Irish Faire Perfect for your St. Patrick's Day Dinner

Honestly, while I can eat corned beef, I am not a huge fan of it. Or rather, should I say my acid reflux is not a huge fan. So, I tend to avoid making it, which leaves me to come up with other alternatives for our annual St. Patrick's Day dinner. But honestly, I love the challenge.

Here are some dishes I've tried over the years, and some that are on my list for future St. Patrick's Days.

First up is my family's recipe handed down to from my Grandmother Velma. She comes from a line of Lawsons and Garveys (O'Garvey), both of Irish descent. This bread recipe can be made into rolls, as many people prefer.

Grandma Velma's Irish Potato Bread

Allan Rosenberg/Cole Group/Photodisc/Getty Image

There is also this yummy recipe from Taste of Home for Irish Soda Bread {click here} which I'll be serving up this year.

Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

As far as the rest of my menu, here is what I am making:
Dubliner Irish Chicken {click here}

Photo courtesy of Kerrygold USA | ORNUA FOODS NORTH AMERICA INC

as well as Roasted Ranch Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese {click here}

Photo by Joyously Domestic

I will also be paring it was some steamed asparagus, and for dessert caramelized pears with pistachio creme. (Pictures and recipes to come later.)

12 Other ideas:

Bangers & Mash {click here}

Best Ever Shepherd's Pie 

Irish Fish and Chips {click here}

Boxty, aka Irish Potato Pancakes
Side note: Serve your Boxty with smoked salmon or roast beef & gravy.

Irish Lamb Stew {click here}

Rachel Ray's Irish Pub Meatloaf {click here}

Irish Pork Stew {click here}

One-Pan Irish Chicken {Click Here}

Irish Farmhouse Chicken Casserole

Irish Chicken and Dumplings {click here}

Irish Soda Bread Pizza! {Click here} - True, perhaps this isn't a traditional, ancient Irish recipe, but it is an authentic one, and one the kiddos will love!

Gammon Steak (Irish Ham Steak) {click here}

Holiday Treats

No doubt we all have some favorite treats around the holidays.  Here are a three of mine and it's not too late to try them, because they are great for New Year's too!

No-Bake Cookies {{Click for recipe}}

Monkey Bread {{Click for recipe}}

Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts {{Click for recipe}}

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Six

I am grateful for healing foods.

It was sort of ironic to me that after I posted yesterday about feeling better after having a migraine for three days, I ended up getting sick last night, violent retching  included.  Bleh.  Not.A.Fan.

I slept most of the day today, as much as I could and finally getting up enough courage to eat a little.  I remember growing up, my mom would give us herbal tea for an upset stomach.  Spearmint and Chamomile are great for upset stomachs.  She always had us stick to the BRAT diet in those times.  Bananas, Rice, Apple juice, and Toast.  If we didn't have Apple Juice on hand (which we rarely did), then she would substitute a little homegrown spearmint.

There aren't medicines to cure viruses, but I love that we have been blessed with healing foods.  Of course, there are other times when we are emotionally "sick" and I think it's safe to say we all have our "comfort" foods too.  A lot of people I know seem to like mashed potatoes or chocolate or ice cream.  I think if it brings you comfort, go for it (in moderation of course).

Today, I am especially grateful for those healing foods.

I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!

To make a very long story short, I joined a gym. Not just a typical gym - this is like a gym on steroids. I've never seen so many ways you can work out with tires before!

The first time I went was Saturday. I knew I'd be sore afterwards. But it was worse than I expected. I spent the entire weekend stretching, icing and Aleving, eventually adding heat therapy too.

They say 48 hours after is the peak of pain. It's true. The second day was much worse than the first. My quads were killing me, especially while going from a standing or sitting position to the other. I had to laugh when I could barely sit down on the toilet. Then I panicked, realizing that somehow I'd have to get back up!

By today, I felt much better and went for my 2nd workout session. Luckily, it was easier on the legs today but totally harder on the upper body. I have never lifted free weights before, let alone while laying across an exercise ball or leaning against a punching bag. By the time my hour was up my arms felt shaky. I knew that once I left the parking lot, I'd have to drive straight to the gas station because tomorrow I might be too sore to even work the pump! And once I got home I headed straight for the shower, for fear the longer I waited the more painful it would be to lather, rinse, and repeat. Do Not Stop. Do Not Pass Go!

