Last week's menu plan went very well. All meals went on as scheduled and on Saturday, when we did not end up going to Mardi Gras, I made Zack some Macaroni and Cheese while I ate at work (we get a food voucher every day for free food).
This week is not a great week for meal planning so I am going to be realistic...
Sunday - Easter Dinner at parent's house
Monday - Worked until 8:00 (which means I get home about 8:45). Zack made himself some chicken nuggets and fries in the oven
Tuesday - Pizza. This is spring break week and this city is crazy! It took me 35 minutes to get home from work when it normally takes about 20. I was so stressed out by the time I got home, I ordered a pizza from Dominos and jumped into a hot shower...just a side note, it took 70 minutes to get the pizza!
Wednesday - Spaghetti and Meatballs
I work until 8:00 again so there is some Spaghetti and Meatballs in in the fridge that Zack can throw in the microwave. I will eat at work
Thursday -
I work until 8:00 again so Chris is going to pick up Zack and take him out to dinner. I will eat at work.
Friday -
A Day Off!!!! We will go to Steak n Shake and then do our grocery shopping
Saturday -
I work until 8:00 - AGAIN! Zack will have tacos while i will eat at work
Crazy schedule this week
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Happy Easter
I tell you...the only reason I am not working today is because I will not work on Sundays. In other words...they are working me to death lately and that, along with other circumstances, has led to the decision to ask for a transfer within the park.
We drove up to Flagler Beach today and my mom made a great dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, corn, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and biscuits. Surprisingly, the only real traffic tie-up we came across was as I4 merged onto I95 North. There is only one lane available for that...the other lane is for I95 South. But, as usual, you had your people that would cruise along in the I95 South lane (despite the many warnings) and then squeezed themselves in at the last minute. I pointed out that this exemplified the two types of people in this world...In one lane, you have the "rule followers" and in the other lane you have the people who only think about themselves.
Anyway, we talked, ate, Jon and Zack tossed the football around, we played one of the longest games of 9 ball ever, and then played one game of cribbage. C.J. passed on football saying it was, "too hot out."
Commence pictures
My sister wore this t-shirt today
She works at the shop that prints these Donald Trump/Sarah Palin shirts...and have many requests for orders.
I am at a loss as to understand why my fellow Americans support his bid for presidency???????????? Obviously my sister is one of them. WHY??????
We drove up to Flagler Beach today and my mom made a great dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, corn, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and biscuits. Surprisingly, the only real traffic tie-up we came across was as I4 merged onto I95 North. There is only one lane available for that...the other lane is for I95 South. But, as usual, you had your people that would cruise along in the I95 South lane (despite the many warnings) and then squeezed themselves in at the last minute. I pointed out that this exemplified the two types of people in this world...In one lane, you have the "rule followers" and in the other lane you have the people who only think about themselves.
Anyway, we talked, ate, Jon and Zack tossed the football around, we played one of the longest games of 9 ball ever, and then played one game of cribbage. C.J. passed on football saying it was, "too hot out."
Commence pictures
My sister wore this t-shirt today
She works at the shop that prints these Donald Trump/Sarah Palin shirts...and have many requests for orders.
I am at a loss as to understand why my fellow Americans support his bid for presidency???????????? Obviously my sister is one of them. WHY??????
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Walks and the Squirrels
Whenever I walk in the door, I am greeted with a dog who thinks he needs to go for a walk...EVERY! SINGLE! TIME!
This is how he lets me know...
The squirrels around here get unbelievably close to Ollie because they know I will give them peanuts...it's crazy. In the second video you can see how they actually run to me when they see me.
Ollie would probably chew them in half if he could.
There is only one complex where the squirrels are still skiddish and will retreat to run up the trees. But I'm working on gaining their trust.
I think it's safe to say that I'm a tad bit squirrel obsessed.
But they are so darn cute when they are eating those peanuts.
This is how he lets me know...
The squirrels around here get unbelievably close to Ollie because they know I will give them peanuts...it's crazy. In the second video you can see how they actually run to me when they see me.
Ollie would probably chew them in half if he could.
