A few months ago, Bob and I braved the cold of Chicago! For Christmas, we gave him tickets to the Suns/Bulls game in Chicago!! I had never been and he hadn't been in 20+ years. It was cold, but fabulous!
On our last morning, I went for a walk down to the lake. It was glorious! Miles and miles of trail around the snowy lake. People were out with dogs, running, walking and chatting with friends. Very much a happy place!
One day, we went to the top of the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). The views were amazing and the sky deck was... creepy!
It was surprisingly very scary to walk out on that glass deck. I knew it was safe, but still creepy!
My love. We had such a great time. On our last day we had a private tour guide. She was the owner of her tour company and had worked for Rick Steves in Italy! She was a native and had so much insightful info about Chicago. We went all over the city. Spent half of the time walking and half driving.
Outside the Bulls arena. We headed to the arena early, only to find out we had the time wrong, so we were EXTRA early. We waited outside in the freezing temps for about 45 minutes! Brrrr!!!! Once inside, we grabbed some hot dogs and sodas and found our (really good) seats! It was so much fun! Suns won! The fans were nice, food was good, entertainment was great! Fun experience.
Chicago had very strict COVID rules in place. Masks had to be worn and vaccination cards had to be shown EVERYWHERE! It was a bit ridiculous, but we had our cards and followed the rules.
I loved the city! I have always been a big fan of SF and I like NYC, but I think Chicago has moved to the front of the favorites category. I loved how clean it was and all of the open spaces. The history and architecture were breath taking and the food was scrumptious! And I really loved being away with MR. C for 4 days!!!
On March 13, 2022, I began the A Mountain Challenge. The goal is to reach Mount Everest (equivalent to 40 laps) by April 30. I reached the summit and completed the challenge on April 8!
A Mountain is a short, but steep climb. (1,495 ft elevation) Not going to lie... by the end I was done with it. I was tired of the climb, tired of picking up trash, tired of the tourist in their flip flops... But I never tire of the spectacular views seen from the top! The sprawling ASU campus and Tempe Town Lake appear calm from my perch in the sky.
I love a good challenge and I LOVE feeling good! It was a good experience and although I complained about the tourists, I did meet some nice people. One man in particular was doing the challenge for the second year in a row. He was 67. During COVID he said he "drank too much and got fat" and needed to make some changes. He lost a lot of weight when he did it last year and decided he had more to lose. He was out there every day. I was there on the day he completed his 40th lap. He had begun at 6:30 that morning. (It was after 1:30 when I saw him). We stopped to say hi and he said, "this is it.. My 40th lap!" It was also his 12th for the day!!!! (The most I did in a day was 6).
Kind, friendly, and inspiring. The world needs more of that!
I begged. I pleaded. I dug my heels in the ground and said I wouldn't go. But. I spent five days of my October in San Diego anyway. (I know. I'm a brat. Who wouldn't want to go to San Diego)?
It was Cade's fall break and he begged and pleaded (obviously better than me) to go to SD. He has always been my beach baby. He could live in that water even if it is freezing and he needed a wetsuit. (Which we did buy day two of the trip). He spent four days surfing from sun up to sun down. He was in heaven.
Fall in San Diego is (as much as I hate to admit it) lovely. Temps were in the 60's-70's. I wore sweatshirts on the beach and the streets and beaches were far less crowded than summertime. The best part, however, was seeing this kid so happy. Mr. C was pretty happy too. (He also loves it there. I am the odd man out. Randi loves it too, but couldn't come with us because of classes).
Our VRBO was perfectly located on Mission and Beryl. We were a five minute walk from the beach, which made it perfect for two teenage boys. We were also walking distance from great restaurants and stores. We had some great meals out and were able to cook at our rental too. Some of our favorite places to chow down were:
Taco Surf - burros, tacos, salsa...it was all delish!
Breakfast Republic - scrambles, homemade jams, and the Presley... amazing!
Biggies Burger - burgers, chicken strips and veggie burgers were consumed and loved by all!
