I Am Mature. And I Never Overreact

So....story goes like this. I work late on Thursday's and usually don't get home until close to 8:00.

 On this particular Thursday, I was invited to a friends house for a girls night of playing cards and a few glasses of wine. I debated going but ultimately decided against it, and went home because I felt the need to make sure everything was okay there (read: I overreact and am a control freak so I wanted to make sure the teenager did his homework correctly)

On top of it all, I was really looking forward to taking a hot bath and then climbing in bed to watch Grey's Anatomy. And, I really don't like being out on a school night. 

So, I ended up driving home. I greeted Ryan and stuck my head into the computer room to say hello to the teenager who was glued to the computer watching YouTube videos about iPods. Typical teenager.

 I head over to the master bathroom, run the tub and chat with Ryan for a few minutes.

Thinking this should only take a few minutes...after all, it is nearly 8:00 and the teenager is supposed to take care of his homework right after school, I go to the computer room to have the teenager de-brief me on his homework situation. It's something we do daily so it shouldn't be any bit of a surprise.


But.....it wasn't done.

And I was pissed. Fuming actually.

Even more so when I found out that Ryan took him out all afternoon and now was allowing him to be on the computer, YouTube, iPod, etc. when he still had homework to finish. (This would not be such a big deal if it the teenager didn't have a history of this sort of crap)

So, I start flipping out.

So does Ryan.

We continue yelling at each other, at the teenager. It was less than an ideal moment.



SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTT


The bathtub is still running, I remembered. So, I run to the bathroom.

And slide on the floor because it is inches deep in water, overflowing from the bathtub.


Fuuuuck.

So, I dump every towel we have onto the floor to try to sop up the water and yell for Ryan to come help me.

He does and during this, proceeds to (rightfully so, now that I have had a week to mull this over)
tell me this is my fault because I am too wrapped up and too concerned about the teenagers homework and that I overreact.

At the time, my thoughts were more on the lines of "bastard" and "asshole" and a few others. Now that I've had a week to think about it, he was probably right.

As I continue with the towels on the floor, Ryan leaves and I'm thinking he's an asshole for leaving me with this mess.

Two minutes later, he comes upstairs to tell me the pole room is flooded.

This, obviously, leads to more yelling at each other.

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccccccccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkk


So, like any other mature 30-year old woman, I handled the situation rationally.

I grabbed my purse, cell phone, and charger, and stormed out of the house to my friend's place where a bunch of my girl friends were for the night.

I drank a couple glasses of wine and bitched to my ultra supportive friends while left Ryan to clean up the mess.

Yes, I am mature.

I contemplated spending the night because I was too sheepish to come home but I ended up creeping in the house quietly and sleeping in my own bed with Mulder.

Ryan conveniently slept on the couch.

Yep, I am incredibly mature.

And I never over-react.

Ever.

Friends Making Monday: All About The Blog

I have today "off" and while I am not at school, I am working today. 

How was your weekend? Do you have today off?

Friday afternoon, I went to an open pole class and worked on some tricks. I really like the open atmosphere of the open pole classes. They're very laid back. 

 On Saturday, Ryan and the teenager went to his cousins' for the day so I spent some time at my parents' house before heading up to my best friend's house (an hour and a half away) to spend the night. One of my camp friends was in town and I haven't seen her in nearly three years so it was so much fun to be able to see each other. 

camp friends are best friends

Yesterday, we went out for breakfast and then the girls did a little shopping before I headed back home where Ryan and I enjoyed a night with a few beers (mmmm Smoked Porter and Mean Old Tom) and Chinese food delivery in front of the fire. 

We watched the first episode of American Horror Story (did anyone else see it? Yikes!!!!) and attempted to watch a movie called 42 about Jackie Robinson but we both fell asleep pretty quickly. It was good so I'm looking forward to watching the rest of it. Unfortunately, i ALWAYS fall asleep during movies.

I am going to get back to my work but before I do, this post is brought to you, as always, with Friends Making Monday's. 

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

All about the Blog

1.  How long have you been blogging?  About five months or so.....so not very long at all. 

2.  What is the overwhelming theme of your blog? I first started as a way to document the changes we made as we renovated and redecorated our house but it seems as if it is becoming more of a daily life/my on going to-do list sort of theme. Whatever. it works for me. 

