Chicken N Dumplings

I can think of many things I like about fall but I think the one thing I love the most is the cooking.  The smells of spices and pumpkin, apples, and the many comfort foods that I cook only when it turns cool.

The beginning of last week it was 101 degrees out and by the end of the week we had highs in the 60s.  I love the cooler temps but the weather liked playing tricks on me.  At first I was worn out because of the heat at work.  I didn't even want to eat anything.  By the end of the week I knew I wanted comfort food and chicken soup sounded great!  I wanted to try something new so Chicken N Dumplings it would be.

I never go by a true recipe unless I am baking.  I looked at several recipes online and on YT and also used my own Chicken Noodle Soup as a guideline.  Here is the best I can do with writing down my recipe.

 

Chicken N Dumplings
4 or 5 stalks of celery chopped
1 large onion chopped
6 large carrots, sliced
4 chicken breasts, uncooked
Chicken broth or water maybe 5 cups?
1 tbsp parsley fresh or dried
salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to a crock pot and cook on low about 4 hours or until chicken falls apart.  Shred chicken. I then transferred the soup to a pot and bring it to a boil.  I added another cup of water to the soup.  Drop the dumplings on top of the soup.  Cover the pot and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the dumplings are done.  You will know the dumplings are done but inserting a toothpick in them and they come out clean.

Dumplings
2 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 to 2 tbsp dried parsley flakes
6 tsp softened salted butter
1 cup to 1/2 cup buttermilk

Cut softened butter in flour and baking powder and parsley.  Then add 1 cup of the buttermilk and mix together.  You may need to add up to another 1/2 cup of the buttermilk.  The mixture should be wet but not to wet.


I asked my mom how to make dumplings because I remember her making them when I was a kid.  She always made hers with beef stew.  She told me that she made dumplings because she never could make good biscuits, which was true.  She tried making biscuits and they were ok but nothing to brag about.  My grandma, mom's mom, made really good biscuits but couldn't make dumplings.  I am a lot like Grandma Green so I thought maybe because I can make really good biscuits I couldn't make dumplings.  I guess I was blessed with making both really good.  Something I can be proud of.  I will be making more dumplings from now on.

A Wonderful Day!

Before the day slips away I wanted to write about how perfect this day was for me.  The day isn't over, I still have my class at the local YMCA to go to still.  I love going to Aqua Zumba, and this is coming from a gal that doesn't really like the water!

Normally on a Thursday I would go to work and do the same thing I do everyday at work.  This Thursday I decided to take the day off.  Normally I save my vacation days for the Pagan holidays.  Mabon is coming up in a few short weeks but it falls on the weekend and since I have all weekends off I have that day to spend some other way.  I recently joined a group called 4 on Forty and they had a live chat today at noon my time.  This was the first one and I really wanted to hear what they had to say on turning forty.  I get to that in a bit.

During the week I wake up at 6am.  I am not a morning person so getting up at that time is sometime a pain in the butt.  This morning I slept in....till 8am!  I know it was only two hours but those two hours felt great!  I got up and got some coffee, something I haven't had in a couple weeks.  It turned very hot the past couple weeks and I just haven't felt like coffee.  But this morning I woke up to it being in the 60s!  Brrrrrr  Nothing better then an iced coffee on a morning like this one.

My cat has been begging for the past couple days to be let outside and he finally got to go out.  With the temps being in the 90s and even 101 degrees on Monday, I just didn't want to spend anymore time then I had to outside.  Albert normally runs all over the yard and I have to watch where he goes since I do live on the highway.  He loved it and spent about 45 minutes enjoying the cool weather.  I spent that time in a hoodie drinking my coffee and catching up with all the news that happened overnight and cant forget facebook.  lol

Then for some reason I felt like I needed to clean my bedroom.  Boy did I clean!  I ended up throwing out 3 garbage sacks full of junk.  I also sorted some of my clothes and threw away the ones that had holes or stains or things that I knew people weren't able to wear again.  That felt really good to do that.  Why I keep on to shorts that have holes in the crotch I will never know.  That kept me busy until it was noon.

I then went to the 4 on Forty webpage to catch the google hangout.  Since it is on Youtube I decided to watch it there instead.  There were a few issues at first and then I watched the talk.  The four lady's are all wonderful people and much smarter then I am, or at least that is how I feel at times.  Its nice to know that there are women that feel like I do on turning 40.  When I was younger I thought turning 40 would be the end of the world but now I know that it is a great age to be, well I'm not there yet but in 3 years.  It was wonderful to hear them and I was sad when it ended.  I admit I was folding laundry at the same time it was going on.

