You know how you feel when you can tell the weather's about to change (again), but it's just not there yet? Enter allergies and what could possibly be the beginning of bronchitis. Oh joy. I got so good at having bronchitis as a teenager, I could tell my doctor I had it prior to him listening to my crackles. In fact, my old family doctor can listen to me cough over the phone and call in antibiotics. I'm THAT good at bronchitis.
Today seriously just seemed like the longest day ever, and I know I have it easy. I just wanted to get home, and go pick up my boys. That's all. The commute home, even at 2:00 in the afternoon, seemed to take forever. Of course, I didn't just go straight home... I had to find a curtain rod for my bedroom so my mom could come over tonight and help me hang curtains. Then, I had to go to Cosco and sign up for a membership so I could get B the beef jerky he likes the most.
Here's the deal with B: He used to LOVE turkey sandwiches, especially from Subway. I guess he got tired of them, because now he typically refuses turkey unless it's "Thanksgiving" turkey. He has recently become a really picky eater, to the point where he doesn't want any kind of meat of protein for lunch. He's allergic to nuts, so peanut butter is out, and he only likes one type of "B" butter, which I can't find anywhere. I don't even know what it's called, just what the label looks like. And when I say he likes it, I mean he claims to like it, then only eats small amounts. I think just having it around is the majority of the appeal.
Anyway, his stepmother and I are trying to collaborate to figure out what we could possibly send him to eat in his lunch that is both delicious (his requirement) and includes protein/nutrition (our requirement). He's taken beef jerky in his lunch from time to time, so I thought we'd give it a try. Here's hoping it works... The boy would live on grapes, strawberries, and baby carrots if we'd let him, and I'm thrilled he likes to eat healthy food, but the boy's a string bean. He needs some MEAT!
N is my good eater. He's a brave soul. His dad has taught him to try anything once, and for the most part, N will. If he smells it ahead of time, sometimes he backs out, but for the most part he's game for almost anything. We were talking about random things we could put in lunches for school because B's lunch is at the ridiculously early hour of 10:30 and N's isn't until 1:00. I jokingly said I should start sending B breakfast for lunch, and N requested breakfast burritos in his lunch tomorrow. I've created two monsters!
I promise today is Monday 2.0 for me, and I can't think of anything I'd rather do than go to bed right this minute...as soon as I finish the laundry. Being the only grown-up in the house is such a joy. Actually, it is!
Aubs
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Strength through tragedy
This morning, I was on my way to work like any other day...when the text messages started. The first was from my mom, saying I should look at one of the local news stations because there was a story about a boy from Coppell, and the boys would probably hear about it. I won't lie: I immediately thought, "Oh great...what's someone done now?" I never even considered how sad it would be.
But first, let me backpedal a little. My sister was just in town a few weeks ago for her 10 year high school reunion. She had a great time, but each time she would point someone out to her husband, she would find herself saying, "Oh that's ____________. His/her ____________" and complete the sentence with some sort of tragedy that struck them or their family or the community. When we were talking about it before they headed home, we both agreed that there has been a lot of sadness associated with Coppell High School. Sadness doesn't consume this community, far from it, but especially in high school, there has been more than enough tragedy.
When I was a Sophomore or Junior, two brothers (one who was in middle school with my sister and one in high school with me) were killed in a head-on collision coming home from their parents' store. That was our first real brush with death...at least with death that wasn't an elderly relative. It rocked our community, because it wasn't just one young, innocent life taken, but two in the same family. When I was a senior, one of the friendliest guys I knew died unexpectedly. He had made a serious effort to turn his life around, and in a moment of weakness, lost his life. His brother was my sister's age, and we all felt that one. There wasn't enough room for all of us wanting to pay our respects at the funeral. The crowd literally spilled outside and heard the memorial via speakers.
Sunday, one of the star athletes on the football team, a 17 year-old Senior, went cliff jumping with some friends at Possum Kingdom Lake. He jumped, apparently resurfaced once very briefly (there's some discrepancy here) and then never resurfaced. That in and of itself is tragic, but our community is strong, and what happened afterwards makes my eyes fill up with tears.
