Settling into the new year...

After the holidays are over it always takes me weeks to feel settled.. This year was no different.. As you can tell by the new blog background and the lack of current entries I have been stumped. The new blogger backgrounds do not want to cooperate with my chosen templates.. So for now I will have to live with the out of the box options.. C'est la vie...

This year not only snuck up on me, but it's the first year that I didn't torture myself with resolutions.. I finally wrapped my head around the reality that year long goals are too much to take on.. With all the things that I already juggle at home and work, why add another thing to the to do list? This year its all about less being more.. Are you with me?

I realize by now you may be face down on your computer from boredom and for that I am clearly at fault but stick with me.. The year has only just begun.. I hope to get better at this blogging business.. I may take some real lessons in digital photography so that I can do more than just force people to smile when I come by with my camera.. I hope to get back into the quilting swing. If all goes well I may have some finished projects at the end of the year and my stash will dwindle (only to clear space for new lovely yards of fabric)..

Our family is always top of the list.. and with a new 4 legged member it means more time outside for exercise.. yes, you read right.. Izzy joined the family.. I was trapped and pressured I tell you.. Jake is taking to her and sharing his yard.. Maya is beside herself with happiness and asking nightly when Izzy will get to sleep in her room..Here is Maya cuddling with Izzy..

So whatelse is in store for 2011? Your guess is as good as mine.. I am thrilled that we are both still gainfully employed.. Maya is taking well to her new school.. Although I know she only goes because she has too.. That girl would be happy to never leave her home.. And while I realize that is crazy it also makes me slightly happy as a mom.. She feels safe and happy at home..

At the end of the day that is all I have ever wanted.. Its everything and more than I could have wished for to have a family of my own.. We are all healthy and happy.. How blessed could we be?

Happiness to you and yours in 2011!
Buzz,
Alex

I am dreaming in RED..

I saw this mixer and I can't get it out of my head.. I want it!

I need this for all my baking craziness.. Of course, I already have a stand mixer, I can not justify buying another one..
Look at this thing! Can you blame me for wanting it? Did you notice its RED? It's called Ferrari Red... It has this beautiful glass bowl. I will be able to see that stuff that always sticks to the bottom and requires extra mixing.

Send your donations my way and I will bake you up some cookies, scones, cake, or any other sweet concotion that I can whip up in that beautiful creation..I know, its a problem.. I am sure there is help for me.. Somewhere.. William Sonoma would be a great place to start..

Sweet Dreams,
Alex

Establishing balance...

True to my Libra nature, I am very sensitive to the forces in my life..I like to keep myself in balance because when I am not I feel it both physically and mentally.. I don't sleep well, I eat food that makes me feel horrible, my emotions vascilate between extremes.. I miss that rythm of life which for me feels comfortable..

I have been battling the negative forces, thoughts and emotions that were weighing me down since last year.. Stress is the main culprit and an old friend.. As always, I tried to ignore it but this year the generalized anxiety in the air was more than even I could ignore..It was a thick blanket which somehow didn't keep me warm.. As much as I could feel the difference in myself, I wasn't able to avoid it. So for a few weeks, I felt like an Eeoyre. Everything was too much.. I just didn't want to do anything more than the minimum..

As I looked as my life, I knew that it was not anything specific to me.. Sure there are things to worry about and I can do that with the best of them but it was more about this build up of saddness in the lives of people whom I care about.. The helplessness was frustrating..

The scales tipped too far and I finally decided that I wouldn't continue to feed that negativity any longer.. It took a few days of mental battle with myself but I believe in the power of choice. I can choose to stay in that funk or I can get back on track.. I can put that same energy into a better and more positive attitude... My attitude wasn't horrible but I knew I wasn't at my best, I wasn't enjoying my blessings..

SO for those of you, especially my hubby and my pumpkin, who had to put up with me..thanks for bearing with me while I marinated in those feelings.. Now I can come out like the sun after a rainy day.. My internal spring cleaning has begun..

I am ready to embrace life's ups and downs for each has their place..

Namaste...

Alex

Manic Monday

Remember that 80's song by the Bangles? I love it.. It was a bit of a Manic Monday for me.. I wasn't ready to get up and start the day but the alarm was sounding, Maya was tugging on me and my dream was over.. Thankfully the day turned out.. After some coffee and a yummy left over scone, I was ready to tackle my Monday..

