Tonight I made a yummy polenta dish, and I thought I might share the recipe. BTW, for those of you who don't know, polenta is just the Italian version of grits. Really.
1 cup gruyere
1 cup smoked mozzarella
1 1/4 cups polenta (I used quick grits--if you want to spend $4 on a box of polenta, have at it! Otherwise, I spent $1.19 on Quick Grits--same difference.)
1 cup milk (I used fat free)
3 cups water
1 tbsp butter (I use whipped. Less fat.)
1 minced garlic clove
Several slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
1 sprig rosemary
1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Bring 3 cups water and one cup milk to a boil.
3. Add polenta, stirring gently with a wire whisk.
Cover and reduce heat to medium low.
4. Cook until thick and creamy.
5. Spread out half of polenta in a greased baking dish (I used cooking spray). Sprinkle half of each chese over the first layer.
6.. Add the remaining polenta, and top off with remaining cheese. Set aside.
8. Melt the butter until it foams. Add the garlic. Sweat the garlic, but be careful not to let it brown.
10. Add the prosciutto to the pan and simmer until the ham is slightly crisp.
11. Remove the prosciutto and add to the top of the polenta. Sprinkle a touch of rosemary on top for a little twist.
12. Bake for 5 mins. Serve immediately, or, let it set up so it's firmer.
YUM!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Am I the only one?
So yesterday a lady, who works my school and whose name I can barely recall, had a happy hour at her house. I don't really know her, but some people I work with went over. I did not go. Now, I like the people I work with. I really do. But, on a Friday afternoon the LAST place I want to be after a long week at school is sitting and drinking, listening to teaching stories on a Friday afternoon. I feel badly for not participating, but then again, I just want to go home and relax and be with my husband. Plus, and I don't mean to sound bitchy, but many of these women are in their 40s and 50s, and I am just not in their mindset yet, naturally. Sometimes I wonder: am I the only one who feels this way?
Why it is that women in their 40s and 50s (more so in their 50s and later) think it's hilarious to talk about sex and make funny little jokes about it to people they don't really know, I have no idea. But I am not in that group, and I don't really like women who sit and do that in public because, well, it makes me think that they aren't really having sex and talk about it so much because they are longing to have it more frequently. Am I wrong, or am I just the one whose being a prude? I don't know, but I have noticed that women in their 20s and 30s don't seem to discuss it as much...maybe something else happens that I don't know about. I guess I'll find out.
Why it is that women in their 40s and 50s (more so in their 50s and later) think it's hilarious to talk about sex and make funny little jokes about it to people they don't really know, I have no idea. But I am not in that group, and I don't really like women who sit and do that in public because, well, it makes me think that they aren't really having sex and talk about it so much because they are longing to have it more frequently. Am I wrong, or am I just the one whose being a prude? I don't know, but I have noticed that women in their 20s and 30s don't seem to discuss it as much...maybe something else happens that I don't know about. I guess I'll find out.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Knee jerk continued
In my last post, I mentioned contacting a possible cousin of mine. Well, she is awesome! She is also a published author who writes frequently on msn.com and several other sites, but for anonymity's sake, I'll leave her name out of here. The amazing part is that since contacting her, I have learned a little more about my family, where they are, and what they do. Not only that, but I found out how to start to get into writing children's books, and I am excited! I joined a writing society last night, and I have begun to write every night. Tonight I am just blogging, and there is nothing special to what I am writing, but I am excited about writing my story.
I think what is most heartening about her is that she and I actually have much in common, down to teaching (hence the anonymity), and she is as open as I am, and in her writing I sense the same thinking process too. Of course, she isn't a direct cousin, but through meeting her, I am learning more about myself. There is most definitely a sense of security in discovering these parts about yourself.
My mother, despite her severe mental illness, could be smart, funny and quite charming. She could be generous in her care, and attentive when I was a child. I see myself in some of those aspects, and I also see these same qualities in this cousin of mine. So of course there is a common thread starting back with our many greats grandfather. I may have lost my mother, but I am glad to know that there is family on her side that is kind and compassionate, sensitive and insightful, smart and witty too.
