Today was a difficult day. All morning long the phone was ringing which put me behind. I know that some day will be bad and some days will be good but the morning was a doozey for sure!
After work Linda and I went to the gym to work out. I ended up running really hard for 20 minutes. I need to make sure to take off the incline because when my feet were hitting they were way TOO loud. I felt so much better afterwards, except I was starving. I need to get my body back into a better place, its ok now but I would like some endurance back.
Music Monday is the last one for 2013 so I goggled the top song of 2013 and this came up: The Monster. I actually do like the song especially when I'm driving; it's catchy and fun to sing to.
What are your New Year's Eve plans?
I have big plans.... stay tuned.....
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Post Christmas
On Thursday after work I dropped treats off for Bonnie and her family. Later on I was able to Skype with Nicole while I unpacked. I didn't get a whole lot unpacked as we were giggling hysterically!
On Friday after work Linda and I stopped at Panera for dinner, it's my new favorite place! We also decided that we need to work out regularly... soon!
On Saturday I unpacked my last box! Applause! Linda and I went to an antique store looking for a desk for me but had no luck! As Linda and I were sitting down to a late lunch/early dinner my Dad texted me asking if I wanted to have family dinner and say goodbye to my aunt and uncle. I agreed and car pooled with my sister. My sister was very late, which frustrated me to no end. Lesson learned: drive myself to be on time!
On Sunday I took the tree down and put up some of my pictures. I'm looking forward to relaxing the rest of the day.
How was your post Christmas time?
On Friday after work Linda and I stopped at Panera for dinner, it's my new favorite place! We also decided that we need to work out regularly... soon!
On Saturday I unpacked my last box! Applause! Linda and I went to an antique store looking for a desk for me but had no luck! As Linda and I were sitting down to a late lunch/early dinner my Dad texted me asking if I wanted to have family dinner and say goodbye to my aunt and uncle. I agreed and car pooled with my sister. My sister was very late, which frustrated me to no end. Lesson learned: drive myself to be on time!
On Sunday I took the tree down and put up some of my pictures. I'm looking forward to relaxing the rest of the day.
How was your post Christmas time?
Merry Christmas!
Christmas morning Linda, Linda's grandson Johnathan, and I had brunch Christmas morning. I made cinnamon rolls, I hope to have the recipe posted soon! We had a lovely time visiting and opening gifts.
Later on in the day I headed to my parent's. We were told that we all had to arrive on time. Brandon, Becky and I were on time and my sister and Edgar were late so the on time crew walked around a local park. Once we were all together we began our scavenger hunt.
The other part of our Christmas surprise is that my dad's brother and his wife came up from California to surprise us too! We had a lovely time!
How was your Christmas?
Later on in the day I headed to my parent's. We were told that we all had to arrive on time. Brandon, Becky and I were on time and my sister and Edgar were late so the on time crew walked around a local park. Once we were all together we began our scavenger hunt.
Here is clue #1.
Close up of clue #1.
Onto the next clue.
Here's clue #3.
Clue #3 said to count exactly 40 steps and then knock on the door. It would be my Dad's boss's house and hen we would get clue #4.
However, the surprise was that my parent's bough their dream house! It's also the model home so it came furnished!
Looking into the great room.
My sister and my parents.
Upstairs laundry room. AKA Bentley's room.
The upstairs bedroom. My parents call this room the boy room.
Another upstairs bedroom. My parents call this the girl room. The pain has glitter in it... LOVE it!
In my parent's tub.
Upstairs kid's room.
Going down the stairs.
Alcove by the stairs.
Office by the front of the house.
Downstairs bathroom.
Main entry way.
Living room.
Dinning room.
Kitchen. My Mom is working on our Christmas dinner.
All of us kiddos!
The other part of our Christmas surprise is that my dad's brother and his wife came up from California to surprise us too! We had a lovely time!
How was your Christmas?
Bittersweet Truffles
I made these truffles once before but I used a scoop that was too large. I have also used different coatings but the cocoa powder really works best.
Bring 2 cups heavy whipping cream to a low boil. Be careful to keep
an eye on the cream becasue as soon as it boils it can overflow quickly.
Also, stir constantly as you don't want it to clump.
You are going to need the best bittersweet chocolate
you can find. I found Ghiradelli, YUM!