3.  Have you connected with people in person after meeting them through blogging?  No....not yet at least.  

4.  What do you enjoy most about blogging?  I really enjoy documenting and putting my every day happenings into words and then seeing them come intro fruition.  I like that I started my ten-things-Tuesday series and my 101 in 1001 list (It once again solidifies that I thrive on lists and having set goals to accomplish). And I cannot neglect the satisfaction that comes when someone comments on the blog. It was such a highlight of my "blogging career" (ha!) when another blogger 

5.  How often do you blog? Over the summer, I had more time and was able to blog a few times per week. Lately, it feels like I can get out a post on Monday (For FMM) and Tuesday's for Ten Things Tuesday. I have a bunch of draft posts that are constantly in the works but since I am so NOT technologically savvy, it sometimes takes me a long time to deal with pictures and formatting, etc. I just bought a keyboard for the iPad so since I won't be forced to stay in the computer room to work on a computer, I will be able to sit on the couch at night and type from the iPad. 

6.  Share one thing that you don’t like about blogging. Nothing major comes to mind. I once got stressed that I wasn't able to post as frequently as some other bloggers but then I put it into perspective that those bloggers do this for a full time job, and my blogging is strictly hobby. I also don't like the spam comments!

7. Do you talk about your blog in everyday life?  Not at all. Very few people know that I do this and of those few people, not very many know the name of the blog or how to find it. I don't even really talk about it with Ryan. 

8.  What is the coolest and most unexpected thing that has happened to you as a result of blogging?  Another blogger has referenced a recipe of mine on her blog! (FYI-it was the homemade applesauce)

9.  Are there topics that are off-limits on your blog?  If so, name a few…I won't go into detail about the Teenager or anything related him. I won't talk too much about my family or the situations that happened. 

10.  If you could accomplish one thing through your blog before the end of this year, what would you want to accomplish? I just want to be able to continue having this online scrapbooking for myself. 

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions!  Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments, and say hello to someone new!  

Recap Of My Uber-Productive Day and Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Cutest pumpkin

 What better way to start the day off than with the cutest pumpkin that I know. Isn't my nephew so handsome??

 

Yesterday, I had the entire day off and vowed to be uber-productive and I absolutely was.

 

 

I started off with some chores around the house: laundry, dishes, and quick general cleaning and picking up of the dining area, kitchen, living room and bedroom.

 

I headed out for some errands and knocked off three items on my Ten Things Tuesday list:

• Post office
• Staples to get some Velcro for my file-folder projects (more on that later)
• Bed Bath and Beyond: returned some things (they have the best return policy ever) and used the merchandise credit to buy an iron. I texted Ryan immediately to tell him that we now own an iron and I officially feel grown-up
• Ran to the consignment store to pick up a check (wahoo-$17.00 and some change-free money!) and bring a few items in
• Deposited the whopping $17.00 check at the ATM
• Used a gift card to snag an iced coffee (thanks Leah!)

• Quick/cheap trip to the grocery store. I tried to keep things to a bare minimum this week and declared the next few weeks as the "empty out the cabinets and pantry and use what we got" sort of weeks.

Once I came home, I immediately got to work and unloaded the groceries, emptied the dishwasher, made and cleaned up lunch, and swept the main floors.

 

Once that was all done, I broke out my pink mix-master and baked a loaf of Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips. But before I get into the recipe, I wanted to brag for a minute.

 

 The teenager has been a rock star in school/home the past week or so and I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that he is FINALLY coming to his senses. Something must have clicked because he is putting in effort in his studying/homework, reading the directions and actually following them, helping out with chores with a less-sucky attitude. And it has made a world of difference around here.

 

 Ryan and I are fighting less (it's actually of the only things that cause us to fight), there is practically no yelling at all in our house....and ever since he started listening to us parents (yes, I am tooting our own damn horns here), he has NAILED all of his tests/quizzes.

