[x] Yesterday...

While Chicago is frantically preparing for SNOMG!: The Great Blizzard of 2011, I did the only thing I could think to do. I made vegan pierogi--about 4,239 of them--yesterday afternoon. :)

I used this recipe with modifications (do I ever use a straight up, as-written recipe? I think not!) and they came out beautifully. Some of them look a little sloppy, but for my first go--and a double recipe at that?--I feel pretty good about it all. That said, we're set in pierogi should we be snowed in for an indeterminate amount of time. Mmm...pierogi. :) Potato, onion, and "cheese"...what could be better? Oh, and lemonade, too. Perfection.

[x] I've been up for hours this morning and I'm not quite sure as to why. I guess because I was so excited to see the impact from the blizzard? Who can say for sure, really. I'm currently attempting (relative) silence while my babies sleep peacefully. My sweet Bear is in my bed under twenty pounds of blankets; we both crashed out watching a movie last night after my beautiful daughters turned in for the night. I already made myself breakfast (pierogi, of course!) and will soon settle in with a book for a few hours (*hopefully*) until everyone else wakes up.

[x] Meanwhile, my love is finishing up a shift as of 6 AM today and I'm already a nervous wreck about his commute home. SO glad he's off today for a full 24, but ugh...I just want to teleport him home. :/ Please keep first responders in your thoughts and prayers today. They don't get "snow days", no matter how inclement the weather. I'm worried, but will feel lots better when he's finally home--safe and sound--with the four of us. <3

[x] So apparently, Oprah is going vegan for a week--with a bunch of her staff. I wholeheartedly applaud this endeavor for any number of reasons, of course. I've been a vegetarian now for the better part of 4+ years, but in more recent times made a solid switch to veganism. Because of how little dairy I'm accustomed to consuming, it actually wasn't a hardship in the least. I was just thinking about my "big switch" to vegetarianism a few years back. My dear friend from high school, Skot, was so instrumental in helping me manage this (then) unfamiliar territory. He was--and still is--a fantastic resource. He's been vegan for-ev-er, but was never pushy or "in your face" about it like so many other veg*ns I know. :p Anyway, the transition to veganism straight up has been pretty seamless. I'm sure I'll make some mistakes if I haven't already, but I try to be as conscious as I can. I'm not a tremendous Oprah fan, but I am interested to follow this week of veganism and see how it all turns out for her and her staff as well.

[x] I've been dealing with some anger issues as of late. Not toward anyone in my family or anything; more toward someone who is utterly inconsequential. I have to fix this. I have to let go. I usually do so well with it, but when my mind starts thinking about my child being wronged by someone who is supposed to love said child, well...I just get all Mama Bear up on it. I can't help it. But harboring anger toward an incredibly pathetic person (or two :p)...it isn't healthy for anyone. I shouldn't sweat it, and most of the time, I don't. My kids have the world's most amazing dad, and a mom who would do ANYTHING for them--not to mention a legion of others who love and adore them beyond measure. What could be more important? Nothing. Gotta shake this anger and let it go again. Every few years it sneaks up on me, but I need to remember that I control it...it doesn't control me.

But if I launch send a person or two (at least) halfway around the world? I miiiiiight consider it. Just sayin'. ;)

[x] All right, time for me to straighten up this kitchen and cuddle up with a cat or two, a fuzzy blanket, and the book I'm currently devouring. Well, at least for a few minutes until my love gets off shift. Then I can start pacing. ;)

<3