Catching Up

I've been falling behind on my blogging the past few days, and I've honestly missed it. You know, sometimes life just gets in the way...so I thought I'd play some catch-up this morning.

 

I know it's Thursday, but I still like to do a weekend recap...I mean, those are the best two days of the week, am I right?

 

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Friday night Rob cooked the best burgers...he melted blue cheese on top of mine, and it was pure bliss. We also made Baked Zucchini Fries for the first time, and they were fabulous...I'll definitely be making them again! What a yummy alternative to regular fries...and a good way to get your kiddos to eat their veggies!

 

 

 Baked Zucchini Fries

{Allrecipes.com}

 

Cooking spray

1/2 cup bread crumbs (I used Panko)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 eggs, beaten

3 zucchinis, ends trimmed, halved and cut into half-inch strips

 

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

 

Stir bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs in a separate shallow bowl.

 

Working in batches, dip zucchini strips into egg mixture, shake to remove any excess, and roll strips in bread crumb mixture to coat.

 

Transfer coated zucchini strips to the prepared baking sheet.

 

Bake zucchini fries in the preheated oven, turning once, until golden and crisp, 20 to 24 minutes.

 

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I worked on Saturday and had a great, though very busy, day. Cancer is so horrible, and some days I wonder if I can emotionally take working in that field anymore...it robs people (and their loved ones) of so much...but then I remember there are plenty of things it cannot take: love, laughter, peace, hope, and joy. My prayer every time I drive to work is that God would help me to be His hands and feet that day...to not only help my patients with their physical needs but also their emotional and spiritual needs too. Working in oncology is hard. And 12 hour shifts are tough as well. But I always leave with a greater understanding of and appreciation of human life. I pray I will never take my health for granted. Life is so hard for so many.

 

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Sunday, we went to church as a family for the first time in a few weeks, and it was just what I needed. That afternoon we looked at a house again that we're interested in, so that was fun. Hoping something will pan out soon!

 

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I have had the worst headaches lately...I've never been diagnosed with migraines (I've never seen a headache specialist), but I think it might be time. I've tried all the OTC medications, and nothing seems to work. Yesterday I caved and took a Xanax as a last resort (I take that very occasionally for severe anxiety/panic attacks), and it worked within 30 minutes flat. Poof...no more headache. So I'm wondering now if these headaches are tension or stress-related. Has anyone else experienced something similar? The headaches seem to be around the base of my head and down into my neck and shoulders.

 

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I already mentioned that after Hadley's two-year appointment we knew we were going to have to start language and speech therapy to get her up to speed. Well, we also ended up seeing a pediatric ENT yesterday to make sure she doesn't have any hearing loss...sure enough, she has fluid behind both ears, which apparently decreases hearing...and ultimately decreases a toddler's ability to repeat words, sounds, etc. So, we're giving it a month to see if the fluid clears up on its own, and if it doesn't, we'll probably go the tube route and then pursue speech therapy. Lily has to have speech therapy too, just for some difficulty with some sounds, so I'm trying to find someone who will just basically move in with us...haha...I feel fortunate that these are our only concerns right now. So many children and their parents struggle with so much more on a daily basis. Perspective is a good thing.

 

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The brouhaha over the simple red Starbucks cups has me shaking my head...folks really need to get a grip and return to reality for a little bit. As George Takei stated, "If there's one good thing we consistently get out of ridiculous events, it's incredible memes. Thank you, Internet." That said, here's my favorite. I cannot stop laughing!!!!!

 

 

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It's raining here, and I'm so tempted to put out Christmas decorations, but I'm trying my hardest to wait a few more weeks. I hope everyone has a great day!