Me, Myself, and You

Hello to ANYONE reading this! It’s a great night to have a fire pit if you have one, or to simply sit outside. If you’ve already had your daily drive then I’m sure you’ve had some awesome sights. Jake and I just came back from our 934835487 millionth drive! (I’m highly exaggerating, but it sometimes feels like I’m not) We saw people young and old, women, men, dogs, and kids of all ages. Bikes, scooters, skateboards – you name it, we probably saw it. Not just tonight, but all the other evenings. It’s a good sign- people are moving on and living their lives even if it’s upside down. Good for you!

“Bucket List” is the in the blog title. To me, it gets me thinking when all this is over (which I have really high hopes it will be soon) all the things I want to do. I’ve had some WAY before this pandemic even started – I’m talking about 10 or more years!

Here’s my Bucket List-

Swim with the sharks. OK, that really has always been there I think since Shark Week came out. I’m laughing just thinking about the sentence because *NERD ALERT*. I really, and truly think sharks are fascinating and fight me on this, but the ocean is their home. Now, in order to do this, I would have to be in a cage. No if’s and’s or but’s about it. Love ya sharkies, but NOPE.

Skydiving. Yep a huge risk. Really scary. Makes my heart beat way too fast just thinking about it. However- It would be SO cool. My sister went and she turned out fine and lived. (Thank you Jesus).

Go to Australia. Why there? I can’t tell you exactly why but, I’ve wanted to go for a LONG time. The plane ride is I believe 18 hours which that alone is crazy. I’ve seen so many beautiful pictures. One day, one day.

Create my own company. Whether it be writing, cooking, teaching, I want something to be mine. My goal- make others happy! Reading makes me happy, cooking makes me SO happy, and anything that I can put out there to make anyone else happy- SUCCESS! Mission accomplished.

Last one, even though I have a million. Make people laugh. If I could go on Saturday Night Live- sign me up! That’s a long shot. But, maybe one day. If it isn’t SNL, it could be something else. We will see. Our future is like a book you just started reading- you don’t know the ending. I hope to brighten anyone’s day even if it doesn’t mean being on my favorite Saturday night show.

Ending this all, I want to hear your bucket lists! This is just a few of mine. I can go on and on, but, I have to eat dinner. I’m partially kidding but not really. 🤷‍♀️

I encourage you to think of what your bucket list consists of. DO it. If not now, save it for later. You’ve got time!

Stay healthy, stay safe, and if possible, stay home.

With love,

Abby

Hey, hello, and hi! It’s Tuesday if anyone needs a reminder. I know I did. It feels like any other day to me! All jokes aside, this “I don’t know what day it is” is literally getting confusing…and annoying! I miss the daily routine, knowing what day I’m waking up to, and working. I tried doing those Tik Tok dances, on top of learning new dances on YouTube (yikes). I strained my chest muscles, and as you know, tightness of the chest is a symptom of this stupid virus (eye roll). If it was due to Tik Tok, ask me how I managed to even do that, I do not know… and am I embarrassed by it? Abso-freaking-lutely. I will say, if it isn’t due to that, worrying is my actual first best guess. Stress and/or anxiety can take a huge toll on anyone. If going through any worrisome affects, I recommend drinking warm to hot water. It helps me, hopefully it might help you! Side note- Even without exercising, your chest can get heavy, tight, and painful when dealing with anxiety. Don’t panic. Take it easy, take your mind off of everything and don’t look at social media for a bit- seriously.

So, why is my blog post relating to a car? I know, we don’t have anywhere to really go… besides car rides, well and walks of course!

During the last month while on our rides I have noticed SO many waves. Was it ever like this? I honestly can’t answer that because I never paid that much attention. That is one thing I can take from the virus- pay attention, and be grateful. I can say people are more friendly. I think now people are wanting interaction, and beyond that, they are nicer, and deep down in my personal thoughts- they want you to know you aren’t alone. Another thing- If you’re walking on the street and all the sudden the person walking in front of you switches sides, no offence… it is the new normal for now. Thank you for that. We are looking out for one another.

