Not Quite Soup - Crock-Pot Roast

We had snow - actual big authentic snowflakes - mixed in with our cold and rain over this past weekend. The children were delighted. Me, not so much. Again, with all this cold weather, my mind moved toward the idea of making homemade soup again.

Wearing my favorite cozy navy suede uppers, tan sherpa-lined slippers from Lands End, I headed into my kitchen to see if I had the ingredients for an impromptu soup supper. Firstly, I checked the freezer. I had a whole chicken, chicken drummettes, turkey burgers, ground turkey, chicken nuggets (What? I have kids!), and a stack of Lean Cuisines. Nextly, I checked the pantry. I had 33% less sodium Swanson's Chicken Broth, Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix, cans of garbanzo beans and black beans. (I had some great coupons and they happened to be on some amazing sales so I had about 10 cans of various soup. I continued to focus on my goal of MAKING HOMEMADE soup - NOT heating "store bought" soup.) Lastly, I checked the refrigerator. I had baby carrots, a half of a yellow onion, and a container of Olivia's Spinach Salad.

"I should be able to make something great," I thought smiling to myself. "Oh, I should pull out my crock-pot." Mind you, my crock-pot was purchased back in college about 20 years ago. It's really made of electrified crockery. I store it in it's original box and I still have all the original paperwork, just in case there is a problem and I need to have it repaired. One of the sweetest things about it is the country-style multicoloured-ivy painting on it which seems to evoke images of the hot, savory, delicious comfort foods sure to be simmering inside. Someday, I'll get one of those fancy digital steel slow cookers with the removable liner and all; but, for now, my little brown & tan crock-pot will suits this tradly family just fine -thank you very much. And I rather love this "old faithful" and enjoy bringing her out for a spin every now and again.

Rival Crock-Pot Circa 1988
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

I neglected to take pictures of the meal preparation process. I promise to do so next time.

In words, here's what I did -
Defrosted the chuck roast in the microwave almost fully.
Lightly salted and peppered the roast.
Heated a non-stick skillet and covered the bottom of the pan in a light Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Browned the roast in the pan.
Chopped half of a yellow onion.
Rinsed and patted dry about a cup of baby carrots.
Put the vegetables in the crock pot.
Put the hot browned roast on top of the vegetables.
Opened a pack of the dry onion soup mix.
Poured a cup of water over the top.
Gave it a quick stir.
Cooked it on high for about 3 hours. I know you're not supposed to do so; but, I"m my own woman and I actually stirred it a couple of times. Each time I lifted the lid, I lifted it straight up, just high enough to fit my little Pampered Chef stirrer in there for a quick stir and put the lid back on ASAP with a little twist of the lid to be sure that there were not air bubbles between the lid and the pot.
Cooked it on low for about 2 hours.

This is basically the recipe from the Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix box without the potatoes. Still, the house smelled wonderful and the husband and I enjoyed it. There was little work and while it was a wee bit salty, the roast was flavorful and tender. With a small side of rice and a salad of baby spinach with chopped tomatoes with Ken's Lite Vidalia Onion Salad Dressing, we had a lovely hearty cold weather meal.

I ended up preparing beef franks for the lads.

What I need to do is to be proactive and actually have better soup items on hand as a stock item. Now, I need to find some good EASY homemade soup recipes that don't involve roast chuck and preferably no mix. I'm off to visit Allrecipes.com.

What I still haven't quite figured out is how one uses the crock pot on high without the need to stir and disturb the slow cooking process. There was definitely some sticking and had I not stirred, there would have been some unhappy faces on the parents as they joined the children and had to eat beef franks for dinner. Even after all these years, I'm still learning...life is good.

Halloween is for Chumps ... Truly.

Just googled "Halloween is for chumps" on a whim. Seems the phrase is madly overused (by pathetic miscreants at that). Now, I'm starting to think that everything I'm writing has already been writ.

Vintage look at the awesome music man Neil Young with the saddest punkin evah.
Image courtesy of desuko.tumblr.com.

Is Law School for Chumps?

One of the phrases I use in parenting my boys is "fill in the blank is for chumps." I have explained that a chump is someone who is easily convinced that something that's obnoxious or ridiculous is somehow cool, good, or right - I.e. "Face tattoos are for chumps." "Smoking is for chumps." "Cheating is for chumps." You get it. So do they. And they understand that mummy doesn't think they are chumps; so, she is dismayed when chump-like behavior is displayed. Although, I have to say that the other day, I overheard my 7 year old say that something was for "chums" and his older brother chuckled and corrected him.