Several years ago I was visting my family in NY. I told my aunt I wanted to teach. She was emphatic about that. When I told her I wanted to write novels about my mother, she didn't know what a good idea that was. But she hesitated and said, "No, I think you'll write children's novels." I looked at her and thought, "I don't know..." I always have that reaction when someone tells when what I'm going to do when I myself haven't a clue. Even when I was in high school I was told by other teachers that I would be a teacher. I protested and insisted that I would not be a teacher. Ha! Now that I have "met" this cousin of mine who is also an author, and who is also pointing me in the right direction for how to get started, I wonder, is my aunt right? Only time will tell, I suppose. I do know that I have so many stories begun and the source of inspiration is always my students. I suppose one could say that they are my muse.
I think what is most heartening about her is that she and I actually have much in common, down to teaching (hence the anonymity), and she is as open as I am, and in her writing I sense the same thinking process too. Of course, she isn't a direct cousin, but through meeting her, I am learning more about myself. There is most definitely a sense of security in discovering these parts about yourself.
My mother, despite her severe mental illness, could be smart, funny and quite charming. She could be generous in her care, and attentive when I was a child. I see myself in some of those aspects, and I also see these same qualities in this cousin of mine. So of course there is a common thread starting back with our many greats grandfather. I may have lost my mother, but I am glad to know that there is family on her side that is kind and compassionate, sensitive and insightful, smart and witty too.
Several years ago I was visting my family in NY. I told my aunt I wanted to teach. She was emphatic about that. When I told her I wanted to write novels about my mother, she didn't know what a good idea that was. But she hesitated and said, "No, I think you'll write children's novels." I looked at her and thought, "I don't know..." I always have that reaction when someone tells when what I'm going to do when I myself haven't a clue. Even when I was in high school I was told by other teachers that I would be a teacher. I protested and insisted that I would not be a teacher. Ha! Now that I have "met" this cousin of mine who is also an author, and who is also pointing me in the right direction for how to get started, I wonder, is my aunt right? Only time will tell, I suppose. I do know that I have so many stories begun and the source of inspiration is always my students. I suppose one could say that they are my muse.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Knee Jerk, Cry and Smile
Those of you who know me well know that I often end up making the best decisions in one impulsive moment. For instance, I got my Master's degree literally on an impulse. I had just gotten back from California visiting my sister. She had just had my niece, who is now 6. I decided I wanted to go back to school on one hot August afternoon. I went to my boss and asked her if she had any objections to me taking a class in the fall. She said no, and the next thing I knew, I was graduating with a Master's in Early Childhood Education. Good decision? Yes. Do I often wonder if I've lost my mind, deciding to teach young minds with nary a clue about the world? Of course. But I don't regret it for one single second.
So today I made another impulsive decision, which, I hope, will not come back to haunt me. I was reading an article online about a real estate deal gone awry, and one of the attorneys who signed the original lease at the heart of this deal had the same first name as my niece and the same maiden name as my mother. So I decided to Google him. He was an attorney in Richmond and is apparently dead. I kept searching around for other people with the same name, and I happened upon a young writer whose style of writing was very much like mine. She has the same last name as my mother. She also had a website that had a "Contact Me," field on it...and so I did. I e-mailed her. I said she didn't have to respond, but she did, within 5 mins. It appears I may have found a cousin of mine. I have to admit that when I got a response back, I started to cry.
