Inevitably Keely

So for some reason, our baby is fascinated by gadgets. Laptops, computers, cell phones, cameras, you name it! If Zoe sees one, she wants it. I don't know how this happened! What I do know is that it was getting hard for me to blog or be on the computer at all around her because she would reach for the keyboard and cause general havoc. So, we got her a "Laugh-top". The age for it 3-7*, but she seems to be doing just fine. She likes pressing the keys and hearing the music and voices. I gave it to her this afternoon to play with and she squealed with delight (and got right to work). Cutest thing I've ever seen and I've got to say it makes me beam to see her on a computer having a good time. * Funny thing is, I asked Daniel to get it out of it's packaging last night because I knew I wouldn't have the patience for all the tape and stuff they use to keep it secure in the box. He opens it up, turns it on and the computer prompts him to press the letter "V...

Last night I spent many hours writhing, and moaning in bed. This afternoon I screwed around for twenty minutes trying to put batteries in a toy to make it vibrate. When I finally got the new batteries in, the toy still didn't work and I had to play the old fashioned way. Both of these are very, very true. And I'm not in the least bit embarrassed to do a post about either of them. Last night I spent many hours writhing, and moaning in bed... with stomach problems. I don't know why this happens to me all the time and I really don't get why it happened last night - almost seconds after we'd finished a lovely dinner of salmon with spinach salad. What I do know is the pain is enough to make me want heavy sedatives. Even today I'm still not feeling quite up to par and my stomach feels like it's burning. Of course, that didn't stop me from trying to replace the batteries in the vibrating toy - a lime green puppy that is supposed to vibrate and move across the f...

I use the word nothing, a lot. Except, ever since I was a little kid, "nothing" usually means "something". Like when I was a toddler and had stolen some candy at the grocery store - except I don't think I was really trying to steal so much as help myself to the "All you can eat extravaganza!" available to me. My mom asked me what I had in my hands and I said, "Nuffing." Well, my mom knew this wasn't true and she made me tell the checkout lady what I had. I told her, and she thought I was so cute; I got to keep my spoils. Growing up, I used "nothing" almost every single day: "What happened at school today?" "Nothing." "Nothing? All day, nothing happened?" "Yep. Nothing." Truth be told, tons had happened. I'd undoubtedly had lots of little something’s happen through out my day. Read: my high school years were filled with drama and angst over BOYS and friends (but mostly BOYS). There was ...

Today is one of those days where I just want to be curled up on the sofa, reading a book, and taking care of myself. For the most part, that's exactly what I've been doing - in between naps. Maybe it's the weather or just this funk I've been in - but I'm not feeling completely like myself and that stumble I took twenty minutes ago isn't helping matters. Too often I find myself forgetting to take it easy and move slow. These sinus headaches and my vertigo must be someones way of telling me to slow down and quit trying to do so much at once. Forget the laundry that needs to be put away and the shower that needs to be cleaned. Forget the errands you thought you should do and yes, even forget trying to think of something meaningful to post to your blog. Daniel is picking up Zoe this afternoon because I'm thinking it's not such a good idea to be driving (especially with such precious cargo) and I'm going to spend the rest of this not so great day relaxin...

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 pound andouille sausage, diced (I chose to slice instead of dice) 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 medium onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/4 cup white wine 1 tsp chopped garlic 2 teaspoons dried oregano 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning 1 teaspoon hot sauce 2 bay leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 pound cooked shrimp 2 cups cooked rice - Combine chicken, sausage, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, chicken broth and white wine. - Stir in oregano, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, bay leaves, thyme and garlic. - Cover, and cook on LOW for 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. - 30 to 45 minutes prior to serving, stir in the shrimp. - Discard bay leaves. - Spoon mixture over cooked rice- or stir in the cooked rice 15 minutes prior to serving so the flavor is absorbed. I've got to tell you, I was freaking out with this one. I just could not believe that I wasn't supp...

It's interesting how just one week of new eating habits changes you. Last night I decided I wanted to splurge on something ridiculous to eat. I'd used only 13.5 of my daily 31 points and hadn't used any of my points allowance for the week (35) so I went online to check what the points were for some Carl's Jr. One $6 Jalapeno Burger and medium fries = 36 points! Maybe it was the mood I was in, or that I'd been bad and not had a midday snack like I've been doing, but I thought my hunger deserved those 36 points. Screw the nice salmon and salad or the whole wheat pasta we'd purchased! Forget the red bell peppers and hummus! I wanted a greasy, fattening cheeseburger with "Santa Fe" sauce and jalapenos, dammit! Fast forward to thirty anti-climactic minutes later and I was regretting my choice. My meal left me feeling weighted down and lethargic. I felt like I had a lump in my stomach. I did not feel satisfied, I felt overly full and sloppy - like I was...

It's no Whole Foods ( we don't have one here), but I'm sort of a fan of Trader Joe's. I like the atmosphere, the organic produce, the healthy & quick meals and the smaller portions. A trip to Von's for the week can easily cost us a hundred bucks, but we got out of TJ's with 4 meals and some snacks for half that. Not bad at all. Now, if we can just avoid Target this weekend we'll be saving some real money. * - I know, this is not exciting by any means. I'm phoning this one in and right now I am completely OK with that. I've got a lot on my mind and at the moment putting it all into words just sounds exhausting**. Ever have one of those days? What I really want/need is a vacation. ** - Everything is fine - better than fine.... really.