Perfect Day

I've had a pretty perfect day today. When I left a job I loved in Columbia and came here unemployed, it was hard to handle. But when I left a job I absolutely hated...well, I pretty much love it. I am definitely not taking my unemployment status for granted. Today, I went to Joe's office and met the people he works with and then we went for Thai food for lunch. I also got a bike! Now we can ride the Prairie Path and I'm quite excited about it. Picking out a bike was a much easier decision than I'd anticipated. I don't expect to be the next Lance Armstrong. In fact, my only requirement was that the bike have a VERY large cushiony seat. And, well, this was the biggest seat at the bike shop. (Yes, that's my bike pictured.) I'm imaging a big basket on the front of the bike. What do you think? After the bike shopping, I went for a massage...ahhh. What a great day!!

Eventful Weekend

Our current landlord is trying to sell our house which means that not only does it need to be clean but Joe, Crumley, Iris and I need to be gone while he's showing it. He showed it several times over the weekend and we had company! I hope it sells sooner rather than later because the thought of packing and keeping my house clean at the same time is already stressing me out.

Also this weekend, my parents came to visit. I think the drive stressed my mom out a little but they arrived and we spent most of the weekend just hanging out. Saturday night we went to Terrie and Kirk's house for dinner and had a wonderful visit. They are always so hospitable.

(Back row: Joe, Amy, Kirk, Declan. Front row: Dad, Mom and Terrie. Adam was our photographer.)

I'll Be Loving You Forever

Friday night, Kamilah and I went to see NKOTB. I was, once again, transported back to the late 80s and I loved every minute of it. Don't tell my husband but I think I not-so-secretly want to follow the boys around the country from show to show. Is it possible that my school girl crush for this boy band could still be going strong after all this time?

Donnie - the original "bad boy" and my favorite New Kid.
One of the main differences between then and now is that the wardrobe now is so much better...but the synchronized dancing? It only gets better with time.

Kamilah and I before the show. The girls in front of us were squealing about how they have been loving the "boys" since they were 4-years-old. Four years? Really...geesh! We are still old ladies loving them since we were in middle school.

Cranberry scones

Decided to make cranberry scones today. This is my first attempt at scones and I'm pleased to report, they don't look or taste half bad.

2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup cream
1 egg, beaten
1 cup cranberries

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix well. Cut in butter and shortening. In a separate bowl, combine cream with beaten egg then add to dry ingredients. Stir in cranberries and mix until well blended. Turn dough out onto floured surface. Roll dough out about one half inch thick and cut into biscuit-sized rounds. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until brown.

Menu Plan Monday

With such busy schedules these days, our meals together at home continue to be few and far between but this weekend we're having company so that also means homemade quiche, butterscotch rolls and I'm going to try out a new fig and olive tapenade.

Monday: Joe working late
Tuesday: meatloaf, mashed potatoes and peas
Wednesday/Thursday: Joe at class
Friday: lasagna, salad and garlic bread

Wedding Weekend - Day Two

Wild flowers, homemade apple butter, fried chicken, fresh pies and sangria - Saturday was Natalie's wedding in New Haven, MO.

Natalie (or Natterbug as I like to say) and Ben dancing their first dance.


Me and Nat. Was I crying or just sweaty? I'll never tell!

One of the many homemade pies her mother made for the big day.

Last summer, Natalie, Ben and her family went to Kentucky to make and can apple butter. Every guest received their very own jar made with love.

The top of every jar featured an embroidered "L"

Our self-portrait

More pies
Three fantastic musical acts but the main band featured Motown hits and they were awesome!!

Wedding Weekend - Day One

I dubbed this as the wedding weekend because Joe and I headed to Missouri for two weddings. First was Sara's wedding on Friday night.