Posts started popping up everywhere via Facebook and Twitter. An impromptu vigil was held on the football field at Coppell High School, where well over a hundred people gathered to pray and be there for each other and console one another. As most locals know, Coppell's biggest rival has always been the Southlake Carroll Dragons, and when they heard about this accident, the team members came to our house, our field, and in what can only be described as a true testament of solidarity and good sportsmanship, rallied around their opponents to show them that they weren't alone in their sadness. How can that not give anyone chills?
They resumed searching for this boy this morning, but have yet to find him. While I don't know the boy or his family, I know Coppell. The strength of this community is unmatched. Tragedy strikes time and time again, and the community never fails to come together, lifting up those who are hurting in prayer and supporting them as long as they need. Nobody feels alone in their sorrow here; there's always someone who is more than willing to shoulder some of the burden. His family is a pillar of strength during this heartbreaking time, and I know that even if they did begin to crumble, they would be lifted up...even higher than they were on their own because that's just how it works in Coppell. This whole tragic accident just further reminds me that we do not need to question God and His decisions, but rather find solace in knowing that God not only has a plan, but that we've been a part of it since before we even existed, and we just need to continue to trust in Him.
Lots of heavy hearts in Coppell tonight, but the solidarity is truly astonishing. A young life taken far too soon, a family being lifted up by those they know and those they don't, and a community that comes together in the face of tragedy without fail, no matter what makes Coppell what it is: a family.
Aubs
But first, let me backpedal a little. My sister was just in town a few weeks ago for her 10 year high school reunion. She had a great time, but each time she would point someone out to her husband, she would find herself saying, "Oh that's ____________. His/her ____________" and complete the sentence with some sort of tragedy that struck them or their family or the community. When we were talking about it before they headed home, we both agreed that there has been a lot of sadness associated with Coppell High School. Sadness doesn't consume this community, far from it, but especially in high school, there has been more than enough tragedy.
When I was a Sophomore or Junior, two brothers (one who was in middle school with my sister and one in high school with me) were killed in a head-on collision coming home from their parents' store. That was our first real brush with death...at least with death that wasn't an elderly relative. It rocked our community, because it wasn't just one young, innocent life taken, but two in the same family. When I was a senior, one of the friendliest guys I knew died unexpectedly. He had made a serious effort to turn his life around, and in a moment of weakness, lost his life. His brother was my sister's age, and we all felt that one. There wasn't enough room for all of us wanting to pay our respects at the funeral. The crowd literally spilled outside and heard the memorial via speakers.
Sunday, one of the star athletes on the football team, a 17 year-old Senior, went cliff jumping with some friends at Possum Kingdom Lake. He jumped, apparently resurfaced once very briefly (there's some discrepancy here) and then never resurfaced. That in and of itself is tragic, but our community is strong, and what happened afterwards makes my eyes fill up with tears.
Posts started popping up everywhere via Facebook and Twitter. An impromptu vigil was held on the football field at Coppell High School, where well over a hundred people gathered to pray and be there for each other and console one another. As most locals know, Coppell's biggest rival has always been the Southlake Carroll Dragons, and when they heard about this accident, the team members came to our house, our field, and in what can only be described as a true testament of solidarity and good sportsmanship, rallied around their opponents to show them that they weren't alone in their sadness. How can that not give anyone chills?
They resumed searching for this boy this morning, but have yet to find him. While I don't know the boy or his family, I know Coppell. The strength of this community is unmatched. Tragedy strikes time and time again, and the community never fails to come together, lifting up those who are hurting in prayer and supporting them as long as they need. Nobody feels alone in their sorrow here; there's always someone who is more than willing to shoulder some of the burden. His family is a pillar of strength during this heartbreaking time, and I know that even if they did begin to crumble, they would be lifted up...even higher than they were on their own because that's just how it works in Coppell. This whole tragic accident just further reminds me that we do not need to question God and His decisions, but rather find solace in knowing that God not only has a plan, but that we've been a part of it since before we even existed, and we just need to continue to trust in Him.
Lots of heavy hearts in Coppell tonight, but the solidarity is truly astonishing. A young life taken far too soon, a family being lifted up by those they know and those they don't, and a community that comes together in the face of tragedy without fail, no matter what makes Coppell what it is: a family.
