I'm cooking

Almost every night I cook dinner for the family and me.

I still feel it's important to sit at the dinner table and eat together.

Even if sometimes we don't talk.

Its a chance to check in, help each other in the kitchen, and know that we are all still here in the house.

I used to love to cook.  I would think about what I was going to cook starting when I woke up.

I'm not sure when it changed, but I find cooking now tedious, unless I'm totally into it.

I often have to cook 2 different meals due to the fact B is not vegetarian.

My skills at cooking meat are not poor. The issue is that B does not really like meat....so he is hard to cook for.

I have attempted everything and I know I'm not a horrible cook, because I have cooked for others and they love it.

I feel, just as anyone else, planning ahead is key to healthy eating and not being overly pissed off when you have to cook a meal.

Tonight I made this stuff:

I was gifted one of those fancy spiralizer things and it was actually pretty awesome.

I carefully shredded up 2 small zucchini and only got my thumb once.

Sautéed in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

I plated it up and topped with a veggie burger, spicy pickles, rooster sauce and half a nice perfect avocado.

It was tasty.

and it only took about 20 minutes.

I'm guessing it was fairly healthy.

After dinner, I finished reading this book

Catering to men, it addresses what society has put onto the shoulders of our men and why they are having a difficult time in present day.

But guess what?

I must be part male because that stuff pertained to me in a weird way.

These masks, ugh, the masks!

Now, not only do I have daily life conundrums, 

I have mask worry.

I don't really need any more worries.

all in all, the day was ok. Cooked, finished a book, finished one knitted sock (which did not fit), dwelled on the situation at hand and still did not initiate a much needed conversation.

WTF?

O, is at a friends and today would have been a good time...

but I'm scared. 

what is wrong with me!

Don't answer that.....

please

write ya later,

xo 

m

This song....

It helped today, 

Veggie Pot Pies with Olive (the kid)

 So we decided to make some good hearty food for the -1 degree weather we finally got here in Colorado.  It was cold and I wanted Pot Pie.  I wanted the kind that comes in the cardboard box from when I was young.  The peas were bright green and the carrots unnaturally orange, but to me….ohhhh so good.

I searched for recipes but most were meat, or vegetarian and way too complicated, I mean, I don't want bok choy or fennel in my pot pie.  I just want yummy, thick, burn your mouth pot pie.

I took the best recipes I could find and used the basics then went ol' free form on it.

Here's the pics…(the recipe will be below)

 Get your stuff together.  Fresh chopped, but feel free to use frozen…I'm not eating it, you are.

Saute, have the kids help…more likely to eat/try it.

This looks like…well, I'm guessing if you are still reading this you know what it looks like.

It taste good, I swear.

Olive..helping.

 Make your own crust if you want, but I had 2 in the freezer.

Each pie crust (cut one…ball up and re roll) makes 2 tops.

Plop them on…brush some cream/milk on top

they don't need to be perfect…they are "rustic"

Don't forget to poke holes

Done…and HOT.mmmmmm

Recipe (give or take)  

3 large carrots chopped

3 potatoes cubed 

1 Cup frozen peas 

1 onion chopped

2 stalks celery chopped

1 container of button mushrooms

(feel free to use whatever you want, but this is POT PIE NORMAL)

1 box (15 oz) veggie broth

3 T. flour

Butter (yes butter)

Milk or cream

2 frozen pie shells thawed but kept cool in fridge.

sage, thyme, salt  and pepper

white vinegar

preheat oven to 350

use dutch oven or heavy bottomed sauce pot

Add butter, let melt.  add onion, sautee until translucent.  add celery and carrots, sautee for about 5 minutes until cooked al dente.  Add mushrooms and potatoes.  Now add the flour and 3T butter stir over medium heat for about a minute or so, turn the heat down if you need to.  Don't burn the flour!  just cook it until it gets kind of gloppy and coats everything.  Don't panic, It looks bad but just keep going.

 At this point I added enough veggie broth to make it look like filling.  I believe I used the entire box.  

The broth will start to thicken due to the flour.  I then added about a 1/2 C of milk/cream.

as the filling cooks it should thicken.  If it thickens too much add more milk or broth or water, watever you have.  Turn the heat down to low and add the peas….mmmmm peas. 

Now season with the seasonings to taste.  Please taste it.  Your tongue will know what it needs.

