Random Thoughts, Fruity Valentines & Pork Marsala

• There are certain things I never thought I’d have to say, “HBear don’t leave food in your pockets.”  Is one of them 😂! I don’t know how long that half a Mandarin orange was in the pocket of her winter coat but when I put my hand in, all I felt was mush. I’m betting a while 😬 at least I now knew where that rotten orange smell was coming from and I don’t have to clean out the fridge for a 3rd time in 2 weeks. 4 days later I thought, “why do I still smell it?” I followed my nose and it led me to the Girl’s closet 😳. I sniffed all around and realized it was coming from SBean’s dance bag 🤨. Yup a shriveled up mouldy green peeled Mandarin orange was wrapped up in 4 bodysuits, 1 tutu and her stupid expensive jazz shoes. Grrrrrr

• SBean got a note sent home in her planner. A boy in her class has asked everyone to NOT bring lunch to school on his birthday because his Mom will be bringing in juice boxes and pizza for the whole class! OMG GENIUS!!!! No party and no hurt feelings! Perfect!

• Just started The Pillars of the Earth. I can’t put it down!!!! Why did it take me so long to listen to my MIL????

• We watched Hidden Figures this past weekend. Goosebumps! What a fabulous movie! HBear loved it! Everyone should watch this movie. I was blown away by the story, the acting and how well they covered so many controversial topics. PLUS how gorgeous is Janelle Monáe?!?!

• Speaking of goosebumps, Holy Hell Korea!! As soon as the Opening Ceremonies of the 2018 Winter Olympics ended I texted my sister. My Sis and BIL lived in South Korea. They have even visited North Korea! I even went to South Korea to visit them when I was pregnant with HBear. I don’t care if it’s just for the worlds picture perfect postcard, the fact that those countries have come together for the Olympics just makes me happy! It is so heartwarming to see a North Korean and South Korean holding up a Korea flag… together! I hope that this is the beginning of something really great for them!

• The Olympics. We have not left the TV since Friday 😂. When we have to leave we have recorded events that we will miss. We have eaten in front of the TV and even spent Family Day curled up in front of the Olympics oh and Cool Runnings 🤣. Both of the Girls are in it to win it! They cheer so hard for our Canadian athletes! HBear is fascinated and suddenly my non-competitive little girl wants to be a Olympic hero. I can’t say I blame her. After every Olympic Closing Ceremony I think too myself, “If I start training tomorrow… in 4 years that could be me!” 😂 I love the Olympics and I am so happy that the Girls do to! Go Canada!

 

Episode 52: Regimes, Ross Roll-a-Fatty and the Rolling Stone on How Was Your Week, Honey? came out yesterday! Check it out HERE.

Pork Marsala With Mushrooms and Shallots

4 boneless center cut pork chops (on the thin side or pounded)
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 cup Cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

On a plate or shallow bowl mix flour, garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Toss your pork in the mixture to coat all sides and tap off the excess.

Add butter and oil to a pan on medium high heat, when butter is melted, add pork. Cook, flipping over one time when sides get golden brown.

Lower the heat and add mushrooms, shallots, and garlic to the pan. Add Marsala wine and chicken broth, and scrape up the bits at the bottom of the pan. Add in fresh thyme.

Cover the pan and let cook for about 7-8 minutes.
Add Dijon Mustard and let cook for another 3-4 minutes uncovered.

 

This week the sun finally came out!!!!! ☀️😊☀️ It was brief but I sure needed it!! I was lucky enough to participate in the SD 67 Secretary–Treasurer Interview Forum this week and before I went in I grabbed myself an iced coffee and took a refreshing walk on the beach. Just feeling the sunshine on my face and hearing the birds return home made me feel refreshed and rejuvenated my spirit!

 

This weekend the Girl’s Dance Studio held a Father/Daughter dance class! They are raising funds for the older girls to go to New York. We have 2 girls so Ninja wrangled Dad into going with him 😆. They had a great time and now they totally understand how I feel every Tuesday night after my adult jazz class 😳🤣.

On Sunday we took the Girls to the EnergyPlex! They invited their friends who are also sisters! It was awesome! All 4 of them played so well together! Ninja and I stayed at the table (homebase) and the Girls would run by every once in a while with great big smiles heading to the next activity! What a fabulous way to run off some steam!

 

 

 

 

On Monday was Family Day here in BC! Usually we go skating or hiking or Geocaching or to the community centre for swimming and games. This year we decided to stay in cuddle, watch the Olympics, and a movie! Even Dad stayed in his pajamas! It was a wonderfully relaxing day spent with the people I love ❤️.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends and family!

💕❤️💕