Dear Future Self: Time & Valentine

Dear Future Self,

For the past several days, I have been basking in a lesser homework load. However, that lighter workload couldn't have come at a better time as work got kinda crazy all at once. So having a little less to work in the evenings after some very busy days has been great.

Valentine's Day was a nice, simple day for us. We ordered food and brought it home and watched a movie. I don't watch many movies while in school, so sitting a being able to watch one was fantastic. Nothing too extravagant, but it was just perfect. I had my husband-valentine and my pup-valentine...I am one blessed and happy lady:)

Other than that, things are just plugging along. Amazing how life's days are so filled yet there seems to be little going on, all at the same time. But I am trying to treasure these days of just normal busyness because as we all know, crazy happens so quickly. So I am trying to enjoy the feeling of "what do I do" because I am so used to having a to-do list that is so long I don't know where to start.

Well, I guess cleaning should be happening, since that is an ever-present need that always is on the list. Maybe I'll start on that...maybe :)

Happy Weekend!

~AMK

Crock Pot Meatloaf

This recipe is probably one of the easiest things to do...ever. honestly, making a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomato is about the same amount of work once you spread some mayo, slice the tomato, wash the lettuce and assemble.  AND the best part, it is unbelievably delicious!

So easy and delicious, what's the catch? NOTHING. It is cheap too!

Here is the goodness:

Meatloaf served with a veggie and potato.
Original recipe found here.

Ok, stop drooling all over yourself and let's get started:)

Crock Pot Meatloaf

What you'll need:
Aluminum foil
2 lbs round turkey or beef
1 packet of dry onion soup mix or savory herbs soup mix
3/4 c. milk
2 eggs (I left out eggs and used 1c. milk and it worked great too!)
3/4 c. bread crumbs (I use Italian style)

Crock Pot Setup:
Unroll some aluminum foil so that it is one long strip, and put into your crock pot so it comes up the edges and forms down into the dish so it makes like a harness shape or "U" shape. It should be going from one side of the crock pot, down the edge, along the bottom, and back up the other edge. You will use the foil to lift out your finished meatloaf later and having the foil come all the way up the sides (one long strip under the meatloaf) makes for easy removal.

Meatloaf & Cooking:
Mix all ingredients together until all the turkey has seasoning on it. Then dump your mix into the crock pot and form the meatloaf into a brick shape so no sides of the meat touch the edge of the crock pot (If you have an oval crock pot, it will be in rectangular brick shape. If in a round crock, make into a circle). The key is the edges shouldn't touch the sides of the crock pot. Then, cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Serve with baked potatoes and asparagus for a hardy meal!

Enjoy!

~AMK

ABC...easy as 123!

Yes, I am currently rocking out to this gem...

I THINK I LOVE YA!...

yes...this is happening:)

Well, here is why...I am helping plan my S.I.L's baby shower, and I have been deemed the game/activity planner for the shower. And for those of you who know me, I like to try and find something a little different than the norm if I can. So, I found a really cool idea for a craft (THANK YOU PINTEREST!) that we can do that will also make another useful gift for the soon-to-be parents. Don't worry, I'm not spoiling anything...she knows about this:)   We are going to make felt/fabric, magnetic letters to go on a frig or a chalkboard. Cue the baby being occupied while she is doing stuff in the kitchen, and the babe is learning all at the same time!...woot woot!

Here's what I mean:

Got the idea from here. 

When I was looking for a craft, I wanted to have something that any size crowd could do. They seem pretty straightforward to make, so I am excited to try these out at home first, that way I know how to instruct the crowd, but also so I know how long it takes and have a sample for everyone to see. I will share how they turned out after the shower!!

So back to my groove and rocking to an oldie but a goodie....

Happy Hump Day!

Dear Future Self: It is no longer a stream. It's a flood!

Dear Future Self:

Here is my stream flooding of consciousness, in an effort to give my brain a break at thinking. It is amazing how simply writing things down makes it feel like it is no longer swirling aimlessly in my brain but has a place, a definitive space in my life and gives me comfort to know I have recognized that thought and it is no longer clouding my brain and my thinking.

Working Out. My stinkin' knee lately has given me trouble for a couple weeks! boo.... I love going to the high aerobic type classes at the gym, but with a recent knee twist, it has set me back in my work out patterns. In hopes of getting back into the work our groove, I tried a class last week. Not a good idea. My knee was still giving me trouble apparently. So this week, I am being lazy filling my time with other things I needs to be doing, and not hitting up the gym. The knee is much better, but still needs to be rested a bit to ensure it is all better. Then, I am back at it!! :)

Eating Healthy. Trying...but so much easier to each unhealthy foods sometimes. Keep on keepin' on...

Homework. Where to begin. This semester is kicking my butt with group projects, my individual projects and trying to do a book review. My planner is my best friend lately, and I STILL feel like I am missing stuff. No laziness allowed this semester, that's for sure! While it is not allowed, it still happens. Enjoying those bits of lazy times and enjoying it while it lasts:) I just keep thinking of May and all the glory that comes with being DONE.

Life in general. Life is great! :) I feel like every moment is taken up with doing something, but let's face it, if I weren't busy with work, school and all the normal life stuff, I'd most definitely be looking to fill my time with something. I am a glutton for busyness...my mother will attest to this and me being a very active, into everything type of child. Thanks Mom for putting up with me:)

Weather blues. PICK A TEMPERATURE... preferably warm:)

Thanks for listening to the rants and ramblings of one head-spinning-with-busyness chick.

I feel better already! :)

Hope you are having a good Monday! :)

~AMK