Cupcake Wars! Cupcake - 3 / T - 1

Valentine's Day was amazing!  A week prior, TEN and I joined some friends for dinner at a relatively new local restaurant.  They had Dr. Pepper Glazed Pork on the menu.  It was delish.  So, TEN decided that he was going to try to make it at home.  Please look at this presh menu that he put together:

When I arrived the dining room table was set, menus were on the table, flowers in a vase and in the kitchen he had some wine and cheese waiting...

We chatted while he cooked, and then we enjoyed a fantastically delicious meal.

I was completely spoiled, and loved every minute of it ;)  All of TEN's efforts made my card & gummy hearts seem a bit underwhelming.  BUT...I just found something in my spare bedroom that I ordered for him months ago for Valentine's Day!  I can't believe I forgot about it.  I can't wait to give it to him when he gets back from his trip!

Friday night was the Murder Mystery Dinner I told you about.  My character was called Jasmine, and played a jazz violin in a band. TEN's character was called Shaun, and he played an instrument in the same band.  Our instructions told us to wear "modern black clothes", and to carry instruments.  We borrowed violin cases from a friend, and got some bright sunglasses.  Please note the colored hair that I clipped into my black wig.  TEN wore a moustache, thinking that made him look very "aloof and artsy".  Neither of us wear a lot of black (or are very artsy), so we just did our best!

Saturday night was TEN's birthday celebration.  So many friends joined us for dinner & drinks, and TEN said he had a wonderful time! 

Some of you may remember that 3 years ago I attempted to bake a cupcake cake for TEN's birthday.  I actually attempted to do so 3 times.  All 3 were total failures, and the final product was the best of the 3.  Yes, friends.....THIS was my best effort:

I threw a party at TEN's downtown apartment, and invited all of our friends.  They were kind, but I could see it written all over their faces.  "poor, poor T.  she really is a horrible cupcake cake maker."

Well, let me just tell you that I made that damn cake again this year.  Yep.  Sure did.  And guess what?  Well, here, I'll just show you....

WAAAAAHHHHHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  Success :)  That cake looks like a cupcake, wouldn't you say?   And I did it on the first try.

After a lovely dinner, and a cocktail or two, some of us felt compelled to play Rock Band.  So, off we went...  I will admit that with my new found confidence where the cake was concerned, I decided that perhaps I should sing.  Bad idea.  But the cake was still a success ;)

OUR Rock Band...

We had a rather large snow here in Smalltown, VA on Sunday.  I had two trees break and fall over in my back yard :(  Thank goodness Marilyn Monroe's husband, the drummer, has a chain saw.  On of the trees is so large I haven't a hope of moving it without cutting it up.

Then, I went to Big City, VA to visit my mother for a few days earlier this week.  We had a lovely visit, and ate at an amazing Indian restaurant!  It never ceases to amaze me that I spent the whole first part of my life not experimenting with food.  I can only imagine what I missed out on!  Thank goodness I saw the light ;)

So there you have it.  I'm still job searching.  I applied for 5 jobs today, and two of them actually seem quite interesting.  I'm giving myself until the end of this month to find something inspiring.  If I don't have an offer that has me dancing on the ceiling by then, I guess I'll come back down to reality and apply for something I'm actually qualified for.  haha...

Life is so good I have no worries.  I know that everything is going to be A-OK :)

I am still playing the lottery.  Just for fun....

T

Babies + Exercise + Murder = Happiness :)

Hi there!  Me again :)  Just popping in to say Happy Valentine's Day, and to give you a little update.  

BABY

For those of you who don't know, mrs.mfc gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on Tuesday, February 7.  Both mrs.mfc and baby Reid are home and settled in.   I had the chance to visit with both of them yesterday, and let me just tell you....that sweet baby captured my heart <3

(please notice how Reid has placed his head on his hand while having a little rest :)

I know mrs.mfc will have lots to share about the new addition to she and B's life, but I wanted to let you all know that they are healthy, happy and home safe and sound!

PUPPY
Louis and I have become a bit co-dependent.  It's terribly unhealthy, and I realize that.  Feel free to make fun.  It's okay.  Really. 

He cannot be further than 1 foot from me at any given moment.  I woke up to this little face this morning.....

I think I need to take him to doggy daycare more often so that he remembers what it's like to not have me there all of the time.  We have started to communicate through looks & sounds.  Seriously.  It's a bit creepy.

(TEN attempting to dance with Louis.  hmmm...perhaps I'm not the only one who's off their rocker lately?)

 WORK
I continue to apply to for jobs that I am completely unqualified for, but that intrigue me.  Jobs that I would feel honored to have.  A career that I would throw myself into, 100%.  I know that it is possible to have such a thing, because I once did.  And then things changed. 

Currently I'm doing a bit of consulting/event planning/helping for a local organization, and I'm loving it!  I researched a potential opportunity for said organization just last week, and it felt great to be planning something "fun" again :)  I'm going to be working very PT for this organization in another role in the near future as well.  I see no reason why I shouldn't gain a little bit of experience, and a little bit of a paycheck, while I'm deciding what I want to be when I grow up!

I'm also working to help plan a fundraising dinner for our local Republican Committee.   And I'm giving friends rides to and fro when needed.  And I'm re-organizing my house. 

