Friends and Followers:
OK, so I debated and pondered and debated some more on what the heck to use as my topic for my blog and I think I have FINALLY come up with something, after such a long delay!
Stacey's Taste of Homcooking!
I have decided that since 1) I will no longer be employed after May 7th and I have to shave the budget, I need to cook at home more often and 2) my entire family needs to eat a bit healthier, I am going to start blogging recipes I use with them! The pro's, the con's, etc. Kinda like the movie Julie and Julia. . . but I'm not about to go thru the entire Betty Crocker cookbook! I'm dumb, but not THAT dumb! :)
So, my dear friends, stay tuned! Stacey's Taste of Homecooking starts Friday :)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A new step. . .
Well, I'm taking a new step in the career world. Maybe I should say the job world, as I don't foresee this becoming a career.
Anyhow, I have accepted a position with the Edison Community Schools in Lake Station. I will be the English tutor on T/R at the high school and M/W at the 6th grade school. It will bring in a little more per pay check and it allows me to have my Friday free, or to sub on a Friday, which would bring in add't income. . .
So, it might only be a small step towards higher income, but it's income! It is guaranteed until 2011.
Anyhow, I have accepted a position with the Edison Community Schools in Lake Station. I will be the English tutor on T/R at the high school and M/W at the 6th grade school. It will bring in a little more per pay check and it allows me to have my Friday free, or to sub on a Friday, which would bring in add't income. . .
So, it might only be a small step towards higher income, but it's income! It is guaranteed until 2011.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Is it a culture difference or an area difference?
Just got home from a totally cute babyshower and had a nice time! However, now I'm debating the question culture v. area. You see, not only am I married to a hispanic man, but I've been transplated from a little town in East Central Indiana to a much larger area in Northwest Indiana. Things are done differently up here, and I have yet to figure out if it is due to the area or if it is the cultural difference. . . . So, for those that follow this blog, PLEASE, comment! I'd like to see what others think as well.
Now, what is the question regarding? Showers, weddings, etc. Here is the debatable question:
Back home, showers (wedding, baby, etc) usually the male is not there. Here, they are REQUIRED to be there. At bridal showers it makes it a wee bit embarrassing when the soon-to-be-hubby is sitting there and one of the gifts opened is a nitey piece. . . Can we say red cheeks all around? Back home, showers are done in peoples houses, or if they want to have one large one, maybe a shelter house at a park or the AMVETS or a high school classroom or something to that affect. Up here, the showers are held at fancy restaurants. . . Places that I know cost over $20 a head. . . Back home it's cake and ice cream and maybe some veggies and meatballs. Here, it's a plated dinner with a cloth napkin.
Outside of Eluides' family and our bridal and baby showers (which were in the basement), I've only been to one other bridal shower up here, and I felt right at home, as it was a home shower. . .
So, does this happen back home and I just don't know about it? Are people in ECI having baby showers at Richards, McD's, or that place out by the airport? Or are they still doing them at home in the living rooms?
Don't get me started on weddings. . . but for now, what are your opinions on showers?
Now, what is the question regarding? Showers, weddings, etc. Here is the debatable question:
Back home, showers (wedding, baby, etc) usually the male is not there. Here, they are REQUIRED to be there. At bridal showers it makes it a wee bit embarrassing when the soon-to-be-hubby is sitting there and one of the gifts opened is a nitey piece. . . Can we say red cheeks all around? Back home, showers are done in peoples houses, or if they want to have one large one, maybe a shelter house at a park or the AMVETS or a high school classroom or something to that affect. Up here, the showers are held at fancy restaurants. . . Places that I know cost over $20 a head. . . Back home it's cake and ice cream and maybe some veggies and meatballs. Here, it's a plated dinner with a cloth napkin.
Outside of Eluides' family and our bridal and baby showers (which were in the basement), I've only been to one other bridal shower up here, and I felt right at home, as it was a home shower. . .
So, does this happen back home and I just don't know about it? Are people in ECI having baby showers at Richards, McD's, or that place out by the airport? Or are they still doing them at home in the living rooms?
Don't get me started on weddings. . . but for now, what are your opinions on showers?
Monday, January 11, 2010
Rebecca Bloomwood Meet Stacey Pagan!
Before reading, please note that this is a personal narrative, so be kind in comments!
I slowly walked by the numerous stands, wondering just what all the hubbub was about! There were several at the student union, the Fly Swatter, Teachers College, and even in front of the library! Each stand was crowed, and be, being a Curious George, finally bucked up and walked over to see what all the buzz was about. Little did I know that my short walk to the table at the Fly Swatter was going to cause me so much grief later in life!
There, at the booth, I happily handed over my drivers license, filled out a short form, received my 'free' gift (probably a t-shirt or umbrella) and waited a few weeks for the spawn of the devil to arrive in a plain what #10! My first credit card!
The emotions were so overwhelming! There I was, a freshman in college with a brand, spanking new shinny, silver VISA card! With a $1,000 credit line to boot! It was like easy money! I thought I had been deprived of so much while in high school -- this was how I was going to get those much desired items! A stereo, a new dresser, new pants, new cassettes for my new stereo. . .
The scene that I was growing to love was, "Will that be cash, check or credit?"
"Credit please," I said, handing over the card. . . That VISA was on fire the first month! When I received the bill I was OK because the payment due was like fifteen bucks! Sure, no problem, one night of babysitting would cover that. . .
It did not take me long to get another beautiful, shinny card! Yes! A JC Penny Card! Then a DISCOVER card, a BP Amoco, who cares if good ol HC didn't even have a BP store, I had a gas card! You name it I was probably carrying it! Yes, there was a plethora of plastic in my every growing wallet! However, I did not have a job to pay the balances, just my student loans and babysitting money. . . oh yes, bad decisions all around!
Did I stop spending? Naw, that would have ruined me. I did decline the others that came in the mail, heart wrenching as it was. . .
Soon, I got a job, yet it was still only paying the minimum payment. Why pay more if it wasn't required? The thoughts of a dumb college kid. . . Yes, a bad decision again.
I continued to rack up the charges. A trip to Michigan, more clothes, shoes, a new book bag, junk, junk and more junk. Seriously, looking back I was like Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic! If I wanted it, I charged it! Yet, what did I have to show for it?
My fourth year in college I fell behind on my bills, which caused the wolves to start knocking at the door, and rather loudly. My mother found out, and yes, all hell broke loose! She took every single shinny card I had. She took my debit card, my paycheck, and at the time, I felt she took my life away. She gave me an allowance each week which consisted of enough money to get my gas and about $20 for entertainment. I was 20 years old, living at home, hoarding the tips from my waitress job in order to have extra money! It was so embarrassing! yet, my mom did a good job at managing MY money! She paid off a card and worked on others! I was miserable, but coming out of debt.
During my last year at Ball State I moved out, taking MY bills with me! I did not start charging right away. . . just a few things now and then. In 1998 I moved to Northwest Indiana and racked up charges! As hard as it is to admit, I started all over again! It did not take long for the wolves to start howling and I knew I had to get help!
By this time in my life I was married and had two children! I was working on 12 years of excessive charging! My husband had a few cards, but nothing like me! So, in late 2005 we enrolled in a credit counseling company. All of our cards were cancelled (there went our great shopping sprees), and we started paying them off, one by one.
In the late spring of 2009 we paid our last card off! It was an exhilarating feeling! The credit card calls have stopped, the accounts closed, and we are able to 'relax' a little. To one, this may seem harsh, but for us, having only one card with a very low limit solved our problem. No, we have a goal! Credit score recovery! Eventually, we'd like to have a higher score, but we know it is a long road of recovery (like a drug addict), but we're in it for the long haul!
Rebecca Bloomwood, meet Stacey Pagan!
I slowly walked by the numerous stands, wondering just what all the hubbub was about! There were several at the student union, the Fly Swatter, Teachers College, and even in front of the library! Each stand was crowed, and be, being a Curious George, finally bucked up and walked over to see what all the buzz was about. Little did I know that my short walk to the table at the Fly Swatter was going to cause me so much grief later in life!
There, at the booth, I happily handed over my drivers license, filled out a short form, received my 'free' gift (probably a t-shirt or umbrella) and waited a few weeks for the spawn of the devil to arrive in a plain what #10! My first credit card!
The emotions were so overwhelming! There I was, a freshman in college with a brand, spanking new shinny, silver VISA card! With a $1,000 credit line to boot! It was like easy money! I thought I had been deprived of so much while in high school -- this was how I was going to get those much desired items! A stereo, a new dresser, new pants, new cassettes for my new stereo. . .
The scene that I was growing to love was, "Will that be cash, check or credit?"
