Why Not? 5 ? Friday

Its been a LONG time since I've blog hopped, and I must say, this feels pretty good.

I'm home, in jammies for another few minutes, and I'm joining in the fun.

5 ? Friday

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

Cold.  Well, it could be worse.  It HAS been worse.  Living in the northeast translates to living in subzero temperatures from December through March.  

This winter, we have been blessed enough to see many days reach the 40's.  Even the 50's.  And snow has been nonexistent since the freak October storm that left hundreds of thousands of us without power for DAYS.

With that jinx being said, I will now brace myself for a snowstorm.  

And no, 90% of the time, I do not like this weather.  It is only fun around Christmas.  

I'm definitely living a few states north of where I was meant to reside.

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

Gingerale.  Television.  Bed.  In that order.

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

I can't even think past this weekend.  I work in increments so as not to create stress.  

One thing is get our hot water pressure fixed.  It's atrocious.  And I called the plumber three times this week.

Plumber, CALL ME BACK!

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

No, but I have been called to duty enough times.  Please oh please leave me alone until I have no babies at home all day.  

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

A dog.  In a house with no children.  I want to be one of those dogs that lives with people and it IS the child.  

Man, that is the life.  I want presents on Christmas, to sleep in a bed, to get groomed and to go on vacation.

And I want no one to poke me or sit on me.  

Oh, and I want a few doggie sweaters too.  

Happy Friday Everyone!

Its been a LONG time since I've blog hopped, and I must say, this feels pretty good.

I'm home, in jammies for another few minutes, and I'm joining in the fun.

5 ? Friday

1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?

Cold.  Well, it could be worse.  It HAS been worse.  Living in the northeast translates to living in subzero temperatures from December through March.  

This winter, we have been blessed enough to see many days reach the 40's.  Even the 50's.  And snow has been nonexistent since the freak October storm that left hundreds of thousands of us without power for DAYS.

With that jinx being said, I will now brace myself for a snowstorm.  

And no, 90% of the time, I do not like this weather.  It is only fun around Christmas.  

I'm definitely living a few states north of where I was meant to reside.

2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?

Gingerale.  Television.  Bed.  In that order.

3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?

I can't even think past this weekend.  I work in increments so as not to create stress.  

One thing is get our hot water pressure fixed.  It's atrocious.  And I called the plumber three times this week.

Plumber, CALL ME BACK!

4. Have you ever served on a jury?

No, but I have been called to duty enough times.  Please oh please leave me alone until I have no babies at home all day.  

5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?

A dog.  In a house with no children.  I want to be one of those dogs that lives with people and it IS the child.  

Man, that is the life.  I want presents on Christmas, to sleep in a bed, to get groomed and to go on vacation.

And I want no one to poke me or sit on me.  

Oh, and I want a few doggie sweaters too.  

Happy Friday Everyone!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

The Waitress Diaries: A Thursday Recap

I just returned from another exhilarating evening at work.  I was pleasantly surprised to start my shift at 4pm and see a large buffet set up in the dining room.

I shall now break down (for anyone who has never been a waitress) WHY I was pleasantly surprised to see a large buffet set up:

1.  Thursdays are typically not a busy night at work.  This means we leave work with a little more than dink.


*"dink", in waitress speak, means "just about nothing"

2.  A large buffet means a large amount of people.  Which means gratuity is included.  And they are being charged for every person that is sneaking through the buffet line.

Oh yes, we count you.  We count you more than once. 

3.  Buffet means they are serving themselves, and we are just cleaning plates and serving drinks.

Hallelujah. It's like a working vacation.

With the buffet breakdown complete, I will now add that we had a nice "bump" after 7pm.  We had people flocking in hungry for French Dip and draft beer.

Must have been something in the frigid air.

With the buffet, the "bump" and the draft beer our evening wasn't too shabby.  I left work with some nice cash in my pocket.

It's actually burning a hole as we speak.  My Starbucks card needs reloading and my gymnastics tuition is due next week.

Easy come, easy go.

Have a fab Friday.