Jake and I go on a drive almost every evening. It’s to get out of our house. We usually go through local neighborhoods or through the Plaza (because, what else is there to do!?) everyone waves. I know many people think, isn’t that what is normal? Maybe. In the car, no one has to acknowledge anyone. Just keep walking, just keep driving, Everyone feels they need each other and that wave or smile… well, it makes you feel like we are in this all together. Yesterday we were on a drive and there was a yard sign saying someone turned 44. We honked and it just so happened, the man was outside and he gave a big smile and waved. We were so happy to make even a little bit of that man’s birthday hopefully somewhat great.

I know a lot of people are going on these drives. It’s something to do. It’s getting out of the house. It’s seeing the REAL WORLD. Every honk (and no not the aggressive ones, the ones where they actually tell you to honk. Read above), every wave, smile… we need that. It brings just that little bit of light that you might just need.

H.O.N.K.- Happy, Optimistic, Nurturing, Kind.

Next time you are in your car, look for those who may need just that honk (don’t be scary about it 😉 ) or wave, or smile – do your very best to put their mind at ease, and put a huge smile on their faces. You never really know how that act of kindness can change their world, if even for one day.

To anyone reading this, stay healthy, stay safe, and if possible, stay home.

With all of my love,

Abby

Happy Easter!!! I hope you all are enjoying your Sunday. It’s probably a unique one. It’s a Sunday that we aren’t spending with family and we didn’t attend where we normally worship. Instead, we worshiped at home. Most of us did NOT get a visit from the Easter bunny. We didn’t get the gifts from him or her, but we’ll get those baskets soon (Mom, Dad, Jake- I’m directing this at you. Just saying.). I’m 30 and am still missing that basket. Not because I wanted the candy and sweet treats (ok, maybe I did), but because of the fond memories. Since the time I can remember, my parents made amazing Easter baskets, and hid them all over the house. My sisters and I would try to find them. Each were filled with most of the same stuff, but some were different. My parents went off of what we all liked. They would have those plastic Easter eggs leading us down the stairs. It was almost like Christmas! Even as we got older it is still a magical tradition that has carried on for a long, long time.

My sister, Kerry, got to experience her son’s first Easter. I have pictures, it was adorable! It was something that my parents did for us growing up and I’m happy she carried it on. Shout out to DOMIE, happy first Easter handsome boy!

Today, I woke up, got into my Easter dress (which by the way, was the same dress that I wore 7 months ago to our welcoming dinner for everyone that came to our wedding in Florida) I put on make up, did my hair, and was ready for church. Call me crazy but it was actually really great for my mind’s health. I didn’t think once about everything that is going on. I kept to what I would do if my family and I were going to church. Normalcy is what I keep on trying to do, and I did… TODAY.

Jake and I had a really good late lunch/early dinner. It consisted of smoked Turkey, stuffing, and scalloped potatoes. Recipes? I don’t have any! Why? Because besides the turkey and gravy, it was all boxed (Insert laughing face here). We sat at our kitchen table, prayed, and ate as if everything was normal even though BOTH were missing our families. We surely did not think our first Easter being married would look like this. But..It did. Let’s roll with the punches, and know that next year it won’t be just him and I. It’ll be with FAMILY.

Ending this whole blog/rambling session- Keep on. Do everything that you normally would! It doesn’t have to be everyday because we all know we have THOSE days when we are sad, anxious, or even lazy. It felt SO good to be in a dress today. Those small things can help believe it or not. We will get through this. Until then, KEEP ON.

Happy Easter to you and your family! If it was a hard day for you, I get it and know that we will ALL be celebrating everything we may have missed with our family, REALLY soon!

With all of the love,

Abby

Happy FRIDAY! As we all know, some aren’t working for the time being (me being one of those people). Some are working from home (husband). Some are out there continuing on with their daily routine. Thank you to all of the essential workers! I commend you immensely and I think we all know who those people are. With that said, Friday now means something different for everyone. I hope that whatever your current situation is, you find some day of the week to be happy and excited about. Friday was always a good day for me, so I’m keeping to it!

With what we are currently faced with, we are looking for simple recipes and plans that require minimal trips to the store. Today got me to thinking that I have a REALLY good recipe for you. Not only is it delicious, it is easy, has just a few ingredients that you probably already have (always a plus), and something that you could really take your own spin on. The recipe I’m talking about is ***drum roll please*** QUESADILLAS! With a twist!

