The Gift Of Revenge

Grandma Santa is giving Walt some kind of cloying, sing-songy, battery operated Elmo for Christmas. I already know it will make him wildly happy so I won't veto it. Even though the mere mention of it causes my stomach lining to deteriorate and the back of my eyeballs to swell.

I think it's my parents' revenge for 1986. A sullen, ultra-selfish year for yours truly. It was the year I told them, "When you went to college it was about getting an education. But I'm here to be social."

So the next time Walt is kicking me in the boobs on the changing table while laughing hysterically, or puking in my lap as our plane descends Los Angeles, or screaming at a death ray pitch because I won't drop the dish in my hand to get him an animal cracker, I'll just imagine all of the toys I'm going to get his future children.

First thing: a Make Your Own Confetti Kit.



Check out my post about the weirdness of in-laws on Hip Slope Mama!

Dinner In A Week

I realize we're firmly in December, but boy, it was a loonnnnng November, wasn't it? First, there was the end of the '08 presidential campaign and the subsequent withdrawal from my obsessive poll tracking. Then work got super busy. Yeah, they actually expected me to "work" for "money." WTF?

To top it all off, Walt had a slight fever for a few days. When something is slightly off with my boy, my instinct is to rush him to the emergency room and prepare to donate my kidney to save his life. Fred's is to wait until he's in a coma for a week before calling the pediatrician. Between the two of us this evens out to somewhat normal parenting.

Oh, and then a week in LA, ending with a most delicious Thanksgiving dinner prepared by my father-in-law. A few years back I would've bemoaned over why Fred didn't seem to receive any of his father's talents in this area. And I would've been wrong, dead wrong. Turns out, Fred is actually quite an excellent cook. Good thing I kept my bemoaning to myself.

Between all of my running around and obsessing, Fred has managed to put some great meals on our table. He's becoming a better and better cook, surpassing my talents on more than one recipe. My omelette's aren't quite as pretty. His Apple Chicken with Cous Cous manages to be savory, unlike mine which was cloyingly sweet. I think it has to do with the fact that he follows recipes while I think it's dandy to add the entire can of apple juice to the broth. But who really knows.

This is what a typical week looks like. I excluded Wednesday because we ordered in. On Friday we had a frozen pizza and salad. Don't knock it. These are quite good. And only $5 at the Food Coop. Fred likes the olives and mushrooms, I'm partial to the spinach.

I've done this before but I'm always curious about what others are eating, so maybe you are too. If not, then you have a lousy future as a stalker.

Sunday-Parmesan Crusted Polenta with Sausage Ragu
I loved the ragu. Not so crazy about the polenta. I think I prefer polenta creamy and soft. Did that sound dirty?


Monday-Tofu Teriyaki, Sushi Rice and Spinach and Garlic.
He buys the tofu ready-made, but his sushi rice is gooey good and the spinach is loaded with crispy garlic bits.


Tuesday-White Bean & Kale Stew
Cheap, easy and delicious. Much like yours truly.


Thursday-Chicken Makhani, Basmati Rice with Peas and Fried Onions, Curried Kale
If I die, please bury me in this makhani sauce.


Saturday-Spaghetti with Sausage Ragu (leftover from Monday), Salad
I love it when we take leftovers and what's in our fridge and cupboards and make it all into another meal. I feel like I'm giving it to "The Man." Take that, Man, with your grocery stores and flat screen tv's!