Technical Difficulties
I was going to post Christmas-y pictures that I took with my new big girl camera (Canon Rebel XT!!!), however I’m having technical difficulties. I can’t get the pictures from my camera to the computer. We’ve tried taking the usual measures, and so far we haven’t found the magical touch. Later, we’ll hunt down an adapter or I’ll read the user’s manual (barf) and see if there is some secret I don’t know about.
So for now, here is a picture taken with my old camera. Sadly, this is the best picture I took of Moanna and Baby Alexis, or anything for that matter, Christmas morning. We were not the perkiest bunch – stupid plaque.
And don’t forget about the Giveaway we have going on here!
The Story of Christmas… Sort of…
A friend of mine sent this video to me yesterday with a message that said, “Brace yourself for some serious adorableness.”
You’re watching Christmas Story Told Hilariously Wrong. See the Web’s top videos on AOL Video
Merry Christmas Eve!
Gratitude 12.23.2010
Today I am grateful that the shortest day of the year has come and gone. I know winter has just begun, but knowing that the shortest day of the year is behind me makes the remainder of winter more tolerable. It may be bitter for the next few months, but at least there is daylight to counter balance it. I don’t know a whole heck of a lot about myself, but I know for certain that my body, mind and spirit need sunshine to function optimally.
I’m thankful that the Winter Solctice has passed, and my winter blues have been minimal. I’m not sure why, but this year, the short and cold days have not made me wish I were an animal that hibernates. Many things could be playing into this. For one, it did not get cold in Atlanta until after Thanksgiving. Since then, we’ve had more than enough miserably cold, windy and sometimes wet days, but in between these stints there are mild sunny days. Secondly, I’m not working all day long in a windowless world and leaving after the sun has set. Instead, I’m in and out of the house several times a day running errands and sitting in front of my kitchen window that lets in plenty of light. Doing yoga and having time to take care of myself could also be helping my cause. I know that I have a long haul ahead of me, and sooner or later winter will start to wear on me. However, the shortest day of the year has passed by with me barely noticing, and I’m deeply grateful.
Giveaway: Where Women Cook
It’s my birthday! I’m 26 today! I’m a week older than my husband, so for the next seven days I get to rub it in his face that I’m 26 and he’s only 25. A lot of people are not fans of their birthdays or getting older, but I am, and I wanted to celebrate by giving away something very special. We’ll get to that in a minute, but first I wanted to show you some improvements that were made to the kitchen. I promise it’s all relative, just roll with me for awhile and it will all make sense soon.
Remember back when we first moved to our new home in Georgia and I was hyperventilating because of my tiny kitchen and it’s lack of storage and counter space? You can click here if you want a refresher, but if you’re not in the mood for clicking, I’ll give you a few reminder pictures below.
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
I know it’s all rushing back to you now isn’t it?
Do you also remember that I was troubled over what to do with the little “nook” in the kitchen. Again, if you don’t remember, and aren’t in the mood for clicking, I’ll remind you.
Exhibit C
Well shortly after this conniption fit, my kitchen and this little nook began to take shape. First, we took the bookshelf from Moanna’s room to use for my cookbooks and my bonsai tree. Putting books in Moanna’s room was a bad idea anyway; alligators and lava were involved. Then later on, I moved the kitchen table from the family room into the kitchen. I didn’t think it was going to fit, but once I got it in the kitchen, it fit like a glove. It was meant to be. A few weeks later, I took one of our plastic three draw organizers and filled it with most of the gluten free items from our pantry. It totally doesn’t match, but it fits OK and it takes some pressure off of the fairy sized pantry. Lastly, just last week I got one of those three tier hanging fruit baskets. Hanging fruit baskets may be a bit old school, but I was getting tired of chasing squash and pomegranates all over the counter. You put all of that together and you get this…
Voila!
This, my friends, is where I spend half (give or take) of my waking hours at home. I get up in the morning, get dressed(ish) and come to the kitchen to make breakfast. From that point forward, I’m in and out of the kitchen all day, mostly in. I cook in my kitchen (duh), but I also do a lot of other living in my kitchen, a lot of living that most people do in other rooms of their homes. I check email, pay bills, think, watch TV (on the computer), write, pray, stay warm, read, organize my days and weeks, relax, do projects – I’ve even fallen asleep in my kitchen (totally sober).
