Random Thoughts on Life

Hello Again!

It has been way to long since I have last blogged and a ton of stuff has been going on-- mainly LIFE.

We are in the midst of our summer schedule and it has just been a bit chaotic here.  I have been working my last few weeks of work and packing like a mad woman, so much so,  that I packed some very nice (expensive) drapes that evidently have to convey with the house since I did not stipulate that in the contract (the windows already have planter shutters, so now I am doing some unpacking as well!  Ah... one step forward and then one step backward.  Sorry, I digress this is just the latest saga of my moving tale.

I also found out that the driveway of our new home in Portland is very narrow and moving trucks and PODS can't deliver to the address, thus we will have to have our PODS park on a side street and movers hand truck everything into the house.  I then found out you need you need permits from the City of Portland in order to have the PODS.  Luckily, the owners of the home have been nice enough to facilitate this with our new neighbor Phil, who is a very nice man for letting us park in front of his home.

As I mentioned in the title-- these are just random thoughts that are on my mind so please bear with me!

I need to organize my thoughts a little better so I think I will categorize what is going on.

Thoughts-

I hate good bye's.  I am not good at them and I am going to miss all the wonderful and fabulous people that I have met here in Austin.  My friends, family and clients are all very special to me and I have been very blessed to have met and spent time with all of you.  I am the type that would love to just sneak out of town and avoid the parties and good-bye's but it does not look like I am going to get away with that.  There is all sorts of fun in the works and I have decided to enjoy this time and man up and say proper good-bye's.

Worries--
 My gray hair is really coming out with my worrying little mind.  I can really go to town with the "what if" game.  So I am going to face my concerns by addressing here:

I am worried about my kids transition and have already found doctor's, dentists and camps for them once they arrive. They have gotten a bit sad about leaving all there friends and cousins and even though I know they will make new friends it is hard to see your sad.  I am lucky because they are also very excited about moving and Emmet and Zoe have each other and actually enjoy playing with each other as well.

I am worried about not working and losing my source of income.  I stayed home with the kids for 7 years and have gone back to work the last two part-time.  I slowly built up my own business here and will have to start all over.  I enjoyed earning my own money and contributing to the family.  On the flip side, I am happy to have more time with the kids and to help them get established in Portland.

I have not been great about taking care of myself lately-- summer schedule and moving process has meant less exercising and I am feeling the effects.  Oh, and those few pounds I lost over the stress of selling our home have creeped back on and now I am worried about gaining weight.

Fears-

Now I will delve into my fears.  We are planning a major cross-country trek out to Portland and I have a major fear of driving!  Especially when I am driving around with precious cargo (my family).  My poor husband usually has to drive us everywhere and even then I am white knuckling the side of the door.  Let's just say I will be white knuckling my way out to Portland.  I am also not a speeder and that is going to drive my husband batty as well.  So let's see.... we will be traveling in two separate cars with two kids and a dog.  I have never traveled with a dog either, so this should be interesting..... I am learning all sorts of things about dog friendly hotels and such.

We have had to change out trip a bit because I am a weeny and don't want to be on scary roads in the mountains-- therefore we will be traveling to Ft. Stockton, TX (lovely place...jk), Sante Fe, NM, Fort Collins, CO,  Park City, UT,  Salt Lake, Boise ID and then Portland!  Now, my kids and husband are looking forward to this "road trip" but I have a bit of fear about all this travel and exercising and eating on the road.  I need to come up with a strategy of how to stay thin and sane on this excursion.  I will definitely be blogging about how I do this because that is my challenge to myself.  We are going to make stops and explore and I want to try to hit some fun grocery stores along the way and stock up on healthy road eats.  My husband is checking out all the dives and diners so this will be a challenge!

Okay, I think I have covered most of my thoughts for the day and thank you for listening!  Now on to the food and yes, I have been eating!

First up, I have to tell you about Father's Day.  We gave Steve the new cookbook from New Orlean's Donald Link called Real Cajun.  We then asked him to pick out some recipes that he would like us to make for him.  He came up with Grilled Pork Ribs with Spicy Coonass BBQ Sauce, Smothered Collard Greens and Chocolate Yummy.


Chocolate Yummy- begins with a pecan shortbread followed by layers of sweetened cream cheese, dark chocolate pudding and topped with fresh whipped cream.




I admit that I did not indulge in all that food for Father's Day.  I also grilled a pork tenderloin and asparagus and served it with some juicy watermelon.  I love watermelon.


A chocolate cake was also made for the kids who do not like "cream cheese."  This is the Classic Chocolate Cake and maybe a bit for me too:)

I have also made a few notable bowls of oats the last few days and must at least share the pictures with you.