Has it really been 6 months since my last post? Yes, it has! I'm very sorry to all my followers. I keep a notebook with blog ideas in it and I write in in at least once a week. But, alas, I never seem to get time to sit down and post on the computer. You know, where other people can read the ideas I have.
So, today as I tried to sneak a few minutes to write in my notebook, I thought, "Why don't you sit on the computer and do this? Then you don't need to copy what you have written."
This may be a no-brainer to some of you, but I am one of those people that still writes out on paper and then types. I did that in high school, college and grad school. I know it seems silly, but when I started writing papers in junior high, computers weren't what they are now. When I learned to write, I was taught to do research and take notes, then write an outline, then a rough draft, edit/revise/edit, and then type a final draft. That's the way I have pretty much done it ever since.
So, I will now do my best to ditch the notebook and write on the computer, and maybe, just maybe, write more.
Since you probably do not really care to read what was going on 6 months ago, I will start with the idea I has initially intending to write.
Why do cookies stick to my cookie sheets and not my "meat lumps"?
First, I will explain what a "meat lump" is. I love to make chicken meatballs for my spaghetti dinners. They are very tasty and are a healthier alternative to beef meatballs. But, I don't like to touch ground chicken (or actually any raw chicken). Plus, I'm too lazy to actually roll the meat into balls. So I just use a couple of spoons to scoop the meat up and put it onto the cookie sheet, kind of like I would do with cookie dough. It's more of a lump than a ball, so I started to call them that. And in my house, it just kind of stuck.
Ok, so back to the sticky-ness.
A good friend of mine had a craft night and I decided to make cookies to bring along. It was a great idea until I tried to take them off the pan. About 1/2 of them stuck and were just crumbs when I finally got them off the sheet (another guest at the craft night suggested sprinkling the crumbs over ice cream-which is a GREAT idea).
My friend suggested parchment paper, which I bought the next time I went to the store. I worked so great! All my cookies came off the sheet with no problem! Plus, none of them had dark brown bottoms and they were all chewy!
But, my meat lumps have never stuck! I never spray the pan first, and I have never used parchment paper. The idea of using paper turns me off because I imagine the chicken fat puddling on the paper and that is unappetising.
Every time I make meat lumps I think about this I think I have figured it out. It's the fat, the same fat that I don't want to puddle up is what keeps them from sticking.
I some how find that interesting...I hope you do to. :)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
More Than an Hour...NOT by Accident
Those of you who follow this rather random blog know by now that I am a runner. Two of my biggest feats have been running 5 miles by accident and running 6 miles in 6 degrees.
Well, I have a new feat...I ran for 1 hour, 2 minutes and 8 seconds...ON PURPOSE. Plus, it was HOT.
Now, I know that those of you who are not runners are wondering, "Why on Earth would anyone want to run for over an hour on purpose?"
Well, to answer you, I would. Running is a challenge for me, that's why I run races.
Usually, I run 5ks but, there was a race in my town and it's a 5 mile race. I was pretty sure that my body could handle 5 miles, but I wasn't sure that my mind would be able to handle it. I took a practice run and it really felt good and since the race is in my town, so I knew the course. I registered.
I made three goals for my self.
1) Run the whole 5 miles.
2) Finish in an hour or less, and
3) Not die.
The day of the race was hot, and it starts on a hill. It was hectic getting my friend, MM, registered, but I felt good at the beginning. As the race began, I began to feel the heat. And, as is all my races, as soon as the starting gun went off, I was thirsty.
I took water at the aid stations, and by took water I mean that I splashed it on my face. But, I did drink some, and I slowed to give a little girl with Downs Syndrome a high five.
In the end, I did run the whole way and I didn't die. I finished in 1:02:08, I missed it by that much...
But, I RAN FOR OVER AN HOUR!
I think that's a feat in itself, considering two years ago I couldn't run for 90 seconds! And remember, a year ago, my son was 10 days old.
So, I don't think I will run many 5 mile races, I do prefer the 5k, but you never know.
Well, I have a new feat...I ran for 1 hour, 2 minutes and 8 seconds...ON PURPOSE. Plus, it was HOT.
Now, I know that those of you who are not runners are wondering, "Why on Earth would anyone want to run for over an hour on purpose?"
Well, to answer you, I would. Running is a challenge for me, that's why I run races.
Usually, I run 5ks but, there was a race in my town and it's a 5 mile race. I was pretty sure that my body could handle 5 miles, but I wasn't sure that my mind would be able to handle it. I took a practice run and it really felt good and since the race is in my town, so I knew the course. I registered.
I made three goals for my self.
1) Run the whole 5 miles.
2) Finish in an hour or less, and
3) Not die.
The day of the race was hot, and it starts on a hill. It was hectic getting my friend, MM, registered, but I felt good at the beginning. As the race began, I began to feel the heat. And, as is all my races, as soon as the starting gun went off, I was thirsty.
