Turns out, I'm just doing my part

It has long amazed me the bad manners rampant in this world.  One of the worst offenses to me are the inevitable child questions.  You know "do you have them?"  "will you have them?"  "why do you only have 1?" Why don't you just ask me how often I sleep with my husband in the carnal sense?  I mean seriously, it is just as personal.  If not more.  I recently lost my temper with a long acquaintance.  The past two times I went to the diner I used to waitress at during college I was asked by the same person about giving my daughter a sibling.  The first time I smiled and refused to answer.  She would have chased me out of the restaurant asking if another customer hadn't come up to pay.  The second time I put my finger in her face and snapped "this is none of your business and I am NOT discussing it."  Super.  Now I'm a crazy person. 

Having children, not having children, how many you have, if you can even have any is one of the most personal decisions a woman can make.  Sometimes the decision is out of our hands, miscarriage, infertility, and so on.  I have friends who have gone to incredible lengths to have children and have had amazing conversations with them on the topic.  I have also had enlightening conversations with women with multiple children.  Quite a few of our friends are childless.  There is one constant.  They are all our friends...period.  Granted, some friends are not child fans, so we do not see as much of them now, 'cause you know, we have one.  But whatever our friends' choices are on that front are not our concern, unless we are invited in.  Not one of my friends have gotten in my face like so many others have about whether Mark and I have "enough" children.  I have it at work, and now, apparently at eating establishments as well.  That's why I love my friends. 

I learned something new today concerning women's choice: turns out, I'm just doing my part to help defuse the population bomb.  I will not go into explanation here where Mark and I are at, because, as mentioned before, I really do not think it is anyone's business.  However, now I can perhaps stump some people or at least get them off topic.  Of course, I have found that the same people who rudely persist are the same that are unable to pick up on your verbal and non-verbal cues that it is time to stop now. (It is? Time to stop now. Mack?...20 points to anyone who gets that movie reference). 

In summary.  I have one child.  I love her like nothing else on this Earth.  I have two nephews and one niece.  I love them to pieces.  I also adore my friends and my friends' children.  I am smitten with my friends who have no children.  I seriously do not believe I'm controlling world population, nor should I.  But I'm still looking for a clever way to get away from the rude questions.  Without crying or yelling at people of course.  For now, I'll just pretend I'm doing my part for the Earth.  Sounds good, right?

Jumper(ing) for Joy

It isn't often that I can be super proud of a sewing creation.  For the most part, I'm just happy that I can sew and it doesn't look like junk.  Once upon a time, I made something that Evie loves and has now begged to have lengthened so she could keep wearing it.  This is me. Insanely happy.

Two years ago, I sewed a really neat jumper for Evie that turned out super cool.  I used Simplicity Project Runway Pattern 2574.  She loved it, she and her baby could dress alike (yes, I made one for her baby doll too).  Evie calls it her heart dress and wants to wear it a lot.  She wore it in the winter of 2010, shortly after turning 2, she wore it once or twice last school year shortly before turning 3, but I made her wear leggings with it because it was getting short.  She wanted to wear it again this year, but I had to alter it first.  I've NEVER altered anything, whether it was something I made or something purchased.  I took out the pattern again and decided to add on one of the alternate bottoms - as opposed to the straight one I made originally.  All in all, I think it turned out great...but the pictures tell the story better. 

January 2010, 2 years old

 

Same dress, new pleated skirt added, October 2011, 3 1/2 years old

I'm pretty sure I'm not going to get more than another year out of this, but just having these pictures to compare brings a smile to my face.

Run Mama! Run!

"Run Mama! Run!" Those were the words I heard from the jogging stroller being pushed by my Husband as my mobile cheering section accompanied me on my first ever race (as an adult) back in the summer of 2010.  It was a 5K.  Took me almost 45 minutes to complete it.  Last fall, I undertook another 5K, this time finishing stronger, with a good friend stepping in for my daughter...and also chanting "run Mama! run!"  I have no idea what the other runners thought, but the fact that Mandi stayed with me while everyone else took off (my Husband went with my blessing to get our daughter back for her fun run) will forever keep her in my heart.  Thanks to the cheering of Evie, Mark, and our friend Mandi, I ran that race almost 10 minutes faster than my first!

I had started running in the winter of 2010 right after I finished singing and dancing in a very taxing musical.  As part of the ensemble for Curtains, I had a lot of dancing to do for a broken down, old dancer.  Thanks to my orthopedic surgeon and cortisone shots (oh my goodness you should have seen the size of those needles), my knee and hip held up and I actually got in better shape and lost a few inches!  After the gains made during the 2 1/2 months of the musical, I didn't want to go backwards.  My dear Hubby had been running for about a year at that point and was over the moon that I wanted to join him in that endeavor.  We went out for a run one morning before the musical was over and I made it almost 2 miles straight.  I am not sure which one of us was more surprised.  Mark now has more of an appreciation for the amount of work that goes into those dancing numbers.  He put together a little training routine for me, and off I went!  One of the women who had been in the show with me asked to join me on my morning runs, so I had company for a year - which is nice especially when you're running first thing in the morning while it is still dark.

