yummeeness: planning, planning fooooood

{ -- a new staple, tofu w/seasoning for tofu/bean tacos -- }

A huge challenge I face is knowing what I'm going to have for dinner. Lunch, for me, is super easy. I either throw a Lean Cuisine in the microwave (obviously not ideal but being single, not a lot of time...it's nice to have just in case and I'm still NOT eating out) or if I go home, I make some eggs and toast. My lunch when I go home has to be quick— like, 20 minutes-cook-eat-clean quick. I'm lucky to work at a company where I don't have to 'clock in' so it's somewhat flexible when it comes to timing, however, I'm usually busy and it's not always good to take 2 hour lunches...even tho I could, and have.

This morning, I came across this blog post from a favorite blogger and my jaw dropped! I LOVE this organizing stuff and typically will get half-way there with my own things before I give up or realize how crazy I must look. This though, this...I'm super impressed and hope to get close to that organized, especially when I get my house (oh! Did I just say that?? ...)

I think the closest I've came to organizing meals is just in front of one week. It changed mid-week and I moved a couple things around because I would end up having more leftovers and would need to eat those before I moved on to new food or a new recipe but overall it was super helpful. Anymore when my grocery shopping happens, I sit down and (try) pick out one new recipe and one old, familiar recipe. I always have eggs and toast on hand when I want something quick (it also serves as budget conscience because eggs/bread are so cheap). I also always have cereal on hand for a quick meal or snack as well. I know it'll be better than chips or cookies :)

How do you plan your meals? Do you even plan them? I'd say 50% of the time I don't and it always hurts me in the end; I can't decide what to eat, I don't have this or that...oh, fine, I'll just go out or I end up waiting until it's super late. Now, that does not bode well with my waist.

Lots of <3

thank you and hello, dapper eddie

Last week was a mess. I was a mess but it turned out to be a good mess. A lot happened, a lot of good things and then the weekend...duh, duh, duuuuuh...I got sick and am still recovering but I sometimes enjoy being sick. I know, right? Mostly because I can be lazy and not feel guilty for any of it. I deserve rest damnit!

Besides the crappy end of the week, during the week I went to two concerts; Fun. and Like Moths to Flames. Both amazing and both I would do over again without thinking. And, am once again thankful I only had to buy one ticket. SINGLE! No supporting anyone but myself. Feels great! I'll keep saying it as long as I want to. I just want to scream it every time!

{ -- me with Like Moths to Flames lead Chris Roetter -- }

In other news...Eddie got his hairs did and man, does he look handsome. My dad doesn't like it when I get Eddie's hair done but no matter how often I brush him or bathe him, it needs to be done more often than it seems. He had several tiny knots started everywhere and you can't brush that out. You have to cut them out. Also, when his hair gets long, he seems to retain stink longer. I typically bathe him 1-2X a week depending on how he's smelling or how much of a mess he's gotten himself into. I'll wait as long as I can anyway because the cost to maintain a cut is fairly pricey. It'll grow back and it'll keep doing that so, my dad will get his little buddy back again soon.

{ -- Eddie, looking dapper -- }

Happy Wednesday!

Lots of <3

should i believe?

There are things worth a person's time and there are things that aren't. I took time out of my day yesterday to rehash my past. Why? I've no idea but it did feel good. I had a conversation about it and I'm hoping it was an honest transaction because when it comes to that part of my past, it was all lies. In any case, I've realized that I've moved on and in such a healthy way. With that said, I can honestly say to myself that I am more thankful everyday since that part of my life ended.

{ -- Apple holding Jack -- }

Some more good news? OK! My sister had a baby boy over the weekend. A healthy, 8lb. 10oz. baby boy. His name is Jack Patrick Sullivan, middle name from his daddy. Like her first, Apple, I got to be in the room again when it all happened and it was amazing.

It all started Friday night. She had started contractions at 1am Friday and they weren't progressing but they did get worse late into Friday evening. So, I headed out to Lincoln (a good 45min. drive). We hung out while her contractions kept getting more painful. We dropped Apple off at my Grandmother's and headed to the hospital. By this time, my sister was in a lot of pain. Up until 4am waiting in the room, we eventually took naps but woke up to my sister's water breaking at 7am. Things started getting serious, she had over 2 hours of pushing and there he was. Born at 10:10am! They went home Monday and he's definitely keeping them busy.

{ -- Jack Patrick Sullivan -- }

It's unreal being a part of the journey and I'm so grateful to have been a part of it. What a world that little boy is in for.

Lots of <3