I LOVE quesadillas and tacos. Why not put them together?! Perfect marriage.

Moving along to the recipe and why I love it, and why it goes a LONG way! Ground beef, taco seasoning, shredded cheese, tortillas. That is it. If you have salsa, guacamole, sour cream or Greek yogurt (Side note, Greek yogurt taste just like sour cream to me, but to my sisters, not so much. It’s personal preferences so do YOU!) that is even better! But I can tell you, if you don’t have those condiments, it’s still REALLY good.

Let’s get down to it. Brown your meat. I use ground beef. If you’re buying in bulk, you can freeze the rest and make burgers or meatballs later. You can use ground turkey, ground or pulled pork, chicken, steak, tofu, ground mushrooms, or all veggies- again, it’s all on you, what you like, and/or have leftover from previous meals. Once your meat is browned, add the taco seasoning. If you don’t have a packet on hand and your next grocery trip isn’t for awhile here’s what I like if I’m in a pinch- Cumin, paprika, chili powder, ground onion and garlic, cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes.) Drain any fat that you might have. Soggy quesadillas is a no no. After that add a little water to it, 1/4th of a cup perhaps. It all depends on how much meat (or veggies) you have in your pan. Let it all simmer 10-15 minutes. You want the constancy of what you would put in an actual taco. Thick, not runny. Take the meat out of the pan and set aside. Spray the bottom of the pan with non-stick spray and put one tortilla down. Add a layer of cheese and the meat/veggie mixture you just made. Top it with the other tortilla, spray it or brush it with olive oil or any oil on hand, flip, and you are done. Two minutes per side but don’t quote me on that! I have been cooking them on medium heat, and all stoves are different. I go by what the tortilla looks like- I personally like a little brownness. I let it cool for a bit, cut it, and serve.

Not only have we had this two times within the last two weeks, we probably will be having it again soon within the next few days! Some things I’ve taken away from stay at home orders, is that tortillas can be your best friend. Example- the recipe up above, tacos, wraps, nachos, oven baked chips, and even dessert. Bake, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar… YUM.

As always, if you have questions, if you make this, if you add some sort of spin to your taco quesadilla, comment through words or a picture of your masterpiece!

Hope you all are as always- staying healthy, safe, and home if possible.

With love,

Abby

Hi to everyone! It is Palm Sunday. This might have been a day of gathering with your family. It also was probably involving going to your place of worship and not watching the service on your TV. It is what is is, and I’m thankful for gathering at home to pray. On a normal Palm Sunday my family would have gone to 11:00 sermon, and came back to my parents house for a huge brunch. I’m missing that! When this is over, we’re going to have a huge PARTY!

Sunday was supposed to be my blog menu, but we’re putting that on hold. Get to your grocery store, stock up, use stuff you already have, get stuff you wouldn’t ever have for dinner (mac and cheese for example. I got a few boxes!) Just try for the next two weeks to stay home. We are either going to have to climb a mountain, or climb a hill. Let’s hope for the hill! Ant hill. Tiny, TINY, ant hill.

In this post I really want to talk about anxiety. It’s not a fun topic. But it IS something that a LOT are dealing with. Now more than ever. In my case, I’ve been going through it for years. Today, I had the worst of it. I think it’s because this is going on and on and ON. Also, battling anxiety, some days are harder than others. I think it’s important to keep up with the news or even news that is posted online. You have to be in the know! What I can only say that makes me, and hopefully you feel better, is that we ALL are going through this together. At night when I’m trying to fall asleep, that alone makes me sometimes feel comforted. Not counting sheep or bunnies! (If you read my post previously, you get it.)

This is another short post, but I really hope that all of you reading this that are dealing with anxiety, keep calm. It’s HARD. I know. But know that we ALL are going through this panic and unknown together. I tell myself, and yes- to answer your question… I DO talk to myself, it will be okay.

Closing this, trust in God, pray, and rely on him to help with anxious thoughts. I want to just please ask you all to stay home. It is crucial and critical right now. I hope you are staying healthy, safe, and… you know it. HOME.

