I'm speechless today. I've got little to say, and I have no idea where this week went. I've been on a tea kick as of late, thanks to my sister. She had me try a certain tea, which I discovered was the exact same tea used in Starbucks ice tea lemonade, of which I have been obsessed for about 2 years. Now I can indulge in the sweetness without the aid of sugar or artificial sweetener. Life is good.

I think my body is fighting something. I've been washing my hands and applying the Purell like it's nobody's business what with all the illnesses going around. Emergen-C has occasionally been my drink of choice. (Thanks again, KD!) My symptoms: extreme exhaustion. I still managed to get a good workout in on Tuesday. But yesterday was another story. I went to bed at 7p. Got up at 8 for a couple hours, then went back to bed until 7a. This morning? Besides a little muscle fatigue, I feel great. Go figure. Maybe I should make my cabbage soup now while I'm feeling well?

This week, I made brussels sprouts for the first time ever. This, too, was a lovely lesson from my sister. Even J loved them! This week, I've been focusing on fixing something green to be served with every main course. It's been a fun challenge. Tonight, the green's in the soup, so I'm off the hook. Hollah!

I've been quilting a little and listening a lot. Lots of music has found its way to my ears. Lots of new music at that!

Here are some new ones (to me) that you may want to check out:

1. Meaghan Smith "The Cricket's Orchestra" - Kind of old school jazzy - cool voice
2. Tristan Prettyman "twentythree" - semi-decent vocals, recycled lyrics. But, this being her first album, I'll allow it. Some songs seem to be the soundtrack to my past. Perhaps that's why I'm drawn to her from time to time.
3. Jane Carrey Band - J introduced me to this band the other day. Jane is the daughter of actor Jim Carrey. I haven't listened to it much, but her myspace page may be playing in the background of my screen all day.
4. Across the Universe Soundtrack, deluxe addition - My gift to J for his birthday. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" has stolen my heart. If you haven't seen the movie, and you LOVE artsy movies, watch it.

I've also decided to return the "brain candy" to the library. That's right, I prematurely closed the cover on yet another book. This is becoming a little habit of mine. I just realized the other day that while struggling through _Life of Pi_, what I really wanted to read was another Charles Dickens novel. Sure, I could've made myself finish what I had started, but life's too short to read something that I find completely uninteresting. (Fact: Yesterday, I realized that Charles Dickens is my favorite author. And until now, I hadn't been able to answer the "who is your favorite author?" question.) At some point I need to return my books to the library so that someone else can enjoy the sweetness of said candy. I'd much rather be having a feast. So last night, before deciding I just needed to go to sleep, I met a few new friends in _A Tale of Two Cities_. Of course, because I was so tired, I don't think I actually processed anything that I read, so I will most likely be starting over once again tonight.

On today's agenda: work, yoga, quilt, read... and change out of my pajamas. Gonna go do that now. :)

The sun is shining. I'm basking in its warmth as it peaks its way through my office blinds. My arm looks striped.

Okay, we went back to the hometown for the weekend, so I wasn't able to post a recipe for Friday. SO, here is last Friday's recipe:

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
1 1/2 c heavy cream
1 1/2 c milk
1/4 c sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 drops peppermint oil (I used peppermint extract)
whipped cream

In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt. When the liquid begins to steam, add chocolate, stirring constantly until melted. Stir in peppermint oil. Divide among mugs and top with whipped cream. [Note: mine was a little too thick for me, so I added a little water to my mug. J LOVED his just the way it was.]

In other news, it appears to be mice season again. I have no evidence of them (food particles, droppings, holes in food containers), except for the TWO empty boxes of mice poison. Off to the store to buy more. :) By the way, the thought of mice totally unnerves me and grosses me out.

I really need to put more photos of things I've made on Facebook, but I just haven't felt like it. I will do so soon. I started working out again yesterday. (I decided to take a while off to let my foot heal, which it finally has!) I have a couple of people completely finished for Christmas. But, I have some crafts that I still need to get done for myself. I started a book that I checked out from the library, but I think I will probably need to return it. I just don't have time to sit and read right now. J's birthday is Friday, and I can't wait! Then Saturday, I go back to the hometown solo for a concert. I think I'll hit up Whole Foods and Trader Joe's on my way back. This means I also need to make my shopping list. I really need to start working on the quilt again. Now that this last order is finished, I think I'll finally have time to pick it back up.

Well, I must get back to work... even though I've got food on the brain. I am SO hungry! I think I'll make some bread today. Alright, I'm out.