Growing up, I loved traveling to "Joecago" (my name for Chicago, possibly inspired by the fact that it was my Uncle Joe's family who lived there) to see my cousins. I have great memories of visits to the beach in Wilmette, going to the Cubs game on batting helmet day (were you there LAP? no? sorry to bring it up), games of TONG, competitive puzzle doing, and marveling at how my cousins pronounced words like "barrette," "car," and "milk." I also have a distinct memory of my cousin preparing dip for chips. She took a container of sour cream and then added seemingly every spice in my aunt's cupboard along with something I now know to be Worcester sauce. I don't know if it was just having seen the dip being made or being slightly in awe of my older, cooler, wiser cousin, but I have fond memories of dipping chips into that dip.
I ate my share of chips and dips at home in Ohio too, but as my mom would not have looked kindly upon my raiding the spices to concoct something, I had to make do with store-bought French Onion dip. It was still darn good. NTB. Chips-and-dip was the kind of snack I might have indulged in after school while watching Kate and Allie reruns or on a weekend night watching the Miss Teen USA Pageant with friends. (Obviously, this was back when you did not need to be a size zero or two to compete in such pageants or enjoy them as an adolescent girl.)
I don't eat chips and dip much anymore, mostly because I don't allow myself to buy chips very often. I don't buy chips for the same reason I don't patronize one of three Dunkin Donuts that are located within two miles of my house: I just can't open that window, lacking moderation as I do. Can I see myself eating donuts three and four times a week if I were to begin? Yes, I can. Can I see myself polishing off a bag of chips fairly quickly. I always feared I would.
In preparation for the holidays, my mom spent some time on the internet searching for new recipes. She was not looking for a dip recipe for potato chips, but she happened upon and was tempted by one that came with a testimonial from a woman who brought it to her office party and then took home a container that was scraped clean. My mom was sold and when our family celebrated Christmas on December 26th, Baked Potato Dip was on offer. I couldn't get enough. I liked it so much I made it for the bub's birthday party. I liked it again. And, I am pleased to report that there are still chips in the house, but I have been enjoying them (and the dip) in moderation. NTB. Perhaps 2008 will really be my year. I recommend this dip recipe with two caveats. I did not use bacon bits but the Real Crumbled Bacon package that Hormel makes. Also, the dip is quite thick so you will need sturdy chips. Happy Dipping.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Cozy Tea Television
Starting this Sunday, January 13th, PBS's Masterpiece Theatre, now just called Masterpiece I believe, will be airing "The Complete Jane Austen" over the next couple of months. There will be films of all of her finished novels, plus a Jane Austen biopic. I may be wrong, but it looks as if all the productions are new with the exception of the Pride and Prejudice one (but really, how can one improve upon Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy?). I am really pumped up to fill my DVR with these films. They will be perfect winter companions! Consider tuning in.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
All these worlds of words: who knew?
As I think I've mentioned before, the hubby and I subscribe to Blockbuster online. This service is similar to Netflix. We pay a monthly fee and can have unlimited DVDs (two at a time) each month. Plus, with Blockbuster Online, we also get a certain amount of free rentals in the store each month (which, I might note, we have not once taken advantage of). This system sounds like a good idea, especially for a couple whose social life is not what it once was--what with the bub needing so much supervision and attention and all and babysitting being, if not prohibitively expensive, not cheap and kind of a pain to arrange. You would think we could turn over our two DVDs several times each month, especially lately with the writers' strike. But we do not, and the main reason is because my hubby and I have never agreed about what constitutes an enjoyable movie-watching experience. He wants to watch things like Live Free and Die Harder and Bourne Ultimatum and The Fast and the Furious. I want to watch chick flicks and independent films I read about in Entertainment Weekly. We end up alternating choices so that there is typically a MEP and a hubby selection on the mantle at all times. There are movies we can enjoy together--recent examples include Superbad and Knocked Up--but most of the time the movies don't get watched because we won't watch them together.