With all the love,

Abby

Hello to you! And you, and you, and you, and you! (I hope I have that many people reading, if not, well…kind of awkward.) Carrying on. It’s Wednesday if ANYONE needs a reminder. I know I do. In fact, I did a check on my phone to make sure it was, in fact WEDNESDAY. It’s also April (Thank you, Jesus). Was March not the longest month ever? To me, it lasted forever and a day. I wish this whole thing was an April fools joke, it’s not, but would be pretty great if it was. It would be RAD. I’ve always wanted to use that word somehow, and it definitely wouldn’t be spoken out loud, but typing is fine, I think?

Before we see flowers- Lets talk about those April fools jokes! Some are pretty funny. We NEED funny. Make those jokes! Trick someone for that minute. Be fun! Flip side- Some aren’t that funny. You’ve probably seen or have been apart of the most common one. “I’m pregnant”. It’s one of the worst. It is a HUGE moment. Life changing moment. Smile ear to ear moment! Without getting too far into this, some are struggling, and some may have just lost their baby. You honestly, really never know. Come up with something else! There’s lots out there! Tell me some of your April fools jokes.

Let’s keep it moving! Let’s see some flowers!

As they say, April showers brings May flowers. (April, that is a quote. Don’t bring a lot of showers. Some to keep those flowers kicking, but we all need to go on walks, runs, and whatever requires being outside and not around people. Please and thank you.)

Get out there and either do some gardening, or take some time to look around at all the flowers blooming and popping up. Some of us have the time for it! If you don’t, I hope just those pictures might bring some light to you. It might also spark some interest, or it simply just make you happy for the time being. I am ALL for that! The pictures that are above made me happy just seeing the colors and bright blue skies.

Ending this with- Happy APRIL (finally), hope you all are staying healthy, I hope you’re safe, I hope you are home. Let’s end this so we can finally go back to normal life.

With love,

Abby

Hey you guys! Happy Sunday! Birds are chirping, the sun is out, it is warm, it’s beautiful. I’m thankful for that. We just got back from a nice long walk, saw some social distancing going on in some driveways which is a GREAT thing, and thank you to anyone practicing it. Little things that we can do will go a long way!

Let’s talk meal planning. Typically on a Sunday, I look in the refrigerator, pantry, and freezer and think of what needs to be used up. What makes the most sense to make for each day. For example, if I know I will have a longer day at work, I might go with something that takes under 30 minutes to make, or chose a freezer meal from our favorite spot, Trader Joe’s. I seriously LOVE that place! I’ll whip up an easy side to go with it. If I know that I will be home early, or Jake will be home early, I might go with something that takes a bit more time and effort. In general, I see what we have in stock so that we are not buying something we already have. Or, in some cases, what we need to put ON our grocery list. The items that we use SO often- such as garlic, onions, shredded cheese and so on. Those are just a few examples. I look for inspiration, and what sounds good!

This Sunday as we all know, is a little different. In times like these though, I do believe that we should keep to our normal routines even though not much is normal anymore. It helps us keep going, and keep our minds healthy. Go on as if it were just a typical week ahead- even though we know it’s not. There’s some articles, and also some talk about trying to limit your trips to the grocery store to once a week or less, if possible. I admit, we’ve not been able to keep up with that BUT we are making it a goal. So, with that being said, I raided our kitchen and here is our meal plan that will be from tomorrow until Thursday. Friday and Saturday, we’ll get creative or support a local restaurant! – Carry out, of course.

Monday- Grilled shrimp + garlic sauteed spinach + roasted carrots. ( Garlic spinach is my newest side dish obsession. It’s delicious and so easy) Mondays we have always kept it light, healthy, and simple. Keeping with the norm!

Tuesday- Pulled pork quesadillas. Today we are smoking the meat, so we will have plenty of leftovers. Why not just throw it between two tortillas?! You could easily put any kind of ground or shredded meat and mix it with some cheese. You could also just saute some peppers and onions (or any combination of veggies) and call it a day. Turn it into a taco if you’re low on tortillas or for the simple fact, that tacos are awesome. It will be y-u-m-m-y! AND, super easy and fast!