"Credit please," I said, handing over the card. . . That VISA was on fire the first month! When I received the bill I was OK because the payment due was like fifteen bucks! Sure, no problem, one night of babysitting would cover that. . .
It did not take me long to get another beautiful, shinny card! Yes! A JC Penny Card! Then a DISCOVER card, a BP Amoco, who cares if good ol HC didn't even have a BP store, I had a gas card! You name it I was probably carrying it! Yes, there was a plethora of plastic in my every growing wallet! However, I did not have a job to pay the balances, just my student loans and babysitting money. . . oh yes, bad decisions all around!
Did I stop spending? Naw, that would have ruined me. I did decline the others that came in the mail, heart wrenching as it was. . .
Soon, I got a job, yet it was still only paying the minimum payment. Why pay more if it wasn't required? The thoughts of a dumb college kid. . . Yes, a bad decision again.
I continued to rack up the charges. A trip to Michigan, more clothes, shoes, a new book bag, junk, junk and more junk. Seriously, looking back I was like Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic! If I wanted it, I charged it! Yet, what did I have to show for it?
My fourth year in college I fell behind on my bills, which caused the wolves to start knocking at the door, and rather loudly. My mother found out, and yes, all hell broke loose! She took every single shinny card I had. She took my debit card, my paycheck, and at the time, I felt she took my life away. She gave me an allowance each week which consisted of enough money to get my gas and about $20 for entertainment. I was 20 years old, living at home, hoarding the tips from my waitress job in order to have extra money! It was so embarrassing! yet, my mom did a good job at managing MY money! She paid off a card and worked on others! I was miserable, but coming out of debt.
During my last year at Ball State I moved out, taking MY bills with me! I did not start charging right away. . . just a few things now and then. In 1998 I moved to Northwest Indiana and racked up charges! As hard as it is to admit, I started all over again! It did not take long for the wolves to start howling and I knew I had to get help!
By this time in my life I was married and had two children! I was working on 12 years of excessive charging! My husband had a few cards, but nothing like me! So, in late 2005 we enrolled in a credit counseling company. All of our cards were cancelled (there went our great shopping sprees), and we started paying them off, one by one.
In the late spring of 2009 we paid our last card off! It was an exhilarating feeling! The credit card calls have stopped, the accounts closed, and we are able to 'relax' a little. To one, this may seem harsh, but for us, having only one card with a very low limit solved our problem. No, we have a goal! Credit score recovery! Eventually, we'd like to have a higher score, but we know it is a long road of recovery (like a drug addict), but we're in it for the long haul!
Rebecca Bloomwood, meet Stacey Pagan!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Christmas Cookies Round I
Well, the time has come to start my annual Christmas baking! I'm going to attempt to add a variety of cookies this year, and not just my norm! I started tonight with my granny's Peanut Butter Blossoms! For the longest time I thought my granny had made up this recipe! Little did I know! :) This year I added a new twist to it -- I decided to use colored sugars instead of the plain ol white ones and I'm quite pleased with them! Here is the recipe and a picture if I can figure out how to post a picture in this silly wacky thing! So far so good!
Peanut Butter Blossoms1/2 c granulated sugar
1/2 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
1/2 c butter or margarine, softened (I just use the stick margarine)
1 egg
1 1/2 c flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
Granduated sugar (can use colored sugars too)
About 36 Hershey Kisses (or stars), unwrapped
Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, beat 1/2 c sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and egg until well blended. Stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder (I use electric mixer) until dough forms.
Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in sugar. On ungreased cookie sheets, place about 2 inches apart.
Bake 8 - 10 minutes or until edges are light golded brown. Immediately press 1 kiss into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.
Makes about 3 dozen. . . however, I always get more than this -- maybe I roll the balls smaller than 1 inch? They are always good! When storing them I place a piece of bread in the bottom of the container to keep them moist. :)
Enjoy
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Give me a reason!
I know I had stated I was going to quit using this site and use another, but I decided I'd just keep with it. . . and then I had not posted forever and a day! Maybe it's because I took a break from life, got caught up with facebook, whatever! Life has been handing me lemons, and damn it I've been trying to make lemonade out of them. . . but I fear I need a buttload of daggone Splenda right now! Here, let me catch ya up on my life :)
I'm still working as a para-professional on a temp status. This means that ol Stacey-poo does not get any PTO, benefits, funeral pay, etc. I'm doing OK with this, even though it is not what I had expected to be doing at the good ol ripe age of 34! Student loans are on a deferrement status (can't squeeze blood from a turnip can ya?), and we are getting by -- by the hair on the chinny, chin, chin though! Most days I enjoy the job, but there are days that I just come home and want to cry! But, God is providing!
My ol Trusty Rusty scares me to death every day! I mean, it's like a walking heart attack for me to get in the darn thing on a daily basis! But, like I said, God provides! That thing is still running! OK, so I do get odd ball looks when I start 'er up and it squeeks and rumbles for the first 45 seconds. . . and the driver side window can no longer roll down (poor LJ about had a cow when the window came falling in at me one day in the ATM line. . . ), I have to use a straw or something to put in the heater thingie to make it go (and only on high), and that I have to pound on the dash board to get my lights inside to show up. . . . but it runs and THERE ARE NO BANK NOTES on it! I do pray that I make it to and from work w/o having to use my hazard lights and pull over on 73rd Avenue! (my husband just laughed when he read over my shoulder! That was so not funny Pagan!)
This year, due to lack of funds, my family is making a lot of Christmas gifts for adults! Of course, I have all these ideas and now I must find the time to actually implement the projects! But, since we have been eating at home more often, we are home more in the PM's and I've already started! Yeah, I know you are all wanting to know what we are doing, but I cannot say until after the holidays because I'd give out secrets! I'm only hoping they all turn out OK! Only time will tell!
We have not put up our tree yet, nor any other holiday decor. . . which is kind of depressing, because it should be up by now, but I just have not had time! As many of you know, my Granny had been battling end stage lung cancer. . . we were home the weekend before Thanksgiving, as she was admitted to the hospital and not doing well. TomTom and I were home Thanksgiving weekend and returned home on Sunday. On Sunday night Granny took her last breath and is now in the hands of the Lord. So, we've been home since Monday night for the funeral. . . and of course things are tense all around. . . although it's a sad time, it's also a happy time! No longer is she in pain and with her maker! How can one not be happy about this?
Of course, as with any funeral, you start talking to people you've not seen in forever. It's like they come out of the woodworks. . . And tonight my lil sister and I spent a few hours with our cousin JohnBoy. He is now living in Mississippi (all his life he lived in Lousiana until recently) and I'm pretty sure it has been over 10 years since I've met him, as tonight was the first night he ever met Eluides! We had a nice time sitting around the kitchen table talking, chatting, and of course, gossiping! You cannot live in the Thomas family without the gossip for cryin' out loud! So, it was a nice evening. I'm sure I'll catch up with some other folks this week, but only time will tell!
So, yes, I've been busy, but not THAT busy! Just rather lazy! Shhhh, don't tell my secrets!
I'm still looking for my career job! I still need to finish cleaning my house up from the daycare (yes, there are still daycare items in the 'play room' but what the heck, I don't have the $ to furnish it, so why rush right?), I have a ton of baking that I'll be doing starting next week, and lots of homemade gifts to start on! So, the holiday season is going to keep me hopping, counting my blessings, and taking trips down memory lane. . . .
So, if you have a memory of me/us you want to share, please, feel free to post it here! Give me a reason to blog more often wontcha?
I'm still working as a para-professional on a temp status. This means that ol Stacey-poo does not get any PTO, benefits, funeral pay, etc. I'm doing OK with this, even though it is not what I had expected to be doing at the good ol ripe age of 34! Student loans are on a deferrement status (can't squeeze blood from a turnip can ya?), and we are getting by -- by the hair on the chinny, chin, chin though! Most days I enjoy the job, but there are days that I just come home and want to cry! But, God is providing!
My ol Trusty Rusty scares me to death every day! I mean, it's like a walking heart attack for me to get in the darn thing on a daily basis! But, like I said, God provides! That thing is still running! OK, so I do get odd ball looks when I start 'er up and it squeeks and rumbles for the first 45 seconds. . . and the driver side window can no longer roll down (poor LJ about had a cow when the window came falling in at me one day in the ATM line. . . ), I have to use a straw or something to put in the heater thingie to make it go (and only on high), and that I have to pound on the dash board to get my lights inside to show up. . . . but it runs and THERE ARE NO BANK NOTES on it! I do pray that I make it to and from work w/o having to use my hazard lights and pull over on 73rd Avenue! (my husband just laughed when he read over my shoulder! That was so not funny Pagan!)
