Win Win Achoo
Remember this? Yeah, me neither. It’s been that long. At this rate, I project the house will be finished in 2015.
We’re calling it “The Pink Room”. Not that it’s really pink, but in comparison to everything in this house: oh it’s pink alright! It’s a lovely, cheerful room that doesn’t scream, “HI I’M TAKING PROZAC TO GET THROUGH THIS MISERABLE GREY WINTER.” Ahem. No, the room whispers quietly. Even to the teenager, who likes to hang out there because the color is “soothing.”
The room is nearly done, in no small thanks to IZ, who gave me the day off on Monday to paint. I was lamenting my fate, not wanting to report back to work after a weekend of Youth work, and he said, “Then take the day to paint. Finish your room.”
That’s a deal worth taking, no? I’m hoping to take photos soon. However, painted hardly means decorated. And I’m still trying to decide how to deal with the left-over sofa. Oh, did I mention this room is filled with left-over furniture? It’s a mishmash, but I have a plan, maybe? So, photos shortly.
Of course, I painted on Monday and then promptly got sick. I love, love working with youth. But I’m no fan of the Petrie dish my classroom appears to be. I had a youth worker whisper to me during service on Sunday, “I can’t help in Sunday School this week, I’m sick”. And with one whiff of a cough-drop coated breath, I knew I would be too, shortly. For those wondering what fate smells like, let me tell you: minty.
So, now I’m hopped up on cold meds and rambling. But my room is painted and I’m married to the nicest guy on the planet who took pity on my Monday morning wails of “I really don’t want to go to work today.” Win-win. . . achoo!
Role Reversal Muffins
I already love him for the Almond Milk Mocha each morning, but now I’m willing to follow him into battle. Muffins, friends. MUFFINS.
Most of you are Evidently readers, so you know: IZ cooks. I bake. But lately, we’ve found ourselves playing Freaky Friday in the Kitchen. (that could totally be a comic book. You’re welcome)
I’ve been cooking more and more. Right now, work-life for IZ means 70-80 hour work weeks… he doesn’t feel like cooking and fast food got old in August. I’ve been pinning recipes and seriously folks, I actually made something last week that was NOT chicken based. Though, there was orzo, so I still haven’t kicked the pasta habit just yet. I’m not going to be trying out for any cooking shows—but I’m learning to follow a recipe without burning the house down, we’re calling that a WIN.
And IZ, because I think he misses his kitchen, has taken to baking muffins.
I love him for that.
I know that eventually life will settle down and IZ will find himself back in the kitchen. Though, he professes his love for my food — this is also the man who tells me I’m beautiful in my fat jeans, so he’s not to be trusted — he is a true chef and no amount of my adapting really good recipes touches what he makes in the kitchen. I’m just hoping that when we come up for air and find our rightful places, there will still be muffins.
Lots of muffins. (recipe after the jump) Continue reading →
A Recipe for a Happy Marriage
Date Night with IZ. Flowers for the table. Not sure how much longer dahlias will be available. But overjoyed to have some on the table tonight.
Dining al fresco. And, shut the front door, I made all that food. No, really, shut the door, it’s buggy out.
This guy is my date. I can tell you, that after 22 years, he’s still the man I want to spend time with. . . as much as possible, in fact. He’s that rare blend of amazing listener and fabulous conversationalist. No, I’m not biased. Everyone thinks that.
On the menu: Grilled Chicken with Peaches and Blackberries. The recipe is here: I subbed out Rosemary for Lavender.
Peach, Bourbon, and Rosemary are amazing together. No really, such a pretty drink. I didn’t garnish with Rosemary, because, well, I didn’t. But it’s still just as lovely. Sitting on the porch on such a warm night, close my eyes and we’re transported south. Dreaming together is a good thing.
Warning: the drinks might make you flirty.
We should do this more often? We should do this more often! (and that folks, is a recipe for a happy marriage.)
Walking
Walking with him is still one my favorite things.
My intention was to the spend the weekend in my studio working on Mireio. This week is packed with non-work related events and I knew that I should probably work on the new travel pillows and re-stock a few items in light of that. However, when IZ looked at me Saturday morning and said, “You know, we could go walk by the river front this morning. . . ” I jumped into my clothes and was out the door without a backward glance.
And I don’t think I stepped foot in the studio all weekend. Boy am I going to pay for that!
But it was worth it, despite the muscles I didn’t know I had screaming at me today. We walked for hours, all over the town. Hiking hills and breathing in the muggy air. I love muggy and warm. It makes me happy. It also makes me feel like I can do anything.
We’ve always walked together. It’s like therapy, I think. We talk and connect and find common ground beneath our feet. And I should warn you, we totally plotted world domination on Saturday.
So, now I’m in the studio. Looking at the mess I left on Friday and smiling. I don’t regret a thing.
In Photos: 22 Years Together
Celebrating 22 years with this guy!
