at least I will look good.
Now that the holidays are over, it's back to reality. Monday, it felt great getting back into the swing of job hunting. I still don't have a job or any leads. But most of the time, I am confident that I am working hard on finding a new job and things will fall into place soon.
Speaking of the workplace. Since I have been 18 years of age, I have worked in an office. At my advanced age, higher math and an algebraic equation would be required to compute the number of years it has been since I first started work.
Here's my confession. I went to a Chicago area Catholic high school. Since my parents truly believed that it was a waste of time and money to send a girl to college, I followed the secretarial track in high school. Each and every day we wore an uniform. There were no question about what to wear. If by chance we forgot, the nuns would gladly remind us what was appropriate to wear to school. It was easy.
One business mantra is "dress for the job you want." If you want to rise through the corporate ranks, look your best and dress conservatively. No sequins, mini-skirts, plunging necklines or go-go- boots. Building a "work" wardrobe requires good taste, money and time. Like so many things in life, it's a process. The wardrobe is built. Because of the cost of a proper wardrobe, most of us only can afford to add a few good pieces every season. Also, due to the cost, our casual (play clothes) wardrobe can suffer. Let's face it. We work 5 days a week and play 2 days a week.
Just guess what I am doing now? Each morning, I look in my closet and see all those (in my opinion) beautiful suits and proper work attire outfits. My casual wardrobe is just pitiful. Since I have been out of the work world for 2 months, it's time to start spending a few dollars on casual clothing. Otherwise, I would look awfully silly trotting off to the Jewel or Target on a Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM in a tailored suit. The few casual clothes I possessed were not up to par. Yesterday, I spent $20 on a new sweater at Target - not $58 on a blouse from Talbots. Just before Christmas, I splurged and purchased not one but two pairs of jeans. I found them on sale at Kohls.
Until now, I only wore jeans when I worked around the house. My jeans had bleach stains and rips. I only owned one pair of suitable jeans, but they were several years old. They were well- worn and too big for me. My last place of employment offered "jeans" day on Fridays. I never participated because I did not own any proper jeans and did not feel comfortable or business like in jeans. Now, I spend every day in jeans.
If this unemployment thing continues any longer, I may have an entire casual winter wardrobe. But at least I will look good.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The gift of 2009
Christmas was great! It's was Monkey #2's first Christmas. Being her Mimi, I think she is the cutest baby in the world. Tonight, Monkey #2 and I get to bring in 2009 together. How fitting? The baby 2009 and the old 2008 (me).
To tell you the truth, this particular blog composition has been exceedingly difficult for me to write. As my blog mate, K from tilweeatagain said last week, let's stop why-meing and reflecting and move on with it.
During the period from Christmas until today, I gave my planned subject so much thought and reflection, that I came down with writers' block. Originally, I was going to ask everyone to reflect on themselves one more time to evaluate their gifts. Not the material gifts we received for the holidays, but our own individual intangible gifts, attributes, talents, whatever. During my lay-off, I have done quite a bit of reading and reflecting. One of the exercises was to identify my gifts and values and continue the exercise until I identified my top 3-5 gifts. Now that I know mine, I actually thought everyone else would want to know their gifts. As if!
The new year of 2009 starts tonight at the stroke of midnight. It's a new beginning for each and every one of us. This morning, I read in the newspaper (how old-fashioned of me) that in addition to the usual resolutions of losing weight, quitting smoking, and establishing an exercise routine, many people are adding financial resolutions to their list. Next to that article was another article with guidelines on how to actually achieve your resolutions and/or goals. You don't need me or any other stranger to show you the way to 2009. It's your to use however you want. That's the gift. A new year was a clean slate.
My goals are simple - find a job as soon as possible! I plan to welcome 2009 with gusto and "just do it."
Goals or no goals, resolutions or no resolutions. I wish to everyone a wonderful and successful 2009!
Welcome 2009!
MOM
To tell you the truth, this particular blog composition has been exceedingly difficult for me to write. As my blog mate, K from tilweeatagain said last week, let's stop why-meing and reflecting and move on with it.
During the period from Christmas until today, I gave my planned subject so much thought and reflection, that I came down with writers' block. Originally, I was going to ask everyone to reflect on themselves one more time to evaluate their gifts. Not the material gifts we received for the holidays, but our own individual intangible gifts, attributes, talents, whatever. During my lay-off, I have done quite a bit of reading and reflecting. One of the exercises was to identify my gifts and values and continue the exercise until I identified my top 3-5 gifts. Now that I know mine, I actually thought everyone else would want to know their gifts. As if!
The new year of 2009 starts tonight at the stroke of midnight. It's a new beginning for each and every one of us. This morning, I read in the newspaper (how old-fashioned of me) that in addition to the usual resolutions of losing weight, quitting smoking, and establishing an exercise routine, many people are adding financial resolutions to their list. Next to that article was another article with guidelines on how to actually achieve your resolutions and/or goals. You don't need me or any other stranger to show you the way to 2009. It's your to use however you want. That's the gift. A new year was a clean slate.
