Happy Monday. :)
I'm certainly of the mind that it will be. I've had a rough couple of weeks. But! I decided that today is the start of a new week therefore it can also be the start of releasing the past couple of weeks. I am seriously in need of some release. Recovery and Healing. In every sense.
I have struggled, more than once recently, with just how much to share on this blog of mine. I follow quite a few blogs. Some are strictly deals/steals/coupons etc., some are book reviews, some are blog biz centered (how to develop, further, monetize, etc.), some are family centered (what we did, what we learned etc.), and a couple are completely open-share everything-no holds barred forums. While I admire the courage, the freedom, and the unabashed sense of self, I just can't seem to do it even though part of me wants to.
First, there's something within me that can't quite share, this publicly anyway, all of the "failures, shortcomings, and hardships" that I and we as a family go through. And believe me, we have ALOT!!! Those of you that know me personally know full well. It's funny. I have little to no problem at all sharing deeply personal experiences with people I know personally (rather freely and maybe sometimes TOO freely) , but when it comes to putting my imperfections out there on display for the general public...I just can't do it. I get the psychology of it, it's just still interesting to me. For some odd reason, I feel this need to 'put on airs'. I think that's the best way to say it... But you know, as I write this, I have this desire to list out all of the things going on and that I'm working on or need help with... Tres Bizarre!
I'm quite torn.
But also feeding in to this is the sensation that "nobody is interested in what we're going through. Nobody wants to read about the sad, difficult, or crazy stuff that goes on in my/our life." Truly. Even though we are in an age of "Reality" tv, voyeurism to the extreme, I still don't see how anyone would be interested in MY life. Even though I admire the courage of those that share it all and part of me wishes that I could just suck it up and do it. Even though I am grateful for those that share it all, for giving the public the chance to see that a)they're not the only ones going through ______, b) EVERYone has problems/issues/difficulties, NOone is perfect, and c) giving others the chance to learn from and take solace in others' experiences, I somehow still feel like I'm the exception....
What the hell is THAT about?!
See?! I'm a BIG ol' mess! ;)
So...the ultimate question....To Spill, or Not To Spill?..... LOL!!
I certainly understand (and highly encourage) the amazingly healing powers of 'venting'. It's absolutely amazing how helpful 'getting "it" out there in the open' can be. Having someone with whom you can share and get feedback (or not get feedback) is invaluable. A support network, no matter how small or big, is essential. You can never have too much TRUE support, too many shoulders.
And then there's this contrary notion floating around my crazy brain that I owe my followers an explanation of my absences. You small group of people that have chosen to be updated whenever some new crazy thing occurs to me or I share a new recipe. I am so appreciative of each of you. I feel like "these people signed up to hear what I have to say/share, they deserve to know what's taking me away from saying/sharing it. They deserve to know that I'm not abandoning them and that they really are important to me".
So. I guess it all boils down to this...
What do YOU think?? You-my readers. Would you like to hear more about the insanity that is our life? The sad and difficult along with the happy and fun?? The reality. The absolute imperfection and what I/we try to learn from it.
What are your opinions about public sharing? What do you like to read about? What do you look for?
Let me know. I am always looking to learn and grow.
Excited for you to help me on my quest,
Mo
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A hunting we will go...for homes and jobs that is.
Oh the joys of apartment and job hunting!
One of my absolute besties is up here with us this week looking for apartments and jobs so that she can move up here with her awesomely crazy boys next month from Albuquerque. I can't wait for her to be closer again!! As a matter of fact, right this very minute, she is on her way to an interview with a job placement agency. Yay! :) We looked at a few apartments this morning and we may get to hit up more this afternoon as well and definitely tomorrow. She even set an "Available Date" for jobs yesterday. Woo hoo! :)
So.....that's what this week is filled with. No new recipes for us and probably not any fun or new crafts either. Spending time with friends and searching, hunting, and some more finding is what's on our agenda.
Didn't want anyone to think I had fallen off the web or abandoned anyone. Yes, all children, spouses and ex-spouses are still alive and in one piece each.....but that status is always precarious and needs frequent updating. ;)
Hope everyone is having a great beginning of their summer! We are!
Mo
One of my absolute besties is up here with us this week looking for apartments and jobs so that she can move up here with her awesomely crazy boys next month from Albuquerque. I can't wait for her to be closer again!! As a matter of fact, right this very minute, she is on her way to an interview with a job placement agency. Yay! :) We looked at a few apartments this morning and we may get to hit up more this afternoon as well and definitely tomorrow. She even set an "Available Date" for jobs yesterday. Woo hoo! :)
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| What it feels like after hours of perusing apartment listings... |
So.....that's what this week is filled with. No new recipes for us and probably not any fun or new crafts either. Spending time with friends and searching, hunting, and some more finding is what's on our agenda.
Didn't want anyone to think I had fallen off the web or abandoned anyone. Yes, all children, spouses and ex-spouses are still alive and in one piece each.....but that status is always precarious and needs frequent updating. ;)
Hope everyone is having a great beginning of their summer! We are!
