For the first time since Eric and I have been together, we did NOT host Easter. It felt kind of odd to wake up this morning and not stumble to the kitchen to start preparing things. Instead, I stumbled down and just made mashed potatoes. Very odd.
After some confusion on Nolan's arrival, Eric, his parents, Nolan, and I ventured on our way down to Elizabethtown, KY to celebrate Easter at Eric's sister's house. Since we didn't leave until around 1pm, we all managed to have a relatively peaceful morning, but we more than ready to get down there where we could actually relax a bit. But first we had to get there, and we were doing this roadtrip in Tuscany - her first roadtrip! Not only would we get to test out her long haul capability, but also the DVD player that she came with. An easy way to entertain Nolan on the way down, complete with headphones so we could still listen to music and chat, ourselves.
Needless to say, Tuscany delivered well. A very comfortable ride for all, and we didn't even venture into the 3rd row of seating. We'll save that for another day. The only downside is the gas mileage, but we knew that going into it and long before we settled on buying her. No regrets. Just verification that she does, in fact, get only slightly better gas mileage than a 1972 Ford Truck (or a 1968 Buick Special Deluxe, for that matter).
We arrived just before 4pm, and everyone was ready to eat. So with some final prep work, the masses were fed. We kept it simple - ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, and a salad. For dessert, we had so delayed birthday cakes for Payton and Paige, and I did some quick cookies and strawberry banana bread to add some variety (and because it was easy and I had bananas that needed to be used). But even with the simple meal, we all seem to stuff ourselves. Why do we do that on holidays??
After letting the food settle for awhile, the kids were ready to hunt some eggs. Of course, Kimber had to clean up after the dogs in the yard, first. Two dogs make a lot of messes, we learned. But then the kids were free to run and find all the eggs. It's so much fun to watch (and help, on occasion). The egg hunt then led to some trampoline time for the kids, as they showed off their flips. Can't help but cringe the way some of them land.
But just like that, we had to get back on the road. We were taking AJ back to Indy with us to be later transferred up to his dad's house - so one kid down, another one back. Being a little older, he entertained himself with some music and games on his iPad. And then fell asleep. We were all ready to do that by the time we got home. Even though it was only about 10pm. But that was plenty late enough.
I think this is the least exciting time of the year for me, when it comes to sports. I just don't really enjoy college basketball, and when it comes to the tournament time, I just get tired of all the hype. For me, it's just 'blah!'
But I do love a good Cinderella story. I got to witness one close to home a few years ago, when Butler made it to the final game. While I didn't go to the game, it was cool to see the City rally around the small school on the north side. And it's great to see that they've become more of a fixture in the tournament.
This year, while it's not a school close to my heart, at least I knew where it was before the hype began! Florida Gulf Coast University, located just south of the Fort Myers Airport. I used to drive by it all the time when I was doing work in Naples. Granted, I knew nothing about the school. But I knew where it was, which was more than most people out there. And now they're in the Sweet Sixteen, the first 15 seed to do that! Good for them - gotta love an underdog!
And the thing is, these guys are fun to watch! It's like they've been scrimmaging (or at least taking notes) from the Miami Heat! They dunk like no other college team does. Just watch the video below - it's a trip! So yeah... if you can, you might want to watch them play Florida tomorrow. Even if they don't win, it should be a fun game to watch. Rumor has it that Florida refused to scrimmage against them earlier... so we'll see how that works out for them.
I've noticed a trend in eating lately... well, things I see online about eating. It's called 'Clean Eating' and it seems to be popping up everything.
So what is it?
Well, if you ask me, it's just called home cooking - getting back to basics and making things from scratch! All it really is meant to convey is taking processed foods and chemicals out of your diet. In other words, home cooking.
Apparently, this concept is so foreign to some people, they call it 'clean eating' because, I guess, they never saw it done growing up? Am I that much of a rarity, that I actually saw my Mom cook some things from scratch? Sure, there were some short cuts used, but in general, she bought ingredients and made things for dinner, or whatever the meal was. It wasn't 100% pure all the time (Hamburger Helper was a common occurrence), but I got that you didn't just go to a drive-thru to eat or buy something out of the freezer case. I got enough influence in my eating habits that I try to cook things myself - I made some soup from scratch this past weekend that totally kicked butt.
So why is this 'clean eating' being thrown around the internet like it's a new idea? Has our society really become that dumb about food? I guess if you look at obesity rates, then maybe there is something to that thought process...
