Thanksgiving Randoms...

                                                                   Pomegranate Seeds

I started some randoms on Friday, but didn’t finish them to post. Horrible, right?


Thanksgiving is two days away. I feel unprepared but seemingly almost done with the majority of my tasks. The cleaning and my cooking will be done Wednesday and Thursday morning. This year has gone by so fast. It has been filled with happiness, sadness and stress but I can honestly say I am blessed.

Carson is not really walking, but it sure looks like he is.

My cousin sent me a picture of Carson. What does he look like he is doing? Yeah, that is what I thought too, but um, he isn’t walking yet. He stands very well for very long time, but she says he isn’t confident enough to walk yet. I told her it will not be long.

Does anyone else watch Sisterwives? I don’t watch much of the reality shows, because of all the drama, but this show catches my attention on Sunday nights when I get home from work. I keep waiting for one of them to opt out of the lifestyle.

My cleaning is over-the-top especially using Pinterest as a guide. I have cleaned more things with vinegar, baking soda and Magic erasure. My house should be spotless. But alas, he is not because I am too old to be on my hands and knees scrubbing like my life depends on it.

My yard guy hasn’t gotten to my yard. Yeah, kind of upset about that one. On Saturday, his neighbor’s 3 pitbulls got into his yard and he couldn’t get into the yard to do anything. He tried to get the neighbors to wake up and everything. He ended having to call the police. He has children, but he also has a young female dog too and you know those pitbulls were trying to get to her. So he had a good excuse for Saturday, not sure why not Sunday, but I hope he keeps his promise and is there today.

I think one of the reasons I was perturbed about not getting my yard done was I got up early Saturday to clean out my raised garden and prepare if for the winter. I also worked on my poor rose bush. I was cleaning out the leaves from the pot they are growing in and there was this one green leaf that I was trying to remove. You know where this is going right? Yep, it was a damn frog. I screamed and nearly broke my neck trying to run backwards. And you know what I did? I just put fresh potting soil over it and water and feed it. Sure did. The next day I saw where it had gotten out of the soil because of the hole I saw in the pot. Feeling a frog, even with gloves on is still NASTY!

Book club meeting was really nice on Saturday. Went to a neighboring town because they have a fire pit, but hell it was too cold to be outside. I was disappointed they no longer have their signature crab claws dish. Man, I had my mouth salivating over them. I did however get the best tasting Tomato and Basil soup. It was amazing. A little funny, when we were discussing current events of course we were talking about the election; the host comes to our little room and asked if we wanted the doors closed. I waited a moment and said yes, but I knew exactly why they wanted the doors closed. Get over it people!

My plans for my 5 days off are to spend time cooking, relaxing and spending time with the family. I do plan to do a little Black Friday shopping, but I really don’t have much to get and since I don’t have my eye on anything right now the trip shall be short. My sister isn’t going to want to get too much stuff because they are flying so this Black Friday maybe one for the record books. Very little purchases and home before the sun rises.

I plan to replicate the Tomato and Basil soup for a Creative Cooking segment.

My sister thinks I am going to be baking cookies all Friday, but that is a negative. I ain’t got it in me. LOL!

The Guy asked me last week what I wanted for Christmas. Ya’ll I have the favorites or wants list to post, but I don’t know what to tell him to get me. I know what I am getting him. Sighing…

When you see the list, don’t laugh. And I don’t mind you getting me anything listed on there. Just kidding…kinda!

Here are some of the randoms I did last week:

Do you ever get tired and I mean really tired from doing a thorough cleaning because company is coming? My goodness it seems like I have been cleaning for weeks now, because it really has been. However, I can now see the end. Tonight after the second job, I will dust furniture in my living room and dining room. Tomorrow a complete cleaning of my kitchen, I already cleaned the oven and my deep freezer so I am ahead of the game. And Sunday I will finish with the cleaning of the last bathroom. Yeah, I still have to clean my bedroom but that will be done on Wednesday as I laze around. (I tried desperately to finish the kitchen Sunday, but I underestimated the time it would take to clean the stove top and the refrigerator. Hopefully, I will finish tonight. Cross your fingers.)