 

case in point: 100% on his science quiz

 

 

 

 So, check out this recipe:

 

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

with Chocolate Chips

 

 

Here is what you need:

 

• 3 overly ripe banana's (I froze these from a while ago and took them out of the freezer about half an hour before I started baking)
• 1/3 cup melted margarine or butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• dash of salt
• cooking spray
• cinnamon/sugar mixture
• chocolate chips

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To:

• Preheat oven to 350

• Grease loaf pan

• Mix bananas, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla

• Sprinkle baking soda and salt on top

• Gently stir in flour (don't over mix)

• Add half of batter into loaf pan

• Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar mixture followed by a handful of chocolate chip 

 

 

• Add remaining batter to cover chocolate chips

• Sprinkle more cinnamon/sugar mixture and chocolate chips on top

• Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

 

 

Enjoy!!!!

 

 

Ten Things for Tuesday

Since I was sick for so much of last week, I didn't get around to doing much but here is a recap of what I was able to get accomplished

1.   Clean out the basket of crap in our bedroom-

• Never got around to it

2.   Post five more items on eBay

• This I did do. Phew. I also re-listed everything that didn't sell from the week before. I've had a few sales and I love the extra money coming in. I won't let myself transfer it to my bank account until it reaches over $100.00 at which point, the extra money will be going towards my credit card bill. 

3.   Post about last weekend (lake-house dinner, girls day/night, wedding)

• Just plain old didn't feel like sitting in front of a computer and now that so much time has elapsed, it's just not worth it so here is the quick version of it: Two Friday nights ago, Ryan and I had dinner with two other couples and it was our "lake-house" reunion  The next day, Ryan had a bachelor party that went all Saturday day and night so a bunch of us girls were pseudo-single. That day, I went apple picking again, and then went to my friend's birthday party, followed by a sleepover where I promptly passed out from exhaustion. And a few chocolate martini's. On Sunday, Ryan and I went to his cousin's wedding. 

Bride and Groom getting married

View of Boston Harbor from reception

Ooops-I blinked!

4. Start draft post about the lake-house

• I really want to document the story of the lake-house and one day, I'll get around to it

5. Make a batch of soup

Proof I actually made it. Trust me, it was amazing. 

6. Post about soup

• Not yet, but stay tuned. 

7. Reorganize/plan a new budget

• I really should do this soon!

8. Pay my library fine (ooops) and get a new book from the library

• I returned the books and everything but still havent paid the $9.00 fine for being so late. Shiiiiit

9. Michael's or A.C. Moore, get needles and yarn

• Sick=leaving the house for as little trips as possible

10. Start knitting blanket for teenager

• See above. Although I would have had plenty of time to knit. 

'Most of this week's list will be left over from last week-no big deal

1. Find new shoes for upcoming wedding. I have a pair that I could wear but I could really stand to update them. If I can't find a good pair or a good deal, I won't be upset if this doesn't happen.
2. Post about the butternut squash soup
3. Make my evaluation binder
4. Clean out basket of crap from bedroom
5. Work on post about the lake-house (bonus points for finishing and publishing it!)
6. Reorganize/plan new budget
7. Pay that stupid library fine and get a new book
8. Get gift card/ birthday present for friends birthday
9. Get birthday card and wedding card for upcoming events
10. Make hair appointment


What's on your to-do list?

Lazy Today and Ten Things Tuesday

Super quick Ten Things Tuesday:


Last week, I set out to....
1. Begin my evaluation binder.
       Well, sort of. I got going on the electronic version but since I am anal retentive trying to impress my evaluator hoping to make a great impression, I want to create a corresponding hard copy and organize it in binder that would make Martha Stewart jealous.

2. Post three more items on eBay and relist the items not sold
       Done. I put up a few books and some other items and now get such a fun adrenalin rush watching the items being bid and watched on.  Free money!!

3. Post office to ship the item I sold
       Accomplished

4. Post applesauce recipe
       Done. I would like to make some more applesauce this week too!

5. Make double batch of apple bread
       Well, only made one batch which yielded two loaves but good enough

6. Write post with apple bread recipe
       Done and done. You should try the recipe-it’s delicious!
 
7. Vacuum carpets (master bedroom, office, teenagers room, stairs/landing) 
       So, this got done but that's because Ryan was the one to vacuum all the carpets (and sweep and steam the hardwood floors). I'm a lucky gal.
8. Go to rite-aid or other store to get wedding card and birthday card
      
9. Tjmaxx to get gift for friends b-day party and wrap it up all pretty
       One of my friends has an adorable tea pot collection so it was pretty easy coming up with a gift for her.