But this thought process just bugs me. I feel like that it's common sense eating, not clean eating. It's how you should be eating, no matter what. You shouldn't need a blog or a book to tell you not to eat a bunch of chemically processed foods. You should know that if you buy fresh veggies, that's the best way to eat and if you can not fry everything in butter, it's even better. Is this stuff really not common sense?? Convenience and fast is not always good...
I find myself surfing around Pinterest for recipes a lot lately. I've found some good stuff! And then I see some stuff that should be illegal... I'm sure a bite tastes absolutely fabulous, but if you eat the whole thing, you've got your fat and calories covered for the entire day! Who comes up with this stuff?? It's scary. And the fact that people are repinning this stuff, practically drooling about it in the comments, and possibly making it themselves... scary.
So yeah... clean eating? No. It's common sense eating, people. At least it should be. Generations ago, they had no idea what preservatives were and they'd be shaking their head at our 'clean eating' thought process, wondering where the heck it all went wrong. One word. McDonald's.
No matter where you are, you've likely heard about the 'historic winter storm' that came across the Midwest.
Or am I being too presumptuous?
Regardless, a big storm blew through, and since it's March, it was an even bigger deal that usual. The entire week leading up to it, there was talk of how epic would be. And since it really started coming down last night, the historic significance has been the topic on the news.
Let me back up, though... we actually got an inch or so over Saturday night, and into Sunday, which was completely melted before the rest of the storm picked back up late afternoon/early evening on Sunday. But of course, those few inches are included in the grand total.
The claim was that plows were out beginning at 11pm on Saturday night, and they'd do 12hr shifts (as usual) until all was cleared. I'm not really sure where they were on Sunday, though... when I went to bed at nearly 11pm on Sunday, our road hadn't been touched. And we live on a pretty main route coming into downtown - we're usually one of the first to see the plows at work. It was kind of eerie to see our street so covered in snow, with no traffic, and complete silence as the snow continued to pile up. And we were only half way through, apparently.
I was happy to see the plows did finally make it by when I woke up this morning. But the snow was still coming down. We were a little over 7in in the early AM, which, if you included those first couple of inches that melted, would be accurate from my backyard's perspective. But I was just surprised that we were falling into the range of 6"-9" that was forecasted locally - they actually didn't over-predict, for once!
Despite my road being done, much of the City was still a mess. I'm on the late end of the rush hour, and there were still a lot of roads that, at least, needed to be plowed again. Maybe it was because I was on the reverse commute that they weren't paying attention to, yet?? I guess it didn't help that the snow was still coming down pretty good. Regardless, I didn't really mind - I've got Tuscany and she can surely handle any precipitation thrown at her!
It finally stopped snowing kind of late in the afternoon. So by the evening rush hour, things were finally under control, both ways. There was even a little melting happening, since the temperature got a wee bit above freezing. Of course, that would mean slick roads in the morning as it refreezes over night. But that's to be expected, I guess.
The final tally was actually just over 9in of snow. And this was some odd statistic... like the most snow falling after the start of spring since some date long ago... I didn't pay attention to closely to what they said. Mainly because the melting had already began by the time the news was on. And it looks like it'll all be gone in a few days. But it sure was epic!
Today is the first day of Spring! Wait... today is the first day of Spring?? Then why did we not even break the freezing mark?? It only hit 31 degrees today?? In fact, our HIGH today was the equivalent of the first day of spring's average LOW! That can't be right, can it??
But alas, it is. Spring is, apparently, in hiding this year. I was pretty exciting when a few of the tulips stared coming up a few weeks ago... hopefully that it was going to get warmer real soon. But then the temperatures took a nose dive and we've been way below average ever since. Which really sucks! Winter needs to end, damnit!
I have to say... this is the weather that makes me want to move back to FL very quickly! It's one thing to be cold in the winter. But when it's supposed to at least be in the 50's, giving us a glimmer of hope, and it's only in the low 30's?? Umm, no. Not having it!
And my loving family can say all they want about how 'cold' it is down in FL, too... all I can say to that is, "Do you want to trade places??
I remember a time, not too long ago (at least I'd like to think, 'not too long ago'), that my sole driving force on St. Patrick's Day was to find out what bar my friends were going to and how early they'd be there... I never celebrated it, really, until I moved to Indiana. I guess it was just the friends I made when I moved here.