After that I could feel myself getting tired.  It always seems to happen in the afternoons around 2 or 3pm.  Normally when I get off work I take and nap so it didn't surprise me any that when I sat down this afternoon I took a nap.  I remember as a child hating to take a nap but now I love it!  The only time that I don't take a nap are the days I have a class at 530.  Its a variety class so each time its different and it feels great to workout.  I sometimes think that when I get tired if I just go for a walk or the gym instead I wouldn't be so tired but that doesn't happen. 

So now here I am writing and listening to 60s music again, the same as I was listening to when I was cleaning.  I have about 3 loads of laundry to do since I am starting to change my summer clothing out to some of my winter clothing.  I am also trying to decide what to have for supper before my class at 8pm. 

What a wonderful day it has been.  Yes its nothing exciting as going somewhere fun but I really enjoyed myself.  I love days like this where I can do whatever I want and not have anyone bother me.  Plus I had the house all to myself!  This never ever happens!!!  Pure bliss.  Hope everyone had a wonderful day in whatever they did!

Trying new recipes

I posted a question today on facebook asking if you try new recipes when you have work dinners or potlucks or do you bring the same thing or couple of things each time?  The reason I asked was because today at work we had a potluck and I saw many of the same things that are always at our dinners.

Today at work we had a pre-tailgate potluck.  This coming weekend is the big Iowa/Iowa St football game.  A local tv station picks out 5 towns and goes to a different town each day of the week.  My hometown was picked and they came to town today.  There are several things going on uptown but I am staying home since its been so hot today.  In fact it got up to almost 100 degrees!  This is not weather that I am really thinking about football or tailgating food.

I decided to try something new so I went on Pinterest and typed in Tailgate recipes and found a new wrap recipe.  It sounded good and it was really easy to make.  I tasted it last night and I didn't like it at all!  I thought maybe if I tried it at lunch I would like it better but I didn't.  There were several people that did like them though so I am glad for that. 

I didn't have any to take home thank goodness but I did have more of the filling at home and I hate to waste food but I really wasn't sure what to do with it.  I talked to a friend of mine at work and asked if she wanted the filling part of the wrap and she did.  Not only will I not be wasting food now but a friend will be able to make something good for her family.  Win/win for me!

Now back to the food that was brought today, many of the items were the same as they always are and they were brought by the same people.  One of the things that was there was a crab dip that only a couple people really like.  I don't understand why some people bring the same thing that no one likes.  Funny thing about that I heard her complaining after lunch was over that she had to take food home and she didn't want to.  Well if you don't want to take anything home then either leave it at work where it will sit and get moldy in the fridge or toss it.  Or here's a better idea, make something people like!  lol

Even though I didn't like what I made having a dinner like we did is a great place to try something new.  Several people liked them and asked for the recipe.  For me I tried the recipe and didn't have to waste any food by throwing it out because I didn't like it.  I wont be making it again but I'm glad I at least tried it.

I feel a rant coming on!

Today started out like most days.  I woke up, got ready for work, got some coffee (yes I am drinking coffee again) and went to work.  The first hour was ok and then I was asked a question from someone I am training.  I answered her and told her what she needed to do.  Well Ericka, yes that is her real name because she will never read this so I don't have to worry about it.  Anyhow she went and asked someone about what I had just told Ann.  I guess Ericka didn't think I knew what I was talking about, AGAIN!  Every time I tell Ann something she questions it and then tells Ann something else.  Last week Ericka told Ann something and it was totally wrong and then I get blamed for not showing her the right way to do something.  Thank goodness Ann spoke up and said it wasn't me that told her to do what it was she did wrong.

I have been working for an office job for about a year now and I am one of two people that know more about my department then anyone else.  When others have questions or problems with something they come to either me or another gal.  At work we have what is called a menu, basically its what we can do on the computer.  I have more on my menu then most of the people in my department including Ericka.  Ericka has questioned my boss several times why I have more on my menu then what she does, that it isn't fair and she should have just as much.  My boss has told her several times that she isn't going to have the same things as my menu because she doesn't need them which is true.