10. Bring up the puzzle from downstairs and work on it again. 
       Nope. Still sitting in the basement from before my birthday party. I’ll get working on this again once the weather gets cold. Ever since we got the new couch and moved the coffee table out of the way, there is no convenient place to put the puzzle except for the kitchen table and I hate doing that. I can't even put it in the bedroom because it doesn’t fit through the door. I literally have to walk through the sliding glass doors, outside, around through the garage, and then bring it into the basement.
 
 
For next week:
1.   Clean out the basket of crap in our bedroom
2.   Post five more items on ebay
3.   Post about last weekend (lakehouse dinner, girls day/night, wedding)
4. Start draft post about the lakehouse
5. Make a batch of soup
6. Post about soup
7. Reorganize/plan a new budget
8. Pay my library fine (ooops) and get a new book from the library
9. Michael's or A.C. Moore, get needles and yarn
10. Start knitting blanket for teenager
 

I'm off to cook dinner. Any by cook dinner, I mean throw a frozen pizza in the oven.

Lazy today and not ashamed of it.

Feeling Happy

There is something so refreshing about September. I am a  life long school-goer (as either a student for a teacher) so I always find September as reason for a fresh start and clean slate. It's something to do with getting fresh school supplies!

This September has been the best fresh start since the last few years have been hectic and stressful.


In early 2011, we had a fire in our rental home and that whole time was so confusing and overwhelming, not knowing where we were going to live and the mess that comes along with losing nearly everything.

Ryan and I were fighting a lot.

Last December, I left a job that I was comfortable at for one in a different type of setting. I went from an elementary school in an urban district to a preschool in a suburban district and immediately didn't like the new position. I just never felt like I fit in.

Last March, we bought a house and had all the stressful shenanigans that go along with paperwork, house hunting, and dealing with the mortgage stuff. Oh yeah, there was also the packing and unpacking, moving, house repairs, and the cost of all of it. Yep. It added a touch of stress to our daily lives.

home sweet home

And  for the past fours years, since living with us, the teenager (who I prefer to keep his life private from here) was sapping a lot of our energy  because of school stuff, behavior stuff, his other half of his family stuff, etc.


But now....


Well, now, I feel like my life is all coming together. Everything is working out so perfectly. I am happy.

We are making this house our home.  The house is in a great location and is perfect for my life. Doing all the house projects and decorating has been fun and now that we can take our time with them, it's much more enjoyable.  I am looking forward to sitting on our new couch, sipping our coffees, and being in front of the crackling fireplace come winter time. I probably need to start searching for a hearth now! Any suggestions?

Love this mesh hearth! 

Since starting middle school, the teenager is doing much better in school and becoming more responsible and mature. Which means, the yelling is reduced-thanks to the orange rhino challenge! Things have really calmed down and the whole dynamic in our household is so much better.

I am no longer at the job I didn't like. I was stressed all summer about finding a new job but it all worked out. I am back in an elementary school in a different urban district. The commute is amazing-fifteen minutes door to door (shortest commute I have ever had!)

But the best thing is that I loooooooooooooooove my new job. I feel so good at it there and coming from my last job, it is such a difference. I may have taken a pay cut, but my happiness is much more important. It makes a huge difference waking up in the morning and not dreading going to work. 

On top of all of that, I am exercising regularly and in a way that i love. I am a dancer at heart and that has always been my favorite way to spend my time. Since the pole room has been completed, I get to dance or play on the pole whenever I want and that feels physically and mentally rewarding. 

With all the good things, our relationship has been positively impacted, and of course that feels good.

I am really happy right now.

Question for you:
What are you happy about right now?

An Unproductive Ten Things Tuesday

I was not very productive in terms of my list of last week’s Ten Things Tuesday. The weekend happened to be filled lots of unplanned activities that took precedence and I find that way more important. It was really fun to hang out with Ryan and be a couple together instead of being parents so anything that I had thought I was going to do over the weekend, didn't get accomplished. 

1. At least two times, wake up early and go for a walk/run.

Every night as I set my alarm, I was so gung-ho and motivated to get up early but then I would wake up a hundred times in the middle of the night and when the alarm finally did go off, I just wanted to stay in bed. So I did. This one is going to be tough for me, especially as the weather is getting cooler in the mornings. 