I can feel the pain starting already. Forget about pumping my own gas or washing my hair, I think the simple act of brushing my teeth will seem like an impossible, strenuous chore tomorrow.

I was told that the pain will begin to fade and after about 2 weeks I will stop feeling like I will throw up or pass out, or throw up and then pass out. In the meantime if you call and I don't answer, you'll know why. I've probably fallen and I can't get up and I am in so much pain the mere act of texting is burdensome.

I'll Take an Immediate Consequence Please

I don't eat ice cream. I can count on 1 hand how many times this year I have eaten any at all. The last time I had a few scoops was over Memorial Day weekend, at my parents' house.

It's not that I don't like it. It's that it makes me cough. Sometimes for hours even. I hate constantly trying to clear my throat and that coating is still there - bleh. (Which is why I don't drink milk either, aside of the taste I can't stand.)

I don't really eat fried foods either. Ever since I had my gall bladder taken out over 13 years ago, fried foods do not agree with me. I might as well flush them straight down the toilet, because that is where they will end up before I've even had a chance to wipe the grease off my fingers!

I don't eat these things, and truthfully I don't miss them. When I see greasy foods I don't usually crave them. I know that I can eat a couple of french fries but that's about it. When there is a party and everyone has their big bowls of ice cream, I don't wish I also had one. I do feel pressure to get a child-size cup of something-or-other when a group of friends and I go to Coldstone or something. But, I don't crave these things perhaps because I know the immediate consequence.

The problem is I still enjoy food, bread especially, or main dishes with cream-based sauces. Yummo. The other problem is that my school and work schedule have been so hectic I've not truly exercised like I used to in over a year. A Big Fat Year. And not only have I gained everything back I lost, I have added a few too. (Insert uphappy groan here.)

I read somewhere that what we eat is half of our success to weight loss, while strength-training is about 35% and aerobic activity another 15%. SIGH. I guess I are what I eat.

That being said, why can't the other foods -- the breads and creamy sauces and sugary treats -- why can't they have a consequence to make me not crave them too? I mean, I know they have consequences. In the words of Scott Pilgrim, "Bread makes you fat?!?!?!" I just wish they had IMMEDIATE consequences. Like, give me a fat butt overnight. Or, make it so that by eating these things I will throw up. I hate throwing up. That would stop me for sure.

I am actually considering a few new things to help... but not until AFTER my reunion trip! haha!

Blogspot Confessions: I Cheated

Ok -- so here's a confession. I cheated! Yep it's true.

It all started back when I lived in the Bridgeside Landing apartments as a young mom with little bebes. There were lots of other young moms with lots of little bebes too. We decided to do a weekly play group and rotate hosts. Whomever hosted provided the snacks. Well, all of these moms and their fancy schmancy million dollar delectable treats intimidated me. I thought about trying some of the things they had done. But let's face it, I'm lazy.

Instead, I began several processes of trial & error using simple recipes (or even worse - a MIX) and just embellishing slightly. The result? They thought I was a rock star and the next thing I know the neighborhood chicas were calling ME a "regular Betty Crocker".

I have since actually made things from scratch and many good things too, if I do say so myself. And much of it comes from experimenting or substituting this or that for something the recipe calls for which I don't have on hand. I actually enjoy cooking and baking now.

I have also since realized that my enthusiasm for cooking possibly/probably stems from my need for positive attention. "Back in the day" I needed to feel accepted by these seemingly oh-so-perfect housewives and moms. I also enjoyed the praise my many coworkers would give me when I brought something to the monthly potluck. It was their words of encouragement that motivated me to continue. My oldest at the time was only 4 years old and was a picky eater, as was the other parental unit. I remember trying new recipes for dinner and then getting offended or hurt that no one would even want to try them. But having a new audience, a new panel of judges per se, was exciting. It filled my need for praise and affection in a way I can't describe. I've heard that a lot of times people eat as a way to fulfill something they are lacking. I think I cook and bake for that same reason, or at least that's why I started to years ago.

I finally feel like cooking is something I am really good at. True, I will never be a gourmet chef. (My ADHD prevents me from even READING a recipe with all of those ingredients, haha.) But I love to cook and bake and please my family, (selfishly) knowing I'm gonna get some sort of praise in return -- even if it's just them eating a second (or third) helping.