I voted...

Last week I had planned to come back on this blog and talk about the conclusion of the election, but the election really tore my nerves up! When I got to my polling area and no one was in line at 6:15 am, I got scared that folks didn’t have the passion they had in 2008 and weren’t going to turn out. By 6:55 am, they proved me wrong. The line was stretched to the middle of the parking lot before 7 am and the line snaked through the gym and down the hall when I finished voting. And I was the 11th voter. And as a red state, I already knew the GOP had the state, but in my county, Montgomery County, President Obama won the popular vote. Yes! My day after voting was productive, but baby by 11 am I had a headache so bad I couldn’t work out. In fact I got so nervous and worried, my stomach got to boiling and I had to go home early to take meds for the headache and the stomach. I also laid down for about 30 minutes, because I still had to go to my second job. By the time I got there, I was just peeved and worried out of my mind. I just couldn’t seem to let it go, but during our weekly managers’ meeting I just breathe in the sense that it was in God’s hand. And I made it through the rest of the night. Just a little info we have a worker who is a GOP advocate and all night he had been joking with the other workers about the only reason they voted for the President was because he gives them food stamps and such and ya’ll he was as giddy as a man on his first date. He was so sure of what the outcome was going to be. I even had to shush the fuss because it was getting out of hand and politics have no place in the workplace. Anyway, after his candidate lost he decided he was going to write a petition stating he had been harassed by the other employees and he was going to present it to the owner. Of course, I called BS on it because I heard him make the statement about food stamps and he sure had better said something about it in his so called petition. He was mad about the outcome, because his folks were mad. He couldn’t even vote and the folks he was making fun of on Tuesday could. He wasn’t talking to no one when he came back to work after the election. (And no he didn’t do his so called petition.)

The line to get out of the parking lot.

For the record, I never received my so called gift from President Obama as has been intimated by the GOP candidate. And for the states, including my home state who want to secede, good luck with that. You can’t. Hurricane Sandy wasn’t sent to insure President Obama won, but if that was God’s will… Finally, GET OVER IT! He won not by a small amount but the majority and he won the popular vote as well and when they break down the numbers he didn’t win just because blacks voted, he won because America voted for him and America is more than rich, white men. Now get the hell over it. Time for this country to get to work on the things that matter for all of us.
I still plan to go out Black Friday, but seriously with stores opening on Thursday I can be in and out and done by 9 am. And no, I will not be riding out Thursday to catch some sales I will be spending time with my family. And it seems kinda weird that salespeople will not get to enjoy their family because they have to be at work on Thursday. This is inherently wrong. I can’t imagine not going out for Black Friday even if I ain’t buying much.

The weather here is crazay…I told my sister I can’t tell you what to wear because it will be a hot 70 something on the weekend and during the week you need to break out a jacket and sweaters.

Dirty carpet.  Sorry I forgot to take an after pic...

I got my carpet cleaned yesterday and it looks so much better. As the guys were finishing and draining the water, some of the bad ass kids from the neighborhood were outside screaming about how nasty the water was and how much it smelled and on and on. I stood in the house shaking my head. I can’t stand them hellions. Seriously, they are disrespectful and I don’t trust any one of them because their mama or daddy broke into my house and tried to steal my identity.

Alice, I don’t know you and I want you to know, I do not appreciate you commenting on my blog with advertisements. Stay off my blog! I don’t play with things of that nature. Commenting on my blog posts about some damn expensive boots, really?

I do not watch the news often, but all week I have had to hear and see the scandal with the CIA director and his mistresses and I wonder, when did folk’s immoral behavior become newsworthy. I mean if you turn on the Today show they will talk about the real news for a minute then they will talk about Snooki’s baby. I don’t get it. We have become a world of shallow people.

Speaking of celebrities is anyone watching the Houston’s? I tried the night it debut and I couldn’t. This family is grieving and to actually follow them through the process is just painful to watch. And, honestly the few times I will try to watch it I am sadden because it obvious this wasn’t the time for this show. Bobbi Kristina has the husky voice similar to her mother’s, but she also appears to be slurring her words and obviously under the influence of something. And the other family members and Nick make watching this show very uncomfortable. I pray for the family, but I wish this show would end, quickly.