Losing a parent is probably one of the hardest things to do deal with. Whether emotionally or physically, dealing with such a loss can be torture, and lingering questions about that parent are always there. I haven't actively searched for living relatives in the past 6 years, but for some reason I really wanted to contact her. It wasn't motivated by strong desire, but rather just sheer curiosity. Apparently, though, it sparked one of those lingering questions about my mother. Who am I? Why am I the way that I am? From reading this woman's writing, I see that I am more like my mother's side than I ever knew. This could explain why sometimes I just don't understand my father at all. The thoughts that occur to him, in their absurdity, just never occur tome . Rash cynicism? Yes. Out and out silliness that he contrives? No. I am hoping that maybe I will begin to understand a little more about myself through my knee-jerk reaction to a field that said "Contact me."
So today I made another impulsive decision, which, I hope, will not come back to haunt me. I was reading an article online about a real estate deal gone awry, and one of the attorneys who signed the original lease at the heart of this deal had the same first name as my niece and the same maiden name as my mother. So I decided to Google him. He was an attorney in Richmond and is apparently dead. I kept searching around for other people with the same name, and I happened upon a young writer whose style of writing was very much like mine. She has the same last name as my mother. She also had a website that had a "Contact Me," field on it...and so I did. I e-mailed her. I said she didn't have to respond, but she did, within 5 mins. It appears I may have found a cousin of mine. I have to admit that when I got a response back, I started to cry.
Losing a parent is probably one of the hardest things to do deal with. Whether emotionally or physically, dealing with such a loss can be torture, and lingering questions about that parent are always there. I haven't actively searched for living relatives in the past 6 years, but for some reason I really wanted to contact her. It wasn't motivated by strong desire, but rather just sheer curiosity. Apparently, though, it sparked one of those lingering questions about my mother. Who am I? Why am I the way that I am? From reading this woman's writing, I see that I am more like my mother's side than I ever knew. This could explain why sometimes I just don't understand my father at all. The thoughts that occur to him, in their absurdity, just never occur tome . Rash cynicism? Yes. Out and out silliness that he contrives? No. I am hoping that maybe I will begin to understand a little more about myself through my knee-jerk reaction to a field that said "Contact me."
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Toilet seat covers: why?
So I was just looking at a house, and I really liked this one bathroom that was mostly blue...and then I saw one of those carpeted toilet seat covers. Why? Why do people put these on toilets?
I just don't get it.
I just don't get it.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Time out
There's a reason why we all have vacation days built into our schedule...we need time off. Of course, I feel badly for moms who apparently never get vacation days, but nonetheless, I am enjoying my spring break.
Sat-Mon: went to see my dad...was feeling a little off the whole time, as it's only been two weeks since I had the flu, but it was nice to get away.
Monday: drove back home, and watched the Hills with B. Can we say AWKWARD with Heidi and Spencer...and it seems as though Spencer's sister has realized what a complete ASS her brother is, perhaps from watching the shows?
Tuesday: did NOTHING. I took a long nap on the sofa...oh, and I finally got around to downloading songs onto my iPod...and getting rid of a bunch of songs my father uploaded onto my computer. Although I enjoy the Beatles, I don't want to listen to every single song written by them. So, Beatles gone, and Killers and the Fray are now with me. :)
Wed: best day yet. Woke up late...drank coffee, and then got ready to go get a massage, which didn't end up happening. The lady who I was supposed to go to apparently lost her cat and had to cancel. That's okay, I'm getting a free facial and "parafin" soak, although I really don't know what that is. So then I just drove to Macy's and went shopping...got three shirts and two bras. Score! Then, I drove to the beach and went on a long walk...and on the way home I washed my car for the first time in well over a year--yes, it's been that long.
So for as much as I hem and haw over living in this area, being able to do what I did today is pretty cool. How many people can just stop off for a walk on the beach on their way home? Not too shabby...just wish winter here didn't suck so badly as it does.
Wed (today): woke
Sat-Mon: went to see my dad...was feeling a little off the whole time, as it's only been two weeks since I had the flu, but it was nice to get away.
Monday: drove back home, and watched the Hills with B. Can we say AWKWARD with Heidi and Spencer...and it seems as though Spencer's sister has realized what a complete ASS her brother is, perhaps from watching the shows?