I am actually grateful for my friends and family who were bold enough to let the accolades and "atta girls" roll off the tongue. If it weren't for them I might still be serving pasta-roni for dinner every night. :)

I guess the bottom line is we all need encouragement when trying new things. We all want to feel appreciated. We all want to hear we've done a good job. I admit, I "cheat" a little here or there with cooking. I am all for short cuts. But does it really matter how I got here? No. My kids love the stuff I make so that's all that really counts. I admit, it sort of pleases me to think that one day one of my kids will tell their spouse, "You should ask my mom how she makes it." :)

I think this is one area where cheating is acceptable. :)

If interested you can check out my recipes and cheats here: {{Simply Simmer}}

Easter Plans

Easter is tomorrow! W00t!

Hunt - No More!

Traditionally, in the past I've either taken the kids to an Egg Hunt or we've had our own with cousins the day before Easter. Well, not this year. It's so late in the season that there were too many other conflicts to have the cousins over this time. And my youngest is 11 years old... so, the days of the Easter Egg hunts are over for now.

Easter Bonnets?

No, not here. I don't think I've ever worn an Easter Bonnet. Growing up my mom did get us or sew us a new Easter dress. That was always fun. My boys don't really care about Easter clothes. My oldest one will be at Prom tonight, so I am going to have him wear his tux to church tomorrow - haha. I did get my daughter a new dress. I found an awesome one last month on sale at The Rack (way less than I could sew one for - $15!!!) My middle one will wear his Sunday suit and we'll call it good. I will be singing in the choir and I'm sure the services tomorrow will be great.

Feast-for-Easter

The menu I have planned for tomorrow's Easter dinner is as follows:

Rainbow Jell-O.

Applesauce Pork Loin Roast.

Yeast Dinner Rolls.

Funeral Potatoes.

Pistachio Puffs.

For beverages I found an array of flavored sparkling lemonades for $.68 per 2 liter. The colors seemed perfect for Easter. I will have to let you know if they taste any good!

We are planning to color eggs as well. Not sure yet if we'll get to it today. It may have to wait until tomorrow. But, all in all, it should be a great day!

What about you? What do you have planned?

Like One Pig Waits for Another...

...as my mother sometimes says.

It's true. I start my new 28-day "food plan" tomorrow. It's supposed to jump-start my metabolism and in the meantime regulate things such as my thyroid and hormones. It will include a prescription and some daily vitamins. But along with this "jump-start" plan, I have to stick to a certain food diet for the rest of the month, mostly including lean proteins and fruits & veggies.

Yep. Tomorrow. I said, I am starting tomorrow. (Which is actually in a minute or two from now.) So, what does that mean I did today?

I ate. Crap loads of sugar too. I had Mexican food for lunch, loaded with cheese and guacamole and sour cream. And now? Well, now it's midnight, and I have the worse acid reflux ever and totally feel like hurling. Bleh. On the bright side, I don't think I'll be craving marble chocolate chip cupcakes or Little Debbie Star Crunches or Caramel Banana sheet cake any time soon....

I know -- I'm a pig. Haha!

Whose French is it Anyway?

French Fries. French Toast. French Bread. French Onion Dip. French Onion Soup. French Dip Sandwiches with Au Jus Sauce. French Manicures. French Maids. French Poodles. French Horn. French Drain System. French Doors. French Hens. French Knot. French Wax. French Kiss...

Why do they get credit for all the good stuff?

My Favorite Things: Holiday Food

These do not COMPLETE the list by far... just some of my favorite treats and dinner items for the holidays! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is so much to be Thankful for all year round, and especially this time of year. I'm not going to list everything here, but I do want to say I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my cousins who invited me to spend Thanksgiving with them, and I am thankful for my parents who love and support me, and I am thankful for my kids who are patient with me while I am working and going to school.

May you all have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving with your loved ones!

How Far Would You Go?

Would you answer the door while basically wearing only a tanktop & an apron (becuz you're cooking & it's hot in the kitchen) to accept a jar of homemade jalepeno jelly from one of your besties after they drove 45 miles to get there?

I would... and I did. :) I gave her a jar of my homemade Apple Butter too!

Would you ever go out your backdoor at 10pm while wearing a semi-see-thru nightie becuz your neighbor texts you that she has a plate of homemade, fresh from the oven peach muffins w/ whipped topping that she'd like to hand over the back fence to you?

I would... and I did. :) I exchanged some Apple Butter with her too!

What about this...

Would you ever walk around the corner @ midnight because your friend & the traveler text you that there are homemade Apple Cinnamon Chocolate Chunk muffins right from the oven and you should come on over and try one?