The two 5Ks mentioned above happened, and then Evie and I went to cheer Daddy on at the inaugural Hershey Half Marathon in the fall of 2010.  Then Mommy opened her big mouth. "I think I'll do that race with you next year Honey."  I mean come on, a whole year to prepare?  No sweat.  Well, actually, A LOT OF SWEAT.  I kept up with my three morning a week running, no set training plan would come about until closer to the race.  I struggled from time to time.  Muscles would get sore, I did another musical that had a physically demanding number for me, and I might have put a few more pounds back on.  Nevertheless, I kept plugging away...something I've never been good at or known for.  But, with the love and support of my family, I kept putting one foot in front of the other.

My running partner out paced me and wanted to be able to get better workouts in, so we parted ways as fellow runners.  Right about that time, Mark handed me my half marathon training schedule.  As I looked down I started to see numbers like 8 miles...9.5 miles....12.5 MILES?!  Oh my goodness I thought.  What have I done?!  At that point, my longest run had been 4.5.  It was a long 16 weeks of training.  As the numbers climbed, it became increasingly difficult not just to finish the run, but find the time to fit it in.  Things like this kept me going though:

This was on the front porch with flowers, a bottle of Gatorade, and gummy bears for me during a longer run

The support of my baby girl and my incredible hubby definitely made it easier.  Plus, knowing that I was setting a good example for Evie kept me putting one foot in front of the other.  I completed almost all of my training schedule, only missing from time to time to rest my legs or training was trumped by Mommy-life.

Sunday October 16th dawned cool and bright.  Mark and I reported to the starting line.  I was apprehensive, but confident in my training.  I kept reminding myself that the first 2-3 miles of any run were generally pretty rough.  Regardless, at about mile 1.8, I was already taking a walking break and crying about it.  I pushed on to the first water station, and through the park.  Miles 3-7 were pretty good, as they usually are.  8-9 were tough, but still okay.  From 10- the end, it was ugly.  I passed the 2 miles to go sign crying, just like I did on the way out.  No matter my mood or attitude, Mark was encouraging and supportive.  I tried to remember all of the racing advice from him, from my father, and any other runner who tried to help me prepare.  In the end, I completed the race in 3 hours and 7 minutes.  I had hoped to complete it in less than 3 hours, I had hoped to not walk quite as much as I did, but in the end, I DID IT!  I kept moving forward for 13.1 miles.  I never stopped, only walked from time to time.  While I did this for me, for my health, I also wanted to run with my husband - to join him in that journey.  I think I am well on my way.

MEAL PLAN - The End

Wrapping up this meal plan were two of the yummiest dishes of all!  Since Mommy was preparing for her first ever half marathon (that will be a later post), the carb loading pizza dish was well timed.  The final dish of skillet poached eggs was surprisingly delicious and pretty easy to make.  All in all, we were very happy with the four weeks of meal plans!


Thursday's Meal: Salami and Brussels Sprouts Pizza

We love our Brussels sprouts in this house.  Our favorite way of cooking them is sliced thin, and then sauteed in olive oil with kosher salt.  This pizza calls for them to be sliced thin and tossed in olive oil with kosher salt (along with the salami and mozzarella cheese) and then sprinkled on the pizza dough.  WIN!  We chose a whole wheat pizza dough that I left out on the counter from morning til early eve so it was completely defrosted and mostly at room temp...it was still pretty cool to the touch.  Thank goodness for Wegman's!  Our mozz, salami, and pizza dough were all Wegman's brand, and all awesome.  I love that they use wholesome ingredients, and let you know what they do to keep you safe and healthy.  I'm a big believer in farm-to-table, but unable to put that into practice as much as I'd like.  Back when we were making Evie's baby food, all of the produce came from the farmer's market, but it's tough to get there now. Wegman's helps make up for that!

Friday's FINAL meal: Skillet-Poached Eggs with Braised Peppers and Onions

Friday nights are our usual pizza night with "Grandpa Gipe."  He was game to try our final recipe with us.  Of course, when those three start playing, I'm left to fend for myself...thank goodness this was an easy one! (Evie was dressing Daddy up again - each of us took a turn with those bunny ears that night). 

I didn't get any pictures of the eggs cooking in the pan, but I have to admit it was pretty cool.  I cracked each egg into a ramekin first, then slid it into it's "well" in the pepper and onion mix.  This was a nice, simple, hearty meal. 