I took water at the aid stations, and by took water I mean that I splashed it on my face. But, I did drink some, and I slowed to give a little girl with Downs Syndrome a high five.
In the end, I did run the whole way and I didn't die. I finished in 1:02:08, I missed it by that much...
But, I RAN FOR OVER AN HOUR!
I think that's a feat in itself, considering two years ago I couldn't run for 90 seconds! And remember, a year ago, my son was 10 days old.
So, I don't think I will run many 5 mile races, I do prefer the 5k, but you never know.
 |
| Finishing Strong |
First Word (?)
Bradley turned 1 year old two weeks ago (stay tuned for pictures). Lots of people have been asking me if he's talking yet. Because as we all know, babies start talking as soon as they turn one.
Well, Bradley does plenty of "talking." Lots of babbling, cooing, and happy screeches...do raspberries count? However, he really doesn't say words, he doesn't really name anything...until maybe now.
I have noticed over the last week or so, while I am preparing Bradley's breakfast, he has been chanting, "nana nana nana." This usually starts while I am cutting his banana. I have been wondering if he is naming the banana.
Today, in the grocery store, I was walking through the produce section narrating as usual.
"Oh, look at these blueberries, let's get some."
Crickets from Bradley.
"Bradley, should we get some strawberries? Maybe you can try one this week."
Nothing
"How about some fuzzy Kiwi fruit? They come from New Zealand. Cathy from our church is from New Zealand."
Smiles, but no sounds.
"We need lots of bananas. We need some really green ones, some kind of green ones and some that will be ready for tomorrow." (We eat lots of bananas in the Spotts house.)
"Nana Nana Nana Nana!"
"Bradley, are you saying 'banana'"?
"Nana Nana Nana!" While he is saying this he is bouncing up and down in the seat. As I put them in the cart he is turning around to look at them and reaching for them.
"Nana Nana Nana!"
I was really hoping is first real word would be so form of "mama." I would even settle for a form of "daddy" or "doggie." I will have to be more observant when bananas are around to see if it sticks.
Maybe I should pull out my early education stuff and see what qualifies as a first word, and who knows, maybe he is trying to say, "Joanna."
Well, Bradley does plenty of "talking." Lots of babbling, cooing, and happy screeches...do raspberries count? However, he really doesn't say words, he doesn't really name anything...until maybe now.
I have noticed over the last week or so, while I am preparing Bradley's breakfast, he has been chanting, "nana nana nana." This usually starts while I am cutting his banana. I have been wondering if he is naming the banana.
Today, in the grocery store, I was walking through the produce section narrating as usual.
"Oh, look at these blueberries, let's get some."
Crickets from Bradley.
"Bradley, should we get some strawberries? Maybe you can try one this week."
Nothing
"How about some fuzzy Kiwi fruit? They come from New Zealand. Cathy from our church is from New Zealand."
Smiles, but no sounds.
"We need lots of bananas. We need some really green ones, some kind of green ones and some that will be ready for tomorrow." (We eat lots of bananas in the Spotts house.)
"Nana Nana Nana Nana!"
"Bradley, are you saying 'banana'"?
"Nana Nana Nana!" While he is saying this he is bouncing up and down in the seat. As I put them in the cart he is turning around to look at them and reaching for them.
"Nana Nana Nana!"
I was really hoping is first real word would be so form of "mama." I would even settle for a form of "daddy" or "doggie." I will have to be more observant when bananas are around to see if it sticks.
Maybe I should pull out my early education stuff and see what qualifies as a first word, and who knows, maybe he is trying to say, "Joanna."
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
You Give Me Fever!
That's right, I caught it. Royal Wedding Fever!
When I heard that the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton would be televised, I thought that I'd watch it. Kind of like a background to my day. Then, I found out that it would start at 4 AM. I thought I would DVR it and then I could fast forward through the commericals and stuff. So that was the plan, DVR and watch it on a day that Adam had to work.
That was the plan until a friend said how much she wanted to watch it and didn't have a DVR. That's when the fever began...I said, "Oh, you can come over a watch it with me some evening. It will be fun."
Not trying to be exclusive, I invited other friends in this circle to join in the fun. I had some interest and I was getting excited, of course the media wasn't helping much.
I think that in another life, I might like to be a party planner. As soon as I decided that I was officially having a "Royal Wedding Viewing Party" my mind went overboard with ideas:
I could make an invitation that looked like a wedding invitation
I could print off the program for my guests
Union Jack bunting from the balconies in my apartment (yes, we have balconies inside).
Union jack table coverings, napkins, etc.
Little Union Jack flags for my guests.
Tiaras and plastic "saphire" and "diamond" rings.
Favors with English toffee, Cadbury chocolate, and Earl Grey Tea.
Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding for dinner
Traditional English fruit cake for dessert
This list could go one for a while, but I think you get the picture. But, I didn't have the time, money or space for all this.
