Friday Already!
Today was non-stop, but it was Friday so it was all endured with a grin. I got an extra in the VCAL class and had my fingernails manicured and painted. That was an unexpected bonus! I love the VCAL program at work. It’s great for the hands on learners at our school.
On Wednesday night I went to a very well prepared and delicious tasting meal at school prepared by the students studying Food. I was really impressed, it was visually stunning and the desert especially was yummy. I booked for two because Darin was hoping to come, but couldn’t get the night off. Rhonda was the next, but had a big day the next day. Just as she told me she couldn’t make it, Asha called to say she was in town, so she became my dinner guest. I loved the way it worked out.
Tonight the kids came straight after school so the day kept up it’s busy pace. They have been an absolute delight. I love it when they are here. We have a full weekend ahead, so I’m having an early night.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Learning to make Arincini
I have enjoyed making chocolate tarts and lemon tarts since the school holidays. I’ve given most of them away and even thrown some out that didn’t go to plan. I’m ready to move to the next thing I want to learn how to make on my hitlist…. arincini.
I love rice. It is my favourite food. If I get sick, I crave fried rice. If I want to comfort myself I make risotto. I read a beautiful post about food today:Food Memories: Jill Dupliex. It reminded me of the delicious rice pudding my nana would make that we’d eat with golden syrup and cream. Delicious.
I know the value of rice since Roger Green’s Feng Shui course, which included some Macrobiotic food as one of the branches of feng shui. I remember enjoying a rice ball at the ‘Wild Rice Cafe’. When I heard about arincini, I knew I’d love it.
Darin and I made the risotto together on Thursday night. Asha had friends coming over Friday night so I had some victims to test my food on lined up. I also planned to have brushetta which I have pretty well handled now, just in case it was really bad. Darin fortunately had the night off so he helped me heaps with both and they were yummy. We had the kids and J(8) wouldn’t go near it, but Asha and her mates liked it. I heated up the leftovers tonight for dinner -not bad.
Next time though I want to make the risotto a bit wetter and put more mozzarella in the middle. Still I’m happy with my first try.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Pyjama’s, Cancerian’s and Babies
Today I put my pj’s under my pillow after I made my bed. I’m sure I haven’t done that since I was a kid. I was actually amused when I thought about how I’d done it when I was a kid and then not ever since I left home. They have usually been left on the floor or draped across the bed, on the bathroom floor etc. It’s not a bad idea… I get it now! I asked Darin if he did the PJ’s under the pillow thing when he was a kid and yes he did too. Did you?
I visited one of my Cancerian friends tonight. I have decided that my female cancerian friends have more power tools than most men I know. They are capable around the home and can achieve any home improvement project with apparent ease. Not only are they the caretakers of their family but their homes as well. They can certainly do it themselves. I am always well fed in their homes and comfortable to be me.
My weekend has been great so far. On Friday we got the good news about mum’s tests and I think that has really topped everything else off. My kids have a new sister. It has created huge excitement. Amelie was born on Tuesday. It was kind of weird for me. How do you behave when your ex husband has a new baby. I swung between absolute excitement for my children and reminding myself that it was none of my business really. A big part of me wanted to rush out to the hospital and have a cuddle of my kids new sister… but really that’s probably not appropriate. It would be imposing I imagine. I am really happy for Shane and Di though. I know they will enjoy her and she will be a celebrated addition to the family.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Tasty TV
I am not a big watcher of TV. There are so many cooking shows that lure me lately. Darin is working most weeknights now… so I have to watch chefs on TV. I no longer have the pleasure of watching him chop, slice and dice etc and I’m miss it. I do get to hear about the goings on in his kitchen, but it’s not the same. I can’t smell, taste and wash up after it! Those hours to myself have become healthy, because I exercise instead. It’s got to be better long term!
I’ve started watching Masterchef and Hell’s Kitchen. I’ve even watched ‘Kitchen Nightmares’. I am not even a fan of Gordan Ramsey, although it’s mainly based on his inability to be honest in relationship, in fairness I like his style as a chef. In fact if he can be so honest professionally, I do wonder what went wrong at home. Really it’s none of my business and I would be happier if the media didn’t tell me about people’s private lives.