Mommyhood Footnote:  Spell check corrected seven words in this post.  Man these eyeballs need some rest.  Or some ice cream.  Or a little DVR.

I think they need all three.

I just returned from another exhilarating evening at work.  I was pleasantly surprised to start my shift at 4pm and see a large buffet set up in the dining room.

I shall now break down (for anyone who has never been a waitress) WHY I was pleasantly surprised to see a large buffet set up:

1.  Thursdays are typically not a busy night at work.  This means we leave work with a little more than dink.


*"dink", in waitress speak, means "just about nothing"

2.  A large buffet means a large amount of people.  Which means gratuity is included.  And they are being charged for every person that is sneaking through the buffet line.

Oh yes, we count you.  We count you more than once. 

3.  Buffet means they are serving themselves, and we are just cleaning plates and serving drinks.

Hallelujah. It's like a working vacation.

With the buffet breakdown complete, I will now add that we had a nice "bump" after 7pm.  We had people flocking in hungry for French Dip and draft beer.

Must have been something in the frigid air.

With the buffet, the "bump" and the draft beer our evening wasn't too shabby.  I left work with some nice cash in my pocket.

It's actually burning a hole as we speak.  My Starbucks card needs reloading and my gymnastics tuition is due next week.

Easy come, easy go.

Have a fab Friday.

Mommyhood Footnote:  Spell check corrected seven words in this post.  Man these eyeballs need some rest.  Or some ice cream.  Or a little DVR.

I think they need all three.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tiny Little Monster

This morning, the Moopa was in rare form. 

I can't explain it.  Her outbursts and defiance can't be attributed to lack of sleep.  Or hunger.  Or clothes that were too tight or shoes that were in need of removal.

I attribute it all to her age falling between the ripe old years of 2 and 3.

Moopa just decided she was going to be a tiny monster.  A flailing, wailing, bugger-faced-24-pound-beast. 

All I asked of this child was to wear a coat.  It's a balmy 32 degrees today in our northeastern part of the United States.  One would think a coat would be a welcome suggestion.

Moopa did not.  She fought me.  Hit me with her bag of cookies.  Arched her back and weaseled away as I tried to finagle her arms through the holes.

I finally calmly placed her in her crib.  I was left with no alternative.  Moopa threw more things.  She screamed until she realized her whereabouts.  She eventually gave in and accepted defeat. 

I then rocked her calm and we put on her coat. 

And because I hold no grudges, I gave her a new bag of fresh cookies for the ride. 

To all my munchkins I say this:

Fight me all you like, I will smile through the madness and find away around your insanity.

Mom will always find a way.  Always.

And I will be there with fresh cookies when the dust settles.

This morning, the Moopa was in rare form. 

I can't explain it.  Her outbursts and defiance can't be attributed to lack of sleep.  Or hunger.  Or clothes that were too tight or shoes that were in need of removal.

I attribute it all to her age falling between the ripe old years of 2 and 3.

Moopa just decided she was going to be a tiny monster.  A flailing, wailing, bugger-faced-24-pound-beast. 

All I asked of this child was to wear a coat.  It's a balmy 32 degrees today in our northeastern part of the United States.  One would think a coat would be a welcome suggestion.

Moopa did not.  She fought me.  Hit me with her bag of cookies.  Arched her back and weaseled away as I tried to finagle her arms through the holes.

I finally calmly placed her in her crib.  I was left with no alternative.  Moopa threw more things.  She screamed until she realized her whereabouts.  She eventually gave in and accepted defeat. 

I then rocked her calm and we put on her coat. 

And because I hold no grudges, I gave her a new bag of fresh cookies for the ride. 

To all my munchkins I say this:

Fight me all you like, I will smile through the madness and find away around your insanity.

Mom will always find a way.  Always.

And I will be there with fresh cookies when the dust settles.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Pajamas and Pancakes

On January 1st, our church was holding a "Pajamas and Pancakes" service for all the little ones.  Kids were to come in pajamas, bring a stuffed animal, and gorge themselves on pancakes.

Despite our best efforts to make it there, we never did.  Working until 1am New Year's Eve quickly put a nail in that coffin.

