President Obama and the GOP Q&A

From Friday...

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Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...

1. for having a smart President. He knows how to debate. He knows his stuff. He is just an intelligent man. Smart men in the white house make me feel good. Why the republican's let him do this on air is amazing in itself but I am so glad it was caught on camera for all to see.
2. a great phone call with a dear friend.
3 creating plans with that friend to see her this year
4. only being a few pages into The Mermaid Chair and remembering why it got to me so much. Looking forward to reading the rest
5. time at the library and checking out a huge stack of books
6. smiling every time I get a chance to use a wonderful bag made by a friend. It is lovely and a lovely reminder of her and how talented she is with her craft.

Stranded

I can't stop thinking about the Hope for Haiti Now Telethon...but the song performed by U2 (Bono and The Edge), Jay-Z and Rihanna has been stuck in my head ever since it played.

Ham and Bean Soup

We have ham at Christmas time and then I freeze the ham bone to make Ham and Bean Soup. Mine turns out really thick though more stew consistency than soup. I am not sure I have ever had ham and bean soup that was really soupy so not sure if I am doing it right or not but it tastes good.

Since we weren't here on Christmas though we had ham on New Years so that I can still make Ham and Bean soup. That ham bone is in the freezer and I am know it is about time to be making it. It hits me usually the end of January or the beginning of February where it is just so cold that comfort food is calling my name.

I use the following brand of beans and they used to have 15 bean mix with the ham flavoring packet it in it. But they have a Cajun packet in it now. So I switched to the Great Northern Beans. And have done it with the great northern before I just prefer the 15 bean mix. I get this brand of beans at Wal-Mart but have seen them at other grocery stores too.



1 lb bag of dried white beans (great northern) or 15 bean mix
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can chopped tomatoes with liquid (small or large can)(optional)
4 carrots - peeled and chopped (optional)
2 celery stalks - chopped (optional)
1 bay leaf
2 cups chopped ham or a 1 lb ham hock
pepper to taste
5 cups chicken stock or water

Soak beans over night in water. Rinse and remove debris before using. Add all ingredients to slow cooker. And cook for 8 hours until beans have reached the desired tenderness. Take out bone and if any meat still attached shred into pot. Remove bay leaf. Serve.



NOTES:
* If you use HamBeen's, you can add the packet with the rest of the ingredients. I would then use water instead of chicken stock as the packet with the stock adds a lot of salt. And the stock is used for flavor but the packet adds your flavor for you.

* Tomatoes, Carrots and celery are optional ingredients because often I just use what I have on hand. And sometimes I don't have them and the ham and bean soup taste just as good.

* If it is too watery for you, take out 1/4 of a cup to 1/2 cup of beans and smash them. Add a little flour to the beans and then mix in some water or milk before adding back into the crockpot. It usually takes 15 to 30 mins for it to thicken up some.

* If it is too thick, add more water.

* Leftovers freeze well

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for....

1. a good day of work at a new place and things went well.
2. finding new things that touch me and make me think in Eat Pray Love
3. sandwiches - I really like them. I know it is kind of odd but I do. I mentioned it Michael's parents a while back so this time when we came over they had a gourmet spread of sandwich makings for dinner. It was absolutely delicious. (Even had them on croissants. Oh my the buttery goodness!)
4. friends understanding me when I don't feel like anyone in the world does
5. being able to give someone a nice surprise
6. watching the Hope for Haiti Now Telethon on TV - really amazing songs that I can't get out of my head for a very good cause.

6 Changes

I found this website by Zen Habits author called 6Changes.com. It is about taking 6 habits a person wants to change and then following the 6 Changes method. And I like everything it has said so far. I just want for myself....to be able to do it instead of think about it. Just as Kathie's Challenges - doing instead of just thinking about it. I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions but I do believe in setting goals and working towards something better always. I feel like for a very long time though I haven't been working on my goals. And a lot of that is my fault. And some of it is because of my focus on Michael's business - and I am THRILLED I can work with him and do what I can for the business. I just need to be better at prioritizing my other time. I do a lot of things that are time wasters. And I know that and some of them are okay time wasters as they are to help me unwind. Mindless things to just help slow down the wheels in my brain going out of control. But others I know I could cut out and make better use of my time.

