A New Winner

Recipe, that is! As you know, I will list the recipe as it is and then tell you what I modified.

Italian Chicken and Pasta
12 ounces bonelss, skinless chicken thighs
1 9 oz package frozen Italian Style green beans
1 cup fresh mushrooms, quartered
1 small onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 14.5 oz can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
1 6 oz. can Italian-style tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz. fettuccine, cooked and drained
3 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

1. Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces; set aside

2. In a 3.5 to 4 qt. slow cooker place green beans, mushrooms and onion. Place chicken on vegetables.

3. In a small bowl, combine undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning and garlic. Pour over chicken.

4. Cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. Serve over hot cooked fettuccine. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

First of all, I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts and I omitted the mushrooms (ICK). I couldn't find Italian-style green beans, so I used regular frozen green beans. Everything else was according to recipe, except I forgot about the Parmesan. Sissy and I are the only 2 who like it anyway.

Super easy and VERY tasty! Thumbs up from the whole family, which says a lot around here.

I'll add it to the recipe page soon.

Until then, remember to send in those Friday secrets: eviltwinswife@gmail.com. Make up an email account or use your regular one. I'll never tell and I don't reply to secrets. Everyone loves the secrets!

Crock Pot Sunday?

We had to do some meal plan shuffling this past week, so the crock pot meal has been moved to today. It's some sort of Italian chicken thing. I'll let you know how it turns out.

But, I am not super strict about my weekly meals. I usually have a few back up ideas, in case something falls through.

It doesn't change the fact that as soon as I wake up, I'm already planning dinner. That's just the way I roll, chickadees.

So, it's Crock Pot Tuesday today. And, at 9:30 AM, I should be getting to the prep station. Unfortunately, I have a 4 yr old who needs constant attention and I also need a shower.

This is our first week back from Spring Break and let me tell you, it wasn't like any Spring I have experienced. Sucky weather. Even sleet and snow flakes on one day.

Yesterday was shopping day and that was an ordeal. I think I'm still in recovery. Plus, I'm still getting used to this new computer. I keep hitting buttons and doing weird things.

The touch pad is black, like the base of the laptop and I rarely look at my hands while doing things online, so I'll be rubbing the touchpad to navigate and *nothing*, then I look down and realize I'm furiously rubbing a spot outside the touch pad. Nice.

Alrighty then, shower time. Hopefully, tomorrow brings.... shit, something.

'Til then, enjoy Tuesday!

Do I Know You?

On my blog on Friday, one secret was that someone had seen me out shopping and recognized me.

Since I never reply to comments on the secrets, I thought I would clear it up today.

There were comments asking why he didn't approach me or if I was creeped out by being recognized. He did reply anonymously that he didn't want to make me or his wife feel awkward, which is a reasonable thought.

But, no, it does not bother me that he "knew" me. That's the 3rd time I've been seen in public, but only one person approached me and asked if I was "the Evil Twin's Wife". It turns out that I had met that person on one occasion about 20 years ago (he went to college with my ex boyfriend). He didn't recollect meeting me, but I have a mind like a steel trap...I was like, "I know you! You were friends with Ex and worked with him on a short movie." (They were both majoring in Communications and Film Making).

Another person saw me at my favorite haunt (Mart of Wal) and twittered that she had seen me. I replied, "Why didn't you say Hi?" :-)

I don't feel weirded out being recognized or even being approached.

We live in a pretty tight knit area, and after a while, you kinda get to know a whole lot of people. And, if you don't know someone, you can bet you know someone who DOES know them. It's all knowing by association, really.

And that's why I never leave the house without make up. LOL. I can guarantee that no matter where I go, I will see at least one person I know by name. More likely than not, I will be thrilled to see that person and give them a hug.

So, if you live nearby and see me out, say "Hi". I don't bite! :-)

Friday Secrets!

Just in time! No pic this week...I haven't felt properly motivated, but next week, I plan on putting on my thinkin' cap. :-)

1. I once had sex with the youth director at our church in a mini van behind a truck warehouse while we were supposed to be chaperoning kids.

2. I have been married 20 years. Love my husband to death, have a great life.
However, no sex in 3 years (due to various medical issues I won't go into).
I REALLY want to answer a Casual Encounter post on craigslist to have (safe) sex with a stranger. There are some that meet my requirements. I know, I check every weekend.
However, I won't host in my house, so would have to meet in a hotel.
Has anyone ever done this (I guess those would require more secrets, but you can post your reply anonymously!).
Of course the fear of being killed in hotel room by a stranger is one reason I haven't pursued this.
VERY curious though.

3. I have a HUGE foot fetish. Nothing gets me going like a nicely pedicured set of feet smashed in my face.I love to use my face as a foot stool. I can worship sexy feet for hours.

4. My friend's wife looks like Belinda Carlise. When I watch the video of "I Get Weak" on YouTube, I think of his wife and, well, you know the rest...