Aubs
Sunday, October 14, 2012
It's curtains for you
I live really close to a highway. Like, a stone's throw. My bedroom has a lot of highway noise, which is soothing white noise when I'm exhausted and trying to fall asleep. My room also lets in a ridiculous amount of light...and I can't sleep in, even if I try. Again, this is helpful if I need to wake up early, but on my first weekend not having class and being able to sleep in, I was not appreciative of the sun telling me good morning before 8:00.
I've said I need to put curtains up since I moved in a few months ago, but I didn't want to until I figured out how I intended to decorate. Now that I have a general idea, I bit the bullet today and snagged some curtains from IKEA. I think I'm going to need more... This window is a whole lot bigger than I thought it was. When I finally get them hung, I know my room will be a calming, relaxing place to be. Until then, I'm going to gripe when I wake up entirely too early on weekend mornings. Seriously? Not going to bed until super late, only to wake up 4 hours later because the sun is streaming in and (apparently) a lot of road rage on Sunday morning? Not so cool.
I had curtains picked out for the boys too, but when I went to purchase them today, they were no longer available. I hate it when that happens...and it happens all the time. It's so frustrating because then you have this idea in your head of what you want, and you're never fully able to bring your idea to fruition because they no longer exist. I know someone out there feels my pain.
My mom has graciously volunteered to help me hang said curtains. Aubrey and power tools are typically NOT the best idea ever. I get a little over zealous with them, and end up having way too much fun. After a few hours of running around, looking for curtains that no longer exist, I came home and flopped on the couch with my Kindle, where I stayed for at least 2 hours except for when I was transferring laundry from washer to dryer to chair (where I stared at it).
I don't watch television nearly as much as I used to; I just don't seem to have a lot of time for it, but the shows I love are still recording. Let's just say it was completely delightful doing laundry this afternoon. I caught up on some of my favorites, and apparently, I was sort of granted a reprieve since most of them didn't have episodes that aired last week due to debates.
Here's hoping that this is a better week than last week! Can you believe it's already mid-October?! I am so excited about the next few weeks: baseball games (in hopefully cooler weather), scooter rides in the park, the Light the Night walk on October 28, and then...NOVEMBER! November is quite possibly my favorite month of the year. I can't wait to head to Houston to collaborate with my Seester to get my dad's "mancave" ready for its very first Thanksgiving celebration!
Aubs
I've said I need to put curtains up since I moved in a few months ago, but I didn't want to until I figured out how I intended to decorate. Now that I have a general idea, I bit the bullet today and snagged some curtains from IKEA. I think I'm going to need more... This window is a whole lot bigger than I thought it was. When I finally get them hung, I know my room will be a calming, relaxing place to be. Until then, I'm going to gripe when I wake up entirely too early on weekend mornings. Seriously? Not going to bed until super late, only to wake up 4 hours later because the sun is streaming in and (apparently) a lot of road rage on Sunday morning? Not so cool.
I had curtains picked out for the boys too, but when I went to purchase them today, they were no longer available. I hate it when that happens...and it happens all the time. It's so frustrating because then you have this idea in your head of what you want, and you're never fully able to bring your idea to fruition because they no longer exist. I know someone out there feels my pain.
My mom has graciously volunteered to help me hang said curtains. Aubrey and power tools are typically NOT the best idea ever. I get a little over zealous with them, and end up having way too much fun. After a few hours of running around, looking for curtains that no longer exist, I came home and flopped on the couch with my Kindle, where I stayed for at least 2 hours except for when I was transferring laundry from washer to dryer to chair (where I stared at it).
I don't watch television nearly as much as I used to; I just don't seem to have a lot of time for it, but the shows I love are still recording. Let's just say it was completely delightful doing laundry this afternoon. I caught up on some of my favorites, and apparently, I was sort of granted a reprieve since most of them didn't have episodes that aired last week due to debates.
Here's hoping that this is a better week than last week! Can you believe it's already mid-October?! I am so excited about the next few weeks: baseball games (in hopefully cooler weather), scooter rides in the park, the Light the Night walk on October 28, and then...NOVEMBER! November is quite possibly my favorite month of the year. I can't wait to head to Houston to collaborate with my Seester to get my dad's "mancave" ready for its very first Thanksgiving celebration!