So it is my hope that in 2010 that I find ways to create positive changes for myself.

Crescent Rolls

Another giveaway over on Picky Palate that feature Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and serving ware reminded me of a childhood favorite using Crescent Rolls. I know it probably sounds disgusting but I am now at this moment craving it.

Taco Pie

1 package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
2 cups crushed Frito chips
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions

In a large fry pan, brown the ground beef and drain off the oil. Stir in taco seasoning and follow directions on package.

Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place triangles in an ungreased 10-inch pie pan, pressing to form a crust. Sprinkle 1 cup corn chips over the bottom of crust.

Spoon meat mixture over crust and corn chips. Sprinkle black olives over the meat mixture. Spread sour cream over meat mixture and cover with cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for having a roof over my head, food and water and my loved one here with me as my heart goes out to those in Haiti and all the suffering they are going through.

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I enjoyed all their reviews of the V-8 Fusion. I really want to try them. I printed off a $1.00 off coupon so hope to pick some up the next shopping trip.

From 2009 to 2010

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe it is in 2010. Usually I am one to really self-examine the outgoing year but I am not feeling like it at the moment. I have been so busy since Thanksgiving that I didn't get to do most of the things I do for the holidays so I am feeling kind of off entering the new year. 2009 of course had many good things but it was a hard year because of health and economy. I know 2010 will be better. And glad it is here.

I started rereading Eat Pray Love just before Christmas and am taking my time with it....savoring it. It is what I need right now - it has been my solace during this busy time. And also for ringing in the New Year.

Wishing everyone a Happy 2010!

133 Books for 2009

So I read 133 books this year and I was trying figure out which were my favorites....doing the top 10 but not in any order....

1. Her Fearful Symmerty by Audrey Niffenegger
2. The Flavor Bible
3. What to Drink with What you Eat
4. Stephanie Plum books (all of them!) by Janet Evanovich
5. Sookie Stackhouse books (all of them!) by Charlaine Harris
6. The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook by Ree Drummond
7. The Weekend Baker by Abigail Johnson Dodge
8. Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook
9. The Domino Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Making You Happy by Deborah Needleman
10. The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life by Piero Ferrucci

What's that you hear?

It was the week before Christmas,
And all through the house,
Ribbons, boxes scattered like a madhouse.
The girl has been bustling to the point of despair,
In hopes to reach the post office with moments to spare.

Packages and treats and wondrous spreads
All await their delivery down everyone's homesteads.
So maybe today we can sneak in a catnap,
But not before realizing everything has been ASAP.

So if you've been wondering where we've been,
And why we've been out of sight,
We haven't gone anywhere,
Just staying up late every night.

Nothing is wrong,
We haven't forgotten,
The things that we've done
Simply made us exhausted.

Soon it will be Christmas and we will be rolling,
We just hope for good weather and wind that's not blowing.
But we'll be back here with updates and glee,
To tell you our tales and things that go squee!

And if we don't get a chance to wish you cheer before then,
Let the wishes of safe journeys be spread for everyone, amen.
May you have a wondrous and happy holiday,
And we'll be back to blogging again soon - someday.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Bah Humbug

I know I haven't done a gratitude list in a few weeks. Michael's parents were here the 4th and then 11th we were in Denver. I have been going non-stop for weeks and weeks and don't see it stopping until after the holiday.

I am really actually quite down this year. I didn't get a holiday - not a normal one. Things got kind of messed up since when we were in Denver in November. I just haven't had much rest and time to do my usual holiday prep. By now I normally have had presents done, mailed or close to mailing, cards mailed out, house decorated, tree up and decorated, cookies baked, candies made and so on...the only thing done completely on that list is house is decorated. Everything else has things to do still. Some of the holiday cards are out but we didn't have enough stamps so the rest are sitting here waiting for stamps. I haven't made any of my presents but got all the supplies today while we were out. I have not baked anything. Our tree isn't up and I don't see that happening until the weekend. I usually have watched Miracle on 34th Street about 10 times by now but hasn't even been popped in the DVD player yet.

So it isn't our normal Christmas and I am down about it the holiday. I don't feel like we have been home much lately. At least just home to enjoy the holidays and get that Christmas spirit. Usually I am always the one with the holiday spirit...not this year. Someone please find a little extra and pass it my way please?