Thankfully, my friend CM showed me a website with printable things that I could use to decorate. Then, while watching The Today show, I learned that Kate's favorite cupcake is Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting. I could do that! I also made chocolate cupcakes with chocolate/vanilla swirl frosting with a strawberry on top. Sparkling juice added another festive touch.
I also did little favor boxes with Heath bars and ring pops. I made every guest a princess with a tiara.
I think everyone enjoyed themsleves.
But, in the end, it wasn't about the decor, the food or the favors. It was about friends.
And "The Wedding of the Century."
When I heard that the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton would be televised, I thought that I'd watch it. Kind of like a background to my day. Then, I found out that it would start at 4 AM. I thought I would DVR it and then I could fast forward through the commericals and stuff. So that was the plan, DVR and watch it on a day that Adam had to work.
That was the plan until a friend said how much she wanted to watch it and didn't have a DVR. That's when the fever began...I said, "Oh, you can come over a watch it with me some evening. It will be fun."
Not trying to be exclusive, I invited other friends in this circle to join in the fun. I had some interest and I was getting excited, of course the media wasn't helping much.
I think that in another life, I might like to be a party planner. As soon as I decided that I was officially having a "Royal Wedding Viewing Party" my mind went overboard with ideas:
I could make an invitation that looked like a wedding invitation
I could print off the program for my guests
Union Jack bunting from the balconies in my apartment (yes, we have balconies inside).
Union jack table coverings, napkins, etc.
Little Union Jack flags for my guests.
Tiaras and plastic "saphire" and "diamond" rings.
Favors with English toffee, Cadbury chocolate, and Earl Grey Tea.
Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding for dinner
Traditional English fruit cake for dessert
This list could go one for a while, but I think you get the picture. But, I didn't have the time, money or space for all this.
Thankfully, my friend CM showed me a website with printable things that I could use to decorate. Then, while watching The Today show, I learned that Kate's favorite cupcake is Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting. I could do that! I also made chocolate cupcakes with chocolate/vanilla swirl frosting with a strawberry on top. Sparkling juice added another festive touch.
I also did little favor boxes with Heath bars and ring pops. I made every guest a princess with a tiara.
I think everyone enjoyed themsleves.
But, in the end, it wasn't about the decor, the food or the favors. It was about friends.
And "The Wedding of the Century."
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Wise Words
When Bradley was first born, I had a hard time nursing him.
One night, at the end of my rope I made a call to a friend. While I was sobbing, this wise friend told me that God was giving me this situation so that I could one day help someone else who was having this problem. I remember thinking (and maybe saying) that I didn't want to help anyone else, I just wanted this to work for me.
Well, today, that wise friend's words came true. I was able to give wise words to someone else in need. It felt really good to be able to help this new friend. All that pain and suffering, all the tears, all the frustration, all the dread, it all came back to me as I was offering my advice.
And it was all worth it.
One night, at the end of my rope I made a call to a friend. While I was sobbing, this wise friend told me that God was giving me this situation so that I could one day help someone else who was having this problem. I remember thinking (and maybe saying) that I didn't want to help anyone else, I just wanted this to work for me.
Well, today, that wise friend's words came true. I was able to give wise words to someone else in need. It felt really good to be able to help this new friend. All that pain and suffering, all the tears, all the frustration, all the dread, it all came back to me as I was offering my advice.
And it was all worth it.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Are We There Yet?
My favorite blog is written by my friend, L. Occasionally, she will write a post about her beautiful daughter, S's eating habits. Sometimes, these posts include pictures of S with whatever happened to be on her plate smeared across her face.
When I see them, I usually think to myself, "I'm glad we are not there yet."
Until yesterday that is, because we have arrived "there."
Bradley's new "game" at meal times is to grab the bowl of the spoon as it is headed to his mouth and take the food into his hand and "squish" it. He transfers the food from hand to hand and continues to "squish" it while he eats. Usually, this only results in messy hands and high chair tray.
Until yesterday that is, because yesterday he was tired.
When Bradley is tired, he rubs his eyes.
Do you have a mental picture yet?
When he was done eating, I looked at my messy little guy and thought, "You look just like S!"
They must be having secret meetings in the church nursery or something, because S has also taught him to blow raspberries.
Yes, he blows them with food in his mouth.
When I see them, I usually think to myself, "I'm glad we are not there yet."
Until yesterday that is, because we have arrived "there."
Bradley's new "game" at meal times is to grab the bowl of the spoon as it is headed to his mouth and take the food into his hand and "squish" it. He transfers the food from hand to hand and continues to "squish" it while he eats. Usually, this only results in messy hands and high chair tray.
Until yesterday that is, because yesterday he was tired.
When Bradley is tired, he rubs his eyes.
Do you have a mental picture yet?
They must be having secret meetings in the church nursery or something, because S has also taught him to blow raspberries.
Yes, he blows them with food in his mouth.
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