Aubs
The night I met Hello Kitty
After a nail-biter of a ballgame, where my boy got hit (hard) by a pitch right in the bicep, causing me to leap over three rows of bleachers to glue myself to the fence near first base while the coach made sure he was okay (I'm sure he was mortified...), they lost. They came back from a 9-2 deficit to end it 12-11. I was so proud, and I swear. It's more agonizing to watch the game as a parent...especially when the umps are ridiculously biased. Tonight, one of them told our coach that he was on a "thin leash." What in the world is a thin leash? I thought it was thin ice or a short leash. Apparently, the ump had some issues mixing his cliches. Our coach is a really amazing coach, and he can provide some pretty amazing commentary on the sidelines, but the umps were not even remotely fair tonight. I hope we don't end up with them next week.
Anyway, after the game, it was girls night! My friend Angela and I went to meet our friend Chanthala at The Ginger Man to see a band play. They rocked some Journey, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, and Ozzy Osborne. Seriously? It was so fun! I randomly looked over, and saw a man wearing pink, which isn't really that weird...except he was in a Hello Kitty costume. I had to investigate. So, I went over and asked to take a picture of him. He agreed, but only if I was in it with him. The guy who took our picture couldn't seem to make it work, so this is all I ended up with...
He's getting married, so this was part of his bachelor party. That list is a checklist of items he had to complete before the party was over. I assisted with the lipstick necklace, only it was not as dark as they were wanting because I didn't actually have any lipgloss. There were some awesome action shots though, so as soon as I get copies, they'll be posted too. It was quite hilarious!
We were starving though, and since they were a beer only pub, our options were limited. So, off we went to Addison for some drinks and fun! Angela and I got there first and we decided to visit our old hangout: Sherlocks! Then the rain came...and by the time we were ready to leave, it hadn't let up. Let's just say, I totally have to throw away my shoes and I was soaked all the way to my knees. It wasn't my most flattering moment. Still, it was a great time. I can't wait for N's game next week! Here's hoping this week is better than last week!
Aubs
Anyway, after the game, it was girls night! My friend Angela and I went to meet our friend Chanthala at The Ginger Man to see a band play. They rocked some Journey, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, and Ozzy Osborne. Seriously? It was so fun! I randomly looked over, and saw a man wearing pink, which isn't really that weird...except he was in a Hello Kitty costume. I had to investigate. So, I went over and asked to take a picture of him. He agreed, but only if I was in it with him. The guy who took our picture couldn't seem to make it work, so this is all I ended up with...
He's getting married, so this was part of his bachelor party. That list is a checklist of items he had to complete before the party was over. I assisted with the lipstick necklace, only it was not as dark as they were wanting because I didn't actually have any lipgloss. There were some awesome action shots though, so as soon as I get copies, they'll be posted too. It was quite hilarious!
We were starving though, and since they were a beer only pub, our options were limited. So, off we went to Addison for some drinks and fun! Angela and I got there first and we decided to visit our old hangout: Sherlocks! Then the rain came...and by the time we were ready to leave, it hadn't let up. Let's just say, I totally have to throw away my shoes and I was soaked all the way to my knees. It wasn't my most flattering moment. Still, it was a great time. I can't wait for N's game next week! Here's hoping this week is better than last week!
Aubs
Friday, October 12, 2012
Adventures in babysitting
This afternoon, I had a generous streak, and volunteered to watch N's baby brother for his dad so he could get some stuff accomplished. Little E was only over for a couple of hours, but he's a pretty sweet kid. The best part is that I can cuddle with him and act like a total goofball...and then give him back, HOPEFULLY right before he decides to have a dirty diaper. I was successful on all counts.
E & Me
I look forward to the day where he can come over and be entertaining. Babies are cute and all, but he's only 3 months old. He doesn't "do" a whole lot at this stage. We are best pals though...just ask him while I'm in his line of sight. N has to help with his brother a lot when he's at his dad's house, and I think he enjoys it for the most part. It's so refreshing to see him so helpful with little E, because he isn't as sweet and kind to B. I'm sure it's the age difference and the annoyance factor, but it's still frustrating.