This year, due to lack of funds, my family is making a lot of Christmas gifts for adults! Of course, I have all these ideas and now I must find the time to actually implement the projects! But, since we have been eating at home more often, we are home more in the PM's and I've already started! Yeah, I know you are all wanting to know what we are doing, but I cannot say until after the holidays because I'd give out secrets! I'm only hoping they all turn out OK! Only time will tell!
We have not put up our tree yet, nor any other holiday decor. . . which is kind of depressing, because it should be up by now, but I just have not had time! As many of you know, my Granny had been battling end stage lung cancer. . . we were home the weekend before Thanksgiving, as she was admitted to the hospital and not doing well. TomTom and I were home Thanksgiving weekend and returned home on Sunday. On Sunday night Granny took her last breath and is now in the hands of the Lord. So, we've been home since Monday night for the funeral. . . and of course things are tense all around. . . although it's a sad time, it's also a happy time! No longer is she in pain and with her maker! How can one not be happy about this?
Of course, as with any funeral, you start talking to people you've not seen in forever. It's like they come out of the woodworks. . . And tonight my lil sister and I spent a few hours with our cousin JohnBoy. He is now living in Mississippi (all his life he lived in Lousiana until recently) and I'm pretty sure it has been over 10 years since I've met him, as tonight was the first night he ever met Eluides! We had a nice time sitting around the kitchen table talking, chatting, and of course, gossiping! You cannot live in the Thomas family without the gossip for cryin' out loud! So, it was a nice evening. I'm sure I'll catch up with some other folks this week, but only time will tell!
So, yes, I've been busy, but not THAT busy! Just rather lazy! Shhhh, don't tell my secrets!
I'm still looking for my career job! I still need to finish cleaning my house up from the daycare (yes, there are still daycare items in the 'play room' but what the heck, I don't have the $ to furnish it, so why rush right?), I have a ton of baking that I'll be doing starting next week, and lots of homemade gifts to start on! So, the holiday season is going to keep me hopping, counting my blessings, and taking trips down memory lane. . . .
So, if you have a memory of me/us you want to share, please, feel free to post it here! Give me a reason to blog more often wontcha?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Favorite Christmas Traditions
Ever since I was a little girl with blonde pigtails there has been a Thomas tradition at Christmas time! From the time I was big enough to lick the beaters I've been involved in this tradition -- cookie making
When I was younger my mom and I would go down to Granny's on a Friday about two weeks before Christmas to start the yearly task. Generally it was Granny, Mom, (ex-Aunt) Kiki and I! We'd all bustle around the mid-size kitchen beating batter, rolling buckeyes, measuring ingredients, tasting cookies, boiling the mix-in's for fudge and removing cookies from the oven. . . it was like an assembly line! I was usually stuck smooshing the ingredients for buckeyes and then rolling them out. Yeah, it was a great job for a little kid; however, I've passed this task along to the boys, because my carpal tunnel just cannot handle it!
I have always enjoyed this tradition. I was with ones I loved and making cookies! C'mon, how could you NOT enjoy this task? Unless you make chocolate chip cookies on a regular basis, the smell of sugar, cocoa, butter, flour and vanilla all mixed together is heavenly mouth watering!
For the past 15 or so years, this tradition has not happened; however, the goodies are always still made, just sans Granny. We've all done it our own may, with me doing a majority of the baking (unless you count the totally awesome Chex mix my Daddy makes). I think Granny has enjoyed all the goodies without having to do the work (who wouldn't right). I've made more than the Thomas Tradition of chocolate chip cookies, fudge, potato candy, buckeyes and peanut butter blossoms! I've branched out into things like chocolate covered pretzels, sugar cookies, haystacks, Reindeer poop, Cheerio crunchies, etc. Ya know what? I LOVE it!
My boys have helped make cookies too! It's a great time for family! Yes, I have to be more cautious around them, but Granny and Mom did with me. Yes, there have been flops. . .but then, there have been things that haven't lasted long too!
I think my favorite memory thus far of any sort of kitchen makings was the first (and only time thus far) that we made a ginger bread house. It was a great family time, minus the baking! Thomas was 2.5 and LJ was 5.5. . . Every time I turned around Thomas was stealing a gum drop from the house and LJ was squirting icing all over the place, and there was laughter all around! We labeled the house "The Ghetto House". Sure, it was not a pretty house, but it was FUN!So, although I will continue the cookie tradition, with help, I think we'll start a new one for ginger bread houses. . .who knows, maybe we'll get really good and do a princess castle?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Leaf Blowing
It's finally fall time, as you couldn't tell with the drop in the temperatures, the leaves falling, the pumpkins and gourds out, and the wonderful colds being passed around! Yes, I'm suffering from a fall cold and it sucks! I ran a day care for 6 years and rarely had a cold, I go into the middle school and I'm sick the first week! Is this karma for making fun of my hubby each fall? Probably!
Anyhow, fall is one of my favorite seasons! In Indiana you go from 90 degrees of heat with humidity to 65 degrees! I LOVE it! I'm not sweating buckets and I can still (most of the time) wear shorts! You can sleep with the windows open and give the 'ol NIPSCO bill a well deserved break before you are sucker punched with a heating bill! The house airs out of the summer stink (and lets in the ol cooty bugs) and the outside world starts to change!
I absolutely LOVE the environmental changes! Your summer flowers start wilting and you replace them with fall mums in yellow, mauves and oranges! The maple trees turn from green to a pink, orange, red and yellow - some of these trees are powerful in colors! You witness the beauty God has blessed us with! I love planning our trips home in the fall because the foliage that you get to take in! The drive through the Peru Salomonie area is just breathtaking (and especially so when you avoid that ginormous doe that just moseyed out of the yellow, dried up corn field)! The forest area is an array of colors that mix together is my all time favorite!
As I rattle on and on I cannot help but explain my all time favorite place to drive by in the fall! As you pull off the highway to go to my Granny's house you will come to the corner of Cherry street and there are two or three massive maple trees on the corner, and they are such a glorious sight! The trees produce such a beautiful rainbow of colors, and if you are lucky enough to catch it at sunset -- WOW!
Of course, fall isn't always great. There is a lot of death in the air. The tree leaves are dying, the flowers and gone and the corn and beans are dried up and waiting for their takers to plow them over. When driving, you must worry about the deer running into the roads, and lastly, you know that the white stuff is going to fall sooner or later. . .
This year I'm still enjoying the colors, but there is a sadness to it. This year it's unlikely that my Ma'amaw will get to see another fall. . . and it makes me very sad to think about. Yet, I realize she's taken in 80 falls! She has been lucky enough to take in a lot of Tennessee falls to boot! I'm pretty sure TN falls have some amazing colors, so she's been very fortunate. I can only hope that I'll get to see 80 falls and take delight in seeing all the little ghouls and goblins at the end of October, running through the rustling leaves as they wait their treats from each house! Yes, fall is sad this year, but I can only imagine what it'll be like for Ma'amaw in heaven! Fall all the time, minus the leaf blowing!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
My Hometown
This weekend we headed back home -- and get this, I even have the boys calling it 'back home' :) It was nice being home again! Yeah, it's a lil tiny po-dunk town with a population of 7,000, but it's MY hometown! I lived there until I was 22 (Ok, I was like 6 days shy of my 22nd birthday), so when people make fun of being from a small country town I do take offense. How often are you lucky enough to live within a five minute drive of all three uncles and grandma? And 10 minutes from your aunt? Not a lot of people can say that, can they? Yeah, so what that there isn't a movie theater or a mall in the town? And honestly, it's not a town where everyone can smell each others farts either (naw, you smell pig poo instead!), but a small enough town that you feel 'homey' (which I love).
There are a few things that I don't like though - like the amount of racism that roars its ugly head every now and then, or the fact that a lot of the houses are run down and need some mega repairs. . . or that you have to drive 30 minutes to a Wally World. . . It's home! My brother now lives three blocks from my parents, my uncle lives the same amount of blocks. My other uncles lives within a 10 to 15 minute walk! Yeah, there is not a bus line, nor a taxi line but there isn't one right here in NWI either! At least you can feel a little more comfortable to let your kids play in the yard without having to be out watching them the entire time. I duno. . .it's just HOME!
What else can I say, home is home :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Homemade Pizza
Well, as you can see, I have not stuck to my challenge! But, I do have a good reason as to why :) Last week was a crazy week! Returning to work after 7 years of being a SAHM. . . having an exchange student trying to adjust and then having to get her packed up again (her grandfather had a massive stroke and they did not think he was going to live, so she was back on a plane, not even 5 days after being in the states!). . . . So I had vowed to start THIS week! And I had all intentions of starting Monday -- however, I must have jinxed myself!
