I'm sitting in my house before 9 o'clock and feeling only slightly guilty! Busy season went from 0 to 60 in less than a second. I think this is the earliest any of us have been busy in my three full-time busy seasons. Not fun.
I'm waiting on most of my remaining work to come in, so I decided I'd come home, watch some TV, do a load or two of laundry and go to bed early!
Hears to a slightly cleaner house, trashy TV and a good night's sleep!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Vitamin D
This should have published on Friday night, but didn't for some reason. I'm still glad for sun while it lasts!!
Thank goodness Nashville FINALLY got some sun today. I can't express how happy I was to need my sunglasses today. I am usually of the opinion that the weather is irrelevant during buy season since I'm working 12-16 hour days, but I am so happy to see this forecast!
Thank goodness Nashville FINALLY got some sun today. I can't express how happy I was to need my sunglasses today. I am usually of the opinion that the weather is irrelevant during buy season since I'm working 12-16 hour days, but I am so happy to see this forecast!
Weekend, what weekend?
It's pretty obvious that busy season is here considering I've been in the office every day for the past 8 days. I've already got a Saturday and two Sundays behind me and I'm worried how things are going to be when work really picks up in February and March. Maybe I should invest in a sleeping bag to leave under my desk?
I'm working on some freezer meals for busy season so I don't resort to fast food, microwave pizzas and turkey sandwiches for an entire three months. I'll post about what I have made and what I'm planning on making soon, but I'm up for suggestions, too!
I'm working on some freezer meals for busy season so I don't resort to fast food, microwave pizzas and turkey sandwiches for an entire three months. I'll post about what I have made and what I'm planning on making soon, but I'm up for suggestions, too!
Friday, January 18, 2013
48 Questions
I started this almost two weeks ago and I can't remember where I found it. If it was from you, let me know and I'll add a link! :)
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My middle name, Elizabeth, is a traditional middle name on my Dad's side of the family. My Great-Grandmother was named Martha Elizabeth, my Aunt was named Nancy Elizabeth and I am Katherine Elizabeth.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I teared up when the surgeon came to talk to us after Daddy's surgery when he told us how well he did.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
If I try, I have pretty handwriting, but note-taking in college almost ruined it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Cracked pepper turkey, thinly sliced
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Not yet, but I definitely want them one day.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I'd like to say yes...
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Especially with my family. We have so many inside jokes.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Um, NO.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Corn Flakes--what I always ate at Grams and Grandaddy's house.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends on the shoe. Probably not.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
I'm embarrassed that the baby weights at Body Pump feel impossible at times.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Mint Chocolate Chip
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
I never really thought about this before...teeth, hair...
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink. I think over half of my wardrobe is pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
This one's hard...I worry to much about EVERYTHING.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Not one person in particular. I miss being able to see my family and friends in Florence and friends from Auburn everyday.
18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
Stress management at work.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A quesadilla.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The radio in the car driving home from Grandaddy's house. No, I'm not driving.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Hot Pink
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Dad's cologne, clean laundry
24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?
I think just about everyone knows which side of center I'm on.
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Considering I look like a cooked lobster after 30 minutes in the sun AND since we have a mountain condo, I'll say mountain hideaway.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
College Football
27. HAIR COLOR?
The natural one or the one from a bottle?
28. EYE COLOR?
Sometimes blue, sometimes green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD
If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, I'd want really good bread.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I get nightmares even thinking about scary movies.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Jack Reacher
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Pink, of course!
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer. Busy season is in winter.
35. FAVORITE DESSERT
Warm pound cake
36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Body Pump, so strength
37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
iPad
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I've been trying to read a Vince Flynn book for weeks.
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have a mouse...iPad, remember?!?
40. FAVORITE SOUND?
My Mother's voice
41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC?
Broadway
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Australia
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I love to sing, but cooking is what I do best.
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Florence, Alabama
45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Brentwood, Tennessee
46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Reddish brick
47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Red...Matador Red Mica to be specific!
48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?
Sure!
