The One with Dora

When the phone rang at 10:30 this morning and I saw who the call was from, I contemplated passing on the pick up.  I know, I know.  You can't imagine ME ignoring someone's call!  Well, if you knew this person, you'd probably do the same.  A simple phone call that should last...oh...3-5 minutes at most easily turns into a half hour.  And she attempts to end the conversation approximately 12 times and gets your hopes up every time...only to dash them away with a repeat of some needless topic she had already expounded upon.  Ok.  Now that you've got that picture in your mind, I will tell the real story.  

In a nutshell:  I put on my "babysitter" hat today. Haven't done that in quite some time.  Didn't want to give this person too many reasons to "latch on" if you know what I mean, but decided that her predicament was more than worth a little sacrifice of peace & quiet on my end.  She said it would be about 2 hours of watching her little girl (who happens to be an adorable looking two year old but who just so happens to be very sick, and very very in need of obedience training--no not of the canine genre...just some parental discipline if you know what I mean...)  The first hour or so went well.  We watch a Dora DVD she brought and ate some oranges.  Most of the rest of the time was...ok...but certainly a test of my patience as I've rarely seen a child who refuses to listen or obey like this little one.  THEN her exhaustation started kicking in.  She was kicking and screaming at times when I was refusing to give in.  Wanting Mommy.  Crying.  Not crying.  Almost sleeping.  Getting into trouble.  Cuddling.  Crying.  Wanting Mommy.  Rinse & repeat.  A full two hours after her original scheduled pickup, mommy finally arrived.  *sigh*  Even after she called a couple times to check on things and even after I informed her of her daughter's wailing, she was still another hour.  *sigh*  

In the end, I was thankful to serve this single mom who happens to be going through a divorce and attempting to finish her undergrad degree and I was even more thankful when the service was over.  

Just being honest.

The One with a Stomach Stuffed with Pizza

This weekend was quite a blast.  And not just of the fluffy white stuff.  (...which I love by the way.)  Kevin & I hit the road around 5:30 pm on Friday and arrived in Spring Arbor around 7pm.  We had a delicious hamburger dinner accompanied by the greatest fellowship--family.  Saturday was the first time in a looooooooong time that we have slept in past 7:00am.  It was close to 10 I think by the time we finally rolled out of the sack.  (Speaking of which, it's a sweet deal to be able to share his old room. *happy*)  After getting a lesson on my new/used Palm Pilot (*stoked!*) and the boys regular video game sessions, we all enjoyed feasting on way too much Chinese at the buffet for Dad's-in-law birthday.  Then we watched an SAU v. Grace Men's Basketball game that was neck and neck.  (Sad outcome...) and the best part was getting to see Brooke...and for the second time in a week to boot!  I am so blessed by her friendship.  It may not be a steady contact relationship but it is one of sweet, unconditional and unending love.  I am so thankful to know she is always and forever there for me.  

Saturday night we were supposed to head back to Monroe, but decided to forego the possibly-sucky drive and spend a second night.  (three cheers for packing extra "undergarments" =D  Thanks for teaching me well, Mom!)  Sunday morning we had plenty of time to make the clear drive to Monroe in time for praise practice and church.  After service, we and the Kaufman's filled our stomach's at good ol' Marge's house where we had lots of Cottage Inn pizza.  Mmm.  A rousing game of Dominoes was enjoyed by all and made me realize how much I loved playing with Grams & Gramps!  Good times.  Good memories.  

Oh, and the teens in my youth group are absolutely amazing.  I love spending time with them.  Laughing.  Playing.  Teaching.  Learning.  Growing.  Keep us in your prayers.  

The One with the Medical Issues

My current issue has to do with one of the loves in my life...FOOD!  Yes, I have had chronic stomach and intestinal problems as long as I can remember and I have never done anything about it.  I think I just figured it was the way things were gonna be and that's that.  But the last few months have brought escalated problems to point that Kevin started recommended a doctor's visit.  I didn't like that idea...especially seeing how I have to find a brand new doctor for the first time.  Well, you guessed it...I have been worn down too.  I am in the process of making the switch to an area Doctor of Internal Medicine and getting tested for Celiac disease.  It's a nasty intolerance for all things gluten (wheat, barley, rye products etc) that lasts a lifetime. (Click here for more detailed information.)  It will be a shame if this is my diagnosis seeing as I am head over heals in love with everything on the "no-no" list:  breads, crackers, cereals, pastas, cookies, cakes, pies, gravies, and sauces.  *sigh*.....*SIGH*  

I have been trying the lactose free diet since Christmas and it seemed to be helping.  For a day or two.  But the last week has been just as bad as all the months previous.  I figured I would start with a diet that caused less suffering...but...it doesn't seem to be the solution.  

Anyways...enough of that rambling.

I had lots of other fun things to say but I don't seem to remember them....or...wait...

First, I took down our Christmas decorations (sad day...) and organized all the decorations and stuff that had been accumulating in an unused bedroom.  

And second, we're going to SAU this week for two sweet reasons.  1) a basketball game that is an admissions event...free for the teens and pizza & pop provided.  and 2) Friday is Kevin's dad's birthday and we're spending the night celebrating with them.  