I have had a feeling for a long time now that she is trying to get my job that I have.  I don't know why she thinks she can do that.  She has worked in my department for maybe 6 months and for the company for maybe 5 years.  I have been in the department for over a year and with the company for almost 15 years now.  I honestly want to bitch slap her and tell her to back off.  The only thing that she has going for her that I don't have is that her mom is friends with my manager. 

She is the laziest person I know.  She wont do anything above and beyond what she needs to do.  She wont just do something that needs done without being asked to do it and then she always bitches about it.  She is the biggest pain in the ass I know.  I felt sorry for her because she has been having stomach issues which turned out to be an ulcer and bad acid reflux.  But now I wish I wasn't so caring. 

I swear if and when the office job comes open and she gets it and not me I think I will come unglued.  I try to keep my temper every day when it comes to her but there are days like today she really bothers me.  I know everyone has to deal with at least one stupid person at work and everyone has off days, I just wish I didn't have to deal with it. 

So there is my rant, not much of one but it is what it is.  I have calmed down a lot since I got home.  It does a girl good to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.  :-)

Here Comes The Sun!!

I haven't posted a blog since May and I am sorry for that.  I have been writing but I haven't posted it for many reasons.  But today since its such a wonderful morning I feel like writing and sharing a few things with everyone who wants to read this.

This summer has been wonderful!  The weather has been amazing!  In fact up until this past week we only had a few days in the 90s, most of the time we were in the 80s.  I couldn't have been happier.  Only thing better would have been if I could have opened my bedroom window at night instead of have an AC unit in it. 

The beginning of summer I could feel a change in the air but I wasn't sure what it was at first.  Once the middle of July hit I knew what it was and then by the first week in August the change hit me full force.  I wont tell you the whole story but my best friend and I are no longer best friends in my book.  She has made some choices in her life that I don't want any part of.  She has moved out of town, is getting divorced, left her kids with her soon to be ex husband, and now how a boyfriend and new friends.  Now don't judge her for what I just said, you don't know the whole story and this blog is not about her, its about me.

The beginning of the month I also turned 37.  That number really isn't that old but there were a lot of things that was going though my head about turning that age.  None of them at first was good but I think I am that way what ever my birthday comes around.  Now I am fine with that age and I am starting to embrace my age.  I joined a group that just started too that I am really looking forward to called Four on 40.  More then likely I will blog about this group later on but for now if you want to know more just let me know and I will get you information on the group.

At first I didn't know if I really wanted to welcome the change that was entering my life.  I have always hated change but I have been taking of several big changes in my life over the past couple years so why not have one more.  Change hasn't hurt me but has helped me be the person I am now.  I have switched jobs in the past year and now for the first time I think ever I enjoy going to work.  I am someone that people come to now to ask questions instead of me going to them.  I am one of the leaders at work for the first time ever. 

I finally looked at my friend moving away as a way for me to spread my wings and explore more things in life that I have always wanted to.  It never failed that if I wanted to do something she would call and want help with something.  I could never say no to her and she knew that.  I finally told her no last weekend and it felt great!  I did what I wanted. 

Music has always been big in my life and my choice in music always seemed to reflect what she wanted to listen to at the time.  I have been listening to more 60s and 70s music this past month then I have ever listened to and you know what?  I love it and I am more peaceful.  In fact I am listening to a CD called Radio Hits of the 70's.  There are a couple songs I don't like but the rest are great!  The main reason I thought of writing today was because of a song and that is why I titled this "Here Comes The Sun"  I heard that as I was sitting outside looking up into the tree nearby.  I saw a cobweb as it was reflected by the sun.  It was so pretty and I felt the need to write so I came instead and started writing this. 

Other changes in my life include taking a Aqua Zumba class.  The class started at the beginning of the month and was twice a week.  Starting next week it will be 3 times a week and I am so excited for this.  So now I will be going to the YMCA 5 days a week and working out.  I love the fact I am going there and having fun at the same time as getting a good workout.

Tonight I am doing a Glow Run/Walk.  You can either do a mile or a 5K.  Because its so hot I think I will just do the mile but I am really excited for this.  I normally wouldn't do something like this without my friend because I normally don't like to do things like this alone.  But I am branching out and going by myself.  Now there will be friends from work there but this is something I would never do so I am proud of myself for taking this step. 

