The Peddler's Wife

confessions of a cryer

2012-01-04T13:37:00.000-06:00

Hi my name is Abbie and I am a crier!

I can't believe I am admitting it in a public place. Something has happened to me since I have been in my 30's. I Cry a LOT, and over the silliest things. Now some people probably chalk it up to hormones, but I think I have just gotten soft in my old age. Don't get me wrong I have never been opposed to crying, even though it is the most unattractive look I posses. The splotchy cheeks, the snot the swollen lip, yeah not pretty! But I have been known to shed a few tears here and there in front of people, but to be honest the past 3 years it seems as though I have no strength to stop the water works. As women we sometimes tend to be more emotional than our male counterparts but I feel as though I have become a blubbering ball of snot and tears. The crying does not just come at horrible, depressing moments but in every day moments...reading some article, talking with a friend about what they are learning from the Father, hearing an inspiring story, watching a movie...the list goes on.

I was at a wedding this past fall and I sat and watched my sister being seated (she was the mom of the bride) and as soon as I saw her walking down the aisle, I lost it!! I cried through the whole entire ceremony. My cousin leaned over to me and said "since when do you start crying at weddings?" To be honest I felt super defensive and thought "I have always been a softy." This is true, I have always had a soft spot but I guess I never cried in response to it. I keep thinking I need to find a cure, to take some vitamin or change my diet or just "suck it up" but I think the real answer is I need to embrace it. Maybe it's part of getting older, part of embracing being a woman of compassion and just pray that the emotions don't rule my life but are a response to the beauties around me. Whatever the reason I feel a tug in my heart to be thankful for the tears and to try so hard to stop them.

So if anyone out there relates I would love to hear your comments, suggestions and concerns. If you have found some secret formula to control the tears and keep them at bay at inappropriate moments that too, I would be appreciative to hear. Or maybe like me you just need say the confessions of a crier then go ahead, confess away.

Cinnamon Chip Scones

2011-12-31T11:52:00.000-06:00

I'm ending the year and holidays with one last baking endeavor.

Cinnamon chip scones!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen (I used it from the fridge not freezer.
1/2 cup Hershey's cinnamon chips
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt or sour cream
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 large egg

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium bowl, mix flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture on the large holes of a box grater; use your fingers to work in butter (mixture should resemble coarse meal), then stir in chips.
In a small bowl, whisk sour cream or vanilla yogurt egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Using a fork, stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. (The dough will be sticky in places, and there may not seem to be enough liquid at first, but as you press, the dough will come together.)
Place on a lightly floured surface and pat into a 7- to 8-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp. of sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into 8 triangles; place on a cookie sheet (I used our pizza stone). Bake until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Slow down!!!

2011-12-29T11:45:00.000-06:00

I was talking to my good friend Trina yesterday on the phone about how fast this year has sped by. I cannot believe in just a few short days we will be saying goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012. I remember being a kid and feeling like it took forever to go from one year to the next. All I wanted was to grow up, to be an adult, to have freedom, but the days just moved slowly forward. Now as an adult all I want is for the days to slow down at a pace where I can enjoy each hour to the fullest, to not go to bed at night and think, "I can't believe the day is over." I feel like life is going by so rapidly that one day I am going to be 70 years old and wonder how I got there so fast. My favorite (and only) brother celebrated his 44th birthday on Tuesday and I was shocked at how quickly he has become middle aged. It seemed like yesterday he was teaching me how to do a back dive into our neighbors pool or coaching my little soccer team. I wish sometimes we had personal screens that we could sit down and watch our lives from childhood, adolescence and even recent events. It would be nice to remember moments as they happened and truly learn from our actions, mistakes and repeat the words and ideas that showed so much love. I guess I will just have to settle by taking more photos, using my time wisely and to choose the really important values of life. So cheers to a fantastic last year and here's hoping the days slow down in the new year just a bit like in the days of my youth.

She and Him

2011-12-15T10:00:00.001-06:00

I think Zooey Deschanel's voice is lovely. Just wanted to share a little bit of ear candy.

