Laundry Laundry

Whaaaaeeeeeiiiiiiiik! That's the sound our washer makes when it's about to drain and doesn't. It comes right back up the pipe and overflows into the garage. Now, we're not sure about what in the world could be causing the clog other than a possible frozen water line (which I figure should have melted by now) or a mouse (icky) or maybe something plastic and weird just fell in there (I hope). But, whatever it is is causing a serious clog and preventing us from being efficient with the laundry (as you can see from Mount Everest below). Sadly, this is about half of the things I'd like to wash right now. (Luckily, I'm really poor and have no clothes to be thankful for.)

Bella is a beagle/lab mix and so pretty. She's about one now and so well behaved (besides jumping--still working on that).

The Past

The Past. So What. To some people, the past is the thing that defines you. It dictates who people say that you are and what you have to offer. It is a reminder, wonderful or tragic, that follows you through life, and it just won’t bugger off. But who cares, it’s yours. Your past could be such a wonderful story to someone who needs encouragement or a person who just needs a single human being to understand what they’re going through--to relate to. If you want to change the world, be you. If you don’t know where to start, it’s okay, it’s very simple, it’s called today. Take it one choice at a time.

My past has had many ups and downs: sliding on the slick waxed floor in my socks, my dad’s dance with death, my sister’s wedding, life-changing teachers--literally, car wrecks that cause daily anxiety, negative bank accounts, Violin concerts, homemade birthday cakes. Life is...moving. You can’t live with regrets everyday and still love yourself. Don’t tell me that, because I just won’t believe you. No one’s perfect, but you have to fix it, in the here and now. Don’t wait.

I love people. In every way I love them. Big. petite. Selfish. Obnoxious. Breathtaking. Real. Giving. Hateful. Loving. Rude. Happy. Joyful. Lonely. Fake. Lovely. I love all of them, and let me tell you why. They are made in God’s image, and they all need love. All of them do not deserve it. Shocker right? They don’t. But guess what? I didn’t either, and God loved me anyway! See, I don’t really have a choice in the matter. I have to live like my Savior, I want to live like my Savior. He knows best, and if He says go, I’ll go. No rocket science here.

The last couple of days, I have to admit that I watched a couple episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County, and guess what? It’s garbage. Just like you might imagine. Shame on me. Garbage in, garbage out. But, it made me wonder today what I would do with a million dollars, and I happen to think I would be poor, because after the 13th latte, life would get boring, and I wouldn’t feel right doing anything but giving it to people in need. Someone who doesn’t have heat in their house. Someone who hasn’t eaten in 12 days. Someone who doesn’t own shoes. I can honestly say that I’ll never be sickly wealthy (well I already am wealthy just living in the US), because I won’t allow it. But, I’ll always be rich, and wow, that’s so much better.

Spinach Skinny-Dip

photo found here

It's about the best thing in the world, and I'm sharing it here because in some small way, I hope to make your life just a little better, and this will. If you try this wondrous recipe this, let me add that you must love garlic. I wouldn't really eat this before a first date or anything, but other than that, enjoy!!

This is a Biggest Loser Recipe and is insanely good for just 21 calories per serving! Yes, that is not a typo friends. I said 21.

Spinach Skinny-Dip

1 pkg (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed

2/3 c. drained sliced water chestnuts

3 whole green onions

2 cloves garlic

1/2 c. fat-free sour cream

1/2 c. fat-free plain yogurt

1/2 t. prepared hot mustard (I used spicy brown mustard)

salt, to taste

ground pepper, to taste

Place the spinach in the center of a clean dishtowel. Fold the towel over the spinach and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is important so the dip won't be watery. Set aside.

In a food processor fitted with a chopping blade, combine the water chestnuts, green onions, and garlic. Process until the mixture is finely chopped. Add the spinach. Process for 10 seconds, or until combined. Add the sour cream, yogurt, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Process for 30 seconds, or until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Yum! Best of luck to you cooks out there!

Laura Kimsey Design

Laura's website is now up! I am so excited for this girl! She is one of the sweetest and most talented designers, and if you need some amazing stationary or an exquisite dress, let her know!

Laura's Website

Creative Wall Art

It's easy to create simple wall art with things you love around the house! I used a silver frame with a picture that I no longer use and attached these cupcake recipe cards (which I love in every way) to the front of it. I hung it in the kitchen, and now instead of a drab picture I hate, I have fun and functional art!

And when I need a recipe for a yummy treat, voila!

Also, my friend Laura Kimsey has just opened up her own clothing line in New York City. Check out Laura Kimsey designs! She made this drawing of my wedding dress for me for a wedding gift, which I was reminded of this week when I rearranged the living room. Beautiful, isn't it? Such Detail!

He got me.

I was about three hours into the long drive home when I asked Jonathan if he had made any great New Year's resolution. He shot a glance at me. "Did you?"

I said, "Why yes I did, actually."

He smiled and pondered a thought for a moment and then replied, "Let me hear it then."

I said, "Well I have 10--resolutions."

Jonathan made a smirk that I cannot imitate or explain because it was one of those faces that was like are you serious, like really? as if perhaps he could not tell if I was joking or not, so I assured him, "No, really, I have 10 resolutions, and I plan to do them all."

He smiled a little bigger and replied, "Okay, I'm all ears. Tell me."

"Well," I started, "I can't remember them all because I'm under pressure, but I'm sure that I can tell you at least five, and then when your iphone gets service again, I'll tell you the other five?"

Eeeeeeeeeh freeze. Pardon me as I come to a screeching halt. Here is where I desperately need to cut in to narrate to myself. OKAY. First problem, Michelle. You must be confident and memorize your resolutions, or at least write them down and post them somewhere where you see them everyday or you're going to look and sound like a complete moron, and you are NOT a moron. Okay? I respond in my head with an "Okay okay okay. You have a good point." Moving on.

Because of this embarrassing conversation (which I am thankful took place with my husband who already loves me and is used to my unpredictable behavior), I learned a valuable lesson and will be memorizing and writing down my new resolutions. Perhaps I should have just picked one. But, like I said. What's the fun in that?! Jonathan laughed at my list. I am now on a mission to prove him wrong. A little healthy competition is good for the soul--and for a list of things to do!