2. Start posting items on eBay (I have a giant box of stuff that I want to get rid of). Post at least 7 of my items.

 I got up a few items and since then, one has sold. I made a whopping $2.00 on a cookbook plus $4.00 for shipping.

3. Set up my one year/three year calendar (it's a work thing that's not worth explaining here) 
            Done. 

4. Pick up dry cleaning (I am the worst at remembering to go).
Last minute, but I got it done. 

5.  Find a dress for a wedding. 

Most of the bruises have gone down significantly and I am making it a point not to practice any mores that will aggravate the bruising until the wedding is over next Sunday.  I'm going to stick with a dress that I already have. 

6. Register for next year's pole competition. 
I have officially decided to enter in the competition, but I haven't done it yet. I am going to a pole class tonight, so once I speak with the instructor and get her advice,  I will fill out the entry form

7. Clean my car (ha!). 
I have slowly been making an effort to take things out of the car each time I get out, but I usually have my hands full that I can't manage one extra thing. My car is still a mess though. 

8. Renew books/audio-books at library.
The library is going to hate me!

9. Meal plan for two-three weeks. 
Nope. Didn't do that.

10.  Grocery shop for those two-three weeks. 

See above.  Ryan ended up coming with me to go grocery shopping so our cart was filled with more of a hodge-podge of items instead of ingredients that I know I will use for something specifically. 

For next week, here is what I am hoping to get accomplished:

1. Begin my evaluation binder.

2. Post three more items on eBay and relist the items not sold

3. Post office to ship the item I sold

4. Post applesauce recipe

5. Make double batch of apple bread

6. Write post with apple bread recipe

7. Vacuum carpets (master bedroom, office, teenagers room, stairs/landing) 

8. Go to rite-aid or other store to get wedding card and birthday card

9. Tjmaxx to get gift for friends b-day party and wrap it up all pretty

10. Bring up the puzzle from downstairs and work on it again. 

Well that's all I have for today.

What are some of your to-do items that you've got going on?

Beer Tastings and Girls Night

The teenager was not around so Ryan and I had all of Saturday to ourselves and we took full advantage of it! We both agreed that we didn't want to do "house stuff", especially after all the painting and yard work from the past few weeks after dropping the teenager where he needed to be, we came home and celebrated  embraced the moment. At 11:00 in the morning. No judging allowed. 

This bottle of whiskey was my grandfathers and has aged for well over 50 years.  There is not much left in the bottle so its tiny sips only and for rare occasions. I'm not a whiskey drinker but even I can appreciate how smooth this one tastes. 

While we were getting ready for the day and still debating about what to do, Ryan had a complete girl moment and proclaimed that he had nothing to wear despite looking at a closet full of clothes. We made a stop at the outlets near our house to see if we could find something for him before we headed out to Doherty's in Pawtucket, RI for an impromptu Saturday lunch date. 

Aaaah, Doherty's. Best decision we made. We thought about going to a Jack's Abbey Brewing for a tour and tasting but the times available weren't really working into our schedules. 

In addition to their lunch and dinner options on the menu, they boast a selection of 84 beers on draft. I ordered a flight of six different 5oz. samples. 

P.S. First time using instagram and PicMonkey. I feel so technologically advanced! 

Starting from the top left and working clockwise: Chocolate Covered Raspberry, Southern Tier Plum Noir, Atwater Summertime, Sierra Nevada Ovila Saison, Weyerbacher Merry Monks, and Angie-er Pumpkin.

My thoughts (and a few of Ryan's).....

#1. The Chocolate Covered Raspberry was made up of Lindeman's Framboise and Young's Double Chocolate.
                  

I have had this combination before and still loved it. I think the 5 oz sample size is perfect amount. It reminds me of a very decadent dessert but Ryan still isn't a huge fan.

My verdict: Delicious but best saved for sample sizes only.

Ryan's verdict: Not for him.

#2. Southern Tier Plum Noir:  This is an imperial porter brewed with Italian plums and is quite strong at 8% ABV. I typically prefer porters, especially in the fall and winter months, so that's how I ended up choosing this beer.

Photo credit 

Ryan and both commented how we could taste the hints of plum.  It reminded me a lot of a dry red wine and my first thought was that this would be a good beer to try for wine drinker. 