5. I saw you, ETW, at the Wall of Mart the other day, in the check out line. I did a double take, because I recognized you, but didn't. Know what I mean? Then it hit me........I remembered you from your pic on the blog. After I figured it out, all I could think of was..............I wonder what her boobs look like in the flesh!!!!! See what posting pics of your cleavage can do to us guys!!!!

6. I like to buy an automated car wash and, in a race against the clock, jack off before the cycle is done. My wife knows about this and now, when I have a tense look on my face, she asks if I need to go get a "car wash".

7. I have a secret so horrible, so hideous, so despicable, so gruesome that I hesitate to even bring it up anonymously. In the past, when I was young, naive, and did not know better, I purchased, listened to, and sang along with....Barry Manilow songs! Plus, I still have Barry Manilow albums to play on my record player! Please don't judge me. I know I'm one sick puppy.

8. I am hopelessly lusting for someone I can't have...it would be so hot, dirty, and mind blowing. I think about him when I'm with my husband.

Enjoy!

Hooray!

I got my new Dell yesterday and did some set up thingies. My computer guy was able to retrieve all the data off my old hard drive and is due to come by today to install all my LIFE to this computer.

I'm so happy! :-)

Here's my new baby:

And:

So far, we are getting along great.

It has everything and more that my old computer had, and best of all, it freakin' works! I probably shouldn't jinx myself! LOL.

Seriously, my last HP the left click button on the touch pad broke within months of use, the CD/DVD drive quit working and I'd need to buy a new screen. All that, with labor costs added in would have been more than just getting something new. Plus, I got an interest free period - and I can have this one paid off completely before then.

Just to make sure I'm not overly worried about this one, I bought the extended warranty. I've been assured that if something happens and it can't be fixed, I will get a new computer. Me likey.

I'm sorry to bore you all with my computer crap, but, it's all I can think about. I even lost a blog follower at some point with my dry, "Christmas letter" style. LOL.

I'm hoping by next week, I can return to my regularly scheduled life and catch up on things I may have missed. I've tried to keep up, but with all the Evil Twin's dental drama and it being Spring Break (i.e. both kids are home all day), it's hard to just do my thang.

I assure you, it's just temporary! :-) Happy Thursday!

More Dental & Computer Drama (no more HPs)

I'm supposed to be getting a new computer today and the contents of my old laptop hard drive will be brought over - thereby restoring order in my life. I'm sorry I haven't been around much this week, but Buddy and I have "joint custody" of his laptop.

The Evil Twin went to have his very back molar on the right side extracted. It was an extensive and complicated extraction due to the 2 breaks and having roots at least an inch long.

The Dentist prescribed antibiotics and Darvocet. He can't eat much and the pills are wreaking havoc with his stomach. The darvocet do help manage the pain, but they also make him all loopy and sleepy.

He is home again today and resting.

I can't believe how much it cost for an extraction these days. I had a molar extracted, probably in 1996 and it was $75...It's 4 times that amount now. Whew!

Friday Secrets may need to be moved to Saturday this week. It depends on when I can gain access to my old hard drive and find all my stuff.

Let's just put it this way: I've had 2 HPs in a row and they BOTH did the same thing about 18 mos to 2 yrs after purchase. I will no longer be using their products. I went with a Dell with the super extended warranty on it. I can't wait for the FEDEX truck!!! :-)

Some Spring Break!

We had such a beautiful weekend, I had high hopes for this week being decent too, but it has become rainy, gloomy and cold.

The Evil Twin is at the dentist having the tooth that was due for a root canal last week extracted. Upon closer inspection, the tooth was severely cracked in not one, but two places and the endodontist (the root canal dentist) said if he started drilling on it, the tooth would shatter and be a big mess, so.... back to the regular dentist. I'm waiting on him to get back.

So, onto Crock Pot Sunday. We had Round steak with garden vegetables.

1 1/2 lb. boneless beef round steak, cut 3/4 to 1 inch thick
Salt and black pepper
2 cups packaged, peeled baby carrots
1 large onion, cut into wedges
1 4.5 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic
3 tablespoons Italian style tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (1 cup)

1. Trim fat from meat. Cut steak into 4 serving size pieces; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place meat in a 3.5 or 4 quart slow cooker. Top meat with carrots, onions and mushrooms. In a medium bowl stir together undrained tomatoes, the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Pour tomato mixture over meat and vegetables in cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 4.5 hrs, adding zucchini for the last 30 min of cooking.

I didn't use mushrooms and forgot the zucchini (!), and it was still good. The Evil Twin recommended adding potatoes next time and I will.

Tweaking Out

My laptop was having some "issues" on Saturday, so I ran it down to a repair place down the road and dropped it off. Hopefully, I will have it back today, but until then, I have to borrow Buddy's.

It's sad that I'm having such withdrawals.... LOL.

Much like driving an unfamiliar car, using a different computer takes time to warm up to. This keyboard is different, the touch pad is a bit more sensitive than mine is.

I can't wait to get MINE back. Fingers crossed for today, please!!