The bride and me

My friend Amber and I strike a pose

Sara and Doug cutting the cake

My husband and I pose for a snapshot

A Slice of Pi

Most of you know by now that my husband is a pizza fanatic and an embarrassing amount of meals are spent eating this food. So when our Chicagoan President announced that his favorite deep dish pizza wasn't actually from Chicago but from St. Louis, my husband knew immediately that he had to investigate for himself. So today, coming home from our trip to Missouri, we stopped in St. Louis to try it for ourselves. I'm not a huge fan of deep dish and prefer thin crust but I'll have to say that I found the toppings and taste of the crust to be a refreshing variation. I think it's safe to say, we'll be back again.

A few thoughts about creativity

One of the things Joe and I have found very interesting about where we live are all the local businesses, much of which are very unique. For instance, there are only a hand full of typewriter repair shops left in the entire country and one of them is in Chicago. We have actually seen multiple acordian repair shops and I recently read a story about the hatmaker who made the hats for the new "Public Enemies" movie. This store is just a few miles from where we live and one of the last traditional hat stores in the world.

There are so many unique talents out there and, at the same time, so many lost/dying arts. When I was growing up, it seemed like there were lots of moms making clothes for their kids (my mom included) but that isn't so common anymore. I know just a few people my age who can actually sew. And, yes, often times it seems much easier and less expensive to just buy something rather than make it. But I often wish I had some sort of creative talent. Something to hold onto. A creative skill. A trade. I think I've mentioned it before but Joe's Aunt Judy is an expert quiltmaker and his Uncle Jim does amazing woodwork and is also a glassmaker. Wow. I admire the talent and the art. And usually when I see Cristin's work, whatever it may be, I'm just blown away by the process, the detail and the ability. It's really something to admire.

No, I don't think I'll join the world of hatmaking or become a repair woman anytime soon but, at the same time, there is something very appealing about making or fixing something with your own two hands. Maybe this is why I have enjoyed cooking so much. I like creating something and seeing the end result. And, yes, I guess I have felt that way about marketing, too, when I can stand back and see what I've helped to create or shape. Anyway, just wanted to share. Feeling almost like I need to explore a new hobby! Until then, I will keep reading Martha Stewart and keep dreaming.

Lunch Date

I got to have lunch with Jan today! Jan is a former Columbian who now lives in Nashville and was in town on business just for the day. It's fun to live in such a "hot spot"!

Menu Plan Monday

I hardly call this a menu plan for the week but we're going to be out of town this week so there's not much cooking to do.

Monday: blackened salmon, corn on the cob and salad
Tuesday: linguine with fresh tomato sauce, salad and bread
Wednesday/Thursday: Joe at class
Friday-Sunday: Out of town

Moving

Joe and I signed a lease today on a townhouse about two miles from his job. We move in around August 1. I really like the area so I'm excited about the move. We will officially be suburbanites! We also went to the nearby dogpark to check things out for Crumley and Iris. I think they are going to love it. Now, we just have lots of packing to start on and about a million other things!

Granola Girl

After last week's cake, I decided maybe I should try my hand at something a little healthier so yesterday I made granola bars. The recipe comes from the Barefoot Contessa's latest book. They were a little hard for me to cut into bars without falling apart (maybe I should have let them set longer) but they are very good!

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8x12 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots and cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers (or spoon!) and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Menu Plan Monday

I'm back! Joe has class on Wednesday and Thursday nights so we don't really have a planned meal on those nights as he basically goes straight from work to class. Here's what we're having the rest of the week.

Monday: Vegetable Moussaka
Tuesday: Nichole's Indian Butter Chicken and rice
Wednesday & Thursday: Joe's at class
Friday: Cheese Ravioli and sauce
Saturday/Sunday: Crockpot chicken with potatoes, peas and cream sauce

Sick as a Dog

Warning: This post may not be for sensitive stomaches.

I'm a fairly new dog-mom and I have a sick "child." We noticed Crumley was having some bathroom issues a couple days ago and then we woke up at 4 am to a lot of vomitting and a little blood. I sat with him at the vet's office this morning for over an hour and a half waiting on test results. His vitals seemed okay. We did a stool sample and that was okay, too, despite more blood. Then we did x-rays. Nothing. So finally a whole lotta blood work. That all seemed normal, too. So Crumley got a shot and now we're home with a special prescription dog food and three different kinds of meds. He's not to eat or drink anything at all today so I can't disquise the pills in food. I have crammed my little hand down his throat so many times and every time I think the pill has surely made it's way all the way down, he spits it out. I'm not sure what to do. Crumley is exhausted. I'm exhausted. And I hope our little big guy is okay.