There is only one complex where the squirrels are still skiddish and will retreat to run up the trees. But I'm working on gaining their trust.
I think it's safe to say that I'm a tad bit squirrel obsessed.
But they are so darn cute when they are eating those peanuts.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Menu Plan...Review and New Menu
I ended up making a couple changes to the schedule but, overall, it was a big help and motivator to know that there was a plan and to hold myself accountable to that plan.
I got my schedule wrong and Tuesday was the day I had to work until 6:30 so I ended up switching Tuesday and Wednesday night and we ordered pizza Tuesday night instead. I also switched Friday and Saturday night since we did not end up going to Mardi Gras this week.
This week coming up is going to be very interesting since I work 5 straight days - and a couple of those will be late nights which means finding something quick and easy on those days.
Here is the plan:
Sunday
Panko crusted chicken and oven baked french fries
Monday
Oven baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, and mini corn on the cob
Tuesday (working until 4:30)
Spaghetti and Garlic Knots
Wednesday (working until 4:30)
Macaroni and Cheese and hot dogs
Thursday (working until 6:00)
Tacos (I plan to make the taco meat the night before so all we have to do is warm it up)
Friday (working until 4:30)
Eat Out - our favorites are either Chilis, BWW, Ale House, and Red Robin.
Saturday (working until 6)
This is still undecided because I am not sure who is going to go to Mardi Gras. If Zack decides to go, then we will probably have a pretzel or something really cheap in the park. If he is not going, then I will make Ravioli ahead of time and he can warm it up for dinner.
I got my schedule wrong and Tuesday was the day I had to work until 6:30 so I ended up switching Tuesday and Wednesday night and we ordered pizza Tuesday night instead. I also switched Friday and Saturday night since we did not end up going to Mardi Gras this week.
This week coming up is going to be very interesting since I work 5 straight days - and a couple of those will be late nights which means finding something quick and easy on those days.
Here is the plan:
Sunday
Panko crusted chicken and oven baked french fries
Monday
Oven baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, and mini corn on the cob
Tuesday (working until 4:30)
Spaghetti and Garlic Knots
Wednesday (working until 4:30)
Macaroni and Cheese and hot dogs
Thursday (working until 6:00)
Tacos (I plan to make the taco meat the night before so all we have to do is warm it up)
Friday (working until 4:30)
Eat Out - our favorites are either Chilis, BWW, Ale House, and Red Robin.
Saturday (working until 6)
This is still undecided because I am not sure who is going to go to Mardi Gras. If Zack decides to go, then we will probably have a pretzel or something really cheap in the park. If he is not going, then I will make Ravioli ahead of time and he can warm it up for dinner.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Random Stuff
Spring Break Time
This means I could probably have unlimited hours at work if I was interested in working every single day. In theory, this sounds wonderful, but in reality, I am not at an age anymore where I have the energy necessary for this. So instead, I am working 9 out of 13 days. 3 down and 6 to go.
Speaking of work, we have undergone a lot of changes since I took a week off for my WI trip. We have a new manager, two new team captains, and a new milkshake machine. The milkshake machine and I are not great friends. First of all, the addition of this machine has increased our serving responsibilities which slows us down, which makes customers wait longer for their food, which makes unhappy customers. And then, the other day, the cover popped off and the shake mix spilled all over the refrigerator. It took me a half hour to clean that mess up. I found out the cover had popped off the day before as well spilling mix all over the floor...so that can't keep happening.
What is up with the word 'nigger"? I never use this work because of the negative connotations that go along with it. However, as I was walking Ollie today, a maintenance man was coming out of the pool and had a device playing music on his waistband...and the words, 'I had the nigger by his shirt' were part of this rap that was playing. So my feeling is that either that word is acceptable or not acceptable! Which is it? If I, as a teacher, were to call one of my student's that (which I would NEVER do), I would be in a world of trouble...but put it in a rap song and it's gold!
And now, to vent some frustration, I am going to relate this story. Zack has somehow 'ruined' 4 computers since October!
