Processed Cheese

Okay, today I’m going in a slightly different direction as far as the Giving Thanks Project goes.  I was thinking about what I was thankful for today, and I realized it had to be…processed cheese.

 

 

Let me back up.  I don’t eat too much cheese these days, only a couple of times a week (okay, maybe that’s a lot?  but I want it MUCH more, so it doesn’t feel like a lot.)  Sometimes I like to make scrambled eggs with cheese.  I will add other stuff like spinach, mushrooms, garlic, onions, salsa, olives, whatever I have on hand.  The last time I made this, I used swiss cheese.  I really like swiss cheese, especially with turkey on a sandwich.  But it didn’t work in my scramble–it simply disappeared into the mix.  I felt the calories were totally wasted!  I couldn’t even tell there was cheese at all 🙁

I wanted that awesome MELT-i-ness in my egg scramble.  And I think, really, the only answer is to use a processed cheese.  I got some slices of processed cheddar cheese from the deli at the grocery store, and tada!  They are PERFECT for this.  So today for lunch I had eggs, spinach, mushroom, a slice of delicious processed cheddar cheese (not even sure  how that works but it melts like a dream and tastes great!), and for the added protein after a tough workout, a bit of tuna also.  It was absolutely delicious!  Thank you, PROCESSED CHEESE (click here for wiki entry to learn more about processed cheese versus real cheese).

 

The Masters! Chamber Project St. Louis

We’ve been rehearsing like mad men this week (yes, just like Don Draper 😉 ), and tonight’s the concert!  Tickets are $10 at the door and include two drinks.

Chamber Project St. Louis

Friday, November 5 at 8:00 pm

Location:  The Chapel

THE MASTERS
with guests
Megan Stout, harp
Valentina Takova, cello
Kyle Lombard, violin
Hannah Frey, violin

Serenade Op. 25 (1800)
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
flute, violin, viola

Introduction and Allegro (1907)
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
harp, flute, clarinet, string quartet

Clarinet Quintet in A Major (1789)
W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)
clarinet, string quartet

Fall is here!

Today I am thankful for the gorgeous fall weather.  The air is brisk, the sky is blue but cloudy, the trees are various shades of red, orange, and yellow, and I’m very comfortable outside in pants and a jacket.  This is my favorite time of year!

When I lived in Cleveland, that meant winter and SNOW was just around the corner.  Here the fall is not so ominous 🙂  I am just thinking about pumpkin spice lattes, turkey and stuffing, cute fall shoes, and running outside.  I’m so thankful fall is finally here!

Unmistakable landmark of my city!

Tough Wednesday

I’ve just finished my lunch, and I’m trying to think of something I’m thankful for.  Today is a tough day!

You know what: I’m thankful I was able to come home and eat lunch.  So many people in the world don’t have a refrigerator full of food–not just food, but fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy and meats!  I can make anything I want in the world for lunch (what I wanted was scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms), and I can afford to eat not only lunch.  So, that’s perspective for you.  I’m thankful I never have to worry about my next meal!  I am very lucky 🙂 My stomach is full and I feel good.

 

Election Day

Happy Election Day!

I did vote today–I think this was the second time in my life I voted in a midterm election.  The polling place is an easy two block walk from my house.  It was less hectic than last time (two years ago), and less exciting.  But that’s okay, I did my civic duty, right?  I even brought my sample ballot along with the answers marked down so I would know how to vote, very responsible of me!

I remember voting in 2004 in Cleveland–that was the year the voting places were completely overrun.  I was lucky and only had to wait in line (in a smelly, damp, very crowded hallway) for about 30 to 45 minutes before getting to vote.  Others had to wait for hours.  It was raining that day.

Today is very sunny, as was Election Day in 2008.  Hmm. I can’t recall 2006.  I remember it was cold.

I mention this all MAINLY because I’m sure most people are just sick and tired of the campaigning.  I know I am.  So much negativity all the time on the radio, tv, computers, etc.  So today, what I am thankful for is this:  the campaigning is over!  (for now).  THANK YOU!!  Of course, it’s bittersweet as I know tomorrow the word referendum will just be used over and over again…but nonetheless at least the campaigning is done.  So that is something to be thankful for 🙂

 

Thanks for November

In my kitty induced haze, I forgot to mention something I have thinking about recently.

It’s really easy for me to feel inadequate, to find people who are more successful in life (career and personal) than I am.  No matter what I accomplish, there is always somebody who accomplished it sooner, better, faster, and easier.

But I must remember, somebody else hasn’t accomplished it yet, and may never!  So it’s important to keep PERSPECTIVE–that my life is actually pretty darned awesome, and in reality there are very few things I would change.

I also have to continually remind myself that how somebody acts on the outside doesn’t necessarily reflect how they feel on the inside.

Where am I going with this?  Last year I recall a friend made a different facebook status each day about what they were thankful for.  I know it’s cliched and cheesy, but I want to do that this month.  I have so many things to be thankful for, and I need to remind myself of that!  (If you want to add something you are thankful for in the comments, please do!)  Plus I love Thanksgiving–it’s possibly my most favorite holiday.

*drools over Thanksgiving plate*

Today:  I am thankful for my cat, Oistrakh.  She is warm, fuzzy, squashy, and adorable.  Even though sometimes she bugs me for food or attention, she is always there for a snuggle!  Ever since we became a one-cat household she has lived up to the challenge and been a fantastic pet.  THANK YOU FAT FRIEND!

 

Gotta love the ability to sleep just about anywhere!