My verdict: I would get this again, especially in the Fall or Winter

Ryan's verdict: "I like it." 

#3. Atwater Summer Time Ale: The Summer Time Ale has a 5.0% ABV. It is described as "a study in refreshing crispiness. Vienna malt brings a distinct snap to the finish with dark wheat flavors lightly present. The hot wort is briefly exposed to ground lemon peel and grains of paradise which provide a tidy lemon citrus finish."

Photo credit

This was my least favorite of the bunch. It just didn't do anything for me. While Ryan described it as "drinkable", I agreed and felt it was nothing memorable. Not bad, just nothing worth writing home about.   

My verdict: It wasn't bad at all-I  just wouldn't bother with this again
Ryan's verdict: "Drinkable" 

#4. Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Saison With Mandarin Oranges and Peppercorns: A strong brew with a 7.0% ABV, this is described as a "unique farmhouse ale" and is "incredibly complex with notes of lemon, pepper, straw, and herbs balanced by the tang of Mandarin oranges and a spicy kick of pepper"

Photo Credit

I'll admit that the name and description is what peaked my interest on this one. I found it very hoppy and bitter and almost too hard to drink. (I also don't care for hoppy beers). Ryan liked it a lot though and finished it for me. I wouldn't order this again but I am sure that IPA drinkers who enjoy the bitter hoppy flavors would appreciate this one.

My verdict: Not for me

#5 Weyerbacher Merry Monks:  Merry Monks is a traditional Belgian-style Tripel. Described as having "complex flavor packed with notes of spice, banana, and pear", this clocks in at 9.3% ABV.

Photo Credit

This was Ryan's selection when I asked him to choose a beer for me. He didn't think I was going to like it at all but I actually enjoyed this for what it is. It isn't really my preferred style of beer but it was delicious and I would recommend it to someone who enjoys Belgian styles.

My verdict: I wouldn't be opposed to drinking this again

#6. Angrier-er Pumpkin: Combination of Angry Orchid Crisp Apple and Heavy Seas Pumpkin Ale.

                                      

photo credit   

       

photo credit   

I was skeptical of this combination at first, but since I have been on such a cider kick this summer, I figured it was worth trying. It absolutely was. It turned out to be my favorite of the six.  I even re-created my own variation later that night using Angry Orchid Crisp Apple and Harpoon's UFO Pumpkin. 

photo credit

After our lunch date was over, we came home, napped (I may have been a tad bit tipsy), and then went on our separate ways. Ryan went out to one of his friends' birthday's while I went to my friend, Leah's, house for a girls night, complete with delicious food and drinks, sweatpants and comfy clothes, inappropriate jokes, and so much laughter my stomach muscles were sore the next day. I cannot possibly say enough or even have the right words to express how much I love my girls. I think it is so important for girls to have their group of girlfriends that will grow with them for life. I truly have some of the best!

Question for you:
What is your favorite beer?
Tell me about your favorite part of the weekend!

Too old for pink pants?

First of all, thank you for letting me vent and sob uncontrollably the other day.

Every now and then, we all need one of those days and that's what I did. 

Moving on...

It's my favorite time of the day right now. Ryan has already gone off to work for the day and the teenager and his friend are still sleeping (and probably will be for a while). I'm leisurely sipping on my coffee while reading up on blogs and listening to the pitter patter of the gentle rain outside. Mulder is curled up at my feet and I have no where to be today. Aaaah, relish in the happy place for a minute..

 Few things for Friday, and then I am disconnecting from the internet world for the rest of the day. 

1. I borrowed the Gone With The Wind audio books from the library yesterday to listen while I was driving. So far, I am finding it a little boring. I can usually get into audio books pretty quickly but I think I probably need to give this more time. I was only allowed to take out the first half of the audio books at this time and it is 41 CD's long! 

2. I thought about taking Mulder for a walk on the trails behind our house but it started to rain. Rain=muddy paws. 

3. I should mention this-it's one of the reasons why I love Ryan. When I stormed out of the house the other day, Ryan spent that time cleaning the house. I was gone for just under an hour and in that time, Ryan swept and steam cleaned the floors, hung up all the pictures and wall decorations from when I was painting, picked up all the dishes, cleaned the kitchen counter tops, and made the bed. He's pretty awesome like that. 