Monday AM as I'm preparing to put the crock pot on for veggie soup that night I realized that the items in the pot were probably no longer any good, so I unplugged the pot, and when I did we had a massive white flash come from the plug! Seriously, I'm just glad I have eyebrows still! Yes, it scared the holy tar out of me! In the process of this mega flash, I melted the plug to the crock pot (*sniff*sniff* Crockpot, you served your time well, enjoy your new vacation), the pan that was on top of the toaster oven has a scar now from the plug landing no it (freaky), and the darn stove and entire wall of items were kicked off! UGH! I was not a happy camper!
So, I called NIPSCO since we have a wire plan with them (note to self: thanks for being so smart to purchase that plan -- we've used it twice now this summer alone). They sent someone out yesterday who replaced the GFS (it was toasted), and reset everything. He was a nice guy who even fixed the light switch to our porch light :) Well, after he replaced the GFS, the stove started working again (THANK GOODNESS). So, yesterday *I* made my first challenge.
Although this did not come from a cookbook, it was a nice challenge! I had purchased a pizza dough ball at Meijers a few weeks ago (frozen, of course). So I defrosted it out and used the rolling pin on it! It was much easier than using a couple boxes of Jiffy Pizza mixes! Just roll, smoosh and PRESTO :) So, Thomas and I rolled out the pizza dough (OK, so *I* rolled out the dough while Thomas played in a flour pile), slopped on some generic pizza sauce, mini pepperonis (I think TomTom ate more than we put on the pizza - ha), and then we sprinkled the cheese on the pizza.
Not only was it a cooking challenge, it was a patience challenge as Thomas was helping me. Now, had we had guests and I was cooking this pizza for them I would not have let him munch on the peperoni's while we were compiling our pizza, but it was just the four of us, so I was not too concerned (OK, for you germ-o-phobs, just disregard that). . . and we had a nice time bonding during the process! So, it was cook-a-peutic (therapeutic) :)
So, there we have it, my first challenge! I do wonder what tomorrow will bring. . . since Eluides has meetings tonight and tomorrow, WHO KNOWS! :) Stayed tuned :)
Monday AM as I'm preparing to put the crock pot on for veggie soup that night I realized that the items in the pot were probably no longer any good, so I unplugged the pot, and when I did we had a massive white flash come from the plug! Seriously, I'm just glad I have eyebrows still! Yes, it scared the holy tar out of me! In the process of this mega flash, I melted the plug to the crock pot (*sniff*sniff* Crockpot, you served your time well, enjoy your new vacation), the pan that was on top of the toaster oven has a scar now from the plug landing no it (freaky), and the darn stove and entire wall of items were kicked off! UGH! I was not a happy camper!
So, I called NIPSCO since we have a wire plan with them (note to self: thanks for being so smart to purchase that plan -- we've used it twice now this summer alone). They sent someone out yesterday who replaced the GFS (it was toasted), and reset everything. He was a nice guy who even fixed the light switch to our porch light :) Well, after he replaced the GFS, the stove started working again (THANK GOODNESS). So, yesterday *I* made my first challenge.
Although this did not come from a cookbook, it was a nice challenge! I had purchased a pizza dough ball at Meijers a few weeks ago (frozen, of course). So I defrosted it out and used the rolling pin on it! It was much easier than using a couple boxes of Jiffy Pizza mixes! Just roll, smoosh and PRESTO :) So, Thomas and I rolled out the pizza dough (OK, so *I* rolled out the dough while Thomas played in a flour pile), slopped on some generic pizza sauce, mini pepperonis (I think TomTom ate more than we put on the pizza - ha), and then we sprinkled the cheese on the pizza.
Not only was it a cooking challenge, it was a patience challenge as Thomas was helping me. Now, had we had guests and I was cooking this pizza for them I would not have let him munch on the peperoni's while we were compiling our pizza, but it was just the four of us, so I was not too concerned (OK, for you germ-o-phobs, just disregard that). . . and we had a nice time bonding during the process! So, it was cook-a-peutic (therapeutic) :)
So, there we have it, my first challenge! I do wonder what tomorrow will bring. . . since Eluides has meetings tonight and tomorrow, WHO KNOWS! :) Stayed tuned :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Susie Homemaker
So, after seeing the movie Julie and Julia and a comment a friend made about cooking her way thru the Betty Crocker cookbook, I came up the perfect blog topic for me, instead of random rambling! :) I have decided to take it upon myself to CHALLENGE myself! I am not one that really likes to cook! Well, I should not say I dislike cooking itself, but rather the prep and clean up times! It can become time consuming when you prep it all, slop it onto the table, and then have to clean it all up! Actually, it gets kind of old having to load the dishwasher alone, wash the dishes I don't trust in the dish washer, run the dishwasher and then put the dishes up! So, cooking takes a lot of time, and I would rather just let someone else cook FOR me! But, with having a budget cut back, I'm going to challenge myself! Are you ready folks -- Naw, I'm not going to cook my way through Betty Crocker nor Taste of Homes (one of my favorite cook books mind you). . .I, Stacey Lynn, am going to pull out all of the cook books I have (and lemme tell ya folks, there are a LOT of them), get the Swiffer duster out and dust those bad boys off, and them I'm going to cook a new meal TWO times a week! I'm challenging myself to serve my family dinners more often at our table. Yeah, so it might be a wee bit cheaper to hook the boys up with Happy Meals, or grab subs on my way home from the gym, but I need to show them that I do know how to cook more than tuna casserole, tacos, spaghetti and hotdogs (Ok, I do make more than that, but it's late and my brain isn't cooperating!)
So, I'm starting this week. :) Wednesday will be the first day. :) I'm not setting a time limit for myself like Julie did. HOWEVER, I'm opening up my challenge to YOU! My faithful readers! All 10 of you -- and I think my Dad is trying to get counted twice!
If you want to submit a recipe to me to try, send it to me! (StaceyPagan@verizon.net) But I do have to warn you -- it cannot be loaded down in carbs because the ol diabetes will not appreciate that, and remember I'm gong to be serving the meal to a 4 and 7 year old, so they have to be a wee bit kid friendly. Now, it doesn't have to be octopus in noodles (hot dogs on top of green ramen noodles), but it cannot be something like Steak A La Mode (HA HA) or something like that!
So, be on the lookout, b/c I'm going to post the recipe I try (if you submit it, your name will be in the blog as a thank you) as well as my thoughts prepping it and what my family thought of eating it :)
My next door neighbor when growing up with could me Susie Homemaker because I liked to cook (well and I had to do things like hang clothes on the line to dry so the entire world could see my bloomers and over the shoulder boulder holders when I was a kid). . . so, now I'm going to put it to the test. . . . beware world, here comes Stacey Homemaker
So, I'm starting this week. :) Wednesday will be the first day. :) I'm not setting a time limit for myself like Julie did. HOWEVER, I'm opening up my challenge to YOU! My faithful readers! All 10 of you -- and I think my Dad is trying to get counted twice!
If you want to submit a recipe to me to try, send it to me! (StaceyPagan@verizon.net) But I do have to warn you -- it cannot be loaded down in carbs because the ol diabetes will not appreciate that, and remember I'm gong to be serving the meal to a 4 and 7 year old, so they have to be a wee bit kid friendly. Now, it doesn't have to be octopus in noodles (hot dogs on top of green ramen noodles), but it cannot be something like Steak A La Mode (HA HA) or something like that!
So, be on the lookout, b/c I'm going to post the recipe I try (if you submit it, your name will be in the blog as a thank you) as well as my thoughts prepping it and what my family thought of eating it :)
My next door neighbor when growing up with could me Susie Homemaker because I liked to cook (well and I had to do things like hang clothes on the line to dry so the entire world could see my bloomers and over the shoulder boulder holders when I was a kid). . . so, now I'm going to put it to the test. . . . beware world, here comes Stacey Homemaker
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Apartments
Do you remember your first apartment? Not a dorm room, but an actual apartment? Single, roommate, married. . .whatever it be? Do you remember the freedom of being able to state "This is my apartment?" I know I will never forget my first apartment! I had decided during the spring/summer before my 5th year at Ball State that I needed OUT of my parents place! I was tired of driving back and forth every day. . . I wanted a smidgen of freedom -- that I did not have to carry a calling card (as cell phones were not that popular yet) with me and let my mother know I was going to be late that night. . . I wanted to live like a majority of the other students either in apartments or in dorms. . . I wanted to see what it was like, know that it was MY place and I could jam the music however loud I wanted! I didn't have to wash the dishes as soon as dinner was over, my laundry would be done when I needed clean underwear, etc. . .
So, in the summer of 1997 I set off to find myself an apartment! If I had to have a roommate, best be a stranger to get to know I guess! I thought of that darn Single White Female movie a lot while looking for my apartment. I looked at four or five and the last was it. . .