A few months ago when my mom was in town visiting and the hubby was at a work dinner, I took advantage of the situation to suggest that my mom and I watch Wordplay together. This documentary follows several competitive crossword players through various tournaments, including the national championship. Wordplay features lots of interviews with Will Shortz, the New York Times editor who is the god of the crossword, as well as celebrities, like Jon Stewart, who love crosswords. The film also gives some air time to some of the puzzle makers. I never stopped to think about the fact that creating crossword puzzles is someone's job and an art and a science. My mom and I ended up being completely delighted by Wordplay. We certainly weren't tempted to become crossword fanatics, but the film leaves you feeling really happy for people who have this passion and for the community of highly-competitive crossword puzzle people that exists. One scene shows a variety show in the evening of one of the crossword tournaments. Good, heartwarming stuff. I just really enjoyed Wordplay.
Inspired by this experience, I added Word Wars: Tiles and Tribulations on the Scrabble Circuit to my Blockbuster queue. This Sunday evening my parents were in town visiting and I suggested watching Word Wars together. The hubby was not enthusiastic (I have tried to get him to watch it with me for the past seven weeks or so), but he decided to be a good sport about it. My mom and I rehashed how much we had enjoyed Wordplay and were optimistic that my dad and hubby would be pleasantly surprised with Word Wars. Not so much. My dad checked out after 30 minutes or so, first by falling asleep and then by leaving the room. The hubby made it through the entire film, but I would not say he kept his disapproval/disdain to himself. Here's the thing. While Wordplay made me feel happy and almost inspired, Word Wars left me feeling fairly sad. The tagline for Word Wars is "This is not your grandmother's Scrabble." I'm fairly sure my grandmother never took a train cross country to a Scrabble tournament in San Diego nor made a side trip to Tijuana to visit a hooker. I'm fairly sure my grandmother, an excellent card player who could likely kick serious ass in Scrabble if she applied herself to it, would not endorse any individual's plan to try to make a living by playing in Scrabble tournaments and playing Scrabble for money with other jobless Scrabble fanatics. I know, I know. Who am I to judge? I guess I just felt more concerned about the role of Scrabble in the lives of three, if not all four, of the players featured. Imagining their lives without Scrabble is even more depressing though. As I was with Wordplay's puzzlers, I am in awe of the way that an individual can hone a skill like Scrabble-playing. In a way it's a testament to how much the human brain is actually capable of processing, and that's cool. But the Scrabble players themselves made me more sad than inspired at the end of the day.
With the writers' strike continuing and my New Year's resolution to use what I have, including the Blockbuster online membership, I'm going to need movie suggestions. What are yours?
A few months ago when my mom was in town visiting and the hubby was at a work dinner, I took advantage of the situation to suggest that my mom and I watch Wordplay together. This documentary follows several competitive crossword players through various tournaments, including the national championship. Wordplay features lots of interviews with Will Shortz, the New York Times editor who is the god of the crossword, as well as celebrities, like Jon Stewart, who love crosswords. The film also gives some air time to some of the puzzle makers. I never stopped to think about the fact that creating crossword puzzles is someone's job and an art and a science. My mom and I ended up being completely delighted by Wordplay. We certainly weren't tempted to become crossword fanatics, but the film leaves you feeling really happy for people who have this passion and for the community of highly-competitive crossword puzzle people that exists. One scene shows a variety show in the evening of one of the crossword tournaments. Good, heartwarming stuff. I just really enjoyed Wordplay.