Wednesday- Veggie stir fry FROZEN meal from, you guessed it, Trader Joe’s. It’s on the healthier side of frozen food, and it is very tasty. We had it a few weeks ago and it’s become one of our favorite go to meals. If you don’t have this already, and don’t feel the need to venture out (or, you’ve already done your venturing out for the week) – you could stir fry almost any vegetable, any kind of protein, add some soy sauce, some garlic, ginger if you have it (ground or fresh) and easily, make it your own. I’m adding it with some brown rice, and to that adding frozen peas. Sprinkling it at the end with green onions.

Thursday- Grilled chicken + baby spinach salad. You can use any type of dressing – olive oil and vinegar, peppercorn ranch, thousand island, Green Goddess, or simple red wine vinegar. My salad toppings usually just consist of shredded or grated cheese, red onions, chopped carrots, sunflower seeds (if I have them), and tomatoes.

If I would have thought of this months ago, I could have given you much more creative recipes, and given you directions- however, most of this is all self explanatory. IF you do have any questions, comment! I’ll answer. If you make any of these things, comment with a picture! Times WILL be changing, and we’ll get more adventurous and fun!

Until then, HAPPY COOKING! Have a wonderful rest of the day, an uplifting week, and STAY HEALTHY, SAFE, AND HOME!

With love,

Abby

Good morning! By the time I finish writing this it will be afternoon, so good afternoon, as well! Hope everyone is doing fantastic. This blog might be short because where I am at, the sun is fully shining, and it’s perfect weather! It’s calling everyone’s name to get out. Walk, run, sit in your back yard, play some catch, basketball if you have a hoop, grill, enjoy the shine and light. If the sun could talk, I envision it saying “get on out here you crazies!” Settle down and take a chill pill is what I say back. You know you might be going slightly nuts when you are talking to something that doesn’t even talk or have a brain. It’s neither here or there, whatever. With that being said, rest assured, we will be kicking it outside, under the sun, taking up all the vitamin D in no time. Basically that means, when I finish this.

Dinner parties, have always been a thing. I LOVE them. I actually love everything to do with food, cooking, eating, and the whole experience of it all. It stems back to childhood memories of sitting down at a table to eat with my family. Celebrations that we can call parties, all were fun, lively, entertaining, and yummy. I love the feeling of being surrounded by people that I enjoy, while eating scrumptious food. What could be better? This is the ONLY time I will not ask you to comment below.

Let’s play a game. Three guest at your dinner! You can only chose that amount of people. Besides family and friends, who would you chose? After awhile of thinking about it, my guests are: Lucille Ball, Barack Obama, and Kristen Wiig.

Lucille Ball is an icon. She is out of this world hilarious. She was the definition of a boss lady. Her input on the show “I Love Lucy”, was almost 100 percent. She worked as the director, producer, editor, manager, and made the show what it was, and what it remains to be- BRILLIANT. Although she has passed on, her legacy, her humor, will always be remembered and carried on. Side note, her work IS getting me through some sleepless nights. If I could see her at a dinner a month from now, I would say thank you, and give a huge air hug. Or, hopefully, full on contact to contact bear hug.

Barack Obama. I will not go into politics here because my whole point of this blog was for people to relate and be happy. One thing I will say and you can disagree, in my opinion, he was a heck of a president. That is all I will say regarding to anything political. I want to talk about him as a person and what I learned from him through watching. He is a family man. Although I do not know him, sometimes you can just tell through actions. He loves his wife, his children, and life in general. His smile alone could light up a room. I consider him a class act. He is highly intelligent, AND for a little bonus or for a cherry on top, he dances and sings! 🙂

Kristen Wiig- Just saying, or typing her name, can make you laugh. If you have not noticed, I thoroughly enjoy people that can make others smile, laugh, and make days or nights brighter. She is known for her Saturday Night Live career, but now is seen in movies. She just insanely talented! I can almost say, I thrive to be her. Is that too much?