I just read an interesting article at The New York Times called Are Law Schools and Bar Exams Necessary?  The piece brings into question whether actual schools accredited by the American Bar Association (which is basically a trade association for JDs) and the infamous Bar Exam (tool used to validate knowledge that should have been present when the JD was conferred by the law school) are really necessary to make sure that lawyers have the skills, talent and ability to serve US citizens. You can imagine the costs associated with schools, the exam and the profit-making enterprises (i.e., classes, books, training/review courses, tutoring services, etc.) surrounding both of these entities no matter what actual earning potential exists at any given time.

As you may recall from earlier posts/references, I am so the "wannabe law student." I want to be a lawyer. (It bears repeating - a lawyer NOT an attorney, mind you.) However at this time in my life (mid-40s, elementary-aged children, minimal cash flow), attending law school is simply not feasible. Which is really too bad - not just for me personally but for the greater good.

There are several "recovering attorneys" in the blogosphere as well as in the real world whom I have encountered. Many seem to find the work (research, reading, analyzing and writing) boring. I think this may be because they may extroverts who would prefer to be engaged with people either in meetings or in court. Maybe they don't really have an passion for simply helping others for the sake of helping others. Maybe their parents insisted on the pursuit of the J.D. and they didn't know how to say no. Maybe it was the scholarship they received and figured that they couldn't waste the offer. Could be anything. In any case, they seemed to have completed the requirement for reasons other than a thirst for learning about law and how to use it to serve and protect citizens.  In my heart of hearts, that is what I have. It is something I would do for the rest of my life.

My grade point average when I graduated from college with my bachelors degree in English was not horrible (full disclosure - it wasn't off the charts stellar either). Still, I loved the reading, the analysis, the writing (no surprise there). As a hobby and lifestyle, I have long had an interest in helping those less fortunate or disenfranchised. How I wished I had married those two passions and pursued the Juris Doctorate back in my twenties. Honestly, I don't want to necessarily get rich litigating and arguing cases. That is so NOT for me. Well the getting rich part, I'd take. The litigating and arguing, not so much. I'd rather enjoy the comforts of an easy and elegant life whilst protecting myself and others from financial predators or mistakes.

Not that I believe the J.D. is the be all-end all. Sure anyone can study (read/learn about) the law; and, I don't want to reiterate what I've already said on the matter. May I just say -

Image courtesy of art.com.

"Lord, please put me out of this misery and longing.

Either take away the desire;

or, show me the solution/resources that would make this dream a reality."

Meanwhile, I'd better go out and buy a pumpkin so my second grader can decorate it tonight. He has chosen Harry the Dirty Dog for his entry into the Storybook Pumpkin Contest at school. I'm thinking with a little pumpkin, some white paper, clear tape, a black marker and an empty irish oatmeal can, he will be golden. Also, must finalize costumes.

By the way, don't tell the boys; but, Halloween is for chumps.

10/31/11 - Update: Here is my lad's entry.

I caught a glimpse of some of the entry's and several were incredible - literally - incredible. My son did the lion's share of work on his entry and I am proud of his effort whilst he is proud of the little ribbon he earned for participating.

As the pot called the kettle...

October is swooshing by and I can hardly stand it. I simple must get a few more bike rides in before the rain and snow begin to fall with greater regularity but it's getting harder to make the time to do that now that I am working.


I mentioned in an earlier post - here - that I might begin a new job working with children. At that time, I was unsure as to how to style a required tee for the uniform into an appropriate look for a lady of my stature (so to speak). I first tried it in a basic and pure form. Not cute at all. After several iterations, I figured out my that the best way for me to give the legible tee some dignity is to pair it with a khaki or denim knee length skirt or black slim legging/pant and a woven button front skirt underneath the tee. As Dionne said to Cher in Clueless - "Not a total Betty but a vast improvement."  I wear a belt and coordinating shoes with pearl studs and I think this is probably as good as it gets...until I splash bleach water or baby formula on one of my new "work skirts."

I have worked several shifts and I think things are going well. I have a few ideas for improving processes/environment; but, am reluctant to offer them until I'm asked or sometime in January - whichever comes first. Nobody likes the arrogance of some random "new kid on the block" who thinks she knows everything and tries to implement changes straight away.

So, I had an odd and unexpected experience the other day. As background, you should know that I am an american who's probably of african descent whose skin this time of year is about the color of an ordinary cup of cafe au lait.

Image courtesy of momandtinas.com

Imagine my surprise when an adorable little towheaded boy of about 3 years noticed my presence in the room. He began staring at me with wide hazel eyes and eyebrows raised with concern (read: horror). He finally approached me as I sat on the floor with a few children whom I was guiding through strategies on how to assemble more challenging puzzles. He sat on the perimeter of our group then moved in close and the following exchange took place:

Boy Toddler whispers at me: "Your bwack."