I won't bore you with the gory details of my "work day" fill in the blanks as you will..

It was another frosty day.. The kind where even 2 layers, a scarf and a coat didn't keep the chill out..Remind me of this when I am baking in the summer and praying for cooler temperatures..

Anyhow.. Dinner tonight was a check on the list..Who doesn't love lists? No, I think its the New Year's resolution thing.. I am still thinking in terms of goals. So I am on a mini-mission. I am determined to use what I have on hand for dinner. I am sure eventually I will go crazy with menu planning. In reality, I am hoping to get into a better routine with dinner plans. I hate thinking of what to cook at 5:30! I am also trying to be practical and use what I have on hand before the food goes bad or I forget what I bought it for. I don't like to throw money away.. I saw a show where they put a price tag on every item the people threw out because it expired before they used it. It made a lasting impression.. Secondly, my frugality and financial goals are also keeping me alert to the fact that if I use what is on hand, I won't run out to the store for extra ingredients (or impulse buys)..I know you are laughing at me.. It's ok, but you know that deep down inside you have had these same boring and practical thoughts.. You Know...

After dinner it was time to walk it off.. The gym was calling me, even when I tried to ignore its call.. Martin faked exhaustion and volunteered to wash dishes.. Hey you don't have to tell me twice, my dish pan hands are thankful for a night off.. Missy loves going to the kids club so not only do I get a workout but she gets some "Kid Time." Oh yeah, back to those resolutions.. Who was it that said working out is the number 1 resolution? Yeah. Workout more. Its on the list..Check..

Last but not least.. I am always trying to be more organized.. Shh, don't tell Martin because he is always telling me and Missy to toss something out instead of finding its home.. but back to my madness.. I decided that I could cross two things off my list, you know multitasking.. I can skim my magazines while I walk on the treadmill. In case you haven't been to my house lately, you may not be aware of my crazy magazine collection.. I have every issue of O, a few years of Cooking Light, Better Homes and Gardens, Rachel Ray, Parenting, etc.. Martin has tried to toss them.. I keep restacking and moving piles.. But I finally saw the light. I love paper, I love magazines but I just can't keep them all. Not to mention there are new subscriptions I want to have! Hee hee.. So today I cut out a few recipes and a neat kitchen redo..The rest of the magaine was donated to my gym. Hey! That is 3 goals in one.. I exercised, organized, and made my hubby happy by disposing of one magazine.. Baby steps..

So if you are ever in need magazines stop by. You are welcome to take as many as you can.. I am ok with you cutting pictures, reading the articles or using them for kindling.. Hey I can be green too..

Buzz,

Alex

A wet winter weekend...

I don't even know where to start. This weekend was a big bowl of randomness, memories and rain..

Friday night at the quilt shop was the perfect way to start the weekend. It's always good to go to class and catch up while we play with fabric. We had been in dire need of our quilting group and finally we are back into the groove. We started the "spool quilt." As soon as I put a spool together I will share.. In the meantime you can check out Julie's post and her sample spool here. In the words of Miss Julie, quilting makes me happy!

Saturday, our little family loaded up the car with everything we could and headed north to Bakersfield. The road was calling.

The plan was to enjoy the long weekend and celebrate Betty's 35th. Maya was just thrilled at the prospect of spending 3 days with her cousins and bouncing in the jumper. Little did she know she would end up with a black eye/cheek after crashing into her cousin, Jacob. It was heartwrenching to see her in pain and even harder to see the bruise swelling.. But she's 6 and she was eventually asking for another round in the jumper!

Missy has always been a great car baby. She naps, she watches the passing cars, calls out slug bugs and sings her tunes. We still believe in real car trips. We don't believe in TV's in the car. We read, chat and connect. MAG watches the road and plans his route.

The party didn't start until dinner time and before we knew it the dark blanket of stars was all we could see.. I survived a late night that night in the cold. We spent the night commisterating about our lives, husbands, our pets. Missy fell asleep in my arms with a big blanket. As we talked, the bonfire roared and the music soothed us..