It should look about like that gross picture up there.

I turned the heat off and let it sit.

I had 4 new bowls I got from Target Home section at $1.37 a piece on sale.  They were a little big for the average kid, but Ilin, Bobby and I thought it was an ok size.  they probably hold 2 cups.

Throw what ever oven proof container over the pie shell, cut out with about an inch extra. Set aside.  Do this for all 4 dishes.  I had to re roll the dough and cut again.

Put the dishes on a cookie sheet to save you a mess.

Take a ladle and put the filling into each cup.  I left about 3/4 inch from the top.  Put the crusts on top of each dish and pinch it at the top, around the bowl edge.  Be fancy if you want, but these little buggers are impressive no matter what you do.  

brush with a little bit of milk (makes them shiny)

Poke holes in top for venting.  I put each persons initial on theirs.

cook for 45 minutes.

Take out and let sit for 10-15 minutes

Enjoy!

(be careful, they are atomic hot)

have a salad on the side to balance.

PS: if you want to make these vegen…I don't know.  sorry  If you want to add meat.  add rotisserie chicken or precooked chicken.  ( I did that for Bobby)

write ya later 

m

spread the love

Vegan Samosas w/Ilin and Olive

The kids were both home today.  I sometimes hate the fact they disappear to the basement or bedroom and just do what they do.  So, with that said, today I made them come out of their caves and join me in the kitchen.  I need some kid time after the tragedy of yesterday.

(the reason we chose samosas)

While in San Fran for my sister, Susie's 75th birthday, we had these yummmmmmy samosas at the picnic.  We all loved them, except for Bobby who stayed at the rental sick…but the kids and I ate them up.  So our goal today was to have a little mom/jackass time and attempt to cook those bad boys.  First thing first…I did NOT want to fry anything, my cholesterol is bad enough.  Ilin argued the point everything taste better fried, but I won…seeing how we don't have a fry daddy.  I opted to use Phyllo and probably after all said and done, the same amount of oil that would have gone into the fryer.  Seriously.

We used the basics of this recipe from "The colors of Indian cooking"   and started upon our cooking adventure.  The potato part was easy, the funny part was toasting the seeds because they popped all over and made Olive scream, and the best part was the outcome.

I'm not going to rewrite the recipe because I really did just use her recipe…of course her kitchen looks nicer and she didn't make quite the mess we did, so just look at her pictures and pretend it's my kitchen, you'll probably never see my kitchen any way…so let's keep it mystical.

I want to tell you to not be scared of this recipe.  It's easy, yummy and I've found when kids help cook, they tend to eat it.  It's a weird thing.

there were a couple things we changed in the recipe.  

I boiled the potatos with the skin on and mashed them…there were still big chunks in them…not mashed to oblivion.

I also used veggie oil instead a pound of butter.

This keeps the recipe vegan.

Now look at the result and happy smiles.

we had extra potato/pea mix which I put a lid on and am going to freeze.  

This would make a great gift, because I think Tamales don't have to be the ONLY lil xmas cooked gift.

these are yummy, and look so presentable.

Last but not least.  If you have only cooked cookies and sweets with your kids, venture out.  Let them help make dinner.  Like I said, they are more apt to eat a new food if they cooked it.  

Give it a try….

write ya later,

xo, 

m

Clean Eating Blackeyed Pea and Collards Soup…vegetarain

I'm starving.

I've been working out and training for the Mud Run and I figured I might as well do another 10K while I'm at it.

So, I have been starving to death.

When I'm starving to death I want to eat a lot

and Soup is like Salad

You can eat a lot with little calories and fat.

heres what I made this evening:

Vegetarian Blackeyed Pea, Collards with Swt Potatoe

Ingrediants:

blacked eyed peas ( i used a bag of frozen organic)

1 sweet pot

1 bunch collard greens

1/4 onion

1 can of diced tomatoes ( i rinse them, but do as you please)

1 box of organic veggie broth (use homemade if ya got it)

seasonings

pepper, garlic salt, cumin, red pepper

whatever you like :)

chop everything.

If you are NOT familiar with Collards, you want to fold them in half and cut the crunchy thick stem out.

then roll them into a big bunch and slice them

*collards are a bit peppery…and yummy and so good for you

 I threw the onion, collards and swt pots in with a smidge of olive oil.

let them cook for a few minutes.

