~I · live · to · love~

Today has been quite a late start...waking up around noon and just now enjoying my "morning" cup of coffee.  I'm okay with my late start, it feels good to not rush or worry or have much of any plans.  Sitting by the stove smothering in the smell of coffee brewing and catching up on missed tv feels calming.  It's a no makeup, hair down, slipper wearing day.  I do have the urge to head over to Home Goods and browse the isles full of kitchen goodies  My favorite thing is to walk up and down each isle picking out the many things I want to purchase when I move.  I see those knick knacks that could create the perfect meals and kitchen appliances that could help make those meals.  The holidays make you want to bake, with family and friends always together I just get the urge to cook and bake all day long.  And I want to bake extravagant things; cakes, full meals with appetizers and courses...you get my drift.  I dream of me and Tom in sitting in our little apartment, cooking away in the kitchen (so 50's housewife, I know).  It would just be nice to have more than one person to cook for, and what better then your own boyfriend!  I made a batch of these "salted peanut chews" for work; a layer of white cake, marshmallow, peanuts and chocolate.  They are delicious!  I'm super happy I did make them, the amount of gifts I received from everyone this year was beyond my expectations.  One agent got me an aero spa manicure at some fancy schmancy place...I'm quite excited, and must buy cute outfit to go with (I can use my gift-card to the mall from another agent).  It's now 3pm, what to do..what to do?

I am exhausted...on my day off.  The holiday season tends to wear me out, no matter how hard I plan or how much I try to prepare.  There is always that one thing that's missing, and I'm out the door; one task turning into twelve.  It's almost 7pm and I'm just now sitting down, in the kitchen, enjoying a warm cup of Chai.   I've decided to put together a cook book; some family recipes, my own recipes and many recipes that I enjoy making/eating.  Whenever I go out to purchase a cook book, I tend to only enjoy half of the book and only make about 1/3 of the recipes, if even.  So what better thing to create then a binder full of all recipes that I'll actually make and enjoy.  The Martha in me tends to come out every now and then.  While the foodie in me is always there, I love to cook!  I had a small portion of Olive Garden left overs from last night.  I cooked up some delish bruschetta and devoured every bite.  It was heavenly.  I always think of the simple work lunches I make, wishing I could whip up something amazing.  Unfortunately the 10x10 office kitchen with a small microwave installed only allows me so many options...bummer.  Usually Naveen and I sit at work, texting one another of our daily cravings.  And at least once a week we get together, satisfying those cravings.  I'm well aware this entry makes me seem to be 200 lbs, but I can guarantee that although I do love food I still remain my petite, skinny self. 

My schedule seems to cram more and more every day. I'm wanting to have just one day off (as in completely off, nothing on my schedule). I want to sit at home, eat junk and watch lot's of television. Friday was spent babysitting and then girls night out, Saturday I helped my mother with the yard work and then off to church, and now today will be spent all day at work. Luckily tomorrow I should be able to sit in my pj's and watch endless amounts of tv...yay! With last years experience of Thanksgiving Eve, I'll be spending that night indoors, at home. Plus, Thanksgiving I'll be up at 5:30am to help serve the homeless at the shelter downtown. Drinking at the bar until 2am and then waking up three hours later does not sound appealing...at all! So I was able to find a second job, but now with my plans to take a packed winter semester I'm debating on whether or not I should. They said I could work only Fridays and Saturdays, and the extra cash flow would be nice...but at the same time I don't want to be exhausted from work and school. There's no harm in just trying it, but I feel somewhat bad taking a job and then quiting one week later if things don't work out. I have to believe that I did get the job for a reason, and that just maybe things can work. Plus, I think the shifts are only 4-6 hours long and they close at 5pm which would still give me plenty of study/homework time. I just want my bachelors, and at this point I'll work my butt off to get it. Especially now that I'm staying at home, this is my chance to take some difficult classes and concentrate solely on school. With hopes of moving next summer (cross fingers) I need to get these crappy classes out of the way to make Seattle a pinch easier when it comes to the school aspect. I'm sure many of you are wondering about this whole Seattle move (I tend to be vague on the topic because it makes me somewhat sad). So yes, I was wanting to move before this dreadful snow starts. But at the same time, the move was feeling rushed and the cash was not exactly saved up enough. When it comes down to it, as bad as I want to move I would rather be prepared and completely ready then rush it. And deep down I'm somewhat happy to be home and able to finish off a full semester and be around my family and friends for a while longer. Although I'm still dreaming of Seattle, I couldn't be any happier in this moment. I believe there is a reason I'm currently in Michigan, and I honestly can't complain...life is good.

Today is a sleepy/lazy day. Since winter semester is going to be busy, busy I'm enjoying my days off as much as possible. I wanted to take a trip to the Salvation Army, just browse the knick knacks and possibly purchase a few things. But buying means money spent, and taking over a full semester requires every penny to be saved. I did splurge a pinch the other day, finally buying a stove top espresso maker. I absolutely love the maker and highly recommend it to all. It's the cutest most basic thing. I made a caramel latte this morning, it was delish! I'm one of those who love their coffee to taste like coffee, not super sweet masking the coffee taste. I pour as much espresso into my milk as I possibly can, especially work/school days. Sometimes coffee is the only thing that gets me through those busy days (I'm sure many can agree). So now, my mind has to be set on school, school and more school. I'm taking two classes that I know nothing about and will probably wear me down. The good news is my degree requires one credit of Phys-Ed, so I shall be taking yoga (yipppeee!!!). Even better news, all Phys-Ed classes are half a semester long! The bad news, on Wednesday's I'll be living on campus. I'll literally be in classes from 10am-7pm...ick! I suppose all this craziness will be worth it once I'm carrying a degree. I can only hope, pray and keep my fingers crossed. I'm off to make another cup of joe...ta ta!