Sing Your Song

"Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."--Unknown

Photo source: http://www.123rf.com/photo_4015410_wild-bird-sitting-on-the-branches-of-trees-in-the-forest.html

VIOLENCE AND CARNAGE

For optimum communication, choose your words wisely.

Did the title of this post grab your attention? If so, my theory is working already.

I was talking to someone near-and-dear to me the other day--a fantastic lady with a good sense of humor--and she shared with me a very powerful insight in regards to communicating with men.

According to this person (who has 22 years of marital experience under her belt k"eh), men listen to the first word, and maybe the second of anything you say, to determine if they want to listen to the rest, judging by that word.
It's like a subconscious thing; if you don't grab their attention, they just zone out. (As is evidenced by the generally-true stereotype of a female asking a male "Did you listen to anything I just said?")

I suggested starting every sentence with the words "VIOLENCE AND CARNAGE!"
For example: "VIOLENCE AND CARNAGE I need to pick up some milk later."

It's worth a try at any rate, right?

Hobbits 101

My husband hasn't really seen Lord of the Rings*. He was asking me about it again tonight, after reminding me that I still haven't borrowed it from my little bro to watch.

Him: What's so cool about hobbits?

Me: Nothing really--that why it was so cool and inspiring. There was this evil ring they had to take to a place called Mordor to destroy it in the fires there. So, they had this meeting with all these guys who were tough and leaders and stuff, and they were all like "I'm not taking it; it's not my responsibility." And then Frodo, this little guy who's pretty much a nobody, stands up and says "I will take the ring." And all the other guys get quiet and look at him. And they're like, "Well, if he can take it, then I can go too. I can protect him." That's how they got the group together that took the ring. But it was really cool because Frodo wanted to take the ring even though he was just this little hobbit, because it was the right thing to do.

Him: Wow. So, it's like an ewok, basically? Not as cool as an ewok, probably.



*Don't worry; we're working on that. I HAVE to see the Hobbit in theaters. O_O



Photo source: http://krushworth.wordpress.com/2010/11/08/why-are-we-fascinated-with-evil-in-fantasy-books/

Two Monthiversary

Yesterday, marked the 2nd month that my husband and I have been married. It's absolutely incredible to me that it's only been two months; so much has happened. It already feels like so much longer.
There are a few important things, I think, to know about being a long-term relationship (not that I'm at all an expert; after all, it's only been two months. ;) Still, I have a few insights.).

1) Never, ever compare your relation to that of some other couple. 

First of all, every person is an individual, and it's not healthy to compare one person to another; we were all created to be a different part of a whole picture.
Just the same if not more so, relationships are individual too. It's not healthy to measure your relationship's success by another relationship.
Also, you have to know that EVERY RELATIONSHIP HAS ITS CONS. Sure, some couples seem to have the most romantic moments in the history of ever, but that doesn't mean they don't have their problems too. Some people are just really good at looking perfect, and hiding their issues from the public eye.
Every relationship has its difficulties--and that's beautiful. If we didn't have those little things we're constantly at odds with, we wouldn't be afforded the growth they offer from their constant pressing and grating. Be glad for your unique relationship, and love it just the way it is. Love its quirky little difficult things too, because those are unique for you and your significant other, and they are what help the two of you to grow together.

2) Have a sense of humor.

Fortunately, this is generally pretty easy for me. If I had to choose a movie genre for my life, I'd undoubtedly choose comedy (maybe comedy-romance, if I'm feeling mushy). But nonetheless, what with the day in and day out of being in a constant relationship, it's easy to get caught up in the little things. And if you focus on those little things, focus on the "point of the matter," it can block your vision of seeing the light, joy, and funniness inherent in the breath of life we've been given. I can have my emotional moments (I am a girl, after all). But now that I try to remember not to take the little things so seriously, to see the big picture--my relationship is much stronger, and life in general is much more rich. Find something to laugh about in every would-be-difficult situation (or if you can't find something, MAKE something to laugh about), and things will suddenly seem much lighter and less scary and intense.
(Note: I am NOT advocating ignoring important issues, or making light of serious problems. That's something else all together.)

