Always Over Extending Myself

Sometimes old friends really do know you the best.  They're so good at picking out the patterns of your life.

Recently, I was discussing a new part time job (working a few hours on Saturday and Sunday as a ski instructor for teeny weeny ones) with a friend who has known me almost as long as I've known myself.  I told him about the plan for the new job and then pondered, "I hope I'm not overextending myself."

His response....  "Sweetheart, you're always overextending yourself."

And isn't that the truth.  I think I've always been like this.  I don't remember ever, ever being a person without several projects or plans on my plate.  I don't do well with idleness or being unproductive.  It's not that I don't like to relax - I do.  I just think it's more like that old joke...

How do Germans relax?  They work.

The thing is, as long as I have a plan, and I have time to prepare, the stress of having a full calendar and a to do list usually keeps me moving forward and engaged.  I don't like being so busy that I don't sleep, and I don't like having so much happening that it impacts on time I get to spend with my kids, but usually, being busy really fits me.

So, am I overextending myself?  Check back next week after I don't have the weekend to regroup from this even more than normally busy week and I'll let you know.  In the meantime, here's some of what's been keeping me flying.

Had a great Thanksgiving visit with my family including:  cookie baking and house decorating with my Grandma, Black Friday Shopping with my sister, kids and mom, a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with everyone at the farm, a date night with the Woodsman (lunch - Italian and a movie - Hunger Games), and buying a car (Forrester - replacing the Outback that died the week before).

Before Thanksgiving we all ran in the local Turkey Trot.  The Girl ran the 10K with her Daddy and came in second.  The boy and I completed a 5K (I wasn't even last like last year).  I also cooked a couple of incredible dishes using fall ingredients.  It's been lovely having the CSA, but the kids are already sick of winter squash.

Smoky Black Bean and Butternut Ragout

Arugula Salad with pickled beets, clementines and Asian Dressing.

Butternut Squash Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Prepare 3 c. of mashed winter squash.  Season with salt, pepper, butter and fresh parmesan cheese.  Set aside.

Saute 2 lbs. of sausage or ground beef or vegi burger or a combination.

Add 2 cans/jars of tomatoes, garlic, oregano and 1 t. soy sauce.  Simmer until the mixture reduces by about half.

Stir in green beans or peas, then place in individual ramekins or a 9x13 pan.  Top with squash mixture.  Top squash mixture with good sharp cheddar cheese.  Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

Finally, our favorite activities, and the ones that keep us the busiest have been the ones involving the kids.  In the past few weeks we've had a dance recital, Lego Club, Code Club (including a presentation to the School Board members), Orchestra concert, musical practice, confirmation class, acolyting, usher, special music at church, Sunday School, Youth Group, and a boy's trip to the Redskins game.  Of course, there's also the regular, normal, everyday activities of running a household and working full time.   Busy?  Yes.  Blessed?  You bet.