“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans” ~ John Lennon

I have been so busy the past couple of months I haven't been able to post a proper entry. When I am this swamped it really feels like life is just passing me by and I don't get to enjoy it. I need to learn how to slow down.

In the past couple of months I have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal canal stenosis with scoliosis (my best friend has promised me a blnged out Hoveround should I need one), I accepted a job as a cake decorating instructor, I have been having cake demos to get people signed up for my classes, I have made a bunch of cakes for clients, I have been worrying about the different baking and cooking groups I belong to, and then Monday was told I have strep! Nice.

My doctor told me on Monday that I need to take it easy this week. She wants me lounging on the couch, watching bad tv, and taking naps. Sounds perfect except I haven't been able to do it. I just can't relax. It's like if I relax and take a nap I may miss something. I don't know what I would miss but I don't want to miss it...okay!

I am on some serious pain meds right now because of my back (and the strep throat. OUCH!) so I am not sure if this post is going to make much sense. I hope I don't come back to read it and I am discussing all of my deepest, darkest secrets...or worse I am discussing all of my friends deepest. darkest secrets! ***insert evil laugh***

What are your favorite ways to relax and take it easy? Do you have a way of slowing things down?

P.S. If you live in the Portland metro area and want to learn cake decorating let me know. I would love to give you all the info for the classes.

P.S.S. See P.S. above. I can't even write a blog post without working! ☺

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"

A couple of weeks ago I bought some massively huge apples at the farmer's market. We had a few left over that were starting to get soft so I decided I had to bake something with them. I didn't have enough time to make a pie so I decided on French Apple Cobbler.

What is French Apple Cobbler? It is apple cobbler with the addition of vanilla. Oooooh, fancy!! It turned out really well. Agnes and Sean almost ate the whole thing.

FRENCH APPLE COBBLER

Ingredients:

Apple Filling:
5 cups tart apples, peeled, sliced
3/4 cup sugar + I throw in a couple tablespoons of brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon butter, softened
Topping:
1/2 cup flour, sifted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 egg, slightly beaten
Preparation:

In a medium bowl, combine apples, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, vanilla and water. Turn into a lightly buttered 9-inch square pan. Dot apples with 1 tablespoon butter.
Combine all topping ingredients. Beat with wooden spoon until batter is smooth. Drop batter in 9 portions, over the apples, spacing evenly. Batter will spread during baking. Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 375° or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.


Okay, okay, I know I have been posting nice fattening recipes. I have been trying to keep up with my exercise but after the back surgery it has been really hard for me to get motivated again. I am so scared I am going to hurt myself again. I know Bikram would make my back feel so much better but I have a few pain killers left to help! :)

Anyway, an apple a day...right?

“Pain is weakness leaving the body” ~ Tom Sobal

I want the weakness gone!! I am so sick of being in chronic pain. I just need to get to Friday. Friday is the big day. I get to have back surgery. YAY. I won't be able to do yoga or anything else for about 4 weeks. I start physical therapy on the 3rd. I guess the sooner you do it the better it works.

It is crazy how pain can affect every part of your life. Physically and emotionally I am a mess. I have been the biggest bitch the past week because of the pain. I just want it gone. As of today I can't even think back to a time I haven't been in pain. Isn't that just sad?

Okay, enough of the pity party. Just a few more days and I will be back to my happy go lucky self!!