All that glitters is gold

2011-12-14T23:43:00.001-06:00

I have been obsessed with two things this past month 1. Pinterest (if you have not checked it out you really should) and 2. gold spray paint! I started out with my branch for my little doves to hang off and from there I was hooked. I spray painted an old Bourbon bottle The Peddler had laying around and loved how it turned out. I glimmered my old fake wreathe and the star on the top of the tree. Here are a few pics from the last few weeks as I have decked our halls with boughs of Jolly:)

No spray paint on the pears, just glue and glitter

Christmas Time Salad

2011-12-08T14:12:00.002-06:00

In my attempts to blog more I thought I would share a quick thrown together recipe I made last night.

Every time I make pasta I always feel the urge to have a green salad, maybe it was the years of childhood where my mom said the food on the plate always needed color and she never cooked just a starch. Anyway last night I realized I was low on options for a salad and the only thing worth throwing into the leafy lettuce was a tomato. (which my husband does not enjoy) I also remembered we have no dressing in the fridge that anyone really likes. And my usual olive oil and balsamic vinegar was out of question, since there was no balsamic vinegar to be had.

As I looked around I saw all the apples on the counter and remembered my cranberries in the freezer and the 4 containers of poppy seeds in my cupboard and my brain began churning. I found some croutons and Parmesan cheese and went to town. The outcome was delicious!

Christmas Time Salad

Lettuce( I used green leaf)

Apples

Dried Cranberries

Broccoli

Croutons

Parmesan Cheese

Dressing

1/2 cup of Mayonnaise

1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tablespoons of Sugar

1-2 teaspoons of Poppy Seeds
1 teaspoon of Blood Orange Flavored Olive Oil-(probably could use Orange Juice too)

The exact measurements for the dressing may be off, as I just mixed it all to taste. (may want to add less vinegar and more sugar) I also think it would be delicious with bacon bits and or candied nuts.

Change

2011-12-08T14:12:00.000-06:00

I love change! I always like to move furniture around our living room, or find new ways to set up our office. If we owned our house I would probably paint the walls a few times a year. So in response to my love of change and the inability to paint I decided to update the background on my blog.

life changing book

2011-12-07T09:32:00.000-06:00

I was talking with a friend last night about a book I read a few months ago and out of my mouth I said "it changed my life!" I think those are some pretty hefty words to say about a book. But if I am honest I would have to say this book has been incredibly instrumental in dealing with a few areas in my heart that I have swept under the carpet for the past 7 or 8 years. A sweet freind of mine, Robin Pasley is the author and her transparency is apparent in the pages. She has a wonderful ability to communicate parts of her journey in a way that makes it seem she is writing my own thoughts, fears and frustrations.There are parts of this book that have space to write after prayer and seeking out the Father's heart in certain circumstances, to help the process and restoration take place.

I have never fully had a freedom in my heart to understand what it means to be a daughter to the King of Kings, the One who loves me and holds me close to His own heart. I have struggled most of my life with feeling as if I had to strive and work really hard to "earn my keep" in His Kingdom and not simply enjoy the life and freedom I have been given. Romans 8:15 says it like this..."For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

If you were to buy yourself a Christmas present this year I would say let it be this book. Let the Father unfold the wonders of what it means to be a son or daughter and the freedom, love, joy and purpose it lays before us.

Can be purchased at Amazon or Worship Circle Records

In Loving Memory...

2011-11-06T08:12:00.000-06:00

I am not the kind of person to hold on to keepsakes. If anything I hang on to the items that make the least sense. I remember my move from Utah to Milwaukee and my friend Jeryl laughing at me because I had an $8 length size mirror in my back seat, one that could have been purchased at any Walmart or Target, but I was determine to lug it across the country with me.

There is however a keepsake I hold close to my heart, this keepsake could never be purchased or replaced, and has followed me for the last 9 years. It is the keepsake of my memories of Jonathan Orpia. This day, November 6th, marks the day of him going to be with our Father. I do have a few journals and pictures, but nothing compares to the days, months and years I remember sharing with him. Even after 9 years, I can hear his laugh. Even as I have entered a new marriage (2 years ago tomorrow) and found my new best friend, I never forget the man who loved me first.

