The roads of life don't always lead us to the places where we expected to be. The paths taken may not have been ideal, and there may have been more mistakes and regrets along the way than I should have had. But this is exactly where I chose to be. And there is nothing I would change about it.
Over the past few months, I have been immersed in the delicious world of "snacks" and been loving every moment of this indulgence. These are some of my favorites, in case anyone is looking for a new addiction.
Caramel Cookie Waffles (Stoopwafels) and Butter Waffle Cookies: I first found these at Trader Joe's for about $3 a package. We purchased one of each, thinking they would go fantastically with a cup of tea. They do, but the cookies were so good that I noticed that I had just eaten the entire box of the Butter Waffle ones in ONE sitting. If you feel adventurous... and have your own waffle maker, you can find a recipe for stoopwafels here: http://www.stroopwafelshop.com/index.html
Sour Skittles: These suckers are rare in stores. I've only been able to find this in a little sweetshop at the mall near work. But if you see skittles in a lime green package, you must pick one up.
Snickers Ice Cream Bars: Must I really have to explain?
Tassimo's Chai Tea Latte: No tea or coffee shop I've been to has been able to replicate the goodness of this drink. Partaking in this might be a little bit pricey as you have to buy the Tassimo (http://www.tassimo.com) machine and then get the chai tea discs. Locally, I've been only able to find the chai flavor at Bed Bath & Beyond. Good thing they love to send those 20% off coupons in the mail!
Snookies Cookies: I was sent a package of these for my birthday. It's hard to make anyone say WOW with the abundance of brands and types of chocolate chip cookies. But this... is exceptional. You have to order online at http://www.snookies.com.
Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts: QFC started carrying the Mauna Loa package just a few months ago (at least that's when I remember first seeing them), and ever since then, they are on my regular grocery list.
Le Petit Ecolier White Chocolate Biscuits: It's the cookies with a French school boy on the chocolate. I mean, what could be better? Butter biscuits with sweet chocolate on top? Yumm. They also have regular milk choc and dark choc versions available to indulge in. Most grocery stores carry these goodies, so no need to go hunting too far!
Well, I hope I've made you hungry enough! Hmm.. wonder what I have in the cupboard...
With big events coming soon (and not soon enough-- it depends on the mood), D & I have been on a "let's get sh*t done" mode.
We started with creating Weekly To Do Lists. After printing 25 copies of a template from Werd (spelling intentional) 2007 and mounting a small bulletin board on the wall between the living room and kitchen, we set out on our quest. The list is (gasp) is handwritten, allowing us the liberty to add and check off completed tasks quickly. Though I am normally all for technology, I find that having visual cues like this list has helped keep both of us task-oriented.
For me, I've require a little bit more than just this sheet. I need to be told what my day has in store for me, be reminded, be given lists to make sure I don't forget anything at the store. And to solve my dilemma, I got a digital personal assistant, Sandy (iwantsandy.com). I use her religiously with my email-capable phone. It's changed my life... sort of.
So far, D's been beating me at checking off things. And they're big things too. I should be grateful, rather than competitive. After all, at least he does more than just sit on his ass on the computer all night like yours truly. Omigawd, I've become exactly what I abhor...at least because that is what my body is limiting me to in this state.
I'm not really sure what the answer is. But I'm definitely going to have to ask them one of these days. The herd has been present all week on my route to work. Sometimes, the big male does his crossing-guard duties and other times, he just waits on one side for the rest of them to come by.
These are definitely beautiful yet gi-hug-ic creatures. If it was elk vs. car, I would be betting on the elk.
I've been on a movie hiatus for a few months. In fact, a lot of the major blockbusters over the last six months have zipped passed my radar. Because of the lack of new tv show episodes, we had some time to take in a flick.
Shoot 'Em Up was exactly what it advertised- both in trailers and its title. Clive Owen finds himself in amazing situations where he performs the most outrageous and unbelievable stunts. Honestly, it was just pure fun and I would recommend it... with the advice to go in without expectation other than it is exactly what they tell you. No need to read between the plot lines.
I wish I could have this lazy Sunday. But I can't sit still. Laundry has to be done, pictures have to be hung and dishes have to be put away. It frustrates me that I can't "shut down" and relax. It frustrates D that I can't.
During the week, work drains the life out of me... even when I work from home. The only time left to do anything is during the weekend. Maybe I should read this book: Productive Procratination.
After two mountain passes, we arrived in Leavenworth for the Ice Festival. The day was filled with many events: a Bavarian Mug Relay, Dog Sledding, Ice Smooshing Contest, Tug of War, Snow Sculpture and NW Dog Sled Pulling Competition. Most the events were hosted by King 5's weatherman, Jeff Renner, who is a lot shorter in person than expected.
We didn't participate in any events, but we watched most of them under the clouds that brought light snowflakes to help make the trip quite memorable. There were people from all walks of life visiting this Bavarian-themed town, all from the ones that don't bathe but once a month to the Posh-Spice-Wanna-Be.
My favorite was the ice smooshing competition. Four people strap 2x4 planks of wood and try to move in unison from one end of the street to the other. There were some highly skilled and coordinated groups, but there were a few that couldn't even make it 5 feet from the practice line to the start line. Good times.
We left just after the sun had set,and the drive home was quite treacherous over one of the passes. It worried me a little when D asked if our insurance would provide us a ride home if we were to end up in a fender bender. Honestly, I am not sure and I'll have to take a look at my policy.
But, we made it home without any mishaps. Just a really dirty car. Truthfully, if the event wasn't going on, the town would have been less than appealing.
The beginning of the week brought on some of that light and fluffy stuff for my enjoyment. Since then, there has been no rain and the temperature remained near or below freezing, allowing the snow to remain in tact in the yards and along roadsides.
Even with the restrictions set by the doctor (and my body) to limit my intense physical activity, she's been encouraging me to still remain slightly active by taking short walks around the neighborhood or in a park. After logging off work this afternoon, D & I took a quick jaunt to the local area lake.
We didn't walk around the entire lake, but it was great to see the snow covered grounds. We even saw some tracks that might have come from a bear! Hopefully this little excursion will help me sleep through the night.
That I was ecstatic to receive my new 3.0 HP Shop Vac today? In the last year we've lived in our home. we've never had a large vacuum cleaner. We don't have a lot of carpet area, so we got by with Roomba and a powerful hand-held vac to do the stairs with.
I opted for the shop vac instead of the traditional vacuum, so I could use it for cleaning up around the litter box and the nooks and crannies of the kitchen. Oh yeah, and it was cheaper than buying a Dyson.
Perhaps my life is uneventful enough that the arrival of such a little treasure has completely made my day. It even made me feel better after I attempted to watch the Seahawks squander a great lead to the Packers.....
I always thought that the saddest thing about moving to my new home is that my commute would no longer include the beautiful drive over Lake Washington. But this morning changed that.
The snow covered homes, trees and mountains were beautiful enough to make me less unhappy about going back to work. It also helped to know that the person that made my blood pressure rise at work would no longer be gracing me with "its" presence.
Most of the snow had disappeared by the evening commute, but the news says that it is going to be returning tonight for more dusting. If this continues, I could get used to it...
After a couple days of uncertainty, the little kitten is now home resting in his kennel. He is expected to make a full recovery from his injury, but he has to be confined for the next four weeks.
He's hobbling around with his shaved leg whilst his sister tries to find a way in... probably to kick his ass for disappearing from her for a couple days. Now she sleeps alongside the kennel to keep him company as we watch the Seahawks kick the Redskins' ass.
We are glad to be home after a long time away. For the first time, I truly understand that the phrase,There is no place like home.
