This morning in an attempt to be a little more healthy than usual (and because the thought of vegetables no longer makes me gag) I packed some baby carrots and celery in a baggie to enjoy with my lunch today.
Now, 6 hours later I can't get the smell of celery off of my hands, and after smelling celery all morning, it doesn't even sound appetizing, in the least. The carrots were delicious, but don't even talk to me about celery.
I've tried washing, hand sanitizing, and lotion, but no luck. I figured I could look online and see if there were any remedies for getting rid of the smell of celery that might work. When I googled "how to get rid of the smell of celery from hands" the only things that popped up were tips on how to get rid of the smell of onions and garlic, by rubbing celery on your hands. At this point, I'd almost rather smell like an onion!
Hopefully by the time I get home from work, I'll be able to kick this smell, or at least have found a way to fix it!
Thankfully there's nothing significant going on. I'm ready for a nice slow day after this last weekend, and if an attack of celery is the worst I have to deal with, I guess I'm good to go.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Scenes from a Sunday afternoon.
I have a picky husband. He won't eat a lot of things, even if they're totally delicious. Surprisingly, one of the things he's extra picky about are chocolate chip cookies. I like to try a variety of chocolate chip cookie recipes, one of my favorites calls for a box of pudding mix. I've experimented with pumpkin flavored pudding, to make special pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, vanilla, and even chocolate, and each time Daniel eats them, but doesn't love them.
A couple weeks ago while at a thrift store, my wonderful aunt Cindy (not sure if Mike was there too) ran across an almost new Bosch compact mixer. She got it for a steal of a deal, and gave it to us. I've always had a stand mixer on my list of things to purchase in the future, but that day of in the future doesn't seem to come. Thanks to Mike and Cindy, we're now proud owners of a Bosch!
What better to do on a Sunday afternoon than try out my new mixer, with a new cookie recipe!
Daniel loved these cookies, and I also thought they were delicious. For the record I didn't have bread flour, so I used regular, and it worked just fine. If any of you are looking for a chocolate chip cookie recipe that we both loved, here it is:
Chill the dough, then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 9 cookies per sheet. Bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown, checking the cookies after 4 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet for even browning. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
A couple weeks ago while at a thrift store, my wonderful aunt Cindy (not sure if Mike was there too) ran across an almost new Bosch compact mixer. She got it for a steal of a deal, and gave it to us. I've always had a stand mixer on my list of things to purchase in the future, but that day of in the future doesn't seem to come. Thanks to Mike and Cindy, we're now proud owners of a Bosch!
What better to do on a Sunday afternoon than try out my new mixer, with a new cookie recipe!
Daniel loved these cookies, and I also thought they were delicious. For the record I didn't have bread flour, so I used regular, and it worked just fine. If any of you are looking for a chocolate chip cookie recipe that we both loved, here it is:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
shared by joythebaker.com
recipe from Alton Brown
2 sticks unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda and set aside.
Pour the melted butter in the mixer's work bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, yolk, 2 tablespoons milk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Friday, May 21, 2010
So much for that Friday night
After a surprisingly good day at work, I was in my car leaving the parking lot. In an attempt to be grateful for the good day that I had, I said a silent prayer of thanks. Thanks that my Friday was productive, quick, enjoyable, and that my day was good.
Less than two minutes later an idiot pickup pulls out in front of me. (For those who don't know, Daniel and I own a Hummer 3.) I didn't have enough time to slow down for this careless driver, and I hit his pick up with my Hummer. We both acknowledged that it was his fault, but he doesn't have insurance. It's a lame situation. (don't even get me started on uninsured motorists)
It was more lame, sitting nervously in an urgent care room for an hour and a half (thankfully everything is fine with the baby!). Secretly I was hoping they'd have to do an ultrasound to confirm everything is OK, and that I might be able to find out whether this baby is a 'he-tus' or a 'she-tus'. Alas, for exactly a month more, it would appear that our baby will remain a gender neutral fetus.
To make everything more OK, and because it was 10:00 and I hadn't eaten since lunch time, Daniel and I got taco time. The realization I've come to, is that when a crappy time threatens to get the best of you, it's just fine to eat your feelings.
Less than two minutes later an idiot pickup pulls out in front of me. (For those who don't know, Daniel and I own a Hummer 3.) I didn't have enough time to slow down for this careless driver, and I hit his pick up with my Hummer. We both acknowledged that it was his fault, but he doesn't have insurance. It's a lame situation. (don't even get me started on uninsured motorists)
It was more lame, sitting nervously in an urgent care room for an hour and a half (thankfully everything is fine with the baby!). Secretly I was hoping they'd have to do an ultrasound to confirm everything is OK, and that I might be able to find out whether this baby is a 'he-tus' or a 'she-tus'. Alas, for exactly a month more, it would appear that our baby will remain a gender neutral fetus.
