Toddler in Tow

I'm working on a post devoted to traveling with a small person. Given how many hours I researched on my own before our first trips, I think it is only fair to share my own experiences!

A Change

My first blog post here was on April 10, 2012. In line with what was currently happening with our Home Improvements and all of the insanity that living in a construction zone entailed, I called it “Home Adventures and Unfortunate Incidents.” At the time, that was pretty much what was going on in our lives. Drama with the renovations, navigating being a quasi-newlywed – all of those things.

I’ve almost always had an online presence.

Starting in the early 90s I had a 14.4k dial up modem with a 386mhz processor DOS-based computer and all there was to log on to was a local BB. After that came IRC. Then AIM. I even created a website for a boyfriend's band back in the mid-90s. It was all HTML and I put a lot of work into it. Back in those days, people were pretty paranoid about the internet (hell, I guess many still are). The other band members freaked out and I had to take it down. I started my first website/blog on the Tripod platform in 2003. It’s actually still there (and no, I'm not giving you the address.)

However, I will give you a picture.

I miss that hair and that youth. Oh girl, what I could tell you.

Then there was Myspace, then blogging my 101 list in 2007, then Facebook. I feel like Facebook has contributed to the overall dumbing-down of society, the same way that those old chain letters and emails did. No, Bill Gates is not going to send you money, nor is there a Nigerian Prince who will share his fortune with you. Obama isn't Muslim. Vaccines don't cause autism.

Rinse, lather, repeat.

Over the years, I would like to think that I have matured. A bit, at least. I spent a few minutes reading my old website and blog at Tripod... I think those entries are representative of how I have matured in the last ten+ years. I would share some, but they are too embarrassing!

This name change better reflects my current outlook on life in general. Plus I have a domain name now, so that's cool, right?

Unexpected Adventures is how I have come to see everything in my life over the past year or so, and also how I am making it work. This is true in all aspects of my life - work, home, and travel.

My Unexpected Adventures:

Work

I made a big jump back into the financial world nearly three years ago after leaving a fairly new position and coworkers that I liked. There have been challenges to overcome, but it was a great opportunity that has paid off for me. I also learned that I was pregnant several days after giving my notice at my old job. I don’t post much about it. I put in plenty of hours there and I don’t want to think about it when I’m not working! The only anecdote that I’ll share is that every day at work is a spelling bee.

Home & Family Life

I have a kid now, which I still find strange at times. Becoming a mom (especially a working mom) has brought with it all of the usual trials that one might expect. But it has also focused me on what really matters and has made me rethink my time commitments. It is fascinating to watch the development of my child from day to day, week to week, month to month, and now year to year, as he nears his second birthday. It is truly the most unexpected adventure of all, as I get to share the world with him. Honestly, I’ve probably learned more from watching him. Last weekend, he was overjoyed with bubbles.

I wish that I were that enthused about pretty much anything! Having a kid has also changed the dynamics of my marriage. In some ways, it has brought us closer together, but in others I think it has made our relationship more work. I'm probably a little too excited to go to Mexico later this year without little Markface.

Travel

About ten years ago, I didn’t understand why anyone would travel with kids, or want to travel with kids. I thought that they should just be polite to other travelers and not bring children on airplanes. It’s funny how your perspective changes once you find yourself in that situation. I posted that I wanted to not have my child totally consume my life, and traveling is how I'm continuing to live the life that I want. Sure, it's more difficult with a kid in tow. But life doesn't just stop because you have a kid. The first two years have been tough. The first year is exhausting. The second year, they're more mobile and you're just trying to keep them alive. As my girlfriend Sara has said, the kid just lacks any sense of self-preservation. Especially from about 14 - 22ish months. We had our first ER trip a few months back because he took a header down the stairs.

So for partially that reason, we haven't done much traveling this year, or taken him to any place too crazy. He has finally started to listen to us, so I am hopeful that when we go back to Australia next year that it won't be as painful as previous trips. Also, bribery is beginning to work on him, so I see that as a good thing!

All of that said, welcome to my Unexpected Adventures.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. 

Markface's Second Birthday

This post is actually just because I am struggling to get his pictures right for the Evite that I'm doing.

Posts soon to come, I swear.

Well nevermind. I can't get any of my other pictures the right way.

Argh! 

Long time no post

As usual, life is hectic and crazy. Work is insanely busy and my arts council board is taking up a lot of time as well.

And then there's the kid to fill the rest of the time!

The good news is that Jay and I are going back to Mexico sans bambino. The bad news is that we still have a ways to go. We want to go diving a few times this summer, but are having trouble finding the time. Maybe next month.

The REALLY awesome news is that we are heading back to OZ in 2017! We're spending a week in Coolangatta with my aunt and then we'll be heading north for a week of adventures in and around Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

Here's some pics of the last few months.

Final Numbers on SNAP Challenge

I'll be posting my update and thoughts soon. Wednesday - Sunday were a bit of a whirlwind for me, so I didn't have a chance to post.

At the end of the week, it kind of fell apart due to my boss picking up lunch and a last minute invitation to hang out with some friends. So the chicken that we'd planned to have for dinner on Friday ended up getting nice and dried out by the time we'd gotten home. In an effort to not be wasteful, we will be shredding that and using it for burrito/taco night.

All of that said, using my super scientific calculations, I managed to stay under budget and kept my family fed for each meal that we ate. Approximate spent $58.60. Total meals = 40 x 1.58 = $63.20.

Were they all healthy? No. Were they all quick and easy? No.