Rather than miss out on all the fun, I decided to hold my own "PJ's and Pancakes" for the munchkins.  Once Hubby and myself were up and functioning (functioning being the key word in this sentence), I gave everyone an assignment.

The Gymnastics Queen made invitations to hand out to the family.  She fancies handwritten letters the same way I fancy mint chocolate chip ice cream.

My oldest was in charge of taking orders.  He lined them up for me to view as I flipped pancakes on the griddle and cracked eggs for the frying pan.

The tiniest two were in charge of setting the table.  This translates to only LLG set the table.  He carefully set out syrup and napkins while Moopa enjoyed her carefree toddler lifestyle.

Once the pancakes were abundant, we all gathered around the marker stained, much loved, kitchen table.  We inhaled pancakes, toast and eggs.

Chocolate milk was served and syrup was poured.

We quickly decided this will be an annual event to ring in the New Year.  Everyone loves pancakes, everyone loves pajamas, and stuffed animals finally have a seat at the table.

Oh, and nothing beats a family breakfast.

On January 1st, our church was holding a "Pajamas and Pancakes" service for all the little ones.  Kids were to come in pajamas, bring a stuffed animal, and gorge themselves on pancakes.

Despite our best efforts to make it there, we never did.  Working until 1am New Year's Eve quickly put a nail in that coffin.

Rather than miss out on all the fun, I decided to hold my own "PJ's and Pancakes" for the munchkins.  Once Hubby and myself were up and functioning (functioning being the key word in this sentence), I gave everyone an assignment.

The Gymnastics Queen made invitations to hand out to the family.  She fancies handwritten letters the same way I fancy mint chocolate chip ice cream.

My oldest was in charge of taking orders.  He lined them up for me to view as I flipped pancakes on the griddle and cracked eggs for the frying pan.

The tiniest two were in charge of setting the table.  This translates to only LLG set the table.  He carefully set out syrup and napkins while Moopa enjoyed her carefree toddler lifestyle.

Once the pancakes were abundant, we all gathered around the marker stained, much loved, kitchen table.  We inhaled pancakes, toast and eggs.

Chocolate milk was served and syrup was poured.

We quickly decided this will be an annual event to ring in the New Year.  Everyone loves pancakes, everyone loves pajamas, and stuffed animals finally have a seat at the table.

Oh, and nothing beats a family breakfast.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Italian Style Prime Rib Roast - My In-Laws do it BEST!

Italian Style Prime Rib Roast

No... your eyes aren't playing tricks on you... that is 24, yes, 24 pounds of PRIME RIB right there.

My In-Laws have always done Prime Rib for Christmas dinner.

I will honestly tell you that until I had this magnificent dinner, I had never had Prime Rib in my life.

After having it, I would try to order it in a restaurant, and it was such a HUGE disappointment!

They do it best I will tell you.

I'm not sure why I should be surprised, though.  

In the department of Mother and Father In-Law, I just plain hit the jack pot.

They are such a fantastic family, and I thank God for them every night I lay my head on my pillow.

Denny, my Father-in-law, loves to read my blog, and gets a huge kick out of me taking pictures 

of food when he visits.  

"Don't 'cha wanna take a picture of that one, Kala?"  

This year, I decided to document the making of the Prime Rib.  With the help of my hubby.

If you want to make a Prime Rib that will wow the masses.... here is what it takes!

4-5 pound rump roast or prime rib

or if you're at our house... 24 pounds....

Denny cuts off a few steaks so they will fit in the pan!

steaks go in the freezer to be enjoyed later

Brian helps his parents do the herb and spice rub after the meat is seared to perfection

goof!! Think he's excited?!?!

I kept teasing him about his apron.  I told him he looked like an elf! 

Every time he put it on I looked at him and said "Herbie doesn't like to make toys!"

we take it out when it reaches 140 degrees so those who like it rare get their way!

perfection!

Denny trims the fat off of the roast, and begins slicing.  He sets an electric frying pan with au jus to the side to cook it a little more for those who don't like it too pink!