To make everything more OK, and because it was 10:00 and I hadn't eaten since lunch time, Daniel and I got taco time. The realization I've come to, is that when a crappy time threatens to get the best of you, it's just fine to eat your feelings.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
This is something I've never done before.
I'm going to share a recipe!
Are you excited?
OK good. First, a little background on this recipe. I grew up eating granola with my cereal, mixed in with yogurt, and even plain, long before it became known as a 'hippie' food. The granola I ate was home made and delicious. Now granola has a bit of a different connotation, but I still love it.
Over the last few weeks, I've been thinking more and more about this granola, and getting the itch to make some. So on Sunday, after a failed attempt at a nap, I pulled out the ingredients and a very large bowl and got to work. I wish I could bottle the smell of this baking granola and send it to each of you. I'm sure this would encourage you to give it a try.
Zoom Breakfast Granola
1LB (approx 5 cups) Zoom
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups wheat germ or oat bran
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups flake coconut
1 1/2 cups raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sliced almonds (I usually add more)
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup honey
2 t. vanilla
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease well, two baking sheets. In a large mixing bowl combine first seven ingredients. In a small pan, heat oil, honey and vanilla until mixture begins to bubble. Stir constantly. Thoroughly mix the liquid with the dry ingredients. Divide and spread evenly between prepared baking sheets; bake uncovered 20-25 minutes or until coconut is browned. While baking stir 3-4 times, redistributing granola in an even layer. Remove from oven; Stir occasionally while cooling. Store thoroughly cooled granola in an airtight container. Serve in a bowl with milk or cream. Makes approx. 14 cups.
If any of you try this recipe, let me know if you like it! If you don't, I'll take your granola for myself!
Are you excited?
OK good. First, a little background on this recipe. I grew up eating granola with my cereal, mixed in with yogurt, and even plain, long before it became known as a 'hippie' food. The granola I ate was home made and delicious. Now granola has a bit of a different connotation, but I still love it.
Over the last few weeks, I've been thinking more and more about this granola, and getting the itch to make some. So on Sunday, after a failed attempt at a nap, I pulled out the ingredients and a very large bowl and got to work. I wish I could bottle the smell of this baking granola and send it to each of you. I'm sure this would encourage you to give it a try.
Zoom Breakfast Granola
1LB (approx 5 cups) Zoom
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups wheat germ or oat bran
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups flake coconut
1 1/2 cups raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sliced almonds (I usually add more)
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup honey
2 t. vanilla
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease well, two baking sheets. In a large mixing bowl combine first seven ingredients. In a small pan, heat oil, honey and vanilla until mixture begins to bubble. Stir constantly. Thoroughly mix the liquid with the dry ingredients. Divide and spread evenly between prepared baking sheets; bake uncovered 20-25 minutes or until coconut is browned. While baking stir 3-4 times, redistributing granola in an even layer. Remove from oven; Stir occasionally while cooling. Store thoroughly cooled granola in an airtight container. Serve in a bowl with milk or cream. Makes approx. 14 cups.
If any of you try this recipe, let me know if you like it! If you don't, I'll take your granola for myself!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
More on that
Pregnancy this time...
Has been much less nerve wracking than I worried it would be. Not to say I haven't been worried and nervous. It just wasn't extreme. I figured I'd be a crying mess the majority of the first trimester. I really wasn't. I was surprisingly calm and peaceful about the whole thing. Except for when I get the results of my thyroid tests back. Each time they seem to get worse, and each time I worry. Each time the midwives assure me that the baby is fine, it's my body that's adjusting (slowly).
I have been more nauseous. I even threw up once (I know it's gross, but it's kind of like a badge of honor!) I still don't have much of an appetite, and I'm incredibly picky, but not nauseous anymore. I wouldn't however, recommend a cruise during the first trimester. Even if it's the tail end of the first trimester. Something about the rocking of the ship made the morning sickness much worse. I ate a lot of rice krispies on the cruise. My family enjoyed the food a lot more than I did. It's a mystery to me that I could train for and complete a sprint triathlon last summer and not lose a pound, but something about being pregnant for 4 months has helped me lose 6 or 7.
Even though I've lost weight, I'm starting to look pregnant, much more quickly than I expected. I went to Ross last weekend and got some maternity clothes. On Sunday I wore a cute new top and embraced my new look. Even if it's earlier than I'd planned, and let's be honest, it's not all that noticeable, I'm loving it. I think it's a relief for Daniel that I'm enjoying this time and these changes.
I'm very much looking forward to feeling this baby move in the next couple of weeks. I keep trying to pay really close attention to that general area, but I'm still waiting. Patiently.
I'm trying to remember that each day is a blessing, and I don't want to wish this by too quickly.
Has been much less nerve wracking than I worried it would be. Not to say I haven't been worried and nervous. It just wasn't extreme. I figured I'd be a crying mess the majority of the first trimester. I really wasn't. I was surprisingly calm and peaceful about the whole thing. Except for when I get the results of my thyroid tests back. Each time they seem to get worse, and each time I worry. Each time the midwives assure me that the baby is fine, it's my body that's adjusting (slowly).
