Overwhelemed by Junk...

These days, I feel totally and completely overwhelemed. I know I need to do something about it but when? I just feel like I have no time for anything that matters to me. I was just reading a post at my friend Gina's blog and she is feeling much the same way. Before I went back to school, the hum drum nature of being a stay at home mom really got to me some days. I felt like I was losing myself in a way. And I wasn't super organized, or neat, or a gourmet cook, or anything like that. But I could have been! Now that I am in school full time, I no longer have the time to be any of those things. In fact, frequently I feel as if I am failing miserably in every area of my life. I am not there for my kids the way I would like to be. I am not able to devote quite as much time studying as I need to. I am not as involved in my kids school activities as I used to be. And my house is a mess. Which brings me to an important question.... Who the heck came up with bins for storage? All I seem to do is buy bins and fill bins and store them in the basement. It is a veritable bin wasteland down there. And I have no idea what is in the bins. Oh sure, at one time I had a label maker and labeled all of the bins. But guess what? Those label strips do not stick well on plastic bins. So they all pretty much fell off and now I don't know what is in there. I suppose I could write with a sharpie on the bins but then as the contents changed, I would have a mess of crossed off labels. So I guess I need to make a plan. Of course any actual implementing of the plan will need to wait until after the semester is over. But I can dream right? I am dreaming of several goals for change that I need to make. I will list them here so that I wont forget them. (as if!)



1. Go through the house, room by room and declutter.

This is a huge one. I need to really evaluate what we keep and get rid of stuff we just don't need. Either by having a yard sale, goodwill or the trash.

2. Spring clean. Really, really spring clean. Carpets, windows, etc.

3. Plan and plant a bigger vegetable and herb garden this year.

4. Do some landscaping.

5. Work on painting and fixing stuff around the house that we have been neglecting.

6. Organize our cabinets and closets.

OK, that's enough. I am tired already.

Whatcha eating this week??

Monday: Hot dogs with chili n Kraut, beans and mac n cheese

Tuesday: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, veggies

Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, salad

Thursday: Valentines day! Shrimp pesto with bruscetta and spinach

Friday: French toast and eggs

Saturday: Homemade pizza

Sunday: Moms

This is very interesting...

Not only did I find this interesting, It is somewhat scary how true it is. Hmmm...

You Should Be a Social Worker

You are deeply caring and empathetic. You are able to take on other people's problems as if they were your own.Sensitive and intuitive, you understand human emotions well.Helping others gives you the most joy in life. You feel like it's your purpose in life. You do best when you: - Have a lot of responsibility- Greatly impact someone's life with your work You would also be a good philanthropist or stay at home parent.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatshouldyoubewhenyougrowupquiz/">What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

15 big ones

Fifteen years ago today, Mike and I got married. I can hardly believe it. I can remember when my parents were married 15 years and thinking, damn, they are old! lol Ah, to be young and stupid again. But seriously, 15 years is pretty good right? I mean, in this day of quick marriages and divorces, I think we are on the right track. Sure, there are days when I could hang him from the rafters by his toenails. But overall, I am pretty content. We have a good life. Our kids are thriving, we are healthy and have a pretty nice roof over our heads. We have a little money once in awhile to afford some extras in life like camping vacations, and toys like blackberry's Teehee. So I guess what I am saying is I am content. I am grateful, and best of all, I still love my husband. Happy Anniversary Hon!

I....

have nothing to say today. I am tired, have a ton of homework to do, it just sucks. So, that's it.

Menu Plan Monday!

Monday: Roast chicken in crock pot, mashed potatoes, some sort of veggie

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup (from leftover chicken) and sandwiches

Wednesday: spaghetti, meatballs, salad

Thursday: oven fried chicken, potatoes, spinach

Friday: parmesan encrusted tilapia, stewed tomatoes, mac and cheese

Saturday: homemade pizza for mike and kids-I am going out with the girls to a quarter auction

Sunday: meatball subs

Back from fun, fabulous, Atlantic City!

Have you ever been to Atlantic City? We have been a few times and don't get me wrong, it is a good time. We enjoy playing the slots. It is always fun to win but since we don't have high expectations, when we don't actually win, we are OK with that. Cause lets face it, where else can you get free drinks and watch literally hundreds of absolute characters mozie on through your field of vision? You have your hookers, you have your homeless, you have your old ladies and old men, your newlyweds, your very rich and very poor. All assembled together under one very elaborate roof(ok maybe not as elaborate as Vegas but still...). We had thought about going to a comedy club or show but in the end decided to just hang out in the casino and people watch. And like I said, there are lots of people to watch in Atlantic City!

So, we went to AC to celebrate our 15th anniversary and we had a very nice time. AC has done a lot to improve the area. For one thing, they have lots of outlet stores there now. And let me just tell you that is a big deal to me. I love to shop so I spent the day Saturday walking my ass off shopping.

Saturday night we went to Ruth Chris Steakhouse. I had never been to this particular restaurant but I had heard that it is absolutely wonderful. And I knew it was very expensive but I was not prepared for just how overpriced it was. I mean, come on, $8.00 for a baked potato? And $37.00 for a piece of steak? Now, normally I would not go to a restaurant that is that expensive but my husband and I pretty much agree that if the food is excellent and if the atmosphere is excellent and if the service is excellent, we don't mind paying way too much for the meal because really you are paying for the whole package, not just the plate in front of you. Well, this particular meal was not up to our expectations. We felt rushed, the food was OK. Honestly, I think we make a better steak at home and Mike actually says he prefers Outback! lol One thing I can say was I had a spinach salad and it was delicious. Not worth $9.00 though!

Now Friday night we went to a buffet for dinner. I am not a fan of the buffet. In my opinion there is just too much food and most of it is very unhealthy and the gluttony of the whole thing just sort of makes me sick. But, since we didn't know where else to go and didn't have reservations, and lets just be honest here, since Mike likes buffets, we decided to check the one in Trump Tower out. The first thing you do it pay for your meal at a booth outside of the restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised when the cashier pulled a coupon out and let us use it. Saved us the $22.00 dinner ticket. We were really thankful for that. So nice of her! Then we went in and I was really surprised not only by what they were serving (there was no fried chicken, french fries or pizza to be found). Yeehaw! They had steamed clams and mussels, grilled ma hi ma hi(is that how you spell it?) roast leg of lamb,prime rib, steamed shrimp, king crab legs, and on and on it went. Very good food. Not fried or overcooked or saturated in oil and fat. It was just really good. And the waitress(Dottie) was fabulous. So friendly and funny. She really made it a great experience. So, if you are in Atlantic City, go to Trump and eat at their buffet. Skip Ruth Chris. You will be glad you did.

So now we are home and I have to unpack. I hate unpacking. But the getaway was a nice change of routine and I would recommend everyone do this once in awhile. I think it makes us appreciate our kids and one another more when we take time like this for ourselves.