I need to get back to work on my endless list...and hopefully I will see some positives before Friday's gratitude posting.

Just Rolling By....

* celebrated Michael's 40th birthday this weekend with his parents. It was nice. Made him a maple butterscotch cake that turned out perfect in the new oven.

* Saw New Moon this weekend - I liked it a lot more than Twilight.

* I lent Michael's Mom my Twilight book. She has seen the movie but not read any of the books. I am guessing will want to see the movie again after reading the book.) It was kind of cute how excited she was to see New Moon.

* We go to Denver this week - leave Wednesday won't be back until Saturday.

* I am so behind on all my holiday things this year and it is really annoying me.

* I finished An Echo in the Bone - the 7th book in the Outlander series...and it left me wondering when book 8 will be out. It frustrated me at times. I love Jamie & Claire and Roger & Brianna so I was eager to keep moving through the book. And it had surprises for me that I never thought I would see....so it was very good over all. But I want book 8 NOW! (imagine me stamping my feet like a four year old.)

* I doubt I will be reading much more until after the holidays as I am just so behind on everything. But I did pass my total for last year on reading. I am at 130 right now. I have 2 books I am reading now that I will finish before the new year I am sure so it will probably end at 132.

That is about it for now. Doubt I will be able to update again until after we get back from Denver.

Just a little update...

We were in Denver last week for work. It was easy for me. I sat in the hallway all day reading so that no one would walk into the filming area while they were filming. The first day we didn't know that I would be doing that and I only had a couple magazines in my bag. And I so regretted not throwing my book in my bag before we left in the morning. As I started the new book of the Outlander series. So the second day you know I brought it and enjoyed being able to read so much of it!

Michael's Dad makes the BEST sauce with meatballs. I have never tasted anything so good. They only make them once a year as it is a full day of cooking. So we gorged ourselves on that our first night in Denver.

I am watching The Holiday right now. I am trying to resist watching Love Actually until later in December as it is a good Christmas movie. And I really hope I can convince Michael to watch it with me this year. I know he would like it....even if he has doubts.

I called in one of my prescriptions over a week ago and my doctor called me to say he wanted to see me. Just to check in on how my meds were working. So while there I decided to ask about something I have been putting off going to the doctor for that has been bothering me for a long time - I mentioned it a while back about how I have a pain down my bottom and into one of my legs. It feels like a pulled muscle or pinched nerve. I hardly can stand up after sitting too long. And If I stand too long it hurts too. Bending over hurt....you get the picture. So I discussed that with him and he told me what he felt I had - gave me some exercises and also gave me prescription that is helping. My pain level today has been great. But the meds is making me feel out of it, very tired and dizzy. It feels like I am kind of in a fog. So I am hoping those symptoms get better as it gets more in my system. But if it doesn't....well maybe going down in the dosage will help. Right now I am just thrilled to have the pain level go down so much.

The new oven is GREAT! I can't believe how well things are cooking in it. Turkey dinner turned out great. The rolls I made turned out perfect. But....for some reason my pumpkin pie didn't turn out very good. Not due to baking. It just tastes a little off almost like I didn't add sugar but I know I did because....I realized at the end that I didn't and added it. So not sure what I forgot. It isn't horrible - it just isn't as good as usual. Really though I can't wait to bake cookies!

I am going to start decorating for Christmas next week. Not sure what else is going on....making presents and getting holiday cards out. That is about it.

So...

I think I am going to sign off and actually go to bed early for me.

This weekend has been very nice. Relaxing with Michael, eating and just having a great time together laughing and talking.

Gratitude Friday

My status messages on Facebook expressing gratitude this past week...

Monday - Today I am thankful for the down time I got yesterday. It was nice to do nothing.

Tuesday - Today I am thankful for a good doctor check up, for being able to play with a cute little kitten at a friend's house and for seeing beautiful inspiring art.

Wednesday - Today I am thankful for my family...my parents, sister, grandmothers, aunts, uncles and cousins and my cousin's children. I am very blessed to have an amazing family!