I have been more nauseous. I even threw up once (I know it's gross, but it's kind of like a badge of honor!) I still don't have much of an appetite, and I'm incredibly picky, but not nauseous anymore. I wouldn't however, recommend a cruise during the first trimester. Even if it's the tail end of the first trimester. Something about the rocking of the ship made the morning sickness much worse. I ate a lot of rice krispies on the cruise. My family enjoyed the food a lot more than I did. It's a mystery to me that I could train for and complete a sprint triathlon last summer and not lose a pound, but something about being pregnant for 4 months has helped me lose 6 or 7.
Even though I've lost weight, I'm starting to look pregnant, much more quickly than I expected. I went to Ross last weekend and got some maternity clothes. On Sunday I wore a cute new top and embraced my new look. Even if it's earlier than I'd planned, and let's be honest, it's not all that noticeable, I'm loving it. I think it's a relief for Daniel that I'm enjoying this time and these changes.
I'm very much looking forward to feeling this baby move in the next couple of weeks. I keep trying to pay really close attention to that general area, but I'm still waiting. Patiently.
I'm trying to remember that each day is a blessing, and I don't want to wish this by too quickly.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
a bit of a funk
I'm feeling overwhelmed this week.
Lots of changes and lots to do.
It was manageable until Sunday evening, and then I could tell this week was sure to be a doozie.
So far I'm right.
Work has been chaotic, but I saw that coming. Each day I pray for a positive attitude, that I'll be able to make it through the day. Yesterday there were tears involved. I wish I didn't care so much. That would make it easier. Each day there is too much drama. It makes me wonder how much I am supposed to take. At what point do I draw the line and say enough is enough. How bad do I really need health insurance? and a paycheck?
I'm supposed to teach Relief Society on Sunday. Normally this is fine and I really enjoy it, but I'm feeling so busy this week, that it seems like it'll be a stretch to get my lesson ready and up to scratch by Sunday morning. Also, I've now been asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. Like anybody wants to hear from me twice in one block of meetings...Please!
Next Saturday I'm in charge of decorations for a Stake Women's conference and I can't even begin to think about all of that yet, but I can't afford not to.
Thank goodness I've had a little more energy since coming back from vacation. Otherwise I think I might be drowning instead of just treading water. As it is, I'm managing to stay afloat.
But last night, as I was in bed, feeling sorry for myself and fighting back tears I made Daniel help me come up with a list of things I'm grateful for.
The list went something like this:
Lots of changes and lots to do.
It was manageable until Sunday evening, and then I could tell this week was sure to be a doozie.
So far I'm right.
Work has been chaotic, but I saw that coming. Each day I pray for a positive attitude, that I'll be able to make it through the day. Yesterday there were tears involved. I wish I didn't care so much. That would make it easier. Each day there is too much drama. It makes me wonder how much I am supposed to take. At what point do I draw the line and say enough is enough. How bad do I really need health insurance? and a paycheck?
I'm supposed to teach Relief Society on Sunday. Normally this is fine and I really enjoy it, but I'm feeling so busy this week, that it seems like it'll be a stretch to get my lesson ready and up to scratch by Sunday morning. Also, I've now been asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. Like anybody wants to hear from me twice in one block of meetings...Please!
Next Saturday I'm in charge of decorations for a Stake Women's conference and I can't even begin to think about all of that yet, but I can't afford not to.
Thank goodness I've had a little more energy since coming back from vacation. Otherwise I think I might be drowning instead of just treading water. As it is, I'm managing to stay afloat.
But last night, as I was in bed, feeling sorry for myself and fighting back tears I made Daniel help me come up with a list of things I'm grateful for.
The list went something like this:
Our baby. (yes, we're expecting again. I'm almost 15 weeks!)
Wesley
The sunshine we got over the weekend
The lovely spring flowers I planted on our balcony
The Sunday afternoon nap I took in the sunshine on our balcony
Fresh fruit
Only working 8 hours a day
Not having a car payment
Good friends in our ward.
People being SO excited for my pregnancy. It really does buoy me up and make me happier!
Not living in Idaho anymore (I know it has been close to 3 years, but this still makes the list!)
Jamba Juice gift cards Daniel got me (got one this morning to help me through the day)
The perspective that all the drama at work really isn't huge in the eternal scheme of things
Having my whole family home and together
My sister Rachel has a really awesome boyfriend and I'm happy for her
Being able to afford to get my hair cut whenever I want.
Getting to ride the cable cars in San Francisco
At the end of this list, the tears were gone, and I was feeling better. It's amazing how counting your blessings makes life sweeter.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
to hold you over
We had a great time. But it feels so good to be home. Being on a boat for a week has left me wobbly on dry ground. I am currently lying on the couch, and it feels like it's rocking like a boat. Not sure how long it will last, but until then, I feel like I'm still half way on vacation!
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