This week is Buddy's Spring Break. I get to sleep in just a little bit. We did the grocery shopping yesterday, so really, I think we have the entire week to just refresh and rest.

Every now and then, I enjoy a break in my routine. And, even though it had been raining this morning and is wet outside, the week promises to have decent temperatures so perhaps we'll get an opportunity to play outside at some point. That's always nice, but the Evil Twin hasn't set up my hammock yet. I told him to hold off because I knew it was going to rain.

I am really looking forward to warm, sunny days and cook outs with friends. We do enjoy casual entertaining (i.e. burgers and such on the grill with all the fixins, a few sides and everyone helps themselves - on disposable plates!) All I have to do is prep and enjoy!

We did have Crock Pot Sunday yesterday, but with my computer situation, I didn't get a chance to post the recipe. It was Round Steaks with Garden Vegetables. I'll post the recipe tomorrow. It was tasty and we all (except Sissy) enjoyed it. I hope you all are having a lovely Monday!

No Secret

I only received one secret this week, so I'll hold off on posting it until next week. It's my fault for not reminding you crazy squirrels to send the secrets in.

So, I'm going to take the opportunity to go over the whole "secrets" protocol.

I accept anonymous (sometimes not anonymous - the choice is yours) secrets. None of them are mine, unless I say I added one. But, I won't say which one.

You can make up a fake email and send in something or you can use one of the various free anonymous email programs, like Guerilla Mail.

I don't really care which option you choose, but be aware that I WILL NOT respond to emails that contain secrets. I want to preserve the anonymity factor. If you want to check back and ask "Did you get my secret?" then I will respond with a Yes or No.

When the emails come in, I copy them, then paste them into a word document and save them for Fridays. Then, I go back to the email and delete it. That way, it's out of my email, out of my mind and I can go on and never give them much thought - or assign them to anyone in particular. It's your way of getting something off your chest and none of us needs to know who sent it. It's released and that's all that matters.

So, if you have any burdens, email me at eviltwinswife (at) gmail.com. You may get feedback from my readers, but not from me. I don't judge. I don't have an opinion. Your deal is your deal.

Remember, though, if you don't send in something, the terrorists win. Don't make me sad like that.

I look SO much better when I'm smiling! :-)

Dental Drama

I told you all that the kids both had dentist appointments on Monday. As usual, things went fairly bad for Buddy.

The thing is I take them to the very best, most gentle and caring pediatric dentist in the area. I've often told them that if I had them for a dentist as a child, I wouldn't be afraid of dentists today.

But, Buddy has several loose teeth and when he has loose teeth, he tends to slack on brushing around them. Therefore, his visit involves much more scraping than usual and this causes him to be upset.

The dentist recommended one of the sonic or battery operated toothbrushes for him.

After his appointment, I explained to him that the dentist doesn't make suggestions to insult him, but that dental care is extremely important and if he didn't take care of his teeth, he could get an infection or abcess and that could lead to MORE problems that are much worse, including death.

He seemed okay with the explanation and really upped his effort to keep his teeth feeling all nice and smooth. We went by Kroger yesterday and looked at the SpinBrushes. These sell for about $8, which I felt is reasonable, especially if it helps him brush better.

One model was opened already and I picked it up and pressed the button to turn it on and see how it worked. We checked it out and then I pressed the button again to turn it off.

Only, it didn't turn off. I kept pressing and still the dang thing just kept whirring around.

I chose a different model and left the vibrating thing on the shelf. What was I supposed to do???

As we meandered away, an employee came down the aisle. She walked passed the vibrating toothbrush, but then doubled back and picked it up (it was LOUD!). We tried to act all nonchalant about it and just kept moseying away.

About this time, she was holding the toothbrush and coming back down the aisle, saying "Carol...." She walked by us briskly and we turned the corner as I said, "Kids, let's just get out of here."

Well, Buddy and I just found that hilarious. We laughed about it all the way home and we laughed about it again this morning. I just love it when my 12 year old son and I can laugh about the same goofy stuff. Instead of being embarrassed by my dorky self, he GETS it.

He looks so much like me - he reminds me so much of myself at that age too. I hope we can always laugh about the silly things in life.

I remember when Sissy was born and we were all goofing around, singing the Diarrhea Song (some people think it's funny, but it's really green and runny) and making up our own verses. Buddy looked at me and said, "Sissy doesn't stand a chance in this family." It does look like she has inherited the same Casa Evil Twin brand of humor, so I think it'll all work out!

Happy St. Pat's!

Most of my regular readers know that I was adopted as an infant, so I went about my life not knowing my medical or ethnic history. Then, in 2007, I was reunited with my biological mother and biological sister.

My Bio Mom and Bio Dad had gotten married several years after I was born and had 2 more children who are my whole bio siblings. My bio mom and dad divorced in the early 80s and I don't have contact with him or my bio brother, but really, just knowing my bio mom and sister has been more than I ever expected.