Inspired by this experience, I added Word Wars: Tiles and Tribulations on the Scrabble Circuit to my Blockbuster queue. This Sunday evening my parents were in town visiting and I suggested watching Word Wars together. The hubby was not enthusiastic (I have tried to get him to watch it with me for the past seven weeks or so), but he decided to be a good sport about it. My mom and I rehashed how much we had enjoyed Wordplay and were optimistic that my dad and hubby would be pleasantly surprised with Word Wars. Not so much. My dad checked out after 30 minutes or so, first by falling asleep and then by leaving the room. The hubby made it through the entire film, but I would not say he kept his disapproval/disdain to himself. Here's the thing. While Wordplay made me feel happy and almost inspired, Word Wars left me feeling fairly sad. The tagline for Word Wars is "This is not your grandmother's Scrabble." I'm fairly sure my grandmother never took a train cross country to a Scrabble tournament in San Diego nor made a side trip to Tijuana to visit a hooker. I'm fairly sure my grandmother, an excellent card player who could likely kick serious ass in Scrabble if she applied herself to it, would not endorse any individual's plan to try to make a living by playing in Scrabble tournaments and playing Scrabble for money with other jobless Scrabble fanatics. I know, I know. Who am I to judge? I guess I just felt more concerned about the role of Scrabble in the lives of three, if not all four, of the players featured. Imagining their lives without Scrabble is even more depressing though. As I was with Wordplay's puzzlers, I am in awe of the way that an individual can hone a skill like Scrabble-playing. In a way it's a testament to how much the human brain is actually capable of processing, and that's cool. But the Scrabble players themselves made me more sad than inspired at the end of the day.
With the writers' strike continuing and my New Year's resolution to use what I have, including the Blockbuster online membership, I'm going to need movie suggestions. What are yours?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Lacking only a Lachey . . .
On Friday night, my mom, LAP, and I drove to the All State Arena in Rosemont, IL to enjoy the Dancing with the Stars tour (presented by Soft Scrub). I got the tickets for my mom for Christmas, and LAP drove to Chicago (and home the very next day) all in the name of the family love and DWTS fanaticism. Our seats were good, though I had hoped and was willing to shell out for better. I'm still trying to figure out how one can be on ticketmaster.com the very minute tickets go on sale and get shut out. I got through on the phone one minute later and scored seats in the last row (but in a good middle section). I ignored all the "Ticketmaster sucks" rumblings when they were in reference to Hannah Montana, but now it has hit home. Ticketmaster does suck.
On to the good stuff though. The tour is pretty stinking awesome. The level of dancing is really high, the live music rocks, and there is just the right amount of DWTS cheese (e.g., Joey Fatone comparing himself to Justin Timberlake by claiming that J.T. might have brought sexy back, but Joey Fat One is bringing "cha cha" and then "chunky" back. Joey also made fun of his own big butt, which was amusing). We were initially disappointed to realize Wayne Newton was on tour because watching him dance is a bit painful. We were delighted to discover that he actually only sings, not dances. Great news. Besides Joey Fatone and Wayne Newton, the other "celebrities" in the house were Monique Coleman, Joey Lawrence, and Sabrina Ryan (my girl Sabrina was on the floor with the pros for much of the night). We were mightily relieved that Marie Osmond was not on the slate for the Chicago show. Given the unreasonable and perhaps inexplicable affection and loyalty my sisters and I have for the Brothers Lachey, it was a blow that Drew was not at our show (for the record, he is tied up hosting Dance War.) My dream is to see a DWTS show in the 'Nati, where Drew dances, fellow DWTS alum Jerry Springer makes a special appearance, and Nick sings just one song. Oh, and Tom Bergeron hosts (not because of a Cincinnati tie, just because I adore him). We'll see what the tour schedule for this summer looks like.
And, of course, no account of the DWTS tour would be complete without mention of my favorite professional dancers. Cheryl, Karina, Kym, and Edyta were all there, as were Louis (who choreographs the whole show), Alec, Mark, and Derek. Kym and Derek are on the floor for practically every number, and they rock. The deliciously arrogant Maks was not there (he's not on the tour), nor was Julianne, the reigning two-time champion and cutest girl in the world (she is on the tour for selected dates only). Oh, I almost forgot Brian with the cute butt and large nostrils. He was there too. One dirty little secret about the DWTS tour is that there is also a group called the "company dancers" who are on the floor quite a bit. It's not that they're not good dancers, but they're not, you know, "stars" (even C and D list ones) or the dance pros we've come to love.