Better Buzz Coffee - Best Drink Ever (that's what it's called) was amazing! We all liked our breakfast sandwiches and almond butter/jam toast!
Cade invited a friend along for the trip and the two of them were fun and easy. A couple of times we dropped the boys off at Mission Beach (we were at Pacific Beach), so they could hang with some friends from school (and have a little independence). I think they had a blast. (I mean, how could you not? Teenagers in SD with a little freedom)?!
From Phoenix the drive is so nice and easy. A short five hours and you are at the beach!
Although the trip was better than I expected, I can't say it's one of my favorite places. I still prefer the mountains and smaller towns. I would probably like the beach better if I were in a small coastal town... just not a city gal! However, I loved our daily walks on the beach and seeing my boys so happy.
"No matters what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."
The other day, Cade and I were at the grocery store. As we were approaching the checkout there was a nice, older man giving out samples of his salsa that he sells in stores. Cade and I both sampled, chatted with him and bought a jar. As we moved to the line Cade continued to watch. The gentleman would greet everyone with a friendly smile and ask if they would like a sample. I watched as my 15 year old keenly observed people. One woman rudely declined the free sample. I just looked the other way and began unloading groceries on the conveyer belt. Cade kept watching. As we were walking to the car Cade said, "could you imagine being such a shitty human being? Would it have killed her to take a sample? She didn't even say 'no thank you'. She was so rude." I smiled. Although I may not have been thrilled with his word choice, he was so right. This 15 year old person with a kind soul was more in tune with people and the human spirit than that middle aged woman.
The greatest thing I can do in this life is to be a good person and raise good human beings. (So far so good). I have two teenagers that I actually like. (I know we all love our kids, but don't lie...there are moments when we may not like them)! Mr. C and I were talking the other day and I said, "we have pretty kids. I actually like them and enjoy being in their company." I really do. They make me laugh. I love watching them grow into young adults. They are maturing and growing from their decisions (good or bad). My heart swells when I see them being a good human being and when they recognize the grown adults who are being sh*tty ones.
"Being a good person doesn’t depend on your religion, your race or your skin color or your culture. It depends on how good is your heart and how good you treat others.” Anonymous
"There is no friend as loyal as a book." Ernest Hemingway
I love a good book. The kind that make you laugh out loud, grab a tissue to dry your sad eyes, or haunts you for days after closing the last page. Books can take you to another place, another time. You can fall into step with a character and live in the shadows of their lives.
My kids grew up reading or being read to. They never went to bed without first turning some pages and hearing a tale. They know libraries are one of my most favorite places and a must stop when traveling. Our local indie book store (Changing Hands) has always been a favorite place to shop, trade, and listen to author readings. Although only one of them became a ferocious reader, they both have a love for books and stories.
As much as I love reading and getting lost in a new book, it takes me a while to get through one. I only slow down long enough at bed time. And by the time I get in bed I only last so long before my eyes get too heavy! At this rate it could take me forever to get through my reading list and pile of books on my shelf. But. I found a solution. Audio books! Seriously. Best. Thing. Ever. My first audio book was Where the Crawdads Sing. I wasn't sure about the whole thing. I felt like I was cheating and I didn't know how I liked the voice. But then I got so enthralled with the story, I couldn't wait to go for a walk, a run, or drive somewhere just so I could listen! Now, I have a bedside book and audio book going at all times. Happy! Happy!
Ok. With all that said...
Here is a little review of books I have recently read or listened to:
Sharp Objects - A little disturbing, but good. It was a little slow to start, but once I got in it was hard to put down! (It's now a HBO movie).
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - I feel like this extremely popular novel is controversial in that you either love it or hate it. I loved it! Ms. Owens' writing style was inviting and the character development of the Marsh Girl was perfect. I loved the intertwining of nature... birds, plants, the marsh. I even liked the ending.
When Life Gives You Lululemon by Lauren Weisberger - By the same author of Devil Wears Prada, this is a perfect beach read. This funny, light read follows Emily. (Remember Miranda Priestly's assistant)? There is a little bit of a mystery and lots of funny, middle age, mom moments.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - Funny, heart warming story. You will laugh and fall in love with Eleanor. You will find yourself wanting the best for her.
