Sunshine Sunday

Good morning!

We've been busy at home, working in the yard, getting laundry done, etc. All good things, yes, indeed.

I've finished sending baby shower invitations for Rae & just got their Thank You notecards printed. Very exciting!

This week, I'll be in San Francisco for Tuesday - Saturday, back for a week + birthday + Easter, then back out to Phoenix for Millennium training. Jet-setter!

5 Things to Accomplish today:
Work on the baby blanket for Rae
Get laundry done
Enjoy some good weather
Get some steps in for work stepping challenge
Relax with the hubby, before the busy week starts

Well, looks like I best get started--enjoy your day!

Lead by Example

At work, we have been training all week on a new library system. With about 10 people in training at a time, some people from out of state and an hour lunch, I figured it would be a good opportunity to FEED THE PEOPLE.

They really deserve it, plus--who wants to be fretting about lunch when you have a new system to learn?

So, anywho, I had split lunch duties with a coworker/friend. I made picnic sandwiches on Monday. She made taco lunch on Tuesday. I am making Italian beef and turkey poor boys for lunch today & we'll order pizza tomorrow.

But that's not the point.

The point is, that this morning, people started bringing in little extras--candy to share, bananas, a poppyseed roll & a famous Heath Bar cake (which I will certainly learn more about later today). How cool is it to help create an environment of sharing by leading by example?

I'm amazed and humbled by such an outstanding group of people. I hope this week's training benefits from this teamwork/togetherness. Very cool.

Ash Wednesday

Good morning,

Father Ted held Mass this morning. His awareness showed as he distributed the ashes almost immediately after the second reading--allowing those who needed to head off to work to leave. Also, he saved his Gospel reflections until after the rest of the Mass for the same reason. It was nice to see the relief in people's eyes as they scurried away to start their work day. One man was dressed for work as a mail carrier--it was nice to have that reminder that what brings us people together is greater than what divides us.

Listened to a fabulous http://heymonicab.com/ radio program last night devoted to the kapha dosha. I feel like a poster-child kapha now. I'm excited that I've downloaded the podcasts to my iPod so I can listen to one of them while I walk at lunch today. Speaking of lunch, anyone have any spicy veggie recipes? I think I'll start poking around the Internets for some.

Have a great day!

Restart Button

You ever get the feeling like you need a restart button on your day, week, month, year, phase-in-your life?

...I think I just need the daily one, please.

Although I have noticed that I've let the weeds overgrow on my blogs...a bit. So, I'm trying to cut back some of the growth, and restart this process, still keeping with the Mrs.Catman theme, however. Hey, it's still me, right?

So, I'll try to keep up with this a little better--the overgrown 'weeds' can shove off.

Missing

My cat is missing. He has been missing since Thursday. This has happened before, but now he's a bit older. My mom believes the coyotes caught up with him. I'm really bummed about it, but not much to do about it, I guess. We'll call the local paper to see if they'll run an add to see if he's found. Looking pretty dim...

In other news, thinking about getting a Tofurkey this year with the regular fresh turkey for Thanksgiving. Do not know what the family will think, but I think if I made it, everyone would at least try some.

Been cleaning the house getting ready for Thanksgiving. We're hosting on Friday, instead of Thursday, as that's when everyone on my side of our family can make it.

Butter Bean Soup

Butter Bean Soup
Originally uploaded by Mrs.Catman

Soup minus the regular amount of broth. To appease Mr. Catman.

Yum!

Butter Bean Soup (measurements approximate)

1 t. olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 big clove of garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
Chopped parsley, to taste

In bottom of a soup kettle, cook above ingredients together until onions are soft.

Add:
2 cups of soaked big lima beans (approx)
8 cups chicken stock

Simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until beans are soft.

Add:
1 c. frozen chopped spinach
1 dash nutmeg (I don't even know if this matters)

In a separate pot, boil water for 1/2 package of elbow macaroni. Cook as directed.

Add cooked macaroni to soup pot. Stir together. Serve with toasted pita and grated Parmesean.

Ready to Rock

Ready to Rock
Originally uploaded by Mrs.Catman

Here comes the rockin' bride!