I think that's all there is left to report. Friends of ours are attending the Cincinnati show next week and sitting in seats at tables right next to the dance floor. They're going to have a blast and may even get a little Lachey. Good for them.
On to the good stuff though. The tour is pretty stinking awesome. The level of dancing is really high, the live music rocks, and there is just the right amount of DWTS cheese (e.g., Joey Fatone comparing himself to Justin Timberlake by claiming that J.T. might have brought sexy back, but Joey Fat One is bringing "cha cha" and then "chunky" back. Joey also made fun of his own big butt, which was amusing). We were initially disappointed to realize Wayne Newton was on tour because watching him dance is a bit painful. We were delighted to discover that he actually only sings, not dances. Great news. Besides Joey Fatone and Wayne Newton, the other "celebrities" in the house were Monique Coleman, Joey Lawrence, and Sabrina Ryan (my girl Sabrina was on the floor with the pros for much of the night). We were mightily relieved that Marie Osmond was not on the slate for the Chicago show. Given the unreasonable and perhaps inexplicable affection and loyalty my sisters and I have for the Brothers Lachey, it was a blow that Drew was not at our show (for the record, he is tied up hosting Dance War.) My dream is to see a DWTS show in the 'Nati, where Drew dances, fellow DWTS alum Jerry Springer makes a special appearance, and Nick sings just one song. Oh, and Tom Bergeron hosts (not because of a Cincinnati tie, just because I adore him). We'll see what the tour schedule for this summer looks like.
And, of course, no account of the DWTS tour would be complete without mention of my favorite professional dancers. Cheryl, Karina, Kym, and Edyta were all there, as were Louis (who choreographs the whole show), Alec, Mark, and Derek. Kym and Derek are on the floor for practically every number, and they rock. The deliciously arrogant Maks was not there (he's not on the tour), nor was Julianne, the reigning two-time champion and cutest girl in the world (she is on the tour for selected dates only). Oh, I almost forgot Brian with the cute butt and large nostrils. He was there too. One dirty little secret about the DWTS tour is that there is also a group called the "company dancers" who are on the floor quite a bit. It's not that they're not good dancers, but they're not, you know, "stars" (even C and D list ones) or the dance pros we've come to love.
I think that's all there is left to report. Friends of ours are attending the Cincinnati show next week and sitting in seats at tables right next to the dance floor. They're going to have a blast and may even get a little Lachey. Good for them.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Resolved
Finally those New Year's Resolutions.
But, first off, I have to note that today my bub turns two! As I often say to those who ask me how I'm enjoying motherhood, some individual days with the bub are quite long yet time in general flies. Strange phenomenon. The bub looks like such a big boy to me now and surprises us everyday with new words and new skills. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to be the best mom I can be and try to enjoy the moments with my bub since everyone tells me I am going to blink and he is going to be all grown up. In the same vein, I obviously want to be a good wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend. I think I do pretty well in those roles now, NTB, but there is always room for improvement.
By this point in 2008, I've ready several pieces in my many magazines and in the newspaper about making New Year's Resolutions. The proffered insights and advice range: don't make resolutions, don't set yourself up to fail, make attainable resolutions, eat more fiber and whole grains, drink more water, use this chance to take stock of your goals and priorities, make 2008 the best year ever, and etc. The best resolution essay I came across was by Elizabeth Berg in this weekend's Chicago Tribune book section. Berg's resolution is simple: read one hour a day. Simple but meaningful. She admits it will not be easy to pull off, but her thought process in choosing this resolution and her reflections on the joys of reading made me wish her (and myself) much success in the endeavor.
2008 is going to be a busy year for me (more on that in a future post) so I am trying to make my resolutions that are focused and which will improve my quality of life. Should I eat better and exercise more? Sure, but these goals are low priority for 2008. Should I watch less television and read more books? Definitely, but I think the writer's strike and my increased academic workload are going to take are of this priority shift without me having to do much.
So, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want to resolve for 2008.
1. Finish my dissertation by June. Defend said dissertation sometime in the late summer or early fall. Graduate and earn the right to be called Dr. MEP (if I so choose) by the close of 2008. Honestly, this is the only resolution that counts. I am so ready to move to the next stage of my life, whatever it holds, and to close the graduate student chapter of my life. Please pray for me and/or offer to babysit the bub!
2. Clean house. I'm not talking about dusting and bleach and that kind of cleaning. I'm talking about ridding my house of about 50% of the crap that's inside. I am not at the levels of the hoarders who are featured on Oprah but I sympathize with them. I also know that hoarding can be a sort of disease and that it might be in my blood, God Bless my dearly departed Grandma P. I am a self-professed "crap magnet" and my shelves and closets and flat surfaces are full of junk that I don't need. Much of the junk in my house has either been purchased or saved with the best of intentions and a strange confidence in my own creativity and resourcefulness. I need to get real about what I have time to do and how I consistently choose to use the time I do have (snacking, watching tv, and reading novels--not making handmade cards or elaborate scrapbooks). Besides crafting supplies, knick-nacks, and piles of unread magazines, I also have clothes I don't wear and won't ever wear. I have books that I bought on sale or out of a sense of obligation or "should read" or misguided virtue. I've heard the organizing guru Peter Walsh talk about the "trash bag tango" where you fill two trash bags a day with stuff to throw away or give away. I can't say I can fill two bags everyday, but I need to start getting realistic about what I will actually use later. Note to my hubby who is hopefully encourage by this post: I will need your help hauling these bags to the trash or to the back of the car to be taken to the Salvation Army. The more you sigh and roll your eyes at the task, the less motivated I will be to continue getting rid of crap.
3. Buy less stuff. No matter my means or stage in life, I have always been a somewhat impulsive, thoughtless spender. Luckily, I have never had any major incidences of credit card debt or any real financial troubles. I feel very fortunate, but I have made poor choices and wasted a lot of money. I don't spend money on expensive clothes or purses. My closet is not full of $200 jeans or pairs of shoes that cost any more than $60 a piece (most of mine cost far less). I almost wish my spending habits were that clear-cut and that there was some tangible evidence of money spent. I fear instead that my money gets spent on random crap at Target and CVS, on eating out, and Amazon.com (which I actually don't feel that guilty about because I LOVE books and have learned finally to be realistic and buy only books I will actually read). I also spend inordinate amounts of money at the grocery store. I continue to buy more and more groceries even as my pantry and freezer are full. I can't say why, but I would like to walk into my pantry on two feet sometime soon. Which leads to . . .
4. Use what I have. I want to start using the pantry and freezer staples I already have. Hopefully this goal will inspire me to continue trying new recipes to use up already-purchased ingredients. I want to read the books I already have before buying more. I want to take advantage of my Blockbuster online membership so that I am not paying $15.99 a month for the privilege of holding onto to the same two movies for three months. I plan to use NTB as a means to report my progress in the area of using my stuff. Lucky you.
Okay, that's all I got. I have to get back to work now so I can fulfill goal #1. Do you have a New Year's Resolution? I'd love to hear it.
But, first off, I have to note that today my bub turns two! As I often say to those who ask me how I'm enjoying motherhood, some individual days with the bub are quite long yet time in general flies. Strange phenomenon. The bub looks like such a big boy to me now and surprises us everyday with new words and new skills. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to be the best mom I can be and try to enjoy the moments with my bub since everyone tells me I am going to blink and he is going to be all grown up. In the same vein, I obviously want to be a good wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend. I think I do pretty well in those roles now, NTB, but there is always room for improvement.
