Project List

It took a few days, but I think I've finally recovered from our trip. Doing yoga at sunset, meditating and switching to a vegan diet really helps to calm & soothe my soul... Too bad I didn't do any of that stuff.  But now that self imposed hibernation is over, it's time to get off my duff. I'm hoping that by listing out all the pending projects jumbled in my head, it will help organize and motivate me.

[And because I started this post two days ago, I've already crossed a few things off!  I'm probably cheating by leaving them on the list, but if you don't call me on it- I'd be much obliged.]

• Buy more worms, restart the vermi-composting - The shock and anger from the mass genocide has passed, and my grief counselor (of course I consulted one!) says it's time to move on.  Plus I really miss it. Who knew collecting worm poop was so addictive?
• Plant more seeds (our soil seems to harbor a fungus that infects every new tomato plant that kills it after one crop, so I keep having to replant new seedlings every 2 months in order to have a regular supply of veggies).  (Done, done, done...did this while Ryan napped today)
• Finish Ryan's vacation book (I do one after each trip we takes, nothing fancy...it's just a simple 'story' in a Word doc with pictures that I print out so he remembers the trip a little better).    (Hey...it was a long nap!)
• Make raw (no bake) energy bars - I've never done anything like this before, kinda excited...just hope the Riz likes 'em.  Riz likes 'em well enough, the problem is...mama likes 'em a lot.  Too much.
• Have Ryan finger paint (I am the *worst* mother ever when it comes to arts and crafts projects).  I just found his apron (still in the wrapper) and some fingerpaints we nabbed at a garage sale 9 months ago, so...no excuses!
• Start training!  I hadn't realized my 16 week training program started 2 weeks ago, so I now have a 14-week training program.  Whoops.  I also regained 4 lbs. since the ultra.  Double whoops.  [Post note: One week down...so far so good!]
• Plan our first camping trip for 2012- I  try to do this at least once, if not twice a year.  It's good for the boys, and it forces me to unplug for a few days.  It's happening- this weekend with the three boys.  Just gotta keep 'em away from that great white circling Pine Trees...yikes.
• Cook my first roast! - We try not to eat meat at home (when we're out its another story), but every so often I like to strap on my apron and serve up some good 'ol fashioned meat to my main man, you know what I'm sayin?  I'm thinking old school- some rosemary, broth, potatoes, carrots...just like the pioneers used to make (if the pioneers also used a slow cooker).    [Post note:  Just did this one for Rich's birthday lunch...I bought my first roast and now know why I hate doing this stuff.  Raw meat is gross.  Gross, gross, gross!  Still I glad I did though, everything in moderation...]
• Start working on Ryan's birthday party - my favorite event of the year!  :-)  I think we're going to do a small family party this year, but my mind is already whirring with tons of ideas.  Invitations, pennant, popcorn boxes, menu, slide show and a few other things are done...getting excited!
• Attempt my first oven baked frittata - I'm a simple country girl from an island in the middle of the Pacific, so I didn't even know what a frittata was until about a year ago.  Don't laugh.  I bet most people in New York City don't know what a spam musubi is...so who's more embarrassed now?!

My first frittata...decided to get a glass pie pan instead of cast iron pot ($$$), and it worked great.  I sauteed a purple onion, tomatoes, green onions, fresh spinach and a potato in olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic, then put it in the pie pan.  Then I poured in a dozen (whisked) eggs, shredded cheese, a cup of milk, and baked it for 30 min. @450 degrees, and ta-da!  A protein-packed, vegetarian breakfast!  I paired it with some whole wheat banana, pineapple & blueberry bread I baked a few days ago.  Here's the funny part- I didn't touch the frittata.  I don't like eggs.  :-)

Don't worry...he doesn't have a 'stache anymore.  We shaved it off.

Ry's breakfast (avocado, pineapple & Hawaiian sweetbread) from yesterday in his new Mickey Mouse "plate".  It was actually part of his meal at the park one day, but I couldn't bear to throw the cute, flimsy plate away.  :-)

Heh heh...Ry had his first optometrist visit today.  He loved it.  It was hys-terical.   He kept leaning to side and whispering to me for answers anytime he couldn't read certain letters.