3) Remember that the other person doesn't have all the answers.

Sure, you're in a relationship and it's got its scary moments. I mean, I went from being a 19 year old girl living at home, to being a housewife. The instant you get that ring on your finger at the wedding ceremony, you don't immediately transform from you to You the Perfect Wife and Adult. You're still the same you, but it a huge role you've never had before.
Before, when I felt overwhelmed or scared, I knew my parents were there watching out for me and taking care of me. Now, I'm half of a whole. It's really easy to expect the other person to be perfect, and make everything perfect and easy. And it's probably even easier to get upset at them when they don't.
Remember: Your spouse is in the same or very nearly the same boat as you. Do you think he feels any different? Do you think he's never uncertain or doesn't know what to do? You're both just people, on a journey through life. Life is huge and uncertain--and often as scary as it is wonderful.
Be there for each other, and never forget just how scared or inexperienced the other person might be too.
When you remember that you're a team on the same page of your story in life--a duo of fresh-faced new explorers of this thing we call Life--it helps you bond and feel connected.

4) "I love you" isn't just something you say; it's something you LIVE.

It's vitally important to verbally declare your love for your significant other--but that's not the start and end of expressing love to your SO. Actions matter. Does that mean fireworks over the lake every evening, rose petals on the bed sheets, and a catered breakfast in bed, complete with a love sonnet played by some fancy guitarist? No. Those things are nice, sure (and they definitely are welcomed!)--but more important are the things that seem more mundane and boring.
Like making sure those bed sheets, albeit un-strewn with rose petals, are clean so that your spouse can sleep better. Or--forget the music and catering--make your spouse has breakfast (even if you have to cook it yourself), or pack your spouse lunch. (A hungry tummy is not a happy tummy.)
I'd even go so far as to say that love is those little--or big--things you do just to benefit your spouse, like taking out the trash when it's cold outside and your hands are full, without being asked. (Yes, tribute to my husband there. What a guy!) Hey, who knew taking out the trash could be so romantic and special?
Those little mundane tasks mean the most. When you take care of each other, not only do you show your love to each other, but that love grows stronger.

I am so grateful and glad to be celebrating my second month of growth and adventure with my wonderful husband.

k'eh

Sing the Rizzo Song...

My husband, who manages to be one of the sweetest guys on earth while still being totally a guy and not mushy, has totally humored the fact that I am a Muppets fan. I mean I am, like, obsessed with the Muppets.
(Actually, now he likes to have me put the Muppets in for us to watch together at night. He had his secular days in the past, and now he tries only to watch what he defines as "wholesome." It's perfect that he married me, then, because he often walks in on me watching Arthur or My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic*. He approves.)
He's decided, after Muppets from Space (our first Muppet movie together, which is actually one of the least Muppety movies, in my opinion) that his favorite character is Rizzo. He's really into Rizzo.
Honestly, I think he connects with Rizzo because Rizzo is the slick rat with a New York accent. Works for me; Gonzo is Rizzo's best friend, and Gonzo is both my favorite Muppet and the one I identify with most. Good team if I do say so myself. ;)
Anyway, he's really been into this song lately, so I found it on Youtube (he keeps asking me to sing it, and I definitely don't have the same swag that Rizzo does).

*Look, I didn't mean to get hooked on it, okay? A guy I know became addicted to it, so I decided to see what he was so into (all the better to tease him with). It turns out it's intensely pleasant, incredibly upbeat, surprisingly funny at times, and really addictive. Also, it has nice moral lessons to learn from each episode, which I've always been a sucker for. ^_^ 

Beauty Within

Last night, I was having one of those girly, hormonal "I feel so ugly and fat!" moments that we all just love.
I gave my husband a hug and told him how I was feeling.
He listened quietly, then after a few moments, he slowly and calmly said,
"Well, you're very special. And you're very beautiful, on the outside...But most importantly...On the INSIDE."