Jonathan was talented, full of love and kindness, funny and full of life. He loved deeply the people who surrounded him and more than anything he sat as close as he could to the heart of the Father. I feel so honored to have been his wife and know who I am today was influenced deeply by his love for me.

"I am surrounded by a love that is great. I hear so many reflections, so many descriptions and poetic words that describe who You are. I come to a conclusion to say that no mere words can ever describe who You are. For when I attempt to say who You are I stumble over my words." ~a prayer by Jonathan December 30, 1999

The Peddler's Thoughts

2011-08-03T22:48:00.000-05:00

My hot husband started a blog a few months ago. His words are rich and his humor smart. Some posts are light and fun and others should be read with a cup of coffee, when you have a few minutes.

Check it out-

http://thepeddlersthoughts.wordpress.com/

Milwaukee~"the good land"

2011-07-27T22:50:00.000-05:00

I have been learning to call Milwaukee home for a almost 2 years now and I finally feel like I am achieving the goal. Today we spent a few hours at the Milwaukee Public Museum. It is one of our favorite spots to spend a rainy afternoon. Every time we go I learn something new. I read something today that rang true to my heart.

"Indian people have called Milwaukee by several names. the spelling of the word has changed over time and the meaning depended upon loose interpretations of Native words. Most refer to area as "the gathering place," "gather place by the waters," "council place," or "the good land."

As I read this my heart lept a bit, especially when I came to the last meaning "the good land." In the last few months I have felt my heart turn towards a the beauty of the midwest, the wholesomeness of Wisconsin and the creativity of Milwaukee. As I read the term, it was as if someone stamped the phrase across the sky. I felt a huge sigh of relief. "THE GOOD LAND!"

Many times in the Old Testament God encourages His people to "marry the land" to settle in certain locations and call it home. Those slight nudges have been whispering to me over the past 6 months in regards to this place and as I read this little blurb today, I felt like i finally anchored myself to this Cream City. I am so excited to to explore this "good land" and learn from it's people and history.

im not a pilot "need money for rocket fuel" teaser

2011-02-16T12:34:00.000-06:00

Ear Candy

2011-02-16T12:32:00.000-06:00

We just heard a great local Milwaukee band last week at the Peddler's daughters school... I'm not a pilot these guys fuse classical symphony sounds with pop/rock and are incredibly talented. If you are looking for new music, download them on itunes.

Milwaukee continues to impress me;)

Skillet Granola

2011-01-18T08:53:00.000-06:00

My friend Deziree is one of the most amazing cook's I have known. So any time she posts recipes I have to try them. Yesterday she posted on facebook a delicious skillet granola, so before I went out to shovel this morning I made a batch. Below is the recipe from Deziree, I added coconut and flaxseed (which pops when really hot so be careful). Let me know if you make it and any additions you may add.
Enjoy

Super easy. Melt 2T butter in the skillet. Mix in 2T honey then 1/4c nuts. Toast for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup oats and toast for another 3 minutes or so. Toss in some dried fruit and cool enough to eat or store.

yogurt parfait with Mountain High Organic Vanilla Yogurt,blueberries and bananas

GIVE AWAY!

2011-01-15T22:53:00.000-06:00

Everyone LOVES free giveaways;) My friend Courtney at Simple City Life Blog is giving away a $25.00 gift certificate from All Modern which is part of CSN stores. All the details are on her blog!

The Blackthorn Project

2011-01-13T17:23:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of them?

Well they are not only two of the most amazing heart gardeners I know, they play music like it was meant to be played. I had the honor to meet them in 2009 and have been a bit obsessed with their skills, love for each other, and passion for the Father ever since. Right now they, in true Thorton style are doing a "Reckless" 10,000 digital copy give away of their new cd... "Reckless" for any "missionary, pastor or christian worker." Please follow this link below to encourage anyone you may know with their incredible sound, love for the Father and passionate communication of His love!

Give Recklessly

Your Wife or Your Blackberry

2011-01-11T09:19:00.000-06:00

I came across this article Your Wife or Your Blackberry today and had to laugh because it rings so close to home...well at least this top ten list does.