Watching E tonight made me think of all of the crazy things I've had happen in the past while babysitting. While I've had some really great babysitting jobs in my life (i.e. babysitting for Brock Marion when he played for the Cowboys and several other Cowboys families), I've also had some pretty crazy times. Once, while babysitting my neighbors (two little boys) they barricaded themselves in the backyard and peed all over the windows. I just laughed. A lot. Their parents left them "lemonade" to drink, but more often than not, they labeled the wrong pitcher and I served them margaritas on more than one occasion. Whoops!
There was a really great family I used to babysit for when I lived in Kansas. Oh, the MacHarts. Their mom is still one of my most favorite people. I love her to pieces, because she rarely uses a filter, and she's never changed. I spent so much time with their family for the few years we were neighbors. There were several babysitting aged girls in our little area, but the MacHart kids and I were mutual favorites.
Now that I look back, I use a lot of the same tactics I used back then with those three. Two girls sandwiched their brother, who was probably my biggest challenge. He had a mean streak, but he was precious. He would get so mad when things wouldn't go his way, and he would narrow his eyes and practically spit while trying to say (in the meanest munchkin voice he could muster) "What me to tear your face off?" It was so hard to NOT laugh at him...even though I was slightly afraid of him at times. The girls were precious: we loved playing games, painting/redecorating with monster paint, and having fashion shows. I spent a lot of time with them, not only at home, but also running around. We went to movies and the pool, ran errands, and honestly, went pretty much everywhere together.
They moved away right before I did, but we still talk. Although the kids were quite small when I babysat them, they still remember me. We're even friends on Facebook! It kind of creeps me out that the baby of the family just turned 21. Time flies...
Overall, they were a breeze compared to some of the kids I've watched more recently. I've had kids who refuse to wear their seatbelts, kids who figure out how to take off the child-lock and open the car door as I'm driving down the highway, and kids who bite/fight/make people bleed. I could go on and on about this all night, but I won't. I'd like to sleep at some point.
In other news, I got a little creative with lollipops this week. Honestly, it's not all that creative, but it will be. It's a work in progress. If you know me, you'll know that I have great ideas in my head, but lack the creative crafty genius to follow through in real life. I originally intended to make lollipop flowers, or maybe a wreath, but instead I just kinda shoved 'em all together. It works for me.
(Side View)
(Aerial shot)
There are all kinds of interesting flavors like mocha latte, cinnamon bun, candy apple, butterscotch sundae, and pink lemonade. N and his friends have been poison checking them for me, and I know B will flip out when he sees them on Monday when he gets home. Oh boy! Thank goodness we're good at brushing our teeth!
Tomorrow N has his first (and only) night game of the season. They'll get to use the ballpark lights, and I can't wait for the game! After that, I'm off for some much needed girl time...where I'll inevitably be convinced to do things I normally wouldn't consider. Until then, I'm watching Jurassic Park with my favorite 10 year-old, and entertaining him with stories of my first time watching this movie when I was a little older than he is now. Man, I was a scaredy cat. Oh wait...I still am!
Aubs
I look forward to the day where he can come over and be entertaining. Babies are cute and all, but he's only 3 months old. He doesn't "do" a whole lot at this stage. We are best pals though...just ask him while I'm in his line of sight. N has to help with his brother a lot when he's at his dad's house, and I think he enjoys it for the most part. It's so refreshing to see him so helpful with little E, because he isn't as sweet and kind to B. I'm sure it's the age difference and the annoyance factor, but it's still frustrating.
Watching E tonight made me think of all of the crazy things I've had happen in the past while babysitting. While I've had some really great babysitting jobs in my life (i.e. babysitting for Brock Marion when he played for the Cowboys and several other Cowboys families), I've also had some pretty crazy times. Once, while babysitting my neighbors (two little boys) they barricaded themselves in the backyard and peed all over the windows. I just laughed. A lot. Their parents left them "lemonade" to drink, but more often than not, they labeled the wrong pitcher and I served them margaritas on more than one occasion. Whoops!
There was a really great family I used to babysit for when I lived in Kansas. Oh, the MacHarts. Their mom is still one of my most favorite people. I love her to pieces, because she rarely uses a filter, and she's never changed. I spent so much time with their family for the few years we were neighbors. There were several babysitting aged girls in our little area, but the MacHart kids and I were mutual favorites.