Thus ends my blogging on Real Simple's four week meal plan.  I am very proud of us for sticking to it and completing all 20 recipes.  We learned a lot, from new foods to new skills.  Looking forward to the next set of new recipes!

MEAL PLAN - BEST Chili EVER + The other dish...

Catching up on this, our last week of the four week meal plan.  Monday was dance night, so Mark made the chili recipe, and he's not into taking pictures during prep and cooking.  I was so hungry and tired when Evie and I returned that I just chowed (you'll find out why as you read on).  Tuesday night I worked late, so my Mom, Mark, and Evie did a night out together.  Wednesday I made the chicken and slaw recipe.  The slaw worked, chicken was bleh.


Tuesday's Meal (made on our crazy Monday night): Chipotle Beef and Beer Chili

The chili recipe we made on Monday was AH-MAY-ZING.  We had never even heard of chipotles in adobo, but WOW did they make a difference.  WARNING however, this chili had some major kick for those of you with little ones.  Evie contented herself with the corn bread.  The recipe only said "corn bread, for serving" - so I used the recipe in Fannie Farmer's Baking Book for corn bread sweetened with honey, not sugar.  Very yummy and (with apologies to Bryden and Aimee) very moist.  At any rate, the chili recipe will be repeated, but of course, Mark will put his own spin on it and make it even better next time.  I do not know which beer he used, but we have quite a variety, I'm assuming he went with the closest to a dark Mexican beer if we did not have that exact kind.  Not being kidney bean fans, I'm sure they'll disappear the next time, but not the beef and fresh cilantro!

Wednesday's Meal: Lime and Soy-Glazed Chicken with Cabbage Slaw

Two words: Sesame Oil.  I love sesame oil.  The cabbage slaw made with it was wonderful.  I didn't have enough fresh mint, but I think it worked out okay, if I had had the full 1/2 cup I think it would have been over powering.  The chicken glaze was very tasty, but the cooking method left the chicken bland and the skin soggy.  We cut the chicken off of the bone and dipped it in the sauce from the pan.  The slaw did save this dish for me, the fresh crisp carrots with the cabbage, scallions, and mint tossed with fresh ginger, lime juice, sesame and canola oils with kosher salt and pepper was yummy.  Did I mention I love sesame oil?  I have a tendency to go overboard with it (especially when making fried rice), but I behaved this time and only added a bit more than was called for, only because the lime was so overpowering.  I think an equal ratio would have been better right off the bat. 

MEAL PLAN - One more week!

We have arrived at the fourth and final week of this meal plan!  I am alternating between the following things:

1. horror that I will have to go back to my own meal planning
2. excitement to write about something other than food on this blog again
3. laziness - but I fight that all the time.

The end of last week was pretty "meh" in my opinion.  I was a lot more excited for the mole sauce than I was once we were eating it.  That might have had something do with the fact that having never bought "enchilada sauce" before, I apparently did not get quite the right thing.  Whatever I did get was so over powering with the cinnamon, you got none of the peppers or the heat. I also committed a rookie mistake in that I did not read the entire recipe and instructions through thoroughly.  Therefore I missed the part where you start with an oven proof pan to transfer the chicken directly from stove top to oven AND you only cook it on one side on the stove top.  The meal wasn't bad, the salad was actually quite nice, but over all, the week went out with more of a whimper than a bang.

FOURTH AND FINAL WEEK OF REAL SIMPLE'S MEAL PLANS

Monday Night's (made on a Sunday) menu:  Pan-Roasted Cod and Fennel with Spinach Couscous

Right off the bat I knew Evie would be excited, she loves couscous.  In following our self-imposed rules, I did not buy "some other firm white fish", rather I purchased the listed Cod.  We'll be taking a second mortgage out any day now...  I kid (sort of).  For those of you doing this to save money as well as time, I would suggest something like tilapia instead of the $20 per pound cod.  Did I mention I purchased a pound and a half?  I don't pay that much for a fish dish in a better restaurant!  Mark and I were in a lets-just-get-this-shopping-trip-done mode and didn't really pay enough attention to 1. the cost 2. the fact we really do not need the full listed amounts since we're only really feeding 2 1/2 people.

Thankfully, my in-laws were up for trying something new and took the leftovers for dinner the next night.  The meal turned out well, but was a little on the bland side.  However, Evie ate ALL of her couscous with spinach. 

 She didn't care for the fish, but then again, neither did her Mommy.  It wasn't my favorite, I think I would have thrown the fish back in a saute pan after the oven and been happier.  My first experience with fennel wasn't bad, but I expected it to impart more flavor.  Haven't heard from the in-laws on their take yet.