Me: "Oh. It's okay. I'm okay, Sweetie, my back doesn't hurt. I'm fine."

Boy Toddler whispers as little louder, touching his face with his own fingertips, not blinking and turned down corners on his mouth: "No. You're a bwack."

(I just now get that he is saying "You're Black." Hmmm, this is an interesting situation.)

Me (letting out a sigh with a smile): "Oh. Yes. Some people call this skin color "black." We can call it black but really it's more of a brown, don't you think?"

Me (continuing with a smile because he still looked a wee bit frightened/confused.): "Oh but I love it. It's just right for me. It's soft and pretty and it keeps my insides in. (I chuckle.) It really is quite wonderful!"

Boy relaxing a bit: "Why bwack?" 

Me: Well, both of my parents had skin color kind of like this. It's cool. My whole family has it.

Boy fully relaxed: "Why?"

Me: "Because that's what happens in families. They sometimes look alike."

Boy no longer interested in conversation. Resumes playing.

I wonder if I handled that in the best possible way. I wonder if I made a difference in that kid's life. I think maybe I did. I wonder if the parents would approve. I hope so.

Also, is it weird that I really want a cup of cafe au lait, now?

Dress + Color = Fun

I love dresses! I mean it. I. Love. Dresses. Specifically, ones with defined waists and full bottoms. Perhaps because that's my preferred silhouette. Actually, this is also my personal physical silhouette. (Work with what you have, right?) So, I received an advertisement via email and Lilly Pulitzer today. And now - without further ado, I give you - The Eryn:  

The Eryn
PC's Unscientific Color Psychology Analysis
White - Purity & Openness
Pink  - Kindness & Hope
Blue - Calmness & Loyalty

Oh, Eryn, sweetie, you're almost too cute! You're super adorable. You totally make me smile. And isn't that what Lilly is all about? Happy dressing?

What wonderful memories we could make together!

I am a big believer in the psychology of color. While I have no true evidence of the affects of what I wear on how I behave and how people respond to me, I have a strong suspicion that it is real! I have things in my wardrobe that absolutely affects people's moods. I am usually very intentional in my dressing. This goes back to my corporate days. I used color and structure to project both my mood and how I wished to be engaged on any given day (IE., tailored dark suit jacket with heels for serious business meetings or a soft or bright sweater/knit with loafers for team building pizza and/or putting.)

During my stay-at-home-mother of preschoolers phase, I always wore color when with the children deferring to black, greys and taupe for "mom's night out" events.


As I've transitioned into being a mother with elementary school-aged children, I continue to use color and structure to support me as in whatever activity I have planned for the day - be it professional meetings with an accountants (all business), political leaders or educators (all business), volunteering at the school's book fair or substitute teaching (comfortable yet business),  going to church (lovely and business), playing tennis with my sons (sporty whites), playing bridge with my friends (cute top and accessories), date night with the Husband (it is imperative to look ladylike, cute and fresh on date night - one of the ways to keep husband).

I can't justify the cost of the pretty Eryn for the date night dress. (Boo, pout.) So for now, I will commit Eryn's color combination to memory (knowing that the pattern is half the fun) and will put something together that mimics the feeling of the dress.

Thank you, Lilly Pulitzer, for inspiring a fun new ensemble for me and those in my circle.

Legible Tees - How to Wear with Style

A fantastic opportunity has come my way. I may soon begin working a part-time job at a really wonderful place - particularly for this mom who has been carrying too much weight in the middle (and the bottom) to be considered healthy or pleasing to my eye.

There is a fitness center in my town. This center has a babysitting service (in the way that IKEA has Småland) for children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years. Members of the center are allowed to drop their children for up to two hours while they exercise. Employees are also allowed to drop their children there (rarely more than 4 hours). There is also a pre-school attached for which I was asked to be a "substitute."


I interviewed earlier this week and (fingers crossed) I will begin working there very soon. In addition to earning some pocket money, the major perks are 1.) if I work more than 8 hours a week, I get FREE membership as do my children (my darling husband would pay about $30 per month and, 2.) I can bring my children to work with me any time and every time if I want or need to which is uh-mazing since I still don't have a proper regular babysitter nor have I family members in the area.


Great opportunity for a mother of two right? But here's the rub, there is a uniform which involves a t-shirt with writing on it. I immediately thought of Paul Fussell's Class - which I first read about 20 years ago - and his dissertation which mirrors my opinion on clothes that have writing on them. If you've never read this classic tome, I totally recommend it. Tres funny. It rather reminds me of Lisa Birnbach, et al's The Original Preppy Handbook in the way it is written. And they were published around the same time, too.


