For my won ton soup recipe, check out my post at Bay Area Parent!
I had an amazing osso buco at a local restaurant aeons ago — the kind of dish your remember, because it made you sigh with bliss each time you took a bite. The meat fell off the bone. I could've eaten it with a spoon. The marrow was rich, velvety, and perfect. So imagine my trepidation in trying to recreate the dish at home. On a weeknight. And trying to remember to take enough pictures so I can blog about it.
Apparently I'm a glutton for punishment. Or osso buco. Your call.
Well, hello there. Haven't seen you in awhile. You're looking good. No really, you are … no, I'm not being snarky, I'm being nice. Aren't people nice to you?
I'm back, people. The arm is mostly functioning again, I'm back at work, and hey — I haven't been on pain pills for a couple months now! Hooray for shoulder surgery! And physical therapy. Oh my lordy, thank you for physical therapy. I just wish it didn't take me 45 minutes to get there and that I didn't have to go two times a week. During working hours. Necessitating that I sign back into work after the kids are in bed. Influencing my husband to offer to send his wedding ring to my bosses since they get more of my time than him.
You uncomfortable yet? Me too.
I'm glad I live on the West Coast and don't have to deal with this "polar vortex" nonsense like the rest of the nation. (Because that global warming thing affecting the weather is malarky! — extreme sarcasm intended.) Also, can you imagine what Allie's eczema would look like if she were exposed to weather like this?!
The girl child turned 3 this year, and I foolishly decided to have an Alice in Wonderland style tea party. It turned out really cute, and I probably spent less than $40 on all the decorations and set up. Where's the foolish part? The kids enjoyed the "tea party" for about 10 minutes while they scarfed down pizza, then ran off to play and destroy the kids' rooms. I should've spent the $40 on more beer for the adults.
The boy is obsessed with anything super heroes, which means that he really enjoys watching the 1960s Batman movie with Adam West, who I cannot think about without hearing him sing his name on Family Guy.
I've decided that kids have a special alarm system in their brains. It goes off like a freaking fire alarm every time their mother steps into the bathroom. Because dads can go pee by themselves like … 25% to 30% of the time. But moms? Forget about it.
However, I can do dishes for 30 minutes unaccosted. Little jerks.
I'm making Osso Bucco for dinner tonight for the first time. I'm a little bit scared. I'll let you know how that turns out.
I have to sign the boy child up for kindergarten early next month so he can start school in August. Pay no mind to that shattering sound, its just the sound of my heart breaking at the realization that he's growing up.
But we ARE going to attempt to chop our paper towel/napkin usage down to nothing by making our own fabric napkins (read: me sewing them), and using kitchen towels — which we're probably going to have to buy, because terry fabric is expensive.
I'm going to have to figure out some kind of super hero sewing project so Sean doesn't feel left out.
And I'm ending with some random photos. Just because. Happy new year all!
Confession: I am not a good sick/injured person. I don't like being cooped up in the house. And I really don't like not having the use of my right arm.
I had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in early August and while I know its not forever, cabin fever has definitely set in. Right now, my movements are very restricted: The only approved way of moving my shoulder is to be standing, bend at the waist, and let my arm slowly hang away from my body. That's it. And now you know how I get dressed every day: Put sleeve on bad arm, bend, pull it up, pull over my head, insert good hand, and SLOWLY adjust said shirt.
Bras? The only ones I can wear are strapless or bandeau tops. Although my favorite so far is the tank top with a shelf bra. So. Much. Easier.
So … life has been very small recently. And slow.
We recently went to a dermatologist, who recommended we use Protopic (an inflammatory ointment) daily and not try to wean the girl child off of it. We're going to see how well that works.
I know there's no cure for eczema, but I have a boatload of frustration when doctors tell me: "Wow, you're maintaining her skin really well!" I know other kids have it worse, but it doesn't feel like I'm doing a good job. Especially on a day like yesterday, when she came home from daycare with puffy, broken skin all over her wrist.
On a good note, I found a "book" on the Protopic Web site that is a talking point for parents whose kids have eczema. Allie's a little young to get it, but it gave me some good insights and it has some good tips for tracking things when she gets older. You can find it here: It's called "Under My Skin". If you have kids with eczema, it's worth a read for the kids' quotes alone.
Looking For A Book To Read This Summer?
I wish I were talented enough to write a book, but the most I could ever manage was a short story. But my friend Erin from Musings of a Madwoman has done just that.