Marla and Tony

Our friends Marla and Tony were in town this weekend from Columbia for the World Cup qualifiers. (Tony is the one who introduced Joe and me.) Fortunately we were able to all get together tonight for dinner. I had such a great time seeing them!

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

I've barely seen my husband this week. His new job, combined with a commute, and classes two nights a week has keep him very busy. But last night we planned a date - we saw Mary Poppins! It was a fun show. Mostly, I was impressed by the amazing sets, beautiful costumes and the stunts. Today we get back to the busy routine. Joe has a lot of homework and I have a very messy closet to clean out. Yuck.

A Cookies and Cream Kind of Day

My friend Laura recently made this cake. It looked so good so I decided that it would be my very first DH project (DH = Deseperate Housewife). It's far from perfect. The top layer was a little too crumbly and I ran out of frosting as I was icing the sides but it still looks okay and if it tastes okay - even better! Here's the recipe.

Right up my alley

My Last Day

Well, I finally made it! Today was my last day at work...I mostly just feel relieved but it was still a little weird to leave for the last time knowing I wouldn't be back. All the signs have been there that I have made the right decision. (Call me crazy but I think what I will miss the most are the girls at the train station Starbucks who always knew what I wanted before I even ordered.) Next up, house/apartment/condo hunting in the western suburbs. And until the right fit comes along, I will have cooking to do, desserts to master, games of Scrabble to play and eventually a house to pack.

Mmm...chocolate

My husband started HIS new job today but he brought ME home a box of Godiva chocolates. *swoon*

Weekend Adventures

Monica and I enjoying the scenery at the Signature Room on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building.

Monica came to visit over the weekend and we had a great time. Friday night we went to see Up with Joe. I have been waiting for this movie to come out for months. (The last time I was anxious about seeing a movie was Sex and the City...not really the same genre.) I like Pixar films but don't necessarily get around to seeing them all and if I do see them, it's usually not at the theatre. But, months ago, when I heard about Up, I knew this was one movie I couldn't miss. And it didn't disappoint. In fact, I would love to go see it again.

On Saturday, Monica and I went downtown, ate lunch, did some shopping and then went to see Blue Man Group. It's been a great weekend! (P.S. Thanks again from the frozen Shakespeare's, Monica!)

Grandma's Outing

My grandma loves the Cardinals so it was quite an exciting day for her last weekend when my Uncle Jeff, Aunt Cindy and Cousin Caleb took her to St. Louis to watch a game. She has now been to all three St. Louis baseball stadiums throughout history. Here are some pictures from her weekend.

My 88 year-old grandma at the Cardinals game

Grandma and Caleb

Joe's blog

If you're interested, my husband has a new blog.

Science and Industry

Today Joe and I went to the Museum of Science and Industry. It's the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere and I was completely blown away by how impressive the museum is in size and detail. Our main reason for going was to see the Harry Potter Exhibit. (I haven't read any of the books or seen the movies but my husband is a huge fan.) This special exhibit showcased costumes and props from the movies. It was very well done and just being a movie buff made me completely fascinated by all the detail of the costumes and artifacts. (Unfortunately, we couldn't take pictures during this exhibit.)

U-505 Submarine - the only German U-boat in the United States.
Joe standing in front of the Pioneer Zephyr.

The baby chick hatchery was one of my favorite stops.

More change

I've become a real blog-slacker lately. The most significant news here is that I gave my notice at my job this past week. For obvious reasons, I try to make a habit of not talking too specifically about work on my blog but I'll make the exception here.