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My middle name, Elizabeth, is a traditional middle name on my Dad's side of the family. My Great-Grandmother was named Martha Elizabeth, my Aunt was named Nancy Elizabeth and I am Katherine Elizabeth.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I teared up when the surgeon came to talk to us after Daddy's surgery when he told us how well he did.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
If I try, I have pretty handwriting, but note-taking in college almost ruined it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Cracked pepper turkey, thinly sliced
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Not yet, but I definitely want them one day.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I'd like to say yes...
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Especially with my family. We have so many inside jokes.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Um, NO.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Corn Flakes--what I always ate at Grams and Grandaddy's house.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends on the shoe. Probably not.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
I'm embarrassed that the baby weights at Body Pump feel impossible at times.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Mint Chocolate Chip
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
I never really thought about this before...teeth, hair...
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink. I think over half of my wardrobe is pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
This one's hard...I worry to much about EVERYTHING.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Not one person in particular. I miss being able to see my family and friends in Florence and friends from Auburn everyday.
18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
Stress management at work.
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Black
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A quesadilla.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The radio in the car driving home from Grandaddy's house. No, I'm not driving.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Hot Pink
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Dad's cologne, clean laundry
24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?
I think just about everyone knows which side of center I'm on.
25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Considering I look like a cooked lobster after 30 minutes in the sun AND since we have a mountain condo, I'll say mountain hideaway.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
College Football
27. HAIR COLOR?
The natural one or the one from a bottle?
28. EYE COLOR?
Sometimes blue, sometimes green
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD
If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, I'd want really good bread.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I get nightmares even thinking about scary movies.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Jack Reacher
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Pink, of course!
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer. Busy season is in winter.
35. FAVORITE DESSERT
Warm pound cake
36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Body Pump, so strength
37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
iPad
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I've been trying to read a Vince Flynn book for weeks.
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have a mouse...iPad, remember?!?
40. FAVORITE SOUND?
My Mother's voice
41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC?
Broadway
42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Australia
43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I love to sing, but cooking is what I do best.
44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Florence, Alabama
45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Brentwood, Tennessee
46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Reddish brick
47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Red...Matador Red Mica to be specific!
48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?
Sure!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
It's been a while...
It's been a while since my last update. I thought about posting several times, but I always ended up doing something else instead. Or, I simply forgot what I was about to do in the middle of doing it--kinda like completely losing my train of thought while talking to a friend tonight. I think Mother is wearing off on me!!
The biggest piece of news I have is that I was promoted at work. I worked very hard especially in the last six months to earn this promotion. I have known since the week after training at the Q Center, but I only told close friends and family since it was not announced at work until last week. My work is already picking up and my busy season will be even more exhausting with more complex returns, but it's still a step in the right direction.
Speaking of work, busy season is unfortunately upon us again. Right now, we're busy, but not working too late yet. I helped to lead training for the Staff and Seniors this week, so I'm unfortunately behind on chargeable work since I spent a good deal of time prepping for our class. I was also out of the office on Tuesday, so I'm afraid I'm going to have to work for at least a few hours this weekend. Hopefully, I can get things in order so that I can work from home rather than having to go in to the office. I am hoping to make it back to Florence in two weekends so I can see Grandaddy and sing at church with my friends one more time before having to work every weekend. Plus, I have a hair appointment that I really don't want to cancel!!
I did better last week about eating at home each evening, but I've fallen off the bandwagon this week. I made an amazing sauce similar to Ricatoni's tomato cream from a recipe that my friend Becky shared with me. I ate it three times in the last week! If you know me, that means it was really good since, as a general rule, I can't stand leftovers. I also grilled out on the one nice day we had last week. I had chicken fajitas the first night and made a quesadilla with the leftover meat for a second dinner. I had planned to make crock pot potato soup from a recipe I found on Pinterest, but my weekend turned out to be a bit crazy and this week has been a lost cause for eating at home.
I've really got to start thinking about meals I can prepare in advance for lunch and dinner during busy season. Again, if you really know me, you know I dislike microwaving any food. Grams rubbed off on me and I really only think a microwave is good as a breadbox--that's all she used hers for. Well, to be completely honest, she used hers as a cookie jar as well!! I don't like to eat Lean Cuisine meals if I can help it, so I need to plan out a few meals other than sandwiches--goodness knows, the firm provides plenty of those for Tuesday night dinners!
Emma is asking to go to bed, so I guess I should obey. She is the one in charge, after all!
The biggest piece of news I have is that I was promoted at work. I worked very hard especially in the last six months to earn this promotion. I have known since the week after training at the Q Center, but I only told close friends and family since it was not announced at work until last week. My work is already picking up and my busy season will be even more exhausting with more complex returns, but it's still a step in the right direction.
Speaking of work, busy season is unfortunately upon us again. Right now, we're busy, but not working too late yet. I helped to lead training for the Staff and Seniors this week, so I'm unfortunately behind on chargeable work since I spent a good deal of time prepping for our class. I was also out of the office on Tuesday, so I'm afraid I'm going to have to work for at least a few hours this weekend. Hopefully, I can get things in order so that I can work from home rather than having to go in to the office. I am hoping to make it back to Florence in two weekends so I can see Grandaddy and sing at church with my friends one more time before having to work every weekend. Plus, I have a hair appointment that I really don't want to cancel!!
I did better last week about eating at home each evening, but I've fallen off the bandwagon this week. I made an amazing sauce similar to Ricatoni's tomato cream from a recipe that my friend Becky shared with me. I ate it three times in the last week! If you know me, that means it was really good since, as a general rule, I can't stand leftovers. I also grilled out on the one nice day we had last week. I had chicken fajitas the first night and made a quesadilla with the leftover meat for a second dinner. I had planned to make crock pot potato soup from a recipe I found on Pinterest, but my weekend turned out to be a bit crazy and this week has been a lost cause for eating at home.
I've really got to start thinking about meals I can prepare in advance for lunch and dinner during busy season. Again, if you really know me, you know I dislike microwaving any food. Grams rubbed off on me and I really only think a microwave is good as a breadbox--that's all she used hers for. Well, to be completely honest, she used hers as a cookie jar as well!! I don't like to eat Lean Cuisine meals if I can help it, so I need to plan out a few meals other than sandwiches--goodness knows, the firm provides plenty of those for Tuesday night dinners!
Emma is asking to go to bed, so I guess I should obey. She is the one in charge, after all!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Grace is Back
Once again, my "Grace"-fulness has made an appearance. This time, it really wasn't my fault--I promise--it was a combination of my boots and the weather.
In true "Ma" of the Golden Girls fashion...picture this...
Mother and I were just getting back to the condo after a trip to the outlet mall and a quick stop at Dunkin' Donuts. I was walking in the parking lot which was very wet from the rain/snow/sleet mix we had for the entire trip. I had my new, inexpensive boots on that I had already almost fallen in once before on slippery concrete. (Side note--I told myself I could justify buying nice boots if I wore these enough so I wore them every time I went outside up until this point.)
I was walking toward the condo through the wet parking lot with my purse, my Munchkins (donut holes), my dinner and my iPhone in my hand. I slid on one heel, almost caught myself and then fell on my left side with my ankle flexed underneath me. Mom helped me hobble into the condo, change into dry pants since mine were soaked from the puddles in the parking lot and settled me down with a bag of ice. I assumed I was okay since I wasn't hysterically crying/screaming like I did with my big toe vs. the pizza stone.
To make a long story short, I hobbled around the next day (the day we were driving back to Nashville), propped my foot up on the console of the car and then went to work as if nothing had happened today. It's really sore and I can't point my toes, but I think I'll make it!! In a few days, I'll be wearing the boots again--after scuffing them up on concrete or asphalt like we did with our super-slick Show Choir shoes back in the day! :)
"Grace" can't go away for long--I thought I was doing so well since it had been three months since the last injury--haha!
In true "Ma" of the Golden Girls fashion...picture this...
Mother and I were just getting back to the condo after a trip to the outlet mall and a quick stop at Dunkin' Donuts. I was walking in the parking lot which was very wet from the rain/snow/sleet mix we had for the entire trip. I had my new, inexpensive boots on that I had already almost fallen in once before on slippery concrete. (Side note--I told myself I could justify buying nice boots if I wore these enough so I wore them every time I went outside up until this point.)
 |
| These boots have NO traction! |
To make a long story short, I hobbled around the next day (the day we were driving back to Nashville), propped my foot up on the console of the car and then went to work as if nothing had happened today. It's really sore and I can't point my toes, but I think I'll make it!! In a few days, I'll be wearing the boots again--after scuffing them up on concrete or asphalt like we did with our super-slick Show Choir shoes back in the day! :)
"Grace" can't go away for long--I thought I was doing so well since it had been three months since the last injury--haha!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Back to Work and a Recipe
My nine wonderful work-days on vacation have come to an end. While I have enjoyed the time off, I have missed my friends at work and I'm excited to see them. I'm working tomorrow while Mom and Dad take care of a few things in Nashville then we'll all go home for the weekend. My car is in Florence, so I definitely want to go get it!!
While we were at the condo I made chicken and rice soup and it turned out pretty well. I didn't use any measurements, but since Dad liked it to much, I wanted to try to write down a recipe. I was trying to make something like the soup served at Demo's. I made it thicker and creamier than their soup which I remember as being thinner and "brothier".
These are guesses of measurements, but it's the best I can do.
3/4 stick butter
1 cup flour
3 cups rice
2 bottles Swanson's chicken stock
4 cups milk
1 rotisserie chicken, diced
3 packages Italian dressing mix
2 tbs. cayenne pepper
2 tbs. black pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt
I started off making a roux to thicken the liquids in the soup. After that finished, I added about half of the milk and allowed that to thicken. Then I added one bottle of stock and continued to heat until almost boiling. I used a Crock-Pot for this soup (limited pots and pans at the condo), so I pre-heated it and then added the thickened liquid and then the rice to the pot. I then added the skinless, diced chicken and the spices. I then added the remaining stock and enough milk to get the soup to the right consistency. This cooked on high for about two hours and then was ready to serve.
My Dad loved the soup (I added the extra pepper for him--he likes spicy food). He said he thought he liked it better than my homemade pizza. He loves the pizza so much that we had that on Christmas Day since it was just for the three of us. To make a long story short, if it's his favorite meal, that's saying something since he will happily eat anything I make and has suggested I open a restaurant! :)
While we were at the condo I made chicken and rice soup and it turned out pretty well. I didn't use any measurements, but since Dad liked it to much, I wanted to try to write down a recipe. I was trying to make something like the soup served at Demo's. I made it thicker and creamier than their soup which I remember as being thinner and "brothier".
These are guesses of measurements, but it's the best I can do.
3/4 stick butter
1 cup flour
3 cups rice
2 bottles Swanson's chicken stock
4 cups milk
1 rotisserie chicken, diced
3 packages Italian dressing mix
2 tbs. cayenne pepper
2 tbs. black pepper
1 tsp. kosher salt
I started off making a roux to thicken the liquids in the soup. After that finished, I added about half of the milk and allowed that to thicken. Then I added one bottle of stock and continued to heat until almost boiling. I used a Crock-Pot for this soup (limited pots and pans at the condo), so I pre-heated it and then added the thickened liquid and then the rice to the pot. I then added the skinless, diced chicken and the spices. I then added the remaining stock and enough milk to get the soup to the right consistency. This cooked on high for about two hours and then was ready to serve.
My Dad loved the soup (I added the extra pepper for him--he likes spicy food). He said he thought he liked it better than my homemade pizza. He loves the pizza so much that we had that on Christmas Day since it was just for the three of us. To make a long story short, if it's his favorite meal, that's saying something since he will happily eat anything I make and has suggested I open a restaurant! :)
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