I am also starting to hang out with different people then what I used to.  I have made several new friends in the past few weeks.  One of them my exbff didn't like and had always heard bad things about.  I went there not knowing what to expect and had a great time.  She was nice and nothing what I had heard.  That proved to me that I shouldn't believe anything she said and I need to make my own decisions more.

Tomorrow starts a new month and I am excited for it.  Bring on more changes and improvements to my life, I am ready!!

It's been one year!!

Today it is one year since I have changed jobs.  I still work for the same company I have for 14 years but the job itself changed some.  I went from making coffee machines to sending out parts for them and working in the office getting orders to send out. 

The change in jobs at first was a little scary I will admit.  I had done the same thing and worked with mostly the same people for 13 years.  I was not a person that liked change at all but I knew that I needed to make it.  I placed a bid to go to another building doing something I had never done before and I got the job.  I didn't really tell many people that I was leaving until the last day.  I didn't want a big deal made out of it.

The main reason I left my old job is something in the past now and I really don't want to keep bringing it up.  All I will say is my decision to leave was very sudden but it turned out to be the best thing I have ever done. 

So much has happened this past year.  I have been slowly making my way to an office job.  At the moment I work only part time but I would one day like to make the change once again and work in the office full time.  Within the next few years I hope that will happen. 

I couldn't be happier at my current job, that is something I thought I would never say.  Yes, there are those few people that I could do without and I can tell some pretty wild stories about some of them but that's for another blog. 

A Shift in Energy

Lately I have been feeling a shift in the energy around.  This is a wonderful shift and such a wonderful feeling. 

I have been feeling in such a slump the past 6 months.  I don't know if it started when I had to move out of my house or if it started when my cat Teddy died.  Both were around the same time as well as winter was in full force.

For the past month I have been feeling alive again.  It could be the change from cold weather to warm weather.  It could be because I can once again watch the birds outside and hear nature at night.  It could be because I am able to get my hands into the earth and start growing things.  It could be many things but whatever it is I am loving it.

The past few days I have been wanting to start doing the things that I used to do.  Getting back into my craft, making things, reading my cards again, spell work.  Everything that I haven't done the past 6 months. 

It's an odd feeling to go from not wanting to do anything, or talk to anyone to wanting to talk and do again.  I want to learn and grow and feel again. I want to feel alive again!

I started over the weekend making a few tie-dyed shirts.  Now I know for some making shirts isn't that big of a deal but for me its letting a part of me shine.  I have also been wearing dresses and skirts again.  I know once again not a big deal for some but for me, it makes me feel like more of my self is being expressed.  It's the little things that are bringing me back.  Like blogging, I can express what's on my mind again and it feels great!

This shift in energies I am welcoming with open arms.  I am feeling whole again and that is exactly what I needed!

Counting your Blessings

Today at lunch I was looking on facebook like always and I saw a friends post on how everything that could, had gone wrong for her.  Now who hasn't had a day like that?  I have had several days that I can recall thinking I just wanted to go home and crawl into bed and sleep until the next day.  There used to be times that I did just that.

Over a year ago I started to make a change in my life.  I started to become negative because of people and things that were going on in my life.  I had to take a big step back and start doing things for myself and not worry about how others felt.

I looked deep into myself and realized that not everything was bad in my life. There were several things in my life that were good that I didn't even see.  Things I took for granted, people I took for granted. Instead of looking at the positive side I always looked at the negative. 

It wasn't until after I started my year and a day that I realized what I needed to do to change.  What I needed to do to stay happy, or at least half way stay happy.  I had to look for the positive in everything I did and everything that was around me. 

For example with the tornado in Moore, OK.  I could look at that and only see the sadness and devastation.  Instead I look at how even though there was loss of life, it could have been much worst.  There might have been several homes destroyed but neighbors worked together to find pets and a child's blanket and even the smallest thing that could mean the world to a person. 

I choose to watch the stories on the news of great joy and happiness even when something so horrible happens.  That is what gets me through the day. 

I saw an interview with a woman who was happy and was laughing.  She had lost just about everything she owned but yet she was still happy.  Why?  Because her and her husband were alive.  Their neighbors who they helped get into their shelter were alive.  She can rebuild and she said they probably will stay in the same area too.  She was looking at the positive side of everything and that is how we all should be. 

It's not always easy to do at times.  There will always be people at your job, on the highway while you are driving, at the store, even your own family that will try to bring you down.  You need to rise above them and still count your blessings.  Think of what truly is important in your life and that will get you though your day.