I'm thrilled! And, I've learned a lot about my heritage, including that most of my bio mom's family is Irish. Most of the Evil Twin's extended family is Irish, too.

Having black hair, blue eyes and fair skin (and freckles), I always suspected an Irish background and I was right!

The Evil Twin's brother was a redhead (it's more auburn now) and our daughter has the strawberry blonde hair. I figure it's just a recessive gene somewhere and we were lucky enough to have our beautiful Sissy and her lovely hair. She's not shy about it either. When any one compliments her on her hair, she says "I know. It's strawberry blonde." So modest, that one.

Think on me as I pickle my liver this evening! I love drinky holidays! The Irish know how to do things right!

Also, think on the Evil Twin - he has to get a root canal on Thursday morning. At least I can sleep in! Hee hee!

Happy Hump Day - next week is Spring Break for Buddy and I am looking forward to the change of routine for a bit. :-)

Dear Wendy's,

Wendy's® - Quality Fast Food Made the Way You Want

Posted using ShareThis

Please have this burger available when Lent is over. I would buy one and pick the bun off, but to me, this sandwich NEEDS that bun. I need that bun. As Austin Powers would say "Get in my belly!"

Actually, it wasn't Austin who said that, but one of the other characters he played in the movie.

Of course, the sandwich is being touted as a "limited time only" thang.  You just CAN'T take it off the menu before Easter.

I have been a loyal stalker customer for years now. I could eat your fries, dipped in bleu cheese dressing, every day of my life. So, it stands to reason that I really must sample this delicious Bacon and Bleu burger.

So, whatdya say, Wendy's? Keep it around and I will continue to torture my family by wanting to eat at your establishment every day.

Love,

Not Enough Ativan

Really, I don't think anyone could manufacture enough Ativan (an anti-anxiety med) to help me cope with my upcoming week.

Today, both kids have dentists appointments. Tomorrow morning, the Evil Twin goes to the dentist. We have no dental insurance. Can you say, "Ouch"?

We'll manage. We always do, somehow.

I don't hide the fact that I suffer from serious anxiety. I have for years. Currently, I'm on both Zoloft and Ativan to make me feel normal (most of the time), but I REALLY hate appointments. I hate having to be somewhere at a specific time. That's why I rarely get my hair cut, I just don't want to have to show up at X time. I like to mosey around and do my own thang.

Well, doctors, dentist and my BHE (bestest hairdresser ever) kinda frown on people who aren't on time. And it's not like I have a problem with being on time. I'm a very prompt person, but just the stress of having to be on time jacks up my anxiety, big time.

Before Buddy was born, I never felt like this. He had so many appointments in his first year, I almost became agoraphobic.

Thankfully, the meds do help. And, also, I try to make appointments as late in the day as possible so I have plenty of time to talk myself into it.

When it comes to grocery shopping or getting to the pool or things of that nature, I never get anxious. I can show up to do those things any old time.

I guess since I became a stay at home mom, I got used to having a flexible schedule - and even though I DO have a routine, the times I do things can vary in my day.

I need to get in the shower and get ready for my day. When I get back from spending a fortune on teeth, I have loads of housework waiting on me, too.

I really just need to hit the lotto, but I'd have better chances if I actually bought a ticket. LOL.

Also, on a side note, I continue to make bread, rolls, etc. for the family. I just don't eat any myself. I've been substituting salads instead of bread for me. That works. :-)

Crock Pot Sunday

Today's feature is Chicken with thyme and garlic sauce. Right now, it's cooking away in the crock and smells great, but won't be ready until about 3.

This one is super easy:

3 to 4 lbs chicken breast halves, skinned
6 cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Place chicken in slow cooker. Sprinkle with garlic and thyme. Add orange juice and vinegar to cooker.

Cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. Transfer chicken to serving platter, keep warm.

For sauce, skim fat from cooking juices. Strain juices into a small saucepan. Bring to boiling, reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, about 10 minutes or reduced to 1 cup. Spoon a little sauce over chicken, pass remaining sauce.

Serves 6 to 8.

I cut this down to about a pound of chicken and reduced other quantities as well. The kids are light eaters and I'm serving it with bread and salad and maybe something else.... Can't decide, but I will let you know later!

Friday Secrets

1. I found out that someone I know and consider a friend is going away this weekend to cheat on her husband. While outwardly I am cheering her on because her husband does not treat her the way she deserves to be treated on the inside I am very jealous.

2. S.E.

I'm looking forward to the day when you're reading your book and I'm "bugging" you by playing with your breasts.

I love you.

3. At night in bed, my wife gives me details of the text messages a close family friend has sent her during the day.  She shows me the explicit pictures he has sent her.  Instead of being upset, I am turned on immensely. I love her honesty.

After we have incredible sex talking about this "infidelity", I e-mail my buddy and tell him to continue his sexual texts to my wife.

She has no idea that I am the one who prompted him to do this.