Now that I look back, I use a lot of the same tactics I used back then with those three. Two girls sandwiched their brother, who was probably my biggest challenge. He had a mean streak, but he was precious. He would get so mad when things wouldn't go his way, and he would narrow his eyes and practically spit while trying to say (in the meanest munchkin voice he could muster) "What me to tear your face off?" It was so hard to NOT laugh at him...even though I was slightly afraid of him at times. The girls were precious: we loved playing games, painting/redecorating with monster paint, and having fashion shows. I spent a lot of time with them, not only at home, but also running around. We went to movies and the pool, ran errands, and honestly, went pretty much everywhere together.
They moved away right before I did, but we still talk. Although the kids were quite small when I babysat them, they still remember me. We're even friends on Facebook! It kind of creeps me out that the baby of the family just turned 21. Time flies...
Overall, they were a breeze compared to some of the kids I've watched more recently. I've had kids who refuse to wear their seatbelts, kids who figure out how to take off the child-lock and open the car door as I'm driving down the highway, and kids who bite/fight/make people bleed. I could go on and on about this all night, but I won't. I'd like to sleep at some point.
In other news, I got a little creative with lollipops this week. Honestly, it's not all that creative, but it will be. It's a work in progress. If you know me, you'll know that I have great ideas in my head, but lack the creative crafty genius to follow through in real life. I originally intended to make lollipop flowers, or maybe a wreath, but instead I just kinda shoved 'em all together. It works for me.
There are all kinds of interesting flavors like mocha latte, cinnamon bun, candy apple, butterscotch sundae, and pink lemonade. N and his friends have been poison checking them for me, and I know B will flip out when he sees them on Monday when he gets home. Oh boy! Thank goodness we're good at brushing our teeth!
Tomorrow N has his first (and only) night game of the season. They'll get to use the ballpark lights, and I can't wait for the game! After that, I'm off for some much needed girl time...where I'll inevitably be convinced to do things I normally wouldn't consider. Until then, I'm watching Jurassic Park with my favorite 10 year-old, and entertaining him with stories of my first time watching this movie when I was a little older than he is now. Man, I was a scaredy cat. Oh wait...I still am!
Aubs
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Random dinner party anyone?
Who randomly decides to invite some of their family over for dinner via text? Me. And the great thing is...some of them actually show up. In fact, I would've been three for three tonight, but one of my cousins had class tonight, so her sister was kind enough to take her leftovers.
I love having people come over for dinner. It's a little something I can do to show people how much I appreciate them just being around. It doesn't take a lot of effort, but being able to provide a home-cooked meal for those that mean the most to me is just something I really don't take for granted...unless they all want something different. Then again, that only happens when both of the boys are home.
Tonight there were four of us for dinner: N, my mom, my pal/cousin, and myself. N dined on grilled cheese, green beans, and clementines. The rest of us had tortilla soup. The key to tortilla soup is to make it a day before you actually want to eat it so the flavors will get all nice and mixy. Mixy is totally a word. Since I got off work earlier than normal, I put it on the stove to reheat/simmer while I baked some delicious treats.
At work, there is currently a "Biggest Loser" contest. Although I was part of the committee that put it together, I opted not to participate, not because I don't feel I would benefit from it (because I would), but because I don't like the way contests make people behave. Let me amend that. I like being competitive. I dislike being conniving and shady. I disagree with putting huge bowls of candy out for contestants and "secretly" leaving treats on their desks that you know they love. It's not the way to play, nor is it the way to win, BUT since I'm not competing, I really don't have any room to talk.
Except for tomorrow. Tomorrow is my friend's birthday, and I made her treats. When I get stressed or bored or anything really, I tend to cook or bake. She knows this, and asked what I would be making her for her birthday. I said, "Cheesecake?" and her face lit up. So, cheesecake it is...and it'll be entertaining to see all the contestants do whatever they can to avoid my cheesecake. It won't work.
Anyway, I set up little bowls full of toppings and (keeping with the Mexican theme) decided to make a sopapilla cheesecake for dessert. That's a quick and easy go-to recipe that is always a crowd-pleaser. It was a delightful evening with my mom and my cousin, full of funny conversation and the little things in life. They left with bags full of leftovers, and I still had a ton left over. Yum! Before leaving, my mom asked when everyone was coming over for dinner again. Anytime, mom...anytime.