4. I had one of these last night: 

                           

Angry Orchard Hard Cider in Elderflower. I loved the light, crisp, floral taste. Ats 5% alcohol by volume, it is described as having "tropical notes from the Elderflower balanced by a fresh, bright, fruity flavor reminiscent of lychee, pears, and citrus." This has been one of my favorite drinks this summer. 

5. Tomorrow will make a full month without buying a coffee.

6. Its my birthday month! I really want to rent a bounce house for my birthday but Ryan isn't totally convinced. Hey, I'm turning 30. Bouncy-houses are totally appropriate, right? 

7. Girls night tomorrow night. Can't.freaking.wait. 

8. Ran into TJMaxx the other day to get a pair of sunglasses and walked out with a few extra items. 

Sunglasses + blackflats, leggings, pink pants, shirt. 

I really debated on the pink pants-they are very uncharacteristic of me but couldn't help myself. Is 30 to old to wear pink pants? I justified the leggings because they were only $5.99 and the black flats because I have been looking for MONTHS for a pair. The shirt was just too cute not to pass up-I love the elbow patches! 

That's all I got for today. Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Question or you:

Whats your favorite summer drink?

Any exciting weekend plans?

The moment when it all hits you at once and you can't help but sob uncontrollably

Ever had one of those?

Last night, I did. Bawling my freaking eyes out, hiccuping and not able to catch my breath, nose all stuffed up and now unable to breath through my nose....I was a hot mess.

And to see how I ended up there:

8:20- The day started out fine. I got up early and left my house 55 minutes before an interview for a job that I am extremely interested in. GPS and Mapquest both tell me it takes 25-35 minutes to get there. I should have plenty of time, no problems.

8:30-ish.- Driving, driving, driving. Shit. Traffic. Look at estimated time of arrival. Still got plenty of time (phew, this is why I leave early).

8:45- Traffic picks up and I continue driving. GPS says I'm less than seven miles away and I still have half an hour before my appointment. No worries.


8:50- Fuuuuuck. What's that in the middle of the road? Shit, cars on both sides of me-can't switch lanes. Shit shit shit shit....well, I guess I'm going over it.


Clunk clunk, shake shake, rattle rattle. Car not working right. Everything is shaking. Shit shit shit shit shit.

8:51- Pull over. Look underneath car, nothing is there. Okay, I can keep going. Try to get back onto the highway and again, clunk clunk, shake shake, rattle rattle.

8:52-Okay, this isn't good. This really really isn't good. Call my father for reassurance. Tells me to call AAA.

8:52- Call interview, explain what happens, try to reschedule. Was told call back in the afternoon to reschedule. Thank them, apologize, reiterate how much I am interested in this position.

8:53- Call AAA. Wait for a tow truck. Call car dealership-let them know I am having my car towed and to please have a loaner ready. I have another interview in the afternoon. Loaner not available. Ummm, part of the deal I had when I purchased the car...fuuuuuck. Now wondering if I will be able to get to my second interview. Want to scream, but start laughing.

8:55-Wait on side of the road with cars flying by. Watch my interview time come and go. Now, I have to pee and am starving. Yell at myself for not eating breakfast. Still waiting for tow truck.

9:45-Tow truck comes, creepy guy who I can't understand tows my car to the dealership and I sit in awkward silence.

Creepy guy charges me over a 100 to tow my car. Fuuuuck. I'm broke. That's just what I need.

10:30-Car gets brought in. Talk to service dude. Wait for loaner car.

11:30 -Still waiting for loaner car. Dad comes to pick me up and I let him take me to Panera across the street for lunch.

12:30-Loaner car becomes available. Just enough time to head over to second interview.

1:00-While driving to second interview, call Ryan and tell him to make a doctors appointment for the teenager ASAP (teenager has horrible case of poison ivy). Doctor's appointment set for 3:00, asks me if I can take him. Yeah, sure. As long as I am done with my interview.

1:05- Call the first interview to reschedule. "Well, it turns out that there were quite a few applicants over the past few days so they actually extended an offer to someone. Thank you and good luck." Clikc. Fuuuuck. Not happy. Want to scream.

1:07- Call Ryan, upset. "Well, that could have been you". Yeah, thanks. It should have been me

1:30- Arrive at interview fifteen minutes early. Breath. Go to bathroom and attempt to freshen up. Take deep breaths.