Despite my never ceasing whining about this pip squeak sized kitchen and it’s lack of practical design, the kitchen is my favorite room in our house. I have some of my most peaceful moments in the kitchen, as well as some of my most eye opening, most joyous, most thoughtful, most spiritual, most loving, most “in the moment” times in the kitchen. I’ve also had plenty of emotional melt downs in the kitchen – and not just about ruined meals.
When I discovered the magazine, Where Women Cook, tears filled my eyes. Kitchens are sacred places. In a lot of ways, kitchens are the social epicenter of a home, but they are also very private places, in a lot of ways. They represent so much of who we are and where we come from. Being invited into someone’s kitchen is such an honor, and this magazine is all about women sharing their sacred kitchens and what they love about them.
Picture from Where Women Cook
Because it’s my birthday, and I can do what I want, and because I love kitchens, and because this magazine brought tears to my eyes, I’m giving away the first issue of Where Women Cook. This is the premier issue of the magazine, and it features one of my favorite internet ladies, The Pioneer Woman, on the cover! The pages and stories are beautiful; it will make you all warm and fuzzy inside.
I know we all have issues with our kitchens that drive us nuts, and we all have dreams about our future kitchens – we’ll get to kitchen dreams at another time. However, we all also have something about our kitchens that we love (or at least like). My favorite thing about my kitchen is my little nook that I created. Now tell me your favorite thing about your kitchen and you will be entered into the giveaway for the premier issue of Where Women Cook.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
One lucky reader will win the premier issue of Where Women Cook ($14.95 Value). The giveaway will close on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 8:00PM. A winner will be selected at random and notified. On Thursday the winner will be announced along with another Me, Myself et Manger post.
Here is how to get your name in the hat…
- Entry #1 – Leave a comment to this post finishing this sentance, “My favorite thing about my kitchen is…”
- Entry #2 – Write about this giveaway on your blog and leave a comment with a link to your blog post.
- Entry #3 – Subscribe to my Feedburner and leave a comment telling me that you are a subscriber. If you already subscribe that counts – leave a comment letting me know!
- Entry #4 – “Like” Me, Myself and Mommy on Facebook and leave a comment telling me that you’ve done so. If you already “Like” Me, Myself and Mommy that counts – leave a comment letting me know!
- Entry #5 – “Follow” Me, Myself and Mommy on Twitter and leave a comment with your Twitter handle so I can follow you back. If you already “Follow” My, Myself and Mommy that counts – leave a comment letting me know!
- Entry #6+ – Tweet about the giveaway on Twitter with a link to this post. Leave a comment here with a link to your Tweet. You may Tweet about this giveaway once a day. That is a potential of 8 extra entries in the giveaway.
**Please leave a separate comment for each entry**
If you do not see your name pop up right away, have no fear, it will be up shortly.
Because it’s my birthday, and I can do what I want, I’m donating $0.50 to Angel Wings International, a nonprofit organization building a medical clinic in Haiti.
Reunited
My shadow and I have been reunited, and she’s not letting me out of her site.
I’m still recovering from the nearly 13 hour drive from Georgia to Maryland yesterday, so I will see you all tomorrow.
Review: Sucre Macaroons
Earlier this month, I received a very tasty treat in the mail from Sucre, a delicious company based out of New Orleans. A friend I went to high school with works for Sucre, and saw that I did reviews on my blog and love food. She asked me if she could give the people at Sucre my information. Of course I said yes. How do you say no when there are tasty treats involved? This is so far the most delicious review I’ve been asked to do.
When I got home from running errands one day the box was waiting for me on the front step. I brought it inside and tore it open emeadeatly. Inside the shipping box was a cute little striped box tied with a ribbon. I’m going to steal a line from a movie and change it a bit and say, “Sucre, you had me at the box.” It was adorable. Wrapping paper is not needed when the package is this cute. Presentation is a huge part of the eating experience, and Sucre clearly understands that.
After I got over the adorable box, it was time to open the box and dive in. Before attacking the little treats, I did take a minute to admire their beauty. Aren’t they lovely? I had to remind myself that I was reviewing these delicate French pastries so that I would shove five or six in my mouth at once. I had the pleasure of trying the Chocolate Macaroons and the Peppermint Macaroons. They were both to die for. Oh. So. Tasty. I’m not sure which one I liked the best. My advice is to take a Chocolate Macaroon and a Peppermint Macaroon and smoosh them together. I love chocolaty-minty things. Now, these tasty delights are very flaky, so this is not something I recommend you indulge in in bed. It will be amazing, but it will also be a big mess.