Now, if I could shake this start of a cold before it actually turns into something that I'll hate, I'd be in business...
Aubs
Soup Bar: tortilla chips, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado
Sopapilla Cheesecake: It's dangerous, y'all!
I love having people come over for dinner. It's a little something I can do to show people how much I appreciate them just being around. It doesn't take a lot of effort, but being able to provide a home-cooked meal for those that mean the most to me is just something I really don't take for granted...unless they all want something different. Then again, that only happens when both of the boys are home.
Tonight there were four of us for dinner: N, my mom, my pal/cousin, and myself. N dined on grilled cheese, green beans, and clementines. The rest of us had tortilla soup. The key to tortilla soup is to make it a day before you actually want to eat it so the flavors will get all nice and mixy. Mixy is totally a word. Since I got off work earlier than normal, I put it on the stove to reheat/simmer while I baked some delicious treats.
At work, there is currently a "Biggest Loser" contest. Although I was part of the committee that put it together, I opted not to participate, not because I don't feel I would benefit from it (because I would), but because I don't like the way contests make people behave. Let me amend that. I like being competitive. I dislike being conniving and shady. I disagree with putting huge bowls of candy out for contestants and "secretly" leaving treats on their desks that you know they love. It's not the way to play, nor is it the way to win, BUT since I'm not competing, I really don't have any room to talk.
Except for tomorrow. Tomorrow is my friend's birthday, and I made her treats. When I get stressed or bored or anything really, I tend to cook or bake. She knows this, and asked what I would be making her for her birthday. I said, "Cheesecake?" and her face lit up. So, cheesecake it is...and it'll be entertaining to see all the contestants do whatever they can to avoid my cheesecake. It won't work.
Anyway, I set up little bowls full of toppings and (keeping with the Mexican theme) decided to make a sopapilla cheesecake for dessert. That's a quick and easy go-to recipe that is always a crowd-pleaser. It was a delightful evening with my mom and my cousin, full of funny conversation and the little things in life. They left with bags full of leftovers, and I still had a ton left over. Yum! Before leaving, my mom asked when everyone was coming over for dinner again. Anytime, mom...anytime.
Now, if I could shake this start of a cold before it actually turns into something that I'll hate, I'd be in business...
Aubs
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Chicken soup for the soul (and the stomach)
I've been in a funk lately, and it's not really one I can explain. I've kind of been on the edge of a bunch of major decisions, teetering back and forth between staying with what's comfortable and taking a chance. The balancing act is wearing me out, but it's not a decision I can make on my own.
You've probably heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child" and I think that's a pretty accurate statement. I wouldn't be able to be half the parent I am without my village of people who help me when I need it; whether it be helping watch my boys or lending an ear while I vent. I think everyone needs to vent regularly...it seems like single parents need to vent a whole lot more. Think about all the dynamics involved with single parenting. There are rules at your house, the other parent's house, grandparents houses, stepparents, step siblings, new siblings, animals, sports, activities, scheduling conflicts...the list goes on and on. It makes me tired just thinking about it. I deal with each of those issues with both of my boys on a regular basis. It wears me out and runs me down pretty quickly.
Enter: Chicken soup. I am so fortunate to have two great parents and a wonderful sister/brother-in-law. Even though my parents divorced when I was a teenager, they've remained friends. We still do major holidays together, and even birthdays. I realize that's rare, and that makes me sad. Neither of my parents have remarried, but they have a deal to put them at ease during family functions. Neither of them brings a date to said functions unless the other has ample notice. It's not a system that works for everyone, but it works for us. My sister and brother-in-law are such a grounded couple. The love they have for each other is obvious in everything they do, and I'm so thankful that they found each other. While they don't have any kids of their own, they have June, who is a sweet guard dog who does NOT like B. (The feeling is mutual.)
When I need a quick recharge, I can talk to any of them. I tend to gravitate towards my parents, mostly because my sister is usually super busy, but I know if I need any of them, they're there for me. They make me see reason and logic when I'm upset or angry. They validate some of what I say, but make me realize that I might be going a little overboard sometimes. Yes, talking on the phone is all well and good, but sometimes it just isn't enough. And when it isn't, I escape.