Yeah, I had a lot to say last week and this isn’t all I had either.

I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving and take the time out to give thanks for all you have been given and thankfulness for your family and friends. Life is funny because there will be days everything is copacetic and other days when you just want to crawl back into bed and hibernate, but seriously each and every day you awaken is a blessing. Learning to enjoy them is our task and one we should take seriously. Allow no one to steal your joy and allow no obstacles to keep you from being Thankful for all life brings to you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Me on Saturday on my way to Book Club, protective style.  11/17/12

Randoms…Too Many posts this week …Happy Mother’s Day!

I must have had a lot to say this week because I have posted multiple times. I even posted on my anonymous blog. Geez, I need to get out more.

5/2/12

My garden. Is out of control. I screwed up. I did. My raised garden wasn’t big enough for all I have planted and hell I planted stuff too close together. Hey, it is a learning experience.

See my lettuce and spinach.  And yes, the cucumber plant is giving my lettuce too much shade.  Ugh!

Speaking of the garden. I had my first salad with my lettuce and spinach. The leaves were so tender and flavorful. The Guy asked for more salad. Who does that? Um, I couldn’t accommodate because I only made enough salad for each person. I will know next time.

In more gardening news. I have blooms! Yes!!!!

Marigolds

 I have another worker issue at my second job. To remedy it the situation, I have scheduled her during my shifts. Let’s see how that works. My sister calls this the tolling time, the beginning of the end. SMH!


I have been working on my Abs this week during my workouts. Have any of you done any planking? That mess hurts. That is all.


I am in my office freezing. Seriously, I can go outside and it is 99 degrees and I will be fine for at least an hour due to the temps they keep these offices.


Our copier in our office has folks using such foul language, really foul language and they are really loud with their disgust.

I have also been nesting or cleaning out 20 or 30 odd years of stuff.  See...

 I do not like talking on the phone. Usually 5 minutes in unless you are my sister, is
doing too much. Some folks are not mindful of your time and think you can talk to them all willy nilly. My best friend in Colorado called my cell phone after midnight last night. No I didn’t answer the phone. I looked at the phone and shook my head and turned right back over and went back to sleep. I sometimes don’t think she understands talking to her requires you allot time in your schedule to do nothing for a minimum of 2 hours as she talks. Calling when I am at work means I am not calling you back while I am at work. Calling when I get off work means I will have no down time when I get home, so no return call. Calling me in the middle of the night is CRAZY! Unless someone is dying, please do not call me after midnight. I am not talking to anyone at that time. Yes she has left several messages to call her back, but she doesn’t want anything. And if something was wrong with me, someone would let her know. Every since my Aunt died she seems to think I need attention. I don’t. And I don’t have two hours to be on the phone right now.


The cover of Tim.e magazine is a bit disturbing. I am sorry the little boy looks like he is 5 years old. The magazine did it on purpose to get folks to talking. Since I don’t have children and will not have any children, this is not my concern. Frankly, do what you want it is your child. I can tell you that we once had a book club member who had a toddler still breastfeeding and when she got pregnant members told her she needed to wean him before the next baby was born. Well, she didn’t and when the baby came he didn’t breastfeed for long, the toddler did until she had no choice but to stop. The baby was no longer breastfeeding and the toddler was still grabbing for the breast. As the baby got older, he was more independent than the older sibling and if you didn’t know any better you would think the baby was the oldest. Interesting.


I do not have a problem with President Obama’s stance on gay marriage. I am a Christian as well. And for the most part I am not ignorant and some of the criticism I am seeing from the so called Christians borders on ignorance. When you know someone who is struggling with their sexuality and their fears stem from what has been said in the Church or a parent make the statement I am worried my child will go to hell because they are gay, you will not understand. Judgment is not ours. That is all!  I understand some of the Black churches have come out today against President Obama.


I was told Happy Mother’s day on Thursday. I said thank you. They know I don’t have any children and it is a nice gester.


