New Year and Big Changes

Well, I'm a working woman again after seven long years. I am a preschool teacher, and it's just five minutes away from home. Downfall? It's a poorly run daycare, and I don't know how long I'm going to be able to last. Supplies are scarce, the kids are unruly, they're short-staffed more times than not, and well, really, the list could go on and on. I'm also getting paid minimum wage. Why am I working there, you might wonder? It's close to home, and I know that I don't really have to stay if it gets bad enough. I really wanted to be a good influence on the kids, give them a positive learning environment in the midst of chaos. I'll try my best, and it will be nice to have some extra money in the bank. Bills to pay, things to buy...we'll see how it goes. In the mean time, I'm going to be very very tired.

Out of the Blue

Well, I am a working woman again after a very very long hiatus. My gosh, seven years! I'm a preschool teacher and I work just five minutes from home. I Started on Tuesday, so it's put a little crimp in my blogging time. Right when I was getting back into it, too. Ah well, what can ya do? I can tell you right now, though, I an very very very tired. My body is in utter and complete shock too. Haha!

Christmas Rush

Well, I have been frantically planning out my Christmas dinner for this weekend. I am having it early so that my sister and her boyfriend can make it. Holiday Ham is on the menu, and I've been struggling with the sides to go with. I'm pretty sure I have it all figured out except for the bread choice, dessert, and a couple of apps to serve beforehand. Okay, so it's not all figured out, but I'm close. I plan on posting the menu on here after all has been said and done. In the mean time, here's an awesome cookie recipe from the great and wonderful Mrs. Fields that I made yesterday:

Cinnamon Sugar Butter Cookies

Topping:
3 Tbsp. white sugar
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

Cookies:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup salted butter, softened (I actually use Land O' Lakes unsalted)
2 large eggs
2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

yield: 3 dozen

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for topping. Set aside.
In a medium bowl combine flour, soda, and salt. Mix well with a wire whisk and set aside.
In a large bowl blend sugars with an electric mixer set at medium speed. Add the butter, and mix to form a grainy paste. Scrape sides of bowl, then add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix at medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add the flour mixture and blend at low speed just until combined. Do not overmix. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in cinnamon sugar topping.
Place onto ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Immediately transfer cookies with a spatula to a cool, flat surface.

Movie of the Week (12-5-10)

I loved this magical adventure flick. Nicholas Cage really seems to do well with Disney.

Where Have I Been?

That's a good question. Where the heck have I been? Wasting time I suppose. I haven't been doing anything truly productive, that's for sure. I keep the house clean, I take care of my family, but that's about it. Although, to be honest, I haven't exactly been doing a great job of that. Too many distractions and a terrible lack motivation. Blogging was supposed to be a cure for that, but apparently that didn't work out very well. It's all on me, though. I want to do better. Be better. I have to get my ass in gear, and stop making excuses. Of course right now I'm sick. I will wallow a little longer, and dwell on what needs to be done. I'll try to stay on top of this whole blogging thing. It makes me aware of who I am, and more importantly, it gets me writing.