The macaroons are made with almond flour, so Steve was able to indulge in them as well. I’m not sure if Sucre considers their macaroons to be certifiably gluten free, so don’t take my word for it, but Steve was able to eat them without his Ciliac’s Disease responding to them. Please contact Sucre for more information on the gluten freeness of their products.
Sucre is based out of New Orleans, so if you are in the area, I highly recommend you visit one of Sucre’s shops. If you are not in the area and are aching for some delicious chocolates or pastries they have a wonderful online botique.
To tempt your sweet tooth some more, here is a short video of one of the pastry chef’s at Sucre making macaroons.
Thank you so much Sucre for the opportunity to try your Holiday Macaroons and share the joy I found in them with my readers!
Morning Commotion
I was just beginning to drift back into dream world when my phone rang. Steve had just kissed me goodbye for the day and left for work a few minutes ago. I felt my stomach jump into throat. It’s not unusual for him to call because he forgot something, but not this early in the morning.
“Hello?”
“Hey. If you want something to write about on your blog today, look out the window.”
“OK…” I climbed out of bed unwillingly and wobbled to the window. I pulled about part the blinds to peek through.
“What the ef?”
“Yeah. An electrical box caught on fire at the end of the coldesac. I couldn’t even get out of the driveway at first.”
I fumbled around and found something to throw on to go join my neighbors in the jaw dropping contest. Everyone was outside with their dogs, staring and gossiping. I was the only one obnoxious enough to bring a camera.
Once I got outside, two more fire trucks joined the entourage. I counted a total of five fire trucks (2 of those being ladder trucks), three ambulances and two police cars. Since I couldn’t see any fire or smell any smoke, I felt that was a little bit much for the situation. If this were back in rural Virginia, I would say they were all bored and wanted something to do. However, here in the big city, emergency personal gets dispatched all day and nigh long (it’s constant in the background noise), so I’m sure they had good reason to bring backup. Electrical boxes can get out of hand.
While I was standing in my driveway, two firefighters with axes walked past me without saying a word and stomped up to my house. Ugh, yoohoo! Whatcha doin’? They felt the meter and the wall surrounding it to see if it was hot. I guess it wasn’t hot because they didn’t start hacking away at the side of my house. Wouldn’t that have been something? Two firefighters casually doing their protocol expecting nothing, resident watching from a few feet away, and then all of sudden they start slicing into my house and flames going shooting out. Thankfully that didn’t happen! After they checked my house, they told me everything was fine, but we might have the power and phone go in and out until everything with the electrical box is fixed.
I should have made this clear in the beginning. No one was harmed by the fire. Everyone is safe and sound. A few houses did fill with smoke due to their proximity to the fire, but all is well. We were told that it was safe to return to our homes (and please get out of the way and put down the camera – is what they were probably thinking) and that if anything else came up they would be back to handle the situation.
PS. Please excuse the quality of pictures, I didn’t want to leave the driveway. I wasn’t going to be that obnoxious with the picture taking. You have to have a REAL camera to be that obnoxious, and since it is a REAL camera no one thinks your obnoxious, they think you are a photographer, reporter, artist etc. Also the weather and lighting was not picture friendly. It was just after sunrise and it was cloudy and rainy. My camera doesn’t’ like cloudy weather with iffy lighting. Then you add in the flashing lights from all of the emergency vehicles. My poor camera couldn’t take it. A REAL camera would have been able to overcome many of those obstacles. Santa can you hear me? I said REAL camera.
When You’re Waiting on Installation
I’m currently jacking internet from the neighbors. No, no, it’s OK, they gave us the password. Oh. You were wondering why I’m jacking internet from the neighbors. Well that is because dude man is outside installing fiber optic internet and TV. WE’RE GETTING TV! But only for a month. You see, we had to agree to get TV service so that our internet service installation would be free. After a month we have to cancel the TV because it’s not in the budget – boo.