By this point in 2008, I've ready several pieces in my many magazines and in the newspaper about making New Year's Resolutions. The proffered insights and advice range: don't make resolutions, don't set yourself up to fail, make attainable resolutions, eat more fiber and whole grains, drink more water, use this chance to take stock of your goals and priorities, make 2008 the best year ever, and etc. The best resolution essay I came across was by Elizabeth Berg in this weekend's Chicago Tribune book section. Berg's resolution is simple: read one hour a day. Simple but meaningful. She admits it will not be easy to pull off, but her thought process in choosing this resolution and her reflections on the joys of reading made me wish her (and myself) much success in the endeavor.
2008 is going to be a busy year for me (more on that in a future post) so I am trying to make my resolutions that are focused and which will improve my quality of life. Should I eat better and exercise more? Sure, but these goals are low priority for 2008. Should I watch less television and read more books? Definitely, but I think the writer's strike and my increased academic workload are going to take are of this priority shift without me having to do much.
So, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want to resolve for 2008.
1. Finish my dissertation by June. Defend said dissertation sometime in the late summer or early fall. Graduate and earn the right to be called Dr. MEP (if I so choose) by the close of 2008. Honestly, this is the only resolution that counts. I am so ready to move to the next stage of my life, whatever it holds, and to close the graduate student chapter of my life. Please pray for me and/or offer to babysit the bub!
2. Clean house. I'm not talking about dusting and bleach and that kind of cleaning. I'm talking about ridding my house of about 50% of the crap that's inside. I am not at the levels of the hoarders who are featured on Oprah but I sympathize with them. I also know that hoarding can be a sort of disease and that it might be in my blood, God Bless my dearly departed Grandma P. I am a self-professed "crap magnet" and my shelves and closets and flat surfaces are full of junk that I don't need. Much of the junk in my house has either been purchased or saved with the best of intentions and a strange confidence in my own creativity and resourcefulness. I need to get real about what I have time to do and how I consistently choose to use the time I do have (snacking, watching tv, and reading novels--not making handmade cards or elaborate scrapbooks). Besides crafting supplies, knick-nacks, and piles of unread magazines, I also have clothes I don't wear and won't ever wear. I have books that I bought on sale or out of a sense of obligation or "should read" or misguided virtue. I've heard the organizing guru Peter Walsh talk about the "trash bag tango" where you fill two trash bags a day with stuff to throw away or give away. I can't say I can fill two bags everyday, but I need to start getting realistic about what I will actually use later. Note to my hubby who is hopefully encourage by this post: I will need your help hauling these bags to the trash or to the back of the car to be taken to the Salvation Army. The more you sigh and roll your eyes at the task, the less motivated I will be to continue getting rid of crap.
3. Buy less stuff. No matter my means or stage in life, I have always been a somewhat impulsive, thoughtless spender. Luckily, I have never had any major incidences of credit card debt or any real financial troubles. I feel very fortunate, but I have made poor choices and wasted a lot of money. I don't spend money on expensive clothes or purses. My closet is not full of $200 jeans or pairs of shoes that cost any more than $60 a piece (most of mine cost far less). I almost wish my spending habits were that clear-cut and that there was some tangible evidence of money spent. I fear instead that my money gets spent on random crap at Target and CVS, on eating out, and Amazon.com (which I actually don't feel that guilty about because I LOVE books and have learned finally to be realistic and buy only books I will actually read). I also spend inordinate amounts of money at the grocery store. I continue to buy more and more groceries even as my pantry and freezer are full. I can't say why, but I would like to walk into my pantry on two feet sometime soon. Which leads to . . .
4. Use what I have. I want to start using the pantry and freezer staples I already have. Hopefully this goal will inspire me to continue trying new recipes to use up already-purchased ingredients. I want to read the books I already have before buying more. I want to take advantage of my Blockbuster online membership so that I am not paying $15.99 a month for the privilege of holding onto to the same two movies for three months. I plan to use NTB as a means to report my progress in the area of using my stuff. Lucky you.