Add the veggie broth, tomatoes, and blackeyed peas…cover and let cook until peas are tender.

add seasoning of your choice.  I like to add hot pepper flakes.

This is excellent served with cornbread, but I'm not sure if cornbread is on the clean eating diet

Enjoy bowl after bowl.

I have to get back to my busy work of laundry and knitting.

write ya later….

xo

m

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

Last night I finally cut into the big bag of onions we picked at Miller Farms.

I apparently have never used a truely fresh onion, because these onions were full of moisture, not super eye killing and so tasty.

I made some divine 

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

 Olive oil and or butter (Whichever you prefer, I added both)

5-7 large Onions

1 clove garlic

mustard powder or brown sandwich mustard

1/2 T. sugar

Thyme to taste

S&P to taste

1-2 boxes Veggie Broth (I used Organic boxed)

splash of soy sauce (optional)

for the Top:

Baguette 

Grueyerre cheese or Swiss  ( Swiss is easier to find)

Thinly slice all the onions.

Chop one clove of garlic

Use a large, heavy bottomed pot and heat the oil and butter

Add the onions.

It seems like a lot, but the will cook down.

Stir the onions and at this point I add the sugar, mustard, and Thyme.

let cook, but stir occasionally…it will make quite a bit of liquid but it will cook out.

As the onions start to brown turn down the heat, [ut the lid on and let them cook for about an hour, stirring eery 10-15 minutes.  They will begin to turn brown.

After about an hour, and the onions all look cooked, there may be a bit of browness stuck to the bottom of your pan, slowly add the broth and soy sauce while stirring and scraping the brown off the bottom.

Add as much broth to make it soupy.

When all done, taste and add seasoning.

put in bowl add crouton/sliced french bread, and cheese,

put under broiler in oven at 500 for 1 minute until Cheese is melted.

Eat it…yummmmmmm

xo 

m

the outcast in a meaty world

I come from a Mid Western Meat Eating Family.  

There, I said it.  

Because of this small fact I have often been the butt of bad jokes, the outcast and misunderstood.  Not just me, but my kids too.  The strange thing about this is that it isn't the world around me...it's the immediate world within my circle.  I decided to stop eating meat when I was around 13.  It was a conscious decision after seeing a propaganda film about veal.  Let me tell you, it was not an easy decision, we lived in the South, and veal was a common meal at our table.  At that time we didn't have Satellite TV and Google...we had Encyclopedia Britannia and the Dewey Decimal System.  I never preached my veggieness and still don't...Although I do teach my kids to be strong and proud of the choice to not eat meat. ( and at this point it is a choice for them...they can eat whatever they want in school).

The vast acquaintances I meet are very respectful and interested in the choice.  During Potlucks they always say, "oh this one is Vegetarian...no cheese too!"  (Proudly)  They ask questions, albeit in a sympathetic, "Oh I tried that and nearly died" kind of way  But they don't scoff and say, "Eat a piece of meat, you will feel better" when I have a cold.

My immediate family on all sides has never been so kind.  From feeding the kids meat when they were little, "because a little bacon never hurt anyone" .  To suggesting we are unhealthy because of our weights.  ( see noted picture of my son in above post).

Here is what I am getting at with this post...There are entire countries who only eat plant based diets.  I know my family is going to feel a bit angry when reading this, including my hubbys family....(or maybe they wont) but I would like to take a minute to say I have high cholesterol on top of all I do...I can only imagine what it would be if I ate meat everyday.  I came from the same parent ( at least one) as you all did, so I am not some weird phenomenon within our gene pool.  People may feel vegetarianism is radical or severe...me thinking about cutting out dairy will surely put them over the edge....But isn't open heart surgery radical? Bowel Removal?  Triple bypass?  Gastric Bypass?  Diabetes meds you have to take 3 times a day?  Those too, are very extreme measures, especially when compared to a diet change.  See?  See, what I mean?  Yet, we roll our eyes at a natural diet and coddle the people who have found their selves sick, overweight and standing in the line at Walmart with a cart full of processed food.  

