Monday, September 28, 2009

How I attempt to get ahead

I've learned some tricks for getting ahead that I'd like to share....

1. Casseroles.

This trickiest part about casseroles is to find some that aren't drenched in cheese and 3/4 pasta. I have found some that I really like on myrecipes.com. They have a link with light casseroles. Yessssss. Slow cooker meals are a great too. I cook 1 or 2 on Sunday and put half in the freezer, half in individualized tupperware for the week's lunches and dinners. It's just like a frozen dinner without all the preservatives.

2. Breakfast to-go

No, not from a fast food restaurant, but made in advance. I heat it up in the morning to liven up my 25 minute drive to work that just keeps getting longer some how. Ugh. I like making breakfast tacos with an egg white and egg mixture with turkey bacon. I'm about to add another egg breakfast compliments of my dear friend Alli: Omelets in a bag! It's genius! You put 2 eggs plus the toppings you would like in your omelet. Shake it up. Last, you just put the bag in boiling water for 13 minutes and voila - Omelet. In my opinion, I think it's better than a real omelet because it came out perfectly moist. Maybe I just haven't perfected cooking an omelet in a skillet, but I always over cook it on the outside and it just tastes gross. So thanks Alli, you've given me another recipe that will help me hit the snooze at least 2 more times!! Love you!

3. Lists.

If you know me at all, you'll know my love for lists and post-it notes.
I make lists for everything. Lists help me sleep at night. They help me priorotize. They make me feel productive. They make me feel in control. I would like to get better at making a shopping list in advance and sticking to it. I get so distracted at grocery stores, especially if I'm at a Super store. Isles of stuff I never knew I needed surround me! I think I just discovered my goal for my next grocery shopping trip: stick to my list. I always have one, but I never adhere to it at a grocery store.

Off to shower and wash my hair tonight. That will definitely give me an extra slam on the snooze tomorrow.

Socks

Have you ever noticed that you can tell a lot about a person by what kind of socks they wear?

For instance, you know someone wearing snug below-the-ankle socks is definitely under the age of 30 and at least moderately aware of their appearance. If they are athletic, they probably have special cushion on it or maybe a brand name.

Ankle socks indicate over the age of 30, but trying new things. I have noticed many women in their 40's-50's wearing the ankle socks... it's like they're almost there, but just can't bring themselves to wear what all the young kids wear.

Now, my personal fav would have to be the above-ankle socks with a scrunch. Ohhh, the scrunch... this person has absolutely no regard for current trends or style and could possibly fall into any age bracket. Yes, people, unfortunately any age bracket.

The gym is the best place to sock-watch. I do this a lot when I'm trying not to watch the clock on the treadmill. I also check the socks when I see a cute guy. In order, 1.) check socks to determine age and how aware he is of society 2.) check for ring 3.) check out muscle definition, just for fun.

Next time you're people-watching, look at the socks for a glimpse of a stranger's personality. Trust me, the imagination can easily start at the socks.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Kid Quotes #1

I always enjoy hearing funny kid quotes and have always said I should write down the crazy stuff I hear. Honestly, who doesn't love those forwards with all the cute and ridiculous quotes from kids under the age of 8?

Here's the start of my collection from my first few weeks from school:


Kid Quote #1

Me: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Kid: I want to be an astronaut. I want to be the first person on Mars.

Me: That is so cool! I can’t wait to see you on TV someday.

Kid: If you’re alive by then

Me: haha, I hope I am.

Kid: Well, I’m just making common sense. You’re an adult and I’m a kid. When I’m an adult, you’ll most likely be dead.

Me: Gulp.


Kid Quote #2

Me: What is another word that means the same as “SINGULAR”?

Kid responds with: seis

(for some reason, he thought I was speaking another language and said cinco... wrong either way you look at it)


Kid Quote #3

Me: Do you do that often?

Kid: offense? We play defense.


* this is why I love my job *

Not Joking

I was not joking about the fact that my life turns up side down come August and June. From 900 mph to -90 mph. My body is still adjusting.

This year, I have made several goals for myself. Both professionally (I won't bore you with those... ) and personally. By personally, I mean bettering my life outside of work. I'm not even going to include losing those 7 lbs I somehow acquired... that just goes without saying.

GOALS:
1. I will include my hobbies throughout the school year, not just June-July. Meaning, I will continue to cook, craft, and try new hobbies/activities. It will be on a smaller scale, but I feel hobbies help build a person's character as well as help us relax. It's like meditation for a busy body. There's no way I could "find my zen" and sit still for more than 1 minute... so I can reap the same benefits from doing things I like that don't involve paperwork or mind boggling procedures.

2. Read books. I'm not going to give myself a number, because that will be too much pressure when the busy weeks happen, but I want to keep reading.

3. Keep my work out schedule. Right now I am loving a Tues-Thurs work out class that I've only missed once since school started! I also want to look into 1ok's when the weather gets much less than scorching.

That's good for now... Don't want to get ahead of myself since the last school year I did not do any of #1 or #2.