705 West Charles Street, Apartment 3 in Muncie. Oh, should I mention now it was in the historical area of Muncie? The downtown area? The area that isn't always the best? The apartment that was located to the east of my apartment had a murder happen in it right after I moved out. . . Yeah, it was affordable because of the area, but I felt safe, so who cared right?
The apartment was $210 a month! That was darn cheap rent for a 1 bedroom apartment with HUGE rooms, all wood floor (minus the kitchen), heat, water and garbage included! I had figured my bills over and over and I knew I could do it! My electricity bill was on budget for a whopping $17 a month (man, I wish I could do that again), my cable bill was $35 and my phone bill. . . .who knows :) I loved the freedom right away, just saying "I'm moving into MY apartment on August 2nd. . . "
So, on August 2nd my lil sister and her friend Yolanda helped me move my stuff from my parents house to my first apartment! Oh, I probably forgot to mention it was on the second floor of a revamped house :) However, Amber and YoYo didn't complain one bit about having to help me! Bless their lil ol hearts! :) I think I bought 'em pizza or something for dinner that night! They scoped out the guy that lived downstairs (ha ha -- no idea what his name is now, but his loozy tune ol lady was Melissa), and of course Amber flirted with him right away. . . Yo, she was Yo and was more into the Ablert Einstien poster on my neighbors door than flirting!
Ahhhh, yes ol Albert! The guy that was renting the apartment beside me, I never saw! I was glad when he moved out and the other guy moved in though! I asked the other guy to leave up Albert though -- let me explain Albert! It was a full poster the size of the window for the front door (it was a door that was 1/2 glass and 1/2 wood) -- HOWEVER, his eyes were cut out so they were peepholes! It was totally awesome! So, Albert stayed up the entire time I rented! And EVERYONE always commented on Albert! :)
The only real downfall to the apartment was the bathroom! Now, before anyone makes a comment about "Oh was it just so small you didn't have any room?" No! It was a nice size -- and it was heated! It is not the fact that it had that harvest gold and poop green horizontal striped wallpaper from the 70's (heck, it might have been before the 70's) that made ya wanna heave your guts up as you walked up the stair ( it was at the top of the stairs-- WORSE!!!! It did NOT have a shower! Yes, folks, you read that correctly -- no shower! It had this super old, claw foot tub! Yes, a TUB for crying out loud! I tried to rig a shower up, but to no avail! I was stuck with a darn bathtub! It was just lovely!
Of course, Eluides wasn't worried about the bathtub, nooooo. . .he was more worried about people trying to peak in at me in the bathroom that was facing a window! Sheeze! Freak show galore if that had happened!
So, I dealt with the darn bathtub. My kitchen was big enough to have a table. . . .but I was too poor paying rent to buy a table! LOL I think I had MORE counter space in that apartment than I have in this house! Now that's bad!!
My livingroom -- I ended up getting furniture from a family I babysat for. Ahhh the country blue sofa and a coffee table, along with the TV my mom gave me. . . and a cordless phone. It was a cute living room. Once again, nice sized for an apartment! Oh and the walk in closet in the living room was great! Held all my crap I didn't set out! HAHA!
The bedroom was a wonderful size! Full size bed, dresser, junky TV that at least had cable hookup, desk, and still a buttload of more space! I wish I had that size of a bedroom now! And another walk in closet! Totally awesome!
I had a little deck space outside my kitchen, but I didn't use it. It faced the ally. WHoopie!
The laundry facility was next-door in the other house/apartment. I just ended up taking most of my laundry to the laundromat. . . Same price and more than one washer and one dryer! LOL
Yes, folks, I loved the independence! It was totally great! I wouldn't trade it for anything. Yeah, I worked full-time and went to school full-time, but it was totally awesome!
So, in the summer of 1997 I set off to find myself an apartment! If I had to have a roommate, best be a stranger to get to know I guess! I thought of that darn Single White Female movie a lot while looking for my apartment. I looked at four or five and the last was it. . .
705 West Charles Street, Apartment 3 in Muncie. Oh, should I mention now it was in the historical area of Muncie? The downtown area? The area that isn't always the best? The apartment that was located to the east of my apartment had a murder happen in it right after I moved out. . . Yeah, it was affordable because of the area, but I felt safe, so who cared right?
The apartment was $210 a month! That was darn cheap rent for a 1 bedroom apartment with HUGE rooms, all wood floor (minus the kitchen), heat, water and garbage included! I had figured my bills over and over and I knew I could do it! My electricity bill was on budget for a whopping $17 a month (man, I wish I could do that again), my cable bill was $35 and my phone bill. . . .who knows :) I loved the freedom right away, just saying "I'm moving into MY apartment on August 2nd. . . "
So, on August 2nd my lil sister and her friend Yolanda helped me move my stuff from my parents house to my first apartment! Oh, I probably forgot to mention it was on the second floor of a revamped house :) However, Amber and YoYo didn't complain one bit about having to help me! Bless their lil ol hearts! :) I think I bought 'em pizza or something for dinner that night! They scoped out the guy that lived downstairs (ha ha -- no idea what his name is now, but his loozy tune ol lady was Melissa), and of course Amber flirted with him right away. . . Yo, she was Yo and was more into the Ablert Einstien poster on my neighbors door than flirting!
Ahhhh, yes ol Albert! The guy that was renting the apartment beside me, I never saw! I was glad when he moved out and the other guy moved in though! I asked the other guy to leave up Albert though -- let me explain Albert! It was a full poster the size of the window for the front door (it was a door that was 1/2 glass and 1/2 wood) -- HOWEVER, his eyes were cut out so they were peepholes! It was totally awesome! So, Albert stayed up the entire time I rented! And EVERYONE always commented on Albert! :)
The only real downfall to the apartment was the bathroom! Now, before anyone makes a comment about "Oh was it just so small you didn't have any room?" No! It was a nice size -- and it was heated! It is not the fact that it had that harvest gold and poop green horizontal striped wallpaper from the 70's (heck, it might have been before the 70's) that made ya wanna heave your guts up as you walked up the stair ( it was at the top of the stairs-- WORSE!!!! It did NOT have a shower! Yes, folks, you read that correctly -- no shower! It had this super old, claw foot tub! Yes, a TUB for crying out loud! I tried to rig a shower up, but to no avail! I was stuck with a darn bathtub! It was just lovely!
Of course, Eluides wasn't worried about the bathtub, nooooo. . .he was more worried about people trying to peak in at me in the bathroom that was facing a window! Sheeze! Freak show galore if that had happened!
So, I dealt with the darn bathtub. My kitchen was big enough to have a table. . . .but I was too poor paying rent to buy a table! LOL I think I had MORE counter space in that apartment than I have in this house! Now that's bad!!
My livingroom -- I ended up getting furniture from a family I babysat for. Ahhh the country blue sofa and a coffee table, along with the TV my mom gave me. . . and a cordless phone. It was a cute living room. Once again, nice sized for an apartment! Oh and the walk in closet in the living room was great! Held all my crap I didn't set out! HAHA!
The bedroom was a wonderful size! Full size bed, dresser, junky TV that at least had cable hookup, desk, and still a buttload of more space! I wish I had that size of a bedroom now! And another walk in closet! Totally awesome!
I had a little deck space outside my kitchen, but I didn't use it. It faced the ally. WHoopie!
The laundry facility was next-door in the other house/apartment. I just ended up taking most of my laundry to the laundromat. . . Same price and more than one washer and one dryer! LOL
Yes, folks, I loved the independence! It was totally great! I wouldn't trade it for anything. Yeah, I worked full-time and went to school full-time, but it was totally awesome!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Drift Off To Deam
Well, I took a mini break from blogging because I had to think of what to blog about and if I wanted to continue blogging, as no one ever comments on them (maybe that is because I have it set -- Liz LMK if you can comment on this one OK). . . . but I thought, What the heck, it's just words, and if people don't want to comment, OH WELL! So, I started a list of things I want to yack about :) So, today it's Drift Off To Dream.
For those that know me, you know I'm a book worm! I used to read ONLY romance novels! Trashy romance! Ya know, the ones where sex is usually involved within the first 50 pages! I remember Frau Lightle turning my books over every day in class because she didn't like the covers! "Does your father know you read those books?" (her husband works with my Daddy-o). Does he know! C'mon! I'm READING a book for crying out loud! Be glad, as I'm certain 80% of the class did not read novels for the enjoyment! YES! My father knew, and yes he had his opinion. . . .and this particular blog has a little about that opinion! You know when you hear something and you just don't want to believe it, because you KNOW it's not true, but you would rather stay in your own little dream world? Well, that was me! I remember my dad telling me over and over "Stacey, it's a fairy tale world! It's make believe. People don't fall in love that easily in real life Stacey! It just doesn't happen! Don't expect some man to do all the stuff that you read about!" Well, guess what? He's right! It is a fairy tale world, but one I enjoyed living in because I just could not face the real world then!