4. I submitted a secret a few months ago telling how I had offers to 'hook up' with an internet friend.  I passed on the opportunity, I haven't strayed.  I would like any experience I have with a woman who is not my wife to be shared by my wife.  But with me being a guy that probably isn't a surprise to anyone, least of all my wife.

5. I want to smoke some weed.  I've only done it twice in my life, about twenty years ago.  But I don't know the first thing about acquiring the magical herb.  I would probably end up like Michael Scott, buying a bag of lettuce.

6. I'm becoming bi-curious, but wonder if the opportunity somehow presented itself, would I pass?

7. My wife laughs when I lick and suck her nips and wiggles away from me, which is very disappointing because I am first and foremost a breast man.

8. I have a nice house and yard, but sometimes I yearn for the simplicity of living in an apartment like I had for 75% of my life.

9a.  I recently confessed to my husband that our marriage is a sham.  I finally admitted that I am totally using him for sex.  [I have encouraged him to share this fact with his friends, but he expressed horror at this suggestion.]*

9b.  I sometimes dream about running away, changing my name and not looking back.  The older I get, the more tempting this idea becomes.
I'm slightly ashamed of the second one.

*You'd think, after 15 years, that this might be a compliment.  Sort of.  In a guy way.

10. I wish I could tell my very close friend that I think her son is an asshole and that by defending him and bailing him out, she not helping him in the long run. But instead I pretend to be sympathetic and nod and smile a very fake smile.

11. I have a 2 year old son that I gave up for adoption. It's not widely publicized, but whenever people ask me if I have any children, I always tell them no and it makes me feel guilty.

12. I had an online affair with a woman I never met. I only knew her online. We wrote all sorts of steamy notes to each other. It finally progressed to sending naked pictures back and forth. It was incredibly thrilling but I really regret it now.

I received this photo last week, but it was after I had the secrets up. This one is for the ladies:

Enjoy the Friday Secrets. And, I want to send out a Happy Birthday wish to a special reader: you know who you are, girl. Have a great one!



P.S. I have a doctor's appointment this morning, so I'll be out for a bit. I'll catch up with blogs later this afternoon. (It's just a follow up appointment, nothing to be concerned about).

Cookies

I just wanted to clarify from yesterday - I don't buy the GS cookies, but I do support troops. If I see a troop selling cookies, I will ask for their troop number, whip out my checkbook and write a check for $10. I could buy 3 boxes of cookies for around $10, but the troop would get $1.20. I would get cookies that are too high in calories and pretty chintzy on the portions.

Obviously, $10 is going to pay for a lot more badges and activities than the $1.20. And, we're talking about girls who are in a troop. We live in an area where there are pockets that don't have enough girls to form a troop, but they are allowed to participate independently. Guess how much they get for a box of cookies? NOTHING.

There are many good things about scouting, I won't deny that. The councils do offer Girl Opportunity Funds to supplement activity fees for girls whose families can't afford the fees.

But, you can see I might be jaded by the fact that the Executive Director of our local council pulls down a nearly 6 figure salary, plus loads of other perks and the girls get .40 a box for doing all the hard work....well, I'm going to support them my way and give them more for doing less. They deserve that much.

Also, don't forget about the Friday Secrets (or anything else you might like to send me!). It's all anonymous and free of charge! I'm a giver like that.

Happy Thursday!

Random Dozen

Since I really don't have anything for you this rainy morning, I decided to lift the Random Dozen from my sweetie, Dana over at Amid Life's Crises.

1. How old is the oldest pair of shoes in your closet?

I have several pairs of shoes I bought while working in an office environment. I keep them because I never know when I might need shoes for a more formal occasion, so maybe 10 to 15 yrs old? But the oldest things in my closet are the ice skates I bought when I was 8. I figured I'd grow into them (they're a size 8). I'm a size 7, but wear bulky socks on the ice, so they work. They need to be sharpened.

2. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? If so, what variety?

I do not ever buy GS cookies. It's a principal of mine and maybe one day I will write a full blown post on that. I refuse to support an administration that charges $3.50 for a puny box of cookies and the troop that did all the hard work to sell those crappy cookies gets .40 (cents) per box. The rest is overhead and overpaid executives.

3. Do you know how to ballroom dance? If not, would you like to?

No, I'm not exactly the most co-ordinated person on earth, so lessons would be wasted on me.

4. Were you a responsible child/teenager?

Sort of. I'm the oldest (by 3.5 years)and I've always felt more comfortable with people who are much older than myself. I was a good student, graduated from college, always worked and took care of bills by myself, so yeah, I guess as responsible as most. But, I had a wild side too. (still do!)

5. How many of this year's Oscar-nominated movies did you see?

What's an Oscar? J/K. No, I haven't seen any - might see a few if the Evil Twin has it on the Netflix queue.

6. If you're going to have a medical procedure done, such as having blood drawn, is it easier for you to watch someone else having the procedure done or have it done yourself?

Doesn't phase me either way. I give myself an injection every day and when I was pregnant with Sissy, I went off my MS med and had to take 2 shots of blood thinner a day, which I also did myself. I like to watch the gore fests on Discover Health.