10 Signs Your Devices Are Hurting Your Relationships:

1. You can't get through a meal without emailing, texting or talking on the phone.

2. You look at more than one screen at a time, checking email while watching television, for example.

3. You regularly email or text, other than for something urgent, while your partner or another family member is with you.

4. You sleep with your phone near you, and you check your email or texts while in bed.

5. You log onto your computer while in bed.

6. You have had an argument with a loved one about your use of technology.

7. You text or email while driving.

8. You no longer go outside for fun.

9. You never turn off your phone.

10. When you spend time with your family—a meal, a drive, hanging out—each person is looking at a different screen.

owl calendar love

2011-01-10T15:25:00.000-06:00

I came across this link last month and could not wait to put it up. I am really into owls right now..but only cute ones and only a little bit here and there in my kitchen. Wanted to share this:)

on the road again....

2011-01-05T12:48:00.000-06:00

...just can't wait to be on the road again!

The peddler is off again as the season of traveling is ramping up in his business. This year as he has grown with his company he gets to jet off beyond the blurry midwest to the west coast and the rockies. I am a bit jealous as he leaves today for Seattle and then back for a few days until he departs for the magical land of Colorado. So in my attempts to be with him I am giving you a list of the some things i would do and places I would visit if I were to stow away in his suitcase.

Seattle:
*Pikes Place Market....When in Seattle I always go here,I just love it...all the fresh flowers and the people not to mention the first Starbucks:)
*Next I would walk around down town and make sure to hit up Fluevog Shoes and a Sephora and eat a delicious sushi dinner.
*Track down Grey's anatomy stars....hello Patrick Dempsey!
*Take the ferry from Seattle to Victoria and spend the day soaking up the Canadian culture and visiting my friends John and Krystal.
*Have coffee at one of the best bike shops, Dutch Bikes in Seattle.
*Take my friend Heidi out for Margaritas and catch up on life!

Colorado:
*In Denver Larimer Street is always a must, so many great boutiques. There is a great cuban place there called the Samba room with amazing food.
*Tour the art galleries and museums
*I would head south towards Colorado Springs with a stop at the Starbucks in Castle Rock to say hi to my friend Heather.
* spend some time shopping in old Colorado City have a coffee at Agia's Sophia and make my way to Manitou Springs to climb the Incline.
*Next I would head up the mountain to Pike's Peak to see the breathtaking views and ending in Colorado Springs with a yummy cocktail made by my friend Holly at the Broadmoor Hotel.
*I would continue towards Woodland Park to laugh the day away with my friends Ben and Robin.

Happy New Years!

2011-01-01T10:02:00.000-06:00

Well as one of my many resolutions or maybe I should say hopes and dreams this year, (resolutions are too heavy for me) I have decided to blog more. In leu of 2010's busy days I am in 2011 skimming down my hours at Starbucks and beefing up my time to help Cyclelogical, as well as write music, get in shape and blog more. Sheeesh I am tired already just thinking about it...well at least the chaos will be found in my heart's passion. Honestly i feel as though the past year I have been in some blurry black and white dream. It was not a bad year, it was really great but I am ready to turn the corner to the colorful life that is before me and embrace all the desires and wants that have been placed in my heart. It's 1-1-11 so here we go to seeing what this year holds!

Colorado

2010-06-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

I know it has been ages since I have posted ANYTHING..but I just wanted to share my excitement about being in Colorado. The Peddler and I arrived on Tuesday night after a long (23 hours actually) drive through the midwest thunderstorms.We arrived at our friends Derek and Heather's house and then headed over to the Broodmoor Hotel in the west lobby bar for drinks with my friend Holly the in-house Korean bar tender! Yesterday we drove up to Pike's Peak, and I honestly cannot believe it has taken me this long to have driven up there. It was breathtaking and both our hearts were stirred once again for the beauty of this place. We ended our night with dinner and back to the Broodmoor for drinks. Today the Peddler is on a mountain bike ride and trying to sell a few products to local shops. I am having quality time with Heather and tonight we are heading up to Divide, CO for a weekend of worship, camping, friendships and deep belly laughter at Worship@8500.