I have a history of loving my work and loving the people I work with who always end up like a second family to me. After about the first week or two I knew this job was wrong for me. I was surrounded by a sea of cubicles but rarely would anyone speak to me. I have been feeling a real disconnect with the people but even more of a disconnect with the work. It just wasn't exactly what I thought it would be or should be. I shared some of my concerns at my three-month evaluation only things didn't seem to change. I also recently found out that I had been mis-paid and after bringing that concern to my boss, he didn't try to make it right. Then this week I read an email that I wasn't supposed to read...you know the drill. You get copied on an email and you go back to read the chain and find a disparaging remark about yourself. Not cool. It was the final straw for me in an already unhappy situation. So I made the decision to leave.

I was asked to apply for another position with the company on the same floor. I've been mulling it over for the past few days but I honestly think that the situation would be a little too awkward for me and I also am not convinced that I'll be that much happier with the work. I think I'm going to pass.

So here I am, at the same place I was a few months ago. I am trying to figure out what's the next step for me. I've been thinking about graduate school or just searching for another full-time position that seems like a better fit (although those positions are scarce in this economy) or both. I feel like I know exactly what I want to do, if I can just do it.

So, yeah, lots of changes once again. But I'm ready to just hang out for a few days, enjoy the long weekend and leave all of that behind for awhile.

Weekend visit

Cathy, Bryon and Adyson came to visit this weekend. We had hopes of going to the zoo but the rainy weather botched our plans so we spent Friday indoors at Shedd Aquarium and went out for Chicago-style pizza. Saturday we went to Navy Pier and Ed Debevic's. It's been a fun weekend. Now I'm staring down what looks like a couple weeks worth of laundry! Yikes.

Cathy and me sitting on a "couch" at Navy Pier with Bob Newhart as Dr. Bob Hartley.

Adyson at Ed Debevic's. She loved the singing and dancing.

Bryon and Cathy at Gino's East.

Cathy and Adyson at Shedd Aquarium.

Public service announcement...

My husband made his blog "private" recently. So if you have been reading Joe's blog and haven't been added as an invited reader just let me know and he'll get you added. I will also note this means if you use an RSS feed I don't think it will show up; you will have to check in the old fashioned way.

Weekend Recap

As I predicted, it's been a busy but very fun weekend. We've enjoyed having Joe's mom and brother here visiting. Tom just left for the airport and Jo Ann leaves in the morning. Yesterday we walked ALL OVER downtown, we went to the top of the Sears Tower, went to Millennium Park (the picture is with Joe and his mom at the park), Billy Goat Tavern and finally to a delicious dinner at Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill. So good that I can't wait to go back! And today we had a nice brunch. It's been fun playing tourist and tour guide.

Weekend

Joe and I will have a busy weekend ahead of us. His mom and brother come in town today for a visit. His mom was supposed to be here by now but her flight has been delayed all over the place and now she'll get in very late. This means she'll miss the Second City show we're seeing and dinner. (This happened the last time she visited, too.) I have lasagna, bread and salad all ready to go...and a cheesecake to nibble on this weekend. I feel like we have a LOT of plans that revolve around food but what's new. Also, I can't believe I've failed to mention it but my husband has a great new job. He starts on June 1. Just got the word on Monday. We'll still be here but we may eventually look for a place to live out in the suburbs to be closer to his work...have I mentioned how much I hate moving?? Yup, pretty sure I have. But I always need an excuse to clean out closets and purge.

Update: Joe's mom is now supposed to get in a little earlier than I thought and may be able to make part of the show!

Jenny

Ellen, Jenny and me.
Jenny and I hugging at her 21st birthday celebration.

Today is May 4. It’s been 10 years since my friend Jenny died in a car accident. I asked her sister, Susan if I could write about her. Even after all this time, I miss her dearly.

I will never forget where I was when I heard the news. I was working at my college internship at a local hospital and we were in the middle of a tv interview when one of the reporters got a cell phone call that there had been a fatal accident on US Hwy 61. My heart sank. It was the same road that I, and several of my hometown friends, traveled every day to college. Typically, I would have gone straight to school after my internship but that day was different. Something in my gut told me to go home. When I pulled in the driveway, my mom was waiting for me.