Place 12 ounces (which equals 1 and 1/2 cups chocolate chips) in a bowl.
Once the cream is ready pour over the chocolate chips but use the sifter.
You will want the sifter to catch the weird gross pieces.
The heat of the cream will marry with the chocolate.
Leave the two alone for three minutes.
After three minutes wisk to combine.
It will look weird for quite sometime but eventually it will look like this:
After everything is luscious and lovely place uncovered the fridge for one hour.
I ended up keeping mine in over night.
Using a small cookie ball scooper scoop even mounds of chocolate
and place the chocolate in a dish, it will get messy.
Place back in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so everything
can re-set and you can assemble for the next step.
Now you are going to need to get the next step ready by
sifting cocoa and getting the liners ready.
Using your hands roll the mounds so they are even and place in the sifted cocoa. Coat the mounds with the cocoa powder and then place in a liner. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
This recipe made 48 truffles.
Enjoy!
Christmas Eve
We (as in my co-workers and I) were able to leave work early. As soon as I came home I began my marathon of baking. Recipes coming soon!
While baking goodies I watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas. It was one of my Grandpa's favorite movies. I also got my first visitors at my new place. Nicole's Dad and little brother, David, came by with this:
I'm now done baking for feels like a life time so I'm sorry this post is so short but I have to get into bed soon as Santa will be coming! Here's a small sampling of what I made:
While baking goodies I watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas. It was one of my Grandpa's favorite movies. I also got my first visitors at my new place. Nicole's Dad and little brother, David, came by with this:
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Canon
Tonight I went to Brittany's house for our friend's Christmas. I picked up pizzas and we watched Home Alone, it's the best Christmas movie.... well.... one of the best.
Anyway after eating/vegging out we opened presents. I gave Kevin the card game cards against humanity.... it's awesome! Then we gave Toby his haircut. He now looks like a million bucks.
I have a lot to get done so here's music Monday: my favorite Christmas song!
What's your favorite Christmas song?
Anyway after eating/vegging out we opened presents. I gave Kevin the card game cards against humanity.... it's awesome! Then we gave Toby his haircut. He now looks like a million bucks.
I have a lot to get done so here's music Monday: my favorite Christmas song!
What's your favorite Christmas song?
Sunday, December 22, 2013
I have the BEST friends ever!
Here's the low down of what has happened since Wednesday...
Wednesday (exactly one week before Christmas) evening on my way home form work I thought I would stop at the grocery store to get some items for Christmas baking but I had a gnawing feeling that I needed to get home asap. When I came home there was a packet on my door stating that the bank now owned the house and to call the bank. Well, the bank was closed and the gal at the call center had no idea what to do with me.
Onto Thursday I was hopeful that the bank would want keep tenants and that basically I would have to fill out some new paper work in order to continue on renting. I had not heard from the bank so I called again and was told that the paperwork had been transferred to the banks lawyers. I then spoke with a lawyer who stated that my landlord NEVER told the bank that there were tenants! The lawyer informed me that I would need to be out by Sunday!!!! By this point I was panicked and scared out of my mind! I cried pretty much the whole day. That evening so many friends offered support and comfort. Brittany and Kevin came and helped me pack up.
On Friday I called and spoke with the lawyer again. We discussed many options. I'm not going to talk about everything we discussed because a lot will be transpiring. Anyway, my AMAZING friends came to my rescue and packed me up on Friday. Bonnie, David, Vicky and Linda got everything all boxed up and ready to go in under an hour! I'm so thankful for their help and care. I was in awe of their love for me. They are friends not family but they love me as family. I'm so blessed!
On Saturday more friends came and helped pack everything into vehicles. Rhett, Randy, Diana, Bonnie and Paul were such troopers with everything! I had to rent a trailer and while at the rental store the man asked what we were using it for. I told him I had to move with very short notice and he was so kind. Instead of charging me the standard $35 he only charged me $15... again I'm blessed. We then took everything to my new, beautiful, huge apartment. My old apartment was 234 square feet and now I'm in 1,200 square feet! I might get lost! Anywhoo after everything was moved in I had to take my cable box back. At the cable store the clerk told me that I had over paid last month AND I was initially charged a starting fee, thus bringing cutting my bill by two thirds! Again, I'm very blessed! That evening Linda, my new landlord (she is really my friend!) and I went to dinner and reflected on my journey. I'm just so happy that it all worked out!