I would...and I did. :) She got some Apple Butter as well.

Not only that, but would you take a plate of cake balls with you and once arriving at the door mention something semi-naughty to your friend about enjoying tasty balls? And then proceed to stuff your face with muffins & cake balls until nearly 1 in the morning?

I would... and I did. :)

There is just something about good treats that help bring good friends together... (by the way, that's a lot of treats for one week!)

What about you? What would you do for a tasty treat?

Saturday Schedule

• Marinade Steaks for BBQ party.
• Drop niece off at her house after a movie and sleepover night.
• Make Marshmallow-Fudge Brownies for BBQ party.
• Make Citrus-Shrimp Salad for BBQ party.
• Get Notes prepared for Sunday Meeting.
• Finalize lesson I am teaching for Relief Society on Sunday.
• Assign PrettyPrettyPrincess to use Magic Eraser to "erase" her name from old dollhouse.
• Assign FunnyMan and LittleDuckling to load doll house into van.
• Drive to see old college roomie.
• Unload old dollhouse for old college roomie's daughter.
• Stay and visit with old college roomie for BBQ & slip-n-slide (kids, not me!) par-tay.
• Eat salad, steak, a smidge of a brownie and her Authentic Japanese Potstickers!!!!!!!!!
• Drive home stuffed and tired and ready for beddy-bye :)

Yep... should be a good one!

If You're Scared, Look Towards the Light

I took a day off of work yesterday; well, my paying job that is. I still worked.

I got up and dropped my oldest at summer school. Then I went BACK.TO.BED. until 9:30. It was heaven.

Next, I ran errands, like Costco, the grocery store, etc. I also trimmed my out-of-control rose bush so it would stop assaulting me every time I walked past. Got groceries put away, cleaned my house from top to bottom and even managed to get 4 loads of laundry done AND listened to an online lecture for school.

I tried a new Taco Salad Recipe (Thanks Linda & Jen!) and got my grill on for dinner. The sister who lives close by came over with her hubby & kids. And, my aunt from Tennessee (the one that sent me treats @ Christmas) and her daughter and her grandson came to visit too! They made the road trip because my Aunt and cousin are dropping my cousin's son off to college and he is starting Summer Term. We ate. We laughed. We got the fire pit going and the kids made s'mores and "roasted" Starbursts.

Even after the out-of-towners headed back to the hotel to sleep, my sister & BIL & I hung out until MIDNIGHT and chatted and laughed and wheezed and almost peed our pants. Guess we lost track of time... oops.

The little ones wanted a sleepover. We obliged. It took them about 30 minutes or so to wind down. I kept hearing whispers and giggles. And the littlest one must have gotten scared at some points, cuz then I'd hear PrettyPrettyPrincess say, "If you get scared, just look towards the light." She was referring to the light from the bathroom, bleeding into the hallway and shining in her room. Nevertheless, it made me smile.

Here's a pic of the cousin sleepover in progress.

After-Party clean up was a breeze, thanks to paper products. I know I need to go to work tomorrow (which is now today). But it's productive and fun days like this that makes me wish I didn't have to :)

Family + Friends + Food + Firepit = Fun!

I hope the weather cooperates! Thunderstorms are afoot, so I hope they either hurry and come today and be gone by tomorrow, or hold off until Sunday altogether. I've got a cookout planned for tomorrow - and it's gonna be awesome!

By the way ~ who says grilling is just for men? Even when I was married I did the grilling. FunnyMan did express interest though, yesterday. He requested that I teach him how to grill as he is getting older and feels it is part of manhood to learn, LOL.

I am planning Italian Pesto Chicken Skewers, Steak Shish kabobs, Fruit Pizza (or brownies if I run out of time), and Homemade Rootbeer! The others are bringing the chips and other drinks and goodies. My mouth is watering already just thinking about it. I was only going to do the chicken skewers but the New York steak was on sale the other day. So, I got a pack of 3 steaks, and figured if I cut them up and used them for Kabobs, they'd go further. I will have to let you know how it all turns out.