I see many of my friends and family struggle with health and making healthy decisions but I want to encourage them to try to make a change.  A real change.  Not overnight, but to stop making excuses and saying things like, "I'm addicted to food" or "I DO eat pretty healthy, I had a veggie burger last night".  To pick one small thing and do it...do it so you will live longer, so we can enjoy each other...so the kids can enjoy each other...so I don't have to worry about my friends and family always being sick and depressed...

It has been 30 years for me, I have never once told anyone, " I can't believe YOU only eat meat"  but right now I am going to say, " Please people, if you haven't started to change your diets...do it. Stop the boxed foods.  Stop the sodas and chicken nuggets...Eat something that is fresh, take a minute to prepare it, and teach your family it's ok to be healthy and different.

Let's do it together...I can always use encouragement, and I can always give encouragement.  

xo, m

I love you guys...I just want you to be healthy, and when I have a heart attack from my high cholesterol you can point your fingers...but until then, can't you just give it a try?

Juicing for a reboot...what's next?

I may have told you, or maybe not...I may have mentioned it in passing.  I have high cholesterol.  Bummer huh?  I'm veg, I run, I'm not overweight, but my LDL is inching up.  Last check I was at 242.  That sucks.  Yes, as the dr. says, "sometimes it's the luck of the draw"

I'm not on any meds, I refuse.  I guess I'll just wait to stroke out.  That seems a bit selfish huh?

Many of you who have read my blog know I love a challenge.  Health is always a fun one.  I'm up for anything, especially if it can show that normal people ( 42 year old, nightshift working mom, drinker, bitcher and complainer) can do these things too.  Here is my new one...and I'm going to honestly blog it for the next 7-10 days.

I watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead  with Bobby the other night and it was truly pretty amazing.  It made sense,  perfect sense, that eating non processed foods could possibly heal your body.  Let me tell you a secret....even Bobby said,

(The one with the glasses is Bobby, the epitome of health)

 "You know, I think I'd like to try that"  That is no short of a miracle.  He is not unhealthy, but he does NOT embrace health, but I have noticed that things have slowly started to change after the stint in ICU over Thanksgiving.  He is also watching his younger brother go through Ulcerative Colitis (an autoimmune disease) and it is really making him think.

Today I headed to Target, bought a juicer, which was on sale for 54$ and then headed to the farmer's market and bought a fill it up for 12$ of organic produce...and today I am going to start.   Bobby is cramming in some pizza and beer for lunch before he starts, which made me laugh...but whatever it takes.  I am going to say that, he probably won't make it, because he doesn't have great will power and hell, I may not either, but I'll let you know how I feel.

I have to go get some apples...later my friends...and if you want to try it with me...lets do it.  

Today: ran 3.5 miles, abs, start an all juice fast

Risotto, Zen cooking, Just stir the rice

I've been wanting to make Butternut Squash Risotto for a while now, but just haven't been able to do it.  Due to laziness.  You know, all the stirring and such.

Last night I felt it was time.

The Butternut Squash was sitting on the counter, begging to be eaten opposed to thrown out and there was really no excuse.

So onward bound I went.

There are many recipes for this but I just followed the recipe on the Arborio rice....then spruced it up.

1 butternut squash

chopped onion

minced garlic

1 stick of butter

1 container veggie broth

1 Cup  Arborio rice

Parmeson Cheese

Dry white wine (optional)

***I used Vermouth***

you can add herbs

Peel the squash. I only used half the squash and I'm going to tell you right now this made enough for at least 6 people so cut it in half...everything in half from the recipe on the box.
chop the peeled squash into small cubes.  I like mine a bit bigger because they do break down. Saute the onion until translucent in the 3 T butter and a bit of oil.  Once translucent add chopped squash to pan and saute for about 5 minutes, then add garlic, 3/4 c. vermouth  and rice.  Stir and cook until rice starts to turn clear with a bright white to it. (you will see as you do it.  It's not a science, you just want the rice to cook a wee bit...maybe 3-4 minutes?
Now for the fun part.
Make sure you have some music on or...I like to listen to This American Life with Ira Glass...
Pour one ladle of broth into the pan and slowly stir on low heat.
the first few ladles the broth will suck into the rice quickly.
stir with love.
Find your Zen...just stir the rice...if your are stirring, just stir.

each time the broth is absorbed add another ladle

and stir Zen-ly :)

you do this for about 30 minutes.