Sunday morning Linda and I unpacked and organized everything. I have 5 boxes left to go through but my new apartment looks amazing! We then went to what seemed like 100 stores but it was actually 6 stores trying to find a Christmas tree stand. We never found one. On our way home we got a Christmas tree anyway! At home I sawed off a lot limbs on the bottom and we used a large pot with river rocks to act as a tree stand. We also used some boxes to help distribute the weight and balance the tree! Who needs a man!?!? We did it ourselves! HA! Linda let me borrow some of her extra Christmas decorations to decorate. In one of my boxes I found my Christmas ornaments and added to the tree. We had Christmas music on while we decorated.
I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with such wonderful friends. Without their support I would be lost for sure. On Thursday night I remembering praying begging him for guidance and feeling like he deserted me. I remember feeling so empty, forgotten, and sad. Heavenly Father had a plan for me. He was working behind the scenes and did amazing work to get everything all figured out. Everything fell into place so perfectly. I know he loves me and is watching over me. I'm so over joyed with how everything has come together!
Wednesday (exactly one week before Christmas) evening on my way home form work I thought I would stop at the grocery store to get some items for Christmas baking but I had a gnawing feeling that I needed to get home asap. When I came home there was a packet on my door stating that the bank now owned the house and to call the bank. Well, the bank was closed and the gal at the call center had no idea what to do with me.
Onto Thursday I was hopeful that the bank would want keep tenants and that basically I would have to fill out some new paper work in order to continue on renting. I had not heard from the bank so I called again and was told that the paperwork had been transferred to the banks lawyers. I then spoke with a lawyer who stated that my landlord NEVER told the bank that there were tenants! The lawyer informed me that I would need to be out by Sunday!!!! By this point I was panicked and scared out of my mind! I cried pretty much the whole day. That evening so many friends offered support and comfort. Brittany and Kevin came and helped me pack up.
On Friday I called and spoke with the lawyer again. We discussed many options. I'm not going to talk about everything we discussed because a lot will be transpiring. Anyway, my AMAZING friends came to my rescue and packed me up on Friday. Bonnie, David, Vicky and Linda got everything all boxed up and ready to go in under an hour! I'm so thankful for their help and care. I was in awe of their love for me. They are friends not family but they love me as family. I'm so blessed!
On Saturday more friends came and helped pack everything into vehicles. Rhett, Randy, Diana, Bonnie and Paul were such troopers with everything! I had to rent a trailer and while at the rental store the man asked what we were using it for. I told him I had to move with very short notice and he was so kind. Instead of charging me the standard $35 he only charged me $15... again I'm blessed. We then took everything to my new, beautiful, huge apartment. My old apartment was 234 square feet and now I'm in 1,200 square feet! I might get lost! Anywhoo after everything was moved in I had to take my cable box back. At the cable store the clerk told me that I had over paid last month AND I was initially charged a starting fee, thus bringing cutting my bill by two thirds! Again, I'm very blessed! That evening Linda, my new landlord (she is really my friend!) and I went to dinner and reflected on my journey. I'm just so happy that it all worked out!
Sunday morning Linda and I unpacked and organized everything. I have 5 boxes left to go through but my new apartment looks amazing! We then went to what seemed like 100 stores but it was actually 6 stores trying to find a Christmas tree stand. We never found one. On our way home we got a Christmas tree anyway! At home I sawed off a lot limbs on the bottom and we used a large pot with river rocks to act as a tree stand. We also used some boxes to help distribute the weight and balance the tree! Who needs a man!?!? We did it ourselves! HA! Linda let me borrow some of her extra Christmas decorations to decorate. In one of my boxes I found my Christmas ornaments and added to the tree. We had Christmas music on while we decorated.
I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with such wonderful friends. Without their support I would be lost for sure. On Thursday night I remembering praying begging him for guidance and feeling like he deserted me. I remember feeling so empty, forgotten, and sad. Heavenly Father had a plan for me. He was working behind the scenes and did amazing work to get everything all figured out. Everything fell into place so perfectly. I know he loves me and is watching over me. I'm so over joyed with how everything has come together!
