It’s resolution time, everybody! The holidays were fun, but now that we are stuffed along with our closets and trash bins, it’s time to declutter, reflect for a moment on the past year, and think of ways to make ourselves better, right?
So, let’s get to it before I become even more annoyingly chipper about fresh starts, new beginnings, blank slates . . .
Year 35 is coming to an end. It has been fun feeling a little older and pretending to be a bit more together. I didn’t read as many Russian novels as I would have liked, but at least I have begun. The family food situation has vastly improved since my husband has taken over a majority of the main meal planning and cooking. And the laundry room is a dream! The floor is actually visible.
What I’m most excited about is the fact that, with help from a supportive home health coach, an addiction to the Biggest Loser, and hours sifting through fitness magazines, I am finally enjoying exercising each week. My running dropped off a lot over the holidays, but I’m still trudging along. The strength training and yoga are still happening. There are many goals yet to reach, but the routine is coming along nicely.
Reflection over.
Now, on to 2011! The blog must change a bit since I will be over 35 on January 19, but in addition to a name change, I hope to consolidate the theme a bit – health and home, two topics I enjoy learning about and writing about. Plus, I have a long way to go in each area, so there’s plenty to explore. Look for shiny, new Oh crap, I’m over 35 in January 2011!
I hope you enjoyed your holiday celebrations and are raring to go for the New Year! I absolutely love hearing about people’s resolutions, so please feel free to share if you are so inclined.
Enjoy the champagne and parties this weekend! Happy New Year, everyone!
Oh . . . I didn’t actually tell you my resolutions, did I? Well, I’m usually a bit superstitious about divulging my own (and they’re usually embarrassingly self serving), but since I haven’t kept one in 35 years, I guess it can’t hurt. In 2011, I resolve to straighten up the house before bed each night, exercise at least 4 times a week, and lose 20 pounds. That last part is ridiculously painful to put out there, but out there it is. Accountability, right?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
New Food and Beverage Operations Manager
Effective Monday, December 6, my husband will be taking over all food and beverage operations in the household. The decision came earlier in the week when he, much aggrieved by endless clutter in the cabinets and fridge and in a state of terrible hunger due to the paltry meal of Trader Joe’s frozen Pizza Margherita (with lettuce and an inedible lime dressing on the side), realized that all luncheon meat had passed expiration. Other options in the cabinet included items such as raisins, canned beans, Ziplock bags of old crackers, and four flavors of applesauce. The decision was finalized the next morning when both bananas and Chex Bran, the top two breakfast options of the household, were unavailable.
I have been applauded for my nearly 10 years of food and beverage service. My attempts at pork chops and any type of roast, though always tough and dry, were appreciated. The bland vegetable lasagnas and mushy fried rice not so much. Some of my more successful dishes – creamy tomato soup, arroz con pollo, Trader Joe’s orange chicken, spaghetti bolognaise, and sausage gravy will likely stay on the menu.
The coupon drawer, which is frequently stocked, will most likely be reorganized since none of the coupons have ever actually been used. And we will likely see the third shelf, second cabinet – usually reserved for wasabi peas, flax seed oil, vegetable-flavored crackers, and other items that marketers have forced me to buy in the past and I cannot force myself to choke down – cleared and restocked with staples like dried peppers, canned tomatoes, and peanut butter.
We are looking forward to a more productive and user-friendly kitchen, along with a variety of international cuisines and flavors. Though I will still participate in the preparation of some of the meals, the planning, stocking, and overall operation management will be provided by my husband.
Now that I have been relieved of these duties, we are also looking forward to weeknights that are slightly more peaceful, a laundry room that one can walk through, and a bit of dusting occurring throughout the week.
I have been applauded for my nearly 10 years of food and beverage service. My attempts at pork chops and any type of roast, though always tough and dry, were appreciated. The bland vegetable lasagnas and mushy fried rice not so much. Some of my more successful dishes – creamy tomato soup, arroz con pollo, Trader Joe’s orange chicken, spaghetti bolognaise, and sausage gravy will likely stay on the menu.
The coupon drawer, which is frequently stocked, will most likely be reorganized since none of the coupons have ever actually been used. And we will likely see the third shelf, second cabinet – usually reserved for wasabi peas, flax seed oil, vegetable-flavored crackers, and other items that marketers have forced me to buy in the past and I cannot force myself to choke down – cleared and restocked with staples like dried peppers, canned tomatoes, and peanut butter.
We are looking forward to a more productive and user-friendly kitchen, along with a variety of international cuisines and flavors. Though I will still participate in the preparation of some of the meals, the planning, stocking, and overall operation management will be provided by my husband.
Now that I have been relieved of these duties, we are also looking forward to weeknights that are slightly more peaceful, a laundry room that one can walk through, and a bit of dusting occurring throughout the week.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
My Encounter with a Savage Beast
Well, maybe savage beast is a little too strong for a 40-pound mutt with half its fur, but friendly, it was not.
One of my new strategies for staying active as an old person is to schedule in a quick walk or yoga session each day. It’s also a way to break up my endless hours staring at a computer screen. Since I love cooler weather and today was one of the first cool days in Raleigh, I thought I’d stroll.
About half way up the street, a dog jumped out into the sidewalk and began growling, barking, sputtering, sliming, anything he could to keep me from passing by. This nasty fellow often catches me off guard. If he’s out, he leaps from this porch that is covered in fabric draperies (conveniently hiding him) and nearly bites my leg off. I hate this dog.
Today, instead of walking around him into oncoming traffic nearly dying a different type of death, I just turned and went home defeated.
I will likely not take that side of the street anymore. My route will change, but my quest will continue.
One of my new strategies for staying active as an old person is to schedule in a quick walk or yoga session each day. It’s also a way to break up my endless hours staring at a computer screen. Since I love cooler weather and today was one of the first cool days in Raleigh, I thought I’d stroll.
About half way up the street, a dog jumped out into the sidewalk and began growling, barking, sputtering, sliming, anything he could to keep me from passing by. This nasty fellow often catches me off guard. If he’s out, he leaps from this porch that is covered in fabric draperies (conveniently hiding him) and nearly bites my leg off. I hate this dog.
Today, instead of walking around him into oncoming traffic nearly dying a different type of death, I just turned and went home defeated.
I will likely not take that side of the street anymore. My route will change, but my quest will continue.
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