When I started college I was hooked on one particular song - Drift Off To Dream by Travis Tritt. The lyrics are as follows (and there will be more written after it:)
I sit here surrounded by people and lights
Alone with my drink at the bar
You've been here forever, so clear in my mind
I just don't know where you are
I know I'll find you but girl 'til I do
This is my love song for you
Let's hold hands on the porch swing, under the moon
While the wind through the willows plays us a tune
We can lie on a blanket, out back in the yard
And wish for our future on a faraway star
You'll feel the passion as time after time
I press your sweet lips to mine
Then we'll dance to the radio, right up 'til dawn
'Til you drift off to dream in my arms
You might be hundreds or more miles away
Or you might be just down the street
But there'll be a hunger deep in your eyes
That I'll recognize when we meet
It might take hours or it might take years
But this is the song you will hear
Let's hold hands on the porch swing, under the moon
While the wind through the willows plays us a tune
We can lie on a blanket, out back in the yard
And wish for our future on a faraway star
You'll feel the passion as time after time
I press your sweet lips to mine
Then we'll dance to the radio, right up 'til dawn
'Til you drift off to dream in my arms
I would play this song over and over and over as I was CERTAIN that the love of my life would find me and we would do these romantic things! What girl has not dreamed of being whisked off her feet by the love of her life? C'mon, I really believe it is only natural for a female to feel this way. Look at how we are raised on Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel. . . .They ALL found their one true love in the end, so why was it so cotton-pickin' hard for ME to? I was so anxious to find the one that was going to sit on my porch at home and 'snog' with me! All I wanted to lay on the blanket with him and wish on those stars! I wanted to feel his lips upon mine! And darn it, I wanted to drift off to dream in those arms! I wanted it so badly that I jumped into a relationships, just to see if I could find that!
After a few failed relationships in which those romantic things did NOT happen, I started to realize that my Daddy-o was right! Those romance books were a load of crap and that I had been living in a damn fairy tale world! It's not true that one falls head over heels in love, that love at first site exist, that the one you love is going to be a total romantic in all the ways you have dreamed about! How's come teenagers and young adults do not listen to their parents? Geeze, most of the time they are right!
Yeah, I'll admit I wish my husband was a bit more romantic -- OK maybe a lot more romantic (and I know he's reading this :), but I am glad that he has a small romantic side to him. Men and women are so very different when it comes to romance, or maybe it is just me in my make believe world that I need to leave behind. . . but sometimes, when life is treating me like crap (and ladies, let's admit it, we all go thru it once a month when PMS hits us in the stomach like Mike Tyson punching a punching bag) I like to read about women who are being swept off their feet by the love of their life. . . because make believe is not just for kids ya know!
For those that know me, you know I'm a book worm! I used to read ONLY romance novels! Trashy romance! Ya know, the ones where sex is usually involved within the first 50 pages! I remember Frau Lightle turning my books over every day in class because she didn't like the covers! "Does your father know you read those books?" (her husband works with my Daddy-o). Does he know! C'mon! I'm READING a book for crying out loud! Be glad, as I'm certain 80% of the class did not read novels for the enjoyment! YES! My father knew, and yes he had his opinion. . . .and this particular blog has a little about that opinion! You know when you hear something and you just don't want to believe it, because you KNOW it's not true, but you would rather stay in your own little dream world? Well, that was me! I remember my dad telling me over and over "Stacey, it's a fairy tale world! It's make believe. People don't fall in love that easily in real life Stacey! It just doesn't happen! Don't expect some man to do all the stuff that you read about!" Well, guess what? He's right! It is a fairy tale world, but one I enjoyed living in because I just could not face the real world then!
When I started college I was hooked on one particular song - Drift Off To Dream by Travis Tritt. The lyrics are as follows (and there will be more written after it:)
I sit here surrounded by people and lights
Alone with my drink at the bar
You've been here forever, so clear in my mind
I just don't know where you are
I know I'll find you but girl 'til I do
This is my love song for you
Let's hold hands on the porch swing, under the moon
While the wind through the willows plays us a tune
We can lie on a blanket, out back in the yard
And wish for our future on a faraway star
You'll feel the passion as time after time
I press your sweet lips to mine
Then we'll dance to the radio, right up 'til dawn
'Til you drift off to dream in my arms
You might be hundreds or more miles away
Or you might be just down the street
But there'll be a hunger deep in your eyes
That I'll recognize when we meet
It might take hours or it might take years
But this is the song you will hear
Let's hold hands on the porch swing, under the moon
While the wind through the willows plays us a tune
We can lie on a blanket, out back in the yard
And wish for our future on a faraway star
You'll feel the passion as time after time
I press your sweet lips to mine
Then we'll dance to the radio, right up 'til dawn
'Til you drift off to dream in my arms
I would play this song over and over and over as I was CERTAIN that the love of my life would find me and we would do these romantic things! What girl has not dreamed of being whisked off her feet by the love of her life? C'mon, I really believe it is only natural for a female to feel this way. Look at how we are raised on Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel. . . .They ALL found their one true love in the end, so why was it so cotton-pickin' hard for ME to? I was so anxious to find the one that was going to sit on my porch at home and 'snog' with me! All I wanted to lay on the blanket with him and wish on those stars! I wanted to feel his lips upon mine! And darn it, I wanted to drift off to dream in those arms! I wanted it so badly that I jumped into a relationships, just to see if I could find that!
After a few failed relationships in which those romantic things did NOT happen, I started to realize that my Daddy-o was right! Those romance books were a load of crap and that I had been living in a damn fairy tale world! It's not true that one falls head over heels in love, that love at first site exist, that the one you love is going to be a total romantic in all the ways you have dreamed about! How's come teenagers and young adults do not listen to their parents? Geeze, most of the time they are right!
Yeah, I'll admit I wish my husband was a bit more romantic -- OK maybe a lot more romantic (and I know he's reading this :), but I am glad that he has a small romantic side to him. Men and women are so very different when it comes to romance, or maybe it is just me in my make believe world that I need to leave behind. . . but sometimes, when life is treating me like crap (and ladies, let's admit it, we all go thru it once a month when PMS hits us in the stomach like Mike Tyson punching a punching bag) I like to read about women who are being swept off their feet by the love of their life. . . because make believe is not just for kids ya know!
Monday, July 20, 2009
I'm still looking for a job.
Last week I put in my application with Lake Station schools for subbing. I guess if the mother does not return her children today at least I have that to fall back on, as it pays $50 per day, and Eluides is under the assumption that I will probably be able to work almost every day within the school corp. . . which depresses the hell out of me! Not that I would be working, but rather that I would be subbing! I went to school from 93 - 00 to become a teacher, get the degree and cannot pass the stupid state test to obtain my license! I mean, seriously, how pathetic is that? I took the test five times. The first time I obtained a 149. One must have a 153 to pass. The next FOUR times I get a 151! Yes, folks, two peasly points away -- and FOUR times! It was hard at first when people would say "Why not just get a teaching job? That is what you want to school for, right?" I would hmmm-hawl around and avoid telling them that I was a failure when it comes to bubble tests! Now, I just state, "I do not have a license." It's much easier than saying "Yes World! I, Stacey Lynn Modricker-Pagan, am a failure!"
So, going into the schools again is going to be really hard! I had such dreams of being able to run my own classroom, change so many young kids' minds, help them prepare for the big, bad, scary world! It's not bad enough that I help Eluides a lot with his homework grading and cleaning his ungodly cluttered classroom. . . . (It never fails, I always leave in a pissy mood because I realize how much I want to be in the classroom), but I may be going back. . . I mean, seriously, do I love to torture myself? I guess so. . .
I'm seriously becoming lower and lower in regards to this job routine! I've never in my life had such difficulty finding a job! The first time I lived up here in NWI it was a wee bit difficult, but the Radisson pulled through and gave me two years of experience. Right now, yeah, I know the economy is sucking the life out of people, but geeze! I've had a couple good interviews that I had hoped I'd get a job with them, yet they fell through. . . and it's been a while since I've had an interview. How else am I to market myself? I'm extremely dependable, loyal, hard working, a team player, a solo player, truthful, I don't miss a lot of work (c'mon, I took ONE week off after having a 10 pound baby and returned to work!) What else can I tell these people that are interviewing me? I so love a challenge and I am not going to stop until I find the answer (hmmm, maybe I should reflect upon that in regards to this darn job hunting!)