Nine days earlier, I had celebrated Jenny’s 21st birthday with her. It was the very last time I saw her. We had exchanged phone calls and emails but life was busy and even though we lived in the same town and went to the same college, we hadn’t quite been able to connect for that week since. I am so grateful that I have such a wonderful last memory of spending her birthday celebrating with her.

Jenny was majoring in early childhood education and she often babysat for two special needs children. She had such a kind heart and was so genuine and carefree. She touched many lives through her teaching and love for children.

We loved to watch movies together, listen to Tori Amos, go shopping for the latest cds and of course we went to parties! We also LOVED to watch Dawson's Creek and even did homework together...although I don't think either one of us did much studying, mostly it was just talking. We went to see Titanic - a lot. (I saw it 3 times but I know she saw it even more than that!) She had so many friends and so much fun.

Jenny was an amazing friend and I’m so blessed to have known her. Susan said she often wonders what Jenny would be like today and I have to wonder the same thing. She was so young when she died and was just starting her adult life at twenty-one...I suspect she would be very happy - I can't think of Jenny without thinking of her big smile. And though I think of her often, I am especially thinking of her and her family today.

Anniversary celebration

Thursday night Joe and I went to dinner with Terrie and Kirk. (Terrie is my mom's first cousin.) We were celebrating their anniversary. 26 years ago, I was their flower girl! Fantastic dinner (also happened to be at the location of the Obama's Valentine's Day dinner this year) and great company. Happy Anniversary!

Tidbits

A suspected case of swine flu has closed a Chicago school. It's enough to make me not want to leave the house until this is over.

This article in the newspaper yesterday made me smile. The world might be a happier place with more Mr. T appearances. Can't someone give him a reality show?

Cousins

I mentioned after my cousin Lea passed away that I had been looking at old photo albums and would eventually like to post some pictures of us as kids. Here are just a couple. Makes me want to archive all the old pictures and put them on cds. Unfortunately, the pictures didn't easily come out of the albums.
This is a family favorite. We were all dressed in red and yellow (or off-white) but don't you love how those 70s pictures are all discolored now so the entire thing just looks red? (Clockwise: Cathy, Sue, Amy, Shawn and Lea)

This one is circa 1984 at my grandparents' house. (Left to right from back to front is: Cathy, Grandpa Miller, Shawn, Sue, Amy and Lea.)

Weekend

Joe and I saw my parents this weekend and went to my cousin, Brandon's wedding. (Brandon is my cousin on my dad's side.) It was good to see family and this morning we went to see my grandma before making our way back home. It only takes 4 1/2 to 5 hours to get to my hometown but it just seems like such a long car ride! One of the best parts of the car ride was listening to one of David Sedaris' books on cd. I love him! And I am glad to report that Joe has almost all of his stuff on audio so this will be something to look forward to with future car rides.

Adyson at the wedding reception. She liked putting the napkin over her face and being the source of our amusement.

Adyson and my mom this morning. Her dress is a recent purchase from Aunt Amy and Uncle Joe.

Finally...

I took this photo of the tree in our backyard a few days ago. Around that time I also mentioned to Joe that I wanted to plant some flowers in front of our house where just old mulch and dirt exists. He told me if I was just patient that some plants would pop up soon. I didn't believe him. But low and behold, we were leaving the house tonight and I saw green plants coming up from the ground. It's Spring!! Flowers are in bloom! I thought it would never happen. The weather is beautiful today. Beautiful!

Sisterhood

I like to write. I have kept a journal off and on for most of my life. I used to send mass emails out to my friends whenever something funny would happen to me and then I discovered blogging. Most of the time I feel like I have nothing of importance to say but I love blogging. It gives me something to do, it allows me to write and be creative (sometimes!) and keeps my friends and family updated on my latest misadventures (or is that MSadventures or MRSadventures?). Anyway, without further adieu, today I received a blog award from Jen. (I’m feeling the love, Jen!) So now, it’s my turn to pass it along.

