For once, the big storm that was predicted to hit over the weekend, actually hit and I can’t even begin to tell you how much we needed it. It started on Friday, and even though there was mention of a tornado or two, my area did not see any of that. There was some crazy weather though. Check out this video from Santa Barbara.

Even though it was coming down good, we all loved it! I made Chicken Tortilla soup and we just hung around. I have yet to get any reading done. Between the coming and going of The Teen and the play date that The Girl had last-minute at our house, I could not get any reading done, but there is something very relaxing about a rainy weekend spent indoors. The Otter Pup won’t agree. She was pretty scared on Friday. She won’t have to worry this week though because it’s predicted to be 80 degrees by Wednesday.

This morning, we are all off to church. The Teen, to his church and the rest to ours. Don’t ask.

This week? More of the same. Track practice four times this week, depending on the condition of the track, which was under 4 inches of water the last time I saw it, book club, and work. Blah.

What am I reading?

I am trying to finish Beautiful Ruins. for book club We meet this Thursday to discuss the book but it is not working for me! I am also reading The Realm of Last Chances which is for an online club, also “meeting” this week and it’s good but it’s taking me awhile to read it. I started Dept. of Speculation and it has immediately grabbed my attention.

What am I cooking?

I made Chicken Tortilla soup yesterday and it was delicious. Today, I am making a big pot of chili, a huge tray of cornbread and we are grilling brats. It’s still gloomy out but so far, it has not rained today. It looks like it could though and I am hoping it does.

What am I watching?

The Girl and I will be watching all the Oscar red carpet shows and then The Hub and Teen will be joining us to watch the show later. I may have to switch over to The Walking Dead though because that is not a show to miss but we’ll see. Oh, and the Bates Motel starts again this Monday. I am so excited!

Why are the weekends so short? Last week was incredibly long. Not bad, just long. The track practices and the rushing around have gotten a little easier now that we have a routine down. But The Girl is going to bed a little later, which makes the mornings a little rougher so therefore, MY mornings are a little rougher.

So, I’ve been walking again. It’s a way for me to blow off a frantic morning but gosh, I am so out of shape! Long ago, the lupus did some damage to my hip so walking can be tough once I hit the two mile mark but I do it anyway because anything less than two miles doesn’t seem to do much for me. I’ve been enjoying some audio books while doing it so that always makes it more pleasant.

This week, I have an ultrasound scheduled, which is more precautionary than anything and then later, a biopsy. I don’t really think anything is wrong, but I could use some positive thoughts anyway. This has nothing to do with the hip issue I mentioned but I have a new doctor and she is erring on the side of caution. Plus, my other doctor has been concerned about the size of my red blood cells so this will also rule some other things out as well.

What am I reading?

I am reading The Realm of Last Chances for an online book club and I am also reading Eleanor & Park. E&P, swoon. It’s a little sappy with all that young love and all, but I love the characters.

What am I cooking?

Yesterday, I made chicken with goat cheese and a green bean salad with balsamic dressing and candied walnuts. It was delish. I really, really want some Chinese take-out tonight. Right now, I just finished some bacon and eggs, over easy please. A good, Sunday staple.

What am I watching?

Nothing now, but last night we watched The Breakfast Club and tonight The Walking Dead is on. I haven’t been too interested in the Olympics. I am not familiar with any of the athletes and is it me, or do some of the skating routines seem a little…cheesy?

It’s sunny here and I should be spending it outside, but last night I reorganized the kitchen and today, I feel the need to organize something else. We took a trip to IKEA yesterday and it gave me some ideas. As a family of four, we have done a lot in the way of cutting back, but we still have too much stuff. Especially after attending church. I really feel as if we have too much. It’s so easy to accumulate things.

What do you have planned for today?