Hit By A Farm

A long time ago, I wrote about this book.....I sang its praises, I talked about how the author is hilarious and smart and how much I loved it. But when I hit that "PUBLISH" button, I lost the post. Exasperated, I gave up. But I recently found out the author has a blog (thanks, MJ!), so now I'm all into it again.

I don't read a lot since college. There are two reasons for this:
The main reason is that when I read, I ignore everything until I'm done with the book. Obviously, one can't expect to keep up with college courses if this is the case, so I had to stop reading for pleasure during my college years (and there were many of them. I didn't graduate in 4 years, people.). Now that I'm a Mom, I'll just ignore the Noodle and Zuddy until I'm done with the book. Luckily, Zuddy doesn't mind and will take over when I find a good book :)
Another thing: I'm a feeler. If the book isn't upbeat, I get in a funk. My mood is totally dependent on what I surround myself with (and if I've popped a Zoloft!). I get into character, so to speak. Does anyone else out there do this? If I had read Bridget Jones' Diary, I'd feel like I was Bridget Jones for days afterwards. Sheesh, I'd probably pull a Madonna and let a British accent slip in and out as I spoke (note: I haven't read that book. No accent. Maybe I will read it right before a family get-together just to irritate my brothers with a phony accent.).

Point is: I won't ever talk about a book that isn't worth reading. But, I guess that's in the eye of the beholder, huh?

This book is great, people. The author (Catherine) and her partner (Melissa) purchase a farm - it's a dream of Melissa's to farm. They are city slickers, so this book chronicles their journey into farming and how Catherine ends up losing herself to support Melissa's dream....and how she finds the balance to get on with her own dreams while still supporting Melissa.

It's a great lesson in how to treat our partners and their dreams and not lose ourselves in the process. I apply Catherine's experiences to motherhood (or parenthood). It's so easy to forget who you are when taking care of your family.

Anyway. There's my plug. I really loved this book A LOT. And you know what's funny? After I read it, I passed it on to my neighbor, Gretchen (who also loved it). Well, now Gretchen runs into the author all around town! Well, okay. She's run into her twice, signing books. Once at a children's bookstore (Catherine is a children's book author as well.) and once at a local global market! Crazy, huh?

So - today is Saturday and I'm really excited. At 2pm, I'm going over to my friend MJ's house to help her cook dinner for her Daughter's prom dinner!! Wanna see the menu? Remember me talking about MJ? I work for her on Tuesdays. She's an incredible recipe developer.

Prom Dinner 2007

Cocktails and Nibblies
Cambezola and Aged Gouda with Assorted Flatbreads and Fruit
Sparkling Apple Cider and Homemade Ginger Ale

Salad
Composed Salad of Mixed Baby Greens and Spring Flowers
with
Strawberries and Spiced Pecans
Dressed with a Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette

Assorted Artisan Breads
Iced White Tea

Dinner
Grilled Beef Filet Topped with Spring Herb Compound Butter
Szechwan Style Flash Fried Baby Green Beans
Parslied Fingerling Potatoes
Iced Lemon and Mint Water

Dessert
Molten Chocolate Cakes
with Whipped Coffee Cream
Brewed Coffee

Fun, huh? I'll try and take pictures of the prom-goers!

While I do this, Zuddy and the Noodle are going over to his sister Ann's for a party/bonfire.

On the kitchen front: I bought knobs - ouch. They were almost $200. I didn't buy the pulls because when I got there, I didn't recognize the ones I picked out! The finishes looked so different in the fluorescent lighting of the store. Hopefully Zuddy will be able to install them on Sunday.

Then again, maybe not. I have to work. I've had a stressful week, friends:
When I was sick, I was supposed to be working on a project. Well, I was too sick to even work a little bit. Then, as you know, I had that Chicago trip planned with the Noodle. So - I called the person I was working for and asked for a week's extension on my recipe project. She generously gave the extra time, but then called me a week later and told me that my recipes are being photographed one day after the original due-date (Monday, the 7th.) So I've had to kick it into gear and get them done by the original date - Monday!

Luckily, they are getting themselves done and I feel fine about it, but I need to work on Sunday now. And I've a got a nice, juicy cold sore on my chin. I'm sure from the stress of being sick and the stress of, well.....being stressed!

Well, I hope you all have a great weekend. I hope you pick up a book or do something to support your dreams and your partner's dreams :)