Mo
Thursday, June 9, 2011
This one's actually my own!
Well whadya know?! I'm posting another 'recipe'..it's only been what?? Forever!!
Well this one is actually mine. Well...mostly. I did afterall use a prepared seasoning packet, but still! ;)
So today I have for you...Baja Citrus Chicken with Buttered Noodles and Thymed Zucchini
A couple of years ago, when perusing the spice aisle in the store, I found McCormick's Grill Mates seasoning/marinade packets. We haven't had a grill in years (small apartment balconies) but I figured they'd be just as good sauteed or baked. And I was right! :) So I've used them many times over the last couple of years and always to great reviews (even from our foodie-studying-to-be-a-chef/restaurant owner-friend!). They make quite a few different flavors, for just about any taste. Check em out (NO-this is NOT a paid endorsement), I bet you'll find some you'll love. :) You can use them all on whatever meat/fish you like I'm sure although they have on the back which ones they recommend. All of the ones that we've tried I've used on chicken (I'm pretty sure). So-without further ado, I give you the "recipe". It's quite easy and certainly nothing spectacular or difficult but was quite delicious nonetheless. :)
Baja Citrus Chicken
1 packet McCormick's Grill Mates Baja Citrus Marinade
2 3/4 lbs chicken
Add seasoning packet and oil, vinegar, and water according to package directions to gallon size zippered bag along with chicken. Shake (or use hands to 'roll' meat within bag) well. Refrigerate minimum 1 hour (I usually do overnight). Cook as desired. I usually saute rather than bake so it doesn't dry out. (make sure to pour all marinade in pan [if baking/sauteeing] to prevent drying out)
Buttered Noodles
Whatever noodles you prefer, I used a combo of egg noodles and macaroni
1/4 cup butter (4 tbsp or half stick)
Boil water and cook noodles as desired. (I personally think al dente is a little too tough) Drain water, add butter and mix well. I added a couple shakes of Garlic Salt for just a teeny bit of flavor.
Thymed Zucchini
3 medium zucchini quartered lengthwise and then chopped into approx 1/2" pieces (bitesize)
olive oil
Thyme
Place zucchini in pan with olive oil (3 tbsp or so, enough to coat the zucchini). Add Thyme to taste. I, while completely not paying any attention at all, added way more than I intended as my bottle did not have a shaker lid like I thought it did. Turned out to be the perfect amount. LOL Saute until zucchini softens as desired.
That's it. You're done. Dish and enjoy! We did!
This one is easy and fairly quick. The noodles cook in the time it takes the chicken to cook and the zucchini can be started just after the other two. Easy Peasy! :) You can, of course, always add the chicken to the top of the noodles, but since most everyone in this house usually eats each food seperately, I figured "why bother?". LOL
Enjoy, and if you use any of the other McCormick marinades, let me know how it goes!
Mo
Well this one is actually mine. Well...mostly. I did afterall use a prepared seasoning packet, but still! ;)
So today I have for you...Baja Citrus Chicken with Buttered Noodles and Thymed Zucchini
A couple of years ago, when perusing the spice aisle in the store, I found McCormick's Grill Mates seasoning/marinade packets. We haven't had a grill in years (small apartment balconies) but I figured they'd be just as good sauteed or baked. And I was right! :) So I've used them many times over the last couple of years and always to great reviews (even from our foodie-studying-to-be-a-chef/restaurant owner-friend!). They make quite a few different flavors, for just about any taste. Check em out (NO-this is NOT a paid endorsement), I bet you'll find some you'll love. :) You can use them all on whatever meat/fish you like I'm sure although they have on the back which ones they recommend. All of the ones that we've tried I've used on chicken (I'm pretty sure). So-without further ado, I give you the "recipe". It's quite easy and certainly nothing spectacular or difficult but was quite delicious nonetheless. :)
Baja Citrus Chicken
1 packet McCormick's Grill Mates Baja Citrus Marinade
2 3/4 lbs chicken
Add seasoning packet and oil, vinegar, and water according to package directions to gallon size zippered bag along with chicken. Shake (or use hands to 'roll' meat within bag) well. Refrigerate minimum 1 hour (I usually do overnight). Cook as desired. I usually saute rather than bake so it doesn't dry out. (make sure to pour all marinade in pan [if baking/sauteeing] to prevent drying out)
Buttered Noodles
Whatever noodles you prefer, I used a combo of egg noodles and macaroni
1/4 cup butter (4 tbsp or half stick)
Boil water and cook noodles as desired. (I personally think al dente is a little too tough) Drain water, add butter and mix well. I added a couple shakes of Garlic Salt for just a teeny bit of flavor.
Thymed Zucchini
3 medium zucchini quartered lengthwise and then chopped into approx 1/2" pieces (bitesize)
olive oil
Thyme
Place zucchini in pan with olive oil (3 tbsp or so, enough to coat the zucchini). Add Thyme to taste. I, while completely not paying any attention at all, added way more than I intended as my bottle did not have a shaker lid like I thought it did. Turned out to be the perfect amount. LOL Saute until zucchini softens as desired.
 |
| (please excuse the spill on the stove!) |
That's it. You're done. Dish and enjoy! We did!