My mom lives locally, so I see her at least once a week. I talk to her on the phone almost everyday, even if it's just for a few minutes. She comes to all of the boys' special events that she can, and is amazing when it comes to reorganizing her life so she can be there. This means more to me than I can express. When I need a serious recharge, I go to Houston. I feel like I go a lot. I'm down there at least once or twice a month, and I wish I could go more often. There have been so many times where I haven't even realized I was having a rough time...until my dad opens his door. I can't count how many times I've collapsed into his arms and just felt relieved and safe. That's when the tears come, and crying isn't something I do often.
My family is my chicken soup. They're the magical mixture of ingredients that build me back up when I'm feeling puny. Their words and uncanny knack for showing up are like the broth that makes me stronger. I feel their sincerity and love throughout my body, just like soup warms you from the inside out on a cold day. I'd be lost without them...empty and incomplete. I hope someday my boys will be able to see what a great gift an awesome family unit can be INSTEAD of asking me on a regular basis when they can have a stepdad. Truth? I don't know the answer to than question, and I don't know if that's something that will ever be a reality. It hurts sometimes, and makes me feel like I'm not enough...but I know I am, because I'm part of a pretty amazing village.
Aubs
(Tortilla Soup)
You've probably heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child" and I think that's a pretty accurate statement. I wouldn't be able to be half the parent I am without my village of people who help me when I need it; whether it be helping watch my boys or lending an ear while I vent. I think everyone needs to vent regularly...it seems like single parents need to vent a whole lot more. Think about all the dynamics involved with single parenting. There are rules at your house, the other parent's house, grandparents houses, stepparents, step siblings, new siblings, animals, sports, activities, scheduling conflicts...the list goes on and on. It makes me tired just thinking about it. I deal with each of those issues with both of my boys on a regular basis. It wears me out and runs me down pretty quickly.
Enter: Chicken soup. I am so fortunate to have two great parents and a wonderful sister/brother-in-law. Even though my parents divorced when I was a teenager, they've remained friends. We still do major holidays together, and even birthdays. I realize that's rare, and that makes me sad. Neither of my parents have remarried, but they have a deal to put them at ease during family functions. Neither of them brings a date to said functions unless the other has ample notice. It's not a system that works for everyone, but it works for us. My sister and brother-in-law are such a grounded couple. The love they have for each other is obvious in everything they do, and I'm so thankful that they found each other. While they don't have any kids of their own, they have June, who is a sweet guard dog who does NOT like B. (The feeling is mutual.)
When I need a quick recharge, I can talk to any of them. I tend to gravitate towards my parents, mostly because my sister is usually super busy, but I know if I need any of them, they're there for me. They make me see reason and logic when I'm upset or angry. They validate some of what I say, but make me realize that I might be going a little overboard sometimes. Yes, talking on the phone is all well and good, but sometimes it just isn't enough. And when it isn't, I escape.
My mom lives locally, so I see her at least once a week. I talk to her on the phone almost everyday, even if it's just for a few minutes. She comes to all of the boys' special events that she can, and is amazing when it comes to reorganizing her life so she can be there. This means more to me than I can express. When I need a serious recharge, I go to Houston. I feel like I go a lot. I'm down there at least once or twice a month, and I wish I could go more often. There have been so many times where I haven't even realized I was having a rough time...until my dad opens his door. I can't count how many times I've collapsed into his arms and just felt relieved and safe. That's when the tears come, and crying isn't something I do often.
My family is my chicken soup. They're the magical mixture of ingredients that build me back up when I'm feeling puny. Their words and uncanny knack for showing up are like the broth that makes me stronger. I feel their sincerity and love throughout my body, just like soup warms you from the inside out on a cold day. I'd be lost without them...empty and incomplete. I hope someday my boys will be able to see what a great gift an awesome family unit can be INSTEAD of asking me on a regular basis when they can have a stepdad. Truth? I don't know the answer to than question, and I don't know if that's something that will ever be a reality. It hurts sometimes, and makes me feel like I'm not enough...but I know I am, because I'm part of a pretty amazing village.
Aubs
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