Why did a crack head ask the guy who does my yard if he wanted some hot weed eaters and such? Um, the guy who does my yard is law enforcement. He wears a gun and arrests folks for a living. No, he didn’t take crackie up on the offer, but seriously?


Reminds me of the folks in the grocery store trying to sell their food stamps for cash. I always tell them they don’t even know if I am law enforcement and they need to be very careful and hell no. I will be spending money I have already paid into the tax system, so I lose twice.


Mandatory hair pictures...

Full curls

My summer go to style curly bun.  Fully makeup.  1st time since surgery.

What my hair looks like when I take the curly bun down.

I haven’t purchased any summer shoes. I know, sad, but the new hot water heater…

But if I could purchase any, these would be the ones. A girl can dream…

If you follow me on Pinterest, you will see more reasonable shoes there. One of those babies will be mine this summer.


My sister posted a nice post of FB about Mother’s day, which made me a little weepy, no tears. But I am not like her mother now, I am her friend. LOL!  I miss my mama and my aunt...

Happy Mother’s Day!

P. S. Blogger is smoking something because it is posting my pictures all out of order so blame blogger, not me.  



Organized washroom.  Nope washer and dryer do not match.  And I don't care as long as they work.

Organized pantry.  Lawd I should have take the before shot.  A hot mess!

Pucci Wedge Sandles for $599.95

My vacation, new shoes and anything new I may want is in this hot water heater.

See the cucumber flowers. 

Even the container plants are out of control.  But when the sunflowers appear, I will be so happy!

Grape tomatoes.  Will they ever turn red?

4/25/12

Creative Cooking…Moo Goo Gai Pan

As you are aware or can tell from the recipes I post, I am really a lover of Asian dishes. Mainly, if they are easy to prepare and don’t cost an arm and a leg for the ingredients. I don’t know about you, but as one of my book club members says, “I am at the gas station making life decisions.” I am seriously watching my money with gas inching towards $4 a gallon. And that is another whole story. The government is messing with my vacation plans. Ugh! On to my dish, I love the flavor of Moo Goo Gai Pan, because I really do love mushrooms and what is not to like with chicken and mushrooms. So being thrifty I was able to garner 8 chicken breasts for $4 and some change. Go me! Of course I only needed three for this dish, so freezer the rest go. I scoured the Internet for a simple recipe and of course I pinned it on Pinterest and the rest is history. This recipe is adapted from Blog Chef.net.

Ingredients:

3 large chicken breasts cut into chunks

1/3 cup of oil

3 slices of ginger

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 ½ cups of chicken broth

2 tablespoons of cornstarch

1 container of sliced mushrooms

Frozen stir fry mix

Seasoning to taste (sea salt)

Crushed red pepper

Rice to serve

After you have cut your chicken breasts into chunks season with whatever seasoning your choose, heat your oil on medium heat and add your garlic and ginger and stir fry for 30 seconds or a little more just do not overcook it. Add your chicken and cook and stir for approximately 4 minutes.

Chicken added to garlic, ginger and oil.

Chicken broth w/cornstarch added to chicken

In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth and cornstarch together and then add to your chicken and finally add all your vegetables. Continue to cook and simmer for 15 minutes covered and add red pepper if you like a bit of heat.

Frozen stir fry mix and baby portbello mushrooms.

Looks yummy!

Serve over cooked rice. You can add soy sauce, but I like it just the way it is.

Saucer of goodness...

Verdict: This dish probably took me 30 minutes from prep to cook. It was simple especially when you can add the stir fry mix to simplify things. The chicken was tender and tasty, while the veggies complimented the dish and the mushrooms adding the best part for me. If you are going to make this dish, I think it is sad if you don’t have the mushrooms because the mushrooms are the essential part of the dish the vegetables help to Amerianize the dish. It is flavorful, filling and quite tasty. In the original recipe no season is added, since I used a low sodium chicken broth I added sea salt to taste.

Good Friday Randoms...

So what am I doing for Easter this year? It looks like I will be sitting at home watching DVDs and noshing on crab legs, with my hair still in soft spike rollers.