This one is easy and fairly quick. The noodles cook in the time it takes the chicken to cook and the zucchini can be started just after the other two. Easy Peasy! :) You can, of course, always add the chicken to the top of the noodles, but since most everyone in this house usually eats each food seperately, I figured "why bother?". LOL
Enjoy, and if you use any of the other McCormick marinades, let me know how it goes!
Mo
Our Hero
Happy Thursday!
All of you have heard, REPEATEDLY, about our hero of the year- Evan's 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. C.
Well, I just thought I would post a pic of the lovely lady that helped us get through, and learn and grow, this last school year.
She has a permanent place in our hearts (and now the blog!).
Mo
All of you have heard, REPEATEDLY, about our hero of the year- Evan's 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. C.
Well, I just thought I would post a pic of the lovely lady that helped us get through, and learn and grow, this last school year.
 |
| Mrs. C and the boy (I have no idea what he's doing with his hands...) |
Mo
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Whew! A vicious cycle.... ;)
I tell ya....this housework/mom stuff never ends!! ;)
With no new recipes to blog about recently (it's been repeats for us, well, the few times I've cooked lately anyway), you're stuck reading about my catching up and cleaning out.
With a ridiculous amount of dishes that needed washing in the dishwasher and sudsing away, I started on cleaning out the fridge. Wowzers! Whadya know?! I have tupperware again! (And by tupperware, I really mean the cheap disposable types that you get in 3 packs or with your lunchmeat...) Course, I also have another bunch of dishes to wash....it's dirty-dish-depressing...
But!! The fridge is emptied out, the trash is waiting to be taken by my oh-so-helpful-son, and I once again (once I run another load) will have storage containers for a whole new round of leftovers! Now...to find some more new recipes to try.
Gotta a favorite go-to blog or site for new recipes (besides mine, of course!!!)? Let's hear about it. I'm ALWAYS looking for more resources for new recipes and ideas! Help my family not get stuck in my recipe ruts... ;)
Thanks for any and all help!!
Mo
With no new recipes to blog about recently (it's been repeats for us, well, the few times I've cooked lately anyway), you're stuck reading about my catching up and cleaning out.
With a ridiculous amount of dishes that needed washing in the dishwasher and sudsing away, I started on cleaning out the fridge. Wowzers! Whadya know?! I have tupperware again! (And by tupperware, I really mean the cheap disposable types that you get in 3 packs or with your lunchmeat...) Course, I also have another bunch of dishes to wash....it's dirty-dish-depressing...
But!! The fridge is emptied out, the trash is waiting to be taken by my oh-so-helpful-son, and I once again (once I run another load) will have storage containers for a whole new round of leftovers! Now...to find some more new recipes to try.
Gotta a favorite go-to blog or site for new recipes (besides mine, of course!!!)? Let's hear about it. I'm ALWAYS looking for more resources for new recipes and ideas! Help my family not get stuck in my recipe ruts... ;)
Thanks for any and all help!!
Mo
Monday, June 6, 2011
Back at it! A break for mom...
Well hello all! It's been awhile huh?!
I took a much needed break. From facebook, from the blog, from the biz (MO Creations), from Twitter, from it all. After an incredibly rough week (2 weeks ago) I just needed to get away, from life in general. Well, I've had two incredible weekends filled with fun and love and friends and I'm ready to climb back up on the saddle and get back into the race. :) Bring it on baby!
I feel a little more prepared to handle the long summer days with the boy and have us both live through it. (ALWAYS a good thing eh?? ;) )
So...it's back at it I go! And gladly.
How has the start of your summer been? Have any tips or ideas for those much needed and deserved breaks we moms need? What's your idea of a mom-cation? What's your dream? (I have a wonderfully amazing friend whose dream is 3 days in a hotel. No family. Room Service. Great books. [sounds heavenly doesn't it??] And boy does she deserve it!) Have you ever taken one? Do you want to? Comment and share your thoughts and ideas with us.
Can't wait to hear from you...
Mo
I took a much needed break. From facebook, from the blog, from the biz (MO Creations), from Twitter, from it all. After an incredibly rough week (2 weeks ago) I just needed to get away, from life in general. Well, I've had two incredible weekends filled with fun and love and friends and I'm ready to climb back up on the saddle and get back into the race. :) Bring it on baby!
I feel a little more prepared to handle the long summer days with the boy and have us both live through it. (ALWAYS a good thing eh?? ;) )
So...it's back at it I go! And gladly.
How has the start of your summer been? Have any tips or ideas for those much needed and deserved breaks we moms need? What's your idea of a mom-cation? What's your dream? (I have a wonderfully amazing friend whose dream is 3 days in a hotel. No family. Room Service. Great books. [sounds heavenly doesn't it??] And boy does she deserve it!) Have you ever taken one? Do you want to? Comment and share your thoughts and ideas with us.
Can't wait to hear from you...
Mo
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