In other news... my kids wanted a firepit for the backyard, to roast marshmallows. (Don't know where they get THAT from!) Last year I said no. But this year, I was sort of pricing them out. Still out of my price range. I paid for my books and tuition and had a smidge of grant money left over for misc. living expenses. I put that towards 2 months' rent and a few extra groceries, which freed up some of my funds from my regular working paycheck. I went back to one store where I saw the firepits. They had come down in price a little more. Hmmm...Tempting. I wondered if I waited if they'd be all gone. Just as I was contemplating my options, the store manager walked past and asked if he could help me. I asked him if they had any more of the firepits. I was thinking if they still had tons, I'd wait another week or two and see if they came down any more. Instead the manager says, "Actually, I think this one [pointing to the floor model] is our last." "Oh..." I sort of let out softly. He could tell I was slightly disappointed, although I think he misunderstood my reason. He quickly adds, "I'd be happy to take another $10 off if you want to go ahead and buy this one." This man had himself a deal!

The kids were excited when I brought the small firepit table home. And all I have heard for 3 days is, "Can we roast marshmallows tonight?" I advised them that we had yard work and housework first. Finally, last night they got their wish and we started a fire and they made S'mores. Our backyard neighbor kid even hopped the fence to join us, as did some of FunnyMan's friends. They all had so much fun - I foresee MANY S'more making nights this summer.

Oh, and on a side note to my side-yard neighbors... I will just go ahead and apologize right now for any and all smoke that blows your way... **sheepish grin** However, just know that anytime we are out there, you have a standing invitation to come on over and have some S'mores with us!!! No need to ask!

My back yard pretty much sucks and I have a nightmarish tree that poo-poos branches all over the place anytime there is the slightest breeze. Somehow the firepit makes the backyard suck just a little less :)

So, there you have it! I am all excited now! I will have to let you know how it goes.

Easter Dessert?

I will be going to my cousins on Saturday for an Easter dinner and an egg hunt for the kids. What about you? Have ye any Easter plans?


I am assigned salad, bread and dessert. Question is should I stick with "tried & true" or try something new?

Whaddya think? What are some of your favorite Easter dishes???

School, Food, and Baptist White Lie Cake

I have been totally swamped with school this week. I promise I will catch up on reading all of your fantabulous bloggy happenings soon. My appearance has been spotty at best.

I am currently in search of a title for my Comm Class unit project on Non-Verbal Communication... "What You Can't Hear", "Between the Lines", "What Your Body Says About You"... I dunno. I guess I need some motivation. I got nothin'. I'd love to put "That's What She Said... or Not." But I reckon if some kid got suspended for saying that in some other state in some part of the country, it must be inappropriate on some level! hahaha!

In search of the much needed inspiration, I happened to glance over at a book of quotes on my night stand. What better way to get inspiration than from an inspirational book? I read through the little quotes on success... nothing struck me. I grabbed the new recipe book someone gave me, also on my night stand. But -- then I just got hungry.

Therefore, I leave you with a little inspiration AND food, not to mention a little humor.

The Baptist White Lie Cake

Have you ever told a white lie? You are going to love this, especially all of the ladies who bake for church events: Alice Grayson was to bake a cake for the Baptist Church Ladies' Group in Tuscaloosa , but forgot to do it until the last minute. She remembered it the morning of the bake sale and after rummaging through cabinets, found an angel food cake mix & quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, and helping her son pack up for Scout camp.

When she took the cake from the oven, the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured and she exclaimed, "Oh dear, there is not time to bake another cake!" This cake was important to Alice because she did so want to fit in at her new church, and in her new community of friends.
So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of The cake. She found it in the bathroom - a roll of toilet paper.

She plunked it in and then covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect. And, before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Alice woke her daughter and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the moment it opened at 9:30 and to buy the cake and bring it home.

When the daughter arrived at the sale, she found the attractive, perfect cake had already been sold. Amanda grabbed her cell phone & called her mom.

Alice was horrified - she was beside herself! Everyone would know! What would they think? She would be ostracized, talked about, ridiculed!

All night, Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing fingers at her and talking about her behind her back.

The next day, Alice promised herself she would try not to think about the cake and would attend the fancy luncheon/bridal shower at the home of a fellow church member and try to have a good time. She did not really want to attend because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose at the fact that Alice was a single parent and not from the founding families of Tuscaloosa, but having already RSVP'd, she couldn't think of a believable excuse to stay home.
The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old south and to Alice's horror, the cake in question was presented for dessert!

Alice felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake! She started out of her chair to tell the hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, "what a beautiful cake!"

Alice, still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say, "Thank you, I baked it myself."

Alice smiled and thought to herself, "God is good."

It's Sunday. You Only Get ONE Meal!