Like a sign outside of a renovated house that I walked past once said, "I'm gorgeous inside!", we are all beautiful within. We just have to find that beauty in ourselves (and on some nights, we might have to dig deep through insecurities and doubt). It helps to understand that these are just feelings. Feelings do not always mean truths. Recognize that you are "feeling" and certain way; don't believe that you "are" a certain way just because you feel so. Know that, even though you currently don't feel like it, you are so beautiful in so many ways, especially deep down.
And sometimes, we are blessed enough to have someone who easily finds that beauty deep within us.

Chicken Noodle Tomato Soup with Matzo Balls+1 More

These are some dishes I made weeks ago, but haven't gotten around to blogging about until now (oops!).
I made these for a meal on a Friday night.

Pasta Salad

For the pasta salad I made, I started with cooked and cooled bow tie pasta, in a 9x17 in. pan.

I added halved cherry tomatoes, some cut up cucumber, rinsed garbanzo beans, and a little bit of sliced avocado.









It's healthy and simple, and has a subtle enough flavor to make it the perfect side dish.

Chicken Noodle Tomato Soup with Matzo Balls

This soup turned out REALLY hearty and filling; I made the mistake of serving my husband a huge bowlful. He hates to waste food, so he ate it all--but towards the bottom of the bowl, his spoon was slow and his face was heavy. We both cheered when he finished it. 

• Frozen chicken drumsticks and wing tips, 4-5 pieces
• Matzo ball mix (including eggs and oil)
• Pasta noodles, 1/3-1/2 the box (I think I used Rotini) 
• About a cup of frozen peppers and onions, cut into strips
• Two boxes of tomato soup
• Pepper and oregano

I can't honestly tell you how many people this will serve; for just the two of us, we had left overs that I froze so we could keep eating it later. I'd guess it serves maybe four or five people, but adjust the amount of everything you put in for how much you think you'll need.




First, boil the chicken. (I used frozen drumsticks and wings, because that's what I had.)
While the chicken is bowling, start another pot of water on the stove to boil for the noodles.








While you're waiting on your chicken, mix the matzo balls. If you get a package of matzo ball mix, it should have the directions on the back. After you mix the matzo ball mix, it must be refrigerated for about 15 minutes.

Saute some peppers and onions (I used a frozen mix sold at BJ's).










Boil and drain your noodles.

Once your chicken has boiled and cooked through, turn the burner off and remove it from the pot. Remove the chicken from the bones. Set the chicken aside. Feel free to put the bones back into the pot, to add to the chicken flavor of the water.

If you're ready, go ahead and add the matzo balls to the pot you boiled your chicken in, so that they can cook. Otherwise, don't get rid of the water just yet (so you can use it for the matzo balls later).







Personally, I wasn't serving my soup immediately, so I put all the ingredients into a storage bowl.

When you're ready to serve your soup, place the soup contents (chicken, noodles, onions and peppers, matzo balls) into the main pot you'll be using. Pour the two boxes of tomato soup over the top.

Add a decent amount of both pepper and oregano to the soup. Heat it up (be careful not to turn it up too high, or it could burn) and serve!

Easy and Tasty Apple Cobbler

When I have over-ripe bananas, I make banana bread. Recently, I had some apples that were bruised and getting a tiny bit soft, so I made an apple cobbler. 

Apple Cobbler

6-8 medium-small red apples
Sugar
Cinnamon

Streusel Crumb Topping: 

3 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. oil
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder


Peel, seed, and cube the apples; place them in a 9x9 inch pan. Pour in a decent amount of sugar; I didn't actually measure, but maybe 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups. Sprinkle the top of the apples with cinnamon.

Next, make the streusel crumbs in a bowl. Place all the ingredients in the bowl; mix with your fingers until crumbs form. (I got this recipe for streusel crumb topping from a recipe in "Kosher By Design Entertains.")
Sprinkle all the crumbs over the tops of the cubed apples.

Bake in the oven at 350 degrees, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Voila! Super easy (and yummy!) apple cobbler.