My favourite has to be Jamie Olivier though, I follow his twitters and nod at the seriously intelligent, yet yummy he has to food. He is just lovely. His food revolution is serious common sense and it’s heartening to see someone use their fame for good.
Watch this :
He’s awesome.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Year 12 Retreat
I haven’t been on a year 12 retreat since 1983 when I was in year 12. I didn’t have really clear memories but vaguely recall going on a really long walk, not allowing enough time to get back, so hitchhiking for the first time with around 5 other girls. An unusual man picked us up (which was to be expected in some ways), fortunately no harm occurred and we made it back on time with the leaders none the wiser. If any of our students managed such feats I am also none the wiser. I found the students to be wonderfully behaved and enjoyed their company.
We had an amazing speaker talk to the kids for a couple of hours and he was one of the best public speakers I’ve seen since I saw Anthea Paul speak. Sam Clear is a storyteller with a very inspiring tale to tell. The students were captivated. Young people today are a tough gig for a speaker. They are incredibly sophisticated critics as they receive so many messages and whilst this group has been well trained to be attentive, it’s rare for them to be so universally impressed by a presentation. I’ve been teaching many of them since they were in year 7, so I’ve heard many negative reviews over the years. That’s another subject for another day.
It was a three day break away from phones and screens for me. There were TVs but I didn’t indulge, prefering conversation, music and journalling in my free time. I did miss my phone and laptop though. I have to say I would prefer not to be without them.
Darin made me a sensational French Onion Soup and Chocolate tart to take for lunch. They were much appreciated by the teachers I had to feed. I didn’t learn how to make them as I’d hoped, it was quicker and easier for him to just do it. So I just watched while he did all the quick chopping and whisking ect. I think I would have to go into training to do these things with ease as he does. I never really appreciated the difference between a good cook and trained chef until lately. The things I’ve have seen him do in the kitchen are under the category of minor miracles for me.
Interestingly enough there was one activity on the retreat that was the same as when I went on retreat. The others were quite similar but had evolved in different ways. I still have my folder from my retreat. It’s in my box of things to pull out to make me feel good along with the lovely cards like those referred to in this awesome post I read today: Prep isn’t the time for assessment. When I say box, I mean boxes and since I have redone that activity, perhaps it’s time for a cleanout.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Fridge Full
Darin has the weekend off and the kids are here. It’s been a while since he’s been home for the weekend. He has cooked here this afternoon and my fridge is now bulging with yummy food and my stomach is full of dinner that was amazing.
My parents took off today on their winter escape. It’s great to seeing them enjoy this lifestyle. I slept in this morning and thought I had missed them, but luckily bumped into them in the supermarket.
I feel full of gratitude for my life today. This afternoon was a beautiful sunny autumn one and all the huge trees around were showing their colours. The air and light in autumn inspires contentment in me. The kids were playing happily and I got a wonderful text message from Tom. These are the days:-)
Popularity: 1% [?]
I Can be Taught:-)
I had a beautiful Mothers Day. Asha delighted me with her presence and her presents. Her card was wicked, and so much so that she waited until my dad left before she gave it to me. I loved it … as she had predicted. She is the best daughter.
I cooked lunch yesterday for my mum and my daughter. It was a gift to my self esteem, traditionally being a shabby cook! Darin had to work, so I couldn’t rely on him to put it together for me as he so brilliantly does. I was really pleased with my result. The food was great and all hot at the same time, nothing burnt and no stressed cranky feelings.
I have watched him over the time we’ve been together and I noticed he does a fair bit of preparation in advance and then times it beautifully and calmly in the final hour. So I imitated his style, getting up early and preparing everything and then I just calmly could focus on setting the table and being calm and happy. That is the thing about cooking for others that has always defeated me. I have felt really stressed about it and by the time those who are to be fed arrive, I am not really in the mood for conversation. I hate that. It defeats the whole purpose!
Popularity: 1% [?]