Growing up, we had one big meal on Sundays. I mean, we ate breakfast (usually cereal, sometimes pancakes) and then scurried off to church. Once we got home we worked together to make "Sunday Dinner". I remember hanging out in the kitchen, seeing what I could do to help. Mostly because I was hungry, and wanted to speed things along.

It was during these Sunday preparation times I learned to set a table, tear lettuce (not chop), slice onions, chop tomatoes, make Garlic Bread, grate cheese, or whatever other task I was given. Then... we ATE! Depending on what time our church ended, when we got home, and how long it took to make the food, Sunday "Dinner" would often commence sometime between the hours of 1-3.

Usually following the meal, my parents would take a nap. (I don't care what ANY of you are thinking...in *my* mind, they took a nap.) Then in the evening, around 7pm, my dad would make popcorn. This was pretty much a Sunday tradition. In the winter months, he would often do one batch of homemade caramel corn too!

Now, to accompany the popcorn we would also have Ice Cream or brownies or cookies, or whatever it was one of us girls baked (usually me) while my parents were taking said nap. Then we snacked the rest of the night while we played games or watched a TV program together.

Ok, fast forward. When I became an adult, I followed this same pattern. Come home from church, make the "big meal"/"Sunday Dinner", then NAP (for me, it really *IS* a nap!) and then snack the rest of the night.

When I was married, I remember the first few times my husband would ask me, around 6pm, "What's for dinner?" I'd look at him like, "Are YOU CRAZY??" I would answer with, "Um... nothing. It's Sunday. You get ONE meal. If you're hungry, find a snack." I have ALWAYS been like this, yet it never fails. Every Sunday around 7pm, one of my children (usually the same one) will inevitably ask, "What's for dinner?" And I always respond... "Um...it's Sunday. One Meal."

Anyway, it's funny to me that I do not get hungry on Sundays for more than one meal. Also, I can barely make it through the meal staying awake. As soon as I finish my plate, I literally drag myself to my room and I am OUT.FOR.THE.COUNT. I can't even stay awake long enough to wash dishes. That usually happens *After* I get up and while the brownies or cookies or cake are baking.

I mean, any other day of the week, even if I *do* have a late lunch, once it hits 6pm or 7pm I am STARVING for dinner. And though I don't really sleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time anyway, I can rarely nap on a "regular day".

I guess my brain just KNOWS when it is Sunday.

What about you? Is your brain wired differently on a certain day of the week or during certain events?

Kissing Burns Calories

It's true. Kissing Burns Calories. According to "studies" (y'know, tested, tried & proven studies), Hugging & Kissing burns about 68 calories.

I did the math. That means I would have to engage in kissing for nearly 4 hours to work off 1 regular size Snickers Bar. I laughed when I read that. I told Big-D that if he was really supportive of my goal, then...er...um... hehehe. No pain, no gain, right?

So, in my research of "activities that burn calories" here is just a sampling of what I have learned: [cph=calories per hour]


50 cph - Sleeping for 8 hours
68 cph - Hugging & Kissing
68 cph - Praying (while kneeling)
102 cph -Sitting while Talking on the phone
102 cph - Playing board/card games
102 cph - Typing (including Blogging, which means I am burning calories as we speak!)
136 cph - Casual/Slow Walking (less than 2 mph)
156 cph - Grocery Shopping
170 cph - Playing the piano (or organ)
238 cph - Vacuuming
258 cph - Walking at "brisk" pace (3.5 mph)
306 cph - Weeding
408 cph - Swimming (leisurely, for "fun")
544 cph - Synchronized Swimming (good reason to join the "team", right?)
748 cph - Fast, vigorous Swimming
918 cph - Running (8 mph)

To check out more activities Click Here - Activity Counter

So, I've reviewed all of the listed activities and decided that I definitely need to add more Kissing, more Talking on the phone, more blogging, and more piano practice. All of these things can only add to my work-out experience, right?

Oh - and I suppose it is true that running is the fastest way to burn calories. Guess I will keep working on that one too!