But now? Now I'm just happy I remember to pull out my green St. Patrick's Day socks! Gotta wear green!
It seems most of my friends have 'grown up' in that respect. It's no longer about how much green beer you can drink or how much free beer merchandise you can snag to wear. It's really just becoming another day. A day you happen to pick out something green to wear. Sure, you still meet up with friends, if the opportunity presents itself. But you don't really search it out.
My big excitement this year was finding a good corned beef and cabbage recipe. And let me tell you, it was awesome! We had my in-laws over and pretty much finished it off, it was so good! Wasn't too bad for a first timer... might have to make it a regular thing.
So... St. Patrick's Day... all grown up means eating traditional food, apparently... not 'traditional' green beer consumption. I can handle that.
So I was at a restaurant the other day (whose name shall be omitted from this blog, since I know they aren't alone), and I couldn't help but notice the calorie count on their Macaroni and Cheese - both small and large sizes. Okay... so the large portion... nearly 1000 calories! It got me thinking... it's not McDonald's that's killing us, it's macaroni and cheese!
Okay... wait... McDonald's is pretty nasty, too, as is any fast food restaurant... but hear me out.
This country is in love with macaroni and cheese. Besides myself, I can't think of anyone who doesn't search out the perfect recipe for some version, or restaurant to use as a vice. Me? Not a huge fan. I think I was turned off of any form of macaroni and cheese when I used to have to serve it every time I babysat. That stuff in a box is nasty - the powdered stuff is the worst, but the creamy, gelatinous packets are no better, really. They're both processed - one's just processed worse than the other! And it's far from healthy! It has very little nutritional value, aside from milk you might have to add. And the calories in the boxed stuff is anywhere from 250 to 500 calories a serving! Which, by the way, is only a cup.
And that's what so many people start serving their kids at a young age because they eat it. Well, yeah... usually kids eat what's not good for them! It's a kid thing, I guess. So as they grow up, they want better versions, more gourmet versions, it's ordered as a side - and it probably has more calories than the main dish! And don't get me started on the rest of the nutritional chart (ie fat!).
I'm happy to say that I don't have any of that stuff in my house. Sure... you're saying, "Well you don't have kids!" No - I don't. But I heard a good rule of thumb, once... if you won't put it in your body, then why would you put it in your kids' bodies? I'm no angel when it comes to eating, but I try to watch it. Eric likes those fancy baked macaroni and cheese sides you find at restaurants, but even he's learned not to eat the whole thing. It's worth a dramatic pause for reflection next time you order, that's for sure.
I am totally making up for all the trips I DIDN'T make to FL last year... and taking advantage of the fact that Eric has to do stuff on his project down there.
Once again, I ventured down to FL on Friday afternoon. The only 'big plan' for us was on Sunday - it wasn't like my last trip with the Keys all planned out and stuff. But we still had some good stuff on the agenda. Just like the last time, Eric had to go back to the jobsite after he picked me up at the airport - his day was not over. But he didn't have much left, and that was enforced, so to speak, by the fact that AL (big boss man) wanted us to have drinks with he and his wife. So he actually had to wrap up by 4:30, which is early for him.
After some good social time with the work group (and significant others), we had to venture down into downtown Miami. We were going to the Miami Heat game, which was a quick decision by Eric the day before. Why not? I can always take in a game, no matter the sport. Besides - Eric heard good things about these games. Very energized, he was told, with constant cheering and hype. And he heard right. We had a great time!
From here, it was just back to the hotel. We decided to stay out on the beach this trip, and thankfully, we were away from the early Spring Break crowd. Our hotel was in the perfect location... south of the party scene in South Beach, in an area known as 'SoFi' (South of Fifth). It was peaceful there, and the views and scenery were still to die for! We got in late, though, so we really didn't know how good we had it until the next morning.
Saturday was our day of no plans. Literally. We talked about a few ideas as we got ready for bed Friday night, but didn't really decide what to do until breakfast in the morning. It was a nice day, but a little breezy. So we decided to go for a drive through Coral Gables and 'old' Miami, and then do a little shopping on Lincoln Road. The drive was really nice, actually - a side of the Miami area you don't see on TV. It was normal. Houses with yards, parks, and little neighborhood shops. Then we went to Lincoln Road, which actually started with brunch at SushiSAMBA, one of our faves (yes, we already had breakfast. It was lunchtime by this time, but they were still serving brunch, and it sounded good!)! Then we walked up and down the mall, poking our heads in a few of the shops. We were only there for a few hours, but since we weren't really shopping for anything, that was enough. We went back to the hotel and Eric decided he needed a nap. I decided I'd try the beach. Of course. Unfortunately for me, it had only become windier and more clouds were moving in. But I still enjoyed about an hour of beach time. I even got to see The Epic leave port - that ship is huge!!