- In October, the hard drive crashed on Computer #1. Thankfully, I always purchase the 2 year protection plan and, since it was still under warranty, it was sent in and the hard drive was replaced. However, because he goes to school online and could not be without a computer for the two weeks it took to fix, I purchased computer #2.
- In November, we got Computer #1 back and things were great for a couple weeks. I had my laptop, Zack had computer #2, and I used computer #1 to watch Netflix and Youtube.
- In December, Computer #2 went down...after only two months! Again, needing a computer for school, I gave him computer #1 back while computer #2 was in the shop.
- A month went by and computer #1 bites the dust - again! But, we had computer #2 back and I had mine so we were fine. The warranty expired on computer #1 so I did not want to pay to fix it.
- At the end of January Best Buy had a sale on computers and I found one that was ridiculously cheap. My plan was to buy it and use it for Netflix and the like and cancel cable (which I was paying $120.00/month for). So I purchased computer #3.
- Two weeks later, computer #2 isn't working again! So I give him computer #3 for school.
- Yep...computer #3 became a victim last week.
Tomorrow, I have an appointment with Geek Squad to look at both computer #2 and #3. Zack will be coming along. My feeling is they both have a virus from him downloading things *despite having virus protection* and I want him to be present to hear the lecture and discuss safe and unsafe things to do with a computer.
UGH!
This means I could probably have unlimited hours at work if I was interested in working every single day. In theory, this sounds wonderful, but in reality, I am not at an age anymore where I have the energy necessary for this. So instead, I am working 9 out of 13 days. 3 down and 6 to go.
Speaking of work, we have undergone a lot of changes since I took a week off for my WI trip. We have a new manager, two new team captains, and a new milkshake machine. The milkshake machine and I are not great friends. First of all, the addition of this machine has increased our serving responsibilities which slows us down, which makes customers wait longer for their food, which makes unhappy customers. And then, the other day, the cover popped off and the shake mix spilled all over the refrigerator. It took me a half hour to clean that mess up. I found out the cover had popped off the day before as well spilling mix all over the floor...so that can't keep happening.
What is up with the word 'nigger"? I never use this work because of the negative connotations that go along with it. However, as I was walking Ollie today, a maintenance man was coming out of the pool and had a device playing music on his waistband...and the words, 'I had the nigger by his shirt' were part of this rap that was playing. So my feeling is that either that word is acceptable or not acceptable! Which is it? If I, as a teacher, were to call one of my student's that (which I would NEVER do), I would be in a world of trouble...but put it in a rap song and it's gold!
And now, to vent some frustration, I am going to relate this story. Zack has somehow 'ruined' 4 computers since October!
- In October, the hard drive crashed on Computer #1. Thankfully, I always purchase the 2 year protection plan and, since it was still under warranty, it was sent in and the hard drive was replaced. However, because he goes to school online and could not be without a computer for the two weeks it took to fix, I purchased computer #2.
- In November, we got Computer #1 back and things were great for a couple weeks. I had my laptop, Zack had computer #2, and I used computer #1 to watch Netflix and Youtube.
- In December, Computer #2 went down...after only two months! Again, needing a computer for school, I gave him computer #1 back while computer #2 was in the shop.
- A month went by and computer #1 bites the dust - again! But, we had computer #2 back and I had mine so we were fine. The warranty expired on computer #1 so I did not want to pay to fix it.
- At the end of January Best Buy had a sale on computers and I found one that was ridiculously cheap. My plan was to buy it and use it for Netflix and the like and cancel cable (which I was paying $120.00/month for). So I purchased computer #3.
- Two weeks later, computer #2 isn't working again! So I give him computer #3 for school.
- Yep...computer #3 became a victim last week.
Tomorrow, I have an appointment with Geek Squad to look at both computer #2 and #3. Zack will be coming along. My feeling is they both have a virus from him downloading things *despite having virus protection* and I want him to be present to hear the lecture and discuss safe and unsafe things to do with a computer.
UGH!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
More Mardi Gras
Last night, it was time for this again
Mardi Gras is serving as a nice placeholder between Halloween Horror Nights.