Relax.

the squash will cook as the rice does and turn everything this fabulous orange color.

taste the rice after 20+ minutes .

you want it to be cooked but have a bite to it....al dente.

when this happens

add 3/4 cup or whatever you feel of Parmesan cheese to the pan.

1 more T butter.

remove from heat and stir a bit more.

I covered mine and let it sit while I chopped the green onions.

I suggest, if you have more time, or an extra pan while stirring...fry the green onions in a little bit of oil..it gives the smooth creamy risotto a crunch on the top...

plate it and sprinkle on the onions.  

mmmmm

Zen-ly

yummy

filling

As I was saying, you really don't even need to measure....
just saute, throw in rice add broth, STIR until done.
I'm sure some of you cooking snots will tell me I've done it wrong...
I've ruined the rice...
wrong wrong wrong...
but to me this was as easy as pie (not that pie is easy)
and it helped my inner Zen:

"if you are going to stir the rice, just stir the rice"

Thanksgiving, non thanks

Thanksgiving... It's right around the corner. 

 I am probably one of the few, but I hate it.

It's not because I'm vegetarian, or because I'm not a big sports person, it's because we have no real family here.  Coming from a HUGE family when I was younger to moving as far away as possible has been a bit of a strain.

I chose my path so it's ok...I'm just saying, it's a start of the Holidays and all the things that it could be, but really isn't.

We have our own traditions and we make do...

but it can never make up for when I was a kid and waiting for my brothers to come home...or to see what my Aunts had brought...or better yet the gobs of nieces, nephews,cousins, and such that showed up for the day of festivities.

I don't remember all the arguing my now older family is often involved in, but I'm sure it was there.  I only remember the greatness of November.  The tag football, the trampoline jumping, and the late evening kick the can.

It is now eerily quiet.

A trip to the Zoo.

A turkey for one.

A late afternoon movie

followed by bed.

holy cow, if you are vegetarian

these are Yummalicious!!!!!

and look at the nutrition...
I did eat the entire bag, which is 2 servings, BUT...it's still only 320 cal/4g fat...and take a look at that damn protein!!!
I'm in love...
I put this with a 1/2 C rice, which brought my meal to 420 cal..which is perfect for me.
has anyone else tried this stuff?

First day of Long Term Care

I am home and relaxing after my first typical shift at a long term care facility...or what you folks know as an Old Folks Home.

I arrived promptly at 6am, figured out where I was to be, hustled my butt up there to have the LPN who was to train me, give me the once over and basically raise her hand and say, "Don't ask me any questions". Great, should be an informative first day.

My goal...try to figure out where a few of the things are, who a few of the patients are, and what the hell I'm to be doing and it what type of time frame.

Here it is summed up: Do a shitload in a short amount of time.

You start at 6am getting pills together for 27 patients and just imagine...approximately 9 pills each patient and the occasional Insulin shot. Yes...and when you get that done, you start agin because it repeats itself at noon. Luckily I got to leave at 230. I made it through, the LPN chummed up to me, because I helped and she got to sit on her duff, and I managed not to kill anyone.

For the next 2 weeks I work straight through, sometimes working 2 shifts a day. This will not include my parenting schedule (that will have to find it's own way into my life).

When I arrived home from work this afternoon, Bobby said we were going to friends house for some sort of lamb bbq? (me, I'm vegetarian). I looked at him and said, "would you be terribly disappointed if I just stayed home to finish my Pediatric Medical Calculations and then curl up on the couch?"

HUH!!! ? this is family stuff, I go to your things!!!

I almost cried, he must have seen the tears welling up and said , "OK., I guess."

thank you

thank you

thank you.

I made blackbeans,brown rice and sweet potato chunks...watched my boyfriend Anthony Bourdain, finished my homework, knitted, folded laundry and am no going to wash the MRSA off of me (which I should have done first) then hit the bed...with my book.

hugs and kisses

m

It's not OK

So, they have found this 44# cat wondering around the streets of New Jersey. The owners have til Sunday to claim Princess Chubstah. The problem is....The owners will be charged with animal abuse.
I've looked at about 6 pictures of this cat and short of the weight, and who's to say this cat doesn't have "big bones" or a "thyroid problem", this damn cat looks pretty well loved. I'm guessing a little old lady owned this cat, fed the hell out of it with table scraps, liver and fancy feast...the cat got out the kitty door and could not fit back in...you know, similar to Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree. Cat wanders around neighborhood mewing and waiting and was found by our low level cops called the Humane Society. Look at it...eyes clear, no mange, has both ears....clean tummy. I bet this kitty smells like cigarette smoke, Chanel #5, and steamed milk.
Do we need a law that keeps people from overfeeding their pets?
Possibly...but maybe other factors should be factored in.
So in short...THIS IS NOT OK.