Where Did You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple - I was in a hurry to read (or listen to) this book because the movie was coming out. I was disappointed. It was ok, but kind of weird and pointless. I felt like the daughter acted much younger than she was supposed to be and there wasn't enough reason for Bernadette to leave. There were a few laughs, but overall, it wasn't my favorite. (And I still haven't seen the movie).
Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis - Such a hot book, I finally picked it up to see what all the fuss was about. I couldn't finish it. I laughed some, but cringed more. Although I know she has an audience, she wasn't talking to me. I kept thinking, "she is going to reread this in 30 years and wonder what she was thinking."
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate - A MUST read!! This is one of those books that stuck with me for days. Based on haunting true facts, this book will draw you in and hold you tight. Ms. Wingate's writing style was intoxicating. I found myself repeating her phrases, falling in love with her words.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - I had already watched the first of the HBO series with Reese Witherspoon, but put off watching the rest until I read the book. And I'm glad I did! The miniseries is great, but the book is awesome! As usual, the book is better than the movie. Again, another author who has a fabulous way with words. She created amazing characters and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
And some of my all time favorite books:
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee - favorite classic. If you haven't read this since high school, I highly suggest picking it up again.
The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer - favorite memoir.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman - great read! Slow in the beginning, but haunts you by the time you finish.
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom - another love. This one also stayed with me for days, although a little slow in the beginning.
Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri - beautiful book! Gave me insight into another culture and I wanted to discuss it with anyone who would listen!
Descent by Tim Johnston - favorite suspense thriller. You will not want to put it down!
Favorite audio book apps:
Audible - great membership, especially if you are an Amazon Prime member. (Two free books, $14.95 a month after that. You receive one credit a month - enough for one book. You can save your credits too).
Apple Books - ok. It doesn't seem to have as many books, but there is no commitment.
Local Library - perfect if you are looking to listen to an older book. Bonus - it's free!
"Once you have read a book you care about, some part of it is always with you." - Louis L'Amour
A year ago I had a mid life crisis. No, not crisis, revelation. And who am I kidding? It wasn't just a year ago. I have had this revelation for the last several years and it always hits me about the time the kids go back to school.
I have been a stay home mom since 2003. Yes. Sixteen years. I would not trade those years for anything. Being a homemaker is at the core of my soul. Preparing nightly dinners, baking, sewing, cleaning, and making homemade play dough makes my heart happy. (I have also taught fitness classes for the past twenty years. They kept me sane). Although I have always been happy and fulfilled, I regret not keeping one foot in the career door. If my older self could tell my younger self anything it would be to have worked part time or steadily volunteered in my field. It would have paid off years later.
When my kids were little, I was so busy being mom and relishing in the fact that I could be home I didn't think about the gap that was growing in my resume. However, it's there. I always thought I could go back to work whenever I wanted. I have a degree. I have experience. I'm teachable. Who wouldn't want to hire me? Lots of people, that's who!
A year ago, I began my quest to find a part time job. But. There were stipulations. Hours needed to be week day - during the day. I still wanted to teach my classes and take and pick up from school. I also wanted something in my field and make a difference in the world. I was pretty much asking the impossible.(I became more flexible as the search grew). I applied for dozens of positions. The worst part? The business world has changed. Gone are the days of personally delivering a resume with a firm handshake and smile. Everything is computerized. I kept thinking to myself, "if they could just meet me! I know they would see I am perfect for the position!" It was very frustrating. I finally got two interviews. One with Marriott (because I had a friend who had a contact with HR) and the other with Nordstrom, (which my daughter convinced me to apply for). The Marriott position was full time with a commute. He asked if I could work from 7-4. When I said no he said it probably wouldn't work, but he would let me know. He called before I even got home saying they would accommodate my hours! (See? If they could just meet me they would see I would be a great employee)! As flattered as I was, I knew it was not the right fit at the time, plus Nordstrom had just called offering me a part time position which, turns out, was the best fit for me.