I am discovering that we view the parade in an area that is mostly locals and Mardi Gras die hards...and they are wild! Loud and wild! You can hear for yourself in this video...and, just an FYI, that guy shouted, "I love you" to every single person in the parade that wasn't riding a float!
But he was not nearly as bad as his 'friend' who was obviously on drugs - or high - or maybe both. He was out of control! Tan shorts and black shirt.
And then...guess who came and stood right next to me? Shadow dancing. He honestly could not stand still!
Throwing beads from the floats...we now have 176 of them (after 3 parades). What will we do with them? Probably throw them away. But it is funny how, when you are there, catching those beads becomes so important.
After the parade, we went over to the concert to watch a little of The Fray before calling it a night.
All 176 bead necklaces separated by color
Mardi Gras is serving as a nice placeholder between Halloween Horror Nights.
I am discovering that we view the parade in an area that is mostly locals and Mardi Gras die hards...and they are wild! Loud and wild! You can hear for yourself in this video...and, just an FYI, that guy shouted, "I love you" to every single person in the parade that wasn't riding a float!
And then...guess who came and stood right next to me? Shadow dancing. He honestly could not stand still!
Throwing beads from the floats...we now have 176 of them (after 3 parades). What will we do with them? Probably throw them away. But it is funny how, when you are there, catching those beads becomes so important.
 |
| "I love you" |
 |
| "I love you" |
 |
| "I love you" |
 |
| "I love you" |
 |
| "I love you" |
 |
| "I love you" |
 |
| "I love you" Yes, he even yelled it to the woman assigned to clean up the horse doodoo |
 |
| "I love you" |
 |
| "I love you" You get the idea... |
After the parade, we went over to the concert to watch a little of The Fray before calling it a night.
All 176 bead necklaces separated by color
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Weekly Meal Planning
I will be the first one to admit that I have not been very good about making dinners for Zack and me. We eat out far more often than we should because it's just the two of us and it is easy to become lazy and not cook.
To hold myself accountable, I am going to try to post a weekly menu plan and also, at the end of the week, evaluate how well I stuck to it.
So here goes:
Saturday:
Spaghetti and corn
I am used to making spaghetti the hard way. Because I am Italian, a recipe has been handed down for homemade sauce and meatballs that are to die for. But lately, I just make it the quick way...cook the noodles, heat up spaghetti sauce from a jar, and serve. Zack loves it either way so my rationale has been why go through all the extra work. However, I may start making my own sauce again (just not this week) and then freeze a bunch.
Sunday
Panko crusted chicken tenders and garlic knots
This is another favorite of Zack's and is pretty quick and easy to make. Win/Win
Monday
Tacos
For Zack, this equates to throwing some taco seasoned meat into a taco shell. But for me, I like tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream on my taco along with the meat.
Tuesday
Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and green beans
I have to work this day so I want something quick and easy and not difficult to make. This fits the need.
Wednesday
Pizza Night
I have to work Monday, Tuesday, AND Wednesday next week (which is highly unusual). I am planning on being exhausted by Wednesday night and will not be in he mood to cook. Also, since I work until 6:30 that night, I probably won't be home until close to 7:00.
Thursday Night
Cheese Ravioli and Asparagus
Zack loves anything that has spaghetti sauce on it. Sometimes I will eat the ravioli without the sauce. I plan to use the other half of the jar from Saturday night.
Friday Night
BBQ Ribs and corn on the cob
Ribs are usually very cheap and this is one of my favorite meals. I use Sweet Baby Rays sauce, add a little bit of water, brown sugar, and ketchup and then bake (covered) in a roasting pan at 350* for about 2.5 hours adding more sauce and basting the ribs every half hour. Makes them very tender and flavorful.
Saturday Night
Eat out
Saturday night is Mardi Gras night so we will either stop and eat on the way to Universal or eat once we get to Universal.
To hold myself accountable, I am going to try to post a weekly menu plan and also, at the end of the week, evaluate how well I stuck to it.
