New do!

I've been working like a crazy woman and decided that I needed a change. I'm fitting in the size 8 jeans, I'm feeling like myself again, and I want to do the things that I have wanted to do for a long time! Off with all that extra hair! Time for the Hamsa!

Here is the new me! And here is the before - with Lexi hanging out!

Oy Vey

WTF. FML. Pretty much sums up how I feel today. Or yesterday. Whatever. I mean, how did my life come to three letters? How did I get to be a single mom again? Actually, when was I ever NOT a single mom? Sheesh! I think it's easier just never getting married!

I'd love to support my gay friends in fighting for same-sex marriage... but I just can't. Why the hell would ANYONE want to get married??? Have they lost their minds? Do they know what they're in for? Why can't they just stay in love, have fun, and let it roll? Good gravy! Don't they know that piece of paper is like the gate to hell? Run Forrest! Run! I mean... you can buy the bling, share a household... but keep your shit separate! Don't get all crazy people!

I have this new friend, Ben. He's from Indiana. What a life. He travels to all these exotic places... he's never been married, he has a great job, gets to just pick up and go whenever he wants. I'm totally jealous. As my fingers flutter across my dusty keyboard, he's packing up for China. Can you spell J.E.A.L.O.U.S.? What a life! All his pictures are of gorgeous islands, beautiful deserts, and remote locales that you've never dreamed of. He can just pick up and go - nobody to tell him he's got other obligations to take care of. Wonderful.

Now, I wouldn't trade my kids for the world. My friend Ben is missing out on the greatest thing in the universe as far as I'm concerned. The love of my children has been the greatest reward I've ever received. But on those days where everyone has the stomach flu and I've run out of barf buckets, or everyone is fighting and my migraine is pounding... I just want to call Ben and tell him to grab me a passport and take me away.

Have I mentioned Mr. Ben is easy on the eyes??? LOL. Just kidding friends. Mr. Ben is unattached and is that way for a reason. He is my PLATONIC friend. My sarcastic, witty friend that I have an easy, casual relationship with. One that I gain a better understanding of men with. Pffft. Yeah right. I don't think I really WANT a better understanding of men. I just want a maid and a masseuse at this point in my life...

Im dealing with a patient

patient faking seizure in ER

Back to the grind!

After a long hiatus from ER work, I'm headed back to work next week. What a surprise! I got a call just last week for an interview after throwing an application in for what looks like a perfect job for me... PRN work! That means I don't get any benefits, but I don't have a set schedule and only HAVE TO work 8 hours a month minimum! It's exactly what I have been looking for and never expected to find! It gives me the freedom to still be a stay-at-home mom, but pick up shifts in the middle of the night when I don't sleep anyhow and everyone else is home and sleeping. I get to keep my skills up and keep learning...

I can't wait to see this fun stuff again!

Upkeep...

Blogging is better than going to a therapist, right? But not as good as going to your colorist. You get to gossip there, as well as look good...

Alright, so I haven't been so good at this blogging thing as I thought I would be. I swear, I have the best intentions - and so much planned. Tomorrow... just let me get through today first... let me grow my roots out a little bit.

Addicted to tutus...

I think I love making tutus.  I actually ignored my older children arguing today and just kept on making my tutu for Lexi... it was somewhat therapeutic.  Tomorrow comes PURPLE and longer... maybe some fancy finishes on the bottom.  We'll see.  Anyhow.  I seriously am addicted.  Who'da thunk?  Now I'm picturing buying Lexi zebra print leggings to go with a black top and a hot pink medium length tutu... and maybe some hot pink patent leather combat boots, lol.

Anyhow.  Lazy day since I was focused on the new tutu and shirt.  I made a roast on the stovetop.  Cast iron (ceramic glazed) dutch oven, of course.  I have no idea what cut of meat.  I could care less.  It really doesn't matter to me.  I got a 2-for-1 deal at the grocery store, so one went in the pot and one went in the freezer.  It's all in the sauce anyhow.  I made homemade mashed potatoes to go with the gravy, and steamed some green beans.  Sourdough rolls, and voila!

Here's the million dollar recipe folks... it's the bomb!

Whiney Java Roast

• 3-6 pound roast, any cut (boneless) 
  
• 1 cup flour, salt/pepper/dried thyme
• 4 cloves garlic -- peeled and chopped
  
• 2 large onions, roughly chopped
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups good quality red wine (I like Shiraz)
• 1 large can V-8® vegetable juice
• 10 oz very strong black coffee
• 
  
  1 cup beef stock
  
  
  
• 1 large bunch fresh thyme, removed from stalks
• 2 bay leaves
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 
  
  6 T butter
  
  
  
• 6 T flour
• 1 cup heavy cream

Heat dutch oven on stovetop with olive oil.  Mix flour, salt/pepper/dried thyme in shallow dish on countertop. 

1. Unwrap roast and stare at it in dismay.  HOLY CRAP that's a lotta beef!  Unless you're a vegetarian, deal with it.  Grab it with your hands and coat in in the flour mixture.  If you don't feel like making a mess, use a leftover produce bag from the grocery store to put the flour mixture in... throw in the beef, and wallop one of your whiney kids with it.
2. Brown the roast on all sides.  Add onion and garlic to pan if you can see after chopping those monster onions.  I had mascara all over my sleeves.  Cook for about 5-10 minutes, but DO NOT LET GARLIC BROWN.
3. Take that bitch of a roast out carefully.  Whine to your husband that you're not strong enough and let him burn himself with the scalding oil.  Set in on the cutting board that I know you haven't cleaned up yet.
4. Pour in the red wine.  Scrape up all the brown bits off the bottom.  Reduce by half.  Drink a glass of the Shiraz.  It's good. 
5. Add the V8, Coffee, and stock.  Whine to your husband again about the "heavy roast" and get it back in there somehow.  Add the bay leaves. 
6. Get that sucker boiling, reduce it to low immediately and cover it.
7. Drink some more wine and ignore that roast for a few hours.  At least 3.  You can move it to a crock pot if you want and run away to the nearest mall too.
8. If you must, you can put vegetables in your roast, but that's gross.  Put them in the oven where they belong.  Don't screw up my gravy.
9. When you're ready to eat, set the roast on a carving board and let it rest for 15 min.
10. Pour the liquids into a large bowl with a pouring spout.
11. Throw the butter into the dutch oven.  Yell at someone to throw the rolls in the oven because you're busy.  When the butter is melted, add the flour.  Whisk for two minutes or more if you feel special.
12. Add the liquids back in.  When it thickens, add the cream.  Bring to a boil, reduce to low-med, and simmer for five minutes or so.  Voila.  If you want it thicker... use more fat/flour dummy! 
13. I like to slice  my roast (if it doesn't just fall apart) and add it back to the gravy.  If anyone whines... thump 'em.