Reflecting on 2007

For some reason this time of year leaves me reflecting on the past year. 2007 was the year I was desperately trying to change and every change hit a speed bump which caused everything to remain the same. (You know, wanting to have a baby and getting negative after negative. Trying to sell our condo and having to take it off the market because of our bad timing.) And the things that did change, well weren't that great - Adeus Avo. It is the year of continued stagnation and more loss.

But it also was the year that brought me a new brother-in-law. So it can't be marked as a complete bust.

As I look forward, 2008 brings more promise. And maybe only good change will happen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Winter Wonderland

If you can't beat them, join them. I am not a huge fan of the snow, but currently I live in a place that has been getting a lot of it. So, in honor of my winter wonderland, I felt a need to change the look of my blog.

My last few Christmas Holidays, I felt the same way. If you can't beat them join them. I was apprehensive and cautious about the child filled holiday. But this year, I didn't have that nervousness or ba hum bug feeling. (Although I did and do prepare for the panic attacks that always happened in my car ride home at this time.)

Instead, I've been singing in the car. Looking forward to my baking for my little guests and T (who is a big child). I've been delighted in the gifts that we have bought, and I can't wait to see if they are liked. I sent cards, although a little late.

We took it easy. We didn't even put up a Tree. But, I will be getting my Nativity scene up. Only the little ones and my parents got actual gifts; everyone else gift certificates. (Although T and I got each other some gifts.) And we are throwing a small get together but ordering most of the food. Ultimately, so far it has been a great holiday season.

As the next few days will be the most busy. I'd like to wish you all a very happy and merry holiday! And a peaceful, healthy, and charmed New Year!

Cooking

I will start off by saying that I am not a natural cook. You know the people who throw a little of this and a little of that and get a magnificent decadent dinner. I have plenty of these individuals in my family, the hubby, my mom, and my sister.

I am a natural baker. Following directions and being precise are both inherent in me. (Probably why I was good in Chemistry.) And cooking is a challenge. Since 2007was the year of facing challenges, I resolved to cook more regularly. My goal was to cook two to three times a week with an occasional venturing out of my norm of a meat, a starch, and a vegetable.

The first three months, I was diligent, but a mix of delicious and debacles. A few immediate wins with myself and T were Meatloaf, Feta Chicken, and Salsa Chicken.

The debacles presented themselves in the Roast Pork in a Pan and mushy beef stew. Trust me, don’t put cauliflower in a stew until the very end.

During these adventures, I was cautious and followed the recipes to the tee. Luckily they were mostly successes. After a few months, I felt more courageous. T’s accolades helped me venture out, as well as, many of you.

Kimberly’s Mac and Cheese looked so good. I had to try. When I decided to make it, I sadly realized that I had forgotten the V*lveta and had to adapt. So, I got more adventurous and decided to try this recipe instead (also from Allr*cipes). (It came out so well, that I think I’ll be making it for T’s little cousins for Christmas Eve.)

This need to be creative, gave me more courage to be adventurous, a few weeks ago I tried Chicken Cordon Bleu. Now, this is a recipe that always intimidated me. Complete bravery is what inspired me. After all, I hadn’t had any serious debacles since January. Bravery was and is a new feeling to cooking. I took a deep breath and went to the grocery store. The deli clerk told me about how he uses rosemary ham and K*rry Gold Iris Swiss Cheese. I got further inspired and added a tsp. of rosemary and ground mustard to the bread crumbs. It was scrumptious, before I realized T had four pieces. (Thinking of making these bit sized and serving them for Christmas Eve too.)

Writing this post made me realized how apprehensive I was about cooking and how my resolutions this year really helped me gain some comfort in the kitchen. Next year, I will be taking some cooking classes. I found a class that goes on every couple of months. It is a new adventure that I’m personally looking forward to.

**I'm sorry that I don't have any photos of my own creations. My digital camera has been out of sorts - I've actually asked for a new one for Christmas. And my cellphone doesn't have one. (I can hear the gasp from here :).) Hopefully in the next few months I'll become more technology savey. Looking forward to getting a new cellphone too!

May I have a cookie?

I have been swamped and completely overwhelmed with all of my work that I haven't had time to read or write. I am sorry.

Lets put it this way on Tuesday I worked until 6:00pm, and Wednesday I was at work at 5:45 am and left at 5:30 pm. So I wasn't even out of the office for a full 12 hours before I worked 12 hours!

My job is customarily a 9-5 special. And I know how spoiled I am, but I am not used to working 12 hours straight with out lunch. Goodness!

So, I promise to write about cooking, yoga, the holidays. I think that was what one out. I'll probably write about everythign else as many of you suggested. Thank you to you all that responded :), for some reason I get worried that no one will answer when I ask.

Off to the weekend....so looking forward to sleeping. Did I tell you have a terrible cold too? Thanks to a husband who refused to take care of his cold and decided to share. Ugh...really I am in a happy place :). Just sniffle and very, very, very tired!