Okay, that's all I got. I have to get back to work now so I can fulfill goal #1. Do you have a New Year's Resolution? I'd love to hear it.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Bubdate: What's New in 2008
Three quick bubdates:
1. For months and months now, the bub's condiment of choice has been ketchup. Every once and again, we change things up with a little ranch dressing, but mostly he has been a ketchup kid. Then, over the holidays, he was offered some mustard and now it's all about mustard. I have continued to put ketchup on his plate, not daring to believe he does not want it, but he goes for the mustard in generous amounts instead. Though surprised by this turn of events, I am also pleased. With far less sugar and fewer calories than ketchup, mustard seems the healthier choice, unless ketchup is actually a great source of lycopene. Healthy eating must be one of the bub's New Year's resolutions. Of course, we are not likely to make great progress in that area until he begins eating meals that don't require condiments and dipping sauces at all.
2. Related to the condiments but less auspicious is the bub's new skill: opening the refrigerator. Yesterday the hubby and I were sitting on the couch. He was watching football, and I was zoning out. We thought the bub was playing contentedly in the back room (though we both should have known better). Next thing we know he comes into the family room with one of his little toddler yogurt smoothies, saying "straw, straw." I was halfway to the straws when I paused to wonder how he had retrieved said smoothie. My fears were confirmed when, after he finished his smoothie, he opened the fridge and grabbed another one (no, I did not let him drink it). Today, I let him out of sight for a couple of minutes only to find him walking around the kitchen holding an egg. I managed to wrestle the egg away from him without cracking it, but he cried mightily and I spent a good portion of the next thirty minutes standing in front of the refrigerator. I suspect we have only scratched the surface of the full hell that the bub's fridge-opening skills might prove to be, if only because I don't think the bub consistently remembers that he has this new skill. I need to get to Target ASAP to purchase some sort of refrigerator baby-proof latch. My sister LAP suggested that such an item might end up keeping the whole family from mindless eating and unnecessary visits to the fridge. That bub, always looking out for mom and dad. NTB.
3. The bub now has play-doh (which he pronounces "da-doh"). So far it appears to be his favorite item from all his holiday and early birthday loot. I would estimate that he took me by the hand no less than twenty times today to escort me to the da-doh table. I'll let you imagine what the rug beneath said table already looks like.
I haven't forgotten those resolutions I promised. I'm still pondering.
1. For months and months now, the bub's condiment of choice has been ketchup. Every once and again, we change things up with a little ranch dressing, but mostly he has been a ketchup kid. Then, over the holidays, he was offered some mustard and now it's all about mustard. I have continued to put ketchup on his plate, not daring to believe he does not want it, but he goes for the mustard in generous amounts instead. Though surprised by this turn of events, I am also pleased. With far less sugar and fewer calories than ketchup, mustard seems the healthier choice, unless ketchup is actually a great source of lycopene. Healthy eating must be one of the bub's New Year's resolutions. Of course, we are not likely to make great progress in that area until he begins eating meals that don't require condiments and dipping sauces at all.
2. Related to the condiments but less auspicious is the bub's new skill: opening the refrigerator. Yesterday the hubby and I were sitting on the couch. He was watching football, and I was zoning out. We thought the bub was playing contentedly in the back room (though we both should have known better). Next thing we know he comes into the family room with one of his little toddler yogurt smoothies, saying "straw, straw." I was halfway to the straws when I paused to wonder how he had retrieved said smoothie. My fears were confirmed when, after he finished his smoothie, he opened the fridge and grabbed another one (no, I did not let him drink it). Today, I let him out of sight for a couple of minutes only to find him walking around the kitchen holding an egg. I managed to wrestle the egg away from him without cracking it, but he cried mightily and I spent a good portion of the next thirty minutes standing in front of the refrigerator. I suspect we have only scratched the surface of the full hell that the bub's fridge-opening skills might prove to be, if only because I don't think the bub consistently remembers that he has this new skill. I need to get to Target ASAP to purchase some sort of refrigerator baby-proof latch. My sister LAP suggested that such an item might end up keeping the whole family from mindless eating and unnecessary visits to the fridge. That bub, always looking out for mom and dad. NTB.