So, here I am a shortish, rubenesque lady being offered the chance of free gym membership. I'm going to have to take it. But, how can I walk in with my head held high if I feel all slovenly. I am trying to figure out how to pull off this look without looking ridiculous or like I'm trying to hard. I just want to look neat and appropriate and nice and not feel like a slob (if you'll pardon the expression).

I would feel like the female version of the guy on the far right. Ugh!

Image courtesy of Three Quarks Daily

I think it takes a certain type of woman in her forties to be able to look right in tee shirt that has writing across the chest. That type of woman would be slim and a bit less endowed bustwise. As stated, at present, I am neither. I can't wear accessories (babies, you know) nor should I wear layers (too bulky).


By the way, on the bottom, I can't make myself wear the obligatory jeans, khakis or yoga pants. My bum is just too dang big. I'm a skirt and dress wearer unless an activity (skiing, riding horses, trips to the farm, camping, etc.) demands it.


And I do understand and agree that parents, co-workers and children must be able to immediately recognize the employees of the center. I completely get that this is a uniform for work and not an article of "fashion" clothing with some random (or not so random)saying, logo or advertisement. I just need to work out how I am going to be able to do it with flair.

I'd ask Muffy at The Daily Prep; but, I'm pretty sure even she wouldn't have the answer for a fluffy gal such as I.

What about sewing on a lace peter pan (round) collar and adding small shoulder pads? What about taking it to a seamstress to change the ribbed crewneck into a ballet neckline and belting it with a Vera Bradley belt? Too much? But seriously, is it even possible for one to do this in a dignified way?

Edited on 10/21/11 to remove some details about the workplace (sorry about that -   confidentiality matters).

Happy Aniversary, Micha and Barry!

Michelle and Barack Obama celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this past weekend. After seeing a Nightly News tease about their romantic dinner at a restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, my older son said, "Hey, 19 years! Just like you!" I agreed and added, "It looks like 1992 was a great year for people to get married." We watched the story and saw the President and First Lady smiling as they went from the car into the restaurant, then from the restaurant to the car. What a super example for my sons. Thank you, First Couple!


Later that night, as we were dressing for bed, I asked my husband if he saw the story of Micha and Barry. He had.

Me: That Michelle is living the dream, isn't she?

He: What do you mean?

Me: First, she has the smarts then put in the time, money and effort to earn a law degree (from Harvard!) and then puts forth the same effort to build a career in a sweet side of law (similar to the kind of law that I hope to practice someday) where the lawyer lends advice and uses skills and education to help folks acquire and protect their families and their assets. Then, whilst living her life, doing "the right thing" she is pursued by the interesting, intellectual, (dare I say, geeky), attractive fellow-Harvard grad (recently hired by her firm so she knows that he has passed a background check). He's a bit of a romantic and makes her smile. Her family likes and appreciates him. She marries him. They have two adorable daughters. She continues working. She moves into executive Public Relations career at big time operations and sits on the Board of Directors at a major company. All while maintaining stong familial bonds. He continues his public service pursuits. She becomes a senator's wife. Then, the president's wife. (Complete with date nights no less!)

Even now, 19 years into it, he looks her in the eye while she speaks and sometimes watches her mouth. He smiles at her when she isn't looking. His body language indicates that he is proud of her and delighted by her. He seems to genuinely enjoy her company - with the girls and without. He appears to love her and appreciate her contributions to his family and to the country. Moreover, she now spends most of her days doing work about which she feels passionate - Being Mom, Healthy Living Advocate and Supporting Military Families with Jill Biden (shout out to Dr. Biden - fellow English Major!) Her husband works out of their home office essentially and joins the family for dinner by 6:00 every night (unless he is travelling). Her mother can be in her presence within 45 minutes and is a rich supportive presence for her little girls. Her daughters attend a well appointed Friends school and they have trained secret service agents to guard them everywhere they go. They are free to have a happy safe childhood. Not too mention, all the other resources (willing friends and co-workers) who would be thrilled at the opportunity to assist her in ANY way. Plus, so much available time to pray, study, plan, meditate, write and look your best. Moreover, she has a law degree so she always has a profession that she can resume whenever she chooses. The real beauty part of it all is that she is quite aware that her position is fully a temporary situation so she can embrace it and relish it all the more. That right there is "the dream."

He: "Oh. I don't know if I'd call that "the dream."

Me: "I would."