Sink or Swim

Well, it's finally happened.

I didn't think it ever would, but it has, and sooner than I thought too.

It's wonderful. I don't know why we ever waited so long. Sure, Mark probably has a complaint or too, but I can't complain at all since I didn't do any of the work.

Want to see?

Before

During

After

Thanks Mark for getting it installed so soon after we got it!! I love it a thousand times more than the old one. Now, about those counter tops...

Problems and Solutions

One loaf down....many more to go!! The bread actually turned out. I don't think it was the world's best bread but it wasn't as hard as a puck so I will chalk that up as a success! Not sure I would make the same kind again, but you have to start somewhere. Today I am contemplating making challah bread. It's so good. The only restaurant on Roosevelt Island served challah bread french toast, YUM! I don't know how it would be coming out of a bread machine, but it might be worth the effort. I realize making bread in a bread machine is like painting a picture using paint by numbers, but it's okay by me. Why continually fail at a task if there is something to help you succeed? It's a win win situation!

My only dilemma now is how do I store the bread to keep it from turning into hockey pucks? Ziploc bags? Are there Tupperware-esque containers specifically made to store homemade bread? We don't eat it fast enough to just wrap it up in a dish towel or something. Maybe some of you Marthas out there can help me out with this quandary.

My other quandary is finding someone to come on a vacation with me!! Girls only! Anyone interested in a few days somewhere a little warmer than the northern states/Canada? 4 days on a beach, relaxing, pools, food a-plenty, good books, good friends......let me know! I'm thinking February or March maybe?

Be Careful What You Wish For...or Ask For

In a seemingly neverending blog-drought, I put out a request for blog topics. While I only did this a short time before writing this blog, I got an idea I couldn't pass up. Okay, so it's probably not exactly what the suggester had in mind, but it's my blog, my idea!!

This is for my niece Janna. I wish I had all of my pictures scanned into my computer because I would have some great pictures of her! But alas, I only have some from the last few years.

I was 13 when Janna was born, she makes me feel old daily as she is now a University student; I used to babysit her!! Now I think she might actually be a little bit taller than I am.

She wants to be an anthropologist and loves all things Egypt (well she did last time I saw her, maybe it's changed now). She loves Chancers (our old Chocolate Lab that my parents adopted when we moved to NYC). She has been a vegetarian of sorts for most of her life. One of the funniest things I remember about her was one Sunday night, everyone was over for dinner, we were having some sort of beef product that Janna didn't want to eat. This was at the very beginning of her no meat days so she was around 10. I asked her if she would just take one bite and if she didn't like it, she didn't have to eat it. She screwed up her face, looked right at me and said, "Auntie Mel, how would you like it if I cut out your eyeball and ate it??" Oh, it still makes me laugh today. I don't get to see her a lot anymore since I have moved away from home, but every now and again she will type me a hello on Facebook..she used to think I was cool once upon a time. She wanted this blog to be about how she is the awesomest niece ever, and she would be...if she were my only niece! But she is the most awesome 18 (almost 19) year old nice I have. Although, once she sees this and the pictures that follow, she'll probably hate me (just be glad I don't have your baby pictures on here!!).

Many moons ago, one Christmas Eve (she's the tallest one).

Being a sullen faced teenager.

She has the cutest, best smile of anyone I know!

Showing off her moves in the dance recital.

Growing up so fast!!

Being silly...she is the best silly girl ever!

Reading to her cousin...T sure loves Janna! She can't wait to see her at Christmas time!

Janna, you know I love you and you are awesome!! You'll always be my favourite, awesomest, oldest niece I have! And don't worry, I won't tell Auntie Lisa that I am your favourite Aunt!

You better be home a lot when we come up for Christmas Janna Banana! None of this hanging out with your boyfriend instead! Love you!!