On Sunday the winds and rain started. It was destined to be a day indoors. Having not gotten a good nights sleep, we all took little naps throughout the day. We decided we needed something soothing and hot to warm us up on the inside. What could we make with 4 lbs of shrimp? Shrimp SOUP! It wasn't the first thing that came to mind but once we said the word "SOUP" a big smile spread across everyone's face and we all knew it would be the right thing on that cold day.. Betty and I started chopping, washing veggies and sautaing garlic and onions and next thing we knew we had a huge pot of soup simmering on the stove.. It hit the spot..

As soon as we woke up today we knew we'd better get on the road as soon as possible. The rain did not let up and the wind was whipping.. We were on the road by 9:30 and 5 hours later we pulled into our garage.. My hubby the super driver kept us safe and got us home in one piece.. It was a long haul and thankfully we are finally home resting and settling back into our dry house..

Home Sweet Home,

Alex

Must slow down....

I am tired..we are tired.. Maya and Martin took a nap today.. As much as I wanted to I didnt.. I was on a mission to find my coupon organizer, clean the kitchen for the 50th time in two days, get some laundry put away, sort through Missy's gifts, bake more banana bread, write out a few more thank you notes, make a mini scrapbook for my mom, upload my pictures, oh and figure out Picasa.... you catch my drift. Oddly most of that got done, along with 2 Target runs for household items, birthday gifts, halloween candy and even a few Christmas gifts.. Can you hear the Ca-Ching sound of those purchases.. yeah. me too..

You will just have to bear with me while I recover.. I will fill you in on Maya's Pump It up Party..her Lion's Pride on Friday.. The yet unwrapped bday gifts from mom and dad and the all night poker game..

For now I will leave you with a random picture of our little family.. Its our Disney pic.. Its us huddled into the image.. It was a great day.. Before Maya was in the "school system" when we could take a random Friday off and trek to the House of Mouse. It was when we had passes and when we learned how much Maya loves rollercoasters..

Weeee...

Us!

New Hair...

Well Hair COLOR.. My mother who spent her entire weekend with me was kind enough to do my hair tonight before she left.. As if the food, the spa, the laundry, driving, cake and movie watching with me was not enough, she even gave in when I asked for her to dye my hair.. THANK YOU MOM!

Its fall! Its time for the rich deep dark tones.. I hope you like the new do!

Buzz,

Alex

Pizza from the Gods...

Ok, I think we all know and love pizza.. Yesterday, however, I was dumbfounded by the best pizza I have ever tasted south of San Francisco.. Some day I will find that place, again.. but I digress... Until then I have a gem in my own back yard! I must share..

I must spread the word about this place because not only are they Green, gluten free and organic, they are DELICIOUS!!.. Which really is the only thing that matters to me, the rest is bonus.. The rest means we sleep better at night.. But the taste was out of this world.. The name Pizza Fusion does nothing to tell you about how fresh and fabulous the ingredients are.. I mean this is not a pepperoni pizza place like we are all used to..This is not your kid's greasy cheesy pizza.. Don't get me wrong, every once in awhile only that will do, however, for the rest of the time we just avoid pizza, stick to a diet and only if the taste, flavor and preparation is worth it do we indulge in ingredients like feta, artichoke hearts and cheeses not processed and orange colored.. This is pizza for people with a real palate..
Ok, again, getting ahead of myself... I can pass up most samples (Costco is no longer a caloric mine field) but I was fortunate enough to peek into the very traditional pizza box in time to see Kalmata olives and artichoke hearts on the sample tray.. How could I pass that up??

I tried, I kept thinking of my diet.. but my nose had taken control of my legs and was determined to get closer to that food.. the kind and friendly guy holding the box outside of Trader's Joe's said, I have 2 types..would you care for a sample? I looked again..inhaling the aroma which knocked me over... I asked if that was feta cheese..his grin confirmed..Yes, Feta on the Greek Pizza.. hmm.. That one 2x4 inche rectangle was glorious..The olives were tart against the smooth feta.. I was amazed at how mild it was and almost thought it was goat cheese.. A happy me continued on my way into Trader Joe's with a menu in hand.. I savored those three small and tasty bites.. I sailed pasted the TJ samples..afterall I just had a pizza like no other and I was beyond satisfied...