Denny gets everyone's cut done to their liking.  He looks proud here, doesn't he?

As he SHOULD!

my plate: prime rib, home grown sweet corn, potato casserole and broccoli rice and cheese casserole

(please don't count the calories!!)

It was hard not to dig in...but I took a picture!! It was MAGNIFICENT!!

I highly recommend you try this next time you make a prime rib!! It's DIVINE!

Italian Style Roast

4-5 pound rump or prime rib roast

Herb and Spice Mix

1 T. Worcestershire Sauce

1/4 t. each: dried parsley flakes, basil, pepper, Italian seasoning

1 t. salt

Generous sprinkling of garlic powder and onion salt

Au Jus Mix

1 beef bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup of water

Put meat in and ungreased pan on a rack, bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes to sear the meat.

Remove from oven and rub with Worcestershire Sauce, mix herbs and spices together, sprinkle over meat, rub in.

Continue to roast at 250 degrees for a total time of 20 minutes per pound.

This will make the roast Medium Rare.

Add bouillon to drippings to make Au Jus.

For extra, just use McCormick au jus packets, according to package instructions.

Italian Style Prime Rib Roast

No... your eyes aren't playing tricks on you... that is 24, yes, 24 pounds of PRIME RIB right there.

My In-Laws have always done Prime Rib for Christmas dinner.

I will honestly tell you that until I had this magnificent dinner, I had never had Prime Rib in my life.

After having it, I would try to order it in a restaurant, and it was such a HUGE disappointment!

They do it best I will tell you.

I'm not sure why I should be surprised, though.  

In the department of Mother and Father In-Law, I just plain hit the jack pot.

They are such a fantastic family, and I thank God for them every night I lay my head on my pillow.

Denny, my Father-in-law, loves to read my blog, and gets a huge kick out of me taking pictures 

of food when he visits.  

"Don't 'cha wanna take a picture of that one, Kala?"  

This year, I decided to document the making of the Prime Rib.  With the help of my hubby.

If you want to make a Prime Rib that will wow the masses.... here is what it takes!

4-5 pound rump roast or prime rib

or if you're at our house... 24 pounds....

Denny cuts off a few steaks so they will fit in the pan!

steaks go in the freezer to be enjoyed later

Brian helps his parents do the herb and spice rub after the meat is seared to perfection

goof!! Think he's excited?!?!

I kept teasing him about his apron.  I told him he looked like an elf! 

Every time he put it on I looked at him and said "Herbie doesn't like to make toys!"

we take it out when it reaches 140 degrees so those who like it rare get their way!

perfection!

Denny trims the fat off of the roast, and begins slicing.  He sets an electric frying pan with au jus to the side to cook it a little more for those who don't like it too pink!

Denny gets everyone's cut done to their liking.  He looks proud here, doesn't he?

As he SHOULD!

my plate: prime rib, home grown sweet corn, potato casserole and broccoli rice and cheese casserole

(please don't count the calories!!)

It was hard not to dig in...but I took a picture!! It was MAGNIFICENT!!

I highly recommend you try this next time you make a prime rib!! It's DIVINE!

Italian Style Roast

4-5 pound rump or prime rib roast

Herb and Spice Mix

1 T. Worcestershire Sauce

1/4 t. each: dried parsley flakes, basil, pepper, Italian seasoning

1 t. salt

Generous sprinkling of garlic powder and onion salt

Au Jus Mix

1 beef bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup of water

Put meat in and ungreased pan on a rack, bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes to sear the meat.

Remove from oven and rub with Worcestershire Sauce, mix herbs and spices together, sprinkle over meat, rub in.

Continue to roast at 250 degrees for a total time of 20 minutes per pound.

This will make the roast Medium Rare.

Add bouillon to drippings to make Au Jus.

For extra, just use McCormick au jus packets, according to package instructions.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

What I Wish for 2012

This morning on the radio there was much discussion about 2012.  And what was being discussed really had me thinking.

I almost hurt myself.