Dinner with these three? YES PLEASE! They are all inspirations to me. They have all impacted me in some major ways. Call me crazy, but if you can make me laugh and turn that frown upside down, you have already impacted me in the most smallest way, but biggest way as well. Does that make sense? if not, well, read it again. Or don’t. Just go on being confused. I would love to be a part of the comedy of it all at that particular dinner. The things that I would learn from all three…that is truly inciting. To be with them during times like these, that would be wildly comforting. I would have SO many questions. I imagine Lucille and Kristen making jokes, being silly. Meanwhile Barack is trying to talk more about serious issues, but in the end, gives up, and they all laugh until their face hurts. Perfect dinner party.

Keys to really good dinner parties? In my opinion, good food, good company, good laughter, and good presence.

If you have time, I would love to know your three dinner guests! Comment people! I’m learning about myself through writing, and I would love to learn about you through reading.

Enjoy today! Get out there. Stay safe, stay healthy, and MUCH love,

Abby

Coming at you from… my home! It is me, Abby, again. Stir crazy and cabin fever may have set in and just might be in full swing, but, a quote I saw today on social media was basically stating that instead of saying “stuck at home”, say “safe at home”. I like that, I dig it, and I am down with it. Nicer words, better energy, and a more positive train of thought, and totally makes sense. ALL for it, peeps! (“peeps” is short for people by the way. If I hadn’t just channeled my mind into being “safe at home” who knows what that last word might have been ;)!) I. Am. KIDDING. I want each and everyone of you safe at home, and there is absolutely no joke about that.

Let’s move on. So, I was in my kitchen cooking dinner which tonight, was french onion soup. It turned out AWESOME if anyone is curious (comment below if you want the recipe) . Meanwhile, my sisters and I are group texting. My sister, Kerry, asked what each of us were doing. My sister, Maggie, had responded with “I just got done with giving Jake (her husband) a haircut!!!!” (all of those exclamation marks WERE in fact in the text by the way.) It got me to thinking, first and foremost – OH CRAP! Then, I thought – hey that is a great blog post idea. My husband literally not too long ago, asked me to shave some of his neck hair. Before you say ewww, it was the part that grows a little down from where your normal hairline stops. I was hesitant at first, but I did do it. I did it well, or at least I would like to believe. He had no complaints sooooo…? Anyway, it got me to thinking, since most salons and barbers are closed, your boyfriend or husband might ask you to be their stylist. In my recent blog, I had mentioned, you might just find your hobby out of this whole stay at home order. You MIGHT find your calling! Why not say “Yes, honey!”. Or, like, “Ok.” That is fine (and more realistic, too.) My sister had then texted saying she told him “hair grows back.” While that is NOT the most comforting thing to hear, it is true. In these times where things are shut down, we can learn. That does not mean that my husband will be cutting my hair anytime soon, but for anyone out there that needs a really good hair cut, a color, highlight, or a blow-out, maybe trust the one you are currently being held captive with. I mainly wrote this about men’s haircuts but that is because women can grow out their hair. They can get away with not having a trim for a few months, and if a grey hair spikes through, cut it. Hey, all gone! I also saw a meme on social media about how we all will now see peoples real hair colors being reveled. It is funny, and it gave me a laugh. However, maybe it’s not so bad? At the end of the day, we are who we are, and we’re beautiful. At the end of this, we all are going to love SO hard. It won’t matter if your hair is long, grey, blonde, brown, black, red! (If it is like, purple or blue, that is not natural, and we’ll know if you have been up to something. Even still, you’re gorg, but might have some questions.)

To all the salons, and stylists out there that are going through a hard time being closed, or not having many clients as of now – I’m sorry, and I DO believe, the second this world gets better, you’re going to be booming. Thank you for your services and obviously, we need you. We will need you even more when we’re all out in public and looking like that cat up above. YIKES.

Keeping this blog short, ’cause one – there isn’t more I can think of, and two – it’s Friday which could mean it’s Monday, we have no clue sometimes (or, ALL the time) However, if you are confused, it in fact is Friday. I’m going to go have a glass of wine, hang with the man of the household, and maybe find some cool show on Netflix to start binging. Or, just watch a really good movie.

To those that are asked to cut their loved one’s hair, do it, go for it, and good luck! To the receivers’ of that, I’m mostly sorry… but, like my sister said, it grows back. You’ll be charming no matter what, and the experience might just be something that you will look back and laugh at. If you don’t, well…yeah again, sorry.

As always, and with as much love,

Abby