Next thing I know I am at the register and the cashier asks "Is this menu yours or trash?" What? No, Mine.. It belongs with me and not in the trash.. "Oh yes, I just had a sample outside.. It was awesome" I told him..The guy smiled at me and says "Yeah, well if you turn around..that guy is the owner"... Oh wow..

On my way out of TJ's the kind man who introduced himself and smiled at my compliments on his pizza offered me a free pizza.. What could I say? I couldn't believe my luck.. I double checked and he was talking to me.. no cameras..just us walking out of TJ's.. Is there a camera somewhere? I mean I didn's ask him for anything I just gushed about his pizza.. But it was honest gushing.. again.. did you read? Feta, Artichoke hearts, kalmata olives.. yes, in the words of my dear friend.. BEYOND FABULOUS!

In less than 20 mins I was gifted my special pizza and rushed home to enjoy.. savor the pizza.. That slice was worth those grueling 60 mins on the treadmill. (I told you I was on a diet.. I must burn off anything extra). The other 3 slices are carefully and individually frozen for later enjoyment.. YUM!

Alex

Is it Fall yet?

Now don't get me wrong.. I am not in the crazy club of retail people who are already bombarding us with Chistmas.. I am just ready for the pace of fall.. I am ready for the cool breezes and fall colors to make their appearence .. I want to wear shoes and cover myself at night with a blanket instead of trying to cool off and turn the AC down another notch... Yeah, remind me later to not open the electric bill..

Fall to me is perfection. yes, I know I am biased.. I know that for me a chill in the morning and blankets at night are in my image of comfort. Its time to make hot soups and bake breads, cookies and all things bakeable..

I hear the whispers for patience.. Fall will be here before I know it.. The sunset tonight was glorious.. the sky was flaming in pinks and purples.. a perfect view from my window.. a blessed day.. a Friday to remember all those who lost on this day.. a day to be grateful that we live under the blanket of Freedom..

Buzz,

Alex

Random thoughts...

Are spinning in my head..

Iced Coffee.. did I tell you how crazy good cold brew iced coffee is? No? Well then check out SmittenKitchen and you will find out how to make it.. yeah.. its her recipe so you know its FABULOUS! Its my favorite treat for this hot summer and its coffee..what could be better?

Oh yes, summer is almost over.. Its almost time for my season.. the Fall. Just like in the movies and funny commercials.. for me its "the most wonderful time of the year"... I love all things pumpkins, fall, Christmas, holidays, baking.. yup.. I am already thinking of all those fun memories to be made..

I finished a small quilt.. I love the vintage look of the prints.. I can only hope that Ava likes Purple because the back is entirely purple.. If she doesn't, I suppose she can make sure she never turns it over...I am sure once its back from being quilted it will be even cozier..

Maya is growing and saying the funniest things.. The latest silly story was how she doesn't want to go to college like Kenya and Beverly.. this after being told that she will always eat veggies while she lives at home.. He little mind thinks well I wont live at home once I go to college like my aunts.. Talk about weird associations..In addition, she is already planning her birthday.. thankfully its not a complex production this year.. 2 hrs at the local jumpy place and the party is over.. yipee for me...

I saw a great bumper sticker this week at the gym.. "Mothering, a proud profession".. I loved it.. If I ever see it I am getting one of those.. I love being a mom. and I completely agree that it is a job! I hear the Amens out there..Its work.. It's a complex tightrope walk between too much attention and not enough.. It's a crazy rollercoaster ride of love and pride mixed in with fear and frustration.. It's on the job learning and exhaustion at the cellular level.. It's inspiring and hearthbreaking all in one life time.. Great bumper sticker..

Yes, as you have read so far. If you have made it this far.. my thoughts are all over. I have been so busy in the evening with the soccer coaches and the wait list kids, I just want the season to start and the administrative duties to subside.. I am curious as to how Maya will do this season.. She has 3 seasons under her but is very selective about when and how long she plays.. At the same time I cam concerned about how much taller the other girls are. She isn't as tall as her team mates, hope she can hold her own and we can avoid the tears..

Well that's all for now.. Bare with me while I get back to some sense of routine.. The birthdays are coming straight at us which means I will blink and it will be Dec.. It's time I start thinking about gifts.. Don't like the last min mall rush for gifts.. too much pressure..