All jokes aside, I keep my life light.  I try not to make a deal out of something that shouldn't be a big deal.  Stress is a friend to no one.  And so I rarely touch upon topics that reach beyond my diaper changing, taxi driving expertise.

Today I feel the need to voice just a bit of what I wish for this year.  And it has nothing to do with treadmill runs or being more organized (although both are on the personal short list).

I hope this year we take back our holidays.  I wish for more employees to have off on Thanksgiving Day and for Black Friday to be ON FRIDAY.

I wish for family time for everyone, and for corporate greed to relax.  To chill.  Because you can't take it with you when you die.  Eventually, the pace has to slow down.  We can't run on fast track forever.

And I wouldn't want to.  Too many important moments are missed when we live too "fast".

I wish for small towns to be revived.  I wish for them to thrive.  I am personally tired of driving past vacant shops in my downtown.  If we don't start supporting small town America it will be gone before we can say "Walmart".

And I'm not saying Walmart is a bad place, or not to shop there.  I love "rollbacks" just as much as the next frugal shopper.

I'm just saying we can't do ALL our shopping there.  Strolling downtown is good for the soul, and for our neighbors. 

I wish for people to save more, and spend less.  Because there is great peace of mind when the bills aren't rolling in.

If the cash isn't in hand, wait until it is.  We need much less than we think we do.

I know this year, possibilities are endless.  And there are great things in store for everyone.

But these great things have to start with us.

This morning on the radio there was much discussion about 2012.  And what was being discussed really had me thinking.

I almost hurt myself.

All jokes aside, I keep my life light.  I try not to make a deal out of something that shouldn't be a big deal.  Stress is a friend to no one.  And so I rarely touch upon topics that reach beyond my diaper changing, taxi driving expertise.

Today I feel the need to voice just a bit of what I wish for this year.  And it has nothing to do with treadmill runs or being more organized (although both are on the personal short list).

I hope this year we take back our holidays.  I wish for more employees to have off on Thanksgiving Day and for Black Friday to be ON FRIDAY.

I wish for family time for everyone, and for corporate greed to relax.  To chill.  Because you can't take it with you when you die.  Eventually, the pace has to slow down.  We can't run on fast track forever.

And I wouldn't want to.  Too many important moments are missed when we live too "fast".

I wish for small towns to be revived.  I wish for them to thrive.  I am personally tired of driving past vacant shops in my downtown.  If we don't start supporting small town America it will be gone before we can say "Walmart".

And I'm not saying Walmart is a bad place, or not to shop there.  I love "rollbacks" just as much as the next frugal shopper.

I'm just saying we can't do ALL our shopping there.  Strolling downtown is good for the soul, and for our neighbors. 

I wish for people to save more, and spend less.  Because there is great peace of mind when the bills aren't rolling in.

If the cash isn't in hand, wait until it is.  We need much less than we think we do.

I know this year, possibilities are endless.  And there are great things in store for everyone.

But these great things have to start with us.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Back to the Grind

Today, as soon as I dry my quickly frizzing hair and remove myself from this computer, I am getting back to the grind.

The house better be ready, because it has no idea what's coming.

The tree has been warned, it will be stripped naked of its glistening lights and ornaments by noon.  It will then be dragged (by Hubby) to the woods, where it will live for all eternity.

It had a good life.

I will then spend an hour sweeping up pine needles and organizing the Christmas storage area that is 20 degrees.  Laundry will be washed and folded and windows and counters will be cleansed.

All hail the Windex.

Happy 2012 everyone.  Time to get life back in order.

Today, as soon as I dry my quickly frizzing hair and remove myself from this computer, I am getting back to the grind.

The house better be ready, because it has no idea what's coming.

The tree has been warned, it will be stripped naked of its glistening lights and ornaments by noon.  It will then be dragged (by Hubby) to the woods, where it will live for all eternity.

It had a good life.

I will then spend an hour sweeping up pine needles and organizing the Christmas storage area that is 20 degrees.  Laundry will be washed and folded and windows and counters will be cleansed.

All hail the Windex.

Happy 2012 everyone.  Time to get life back in order.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad