This past week I was seriously craving Chinese takeout. Given I'm working on acknowledging that I am NOT blessed with a fabulous metabolism that burns off everything with no attention to what goes into my mouth and minimal activity, I tried to avoid it.
Then I thought, I can make take out. (again, I suppose it's more like make-in as opposed to take-out but it was all about satisfying the craving). I've made Fried Rice at home before and C is in love with it. So I figured I've got that part down. However I also wanted egg drop soup. Badly. That was actually where my craving stemmed from.
First things first - egg drop soup? NOT bad for you! It's actually pretty low in all the bad things. And you've got the protein from the eggs! The incredible edible egg FTW! However, I was totally intimidated by this soup. How do you make those pretty ribbons of egg?!
Let me tell you. It is easy peasy. I did some research and found some recipes that all seemed WAY TOO EASY. So I took the parts I liked, dropped the ones I didn't and here's what I came up with.
Egg Drop Soup
6 c. Chicken Stock
6 tbsp. of scallions
2 lg eggs, lightly beaten
1 pinch of ground white pepper (I had never used this before - it's got a little kick)
1 tsp soy sauce
1/4 c. cornstarch mixed w/ water - HAS TO BE COLD WATER!!!
Bring the chicken stock to a simmer in a med saucepan. Once at a simmer add the scallions, soy sauce and white pepper. Let cook for about 5 mins.
(warning: this is the very vague portion of the directions). While it was cooking, I mixed the corn starch & water. One of the recipes I read said it should be the consistency of syrup. So I just kept adding cornstarch & water until I felt it was getting there - although it never really looked syrup-y to me. But whatevs...I just added little by little til the soup looked the thickness I wanted).
Add cornstarch/water mixture. Cook a couple more minutes. Bring back to a bare simmer. (That is what the recipe says...I have no idea what a bare simmer is...but I'm thinking it's around a simmer level).
Slowly & steadily stream in the eggs and as you're doing this - use a fork (or a chopstick if you're all about being authentic) and just stir the liquid in a circular motion as you're dropping in the eggs. Magically (seriously, you'll be amazed) the eggs will form those little ribbons of egg!
Let it cook like a quick minute and you're done!
It's delicious and nutritious and you made it at home! Make-in!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Does an 18 mo old have a longer attention span than me?
First let me establish this - my brother is a HUGE fan of the Milwaukee Brewers. HUGE. He would go to every single game if possible. When we had partial season tickets last year, there was an older gentleman who had full season tickets behind us. One seat of season tickets. He was a really nice guy, we called him Game Grandpa. And the week my nephew was due, he gave Tyler a special coin w/ the year on it - for Jack. Sweet man. Anyways, it's Tyler's dream to be that guy. In fact, he'd like to start doing that now...but he has things like a kid and a job that keep him from doing it.
So that being said - he's always looking for someone to go to the games with. And he decided the other night that Jack was old enough to give it a go. (He's been to one game before but his Mom was there and they didn't last the whole game). So this time, it was just the boys, my bro & my nephew. He was an angel. Seriously - a guy behind them w/ his 8 year old asked Tyler how he gets him to sit so still and ACTUALLY watch the game.
He even kept score.
Jack watched almost the WHOLE GAME. They left at 9:15 but only because they had to pick his mom up from work.
I'm fairly certain Christian is jealous that Tyler's game buddy has a longer attention span than I do. I still maintain the argument that perhaps if someone gave me a coloring book, I'd last longer than 7 innings! (Seriously, I love baseball games, but by inning 7, I'm over it).
Also - seriously, can I clone this kid when I want one of my own?!
So that being said - he's always looking for someone to go to the games with. And he decided the other night that Jack was old enough to give it a go. (He's been to one game before but his Mom was there and they didn't last the whole game). So this time, it was just the boys, my bro & my nephew. He was an angel. Seriously - a guy behind them w/ his 8 year old asked Tyler how he gets him to sit so still and ACTUALLY watch the game.
He even kept score.
Jack watched almost the WHOLE GAME. They left at 9:15 but only because they had to pick his mom up from work.
And this is him as they were leaving, clearly a happy kid.
I'm fairly certain Christian is jealous that Tyler's game buddy has a longer attention span than I do. I still maintain the argument that perhaps if someone gave me a coloring book, I'd last longer than 7 innings! (Seriously, I love baseball games, but by inning 7, I'm over it).
Also - seriously, can I clone this kid when I want one of my own?!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Healthfully?
So I have been told that apparently there's a new word being used. Healthfully? I'm still trying to figure out what was wrong with healthy?
Anyways - just so that people who read this can help keep me in check with living healthfully (still feels weird to say). As I said a few weeks ago, over the holidays I not only fell off the healthy wagon, I dismantled the wagon, used it as a place to eat lots of naught food off of and then probably took a nap on it. At any rate, I was not ON the wagon or chasing after it.
But - I'm getting back on. I'm building the wagon so to speak. I was sick for the last 2 weeks and then was sick about 2 weeks before that (seriously!?!) but I'm done being sick now and am ready to get things back in track. I'm being less stringent w/ activity. My goal is to do some sort of movement 4 times a week. With the contingency that I'll always be shooting for 5 times and 3 is the absolute minimum. I don't care if it's shredding, biking, walking, swimming, whatever. Just 30 minutes (minimum) of some sort of excessive moving.
I've also jumped back on the weight watchers train. I haven't been in a LOOOONG time (probably before holidays) so it's about time I get my ass back there. Nothing like jumping on a scale in front of a stranger to keep that cheeseburger out of my hand! Surprisingly, I was only up about 4lbs since the last time I was there - so that was mildly encouraging. I'm not about to completely cut out naughty foods (because I'm realistic and I will ALWAYS want Mexican for dinner. And no, I will never be the girl who says, "No chips please!" I'm the one who says, yes, to the second basket and bring on the queso!) So in realizing this, I know I need to balance out my other meals. I need to earn it or burn it. If I eat naughty I move more. Seems pretty simple (totally easier said than done!)
So anyways - that's where I'm at with all that jazz.
Anyways - just so that people who read this can help keep me in check with living healthfully (still feels weird to say). As I said a few weeks ago, over the holidays I not only fell off the healthy wagon, I dismantled the wagon, used it as a place to eat lots of naught food off of and then probably took a nap on it. At any rate, I was not ON the wagon or chasing after it.
But - I'm getting back on. I'm building the wagon so to speak. I was sick for the last 2 weeks and then was sick about 2 weeks before that (seriously!?!) but I'm done being sick now and am ready to get things back in track. I'm being less stringent w/ activity. My goal is to do some sort of movement 4 times a week. With the contingency that I'll always be shooting for 5 times and 3 is the absolute minimum. I don't care if it's shredding, biking, walking, swimming, whatever. Just 30 minutes (minimum) of some sort of excessive moving.
I've also jumped back on the weight watchers train. I haven't been in a LOOOONG time (probably before holidays) so it's about time I get my ass back there. Nothing like jumping on a scale in front of a stranger to keep that cheeseburger out of my hand! Surprisingly, I was only up about 4lbs since the last time I was there - so that was mildly encouraging. I'm not about to completely cut out naughty foods (because I'm realistic and I will ALWAYS want Mexican for dinner. And no, I will never be the girl who says, "No chips please!" I'm the one who says, yes, to the second basket and bring on the queso!) So in realizing this, I know I need to balance out my other meals. I need to earn it or burn it. If I eat naughty I move more. Seems pretty simple (totally easier said than done!)
So anyways - that's where I'm at with all that jazz.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Make me proud.
Ever since I was old enough to leave the house without my parents, my dad has always said to me, "No funny stuff. Make me proud." It's so habitual and regular that I still stop dead in my tracks as I'm leaving my house waiting to hear him say it.
I was instantly reminded of this little nugget of advice when I read Sara's post "Let the Wild Rumpus Start!" First, let me say that I LOVE that song. Love. It. And secondly, though I've never met Sara in person, I know I'd like to. She's just one of those people, the ones that people look up to, want to be around and in general admire. You can tell that about her. I've been reading her blog & tweets for a while now and I genuinely enjoy everything she posts. Sometimes it's about work. Sometimes it's about kids. I enjoy everything but I think one of my favorites is when she posts about her kids and being a mom.
I know I'm entering that territory where I'm technically "old enough" to start having kids without people thinking it was some sort of accident (as scary as that thought is). And I have spent my whole life literally counting down the years til I can achieve my real life goal of being a Mommy (if you listen closely, you can hear woman's equal rights groups groaning over my preference to stay-at-home mommydom than a high profile career). And while the general population's fears of child rearing don't phase me at all (i.e. sleepless nights, screaming & crying, being up to your elbows in shit...bring it!) there are some things that scare the crap out of me. Most of my fears occur when the kids are a bit older and are actually functioning human beings. (one time I literally broke out in hives while in the midst of a discussion regarding when you talk to your teenage daughter about Birth Control..oh god, I could just pee myself thinking about it). When they're forming opinions and values. When they're mature enough to have their own thoughts separate of the thoughts you, as a parent, have spent years trying to grow in their heads.
Sara talks in her post about wanting her kids to be proud of her. And that no matter what happens at the end of the day, if her kids are proud of her, she's a success. How amazing, really. It's one of those things...like my dad's advice that's all encompassing. He knew all he had to say was "Make me proud" and it took care of EVERY situation I could possibly face once walking out that door. And I'll be honest, there were times when I was a kid where those words crossed my mind as I was making decisions (I didn't always follow the "right path" after the thoughts crossed my mind, but they definitely were there). Sara's got the same idea, no matter what work brings, if she's still making her kids proud, she's doing right.
I think a lot of parents could benefit from asking themselves that same question. And it will be something I take as a little gem of advice / parenting philosophy when I do have kids. And they do grow up to be real human beings. And they have questions and they have problems. I'll continue to strive to make them proud, and if I'm doing that - chances are, I'll be doing the "right thing."
And beyond that, I hope my own parents know how proud my brother and I are of them. They've done so much right along the way, I can't imagine anyone being more proud of their parents than we are. And even though I'm not yet a parent, I know it's pretty cool that even at 26 and 22, my brother and I still think of my dad as our hero and our mom as SuperMom. They're definitely doing something right.
I was instantly reminded of this little nugget of advice when I read Sara's post "Let the Wild Rumpus Start!" First, let me say that I LOVE that song. Love. It. And secondly, though I've never met Sara in person, I know I'd like to. She's just one of those people, the ones that people look up to, want to be around and in general admire. You can tell that about her. I've been reading her blog & tweets for a while now and I genuinely enjoy everything she posts. Sometimes it's about work. Sometimes it's about kids. I enjoy everything but I think one of my favorites is when she posts about her kids and being a mom.
I know I'm entering that territory where I'm technically "old enough" to start having kids without people thinking it was some sort of accident (as scary as that thought is). And I have spent my whole life literally counting down the years til I can achieve my real life goal of being a Mommy (if you listen closely, you can hear woman's equal rights groups groaning over my preference to stay-at-home mommydom than a high profile career). And while the general population's fears of child rearing don't phase me at all (i.e. sleepless nights, screaming & crying, being up to your elbows in shit...bring it!) there are some things that scare the crap out of me. Most of my fears occur when the kids are a bit older and are actually functioning human beings. (one time I literally broke out in hives while in the midst of a discussion regarding when you talk to your teenage daughter about Birth Control..oh god, I could just pee myself thinking about it). When they're forming opinions and values. When they're mature enough to have their own thoughts separate of the thoughts you, as a parent, have spent years trying to grow in their heads.
Sara talks in her post about wanting her kids to be proud of her. And that no matter what happens at the end of the day, if her kids are proud of her, she's a success. How amazing, really. It's one of those things...like my dad's advice that's all encompassing. He knew all he had to say was "Make me proud" and it took care of EVERY situation I could possibly face once walking out that door. And I'll be honest, there were times when I was a kid where those words crossed my mind as I was making decisions (I didn't always follow the "right path" after the thoughts crossed my mind, but they definitely were there). Sara's got the same idea, no matter what work brings, if she's still making her kids proud, she's doing right.
I think a lot of parents could benefit from asking themselves that same question. And it will be something I take as a little gem of advice / parenting philosophy when I do have kids. And they do grow up to be real human beings. And they have questions and they have problems. I'll continue to strive to make them proud, and if I'm doing that - chances are, I'll be doing the "right thing."
And beyond that, I hope my own parents know how proud my brother and I are of them. They've done so much right along the way, I can't imagine anyone being more proud of their parents than we are. And even though I'm not yet a parent, I know it's pretty cool that even at 26 and 22, my brother and I still think of my dad as our hero and our mom as SuperMom. They're definitely doing something right.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
VRBO
Okay, seriously. If you're planning a vacation you NEED to look at vrbo.com I am not paid by them, they have not asked me to pump their name into your brain repeatedly, they don't even know I exist.
I am on round 3 of using this website and I am SO pleased. Okay so - let's start at the beginning. VRBO = Vacation Rentals By Owner. A bunch of super awesome people, with super awesome places to rent in all the super awesome places you'd like to take a vacation have their rentals up on this website. You pick on the map where you'd like to go, and it gives you HUNDREDS of places that are for rent there. And...(get ready, this is the best part) it's almost ALWAYS cheaper than a hotel price. SERIOUSLY.