I have had a few people ask me "Stacey, WHY do you want to return to the job market? You have a great job at home!" Firstly, I was NOT made to stay at home. Yes, I have been so blessed to be able to stay at home with my two boys, raise them, and not have to shell out bucks for child care. . .however, they are both in school full-time now and Stacey needs something to do! There is only so much cleaning (OK, shut up) one can do. And, let's face it, my student loan companies are barking at the door. . . . there's only so much time I can put 'em off! I've worked on one year, so now I only have two more to keep them at bay! I wish I could find a way to forgive those loans! UGH! Two degrees, a LOT of moola later, and I"m unemployed! They keep stating how education will take you everywhere! EVERYWHERE? Oh that must be my house, because clearly it is not taken me anywhere!
OK, enough complaining. . . . I need to go scour the job boards!
Last week I put in my application with Lake Station schools for subbing. I guess if the mother does not return her children today at least I have that to fall back on, as it pays $50 per day, and Eluides is under the assumption that I will probably be able to work almost every day within the school corp. . . which depresses the hell out of me! Not that I would be working, but rather that I would be subbing! I went to school from 93 - 00 to become a teacher, get the degree and cannot pass the stupid state test to obtain my license! I mean, seriously, how pathetic is that? I took the test five times. The first time I obtained a 149. One must have a 153 to pass. The next FOUR times I get a 151! Yes, folks, two peasly points away -- and FOUR times! It was hard at first when people would say "Why not just get a teaching job? That is what you want to school for, right?" I would hmmm-hawl around and avoid telling them that I was a failure when it comes to bubble tests! Now, I just state, "I do not have a license." It's much easier than saying "Yes World! I, Stacey Lynn Modricker-Pagan, am a failure!"
So, going into the schools again is going to be really hard! I had such dreams of being able to run my own classroom, change so many young kids' minds, help them prepare for the big, bad, scary world! It's not bad enough that I help Eluides a lot with his homework grading and cleaning his ungodly cluttered classroom. . . . (It never fails, I always leave in a pissy mood because I realize how much I want to be in the classroom), but I may be going back. . . I mean, seriously, do I love to torture myself? I guess so. . .
I'm seriously becoming lower and lower in regards to this job routine! I've never in my life had such difficulty finding a job! The first time I lived up here in NWI it was a wee bit difficult, but the Radisson pulled through and gave me two years of experience. Right now, yeah, I know the economy is sucking the life out of people, but geeze! I've had a couple good interviews that I had hoped I'd get a job with them, yet they fell through. . . and it's been a while since I've had an interview. How else am I to market myself? I'm extremely dependable, loyal, hard working, a team player, a solo player, truthful, I don't miss a lot of work (c'mon, I took ONE week off after having a 10 pound baby and returned to work!) What else can I tell these people that are interviewing me? I so love a challenge and I am not going to stop until I find the answer (hmmm, maybe I should reflect upon that in regards to this darn job hunting!)
I have had a few people ask me "Stacey, WHY do you want to return to the job market? You have a great job at home!" Firstly, I was NOT made to stay at home. Yes, I have been so blessed to be able to stay at home with my two boys, raise them, and not have to shell out bucks for child care. . .however, they are both in school full-time now and Stacey needs something to do! There is only so much cleaning (OK, shut up) one can do. And, let's face it, my student loan companies are barking at the door. . . . there's only so much time I can put 'em off! I've worked on one year, so now I only have two more to keep them at bay! I wish I could find a way to forgive those loans! UGH! Two degrees, a LOT of moola later, and I"m unemployed! They keep stating how education will take you everywhere! EVERYWHERE? Oh that must be my house, because clearly it is not taken me anywhere!
OK, enough complaining. . . . I need to go scour the job boards!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Smell of Money
So, Thomas was to stay with my parents for 2 weeks! He was all super-excited to see them last Friday! He woke up one day last week and told me "Mommy, is today the day LJ comes home?" I thought it was because he was missing his big brother and replied with "Not today, TomTom, but tomorrow. Why, do you miss him?" I laughed at his reply, "Naw, I just wanna go home with Nanny and Papaw for two months!" Two months is the same as two weeks, two days, two years, two minutes and two seconds to a four year old! So, I chuckled, gave him a smooch and told him "Soon, TomTom, soon."
Well, Nanny and Papaw arrived on Friday evening and he was all "I'm staying at your house for TWO YEARS" Of course, Dad played that one up "Two years! WOW! We can do a lot in TWO years" I, of course, just shook my head!
So, off they go on Saturday afternoon for his TWO YEARS with Nanny and Papaw and his 'friends (aka cousins). . . LJ was home from his 2 WEEKS with them, and we were enjoying our time together with just him, as we had enjoyed our time together with just Thomas (sometimes it is good to spoil 'em that way:)
Well, Tom called on Tuesday evening, all sad and almost in tears, "Mommy, I want you to come get me right now! I wanna go home now!" Now, he has stayed with my parents before, for up to 6 days at at time, and he'd only been there for 3 nights! I was kind of shocked! Well, ok I was actually floored. So I tried reasoning with him that we'd come get him this weekend and he just was not having anything to do with it! So, I'm glad I was off this week, as well as Eluides. We packed up the backpack and headed down to ol Hartford City. . . .
There is always something about the drive into town that I enjoy. . . My roots callin' me home or something. . . as we were getting closer, someone was burning wood of some sort (maybe it was leaves) and, of course, like any insane person, I enjoy the smell of a wood fire burning. Maybe it reminds me of roasting marshmallows or something, but I like it. . . So, we were in the car with my husband and oldest asleep, and I was belting out some country tunes, and I was sniffing the air remembering childhood days . . . and I guess I sniffed TOO hard because the next thing I know, I am no longer sniffing a fire, but good ol country air! Also know in this family as "the smell of money" Yeah, yeah, it was the smell of manure! So, I stopped sniffing so hard and smiled. . . Oh yeah, I was going home! Just like the smell of wood fire, the smell of pig pooppoop brings back memories from childhood. It's not that I LIKE the smell of manure, but growing up in a country area, well, you get used to it! I'll never forget the time that my husband was teaching at my old high school -- a few miles away is a large pig farm! LOL He, being a city boy, was not used to the smell on a good, warm, humid day! It was rather funny :)
It's odd how scents can just slam me back into time. . . And generally, I love those trips back!
Well, Nanny and Papaw arrived on Friday evening and he was all "I'm staying at your house for TWO YEARS" Of course, Dad played that one up "Two years! WOW! We can do a lot in TWO years" I, of course, just shook my head!
So, off they go on Saturday afternoon for his TWO YEARS with Nanny and Papaw and his 'friends (aka cousins). . . LJ was home from his 2 WEEKS with them, and we were enjoying our time together with just him, as we had enjoyed our time together with just Thomas (sometimes it is good to spoil 'em that way:)
Well, Tom called on Tuesday evening, all sad and almost in tears, "Mommy, I want you to come get me right now! I wanna go home now!" Now, he has stayed with my parents before, for up to 6 days at at time, and he'd only been there for 3 nights! I was kind of shocked! Well, ok I was actually floored. So I tried reasoning with him that we'd come get him this weekend and he just was not having anything to do with it! So, I'm glad I was off this week, as well as Eluides. We packed up the backpack and headed down to ol Hartford City. . . .
There is always something about the drive into town that I enjoy. . . My roots callin' me home or something. . . as we were getting closer, someone was burning wood of some sort (maybe it was leaves) and, of course, like any insane person, I enjoy the smell of a wood fire burning. Maybe it reminds me of roasting marshmallows or something, but I like it. . . So, we were in the car with my husband and oldest asleep, and I was belting out some country tunes, and I was sniffing the air remembering childhood days . . . and I guess I sniffed TOO hard because the next thing I know, I am no longer sniffing a fire, but good ol country air! Also know in this family as "the smell of money" Yeah, yeah, it was the smell of manure! So, I stopped sniffing so hard and smiled. . . Oh yeah, I was going home! Just like the smell of wood fire, the smell of pig pooppoop brings back memories from childhood. It's not that I LIKE the smell of manure, but growing up in a country area, well, you get used to it! I'll never forget the time that my husband was teaching at my old high school -- a few miles away is a large pig farm! LOL He, being a city boy, was not used to the smell on a good, warm, humid day! It was rather funny :)
It's odd how scents can just slam me back into time. . . And generally, I love those trips back!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Family
Well, my LJ came home yesterday! It was so good to get a big ol hug from him! His hair has gotten shaggy, and is in need of a haircut, but he did well for the two weeks he was gone! This was the first time he has been gone for this long (normally it is only one week at a time); I was told he did not want to return! What can I say, the little stinker loves my parents!