So many blogs, not enought time to post

Even though I have not posted anything this past week it doesn't mean that I haven't written anything.  I have three posts that are in draft stages right now, including one that I wrote today. 

I love that I can get on blogger at work now during breaks but I hate the fact that I only have ten minutes to write something.  I could write at both morning and afternoon break but it seems like someone is always interrupting or I have text messages I answer.  I wish that break was just a little bit longer in the afternoon.  If I had 15 minutes instead of just the 10 I could get at least a few blogs written. 

I could always skip lunch and write then but I cant eat at my work station and I like getting out of that building at least for lunch.  So the only thing I can do is start a blog at work and then hope I finish it after I get home.  The one I started today I will be posting as soon as I post this one.  Fingers crossed.  lol

Finally Spring is Here! (Or is it summer already?)

Finally the heat has arrived to Iowa!  Last year we had already had 2 months of warm temperatures.  My garden was growing and if I remember right I already picked some of the early crops.

Last year in May there was the Super Full Moon and I was dancing around in a dress without sleeves, and that was at night!  The air was fresh and everything was beautiful.  What a big difference compared to this year.

Today, May 14, 2013 is the first really warm day.  At 2pm when I am typing this it is already 90 degrees!!  Just a couple weeks ago we had a snow storm!  What is the deal Mother Nature???

No matter how you look at it I am loving it.  The birds are out in full force in my back yard, some birds I haven't seen in many years in my yard.  The apple tree is in bloom and so very pretty right now.  Hopefully the blossoms with stick around this year unlike last year when we had really bad winds within a day or so of the blooming.

The next several days are expected to drop to the 70s for a high which is fine by me.  That is how the weather should be this time of year.  I can't wait for the first batch of rhubarb to be picked. Ahhh Spring!!!

Reconnecting with the Goddess

For some time now I have known that I'm not where I need to be in my life.  For years I have been happy with the choices I have been making but the past 6 months I haven't been happy.  Not truly happy.  I have been eating better and exercising, my job is going well, I am giving back to the community, I just completed my first 5K yesterday even with me being sick. So why do I feel that something is missing?

For months I have been going further and further away from the Goddess.  Not that I want to, of hell no, my belief has not changed.  The way I go about things are different though.  I don't live by myself nor do I have any alone time and I really think that is a major reason why I don't practice my belief like I used to.  The weather has been so cold with winter hanging on much longer this year then normal that I haven't been able to get outside and enjoy nature.  I need to get my hands in the dirt and explore my favorite trails around the lake.  I need to sit and watch the animals. 

Today after I went to the gym I went to the lake.  I drove around and saw several animals and plants in bloom and trees leafing out.  It was beautiful.  It was a little on the cool side so I was happy to just be in the car driving around.  I stopped once and got out of the car and just looked around.  I felt happy.  I also asked for the Goddess to re-enter my life and help me spiritually. 

When I was at the lake I saw several signs letting me know that I wasn't alone today.  My sisters were with me, even if they didn't know it.  I went out there around 2:30pm, middle of the afternoon.  That is not the right time of day to see the deer out but I saw a couple deer first thing.  One of them looked right at me.  At first I didn't see the message in it but then I think I have been missing many messages lately.  It wasn't until when I stopped and got out of my car did it hit me.  I was asking how to get back on track when I saw a big back bird flying in the sky.  I am pretty sure it was a crow since we don't have ravens here but I thought of one of my sisters right away whose totem is a Raven.  I knew the first step was to start wearing the Goddess necklace again that she had made and given to me. 

The deer was a reminder of one of my other sisters who I always think of because I see so many Robins around, both animals are totems of hers.  When I was standing with my arms up I looked around and everywhere I looked was yellow.  Dandelions.  They have a special meaning to me too.  The dandelions are family and they reminded me where my home is and where my family is.

I know what I need to do.  It's a lot like what I do when it comes to working out.  I make myself get up and do it.  I have become lazy when it comes to my spirituality like I once was with going to the gym.  I once had a knee problem so I skipped the gym.  I am living with someone so I have gave up what I believe in so they wont know what's going on.  But no more. 

I want to be happy again.  I want to be complete again.  I know I can do it.

Time for Me

Have you ever took a day off and wanted that day to go a certain way but then it not go that way?  Yeah that happened to me today.  I took today off to celebrate Ostara.  This week was spring break for my area so vacation was hard to come by this week but I was able to take today off.  A much needed day off I must add.