And who doesn't want a bedroom and a kitchen, even when you're on vacation?! Or maybe, just maybe, TWO bathrooms?!?! (I know, I'll give you a second, as I just blew your mind).
We first discovered this website on a family vacation in Amsterdamn when the hotel we stayed at during our previous vacation told us there was no way they accomodated a family of 4 in one room (uhh...yeah ya did. Our fam hasn't grown since 1988 so I'm pretty sure you did). So we started searching on the interwebs and the Concierge (the only saving grace of the awful, terrible hotel), told us about this website. So we did some digging and found the sweetest little apartment for rent...cheaper than said hotel's ONE ROOM. (Again, pause for collection as your mind was just blown all over the place).
Then, last spring when we headed West for Spring Training with 7 of us, we knew a hotel just wouldn't do. Hello gorgeous 3 bedroom condo...you'll do just wonderful for the 7 of us...and, (here it comes again) it was about $1200 for the week...for 7 of us...in 3 bedrooms...with a full kitchen...a pool... a fitness center...gah! So sweet.
So, of course, when C and I started planning for our trip, I was all screw hotels (those money hungry matchboxes!), let's get a condo. And we did. A beautiful 1 bdrm 1.5 ba condo that is ONE mile from Old Scottsdale (right where we wanted to be). And it's coming out to about $100 a night.
So there, you're welcome. Enjoy your next vacation home.
I am on round 3 of using this website and I am SO pleased. Okay so - let's start at the beginning. VRBO = Vacation Rentals By Owner. A bunch of super awesome people, with super awesome places to rent in all the super awesome places you'd like to take a vacation have their rentals up on this website. You pick on the map where you'd like to go, and it gives you HUNDREDS of places that are for rent there. And...(get ready, this is the best part) it's almost ALWAYS cheaper than a hotel price. SERIOUSLY.
And who doesn't want a bedroom and a kitchen, even when you're on vacation?! Or maybe, just maybe, TWO bathrooms?!?! (I know, I'll give you a second, as I just blew your mind).
We first discovered this website on a family vacation in Amsterdamn when the hotel we stayed at during our previous vacation told us there was no way they accomodated a family of 4 in one room (uhh...yeah ya did. Our fam hasn't grown since 1988 so I'm pretty sure you did). So we started searching on the interwebs and the Concierge (the only saving grace of the awful, terrible hotel), told us about this website. So we did some digging and found the sweetest little apartment for rent...cheaper than said hotel's ONE ROOM. (Again, pause for collection as your mind was just blown all over the place).
Then, last spring when we headed West for Spring Training with 7 of us, we knew a hotel just wouldn't do. Hello gorgeous 3 bedroom condo...you'll do just wonderful for the 7 of us...and, (here it comes again) it was about $1200 for the week...for 7 of us...in 3 bedrooms...with a full kitchen...a pool... a fitness center...gah! So sweet.
So, of course, when C and I started planning for our trip, I was all screw hotels (those money hungry matchboxes!), let's get a condo. And we did. A beautiful 1 bdrm 1.5 ba condo that is ONE mile from Old Scottsdale (right where we wanted to be). And it's coming out to about $100 a night.
So there, you're welcome. Enjoy your next vacation home.
Little Things Droppin'.
So now that I popped all the big things on you in the last post. Here comes the follow up logistics (a.k.a. little things droppin'...I know, I'm so hood).
Christian had his last day of work this past Saturday. We still haven't figured out what we're going to do to ceremoniously destroy his work shirt (but are taking suggestions). He's technically being "paid" right now as his vacation time is being paid out. So he's been spending the week at my parents office doing some graphic design / creative stuff for them. And he loves it. Seriously - yesterday he spent 9 hours there and STILL came home and talked about how much he LOVES working at a desk and doing fun creative stuff all day long. And when we got home we went for a walk / bike ride...it has been outstanding to have him home at night and I've found I'm a BIG fan of being able to see him more than 2 minutes a day!
We booked a condo for our Phoenix trip. If y'all are planning a vacation and have not yet checked out vrbo.com DO IT NOW. I think I'll save deets of this for another post...but seriously, do it. We're officially a month away - which means I've got 30 days to lose weight, get tan and buy cute summer clothes. Man, the pressure! With Christian no longer attached to the ball & chain of his former employer - we're also back on for CoupleFest 2010. A few friends of ours and us are thinking Disney / Florida in November. I'm a HUGE Disney fan and C hasn't been since he was a youngin'. And let's call a spade a spade here, Disney was TOTALLY meant for adults (helllllo Epcot drinking tour!) So we're getting pretty excited about that unfolding!