7. What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Every day is the same to me. But, I love Thursdays when Survivor is on, I love that show to distraction!

8. Do you miss anyone right now?

Of course. I miss my mom and dad, my uncle John and really, anyone - friend or family - I don't get to see often enough.

9. Do hospitals make you queasy?

Nope! I love the hospital where my kids were born. The Evil Twin has directives to get me to that hospital, should I need emergency care and for certain other emergencies, there is a 2nd choice. There is one hospital in town where I have told him, "Don't even think about taking me there. They kill people."

10. At which store would you like to max-out your credit card. Not that you ever would, you responsible person, you.

Best Buy. I love new electronics and gadgets!

11. Are you true to the brand names of products/items?

Only for a few things: Tide, Cascade, Old El Paso, I buy Cokes for my boys (I don't drink soda), and that's about it. Everything else is generic.

12. Which is more difficult: looking into someone’s eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone’s eyes when he/she is telling you how he/she feels?

Looking into someone's eyes when they're telling me how they feel. I get very uncomfortable and shy.

There, now you know a few more things about me! I knew you were dying to have this information, too. LOL.

One of the Perks

Being a stay at home mom does have a few perks. I know people might think being at home is a walk in the park. Sitting around, eating bon bons and watching soaps. The only tv on here is the tot shows and I'm lucky if I get lunch every day.

Believe it or not, I have heard people compare the stay at home mom to a glorified prostitute. Basically, the theory behind that is that we "give it up in the bedroom" to secure a roof over our heads. Well, I've never heard of a prostitute who does her job, then does the laundry, dishes, bill paying, meal planning and prep and scrubs the bathrooms to within an inch of their lives. Maybe the people who feel that way should rephrase it to "a maid with benefits". LOL. Then, again, those people are assjockeys and don't even deserve the time I've taken to write this.

But, the job does come with perks. One of those is being able to slink back into bed and rest a bit more. If Sissy isn't up by the time Buddy and the Evil Twin leave, and it's cold and I'm still yawning, I do curl up under the covers. I usually don't even go back to sleep. Rather, I just close my eyes and think about whatever pops into my head and listen to the baby monitor to hear when Sissy does wake up.

It's so relaxing and I can stretch out long. I have terrible posture, so my back almost always feels tense. On mornings when I can stretch out like that, my back feels SO much better.

There are other perks, to be sure. That is one of my few selfish indulgences, though.

It's good to be the Mom.

I Shouldn't Be The Only One Who Is Bored

So, I'll let you all in on my quiet morning. It's currently after 8 A, and Sissy is still in bed! She is usually up anywhere from 7:30 to 8:15. Sometimes, even earlier than that. I guess she must be extra tired. These days, she stays up half the night singing to herself or whatever. We can hear her on the monitor.

As long as she isn't getting out of bed every 20 minutes, we're cool with letting her sing or chit chat for a bit.

The cable company called us last week and offered a deal of all the Showtime channels, plus Showtime on Demand for $5 a month for three months. We can cancel at any time (and plan to, when our three months is up). However, we've been taking advantage of it as much as possible. Especially Showtime on Demand. We're catching up with Season 4 of Dexter. It's the one show the Evil Twin and I both really love.

So far, we're up to episode 4. We watch 2 a night, although I could stay up ALL night watching them one right after the other! It's just a well written show and the cast is perfect. If Michael C. Hall hadn't married that skinny chick with the mosquito bite boobies who plays his sister on the show, I would totally be stalking him.

Onto crock pot Sunday. Yesterday's feature was Old Fashioned Swiss Steak. I have no idea why it's called that, but I got the recipe from my mom who got it.....somewhere. This is originally a "bake in the oven" dish, but I altered it to be a crock pot dish.

Old Fashioned Swiss Steak
1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1 lb. boneless round steak (about 3/4 inch thick), cut into serving sized pieces
1 1/2 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 clove garlic, minced
1 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1/8 cup cold water

In a large plastic bag, combine 1/4 c. flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper and garlic salt. Toss beef to coat. Heat oil and brown meat. Put browned meat in crock pot. Add garlic, green pepper, celery and onion. Then add tomatoes, broth, soy sauce and a bit more salt and pepper. Stir. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Combine water and remaining flour, stir into juices and stir constantly until thickened.

So, basically, brown the meat, dump everything else in and set it and forget it until the stuff is finished, then add the water/flour paste the last 10 minutes or so. It sounds much more complicated than it really is. I just winged it on the spices and the Evil Twin said it was perfect. In fact, he said it was better than my mother's - and that was his favorite dish she cooked for him.

I feel so honored! If you try it, let me know what you think! :-)

Friday Secrets and a Surprise(s)

I received a bunch of secrets this week! That makes me so very happy. Thank You!