The morning went just like I had wanted.  I got my side mirror fixed on my car, and went to the gym for 2 hours.  I was sore from working out last night and maybe I should have waited to go but I went with a friend and was able to get in some friend time and gym time all at the same time.

My plans for the afternoon didn't go like I had wanted.  I was planning to make a much needed video explaining where I have been the past two months, that didn't happen.  I was planning to take a drive in the country and maybe even take a walk by the lake that I love so much, that didn't happen.  I was planning to spend some alone time with just me and my thoughts and Albert, my cat, that didn't happen.  What did happen was my brother ended up coming over and using the computer for a few hours and had his gaming stuff so loud that it came though my bedroom wall.  What did happen was that I laid down for a short nap and slept all afternoon. 

I will admit that I tried to make a video in the 30 minutes of alone time I did have after I woke up but even that didn't turn out like I wanted.  I was really surprised with what I started to say, even though it was the truth.  When I looked at how bad I looked in video I knew I had to get what I needed to say out.  I also know that its time to make a change because what I was saying is true, I am dying inside if I don't make that change and get back on track now.  Let me explain.

When Teddy died a couple months ago part of me died too.  I didn't know how much a part of my soul Teddy was and still is.  I have had pets die my whole life but Teddy was more then just a cat, he was my better half.  Since his passing I haven't been doing anything spiritual.  I haven't lit a single candle, I don't have an altar set up, nothing.  I have kept certain people in prayer like always but that's it.  I haven't connected with the Goddess in the past two months either.  I haven't turned my back, I just haven't made the effort to do anything.

What I have done is put all my energy into working out and eating right.  Now those things are great!  I love working out!  I love making healthy food choices and feeling great instead of eating fatty and sweet food and having a food crash.  I am pretty sure that is what happened when I ate some frozen yogurt, it was to much dairy and sweet compared to what I am used to eating and I crashed! 

What I need to do is work out, eat right and still be spiritual.  Somehow I need to find the right combination of all three and right now that is what I am having problems with.

Losing my spiritual side isn't the only thing I have lost, I also lost contact with many of my friends online.  I have been on FB but not.  I go on there and play one game, just one stupid game!  I will sometimes look and see how others are doing, I will update from time to time on my life but I'm not really there.  That game is addicting and I cant seem to give it up yet.  Ugggg

My plan of action on how to fix everything?  I'm not sure.  Honestly I don't.  I need more time in the day for one.  I work, come home for an hour and eat and then head to the gym.  I get home late and I have an hour or two maybe at night to be online and all the other things I need to do at home.  Then I sleep, well if you call it sleep.  I am up at least a couple times at night.  I cant remember the last time I slept a full straight eight hours or even more then four hours at a time. 

That is where I am at right now.  This is who I am right now. 

My thoughts on Fox News

Where have I been and why am I just now seeing what Fox News said about Wiccans and Pagans? 

Last night I got an email that TipToeChick had a new video.  I was so tired last night that I thought I would wait until sometime today or even later in the week before I would check it out.  Lately videos haven't been the top of my list of things to do. 

This morning I noticed many others had videos up of the same topic so I knew this was something I had to check out but mornings aren't the best time to watch.  I wrote my fitness blog this morning and did my weigh in on my LiveHealthyIowa team page.  Now I wish I would have watched at least one of the videos.

Tonight, in fact about an hour ago, I was on FB and noticed a couple videos and decided to watch the video of the Fox News segment on Wiccans and Pagans.  I couldn't believe what I had heard!  So many things I wanted to scream out and say WTF????

There are a few things I want to address.  First, to say that there aren't many Pagans or Wiccans in the world, well maybe the reason you think that is because most of us are in hiding.  Like myself.  There are a few people that know I am Pagan, but my family don't know.  I hide because of people like the reporters who don't have a clue what they are talking about.

Second, we don't have 20 holidays.  We have 8.  I guess if you want to include the full moons you could get 20 but most Pagans don't celebrate the full moon as a holiday, in fact some don't even do anything for the full moon, I am one of those.  I will sit outside looking up to the moon while she is full but that isn't unlike any other night because it could be the dark moon and I am still going to look to her with love. 