So dude man is outside installing the new super speed internet, and do you know what dude man said to me? He said the installation can take up to four and a half hours! Four and a half hours. This is after I’ve been waiting on his hiney to show up since 9:00AM (PS it’s 2:00PMish now). Let’s back up. Earlier this week a little fella came to our house to tell about the new fiber optic internet and TV available. Since our livelihood depends on the internet, we told the little fella to sign us up for this super speed internet. He told us that someone would be here to install it for us today between 9:00AM and 11:00AM. At about 8:00AM this morning some guy comes to disconnect our DLS connection to prepare for the fiber optics. He does his what he does, tells us dude man will be on his way to install our internet and TV shortly. So I do some chores around the house, pay a few bills and wait on dude man to show up. At about 10:30am I was starting to get annoyed, but they had half an hour left, so I told myself to drop the ‘tude. 11:00AM comes and goes with no sign of dude man. Finally at 11:30am, I got annoyed and decided to track them down. Of course a contact number was no where on the work order the little fella gave me, so I had to use the jacked internet to look up a service number for the provider. I spend half an hour on the phone with the service chick and finally she gets in contact with someone in our area. She comes back to me and says, “They said that when they called to confirm your installation you cancelled or rescheduled and they aren’t coming.” OH NO! I NEVER SPOKE TO ANYONE TO CONFIRM OR CANCEL ANYTHING. Service chick tells me to slow my roll, and talks to the people in my area gain. She comes back and says that they can be here between 1:00PM and 3:00PM. So, not only did they take up my entire morning, but now my afternoon is shot too. At least now I can shower. Before, I was afraid that as soon as I got in the shower someone would knock on my door with internet cables in hand. At about a quarter til 2:00PM, dude man calls and says he’s on his way. Shortly there after, there was a knock at the. Dude man says he’s going to check the connections outside first and then he’d be back. Later on he comes back to the door, gives me some information, looks at our cable outlets and the TV. Then he looks at me and goes, “Did they happen to tell you how long the installation would take?” … Ugh No?… “It can take up to four and a half hours. Maybe less if there aren’t any problems.” Dude man is lucky I didn’t have anything in my hands to throw at him.
So here I sit, jacking the internet from the neighbors twiddling my thumbs while dude man is on my roof. I was going to run my final errands before my holiday trip today, but clearly that’s not happening. Thank the stars the dry cleaners is open tomorrow! I also was going to mop the floors today, but with dude man traipsing through the house that can’t happen either. And it’s not like I doing laundry is appropriate either. I don’t want him to walk in and see me folding my underthings – creepy. I don’t want to get into any serious projects or cleaning endeavors either because as soon as I would get elbow deep in something, dude man would ring the bell again to come back in the house. It’s really hard to be productive when someone is lurking around your house. Like I said, here I sit.
Isn’t waiting on an instillation or for a furniture delivery the most obnoxious thing ever? What do you do during these epic holding patterns of your life?
Glitter Bomb
I am finally done wrapping Christmas presents. D.O.N.E. It took three nights, four trips to Target and eight Tylenol.
After what could have been a potentially embarrassing present mix up, I decided to put everyone’s first names on their presents. There are a lot of people that go by Mom, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa in our family, and with so many of the boxes being the same size and all of them getting loaded in the car to travel up the East Coast, it was just too risky.
It is going to take me until Christmas 2014 to get the glitter out of my house. When I was searching for a theme for wrapping paper, it caught my eye and I fell in love. After all, I wasn’t decorating our house, so I had to make up for it by making the presents extra glamorous. Never again. Glittered wrapping paper equals a very bad idea. It looks like there was a fairy war in my living room and the glitter shed spreads to all corners of my house. As tempting as it is, don’t do it, don’t do it. Not only will your house have a constant sheen to it for the rest of the time you reside there, but tape doesn’t stick to it and you will find yourself retaping presents closed up until Christmas morning. Never again.
Ice Ice Baby
It appears that we have had some winter weather here in Georgia. If we were in Virginia, this icy weather wouldn’t be enough to shut things down. However, here in the South, where we are not equipped for such acts of God, there are over 277 closings and delays in our county alone. Never mind that the roads are clear, there is ice in the trees, and it is time to panic people. Errands day is going to be much more of a chore than it already is because folks down here don’t know how to drive in winter weather. Sunday, I was driving home from church and it was flurrying, not a flake was sticking to the roads or the trees, and there were drivers, in both lanes, driving no more than 25MPH. I’m as serious as a heart attack; I could have jogged home faster. It’s not their fault; they don’t see enough winter weather to make learning how to drive in it a priority. Plus, the state shuts down and they don’t have anywhere to go anyway – so why bother?
Please pray for me today for safe driving of course, but also, please pray that I won’t lose my temper because of the poky puppies on the road. To be fair, if it were a perfect sunny day and it were rush hour, these poky puppies would be speeding and honking and bobbing and weaving all around me while I try not to wet my pants in the middle of an intersection as I try to gain the nerve to left.
