one more for the books

1. Try 25 new recipes (lets call this number 6.)

Man cannot live on bread alone, but I'd certainly like to try. Bread is by far one of my favorite foods to bake and since I have the one recipe memorized, I decided it's time to branch out and try new flours, densities, and flavors. This focaccia recipe came highly recommended and it looked like a delicious side to have with tonight's spaghetti so I gave it a whirl.

The ingredients seemed rather basic - flour, sugar, salt, oil, water, yeast - so I added a dash of garlic pepper and a shake or two of parmesan cheese to give it a little flavor.

Since we were having it with spaghetti I melted butter, mixed in more garlic salt and parm, and spread it on the top. At Mr. Fitz's request I shredded a little mozzarella on the top in the last five minutes of baking.

Perfection.

I can't wait to try different toppings and since it is only an inch thick it is great for dipping. Now I just need to learn to make Wegman's amazing garlic cheese spread!


My first adventure for the day, and the one that sparked the desire to make bread, was cleaning and organizing our food cupboard. In an attempt to keep the grocery bill down in April, I wanted to take an inventory of our current food supply and try to make meals with what we have... I would say breakfast is covered from now until June.

Mr. Fitz LOVES Pop Tarts and Wal to the Mart was having a mega sale (3 boxes for $1.88) so I stocked up. They will be good on da plane too. 

The Christian book store is have a going bankrupt sale in the morning so we will be dragging our butts out of bed at an insane hour hoping to grab a few books at 60%. I'm sure I'll regret this decision when our alarm goes off... here's to hoping it's worth the loss of sleep!

for old times sake

In an effort to be less boring, Fitz took me to an Atlantic concert last night since they were playing at a church in town. I give the guys a hard time just because I can say, "remember when...?" but really I think they are an awesome group and they are doing great things with their talents. Still, it is amusing to realize all the girls want them, and all the boys want to be them. This was confirmed when our friend Park announced that he was going to be just like DP when he grows up. I smiled... while DP is a quality guy and great role model I remember the summer we traveled together. There is so much that happens in a van when you've been on the road for weeks with little sleep and huge demands on your time and energy. Park adamantly refused to believe that I was ever cool enough to have been in a band with a member of Atlantic. Whatev, I've got the pictures to prove it.

Going to the concert made me feel old. I'm only a few years removed from these kids, but I still cringe when I watch them. I wonder if I showed them a video of themselves if they would see how awkward and obnoxious they are? Fitz assures me that they don't care, and I probably acted just like them at that age. Awkward, yes. I'm still awkward; I will probably always be awkward. Obnoxious, no. I've never been loud or demonstrative or demanded to be the center of attention. I was the kid chilling at the back of the room, people watching, taking it all in... I would much rather be a wall flower than participate. They kids are everywhere - flinging arms and legs, yelling as loud as humanly possible, jumping in each others faces. I found a spot in the corner and parked it.

It was also good to know that my outfit of choice allowed me to fit right in - jeans, grey cardigan, and pink striped ballet flats. There was another girl - teen girl - wearing the exact. same. thing. Right down to the style and color of our eye glasses. Awesome. Either she is way ahead of herself, or I am way behind and need to step up my wardrobe to be slightly more adult-ish. Since I'm wearing a grey t-shirt and pink polka dot rain boots as I write this, I'll go with the latter. The theme of pink and grey might be another tip-off. Oy. It's time to go shopping.

We took Park to Dairy Queen after the concert for ice cream and got home just before 10. I was whipped. This whole being less boring thing is really eating into my sit on the couch and watch TV time. On the plus side - tomorrow is Thursday and the ads will be on our porch when we go home for lunch!

hello grade nine

I really thought I had outgrown the bright and vibrant Pacsun style, but then I spotted this little gem and had. to. have. it.

This purchase proves two things: 

1) my reputation of "the bag lady" is still alive and well, and 

2) my impulsive buying days are not completely over. 

My obsession with purses and bags started as a toddler and grew to epic proportions in high school. I scaled back in college, trying to focus on quality rather than quantity, but my heart still goes pitter patter when I see a pretty bag. 

I also try to analyze need verses want. I have been so good about putting back the things that are not necessities, but an $8 splurge won't break the budget so this will slide. My old toiletry travel case (a funky striped bag from Old Navy, circa 2001) desperately needs to be retired anyway and this comes at a perfect time as Mr. Fitz and I are packing for a trip at the end of April. Lovely bright colored Billabong will get to join us on our first trip to see the mountains. Squee! I cannot wait!

On a completely unrelated note, I am finding more excuses to steal Fitz's beloved camera and practice my (limited) photography skills. We hosted a community Easter Egg hunt on Friday night - the foil wrapped eggs were a perfect subject. 

Mmm, chocolate. 

"would you like to continue shopping at the DMV?"

Um, no thanks. I've spent enough time in purgatory, the last thing I'd like to do is give you more of my money. Also, renewing my vehicle registration is not "shopping." It is a sad, money sucking fact of life. Thanks for trying to make it a little more pleasant thought.

dear...

Dear Canada -

I realize you had to ruin the nice spring-like weather with another storm, but did you really have to rain, then freeze, then snow, then freeze again? It made my morning commute, all two miles, rather treacherous. Also, you owe me for the broken windshield wiper.

Sincerely,
Your Slightly Annoyed Immigrant


Dear Walmart Cashier -

I realize your job is rather boring, but for the love of my unfriendly Yankee blood, PLEASE stop commenting about every item I purchase. I don't know if it is a fun video game to play, I don't know if your nephew's grandson's friend would like it. I also do not feel the need to defend my beverage of choice. I do not care if you have tried Diet Dr. Pepper or if you think it would be gross. I'll stare at the conveyor belt, you throw my items haphazardly into a shopping bag, we'll exchange money and I'll bolt - no eye contact, no conversation. That's how we do it in New York.

Sincerely,
Your Customer that Prefers Shopping in the US


Dear DBMD -

While I'm glad I don't have to visit with you this morning, did you really need to start at 8:30? Also, did you really need to schedule Fitz's meeting to be the very first one? I hate seeing that hour in my own house, let alone being awake, dressed, and at work.

Sincerely,
Your employed, but unacknowledged Children's Pastor


Dear Tim Horton's -

Thank you for your prompt service and delicious food. Every dollar spend on beverages and pastries is well worth it.

Sincerely,
Your Cheese Croissant Loving Fan

neglect

It's been almost a month, though I promise I've thought about writing. I have even sat down to type, but after a few sentences realize I have nothing of interest to say. Life is so routine, which I love... but I hate. Routine is comfortable, but I'm bored... and bored people are boring people. I don't want to be boring! Unfortunately, that realization came a little too late - last Thursday my first waking thought was, "Oooo! The ads come today!" Only boring people are excited about perusing the weekly sale flyers for items that they have no intention of buying. Hmph.

Hopefully the return of spring will light a fire under my butt and I will make life less boring. There are lots of projects to finish up around the house (notably, that scarf that Kief asked me to make before Christmas... if she's lucky it will come with her present next December), and maybe some of them will even be blog worthy!