3. The bub now has play-doh (which he pronounces "da-doh"). So far it appears to be his favorite item from all his holiday and early birthday loot. I would estimate that he took me by the hand no less than twenty times today to escort me to the da-doh table. I'll let you imagine what the rug beneath said table already looks like.
I haven't forgotten those resolutions I promised. I'm still pondering.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Kickin' Ass in the Kitchen
I intended to post today about my 2008 resolutions, but frankly I am too tired to do them justice. After ten days of holiday-ing, today I crashed. Plus, I tend to agree with one of my favorite literary heroines, Bridget Jones, who believes one can't really be expected to start New Year's resolutions on January 1st.
One of my New Year's Resolutions is, of course, to eat in a healthier and more reasonable fashion in 2008. But in the spirit of Bridget Jones, I began the year by cooking up two delectable (but not necessarily healthy) dishes.
We spent New Year's Eve sharing dinner with friends at home. My contribution was a Seafood Lasagna from Cooking Light. I was nervous about making this dish for the first time for company, especially because I am neither practiced nor comfortable preparing seafood. I was pleased with the results, and others seem to enjoy it as well (or lied convincingly). NTB, but this recipe also involved making my own cheese sauce. The sauce began with flour, milk, and just a little bit of butter. I am only bragging because this is a new skill for me. I can't express how delighted I was when the milk mixture actually began to thicken as promised. Glorious.
Today I made a soup that I first sampled at a Christmas Eve gathering. My husband's extended family gathers for Christmas Eve at lunchtime. There are a great variety of soups, sandwiches, dips/snacks, and baked goods. All of my husband's aunts make soup for this event. This particular soup is called Nacho Potato Soup and came from the kitchen of his Aunt Kathy. It is not super-healthy, but it is easy to prepare and quite tasty. It involves a box of Au Gratin potatoes and when I looked at the box of potato chip-like things, I was apprehensive because it didn't look like there were very many potatoes. But then, they got all hydrated and puffed up and the soup was just grand. I think one could use less Velveeta than called for and still have a tasty, cheesy soup.
Okay, that's all I got. Early to bed for me so I can really start 2008 with a bang tomorrow.
Happy New Year!
One of my New Year's Resolutions is, of course, to eat in a healthier and more reasonable fashion in 2008. But in the spirit of Bridget Jones, I began the year by cooking up two delectable (but not necessarily healthy) dishes.
We spent New Year's Eve sharing dinner with friends at home. My contribution was a Seafood Lasagna from Cooking Light. I was nervous about making this dish for the first time for company, especially because I am neither practiced nor comfortable preparing seafood. I was pleased with the results, and others seem to enjoy it as well (or lied convincingly). NTB, but this recipe also involved making my own cheese sauce. The sauce began with flour, milk, and just a little bit of butter. I am only bragging because this is a new skill for me. I can't express how delighted I was when the milk mixture actually began to thicken as promised. Glorious.
Today I made a soup that I first sampled at a Christmas Eve gathering. My husband's extended family gathers for Christmas Eve at lunchtime. There are a great variety of soups, sandwiches, dips/snacks, and baked goods. All of my husband's aunts make soup for this event. This particular soup is called Nacho Potato Soup and came from the kitchen of his Aunt Kathy. It is not super-healthy, but it is easy to prepare and quite tasty. It involves a box of Au Gratin potatoes and when I looked at the box of potato chip-like things, I was apprehensive because it didn't look like there were very many potatoes. But then, they got all hydrated and puffed up and the soup was just grand. I think one could use less Velveeta than called for and still have a tasty, cheesy soup.
Okay, that's all I got. Early to bed for me so I can really start 2008 with a bang tomorrow.
Happy New Year!
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