Ta Ta for now!

Alex

It's not the coffee...

But something has reenergized me.. Something kicked in and made me wake back up out of the fog.. What fog? well considering I haven't been on here sharing the crazy..that fog. the one that made me feel overwhelmed at how many things were on the list.. my list..the growing list of stuff that gets done and yet grows faster than I can cross things off.. The normal life feeling is back.. I can and will push through the end of the summer. I will enjoy the fall and life will go on..It isn't stopping for me that's for sure.. So I'd better keep up..

Class was good. I missed the gals.. I missed Deanna.. It was not the same at the table. I needed to live in "normal" with Deanna for at least those hours.. She is going through so much.. I feel selfish even saying that I needed something from her..

Julie is pregnant and just so cute.. She was made for babies and they were made for her... So fun to hear her stories.. Maysen and Maya are twins! I love hearing her stories of Maysen and her school adventures.. The way she does her voice is endearing..and inside it reaffirms, I have a normal kid.. Yipee!

Thank goodness for that..

Buzz,

Alex

Who knew?

That TV had truly stooped so low? That it has become a vehicle for useless chit chat and brain clutter.. I rarely watch tv. Mosty, because I don't like to waste time sitting still.. I have too many things to do whether its run Maya to a class, cook dinner, bake, blog, read, craft, etc. I mean we only have 24 hrs in a day.. I can't waste them... Besides occasional peeks at Maya's shows to make sure they are appropriate I just don't have a compeling reason to be in front of the tube.. I gave up on TV shows long ago and although I always tape Oprah I rarely am caught up and can control how much I see.... If ever the TV it is on the channel is dialed into Food Network since its good for backgrond noise (and occasional ideas)..but I digress...Today after work for some odd reason, like not wanting to go out in to 100 degree weather, I was channel surfing.. First off, I recognized nothing.. the few times I did stop I was floored at how dumb the commercials were.. Honestly, is that what sells? to whom? I stopped for a few moments on some random shows and literally was disgusted.. All the drama, phoniness and lack of real substance.. I told Martin I could feel my brain cells dying..I firmly believe its the most important muscle we have and it needs constant excersize.. He just gave me one of those "whatever" looks.. but really.. All I could think of was no wonder its called the Idiot box.. its a waste of time! It makes people vegatables and sucks them in for nonsense...Please someone tell me otherwise..send me something worth watching..something of creative, educational or artistic value.. Heck I will even go for a good family sitcom.. There were days when everyone could and would watch a show.. where you didnt worry about the content or who was in the room.. Yeah, I know.. I am an ole fogie.. I was born 40 as Arthur always tells me.. Oh well. I wasn't impressed.. I hope it was just an odd summer of useless filler stuff but somehow I doubt it..Until the real shows come forward to enlighten and engage, I will stick to my books, magazines, and hobbies.. My brain is much happier when its been chanllenged. Like a flower without water a bored brain will wilt from lack of proper stimulation...

Alex

What Cha Doing?... Wednesday

Today I am just trying to gather my thoughts.. I am plotting craft days.. I am thinking of which project must be done by when. Christmas is less than 6 months out! I am avoiding a second walk and I am trying to be productive while I listen to the water run.. Missy is in the tub..

I already took my morning walk. Today it was a lonely walk since my neighbor didn't meet me.. Its okay.. I walked to the gym and did 20 on the elliptical.. I broke a decent sweat while I heard scary news stories and glazed over at the confirmation hearings.. I feel like a lazy cat on a cozy afternoon except that I know I should take an evening stroll or water my dying door step plants..Its 7:15pm and its still daylight and oh yeah HOT.. I am sure its still at least 80 outside..We are nice and fresh in the house with the ends of the AC blowing through..

It's hump day and pay day.. I wrote out the bills already- yes the old fashioned way with checks.. I just don't have the energy for anything else.. I want to cacoon until October..But life must go on.. there are things to do and work to be done.. Maya and I have a Junie B Jones book to finish.. My super sweet Knit Two book is waiting for me in bed.... A comfy read for bed time..

Gotta run, Missy is ready for her scrub..

Happy Hump day!

Alex