1:35-Let receptionist know I am here. Shown the waiting area. Sit and wait. Watch clock tick by. Get annoyed thinking that if I need to be at doctors on time with he teenager, I need to leave by 2:30 at the latest.

1:45- Still waiting. Still watching the clock tick by. Interview was scheduled for this time.

2:00- We'll be right with you.

2:01- Go in for interview. Immediately like the people. Warm-up easily and feel confident about this. Not overly confident, but feel like I did well and that's all I can do.

2:45- Leave interview. Call the teenager and tell him to get ready, shoes on and outside waiting.


2:50- Call dealership. No update on my car.

2:53- Call doctors office. Tell them I am going to be late. Sorry. "There is a ten minute policy but we can do our best." Shiiiit

2:54- Text message from Verizon. You have gone over your minutes and will be charged until your next pay cycle begins. Awesome. I love spending more money that I don't have

3:00- Pick up teenager, swing car around and head to doctor. Thankful the doctor is only a few minutes away

3:10- Sitting in waiting room.

3:15- See doctor. "Yep, teenager, have a bad case of poison ivy." Walked out with a prescription to help aid the healing process

3:30- Drop teenager off at home and head to pharmacy to pick up his meds

3:45. Don't have his insurance card with me. Wait for Ryan to meet me at pharmacy.

4:15- Still waiting. Read magazine.

4:40- Ryan brings me insurance card.

4:45 Leave pharmacy

5:00- Home. Cook dinner. Work on summer reading with the teenager. Plan to watch movie together. Phew, finally feeling like my day is winding down

5:30- Dinner is almost done.

5:35- talk to Dealership. "Yeah, you have some problems with you car. You might want to call your insurance company." How bad? "Well, problems with this, this, that, this, and that." Over my head. All I heard was this, "Initial estimate is $3739 and some change." Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck! Want to scream and cry

5:40- Teenager's friend calls and invites him over. Ryan says yes. I get annoyed. No. We're about to have dinner..... in the middle of finishing up his summer reading...he needs to take his medicine....makes you tired.....take with food.....I've had a bad day.....something about a movie....think Ryan should have double checked with me about this....overreact over something petty.

5:50 -Pick a fight with Ryan. Scream at each other. Storm out of the house.

6:00-Call friends, need place to go while I bug out and try to calm myself down. Can't go into a store or restaurant. Not wearing a bra. Fuuuuuck . Call best friend. Cry hysterically to her and complain

6:20- Best friend calms me down. Let's me bitch to her. Says all the right things. Thankful for her.

6:45-Go home. Lock myself in my room and curl up Mulder

7:30-Go to living room. Apologize and explain to Ryan what I am feeling, thinking, etc. Turn into a blubbering mess. Cry uncontrollably to him. Everything hits me all once and I continue sobbing until I can't breath.

Needless to say, I'm glad yesterday is over.


(I just got off the phone with the insurance company and now I'm feeling slightly relieved)

Ooops. Totally overreacted yesterday. Glad today is a new day.

Easy, quick, and cheap...

...sounds like a bad tag line for a hooker. But I'm actually talking about a quick meal or snack that the teenager devoured and then made the next day on his own.

A little while ago, I made a ginormous batch of homemade ravioli and had PLENTY of the cheese mixture left over.

Just wanted to share with you an easy way to use some of that cheese mixture so it doesn't go to waste.

Yum! French bread pizza loaf!

I bought the french bread for $0.99 and cut about a third of it off, which turned out to be enough Ryan (large appetite), the teenager (potential for large appetite when it involves pizza but not when it involves vegetables), and myself.


Then, I sliced it in half, drizzled a drop of olive oil on it and shmeared some of the cheese spread on.

I topped it with some fresh tomatoes, roasted zucchini and yellow squash that I had left over from minestrone soup, and more spoonful's of the cheese mixture.

Popped it into the oven at 350 degrees for 10-20 minutes or so, till the cheese is melting and before it turns dark brown. Quick minute or two under the broiler and your good to go.

Easy. Quick. Cheap.  

French bread pizza loaf, not a hooker.

Question for you:

Do you have any easy, quick, and cheap meals that you can share?