Good Decisions, Pineapple Pork Stirfry & Nestle Toll House Cookies

No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.

Isaac Asimov

I really don’t want to talk about COVID-19 again. I really want to talk about springtime or something light and cheerful.

I want to but I can’t.

Our lives have been consumed by what is happening outside our doors.

Starting today BC has begun phase 2. Phase 2 is the beginning of our path to normalcy. Or is it? There is so much information out there, or misinformation, or just talk about what scientists and Drs know… right now. This is a novel virus, as in, it is new. We don’t know what will happen next. Thanks to graphs and models, the people in charge can make informed decisions to hopefully keep us all safe. We then have to take that information and also make informed decisions.

I have no judgment. Everyone has to make their own choices. We all have to make good decisions about what is best for ourselves and the whole of the community.

We, Ninja and I, have decided to continue with what we have been doing. Ninja will continue being our designated shopper and going outter as he is the one that is working. He is working outside and socially distancing from his crew. He is also driving to job sites alone and using appropriate safety techniques to keep his clients and himself safe.

The Girls will not be returning to school on June 1. We have made this decision for many reasons. First, it is on a very part time basis so it wouldn’t allow me the time to go back to work. Also, there is only 3 weeks left and we feel that by continuing what we are doing at home plus the online learning that the teachers will continue to provide students leaning from home, they will be just fine. Plus, they will not be doing any camps this summer. This summer is going to be different and we all know it. We are looking at this time as “bonus” time together. We didn’t expect this pause but we are very grateful for this unexpected time together and we are going to take full advantage of it.

We are not scared of leaving our home, we just want to make good decisions and only leave for essential items and to enjoy time outside in nature. We can reevaluate our decision in 14-28 days after the province has been opened and then we can see where the numbers stand.

We will open up our circle slowly and cautiously. We will start by opening it up to our parents. The Girls want hugs from their Grandparents VERY badly. We will keep each other informed if we come into any high risk situations and make sure that we are taking precautions in public places. We will open it up to a few close friends because family and friends keep our minds happy and healthy. HBear has seen her GBesty a few times, outside and 6 feet apart. They would very much like to go on a bike ride together, and I think that is definitely something they will be able to do. Unfortunately we will not be taking advantage of the Wibit this summer. We will not be going to LocoLanding or other places that will have crowds of people. We will hang out beside Grandma and Grandpa’s pool this summer instead of the beach and we will continue supporting local by ordering takeout rather than going into restaurants for dinner. I sadly will not be getting my nails done or relaxing with a massage any time soon but family haircuts might be in our near future 😜.

Ninja and I are super open to being flexible and reevaluating our decisions on a weekly basis. Knowledge is power and as the weeks go on, we learn more about this virus that allows us to make informed decisions.

We will make ours. You will make yours. Hopefully we all remain safe and healthy so that we can enjoy many many more summers to come 💛.

Check out How Was Your Week, Honey? Ep.171 Books On The Shelf HERE This week we chat: Celebrity bookshelves, the library, Mother’s Day, golfing, schoolyard drinks, online parties, athleisure wear, & Bryan Adams.

I like to buy pork tenderloin when it is on sale but it always comes in a package with 2 tenderloins in it. That is WAY too much for my family. Last week we BBQ’ed 1 of them and saved the other for a dinner later in the week. When we are using the same meat twice in a week, I like to change up the flavours and the preparation. This time I tried a sweet and sour stir fry! It was delicious! The fresh pineapple was juicy and perfect for this dish! The Girls loved it and Ninja ate seconds! I barely had enough for my lunch the next day!

Pineapple Pork Stir Fry

Adapted from The Endless Meal

2 tablespoons oil
1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
1 red onion, chopped
1/4 cup snap peas

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced
3 garlic clove, pressed

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until it is golden brown, about 8 minutes.

While the pork is cooking, mix the sauce ingredients together in a 2-cup glass measuring up or a medium-sized bowl and chop the veggies.

Turn the heat to high then add the peppers, pineapple, peas and onion to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it thicken.

SBean’s teacher sends us a grid of activities to do every week. This week she asked SBean to use the recipe she attached and bake some cookies! I wasn’t too excited because I am very picky about my chocolate chip cookies and I basically only like my Nana’s recipe. I was shocked at how good these cookies were! My favourite part was the nuts! We used toasted almonds. I usually toast a cup of almonds every week and we use them on salads and stuff, like the Girls usually pilfer them throughout the week for their yogurt or just to snack on. These cookies were chewy, had depth of flavour from the nuts and were full of chocolatey goodness! Thanks Ms. H!

Nestle Toll House Cookies
Recipe Adapted from Very Best Baking

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (we used toasted almonds)

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets on wire racks for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

So we took Monday as a PJ Day. We still did journal and we watched National Geographic but we mostly cuddled. That evening I met my Besties behind the school for a MUCH needed socially distanced chat! I started week 3 of Beachbody Barre Blend and then on Tuesday, we hit the books. On Wednesday the Girls participated in their weekly dance contest, this week it was wear a masquerade mask! The Girls were excited to show their authentic masks that Grandma and Grandpa gave them from their trip to Mardi Gras this year! I had a PAC meeting, the Girls met some dance friends to do a socially distanced 3km run, and then we took Mom up some pretty flowers. On Friday I had to go to the blood lab to get my thyroid checked. We check it every 3 months just to make sure my synthroid is working. This weekend was spent helping Dad and J putty, sand, prime and paint his place. On Sunday we just relaxed and the Girls baked amazing muffins! Don’t worry, I will post the recipe next week 😘!