I find being here both of us have come alive in our hearts again, the mountains, the sun, friendships, and just the smell of fresh mountain air has awaken our souls. We both are ignoring the inevitable of hopping in the car on Monday and returning to Milwaukee, but I don't think this week with be forgotten!

one of our views on the way up to Pikes Peak!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T18:39:00.000-05:00

It's amazing to me that the Creator would ask us to cultivate and be good stewards of this planet earth. He must have way more confidence in our ability then I would have!

Music

2010-03-23T19:41:00.000-05:00

Okay so I added a page to my blog...I am not sure who all reads this..probably just my family..haha..but anyway..there are a few songs on the Abbie Orpia Music page (right side of blog page) but here is one called Sunset

Hope you like it!

Peppermint Park

2010-03-22T22:24:00.000-05:00

I found out yesterday about a cool new website.
Peppermint Park is website that sells designer clothes, shoes and accessories at discount prices...but here is the catch..ONLY to the $10 a month members. You can buy even if you are NOT a member but you don't get the swell deal.

The other cool part of this website is if you recommend other members to sign up you get CASH..to either spend via the website or cash out via Pay Pal. Smart concept and really cool people.

irish breakfast

2010-03-20T17:05:00.000-05:00

I mentioned last week I would post a pic and the results of our St Patrick's dinner..so here it is.

Our St. Pat's dinner was not as authentic as I would have liked but it was still a hit. Our grocery store ran out of irish soda bread and so I used pumpernickel and we didn't have the traditional black pudding. I also spaced about the irish black tea, but all in all it was still really yummy. I did however cook everything in the same pan which is a bit greasy but the peddler and kids loved it. I fried up the sausage and bacon and then fried the eggs until they were hard..no one in my family likes them runny. I cut the tomato in four wedges and fried that at the end. We also had green koolaid and I made that ever so popular potluck green jello salad.

Free Pastry Day @ Starbucks

2010-03-19T21:48:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, March 23rd take advantage of my company's kindness and get a free pastry

Go here for your coupon Free Pastry Day

Milwaukee IS cool

2010-03-18T14:02:00.000-05:00

A friend just sent me a site to an article written about Milwaukee....Cannot wait to experience more of this city this summer. If anyone wants to check out Mliwaukee this year let me know..we have a guest room!!!

Go ahead and kiss me...I am TOTALLY Irish

2010-03-17T14:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!!!!!

So I am a HUGE fan of St. Pat's day. Ever since i could remember my family has been in touch with their Irish heritage. My brother Patrick's birthday was two days after Christmas so my parents would celebrate it on...yep thats right St. Patrick's day. I heard stories when I was little about my dad's childhood in Chicago and how they would always dye the river green every year for the celebration. I remember one St. Pat's when my sister made a huge Irish feast of corn beef and cabbage and everything that could be dyed green was. Including the mashed potatoes and I think the gravy! There was always Baileys at my grandmothers who when the moment was just right she would find her brogue again. Her house always smelled like boiled cabbage and her decor in the house had something to do with shamrocks, leprechauns, a saint and prayers.

So tonight keeping with tradition the Peddler and kids are getting an Irish breakfast and as much green dessert as possible! I will post recipes and pictures tomorrow but for now I wanted to leave an email I received from my cousin...i had to laugh because so much of it is so true with my own family!