That's all for now.  Rachael Ray is calling my name.

The One with Homecooked Meals

Did I mention the applesauce I made on Saturday?  It was a completely spur of the moment idea and boy oh boy are we both glad I thought of it!  I had a bag of MacIntosh apples that we were not enjoying as much as the Granny Smiths and the Ida Reds.  Obviously I did not want to see the MacIntosh face their demise so my brain's wheels starting turning.  I found a "fast" recipe in my favorite cookbook by Betty Crocker and within a half hour we were partaking of the perfectly flavored and ideally thickened sauce.  Kevin and I both love chunky apple sauce and both of us eat it like it's candy, so I'm glad I made a triple batch.  It's already almost gone. =D  I'm proud of my first attempt at this comfort food.

Monday brought with it the plan for Stew.  We checked out the price of stew meat at a couple grocery stores but decided against spending $3.50 a pound.  I decided to substitute chicken for the beef and made sure to include plenty of carrots, potatoes, and celery.  I probably could have made a half or even a quarter batch to feed just the two of us, but I figured having frozen leftovers for another day would be a good plan.  Anyways, I used my mom's recipe for "Forgotten Stew" and it turned out deliciously in my new 7 qt. crockpot from Kevin's Mom & Dad.  Once again *proud*.  

Speaking of meals, have I shared my latest expression of my Type A personality?  For the past month or so we have been "meal planning."  On Friday or Saturday of every week, Kevin & I decide what we want for dinner for the nights of Monday through Friday.  It's actually a fairly quick and easy process.  Each week I end up trying a new recipe and each week we have "Pasta Wednesdays" and typically grill on Tuesdays.  Then, on Saturday afternoon we hit the grocery store with the list of items needed to prepare balanced and delicious meals through the week.  It's really nice to not have to be completely undecided 10 minutes before you're to the point of starving to death (a little exaggerated, yes...) and it's cool to have something to "look forward to" food-wise.  I would recommend it. 

The One with the "Role Models"

This morning I had a hard time persevering on that ellipse.  I just don't feel too hot.  Yesterday morning I woke up with a weird feeling in my throat.  Within a few hours the left side was sore.  I felt the lymph nodes on the outside of my neck and they were swollen and painful.  I know from experience that this is never a good sign.  The pain increased through yesterday.  I'm not looking forward to the possibility of it getting worse.  I checked out the throat with a flashlight and mirror and it doesn't look pretty.  Hmm.  Maybe this is the reason I've had a nap every afternoon for the last three days...and not just a little nap...but close to two or three hours.  

On another note, I think I'm lactose intolerant.  I can't believe it!  I can't believe I didn't think of this before.  I can't believe that a milk lover like myself is discovering her worse nightmare. :-/  Yeah, pretty much my entire life has been a plague of nightly stomachaches.  As a kid it was probably heavily due to the fact that my teeth alligned in only two places and my food was quite...well...un-chewed when it reached my stomach.  My braces fixed that problem (and oh! what a joy that was) but now I'm thinking it's this intolerance thing.  I was just starting to love yogurt too.  And cheese.  *sigh*  At least I enjoy soy milk.  Many people do not, so I am thankful for a substitute.  And maybe I'll find out that I can still enjoy the yogurt.  I'll try that a little at a time.  But for now, I must admit that I'm already feeling better.  Stomach wise at least.

On a final (and completely different) note, I need to admit my latest love/weird obsession.  (You be the judge.)  I enjoy clicking on random blog links on my friends' blogs and discovering some really awesome individuals.  Mostly I am drawn toward stories of women just a bit older than me and a few "life stages" ahead of me.  I love learning from them.  And being encouraged by their Christian testimony in their daily life with their husbands, children, hobbies, and friends.  So in case any of those women traces my interest in them back to this blog post, I say thank you.  Thank you for your example.

The One where the Office is Rearranged

It's weird how six months seems like no time at all when you are reunited with your best friends.  New Years Eve brought that very opportunity--party with the college girls!  Most all of my greatest girls from SAU were able to gather at Angie & Nick's to spend some long awaited quality time with each other--catching up on life in Chicago and the Dominican Republic, the latest news on relationships, the sweet career opportunities, and of course the newest member of society:  baby Drew!  It was truly a refreshing time together and the fact that it felt like we had been together "yesterday" proves that these are what true friends are.  

After good times with the girls, Britt and I got to hang out with the guys who were partying at my place for the New Year.  It was good times as well.  (Especially my 3 hour "catch up" nap on New Years Day. :D)  

Yesterday brought yet another mini-reunion when Brooke drove up for a tour and most importantly a visit.  It had been since the wedding that we were together (as it had been with too many of the other girls...) and our fellowship is always so sweet.  

The last week also brought lots of wonderful husband-wife time.  We laughed hard, played plenty, and relished the hours.  I am now a sweet ally for Kevin in one of his computer games (crazy thing...I'm actually enjoying it) and I'm improved my ping pong skills as well.  

Today is our favorite day:  our day.  Saturdays have been reserved for us and we try to keep from scheduling things that would take time away from that.  Weeks go by fast and furious so it's wonderful to look forward to those hours.  I recommend it.