Ironically, I didn't think I got the job at Nordstrom. I left my interview thinking, "well, I will chalk that up to experience". It was a group interview and the other interviewee was a boutique owner with years of current experience. (The last time I worked retail was in college over twenty years ago)! It was the first interview I had done in seventeen years. As soon as I hit the button to the elevator that would take me to the meeting room, I got nervous. It dawned on me I was a little rusty. All I could do was be myself. Be real. All of my answers revolved around kids, volunteering in the schools, and being mom. I can handle unhappy people and fix problems. I can multi task like nobody's business. I know how to find the best outcome or ask someone who does. Well, apparently it worked and I got the position. I fell in love with the company immediately.
They have worked with my hours (giving me those mom hours) and have given me some different purpose in my life. After a training I attended a few weeks ago, I got to thinking about the demographic I fall in and why we are ignored when it comes to the job market. I left this training on a high. I was so enthusiastic and ready to tackle my job. It's fresh for me. It's like starting a new career after sixteen years. This excitement and thirst is why we, 40/50 year old stay home moms, should be at the top of everyone's interview list. Forget about those gaps in the resume. Running a household, raising kids, volunteering, budgeting, etc. should be regarded as current experiences in life. Moms know how to get things done! And those power moms that have been building a career and raising kids? They are super women! Stay home moms, outside of the home working moms, part time working moms...it doesn't matter! We get it. We are organized go getters. We can move mountains! Just let us hear those empowering words, "we would like to offer you the position."
Making homemade pie crust can be a little intimidating. It can be too dry, too sticky, too hard, or just impossible to roll! After lots of trials and errors, I have found my favorite pie crust recipe to share along with a few tips and tricks.
Whisk dry ingredients together.
Mix in butter and shortening with your fingers. It's best to have different sizes of butter/shortening pieces. (Pea size, marble size, you get the idea)!
After adding some ice cold water, you will have a dough. Divide into two disks, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or several hours. (I've been known to keep one in the fridge for days).
When you are ready to make the pie, roll out crust on a lightly floured surface.
Tip: when you are ready to transfer dough to pie plate, roll dough on to your rolling pin then unroll on to your plate. Works like a charm!
Crust should hang over pie plate. Trim excess with knife or scissors.
Tip: roll out extra dough, sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar and bake until golden. It's a yummy snack!
To finish off the edges, press your index finger (of your right hand) into crust while taking your index and middle fingers (of our left hand) and pinching around right finger. (Does that make sense at all)!?
Pressing a fork around the edges will also give you a nice finished look.
Fill with your favorite pie filling and enjoy!
Favorite Pie Crust Recipe (makes double crust)
2 1/2 C. unbleached - all purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. easy roll dough improver***
1/4 C. shortening (I like butter flavor Crisco)
10 Tbs. very cold unsalted butter
6-10 Tbs. ice water
***This product is from King Arthur Flour and I love it! It is a game changer.
Directions
Whisk together flour, salt, and dough improver.
Add shortening and mix until it becomes crumbly.
Cut the butter into small cubes.
Add butter to flour mix and work roughly with your fingers or pastry cutter. Don't be too thorough - mixture should be uneven. (See above picture).
Add 4 Tbs. of cold water and mix.
Add enough additional water until you have a cohesive dough. It should hold together in your hands.
Divide the dough in half, smooth into two disks and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Dough may appear cracked...that is fine.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (You can even freeze for two months).
When ready, let crust warm a little and roll out on lightly floured surface.
Measure the size of your pie plate and roll out accordingly. See tips above for rolling out and placing on plate. (The big chunks of butter you see are a very good thing)!
If making a double crust pie, place filling in first crust and place second on top. Crimp edges together and cut slits on top. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Pop it in the oven and smile. Do a little happy dance. Relish in the fact that YOU just made a perfect pie crust!
welcome to my little blog! this is a happy place where i share moments of my life in sunny arizona. the pages are filled with thoughts on motherhood, marriage, recipes, crafts, travel, politics, the great outdoors, and the occasional rambling of nonsense!
Love. Love. Love.