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN AN IRISH FAMILY
1) You will never play professional basketball.
2) You swear very well.
3) At least one of your cousins is a fireman, cop, bar owner, funeral home
owner or holds political office. And you have at least one aunt who is a
nun or uncle who's a priest.
4) You think you sing very well.
5) You have no idea how to make a long story short!
6) There isn't a big difference between you losing your temper or killing
someone...
7) Many of your childhood meals were boiled. Instant potatoes were a
mortal sin.
8) You have never hit your head on a ceiling.
9) You spent a good portion of your childhood kneeling in prayer.
10) You're strangely poetic after a few beers.
11) Some punches directed at you are from legacies of past generations.
12) Many of your sisters and/or cousins are named Mary, Catherine or
Eileen ..... and there is at least one member of your family with the full name
of Mary Catherine Eileen
13) Someone in your family is very generous. It is more than likely you.
14) You may not know the words, but that doesn't stop you from singing..
15) You can't wait for the other guy to stop talking before you start
talking.
16) You're not nearly as funny as you think you are ... but what you lack
in talent, you make up for in frequency.
17) There wasn't a huge difference between your last wake and your last
keg party.
18) You are, or know someone, named Murph.
19) If you don't know Murph then you know Mac. If you don't know Murph or
Mac, then you know Sully. Then you probably know McMurphy.
20) You are genetically incapable of keeping a secret.
21) You have Irish Alzheimer's... you forget everything but the grudges!
22) 'Irish Stew' is a euphemism for 'boiled leftovers.'
23) Your skin's ability to tan.... not so much.
24) Childhood remedies for the common cold often included some form of
whiskey.
25) There's no leaving a family party without saying goodbye for at least
45 minutes.
26) At this very moment, you have at least two relatives who are not
speaking to each other. Not fighting, mind you, just not speaking to each other.

2010-03-15T20:46:00.000-05:00

After a full weekend with the Peddler's kids including..Lakefront Brewery Tour, meeting cool people from Brew City Church, baking beer bread, daylight savings, missing church, working all day Saturday and Sunday, hanging out with good friends, going out for yummy drinks last night....Monday arrived and is now finished. Wow...I am TIRED!

pleasant surprise

2010-03-11T11:56:00.000-06:00

Just found out last night my good friends Ben and Robin Pasley are going to be in town this weekend...I cannot wait to see their faces and have good heart conversations. Check out their music and the worship festival they are putting on this summer.

Tastefully Simple

2010-03-10T16:48:00.000-06:00

Last week I went to a Tastefully Simple party...it's like a tupperware party but with food and without the tupperware..haha. I usually decline those party invitations but I thought how bad can it be when there is food involved and 30% of the profits were going towards our church's trip to Italy. So I went and was pleasantly surprised at how delicious everything was. So today my order finally arrived. I am looking forward to making a loaf of beer bread this weekend and post how it turns out. But until then I thought would share the website and a few pics of the products.

Beer bread..this was my favorite.

fried flat bread

2010-03-09T19:09:00.000-06:00

Okay so I had a heap of tzatziki and baba ganoush left over from last nights feast. With no yeast in the house to make pita but lots of flour and maza decided to create my own version of delicious flat bread. The Peddler came home from his day in the city and raved about how delicious these little inventions were.

1 cup of self rising flour(if you don't have self rising use all purpose and add a tsp of baking powder)
1/2 cup of Masa(instant corn flour...used for corn tortillas and tamales. )
1 tsp of salt
3/4 cup of milk
1/4 cup of oil
pinch of ginger
pinch of cumin
pinch of paprika
Crumbled feta

mix both flours , salt and spices together...slowly add milk until consistency of dough is thick enough to roll out. Add more flour if mixture too wet. section out dough into 12 small balls to roll out into thin flat bread pieces. sprinkle a bit of each spice on rolled out dough. and place a few pieces of crumbled feta on each piece. fold bread in half and roll flat. Heat small frying pan with 1/4 cup of oil on medium high heat and place one piece of bread into pan at a time. each piece takes about 45 seconds on each side until golden brown. Bread can also be made without feta and fried flat without being folded.

rolled out dough with spices

Finished golden yumminess

my handy dandy rolling pin...thanks tea pom!

A day off....

2010-03-09T11:16:00.000-06:00

So I am starting my first entry by sitting on my couch with our lazy cat next to me and getting the energy to clean our house after a dinner party we hosted last night. It was a Mediterranean/Moroccan feast! My husband ran out of the door this morning late of course trying to make rent by selling to upscale fashion stores in one of the top three cities in the U.S. I however have the day off. I wish I could say I was going to put on my running shoes and take advantage of our early spring weather here in Milwaukee but I would rather sit here in the solitude of my house, listening to the tv trying to get the motivation to make coffee, clean the house, shower, eat, eventually pick up kids from school, do our taxes, make dinner, make a few phone calls, write for another blog...well lets be honest the run will probably be the last item on the list.

Okay the coffee is calling and time is ticking away, so off to start my day "off."