After some freshening up, we decided to walk over to Joe's Stone Crab for dinner. We had heard about it - it's kind of famous - and it turns out we were staying only a few blocks away. So we walked over at about 6:30, figuring we might have to wait a bit. We got there, and there was a line to get on the list. And the wait? Two-and-a-half hours!! The good thing is that they don't expect you to stay there - they give you a time to come back. So we wandered down to South Pointe Park and grabbed a drink at Smith & Wollensky's. We ended up grabbing a quick appetizer, too, before finally heading back to Joe's.
The good news is that the host was just about spot on with our time. Shortly after we got there, our name was called and we were ushered into the massive dining room! It looks more like a steakhouse than a seafood joint. We sat down and the amazing service began. And I mean amazing! Eric is still talking about the impeccable service - the kind that happens without you even noticing! The kind that turns a table over for the next guest in 90 seconds flat! But the best part was that the service matched the food! We split and order of Stone Crab Claws and had two sides with it - fried green tomatoes and sauteed brussel sprouts. The Stone Crab was amazing! If you've never had it and see it on a menu somewhere, get them! More importantly, if you even get to Miami Beach, go to Joe's! Just remember to get there early!
Sunday was the reason I was really in FL. My nephew's confirmation. Just as we were getting on the road, though, my sister calls me, with panic in her voice. Apparently, there was some miscommunication in Jacksonville - my parents thought it was the NEXT weekend! So unfortunately, my Dad wasn't going to be able to make it down, and my Mom and Nan would just make it down. Thankfully, my sister called them when she did! But she was worried I was confused, too. I had it right in my calendar, at least. So Eric and I settled in for the 3 hour drive, with a few stops along the way. It was nice, since we didn't have to rush out really early - we actually stayed until check-out time! So we managed to have a nice breakfast and even get a bikeride in before leaving. Nice way to start the day.
We got to Palm Bay around 3pm and had some food off the grill that my BIL had been working on. I hadn't seen my sister's in-laws in quite awhile, so it was nice to catch-up with them. But we didn't have a lot of time since mass was at 6pm. Plus, Bubba had to be there early! So Eric and I drove around PB a bit - he hadn't been here before. So I showed him my old neighborhood (which is nothing like it used to be) and drove by three of my schools. And that's all we really had time for before we had to go to the church. The Bishop was in town for the confirmation and, I gotta say, they have a very lighthearted Bishop right now. Kind of refreshing! He led the mass and had some humorous points with both the congregation and the priest. And, thankfully, he kept the mass short, too.
There was a quick reception afterwards, and then a quick stop at my sister's house to see the latest project... but Eric and I had to go, since we had to go back to Ft. Lauderdale that night - I had a 6am flight the next morning! We got to the hotel late and just crashed. And just like that, my weekend was over. But what another great weekend in FL!
Needless to say, Tuscany delivered well. A very comfortable ride for all, and we didn't even venture into the 3rd row of seating. We'll save that for another day. The only downside is the gas mileage, but we knew that going into it and long before we settled on buying her. No regrets. Just verification that she does, in fact, get only slightly better gas mileage than a 1972 Ford Truck (or a 1968 Buick Special Deluxe, for that matter).
We arrived just before 4pm, and everyone was ready to eat. So with some final prep work, the masses were fed. We kept it simple - ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, and a salad. For dessert, we had so delayed birthday cakes for Payton and Paige, and I did some quick cookies and strawberry banana bread to add some variety (and because it was easy and I had bananas that needed to be used). But even with the simple meal, we all seem to stuff ourselves. Why do we do that on holidays??
After letting the food settle for awhile, the kids were ready to hunt some eggs. Of course, Kimber had to clean up after the dogs in the yard, first. Two dogs make a lot of messes, we learned. But then the kids were free to run and find all the eggs. It's so much fun to watch (and help, on occasion). The egg hunt then led to some trampoline time for the kids, as they showed off their flips. Can't help but cringe the way some of them land.