My tree!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Update
Today has been a whirlwind and I will update more later but know that I'm all moved out from the old place and now into my NEW, HUGE, BEAUTIFUL apartment! I'm beyond blessed!!!!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
White flag
It's Christmas time and everyone is happy, filled with hope for the new year and merry.
I'm none of those things.
I'm devastated, in shock, numb, hurt and confused.
When I called the bank today they referred me to the lawyer's office who was handling the case. The lawyer's office said that I had to be out by December 22nd... that's 3 days away.... then the tears started and haven't stopped since.
The lawyer informed me that my landlord was informed of everything being taken over by the bank on November 25th and that the bank and lawyer's office had NO idea there were tenants.
Brittany came to my rescue with tape, bubble warp, packing paper, and boxes. Then Kevin joined us for an evening of packing.
My life is in shambles. I have two wonderful friends welcome me with open arms to their homes but I don't know what to do and I don't know which friend I should move in with. I'm BEYOND grateful for their kindness but I'm just so confused.
My body hurts from the stress and from the all of my tears. My white flag is waving.
I'm none of those things.
I'm devastated, in shock, numb, hurt and confused.
When I called the bank today they referred me to the lawyer's office who was handling the case. The lawyer's office said that I had to be out by December 22nd... that's 3 days away.... then the tears started and haven't stopped since.
The lawyer informed me that my landlord was informed of everything being taken over by the bank on November 25th and that the bank and lawyer's office had NO idea there were tenants.
Brittany came to my rescue with tape, bubble warp, packing paper, and boxes. Then Kevin joined us for an evening of packing.
My body hurts from the stress and from the all of my tears. My white flag is waving.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Eviction
Today was an awesome day at work. I got everything done and just had a nice day.
On my way home I had intended to stop at the store to get some items for Christams baking but I had a gnawing feeling that I needed to get home asap.
Well once I got home I found an eviction notice on my door.
Fuck my life.
My landlord defaulted on the loan she had with the bank and the house was repossessed last week. There was a handout stating the eviction process but no date. I called the 1800 number for the bank but because my landlord didn't provide me with an account or any other information to track any of this the bank was unable to help me. Hopefully someone from the bank will call tomorrow with an update.
I immediately called my sister who did her best to calm me down. I then ate my entire weight in chocolate and now I've been crying for several hours. I realize I need to handle this better but between this and today's new development I'm feeling like I can't take much more on my plate. My head hurts from crying. My nose is all stuffy from crying. I can't see the screen to type from too many tears.
This is me saying 'uncle' to the universe.
On my way home I had intended to stop at the store to get some items for Christams baking but I had a gnawing feeling that I needed to get home asap.
Well once I got home I found an eviction notice on my door.
Fuck my life.
My landlord defaulted on the loan she had with the bank and the house was repossessed last week. There was a handout stating the eviction process but no date. I called the 1800 number for the bank but because my landlord didn't provide me with an account or any other information to track any of this the bank was unable to help me. Hopefully someone from the bank will call tomorrow with an update.
I immediately called my sister who did her best to calm me down. I then ate my entire weight in chocolate and now I've been crying for several hours. I realize I need to handle this better but between this and today's new development I'm feeling like I can't take much more on my plate. My head hurts from crying. My nose is all stuffy from crying. I can't see the screen to type from too many tears.
This is me saying 'uncle' to the universe.
2 turned into 3!
I made a double batch of cornbread muffins and chili for the anticipated work parties. I was trying to plan ahead. So, this morning I put on my Jackie Kennedy dress (yes I have different dresses that remind me of certain people) and green tights to get into the Christmas spirit.
When I arrived at work I was surprised becasue there a ton of food/decorations already out despite the fact the I came in early to help set up my chili in the crock pot. Come to find out the clinicians were having a breakfast potluck and decided to include the office staff as well. No complaints from me! It was a yummy and in no way healthy breakfast but again so yummy... such a struggle!
At lunch we had the office staff Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. I walked away with a gift card to Starbucks and a huge bag of Starbucks coffee. Yes, I love Starbucks!
Right after work ended I then headed to the rehab Christmas party with all of my former co-workers. We had yet another white elephant gift exchange which was fun. I miss them but at the same time I know I made the best decision for me.
Now that I'm home and have on stretchy pants (HA!) I'm trying to get some of these post finished and posted.
