What Alice Forgot

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. One of the characters has a miscarriage early in the book and with my recent loss I didn't know if I could continue reading, but I'm glad I did (don't worry, this isn't a spoiler). Moriarty did a great job of incorporating real life into this work of fiction, along with some humor thrown in. It wasn't the genre I generally read, but I'm so glad I picked it up, even if I didn't finish it in time for book club.
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Peanut Butter Trifle

I'm not going to lie, the recipe sounded a lot better than it tasted. Don't get me wrong, this was yummy, but I high much higher expectations for this trifle. If you're going to make this, please make sure you buy the correct size vanilla pudding, that was part of my snafoo. Also, I recommend making it day off and only if you think almost all is going to be eaten--the brownies get soggy.

Recipe from Pampered Chef

INGREDIENTS
21 oz pkg brownie mix
1 pkg. (5.9 oz) Vanilla Instant Pudding - the large box!
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup whipping cream, whipped and divided
10 oz pkg peanut butter chips
3 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
24 regular (2 inch dia) peanut butter cups, divided

DIRECTIONS
*Line a 13 by 9 inch pan with aluminum foil, extend foil by 2 inches over side. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Add peanut butter chips. Bake in foil lined pan for length of time required by package. Cool completely. Lift foil out of pan. Invert on cutting board. Remove foil. Cut into 3/4 inch pieces, using sharp knife.
*Coarsely chop 20 peanut butter cups; saving 4 for garnish.
*Combine pudding mix and milk in large bowl. Beat at low speed for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add peanut butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. Gently fold in half of whipped cream.
*Place half of brownies in bottom of trifle bowl; top with 1/2 of chopped candy and half of pudding. Repeat layers. Top with remaining whipped cream, spooned or piped on. Slice leftover candy in four long pieces. Arrange them vertically on top of cream.

Remembering

Like almost all of you, I know I will never forget September 11, 2001. However, I will also never forget my father-in-law. Last year was the first football season Joe didn't have his dad to watch the games with, talk about the plays, etc. He started the tradition of stopping by his grave and listening to some pre-game radio before each game. With the start of football season this year, he picked up the tradition. Winston and I tagged along. At first I felt weird taking a dog to the graveyard, but I realized Mr. Joe would love him, so I got over it. I took this picture today, I wish I could describe it better, or give it a fancy title, but I can't. Sometimes a picture is enough and words are just too much. I love you, Mr. Joe!

P.S. Did you see those Ravens annihilate those Steelers, Mr Joe?

Mushroom Spinach Pesto Pizza

When I first found out I was pregnant, and before I knew the pregnancy wasn't meant to be, I was on a spinach kick. I put it in everything. I wanted to give myself the most folate possible, originally prompting my interest in this pizza. You don't have to be pregnant to enjoy this pizza, however. I've since made it several more times and enjoyed it just as much! Plus, I think it's a great use for pesto.

This recipe was inspired by Clean Eating Magazine, June 2011 Issue, p21.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound mushrooms - I used baby bella
1.5-2 cups packed spinach
1/2 cup pesto
2/3 cup ricotta cheese
1 spring fresh oregano (optional)
4 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 precooked multigrain pizza crust - I tried Trader Joe's wheat pizza dough, and it definitely wasn't as yummy.

DIRECTIONS
1. Saute the mushrooms, spinach, salt, pepper with the olive oil (about 5 minutes)
2. Spread pizza crust with pesto
3. Top with sauted ingredients, top with spoonfuls of ricotta, sprinkle with oregano - I once left off the oregano, bad idea!
4. Bake 10-12 minutes
5. Enjoy!

$1600

$1600, that's approximately how much it cost me to have two ultrasounds and a D&C for a baby I never had the opportunity to meet. I received the first bill two weeks ago, and that was rough. I had seen my insurance claims online and knew the bill was coming, but I never realized how heart wrenching it was going to be to write the check for the ultrasound that confirmed no growth. Needless to say, two weeks ago was a horrible week all around. I did a little jig on the day I checked the mail and didn't have a bill. Last week I received the bill for the D&C and have been putting off paying that one (finances and emotions). Well, I just wrote that check and I'll put it in the mail tomorrow. I'm hoping this is the last check I'll ever have to write for an experience such as this. That thought made it a little easier to write the check.

I am beyond grateful we have insurance, but that "20%" still adds up.

The Expected One

The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book brought out a fair number of thoughts/emotions in me. Briefly, the story is about Mary Magdalene and her place in Christianity. The book is written has fiction, but the author notes the main character reflects experiences the author has had. However, the McGowan wrote the story as fiction to protect her sources.

The idea of Mary Magdalene as wife of Jesus and mother of Jesus's children has been a hot topic for a few years now. Personally, this concept does not disturb me. The message McGowan portrayed through her book and Mary's roll in Christianity was very uplifting for me. I would love for this message and account to be factual. I think it would actually bring me closer to finding my faith again.

I've turned this review into a personal reflection, but that's what this book is about. I enjoyed the writing and was curious to see how the characters developed. I have the next book on audio and look forward to listening to it soon.
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Why I Don't Like ER

I'm on two weeks of ER right now, and it's definitely not my cup of tea. It's not the medicine I don't like, it's the shift work. I don't have set day or night shifts and my body is not used it. I went from an 8a-4p shift to a 1p-3a work day the following day. It's only 4 days into this rotation and I'm exhausted. I slept 8 hours last night, but I feel like I could go back to sleep--I think I have to play catch up. In fact, I'm going back to bed for a little since I work 6p-2a tonight and I can.