As for Pagan holidays, this is what I have done the past couple years now. I have to take my vacation on Pagan holidays. I am sure there are many others like me that take those days off and have to use their vacation too. I would love it if I could be open and have those days off with pay just like I do with Christmas and New Years. A few years ago my work stopped giving us Good Friday off so really the only religious holiday we have off is Christmas. The others are just American holidays.


I think Fox News really needs to do some research on what Pagans and Wiccans believe in.  If they knew maybe that wouldn't sound so stupid when they opened their mouths.  But then again, maybe they would still sound that way.

Down below is a link to the video in question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J22mI-P0a1M&feature=youtu.be

Whats going on?

Its been awhile since I updated anything on here and that is because a lot has been going on in my life.  One thing is that I am no writing another blog which is totally about weight loss and the journey I am on to become healthy.  I have been on this journey for a few years, slowly changing my habits.  If you want to join me on my other blog contact me and I will post a link here.

The other major event in my life is one that is very sad.  My familiar Teddy crossed the rainbow bridge last month.  I had him for 14 years and he was my child.  Even now as I am writing this my heart has such a sadness that I cant even describe.  I loved him more then any other cat I have ever know.  This past 3 weeks since his passing I have been lost.  I knew that this time would be hard for me but I never knew how hard it would be. 

Last night I bought an urn for him since I did have him cremated.  Since I don't know where I will be living one day I didn't want to just bury him anywhere.  I have also decided that when it comes to me crossing over one day I want his remains to go with me.  I know that this body is just a shell but it gives me great comfort to know that he will be beside me forever. 

I have wanted to do a ceremony of some kind for him but just haven't had the time alone to do one.  Hopefully in the next few weeks and can take a day off and spend some much needed time alone with just him. 

I am hoping within the next week I can get back in the swing of things with this blog and with my life.  Its been a hard journey this year but I know things can only get better for me.  I have faith.  I send much love and many blessings to all

GM Diet

The title of this blog should give you an idea of what I have been doing the past couple days.  I have been on the GM diet since Friday.  I was planning to do the diet but not at this moment.  A friend of mine kind of sprung it on me Thursday night that we were going to start it Friday.

So what is the GM diet?  It was a diet that General Motors came up with for there workers.  Each day you eat different things.  Basically it is a cleanse and so far it has been for sure!

Friday was the first day.  On that day you are only able to eat fruit, any fruit except bananas.  You can drink black tea and black coffee but no fruit juices.  They also say you should drink 10 glasses of water each day on the diet. 

The first day for me honestly sucked.  I love fruit but when that is the only thing you can eat you want everything that you cant eat!  I wanted Chinese food that day just because I couldn't have it and I hadn't had any in over a month! Also that night every commercial seems to be about food.  Normally a Friday night I will either go out and have a few drinks or we watch the food network.  Neither one we could do.  The food network would just be torture for us and going to a bar is a no no. 

The second day was all veggies.  We started the day eating a big baked potato.  We could have a pat of butter which should have been about a teaspoon but we had about a tablespoon.  It still wasn't enough butter for my taste but it worked.  I also put White Cheddar seasoning salt that normally goes on popcorn on my potato.  You can have any seasoning and it was really good.  I took a very long nap that afternoon so I only had one other meal that day.  I ate a can of artichoke hearts with a Roma tomato and mushrooms.  It wasn't bad.  Later we made popcorn cauliflower.  It didn't taste anything like popcorn and I didn't like it.  You put olive oil and salt over the cauliflower that is in bite size pieces and you bake it.  I wouldn't do it again.

Today, the third day is veggies and fruit except bananas and potatoes.  So far the day is going well but I really want a slice of homemade bread, just out of the oven!  I think that is the one thing I miss the most.  Bread!  What I wouldn't give for a slice of bread right now.

So three days in and I haven't cheated yet.  Tomorrow is bananas and milk day.  I can eat up to 8 bananas.  I thought about getting almond milk but I think I will just stop by and pick up a couple bottles of milk since I really don't drink milk anyhow.  I don't want to buy something and have it go bad which it would.  Tomorrow we can also have a cabbage soup.  I think out of all the days on this diet the 4th day will be the worst.  I cant think about being at work and just having bananas all day. 

I will keep you all updated on how things go.  You can lose anywhere between 10 to 17 lbs for this week that you are on the diet.  Once the week is up you can do it again but not for several weeks.  Hopefully I can stick to this because I don't think I want to do it again.