1. I have something in common with a person from last Friday's Secret in that I, too, have a crush on "Three Men and A Lady".  Everytime I see her picture with her comments my stomach flutters!  I am going through a very difficult divorce right now and sincerely despise my soon-to-be ex-husband and can't help but wonder if my disgust for him is fueling my crush on "The Lady".  Either way, she is delicious and it makes me happy that at least something remotely sexual is happening to me right now.  That part of me has been feeling dead since the bomb was dropped in December.  See you in my dreams!

2. The real reason I don't want kids is that I am scared they won't be perfect.  I don't think I could be proud of a kid who had a behavior or learning disorder.

3. I am a guy and I like vagina like crazy.  But, I have this secret fantasy about tag-teaming a girl with another guy.  Part of the deal is me sucking him some and then having him cum in the girl.  After he cums, I want sloppy seconds.  I don't know if I could actually do this, but it has, uh, been good "material" for me to "work with" for a few months now.

4. I have not kissed a woman other than my wife since 1974, the year we started dating.  But have wanted to twice.  Once was in the past 6 months.  Years ago, the next door neighbor girl babysat me and she became my first love.  She is about 12 years older than me, and when I was little I told her to wait on me and I would marry her.  I was 5 she was 17.  She did not wait.  In fact, she got married...twice.  She is unmarried now.  We have kept in semi-contact throughout the years.  I tracked her down to a town near where I work.   I went to her house to see her, and she looked as good as ever to me.  We hugged and talked for a couple of hours but what I really wanted was to make out, to kiss her like we were horny teenagers.  You know, our tongues looking like a light saber fight in Star Wars.  But I did not.  I still think about it and want to visit again.  I am afraid of two things, 1) hurting my wife and 2) will it ruin my relationship with my friend.


5. I encourage my wife to dress slutty for me.  Tight clothes, short dresses, lots of cleavage…its great!  When she is wearing a low cut top, I can't help but stare at her cleavage.  I enjoy it.  Lately, I have hinted that in private, she should try false eyelashes, dark eye make up, and red shiny lipstick.  It’s the porn influence, I guess.  We are still working on it. 

6 .The best invention for a great sex life is Baby Oil!  Is this a secret or does everyone already know?

7. I'm in love with someone other then my husband.  I think of this person almost every minute of every day, even while having sex with my husband. This other man is everything I had ever dreamed of in a husband. Nice looking, great career, motivated, a leader in the community, someone people can look up to.  Everything my husband is not. I wish I could go back in time and have met this person ten years ago.  I have come to realize that I married 'just to get married' and because all my friends were getting married NOT because I was in love.

Now I am in a loveless marriage where children are involved and I just don't think there is a way out.   Worst part of all...this other man doesn't know my feelings for him but I secretly wish he would find out and whisk me away and help me feel what real love should feel like.

Only in my dreams I guess.

8. Last weekend I went into the hot tub in my gym after a pretty good work out. I was the only one there. I was sitting near an area where there happened to be a jet of water coming and it seemed to hit my crotch. After a while, with all that warm water I got a solid erection. It felt like someone was giving me a blow job. Before you know it I just came! It was very enjoyable. Once I realized where I was I scared shitless. Man o Man. Disgusting. I don't even WALK by the hot tub anymore. Now I don't think I'll ever go into a public hot tub again.

9. It isn't that my life is full of stress or that I am depressed, I just really like to drink.

10. I am going away for a long weekend with a man that I am falling for very hard. He is everything I could ever want or have ever wanted in a man. It is so amazing it is beyond belief. I feel happier than I can remember ever feeling. What's the secret? Oh, just that I am married to another man. Our marriage has been falling a part for a couple of years now and we are at the very end. This has shown me what I want in a relationship and what I always imagined a partner to be really does exist.

11. I am 33 years old.  I have been through three failed relationships.  I had given up on love as a fairy tale.  I have met this wonderful woman though.  And I am really beginning to think I may have finally got it right this time.  She is amazing.  I am going to meet her this next weekend.  Oh did I mention she is married? Yeah....but for once I don't care...He should have treasured what he had...his loss is my gain.  I am ready for a wild weekend...with one lovely lady...

12. I would love to work one night as a stripper and take it all off on stage.  I know it's cliche, but I'd want the Catholic school girl costume. 

You know I like value added services:

And:

One is me and one is a mystery guest. She's a regular commenter here, but I won't tell you who, unless she wants to out herself. Enjoy!

Happy Friday!

Silence

I didn't post anything yesterday in memory of my Uncle who passed away on Saturday, February 27th. We attended his funeral - which was a couple of hours away - yesterday.

He was like a 2nd dad to me and a 2nd grandpa to my children. He and my dad were brothers. Out of all the siblings (10 total), my dad and my uncle looked so much alike, acted alike.... our families have always been very close.

That's why I wasn't around yesterday and am still catching up on reading all of my favorite hooligans. I may not have time to comment, but I will be making a stop at your place SOON. :-)

The funeral was actually very nice and I was happy to see many of my cousins who I honestly don't see often enough and I do miss them.