What holiday parties have you gone to? Any good white elephant gift stories?
When I arrived at work I was surprised becasue there a ton of food/decorations already out despite the fact the I came in early to help set up my chili in the crock pot. Come to find out the clinicians were having a breakfast potluck and decided to include the office staff as well. No complaints from me! It was a yummy and in no way healthy breakfast but again so yummy... such a struggle!
At lunch we had the office staff Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. I walked away with a gift card to Starbucks and a huge bag of Starbucks coffee. Yes, I love Starbucks!
Right after work ended I then headed to the rehab Christmas party with all of my former co-workers. We had yet another white elephant gift exchange which was fun. I miss them but at the same time I know I made the best decision for me.
Here is Vicky and I. She's my buddy!
We are very festive aren't we?
What holiday parties have you gone to? Any good white elephant gift stories?
Love stinks
I have been having a pity of sorts with myself because at the moment I'm sad to be single. It comes and goes in waves and lately it's been a major low. I think it's largely in part that EVERYONE around me has a special someone. I just need a place where I can let it out.... so you may want to skip this whole post all together... consider this your warning!
I feel like that no matter how hard I try to be funny or try to be pretty I'm man repellant. Some people say 'oh when you stop trying it will happen'. Well I don't think that's going to happen or even when I'm fine with being single NOTHING happens! Or I'm told 'just be yourself' and obviously that is not working either.
I can't help but think it's me.... There has to be something so wrong with me.... that's the only thing that makes any sense. I have been told that I also have high expectations and that they are unrealistic.... I guess wanting a guy to have a stable job, be pleasant, and for grins and giggles not have a million facial tattoos makes me have 'high expectations'.
If this is what my life has come to then I just want to pick myself up, swear off of the human race, and live in a cave with a million cats.
I have tried online dating with disastrous results. I actually signed up on eHarmony..... biggest joke ever! I'm getting matched with men in their 50's or unemployed 19 year olds. If it's supposed to be a whole 'scientifically' proven way to find love then I guess I do have high expectations.
Apparently, God, the universe, and the puppeteer who runs my life all say that I'm destine to be single.
Ok... it's out and I feel better.
Onto music Monday: Love stinks
I feel like that no matter how hard I try to be funny or try to be pretty I'm man repellant. Some people say 'oh when you stop trying it will happen'. Well I don't think that's going to happen or even when I'm fine with being single NOTHING happens! Or I'm told 'just be yourself' and obviously that is not working either.
I can't help but think it's me.... There has to be something so wrong with me.... that's the only thing that makes any sense. I have been told that I also have high expectations and that they are unrealistic.... I guess wanting a guy to have a stable job, be pleasant, and for grins and giggles not have a million facial tattoos makes me have 'high expectations'.
If this is what my life has come to then I just want to pick myself up, swear off of the human race, and live in a cave with a million cats.
I have tried online dating with disastrous results. I actually signed up on eHarmony..... biggest joke ever! I'm getting matched with men in their 50's or unemployed 19 year olds. If it's supposed to be a whole 'scientifically' proven way to find love then I guess I do have high expectations.
Apparently, God, the universe, and the puppeteer who runs my life all say that I'm destine to be single.
Ok... it's out and I feel better.
Onto music Monday: Love stinks
Almond Cookies
When I was little my Mom's best friend, Marta, would make these cookies for us and we all loved them! We call them Scandinavian Almond Cookies or Almond cookies.... either way they are tasty!
In a bowl place 2 cups sugar with 1 cup softened butter.
Mix until combined.
Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon almond extract.
Mix until your whole house smells like almonds.
Add 3 and 1/2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Mix until soft dough forms.
Because I'm using most of this dough for Christmas I divided it into 8 pieces. I placed the pieces of dough in freezer bags and into the freezer they went.
One of the sections I rolled into a log about 12 inches
long and placed on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Then with my hand I flattened the dough 3 inches wide.
I then brushed the surface with milk.
Next comes the slivered almonds.
Bake at 3255 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
******FYI-You can bake two logs at a time******
As soon as the sheet is out of the oven score one inch apart diagonally
Let cool and then drizzle with icing.
Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/2 cup milk.
I took a batch to my little brother... he loves them as much as I do!
Enjoy!
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