MEAL PLAN - Fighting over broccoli, and other fun foods

Posted with apologies for the delay in menu/recipe reviews this week.  I took a break Tuesday night to take my wonderful and handsome hubby out to dinner for his birthday.  If you're looking for a restaurant in the Harrisburg/Hershey area that isn't too stuffy, but is yummy and has the added bonus of being a farm to table type establishment, then look no further than The Harvest at the Hotel Hershey.  It was soooo good.  Six words: hanger steak with birch beer reduction.  You will not be disappointed. I promise you.

Back to your regularly scheduled programing after our commercial break.  Wednesday night we were right on schedule with Real Simple's prescribed meal for that evening.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday Menu: Lamb Chops with Roasted Broccoli and Feta.

I was not kidding in the title line.  We were semi-fighting over who got to finish the broccoli.  It was the best broccoli I've ever had, hands down.  Think it's ridiculous to get that excited over broccoli?  Try this recipe, then talk to me.  The lamb was yummy, but lamb usually is and it's hard to mess it up.  However, it can be a strong taste for many and it's really on the expensive side, so it will not be a mainstay of our weekly meal planning.  Other than that, not much else to say about this meal...except new and different salt shaker + curious daughter + alone in the dining room = really salty water.

THURSDAY

Thursday Menu: Lemony Tuna and Olive Oil Pasta

This meal was timed perfectly for hosting my sister and her three children.  The pastas in these weeks are WAY more than four people would really need to eat, unless I'm having serious issues determining ounces of pasta (which, in retrospect is a distinct possibility).  The pasta was yummy, but not very lemony I do have to say.  It did have a very white-clam sauce flavor, very pleasing.  Everyone that was served this concoction loved it (Evie's cousins prefer butter and cheese. Period.)  Warning for novices of either cooking or just cooking with tuna in oil:  once the garlic and crushed red pepper were cooked and fragrant, I dutifully went to add the tuna in...talk about OUCH.  The oil in the can mixed with the already heated olive oil in the pan added up for A LOT OF SPUTTERING. I believe that next time I'll put in the pasta first, then the tuna and lemon zest.  Oops.  There were also four children, all 6 years old and under, running around my house, so no pictures were taken.  Leftovers were sent home to the brother-in-law, so no proof exists of this meal!

MEAL PLAN - week three, Mediterranean Night

Yum. Yum. Yum.  I might be the only person in this house loving tonight's dish, but seriously, it was delish.  I have no idea how hard it was to make, since it was dance night and Mark stepped in again (thank you honey), but I arrived back home in time to help throw together the yogurt cucumber sauce and that was pretty simple.

Tuesday's Menu (Made on Monday): Chickpea-Spinach Curry with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce
                                                         

Mark does report that the listed hands-on time of 15 minutes must be for chefs and people with better knives than us.  Of course, if either of us had any idea how you're supposed to seed cucumbers, that would have been a bit faster too, but, we worked it out.  It also turns out that we had less curry left than we thought, so instead of 2 tablespoons, we had a little less than one.  But, the ginger helped carry it.  I will say that the yogurt sauce made this dish for me.  I could have sat with a spoon and the bowl of that!  Evie was satisfied with the naan, so there was something for everyone.  Probably will not often be repeated, but it was a good, healthy meal for our little family, so that made us happy.  Well, Mommy and Daddy were happy anyway....I can't explain the tic tacs.  Maybe she was worried about the garlic and curry.

MEAL PLAN - THIRD WEEK!

I am happy to report that so far we've stayed on course for half of this plan, and we're so pleased we did.  The first two weeks have flown by, I'm actually starting to panic now for when this ends and I have to come up with my own meal plans again.  I'll just try to enjoy the next two weeks...because living in the moment without worry and no advance planning is SO me. Riiiight.


Monday's (Made on a Sunday) Menu:  Pork Loin with Sauteed Cauliflower and Capers

Anyhoo, tonight's dinner was pretty good!  We pulled the peppers out of Evie's portion of cauliflower, but just the bit tossed in the saute pan at the end was enough to give them a kick she didn't care for, so heads up for those of you with young ones.  She did eat all of her pork though.  It was pretty tasty, Mark and I augmented ours by putting a dish of Dijon mustard with kosher salt and pepper to dip our pork pieces in to, very yummy and it added some extra flavor.  The pork itself was very moist and was probably the easiest time I've ever had working with a pork loin, chop, what have you.  Didn't do much in the way of prep, browned the meat, slathered on the mustard, pressed in the panko with oil, and popped it in the oven.  The cauliflower, after being cut into florets, was simply sauteed in oil with kosher salt and pepper.  After it's been cooked, you toss it with the capers and peppadews. Made the dish once, can recite the recipe.  That's the only time that's happened so far with these plans.  So, for those of you perhaps a little intimidated by the meal plans, this would be a good one to try!  Just remember, don't mess around with pork, make sure it's at least 145 degrees all the way through.

My kitchen table was taken up by this afternoon's puzzle....

...so we had "fancy dinner" in the dining room!