Needing some "ME" time

I was born into a large family, I'm the baby of 6.  I can also say I was an only child.  The reason is because the oldest of my family is 20 years older then me, the youngest is 12 years older then me.  By the time I really remember anything my sisters and brothers were out of the house.  I can only remember a full house at the holidays or maybe a few weeks during the summer, otherwise it was just me.  I had lots of just "ME" time.

I moved out on my own over 14 years ago.  I lived alone in the house that I called home up until a few weeks ago.  During that time I had only lived with one guy and that was about 8 years ago now.  Even though I have had friends stay the night or boyfriends stay with me, no one really lived with me 24/7.  I could have all the "ME" time I wanted whenever I wanted!  Until now.

The past two weeks I have either been at my brothers house, which is my new home or a my best friends house on the weekends.  I stay there at night so I don't wake my brother when I come home late.  The time off that I had I was hoping to spend at least the mornings enjoying the silence of the house and snuggling with my kitties.  I had also hoped to make a couple videos and watch them too.  No such luck!  My other brother came over each morning around 9 or 930am to use the computer.  So no "ME" time.

Then today, I could feel my crankiness starting.  I need to just get away from everyone!  I thought I could have my lunch all to myself and also 30 minutes once I got home from work.  Neither one panned out the way I had planned.  First today at lunch we ordered pizza for a gals last day at work.  So I stayed inside at lunch instead of sitting in my car away from people.  The pizza never showed.  The manager quit so many things went wrong at Pizza Hunt, it was a mess.  So my only time alone was going to be right after work.  I turned down my street and there was my brother's SUV.  Not the one I live with but the other one!  WHAT??  He gave me a reason why he was there but I really didn't care, once again I couldn't have any "ME" time.

Tonight I went to my best friends house and cooked her supper.  Today was her birthday and since her husband had to work I fixed supper for her and her family.  I wanted to do that but I still haven't had any "ME" time.  Now I am at "home" and even though I am in my bedroom by myself and my cats I'm still not alone.  I can't sing at the top of my lungs, I cant turn the radio up or make a video or even really watch any video to loud or he might hear.  I really need to get away.

Tomorrow, I am going over to my house and take a nap on my bed, or who knows what.  Whatever I will do I will be by myself.  I will enjoy every second.  Plus there will be no phone!  I need some time for just myself.  If I don't get it I am afraid of what might happen. 

Wish me luck!!

A New Year

January 1, 2013

A new year, a new begining.  I have started a couple blogs in the past, some that are still up so why start a new one?  Because this is a new year and a new beginning for me. 

Last year there were so many bad things that happened to me.  My dad was in and out of the hospital all year, my mom even was in the hospital with shoulder surgery.  I lost 2 uncles and a cousin all within 3 weeks of each other.  I had to get a new car because it was going to cost way to much to fix my old one.  Just in the last few weeks I had to move out of my house and into my brothers because of a water leak in the basement that neither one of us can fix right now.  I changed jobs because the stress of my other one was just becoming way to much.  I could go on with the negative things about last year but I wont.

Even with all the negative there were several positive things that I have done too.  I was able to help a girl with her bucketlist and get to see Carrie Underwood and Hunter Hayes in concert.  I was a memeber of the Relay for Life at work and was able to raise a lot of money for cancer research.  I was also a part of the Alzeheimer's walk and raised money for it as well.  I donated to the animal shelter in my home town too.  I have had the love and support of my family and friends on and off the internet.  All in all I have been blessed with many things.

With all the good and bad I am glad to say goodbye to the past and hello to the future.  This year the only goal I have is to become a better friend and sister.  I have so many wonderful people that I have met online that have become my family.  Without the love and support of them this past year I dont know where I would be right now.  I know that all I have to do is ask and they will be there, they send much needed energy, love and prayers. 

I want to send my love to Kristen, Vikki, Brandy, Jenn, Val, Adam, Annie, Angie, Rita, Kat, Kate, Kar Moni, Joanna, Veronica, Dawn, Beverly, Claire, Jacqueline, Brenda, Jessica, Dee, Melanie, Tya, Melissa, Candace, Bonnie, Teresa, Paula, Jay, Brittany, Sophia, Daina, Chelle, Luke, Michele, Sami, Janet, and so many more!  You all inspire me everyday with your videos and posts either on Facebook or on blogs. 

I am ready to start this new year!