Full Moon in Libra – Tuesday 30th March 2010
A full moon in Libra is going to be about relationships from what I read. Paulo Coelho had this great quote today on facebook :
In love, no one can harm anyone else; we are each of us responsible for our own feelings and cannot blame others for what we feel. That is the true experience of freedom: having the most important thing in the world without owning it. (Maria in “Eleven Minutes”).
That really resonated with me.
Astrogrrl has a good post about this moon, tying it in with the previous new moon. I always enjoy Lynda Hill’s Sabian Symbols for the moons. She is so thorough about all the things going on in the sky. There are so many good astrologers to read. I could spend all day doing it, especially when I’m on holidays.
I have a full Easter ahead with Darin’s parents and children coming here. I am pretty excited to have a full house, especially for chocolate season! I had better get off the couch and computer, stop lying around reading and eating delicious risotto Darin made for me today and clean the house tomorrow:-).
Popularity: 7% [?]
Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Yesterday was one of my favourite days of the holidays. Asha came for lunch and we hung out for a few hours together, just talking and laughing and eating. Darin cooked salt and pepper squid and prawns and it was marvellous.
Tom arrived home shortly after Asha left. He’d spent the day sleeping off the festivities from his first night back here. He was as usual accompanied by his friends and Darin made a delicious bbq of the leftover seafood and some chicken we had. He astounds me how he can put together a feast when I think I have nothing in the cupboard. Tom played this song for me and I immediately fell in love with it.
I went to bed last night about to explode with all the food I’d eaten and pleased to have spent great time with my kids.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=8e8d806d-752a-4230-9379-8ef481c17650)
Popularity: 8% [?]
I Love Sydney
We arrived in Sydney late Thursday night and I met Darin’s parents for the first time. They were warm and welcoming. I felt immediately at home. During my stay I met friends and family and enjoyed their humour and generous hospitality. I was nervous contemplating meeting so many new people, yet I needn’t have been.
I spent one day racing around Sydney with Darin. Sydney is beautiful. We caught the ferry from just near the Rocks to Manly. I loved cruising through the harbour seeing the properties lined along the shore, as well as the iconic bridge and Opera House. I couldn’t imagine ever getting to work or school if I caught a ferry everyday. I think I would head straight to the beach.
It’s a whole new experience being here with someone who knows their way around. I’ve been to Sydney twice before. Once for a Feng Shui course in Glebe on a rainy long weekend and another time for a Karate competition with my kids. I saw very little on both trips and had no idea how great Sydney was to be honest.
We went all over Sydney and I got to eat lots of delicious things. I think the dim sims are the thing I’d like to see most here in Victoria. They are delicious, full of veges and opposed to our dim sims, taste fresh.
Darin has a similar pace as I do, he is on the move and we packed heaps into our days. Traveling there by car was also a pleasant surprise. We both made CD’s for the trip and in amongst lively discussions enjoyed listening to each other’s music. It was the most comfortable long drive I’ve had with someone to be honest. I’ve left out plenty, but I’m unpacking and relaxing into being home right now, so maybe later:-)
Popularity: 9% [?]
Falling Brick-
- Stumbles
- Seths Blog: Little lies and small promises
- 10 Tips Before Seeking Intuitive Counsel | Evolve - The Human Experience
- the only thing you need to know about soul mate love... & danae sinclair
- Why did the chicken cross the road? | Dancing with Frogs
- Billionaires vow to give away half their fortune
- Life balance still not working
- Food memories | Jill Dupleix, Table Talk Blog
- The Green Bough: Coming Home To Myself
- Saturn in Libra: Committed : Moonkissd by Jessica
- Suspended | poohduck
- My Favourites on Watch and Learn Magnify Channel
Subscribe
Recent Comments
- Michael J Flannery: Queenslander never give the seasons a second thought thereis no human meddling with the clocks...
- Jessica Shepherd: Hi Joh, Thanks for the sweet mention of my site, Moonkissd.com. It warms my heart to know folks...
- Kristy yr 9: i read the book and loved it im now doing a reveiw on it for a school assignment but i have lost my copy...
- PlanningQueen: I have heard goog things about Breaking Bad and it is on my list to check it out.
- Snoskred: I am a huge fan of Breaking Bad
awesome show!