I packed Thomas off in their SUV this evening for his two weeks. It's like I've only had one child for the past 2 weeks, and then again for the next. I love the fact that my two boys enjoy their one on one time with my parents, and it makes my heart full to know my parents enjoy their time with my boys. Because we live those three hours away, they only get to see my family (typically) once a month and that is only for really one full 24 hours. During that short time we have to shovel all our family time into it! So normally we don't go to bed until after 2am on Friday's and the same for Saturday's! It is hard, but I love visiting with family and friends when I go home, so I don't mind. I do hate the return trip though!!
So, today my dad redid my 'sidewalk' to the front of the house. Eluides had originally laid down some patio blocks, but did not have enough the first time around. So, my dad had told me he'd come up and help re-do it. This weekend he finally made it up to help me! And I should NOT say help me, because he mainly did it by himself! And it looks SOOOOO nice now! Eluides and I have to fill the sides with some sand, but the walk way looks great now! Thanks Daddy-o!
So, one must realize how lucky we are when our family is willing to help us so much! Although we are not always lucky enough to see our family and friends as often as we would like, those times that we do get to visit with them are cherished!
So, I hope Thomas enjoys his time with Nanny and Papaw this weekend as much as LJ did!
I packed Thomas off in their SUV this evening for his two weeks. It's like I've only had one child for the past 2 weeks, and then again for the next. I love the fact that my two boys enjoy their one on one time with my parents, and it makes my heart full to know my parents enjoy their time with my boys. Because we live those three hours away, they only get to see my family (typically) once a month and that is only for really one full 24 hours. During that short time we have to shovel all our family time into it! So normally we don't go to bed until after 2am on Friday's and the same for Saturday's! It is hard, but I love visiting with family and friends when I go home, so I don't mind. I do hate the return trip though!!
So, today my dad redid my 'sidewalk' to the front of the house. Eluides had originally laid down some patio blocks, but did not have enough the first time around. So, my dad had told me he'd come up and help re-do it. This weekend he finally made it up to help me! And I should NOT say help me, because he mainly did it by himself! And it looks SOOOOO nice now! Eluides and I have to fill the sides with some sand, but the walk way looks great now! Thanks Daddy-o!
So, one must realize how lucky we are when our family is willing to help us so much! Although we are not always lucky enough to see our family and friends as often as we would like, those times that we do get to visit with them are cherished!
So, I hope Thomas enjoys his time with Nanny and Papaw this weekend as much as LJ did!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Cookie Cutters & Egg Drop Soup
Ok, so it is Sunday and I'm needing to figure something out for dinner for my family, but I have no motivation to cook. I've cleaned the lower level (or maybe I should say ATTEMPTED). I'm trying to gather all my crap and make sure it is in one place, and not letting it creep into my husbands comic area. Seriously, I try hard. Maybe I just have too much crap?! Wait! Is it possible for a scrapbooker and rubber stamper to have TOO much stuff? NEVER! :) Anyhow, I bought a plastic shelf in hopes of being able to gather it in a tidier fashion and maybe declutter some other areas (trust me, the Lord knows I could use a mega decluttering session or two). So, I've been a busy worker bee! :)
So, today's topic is cookie cutters and egg drop soup. We love egg drop soup here, so I'm going going to try the recipe later this week, since it looks super easy :)
Keep various cookie cutters or clean scissors handy to make food fun! Cut designs out of cheese slices, cold cuts, sandwiches & Jell-o!
I LOVE cookie cutting the boys' sandwiches. They get such a kick out of it. During Halloween they get ghost, pumpkins, witches, etc. During Easter they get Easter eggs and jelly beans (don't ask), Christmas time they get all sorts of things like presents, angels, trees, bells, etc. Valentines they get hearts. They love the shaped sandwiches, as not only do they get a shape there is NO CRUST on the sandwiches! Oh how a 4 and 7 year old love crustless bread! :) If you have not tried using cookie cutters to spruce up some of your kiddies foods, you should really try it! I'm certain you will one of those 'priceless' moments when they see it! Oh and you can use others during non-holidays like the Wilton flower that is out there, as well as others. I use the Wilton cutters b/c they are large and use up almost an entire slice of bread :0)
Here is your Ramen Noodle recipe for today.
Egg Drop Soup
2 c water
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c diced onion
1/4 c diced celery
12/4 c diced green pepper
1 pkg chicken ramen noodles, with seasoning packet
In a sauce pan, bring water to boiling and add season packet, eggs and veggies. Stir constantly until eggs look done. Simmer 5 minutes. Add noodles and cook 3 - 5 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Serves 2.
Oh and just a reminder, Ramen Noodles will soon be dirt cheap (yes, cheaper than they normally are) because the stores will stare prepping for the return of college students, so if you see them on sale, STOCK UP!
PS: Ice Age 3 is awesome :)
So, today's topic is cookie cutters and egg drop soup. We love egg drop soup here, so I'm going going to try the recipe later this week, since it looks super easy :)
Keep various cookie cutters or clean scissors handy to make food fun! Cut designs out of cheese slices, cold cuts, sandwiches & Jell-o!
I LOVE cookie cutting the boys' sandwiches. They get such a kick out of it. During Halloween they get ghost, pumpkins, witches, etc. During Easter they get Easter eggs and jelly beans (don't ask), Christmas time they get all sorts of things like presents, angels, trees, bells, etc. Valentines they get hearts. They love the shaped sandwiches, as not only do they get a shape there is NO CRUST on the sandwiches! Oh how a 4 and 7 year old love crustless bread! :) If you have not tried using cookie cutters to spruce up some of your kiddies foods, you should really try it! I'm certain you will one of those 'priceless' moments when they see it! Oh and you can use others during non-holidays like the Wilton flower that is out there, as well as others. I use the Wilton cutters b/c they are large and use up almost an entire slice of bread :0)
Here is your Ramen Noodle recipe for today.
Egg Drop Soup
2 c water
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c diced onion
1/4 c diced celery
12/4 c diced green pepper
1 pkg chicken ramen noodles, with seasoning packet
In a sauce pan, bring water to boiling and add season packet, eggs and veggies. Stir constantly until eggs look done. Simmer 5 minutes. Add noodles and cook 3 - 5 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Serves 2.
Oh and just a reminder, Ramen Noodles will soon be dirt cheap (yes, cheaper than they normally are) because the stores will stare prepping for the return of college students, so if you see them on sale, STOCK UP!
PS: Ice Age 3 is awesome :)
Friday, July 3, 2009
T-Shirts & Minestrone
OK, today for Mommyhood & Ramen Noodles we have:
Wear a T-shirt with your child's name on it.
This is something I have NEVER done! However, maybe this fall I'll do it when the boys are in Fall soccer. I'll make me a shirt that states Super Soccer Mom of LJ and Tom. Kind of nice tone to it. Kind of dorky too! HAHA! Maybe I could do one that states Pagan's Mom HA HA! I wonder how many people would look at me like I'm the spawn of the devil? Hmmm. . . Maybe better scratch that one (and for all of you out there reading this -- there is an accent mark over the second a to make it sound like this pa-gone). So, who knows, maybe I'll get one of those shirts this year. . . or maybe I'll wait a few years :o)
And now, for your special Ramen Noodle recipe :)
Minestrone
1 pkg rame noodles, any flavor
1 can (10.75 oz) tomato soup, condensed
8 oz. spicey smoked sausage, thinly sliced
1/4 c cooked sliced celery
1/4 c cooked slicd carrots
1/4 c peas
1/2 c green beans
1/2 c canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper, to taste
Cook noodles in water according to directions. Do not drain. Add soup, sausage, and veggies. Simmer 5 - 10 minutes or until veggies are tender. Add more water by tablespoons in soup is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make 2 servings.
There you have it, an easy soup to make! YUM! :)
Wear a T-shirt with your child's name on it.
This is something I have NEVER done! However, maybe this fall I'll do it when the boys are in Fall soccer. I'll make me a shirt that states Super Soccer Mom of LJ and Tom. Kind of nice tone to it. Kind of dorky too! HAHA! Maybe I could do one that states Pagan's Mom HA HA! I wonder how many people would look at me like I'm the spawn of the devil? Hmmm. . . Maybe better scratch that one (and for all of you out there reading this -- there is an accent mark over the second a to make it sound like this pa-gone). So, who knows, maybe I'll get one of those shirts this year. . . or maybe I'll wait a few years :o)
And now, for your special Ramen Noodle recipe :)
Minestrone
1 pkg rame noodles, any flavor
1 can (10.75 oz) tomato soup, condensed
8 oz. spicey smoked sausage, thinly sliced
1/4 c cooked sliced celery
1/4 c cooked slicd carrots
1/4 c peas
1/2 c green beans
1/2 c canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper, to taste
Cook noodles in water according to directions. Do not drain. Add soup, sausage, and veggies. Simmer 5 - 10 minutes or until veggies are tender. Add more water by tablespoons in soup is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make 2 servings.
There you have it, an easy soup to make! YUM! :)
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