My goals are simple - find a job as soon as possible! I plan to welcome 2009 with gusto and "just do it."
Goals or no goals, resolutions or no resolutions. I wish to everyone a wonderful and successful 2009!
Welcome 2009!
MOM
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Holidays
Whichever holiday you celebrate during this time period, please enjoy and be merry.
Monday was the winter solstice, so they days will grow lighter and brighter. The darkness will ease into spring.
Early next week, I will have another message. Right now, I am consumed with Christmas and all its fun and merriment.
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!
Monday was the winter solstice, so they days will grow lighter and brighter. The darkness will ease into spring.
Early next week, I will have another message. Right now, I am consumed with Christmas and all its fun and merriment.
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
My Favorite Things or Traditions
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. There's snow on the ground, the gifts are bought and wrapped and a few holiday greetings are being received through the mail. Christmas Eve is only a week away.
Today, let's discuss our favorite things about the holiday season. In my case, the holiday is Christmas. As a child growing up in a very ethnic area of Chicago, I often envied some of the fantastic tales of the other children. These tales of holiday splendor created visions I only saw in movies. There was a tradition for just about everything: food, gift giving, parties, large family gatherings, travel, etc. Growing up my Christmases just seemed like another day off of school or work.
In my twenties, I married a man with a large family - 20+ cousins. My visions of those splendid holidays were going to come true. What a shock! Those holidays were more boring than my childhood memories. The members of this family barely spoke to each other. My mother-in-law was anorexic, so there wasn't even any good food to eat.
Behold! In my thirties, I got divorced. My girls and I were free to develop our own holiday traditions. Never having any traditions or much family, we struggled in the beginning. At first, we started spending holidays with friends and their families. Then for a few years, we traveled to Florida to spend the holiday with my sister. Starting new holiday traditions was like shopping for a new wardrobe. We had to try things out and find out if it fit us. If not, we would try another.
Eighteen years later, we are set and very comfortable with our Christmas traditions. They are simple and ours. You don't need extravagant holiday traditions to make it a holiday. Just consistent traditions are enough to make the holiday special.
Christmas is a time of sharing. Let's each share one or two of our favorite things about the holiday. To get us started, I have taken the liberty of listing a few my favorites.
Today, let's discuss our favorite things about the holiday season. In my case, the holiday is Christmas. As a child growing up in a very ethnic area of Chicago, I often envied some of the fantastic tales of the other children. These tales of holiday splendor created visions I only saw in movies. There was a tradition for just about everything: food, gift giving, parties, large family gatherings, travel, etc. Growing up my Christmases just seemed like another day off of school or work.
In my twenties, I married a man with a large family - 20+ cousins. My visions of those splendid holidays were going to come true. What a shock! Those holidays were more boring than my childhood memories. The members of this family barely spoke to each other. My mother-in-law was anorexic, so there wasn't even any good food to eat.
Behold! In my thirties, I got divorced. My girls and I were free to develop our own holiday traditions. Never having any traditions or much family, we struggled in the beginning. At first, we started spending holidays with friends and their families. Then for a few years, we traveled to Florida to spend the holiday with my sister. Starting new holiday traditions was like shopping for a new wardrobe. We had to try things out and find out if it fit us. If not, we would try another.
Eighteen years later, we are set and very comfortable with our Christmas traditions. They are simple and ours. You don't need extravagant holiday traditions to make it a holiday. Just consistent traditions are enough to make the holiday special.
Christmas is a time of sharing. Let's each share one or two of our favorite things about the holiday. To get us started, I have taken the liberty of listing a few my favorites.
Music - There are radio stations that play Christmas music from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day non-stop. Personally, it's too much for me. It's not Christmas until I hear the following songs:
- "All I Want For Christmas" - Mariah Carey - In fact, the entire CD is quite good.
- "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" - The Jackson 5
- "I'll be Home for Christmas" - Frank Sinatra
- "White Christmas" - The Drifters
Last year, Monkey made a special CD with all of my favorite Christmas tunes.
Movies - December is dedicated to watching our favorites:
- "White Christmas"
- "Holiday Inn"
- "It's a Wonderful Life"
- "Miracle on 34th Street" - The one with Natalie Wood.
- "Love Actually" - A new addition to my group
Gift-giving - Only one present is opened on Christmas Eve. That present is a new pair of pajamas. As MOM, I choose and buy the pajamas and wrap them. Everyone must wear those pajamas on Christmas morning as we open our presents. Monkey has a delightful story about one year's pajamas.
And, that's what it is all about - the stories and the shared memories.
What makes your holiday a special time of the year? Please share with us as a comment.
In the mean time, have a Merry Christmas!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