So here goes:
Saturday:
Spaghetti and corn
I am used to making spaghetti the hard way. Because I am Italian, a recipe has been handed down for homemade sauce and meatballs that are to die for. But lately, I just make it the quick way...cook the noodles, heat up spaghetti sauce from a jar, and serve. Zack loves it either way so my rationale has been why go through all the extra work. However, I may start making my own sauce again (just not this week) and then freeze a bunch.
Sunday
Panko crusted chicken tenders and garlic knots
This is another favorite of Zack's and is pretty quick and easy to make. Win/Win
Monday
Tacos
For Zack, this equates to throwing some taco seasoned meat into a taco shell. But for me, I like tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream on my taco along with the meat.
Tuesday
Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, and green beans
I have to work this day so I want something quick and easy and not difficult to make. This fits the need.
Wednesday
Pizza Night
I have to work Monday, Tuesday, AND Wednesday next week (which is highly unusual). I am planning on being exhausted by Wednesday night and will not be in he mood to cook. Also, since I work until 6:30 that night, I probably won't be home until close to 7:00.
Thursday Night
Cheese Ravioli and Asparagus
Zack loves anything that has spaghetti sauce on it. Sometimes I will eat the ravioli without the sauce. I plan to use the other half of the jar from Saturday night.
Friday Night
BBQ Ribs and corn on the cob
Ribs are usually very cheap and this is one of my favorite meals. I use Sweet Baby Rays sauce, add a little bit of water, brown sugar, and ketchup and then bake (covered) in a roasting pan at 350* for about 2.5 hours adding more sauce and basting the ribs every half hour. Makes them very tender and flavorful.
Saturday Night
Eat out
Saturday night is Mardi Gras night so we will either stop and eat on the way to Universal or eat once we get to Universal.
Friday, March 11, 2016
EPCOT Friday
C.J. was meeting friends at EPCOT today to celebrate a birthday (not his). He wanted to be able to leave early but did not want to pay the $20.00 parking fee to take his own car so he asked us if we (Zack and me) wanted to go...but we would hang out on our own while he was with his friends. EPCOT??? Yes, please!
It was an unbelievably beautiful day out - sunny and about 80*. The annual Flower and Garden Festival was also going on. When the kids were little, we made weekly EPCOT visits in March and April because the weather was usually perfect so I have great memories of the Flower and Garden Festival.
Zack and I were able to go on Spaceship Earth, have lunch, go on Test Track, Mission Space, Universe of Energy, Living with the Land, and Spaceship Earth again - with C.J. Well, I did. Zack waited for us outside and fed goldfish crackers to a squirrel.
We also walked through Innoventions and saw some things we'd like to try the next time we are there and stopped in Club Cool to sample some sodas from around the world.
We ate fish and chips outside for lunch and I found myself feeding french fries to 3 ducks. I mean...how could I resist?
Picture overload...I had no idea I had taken so many until I was editing them.
It was an unbelievably beautiful day out - sunny and about 80*. The annual Flower and Garden Festival was also going on. When the kids were little, we made weekly EPCOT visits in March and April because the weather was usually perfect so I have great memories of the Flower and Garden Festival.
Zack and I were able to go on Spaceship Earth, have lunch, go on Test Track, Mission Space, Universe of Energy, Living with the Land, and Spaceship Earth again - with C.J. Well, I did. Zack waited for us outside and fed goldfish crackers to a squirrel.
We also walked through Innoventions and saw some things we'd like to try the next time we are there and stopped in Club Cool to sample some sodas from around the world.
We ate fish and chips outside for lunch and I found myself feeding french fries to 3 ducks. I mean...how could I resist?
Picture overload...I had no idea I had taken so many until I was editing them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
The Worst Day
On Saturday November 23, I woke up to the news that my dad had passed away in his early morning sleep and my whole world changed in that o...
-
It's amazing what you'll find when you google your deceased grandparent's names: I also found this little page for my grand... -
Ellalynn Ada Schiek, born on Nov. 26, 2006, was granted her angel wings unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016. Ella's short, but me... -
In short - immunotherapy has been a life changer for me! From November, 2022 to July 2023, I had six cysts/abscesses on various parts of...