And finally, for the last little thing, my parents bought bikes this weekend! We're pretty excited for family rides, though they haven't started yet. Mostly because my dad, who is 6'3" bought a bike for men 5'2-5'7" so he's still working on returning it for a big boy bike.
Also - I'm pretty excited to include on more big thing poppin'. I've accepted a permanent position at my current place of employment. If you recall I started here as a "temp". As of May 3rd, I will be a permanent full time employee will all sorts of sweet benefits and full time glory! (and by sweet benefits, I of course mean the usual but I also mean 50% of Brewer tickets...holla!) Pretty excited about that noise!
Christian had his last day of work this past Saturday. We still haven't figured out what we're going to do to ceremoniously destroy his work shirt (but are taking suggestions). He's technically being "paid" right now as his vacation time is being paid out. So he's been spending the week at my parents office doing some graphic design / creative stuff for them. And he loves it. Seriously - yesterday he spent 9 hours there and STILL came home and talked about how much he LOVES working at a desk and doing fun creative stuff all day long. And when we got home we went for a walk / bike ride...it has been outstanding to have him home at night and I've found I'm a BIG fan of being able to see him more than 2 minutes a day!
We booked a condo for our Phoenix trip. If y'all are planning a vacation and have not yet checked out vrbo.com DO IT NOW. I think I'll save deets of this for another post...but seriously, do it. We're officially a month away - which means I've got 30 days to lose weight, get tan and buy cute summer clothes. Man, the pressure! With Christian no longer attached to the ball & chain of his former employer - we're also back on for CoupleFest 2010. A few friends of ours and us are thinking Disney / Florida in November. I'm a HUGE Disney fan and C hasn't been since he was a youngin'. And let's call a spade a spade here, Disney was TOTALLY meant for adults (helllllo Epcot drinking tour!) So we're getting pretty excited about that unfolding!
And finally, for the last little thing, my parents bought bikes this weekend! We're pretty excited for family rides, though they haven't started yet. Mostly because my dad, who is 6'3" bought a bike for men 5'2-5'7" so he's still working on returning it for a big boy bike.
Also - I'm pretty excited to include on more big thing poppin'. I've accepted a permanent position at my current place of employment. If you recall I started here as a "temp". As of May 3rd, I will be a permanent full time employee will all sorts of sweet benefits and full time glory! (and by sweet benefits, I of course mean the usual but I also mean 50% of Brewer tickets...holla!) Pretty excited about that noise!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Big things poppin'.
There's some big things going on here at the Waddickolas household. (I've also played around with Nikodick but prefer the former). While some of the details are yet to be worked out - I do know this for sure, Christian has chosen to leave his job so he can focus full time on school! I'm so excited about the change and proud of him for making it, I can hardly stand it! He'll be working for his stepdad during this time and it will be most wonderful to have him home on nights...and weekends...and holidays! I just can't even wrap my head around how wonderful it will be! He worked yesterday (Easter) and if all goes well, that will be the last holiday he has to work!
Also - we booked our flight to Phoenix this past weekend. We'll be heading there in May and I'm thrilled to take a vacation somewhere we both know we love (I know, we're playing it safe) and somewhere warm! We're already planning things and we're still a month out! (sadly, and judge as you may, Chic-fil-a is atop the list of things we've planned / are excited for).
In other news, we now both have bikes, that we like (took C a few tries). We rode them around this weekend and I'm very excited for lots and lots of biking this summer. Last week, I rode 24 miles! Turns out you move a lot faster on a bike than foot (at least when you are me) and you can accumulate miles quite a bit faster as well!
Also - we booked our flight to Phoenix this past weekend. We'll be heading there in May and I'm thrilled to take a vacation somewhere we both know we love (I know, we're playing it safe) and somewhere warm! We're already planning things and we're still a month out! (sadly, and judge as you may, Chic-fil-a is atop the list of things we've planned / are excited for).
In other news, we now both have bikes, that we like (took C a few tries). We rode them around this weekend and I'm very excited for lots and lots of biking this summer. Last week, I rode 24 miles! Turns out you move a lot faster on a bike than foot (at least when you are me) and you can accumulate miles quite a bit faster as well!
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