WanderingAmylessly 2.0

I'm having one of those days. Or weeks. Or time periods, let's say. Work has me frazzled. I'm on the go 8-plus hours a day at the office, then I go home and just want to sleep. I'm too tired to knit. I'm too tired to even veg on the couch. I haven't done true exercise in who knows when. Part of the problem is that the work I'm doing at the office is new to me. So it's like I've started a new job and have so much to learn. Everything takes 4 times longer than it should to complete. Plus, it's not very much fun, which doesn't help matters. I know it'll get better, probably sooner rather than later. I need to ride the wave. Easier said than done. I know that getting some exercise would help my mood. I need an exercise buddy and/or I need to do something that I'm interested in. I burned myself out on spin class and running. GRRRRRRR. I'm grumbly. I admit it. I surrender.

A friend of my mom's shared this poem he'd once read, after hearing my mom's stories about my recent 20-year class reunion. Forgive me for not knowing the author (I think it's one of those anonymous ones that gets passed endlessly through e-mail). It's funny how many moments I experienced actually popped up in this rhyme... CLASS REUNION POEM Every ten years, as summertime nears, An announcement arrives in the mail, A reunion is planned; it'll be really grand; Make plans to attend without fail. I'll never forget the first time we met; We tried so hard to impress. We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars, And wore our most elegant dress. It was quite an affair; the whole class was there. It was held at a fancy hotel. We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined, And everyone thought it was swell. The men all conversed about who had been first To achieve great fortune and fame. Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses And how beautiful their childre...

There's a reason why I was excited for the reunion. I had even more fun than I thought I would. And not even a hint of wistfulness or wanting. I spent hours talking with old friends about their lives and loves, days gone by and future plans. I laughed. I laughed so hard I cried (thanks Brandy...damn how I've missed your snort...I must call you every so often just to hear it!). I resolved some old issues and realized it wasn't so much that I was unpopular in high school, I just didn't hang with the in crowd. And that's really OK. We had a blast! For some of us, it was like we'd never been apart. We didn't miss a beat. And most people seemed much more comfortable in their own skins than 10 years ago. There, of course, were people who still live in the area who didn't bother to come. I don't know whether they're self-conscious or don't feel the need to reminisce or what, but there were others who flew all the way from San Diego and upstate New Y...

Why am I so excited about my 20th high school reunion?? I hated high school. But as the weekend approaches, I find myself giddy with anticipation. My mom already warned me -- don't get your expectations up, thinking it's going to be something it's not. Actually, I'm not sure what I think it will be. I should've lost another 10-15 lbs. in preparation. I wish my hair was longer. I wish Tim and Henry were going with me. But all in all, I'm happy with where I am in my life. I'm fairly stable and confident, I have a good job, and mostly, I'm stoked to see these people I haven't seen in two decades. Many of my closest friends from high school didn't come to the 10 year reunion, but most are planning to this time around. In fact, my fellow bass clarinetist Kim and I have been organizing some pre-reunion get togethers on Thursday and Friday nights. Drinks, dinners, live music, chitchat, mirth and merriment. Don't you wish YOU could be there too? I...

Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Meatball Heroes 1 lb. ground turkey breast 1 shallot, minced 1-2 tsp. italian seasoning 4 Tbsp. bread crumbs, divided dash of worchestershire sauce 3 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1 1/2 cups fat free marinara Combine the marinara and 1 Tbsp bread crumbs in bottom of slow cooker. Mix turkey, shallot, seasonings, 3 Tbsp bread crumbs, cheese together and form into 12 balls. Add to marinara and cook on high 3-4 hours, low 6-8 hours. Put 3 meatballs and a spoonful of sauce on a wholegrain bun. Enjoy! WW Points per serving: 7

This is what makes the cake recipe I just posted... 4 Egg yolks 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk 1-1/2 tsp. Vanilla 1-1/2 cups Sugar 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter or margarine 1 pkg. (7 oz.) BAKER'S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut (about 2-2/3 cups) 1-1/2 cups PLANTERS Chopped Pecans BEAT egg yolks, milk and vanilla in large saucepan with wire whisk until well blended. Add sugar and butter; cook on medium heat 12 min. or until thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. ADD coconut and pecans; mix well. Cool to room temperature and of desired spreading consistency. USE to frost your favorite cake or cupcake recipe.

I'm planning to make my famed German Chocolate Cake for my father-in-law, whose birthday is Thursday. Ok, so it's not really MY recipe. It's Baker's chocolate's recipe. But I seem to get the kudos from those folks whose mouths the bites melt in. I'm going to take a bit of the credit. Here's the recipe. It's online everywhere and printed on the sweet chocolate box. Kraft's all too keen on handing it out to just anyone, so I'm not revealing any trade secrets. And it's really a rather fussy recipe, so good luck if you try it. Lining the pans. Separating eggs. Standing over a bubbling brew of sticky sweetness stirring constantly for 20 minutes. If it didn't taste so divine, I might get cranky. However, the end result is worth it. And then some. Original BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate Cake prep time 30 min total time 2 hr makes 16 servings recipe by: kraft 1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate 1/2 cup Water 4 Eggs...

Tim and I long decided that we would be a one-child family. Henry will be that bratty, spoiled, petulant only child (whatevs). Watch out, world. But that doesn't keep me from knitting adorable baby stuff. WATCH THIS SPACE! In the next few days I'll be posting pics of my latest creations. Hats, booties, blankies. Enough to make you squeal and talk in that "widdle cutesy wootsy way" that rivals nails on chalkboard. So we're done procreating. Doesn't mean YOU have to be! I have several mommies-to-be in my life right now, so there's not a shortage of reasons to whip up pastel colored frocks and such. But I can always use more inspiration...