Thursday - I am pretty much going to copy and paste what M posted for his status....as it says it just right...today a dear friend of ours lost her older brother. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to her and her family. Please take a moment to reflect and be thankful to be surrounded by family and friends on Thanksgiving - knowing exactly how precious life actually is. Make it count today.

and I also did for Thursday...
Today I am thankful for my Michael. He is an amazing man that I am blessed to share my life with and I so thankful for him. I love you! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I recognize that I have so many amazing people and things in my life to be thankful for and I feel very blessed.

100 Things | Tissues

26. There are always many boxes of kleenex in our house.

I have allergies. And I can't go anywhere without a tissue. I know it would be greener to start using hankies but it is just not something I can do - I just don't like it. So I use tissues and have a box pretty much in every room of the house. That box is the one sitting in my office. We got these funky designed boxes on clearance at Target. I like them as they are so bright and cheerful. We usually just get the big multi pack at Sam's. I think it has 10 to 12 boxes in it. They last me pretty good but Michael often says we need stock in Kleenex because of how much I do need them.

Book Review: Christmas in Minutes

Christmas in Minutes: Festive Crafts in Less Than an Hour by Carol Cox


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Product description from Amazon:

Who isn't busy during the holidays? Clear, concise instructions teamed with brilliant yet simple ideas make this new book a must-have for holiday crafters with little free time on their hands. Taking only five to fifty-five minutes to complete, each project can be fitted into a busy schedule. The 30 projects are arranged in sections according to the time required to complete them. For example, gift tags decorated with bay leaves and rosemary sprigs can be made in under 15 minutes. It takes only 30 minutes to make a calla lily centerpiece. Forty-five minutes is plenty of time to make door wreaths, a glimmering silver twig tree, or an elegant eucalyptus garland. Designs use simple and available materials (natural or artificial) such as pine cones, fruits, ribbons, cinnamon sticks and grapevine wreaths to give your home that handcrafted feel without a lot of work.

If you are intimidated by flower arranging or using flowers in your decorating, this book might be a good start. It has some simple projects to do in 15 to 45 minutes that look elegant and just perfect for the holidays. I am not going to say it is great book. It does have some good arrangements but some of them are also a little busy - to me. But for a start - I think it would be a good to even just read to get ideas.

Some of the projects...
Cally Lily Tree (on the cover)
Dried Apple Ring
Berry Heart Chairback
Festive Pinecone
Clove studded and carved limes
Leaf Wrapped Candles

Also how-to instructions on how to make a triple bow, dry fruit, make lime roses, moss rope and so on.

View all my reviews >>

Gratitude Friday (on Saturday)

We are out of town so I haven't been able to keep up with my thankful posts on Facebook.

Saturday - Today I am thankful for all my Ohio friends. I miss all of the good times and have some amazing memories which makes me incredibly lucky to have made such wonderful long-lasting friendships when I lived there.

Sunday - Today I am thankful that Michael finished a big part of a project. He has been working long hours to get it done. Maybe tonight he will get some sleep.

Monday - Today I am thankful for Kaylee and Jen. I met you both around the same time through the same group and I am so very happy I did as you are amazing friends. Thank you for being so supportive, giving sound advice and sharing many laughs over the years.

Tuesday - Today I am thankful for a new OVEN already to make dinner in, an early Christmas present from a dear friend (3 little owls), that the 7th book in the Outlander series is ready to pick up at the library, Star Trek is out on DVD and for Michael introducing himself to me 7 years ago today.

Wednesday - Today I am thankful for it being a bright sunny day as we are traveling across the mountain passes to Denver.

Saturday - Today I am thankful getting to spend some time with Michael's parents, for Frank's famous spaghetti and meatballs, for working with a great bunch of people in Denver and now for being home.

100 Things | Coloring

25. I like to color.
























I have always liked to color....as a little girl and still now as a 42 old woman. It is relaxing. It is fun. It is just a little thing that gives me a pleasure. Right now I have several Christmas coloring books, a Disney Princess coloring book, a Pooh coloring book that has a little girl named Darby in it, a Precious Moments, a couple other generic coloring books with animals, princesses and such. Now that it is getting close to Christmas - I will be breaking out my Christmas coloring books to color in while watching The Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, Charlie Brown Christmas and the other Christmas DVD's we have.