Here are the guidelines for this award:

Put the logo on your blog or post.

Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude and/or gratitude.

Be sure to link to your nominees in your post.

Let your nominees know they have received the award by leaving them a comment on their blog.
Be sure to link this post to the person who nominated you for the award.

Here are my nominations:

1. Nichole from Esmon dot net

2. Jeni from Peace and Carrots

3. Cristin from Mumma Baby

4. Alison from Musings of an Accident Prone Chicagoan

5. Sandi from The Wayfaring Stranger

6. Rachel from Rach’s

7. Laura from Prettykitty03

8. Shayla from The Smith Bunch

9. Dorian from Dorian’s Days

10. Becky from Busy Building Cathedrals

The results are in

I got to review my spine x-rays today and they showed a lot of neck damage. The doctor said it could only be caused by a traumatic accident. It HAD to have been caused by falling down my friend, Micah's stairs when she lived at an apartment several years ago. (The carpeting on the stairs wasn't tacked down and as I was leaving I fell and landed head first after tumbling down about 20 stairs.) If the damage is not taken care of it just gets worse...this is where herniated and bulging discs come in. The neck damage could also attribute to digestive problems (ahem). So we're working to correct the problem which is going to mean adjustments, therapy and massages for 3 times a week for the next 10-12 weeks. He said my damage is such that it could actually take longer. After 24 therapy sessions, more x-rays to see where we're at.

Getting "Wii" Fit

After visiting the chiropractor, it sounds like the curvature of my spine is pretty bad. And I had some xrays taken to make sure there's nothing more severe going on but don't have those results yet. (I knew it wasn't good when I got asked more than once if I'd been in an automobile accident or had any known spinal injuries.) Likely this will mean lots of chiropractic care in the future and I was told I'm supposed to be doing a lot more yoga and pilates. So Joe and I picked up a Wii Fit. We were going to get one anyway and this was a good excuse to do it sooner than later. So far, I'm really impressed. And I was definitely breaking a sweat following the routines. The interactive part just makes it much more fun than doing a standard exercise DVD and I like how it tracks your progress, although I didn't like seeing my weight or BMI on the screen - yikes! I hope this is the motivation I need to be more diligent about getting in shape and taking better care of my back!

A Splendid Saturday

Joe and I had a great time tonight with our friends, Sean and Lori from Columbia. We went to Gino's East for pizza and then on to Millennium Park and to Buckingham Fountain. And the weather was perfect today! Finally I broke out my flipflops!

Random

Joe and I went out to a local place for pizza last night. He had been there before, I had not. We ordered a pepperoni pizza with garlic on half. He likes garlic on his pizza, I do not. This has never been a problem for us before. I eat my half, he eats his half. The waitress comes back to the table with our pizza and it all looks the same so Joe asks which side the garlic is on. She literally puts it all the way up to her nose to smell in order to determine which side (I'm telling you - her nose was in our pizza) and then she makes a judgment based on smell. And when doing so, fingers our pizza to point it out. It was the craziest experience ever. Then it turns out that there was garlic all over the pizza but they only used half as much. There was no rhyme or reason but it seemed to be on almost every other piece but not every piece. Since when does asking for half a pizza with a certain topping mean half as much? That's it. Just venting. File under random.

Normal

I went to happy hour tonight with some people from work. I mention this only because I have worked at my job for about three months and there are only about two people who ever talk to me. (One of those people invited me tonight.) It's been an adjustment from what I'm used to. I almost didn't go because I knew I wouldn't know anyone but I'm glad I went. Made me miss all the happy hours with my girlfriends and work friends from back home. But I met some cool people and realized it was a big step for "the new girl."

My life has been transformed

I took the plunge. I am now the proud new owner of a smartphone! (A Blackberry to be exact.) I have wanted one for awhile and then the boredom of train commuting made me want one even more. Then my phone started literally falling apart. Then I got a coupon in the mail for a really good deal and the rest was history. I'm not going to lie, I still don't know all the ins and outs. And before I was able to text at lightening speed but this new keyboard makes me seriously slow. Otherwise, I think I'm going to love it. Oh, yeah, I guess I could have just wrote this post from my phone, right?

