And we’re off…

Another Monday for the books. I can finally get into the groove of things. I swear, I go through most of Monday in denial that I’m back at the office. By Tuesday, I have accepted my fate. I work and it’s no longer Monday. Good enough for me (sort of).

M and I had such a great weekend. We were one step ahead of the curve on Sunday. We beat the Senior Citizen crowd to dinner at El Fenix. We could no longer take it. We had to have an early dinner. Early, you say? How about 3:30 PM early? We had the whole place to ourselves minus a few late lunchers and kiddos. It was great. I’ve been ordering the same thing since I was 16 years old; two sour cream chicken enchiladas, a soft cheese taco, rice and beans (aka Pueblo Plate with a substitution). The whole late lunch/early dinner threw a wrench in our fish taco plans, but not to worry. We’ll be whipping those up next weekend.

A little barbecue action, catching up with old friends, bar time, mall time and El Fenix made for a pretty splendid weekend.

Weekend Plans

Don’t you hate it when you wake up thinking it is the weekend and then you realize that it is not? I did that this morning. Bum out! Anywho, it’s Friday and that is something I can get out of bed for. It took long enough to get here. Don’t ya think?

Tonight, M and I are going to put on our running shoes and make a go at the Katy Trail. Friday nights are perfect because there is less traffic and more wobble room (I’m clumsy). Normally we would walk over to Corner Bar, but exercise and cold beers at the house ringed in a nice change of pace. Plus, we have several movies to watch. Too much time at the Corner Bar eqauls unfinished DVD and strange messes to clean up the next morning. I’m one of those eating types when I drink. Think blueberry pancakes at 1AM.

Saturday, my Mom and I are going to walk and then I’m going hit up Central Market. She’s craving a Prime filet for dinner and I agreed to tackle Central Market for the beef. She steers clear of busy shopping centers. I jumped at the chance. I’m thinking a major cheese purchase is about to go down. Did I mention lots of red wine and Parmesan bread? Yep, a feast for kings. Nothing on the books for Saturday night except a little bar time and probably take out. Mmm… I love take-out.

Sunday, another walk with the Momma and then it’s over to El Fenix for lunch. I love their chips and salsa! M is requesting fish tacos again for Sunday dinner. Sounds like a winner to me.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

Survey of 8’s (I’ve been tagged)

8 Things I’m Looking Forward To;

1. Having babies

2. Sunday lunch at El Fenix

3. Buying a house

4. Weekends

5. The State Fair of Texas

6. Getting a dog

7. Wedding anniversary

8. Walking with my Mom

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Went for a walk on the Katy Trail

2. Seriously inquired about a career change

3. Updated my resume

4. Made a huge salad with goat cheese and salmon

5. Browsed Ebby.com and Operationkindness.org

6. Ate TCBY frozen yogurt

7. Changed the sheets on the bed

8. Vegged in front of the TV

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Chill at home today

2. Straighten my hair without it taking FOREVER

3. Make fried chicken without destroying the kitchen

4. Plant a garden

5. Win the lottery

6. Carpentry

7. Travel to Spain

8. Go to more Ranger games

8 Shows I Watch:

1. Property Virgins

2. New Adventures of Old Cristine

3. The Hills

4. Greek

5. How I Met Your Mother

6. Rules of Engagement

7. Chuck

8. The City

Cocoa is oh so good!

I’ve been adding a little cocoa to my coffee lately. Boy, let me tell you. This is the way to start the day. It’s a hot chocolate coffee heaven. Happy Friday everyone!!

So much for beets…

I ended up with turnips. All I have to say about turnips is that they are mighty stinky while roating away in the oven. Our fridge reeked as well. The outcome; scalloped turnips. You know what? They were pretty good. Would I make them again? Probably not. As for the beets, maybe I’ll whip up something for the next big gathering.

In need of Easter recipes

I am in need of a simple appetizer and a beet recipe for Easter. What do you suggest? For this instance I prefer simple and easy.

Chocolate Mousse

 

There is something so elegant about chocolate mousse. It’s so easy to make, but by serving it in a wine glass or something similar gives it that extra savvy bling. Plus, it’s almost sinful in it’s simplistic navigation from lips to mouth that make any diva beg for more.

Chocolate Mousse

Adapted from Hershey

 

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

¼ cup cold water

1/3 cup boiling water

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 tsp Kahlua

2 cups heavy whipping cream

2/3 cups Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa

I can’t wait to indulge in another one of these treats after dinner tonight.

Flo? More coffee, please.

I worked long and hard to get my coffee drinking under control. I used to be one of those pot-of -coffee people in the morning. A few years back, I worked my way down to one cup a day with the exception of the weekends. I allow myself as much as I want as long as it’s before noon. This rule does not apply if I’m severely hung over. All bets are off if that is the case.

M and I took a nice stroll on the Katy Trail after work on Monday. On our way home, we stopped into Starbucks to pick up some coffee (we were out at home). $12 later, we had ourselves a bag of Brazilian coffee. Mind you, I stopped buying Starbucks coffee to save money. I turned to 8 o’clock coffee and didn’t look back until Monday.

What is going on? I’m at 2 cups a day and then some. I love this coffee! Oh, did I mention M and I have stopped drinking during the week (trial basis). I’m sure that has nothing to do with it.

April Fools’ Day Memories

There is one vivid April 1 memory that sticks out big time in my mind. Back in 3rd grade our elementary teacher hosted a game of hang man with the class. The final outcome; pizza party. We were so excited!! This was no laughing matter. Our class was getting pizza delivered for lunch. Our teacher even went so far as to ask each and every one of us our preferred pizza toppings. Right before our class was to be dismissed for lunch, Ms. Parker exclaimed, “APRIL FOOLS’!!” I all bull sh*t! That was just wrong.

This story must have been meant for more than a mere prank. It was this exact story that brought my husband and I together. Lo and behold, we were in the same class and never knew it.

And the gifts just keep on coming

Another one to add to the collection.