(Louis helping me "work" from home)

Basically, I'm giving myself another month to find something that falls into the category of "dream job".  If I don't find it, I'll go back to applying for those jobs that I'm quite sure I'll get.  Because they fall into the category of exactly what I've been doing.  For ages.



HAPPINESS
Friends, I cannot tell you how blissfully happy I am.  I am so very thankful that I had the opportunity to walk away from such unhappiness.  For the last year or so I've been terribly scattered.  I've not really been "present" when spending time with friends.  Or family.  I've just been "getting by".  Going from one event to the next.  One day to the next. 

(me thoroughly enjoying PJ Brunch Club on Super Bowl Sunday.  don't you just ADORE my westie/scottie PJs?  one of my loves gave them to me for Christmas!)

I was so terribly tired all of the time.  I thought that perhaps I was just getting older, and more tired?  WRONG.  I was very unhappy, and stressed and felt trapped.  It's just that.....well....I didn't realize it.  How is that possible? 

I feel like myself again :)  I listen when people talk.  My mind doesn't wander.  I am living in the moment.  Enjoying the present.  Not worrying about the future one bit.  This is the way life should be.  Don't you agree?  Now, if only I could win the lottery.....


EXERCISE
Every morning.  Well, maybe not EVERY morning.  I think I've skipped one or two.  BUT...I've also exercised twice in one day.  Mmmm-huh.  True fact.  I'm getting F-I-T.

Let's take yesterday for example.  Up at 8:00 (after snuggling with Louis in the bed for approximately 20 minutes ;), onto the treadmill for 50 minutes.  Then, into the shower.  Dressed and out the door to visit mrs.mfc & Baby Reid.  Visited for 1.5 hours, then off to another friends to drop something off.  Which turned into an hour visit.  And then dry cleaning, gas fill up, etc.  Oh my!  It's almost 4:30.  I have a 4:30 date with Barbie and her Dance Central Kinect.  We dance for an hour, and then it's time for a cocktail. 

Do you see where I'm coming from?  I don't know about you, but I can't really imagine a life any better than this one I'm living.   Well, the lottery would make it a bit better I suppose :)  A trip to Greece for Valentine's Day?  Or Prague?  Or....  Well, yes.  The lottery would make it a lot better.  But for today, I am so very thankful for what I have.  And for what the future has to offer.  It's exciting isn't it?  The winds of change...... 

Tonight TEN is cooking supper for Valentine's Day.  I'm very excited.  He has informed me that I may want to bring my camera.  Supper is going to be THAT spectacular.  Wow :) 

Friday night my women's wine group, and our dates, are going to a local winery for a Murder Mystery Dinner.  I'm supposed to be called Jasmine, and should wear all black.  I supposedly play the rock violin in a band (~hysterical giggles coming from me at this point~).  TEN is also in said band, and wears all black too.  However, his day job is to work in a musical book store of sorts.

I cannot think of any two characters LESS like TEN and I, but alas....we shall dress in all black (I am also going to wear a black wig) and have a lovely time no doubt!  BFF's husband's character is a snake charmer, and another friend's husband is a jockey.  Definitely not a night to forget the camera.

TEN's birthday is Monday.  We are going to celebrate his birthday Saturday night at a local pub.  Dinner & drinks with friends.  I've purchased him a lovely birthday gift, with the help of a dear friend (thank you dear friend...you know who you are :).

So, there you have it.  That's what has been going on here at Seersucker Central.  I dare say I've been a crap friend to most of you.  Terrible about being in touch, and even a bit shady when it comes to reading your blogs.  I've become a bit self centered in my temporary retirement, perhaps?  Regardless, please know that I adore each and every one of you.  Truly.  And one day I'll be back to my old self.  Gossiping up a storm, and doing so regularly. 

Don't give up on me....

T

Cazones & Cabernet

**I typed this post almost 2 weeks ago.  I then inadvertantly deleted all of the photos.  Which caused me to lose my patience :(  So, I'm just now posting it!**

Last night Daisy came over and we decided to make homemade calzones.  Calzones may be my absolute favorite indulgence EVER.  I'm not a big "pizza sauce" person, so a calzone hits the spot!  I found a Pampered Chef recipe for homemade calzones, but it didn't include ricotta cheese.  It also used swiss chese.  I am a firm believer that ricotta cheese is a MUST in a calzone.  Also, swiss?  I'll take mozzarella please.  So, I printed off a few more recipes, and we merged them all together to make our own variation!

Honestly, this may have been one of the best calzones I've ever eaten.  We opted for ricotta, mozzarella & peperoni, but you can put anything you like in it :)

  

Pepperoni & Cheese Calzone

1 pkg refridgerated pizza crust (regular crust)

13.5 oz ricotta cheese

1.5 cups mozarella cheese

Italian spices, crushed red pepper flakes, any other spices you like (optional)

parmesan cheese

sliced pepperoni

olive oil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Combine ricotta and mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl.  Add spieces if you choose.

Unroll pizza crust onto baking stone or pizza pan.  Gently stretch and press dough to cover bottom.  Spoon cheese/spice mixture onto one half of the pizza crust.

Fold the dough in half, pinch the seems & press down with a fork on the edges.

Cut 3 slits into the top of the calzone.

Brush with olive oil.

Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until crust is a deep golden brown.  Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top and allow to melt.

TEN and I bought one roll of the pizza crust over the weekend, and split it into two.  We each made our own smaller calzones, and again...perfection!

T