Just that kind of day

I've been suffering from back pain and muscle spasms for at least a couple weeks now. I am awakened usually at least once a night from back spasms and aches and pains and sometimes it just hurts to breathe. So I make an appointment...only I can't get in for awhile. So I wait. Patiently. Today was my appointment - finally. It is quite an ordeal compared to what I'm used to because I have to catch an earlier train, leave work, etc. I rush to my appointment, get to the door and it's locked. Finally someone comes to the door and just tells me nonchalantly, "We're closed." Um, no you're not. I have an appointment. "Oh, yeah, our doctor had an emergency and had to cancel." They claimed to not have my number but since I was a new patient I just gave them my number when I called last week along with every other piece of new patient information possible. I was beyond angry. Not only did these clowns waste my time but now I have to suffer the pain a while longer and take off work again. Argh. It's seriously just been one of those days. And, of course, they didn't understand why I just couldn't come back tomorrow. So now I wait some more...

On another note, I'm thinking about freezer meals. Maybe making something extra on the weekend to stick in the freezer and pull out at a moment's notice during the week. Does anyone do this and what do you recommend?

Mom

Mom is having laser eye surgery (SLP for glaucoma) tomorrow...they do one eye tomorrow and then the other eye a week from tomorrow. I don't know much about the procedure but I do know she can drive afterwards which sounds impressive. I'm sure she's ready to stop having surgeries and procedures but I'm glad she's keeping on top of her health.

One hundred and five

Today I'm wishing my Great Aunt Grace a happy 105th birthday. Aunt Grace went into the nursing home shortly after her birthday last year and now she may or may not know us at times but she is still a much treasured and much loved family member. Happy birthday, Aunt Grace!

Chicken and Sugar Snap Pea Curry

I'm a big fan of curry so tonight I tried a recipe from this week's food section in the newspaper. Turned out well so I thought I'd share.

Chicken and Sugar Snap Pea Curry

SAUCE
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 cup onion, diced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

CHICKEN
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 cups fresh sugar snap peas

For sauce: In medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm canola oil. Add onion, curry powder, chili powder, jalapeno pepper and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent (about 4 minutes). Add drained tomatoes, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium high and bring mixture to a boil; lower heat to simmer and cook until sauce has thickened (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

For chicken: Add canola oil to a wok or stir-fry pan and place over high heat. When oil is hot, add chicken slices and coriander, stirring constantly. Cook chicken until almost done (about 5 to 7 minutes) and add sugar snap peas. Continue to cook, stirring, 3 minutes.

Combine chicken and curry sauce mixture; simmer 3 to 5 minutes to blend flavors. Serve over rice.

Munch

Joe and I went to the Art Institute this afternoon to see the Edvard Munch exhibit. I think I had just expected to see lots of oil paintings and was surprised by how many lithographs and woodcuts he did. My friend Laura just went a couple days ago and said it was different than she expected. I think it was different than I expected, too, but I'm not really sure what I mean by that. Some of the work seemed very "Scream-like" and some seemed so vastly different. There were also lots of redheads featured in his work...maybe I'm the only one who noticed that? Anyway, like Laura, it wasn't my favorite exhibit but it was a good way to spend a cold, wet Sunday afternoon.

Saturday Stuff

Joe and I have been debating something very serious since before we got married - XBox 360 or Nintendo Wii? He wanted the 360 and I said if we got a Wii I'd use it, too. This discussion has just been ongoing. But last night we decided to go for the Wii. We got it hooked up pretty late so have been playing this morning. The dogs think we are crazy.

Also I am so excited that The Tigers are in the Elite 8. Up until now, I haven't seen any of their games on tv (just online) because they never show MU games here. Our local station keeps electing to play a different game at the same time...that's something I just always took for granted before. But today, I finally get to see the game on tv. I don't even care that my bracket is a mess. Go Tigers!!