My family had decided the first of the week to either cook or dine out. By Wednesday it was dine out, by Friday it was either eat with cousin’s SIL or me and my cousin eating out by ourselves. I immediately nixed my invite to SIL, because seriously, I am not a big fan. It goes back to when I was 14 years old and she lied on me. As a teenager, you know how hard it is to dispel a lie told by an adult and I was basically crushed that the family believed her and basically called me a liar. I have never forgotten it. I have no hatred in my heart; just don’t trust an adult who will lie on a child for auspicious reasons. Since there isn’t a restaurant in Montgomery I want to dine in, I think dinner out, is out. LOL!

My co-worker on my 2nd job suggested I cook a dinner for The Guy. I nixed that idea too, because his son is in a basketball tournament this weekend, out of town. She said I should go as well. Not. I am not trying to meet the ex-wife and since it is her child…You get the picture. Plus, I am working part of the weekend.

Dilated pupil from 4/5/12...This tortures my sister!

I was finally released from the retina specialist yesterday. I am completely reattached and my vision is back. Of course, I am extremely near-sighted in my left eye and I have to get new glasses and contacts on Monday. My doctor who smiled for the second time and shook my hands said I did very well with the surgery, because for many patients they never return to 20/20 vision after such a situation. I knew how blessed I was from the very beginning. The nurse and I were talking after he left and I said I am not sure you were in here at the very first appointment and he told me I was having surgery the very next day and how I cried and cried as he explained the procedure. She said, “Oh, I remember because we talked about it later.” Great to be remembered for my dramatics. Seriously, I am truly blessed to have my full vision back. I knew there was a possibility I would not regain the vision I was losing after the surgery and I was preparing to compensate for the loss, but God always knows. Probably why I have finished about 4 books in the last month or so. What? I am not taking my vision for granted.

Anyone want to tackle my taxes with me this weekend? Didn’t think so.

Raised garden w/nails.

Container garden.

Getting healthy.

See things are growing...

More growth!

 I finally set up my raised garden and planted flowers and a few herbs in pots. Go me! My rose bushes looked a bit anorexic, but with some tender loving care look quite healthy. My sister asked me the other day was I rushing home every day to take care of my garden. And if I am? It is so cathartic. So what did I plant? Grape tomato plants, basil, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, green onions, cilantro, marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos and portulaca. I was ambitious this year. We shall see how thing go. Don’t laugh at my raised gardens with the nails sticking out; I need to get them screwed in with an electric drill. Yeah, that probably won’t happen.

My Pinterest, watering bottle!

I am back on the treadmill at work, well on the down low. They have an old/new to us treadmill, which is much bigger than our old one. I am trying to get ready for the Joy to Walk in April, because I do not want to suffer the pains, aches and raw skin that I had when I did it a few years ago. Plus, I am definitely in better shape than I was back then.

Blue light for Autism month ...and cat eyes!

I had my blue light on this week in support of Autism month. Um, my neighbors were probably shook with the lights thinking it was the police, but hey it was cool. Except when I went to take the picture and a damn cat was luxuriating in the blue light. Unlike other bloggers, cats do not scare me, but I despise them with a passion, sorry cat lovers. I always think they lick food when you aren’t looking if they are indoors.

Another Pinterest idea put to work. Yeah, I really did this. Which reminds me, I haven’t been on a day or two. Anyone tried polyvore? Yeah, found it on Pinterest and have made a couple of outfits from it.

We had a good book club meeting last Saturday, although the book was a great read for some members, it really gave us some great talking points. My final words were, “Be careful who you procreate with.”

Did you watch Scandal last night?  It was worth the hype.  "I am a gladiator in a suit."  I am in love with scripted television!

I hope those of you who have this Good Friday off are enjoying it. A thought from one of the attorney’s here, “What is so good about Good Friday? If Jesus hadn’t died for us on that day, it could have been you.”

Have a blessed Easter!

And I leave you with the babies in the family...
 

Lala, looking like her mother and looking like why you got that thing in my face!

Carson, always camera ready!

For Clarinda and those who want to follow me on Pinterest...