I was even able to trick a few into admitting they had a Facebook page, so I can be further up in their bidness and stalk them remedy the long periods of us not hearing from each other! Big families are fun. Much more gossip involved.

In other news, PEOPLE! Let's not forget about the Friday Secrets. If you don't send them in then everyone has a rotten Friday and the terrorists win! Get off your duffs, make a fake email addy and send me something fun! eviltwinswife@gmail.com!

It's an early dismissal day at Buddy's school today, so I'll be busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest this morning. What else is new? I'm ready for the weekend! :-)

I Forgot!

I forgot to mention Crock Pot Sunday yesterday, but honestly, it wasn't very exciting. I did pinto beans - super simple. Old Skool. Take the dry beans and soak overnight. Sort thru to take out floaters or other stuff. Rinse, rinse, rinse and return to crock. Add a slab or two of bacon and cook on high for 7 hours or so. (The family can salt and pepper to their tastes after the beans are cooked).

I served it with a loaf of fresh bread and salads. Since I gave up bread for Lent, I've been supplementing my meals with salads.

And, I must say, I'm enjoying those salads. I always add shredded cheese and except for Fridays, I add bacon bits. Italian dressing and !voila! a delicious salad.

I have also noticed that since giving up bread and baked goods, I tend to not snack as much during the day. I'm still eating other carbs, but I guess cutting back on them a bit decreases my overall appetite.

Don't tell the Evil Twin (haha - he reads this daily), I'm trying my hand at homemade shrimp scampi this Friday!

One more thing, Karen had asked in a comment last week how I manage all the shopping for a week. I make my menu up and then find out what I need to buy for every night and for lunches during the week. If I'm purchasing lots of meat/chicken, I throw it in the freezer. Then, I look at my menu plan the day or so before and know what to defrost in the morning.

Since I don't work outside the home, getting to stores every day is difficult.

Plus, I enjoy the one stop shopping of the Evil Mart of Wal. Someone needs undies? Check. I need hair conditioner? Check. We need a crap load of food to feed 4 people for 7 days? CHECK! And, it's all cheaper than the local grocer. You all know I am all about saving a penny. And then pinching it so hard it becomes copper wire.

Hey, my frugality helps pay for our vacations and other "extras". I know the Evil Twin gets a bit frustrated by my attitude, but he's always happy when we get the big bonus. :-)

Let's Do This

I'm finding it hard to get motivated this morning and I have a very full and busy week (and day) ahead.

But, I was given an award last week. I just didn't have time to get to it until today.

It was given to me by The Dish - and I'll wait and let her tell me if it's okay to put a link up.

The Award:

The rules are that I have to list 10 things about myself - which is gonna be tough - because I tend to let it all hang out around here. I'm also supposed to pass it on to 6 bloggers, but I think most of the derelicts I hang around with have already been given it. If you have not, feel free to pick it up! :-)

1. I hate going to the grocery store. At least on a Monday, midday, it's not too crowded or full of Walmartians.

2. I don't have OCD, but I do have some OCD type tendencies. My kitchen sink has to be dry at all times (both in the sink and around it). After I missed a step and badly sprained my ankle years ago, I count all steps now. When I twist the stem off an apple, I say a letter of the alphabet every turn until it comes out. I enjoy having a routine and sticking to it - even though my life resembles the movie "Groundhog Day". LOL.

3. I bruise like a tomato. Even just a little tap will leave a mark.

4. I dig watching gory shows on Discovery Health. If someone has a huge tumor removed - I'm there with my eyeballs glued to it. I also enjoy watching videos of people popping zits, cyst, boils or any manner of pus filled goodness.

5. I'm a list maker and obsessive planner. I keep all bills in a folder with various notes and I check off each bill as I pay it. That way, I know I paid it, how much I paid and on what date. No greedy utility company mofo or credit card shark want me on the other end of the phone.

6. I love to chew people a new asshole over the phone, but in person, I'm much less fierce. I probably should have listened to my dad and gone to law school.

7. I was a vegetarian for 9 years and could easily go back to it. It would make meal planning for the family very difficult, so I just stick with what is easiest.

8. We do a full load of dishes in the dishwasher almost every day. I still can't figure out how a family of four goes through that many dishes, utensils, etc.

9. I consider myself to be a master stain fighter. I have mad stain fighting skillz. I use Spray and Wash, Oxyclean and Color Safe Bleach in my arsenal of stain fighting tools. Oh, and hydrogen peroxide for greasy stains. I pity the stain that thinks it can outwit me.

10. I feel like I am entering the best part of my life right now. No more diapers, high chairs, etc. I love watching the children become who they are. I think the Evil Twin and I have grown as a couple - still in love, but we have a greater appreciation for the other person now (at least that's how I feel). We've always been very in sync, but it's even stronger now.

There ya go! Whew! This was very difficult. It has taken me an hour, but to be fair, some of that time was spent on the phone and providing bathroom aid to Sissy or fetching her food/drink. LOL.