Trying

I can't stop talking about how busy I am and how I can't wait for things to be normal again. This time around was not as nearly as difficult as the first time, but still I ache for some time off. Mostly, I want to work again. I actually miss it. Secondly, I want time to do the things I've put off--stuff around the house, toning muscles, hiking, using a real camera, and writing.

I promise myself once I'm done with this degree, I will devote my time to writing.  I will devote my time to something good. 

In the meantime, I do little things. Hop out of bed to wash my face and do one yoga pose. Put a load of laundry in. Blog on my phone. Take a short walk outside. All in hopes it will tide me over for a few more weeks. 

29th

I am two weeks behind but I will not forget this annual tradition of giving thanks.  Before I started, I read last year's thanks. I didn't remember how last year's birthday was spent, so reading the words back made me smile.  Digging in the dirt and soaking up the sunshine, I appreciate those words more than ever.  This year it rained hard.  I had school and then played hooky to buy some tomatoes.  Not much changed, except everything.  This year I went back to school, quit my horrible job, had surgery on a bum knee but that was nothing compared to K's surgery to his wrist, babies were born all around us, dogs stayed healthy, new friendships were formed, and roots started to grow.  Still, last year's list remains as ever important in my heart. 

29 things I am grateful for:

1. A husband who strives, loves, pranks, and makes me laugh.

2. Dogs who poke their blonde heads out from the back seat.

3.  And are warm from the sunshine.

4. Crisp stationary.

5. Babies who hide peas in their sleeves.

6. Being able to bend my knee all the way.

7. Gardening barefoot. 

8. Learning to write technically again.

9. Falling back in love with my career. 

10. A family who continues to nurture, cheer on, and help me achieve my dreams.

11. Caramel macchiatos.

12. Date night in.

13. Date night out.

14. Physical strength.

15. Good, though not very personable, orthopedic surgeons.

16. Showtime documentaries.

17. Red velvet cupcakes.

18. Parrot tulips.

19.  Friends who drop off care packages complete with baby hugs. 

20. Baking bread from scratch. 

21. Daily deer sightings.

22.  K getting into grad school.

23.  Sitting on the beach while the dogs run and chomp on shells. 

24. This blog and all that it allows me to do. 

25. Tomatillo salsa from Trader Joe's

26. Staying up way too late talking in bed. 

27. Keeping tomatoes in the laundry room to give them a fighting chance. 

28.   Seeing the end in sight but enjoying the time while its here.

29. Knowing next year is going to be even better.

Kentucky Derby Fundraiser

We are fortunate enough to have ambitious friends because it means we get to throw parties.  If I had more of a life, but I don't right now because I'm thisclose to finishing my degree, I would throw parties.  Just throw parties and maybe it would make people want to celebrate more or just be happier in life.  Some people work to live or work to play, I think I'll end up working to make a difference in the health care world and also so I can buy flowers and new vases. 

We have a friend who is running for a political position and so it was just a natural reason to have a party.  Let me briefly tell you how many boring political events we have been to: all of them. Patriotic colors ad nauseum and no understanding of mood lighting or the need for music in the background.  It is almost painful.  I think these type of events are a missed opportunity to infuse some life into the picture.  Why not throw a theme into the mix every once and awhile?  For God's sake, at least make sure the food is decent. 


Anyways, here is our Kentucky Derby Fundraiser.  Complete with spray-painted gold horses, fancy hats, and chicken and waffles on a stick. 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's focus on the food for a minute. 

Don't expect any recipes on this post because nothing came from a recipe.  Chicken and waffles was simply chicken skewered and dipped in waffle batter with a drizzle of honey on top.  The hot browns consisted of toasted bread, horseradish mustard, topped with turkey, cheese, bacon, and tomato.  The pea salad included peas (what!), radishes, goat cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette.  The pork was roasted the day ahead and a red pepper puree with paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, and vinegar added on top. 

I am a horrible baker so every dessert was store bought and arranged on a nice plate.  Not pictured were powdered doughnut holes and chocolates. These all were a big hit, despite the simplicity. 

I can't promise I'll have more time for parties any time soon.  But, watch out when I do! 

Gold trophies from Oriental Trading, mint julep vases found at Safeway (I know!), horses from Joann Fabrics, and ribbons were a huge score from Misty Meadows Antiques in Gig Harbor, who just so happened to go to an estate sale of a women who use to compete in horse competitions!