Glutton For Punishment

I try. Mostly, I do. Ok, sometimes I do. I try to make sure everyone in the household is eating good, healthy well-balanced meals. However, much of the time, I admit, we are eating on-the-run. So, it's quick fixes and easy-to-make dishes. Quesadillas, Tacos, Grilled Cheese, steamed veggies in those new awesome steamer bags you stick in the microwave and the like. If all else fails, in response to their "what's for dinner" petitions, I call out, "Cereal. Sandwiches. Whatever you can find." Sometimes, to some children, that means the entire apple pie sitting on the wire rack to cool. To another child, he may have thought that meant chocolate ice cream for breakfast. And as of late, even my healthy-eater, PrettyPrettyPrincess has resorted to junk in a pinch. Whaddya do, right? I mean, it's not like they're starving. Though, if you ask LittleDuckling, he may just inform you otherwise.

LittleDuckling has quite the insatiable appetite. He is always starving! Not only that, but he has quite the palatable appetite too. No ordinary PB&J for this kid. He is opening that pantry and/or fridge door at least 10 times a night. I am just glad that his metabolism and/or good genes keeps him from being overweight.

Here's the dialogue that occurs all too often, and usually starts about an hour after dinner, and almost always just after I've gotten on my jammies and snuggled in bed, working on my laptop.

LittleDuckling: [calling out] I'm Starving!
Me: [calling out back]Well, find a snack.
LittleDuckling: We have NOTHING GOOD to eat!
Me: There's apple slices and yogurt in the fridge.
LittleDuckling: I don't want that.
Me: Well, there's crackers in the pantry. Or have a bowl of cereal.
LittleDuckling: [whimpering noises]
Me: Fine, get some fruit snacks or a LittleDebbie or something.
LittleDuckling: We're all out.
Me: Well, whaddya want me to do about it?
LittleDuckling: I just want something good...like do we have Shrimp or Ribs or Mashed Potatoes or chocolate cake or something like any of that?
Me: What the freak? No. We just ate dinner! Whaddya think I am - a restaurant?
LittleDuckling: I'm still hung-ry! I can't help it.
Me: Well, you'd better find something fast, cuz the kitchen's closed and if I have to get outta bed to find you a snack, you're not gonna like what I fix you.
LittleDuckling: Like what?
Me: Grits or Chamomile tea or something.
LittleDuckling: [grunts] Fine. I'll just have some toast or crackers.
Me: [to myself] Crap! Grits and Chamomile both sound good right now.
Me: [calling out] Hey, buddy? Still out there? Wanna fix Mommy some grits or tea

no response.
Me: Anyone out there? Anyone?

I debate getting out of bed for an evening snack... nah... not worth it.

Anyway, our pantry door doesn't latch shut properly unless you sort of lean against it. Well, like LittleDuckling, the pooch has quite the insatiable appetite too. Aw, who am I kidding? She's one gluttonous mutt.

Like LittleDuckling, 4LeggedCreature thinks she is starving. She also has a palatable appetite. She gets easily bored with her mundane day-in and day-out everyday diet dog food. Can't say as I blame her though. How many of us could eat the same exact thing everyday? But unlike LittleDuckling, 4LeggedCreature is overweight.

Anyway, back to the story. 4LeggedCreature has phenomenal hearing. She can be all the way downstairs, in the boy's closet sniffing out whatever moldy sock is lurking in the corner and as soon as she hears that pantry door open, she is front and center. She can be all the way in the back forty, barking loudly at the neighbor's dog...but when that pantry door opens, she is at the door - PRONTO - ready to be let in.

4LeggedCreature gets especially excited when she finds that LittleDuckling is the one in the pantry. Thus because she knows her chances are greater when he's home, since he is the one most in the pantry and because she knows that he will be so focused on the food, he will forget to lean against the door, double checking to make sure it is shut tight.

Anyway, so the other night the traditional scenario unfolds. LittleDuckling with his whining food protests. Me, with my unsympathetic repartee. 4LeggedCreature, front and center. In a matter of moments, I hear whimpering; a struggle of some sort ensues. Now, being totally distracted that I can't even blog (the nerve!) I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter!

Yes. It's the Gluttonous Mutt. She waited until LittleDuckling found his treat and walked away. Then she pawed at the bottom of the pantry door, enough to pull it loose. She busted into the honey nut Cheerio's. Yes. That is a picture of her with her head stuck in the box. Yes. Those are crumbs on my kitchen floor (hey - just keepin it real). Yes, you're right. Those aren't really Honey Nut Cheerio's. They are actually the generic "Honey & Nut Toasted Oats" version. Yum. And Yes. She really did eat the entire contents. I know this, because there was enough puke spewed on my kitchen floor throughout the middle of the night to prove it. Swiffer that!

I know y'all are jealous. Try to keep yourself contained.