Tuesday: did NOTHING. I took a long nap on the sofa...oh, and I finally got around to downloading songs onto my iPod...and getting rid of a bunch of songs my father uploaded onto my computer. Although I enjoy the Beatles, I don't want to listen to every single song written by them. So, Beatles gone, and Killers and the Fray are now with me. :)
Wed: best day yet. Woke up late...drank coffee, and then got ready to go get a massage, which didn't end up happening. The lady who I was supposed to go to apparently lost her cat and had to cancel. That's okay, I'm getting a free facial and "parafin" soak, although I really don't know what that is. So then I just drove to Macy's and went shopping...got three shirts and two bras. Score! Then, I drove to the beach and went on a long walk...and on the way home I washed my car for the first time in well over a year--yes, it's been that long.
So for as much as I hem and haw over living in this area, being able to do what I did today is pretty cool. How many people can just stop off for a walk on the beach on their way home? Not too shabby...just wish winter here didn't suck so badly as it does.
Wed (today): woke
Friday, March 14, 2008
Smoky lady cough
It's pretty cool. Right now I have a cold....no, I'm getting over the flu. Not cool. Cool part: when I laugh, I get to sound like a raspy old lady who's been smoking all of her life. Ha!
Burp.
Burp.
Thanking my Lucky Stars
Okay, so I can have a Chicken Little tendency, but when I hear that one of the top five investment banking institutions, Bear Stearns, is having a cash shortage, and the Fed is pumping money to them to keep them afloat...well, me thinks "the sky is falling." When I hear words like "actions like this haven't taken place since the Great Depression.." (though I hardly believe THAT in and of itself), I think "THANK GOD we did NOT buy a house." The last thing B and I need is to have a mortgage payment, and then for B to lose his job, and for us to be one of the millions across the country losing their houses. So for now, until I see a solid sky up above, and fewer scary reports, we'll just continue to save our money and look forward to the rainy day. If it comes, we will be okay. Thank God we didn't buy a house.
I guess in times like this it does force you to take stock of everything and look around and appreciate what you have, and don't get mad about what you don't have. I guess, for that reason, what goes up should and must always come down, eventually. If everything always rose, then we would only continue to be a country of self-indulgent, spoiled brats. Perhaps many people need a good wakeup call. Maybe it is time that we all take a look around and appreciate what we do have, and stop worrying about what we don't have. The last time I think we, as a nation, did that was on 9/11. God forbid we go through that again. Hopefully people will stop trying to think that there really is a pot at the end of the rainbow and stop chasing the dream, only to have the painted arch crashing down upon us.
I guess in times like this it does force you to take stock of everything and look around and appreciate what you have, and don't get mad about what you don't have. I guess, for that reason, what goes up should and must always come down, eventually. If everything always rose, then we would only continue to be a country of self-indulgent, spoiled brats. Perhaps many people need a good wakeup call. Maybe it is time that we all take a look around and appreciate what we do have, and stop worrying about what we don't have. The last time I think we, as a nation, did that was on 9/11. God forbid we go through that again. Hopefully people will stop trying to think that there really is a pot at the end of the rainbow and stop chasing the dream, only to have the painted arch crashing down upon us.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
On the hunt
So I have been MIA since late January. B and I have been on the hunt for a house. We THOUGHT we found the house that we wanted--and we did--just not for the price we would have to pay. With all of the houses that are for sale, I have decided not to give in on what we want for a house. The house we had set our eyes on was big--almost too big--for a couple with no children. I'm thinking maybe this is why couples wait to buy a house until a baby is on the way. In which case, I think they may be on to something. It scares me to think of owning a house with 2,600 square feet, when I'm not even pregnant, and don't know if we'll even be able to have a baby. There is nothing that really makes me think we won't, but after all the stories I read of couples who try for years, I don't want the added pressure of a large house that we can't fill. Also, the kitchen and the master bathroom were not up our liking, so why put out all the money when it isn't exactly what we want?
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