BUT

this appears to be ok...

there is no "real law" against this in the US

see above kitty? You go to jail and pay a hefty fine....
See above Kiddies....nothing, well possibly a visit from Social Services if the above also includes bruises, broken bones and no shows to school.

I think there may be a problem here.

CA. banned trans fats. Good Job, Arnold!
But....maybe we should start heaving fines on parents that continue down this path with their children. People like to say this is a "low income" thing, but look around. This is happening in Middle America.
This is not ok.
We will be paying, may I dare say, a Hefty price for these problems in 50 years with lack of insurance and medical costs.
liver shutting down, knee replacements, hip replacements and my fav. Diabetes.

I say we not only get rid of transfats...but make healthy food a bit more affordable...How about we get rid of HotPockets and let kids have a salad as a choice at school?
I don't want Pizza Hut to be a provider of lunch at my kid's middle school.
If they don't have a choice...I guarantee they will eat the salad bar and fruit.
One more Idea, why don't we all take the stigmata off of being vegetarian. For my kid's sake, your kid's sake and for the sake of the planet.

Do something about it. Tell your kids it's ok to eat vegetables and if you know a kid who is veggie... talk about it, don't laugh about it. Be an adult. I'm not saying everyone needs to switch to Soybeans...I'm saying a Boca burger and a salad ...even a veggie weenie are good choices...not something to poke fingers at and laugh at just because it's different than a slab of steak.

think about it

comments welcome

xoxox

m

guilty...;(

I'm starting my week with guilt.  I was to run the 7k with some people in Denver and honestly I'm too tired to go...and you know, really I'm not tooo tired...just I know it will take all day and I have house work and studies to do.  oh well, I'll have to get over it.

Yesterday I took the kids to see Horton Hears a Who.  Cutest movie ever.  Great lesson and great voices.  Go see it.

The next movie I'm hoping to get to see when it comes thru is Adam Carolla"s  The Hammer.      (<~~go watch the trailer)It's independant and only opening on 3 screens to start, but when it gets here I can't wait.  I love Adam Carolla.  LOOOVE him.

So...I started this pattern on ravelry YES, I said it...I used a pattern, well I'm trying to and I got to the 3rd row and am totally lost.  I'm trying to do cables.  damn the cables.

Ravelry: Cabled Coffee and Hand Warmer by Ali S.

this is the picture of it...of course, mine will look nothing like it because I don't know how to follow a pattern.  I'm sure synda will help me.

Today I have to go to the grocery store and get back on track with work and school.  It's going to snow 14" tonight so that should make a good drive in the morning .

here's my list of food I'm going to try to get done today.  Lasagna, Butternut Squash soup, Burritos (perfect for lunch) and chickpea salad for sandwiches (new).

better get going.

xo

m

Long day

The other night I made this yummy soup...it was called the Yummiest Potato Soup Ever. Pretty basic recipe, except you add 8 oz. of cream cheese . Not vegan, but vegetarian. really is Yummy. I put Bac-O bits on the top and served it with garlic toast.
I also took afew pictures of the color of my "clutch" I will be making. Or "winging". It's coming along nicely, I need longer needles. Next time.


I managed to take a picture of Ilin's "star/frog" lookin wrist band. Obviously not my best work. but practice makes perfect. Well, at least that is what I'm telling myself.



I still haven't had a chance to look at my rivalry stuff yet. I'm so excited though. I want to be able to sit with a BIG glass of red wine and look. If I ever have free time again.


On a bummer note. I called my nursing teacher 4 times and no response. I guess I'm not going to be able to retake that test. I really think she should call me and let me know. It irritates me. If I don't make a C or above, I don't go on. That is with all of it.
Grrrr. I have to go get some studies done. I think Bobby has band practice tonight. Which means I need to get some stuff done before later so that I can hang with the kiddos.....i miss my calm quiet life, but I'm halfway done with the semester!!!