Here is my final list... I'll be posting a modified recipe for this Baked Polenta and Pepper Sauce. It's budget friendly and quite tasty.

Food	Final/Adjusted Price	Price
Pasta (Spaghetti)	$0.88	$0.88
Peanut Butter	$2.74	$5.48	*10.96 at BJs for two GIANT jars
Jelly	$0.49	$0.97
Frozen Broccoli	$0.00
Pasta Sauce	$1.50
Rice (2 lbs)	$0.75	$1.49
Black beans	$1.79
4 progresso soups	$1.50	$6.00
Bananas	$2.49
Whole fryers (2)	$0.00	$10.90
Cornmeal	$0.35	$1.38
Ground turkey	$5.92
Sausage	$2.99
Honey nut Os	$0.84	$1.68
Mozzarella	$4.93
Cheddar	$2.47
English muffins	$2.00
Oatmeal	$0.82	$1.64
Whole wheat bread	$2.68
bell pepper (2)	$2.68
Gevalia Coffee	$3.85	$5.84
Coffee Creamer	$1.25	$2.49
Peas (frozen)	$0.00	$0.98
Fresh strawberries	$2.28
Plain yogurt	$5.48
Canned crushed tomatoes	$1.50
onions (bag)	$0.49	$1.97
Lettuce	$0.55	$0.99
Milk	$3.50
Sour cream	$0.84	$1.68
Eggs	$0.00	$2.49
Ramen - case of 24 for $8.28	$0.35	$8.28
Tomatoes w/ Chilies	$0.69
	$58.60
	Me	Jay	Mark
Sunday	2	1	2
Monday	3	2	2
Tuesday	3	2	2
Wednesday	3	0	2
Thursday	3	2	2
Friday	1	1	1
Saturday	2	2	2
	17	10	13
	$1.58	$1.58	$1.58
	$26.86	$15.80	$20.54	$63.20

Tuesday SNAP Challenge and Chickens!

I didn’t take many notes today about my experiences, but today was easier than yesterday. I do think that eating a healthy, filling breakfast combats many issues for me. It prevents me from overeating and I also feel full for a long time, which eliminates cravings.

Tuesday’s meals:

Breakfast

English Muffin with Peanut Butter (this kept me full longer – I may make this a regular staple)

Banana

Fridge oatmeal topped with strawberries

Lunch

Monday’s dinner leftovers (rice, beans, ground turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, cheese)

Dinner

Spaghetti with ground turkey meat sauce (~$4.90 for meal, 4 servings [leftovers for lunch])

 

He had a meltdown that there was spaghetti on his nose (he put it there)

The real excitement today is that we got more chickens! It has been a few years since we raised chickens from chicks.

I picked up 5 ISA Brown pullets, an Amberlink, and another Silkie from Tractor Supply (last two were straight run). I couldn’t help myself, the Silkies were just too cute and they had nice feathering on their legs.

I told Jay before I went that I heard they had straight run bantams, but not to worry, because they were probably Silkies and I didn’t want another one of those. Maybe this time we’ll end up with two hens out of our straight run purchases instead of two roosters. I think that eventually I’d like to transition our flock to a RIR rooster and hens that will hatch out sexlink chicks (chicks that you can easily tell male from female at hatching).

Tuesday's Coffee Count

 1 pour over, 2 K-cups

Weekly Coffee Count

3 pour overs, 4 K-cups

Thoughts on SNAP Challenge for Monday

My child is going to eat me out of house and home. I gave him two strawberries as I was cutting up two more to put on my oatmeal. After he’d had a cup of milk, he housed the strawberries along with a piece of cheese, a handful of (generic) Cheerios, and two-thirds of a banana. 

Gevalia coffee (spent $5.84 on a bag at Walmart) is surprisingly good. It’s no Rise Up, but it is getting me up in the morning and fueling the first part of my day. I’ve become a pour-over addict and make my first cup of coffee this way every morning. I blame you, Laura. I also bought those refillable coffee pods after using them at Colleen’s house while we were on vacation. These have already saved me money, as I used to go through about a box a week (at ~$8-$9 a box). Very happy that I got these before the challenge, or else I’d be taking my pour-over apparatus to work with me.

My fridge oatmeal was a winner! I also sprinkled some brown sugar on top and it was delicious with the strawberries. Maybe the expensive MapleHill creamery yogurt was worth it. Although I could also buy delicious yogurt from grass-fed cows at Nice Farms Creamery. If I recall correctly, I can get a quart of yogurt for $3.50 there. I know that they sell their products at several farmers markets that accept SNAP, so this would be on the approved list.

By 11 a.m., I am thinking about lunch. I’m not sure if it’s because I am focused on this challenge or if I’m just hungry. Probably both.

I heated up my Progresso Italian Wedding Soup for lunch and notice the sodium content. Nearly 1300 mg for the entire can (which I am definitely eating – one can is one serving to me). YIKES. So I start thinking about making my own soup with leftovers as well as making my own stock later in the week. Also, the soup was quite good but incredibly salty. I also realize that I have neglected to bring anything to snack on.

3 p.m. I am really wishing I had brought cheese to snack on. 

After work, I ran to the grocery store to pick up some lettuce and sour cream for the tacos. While there, I noticed that cheese was on sale for $1.50 less a pound than I paid for at Walmart. Grrr!

Dinner was awesome and filling. I always love this dinner when we make it at home… although when we have more time, we usually make fresh pico de gallo with tomatoes, lime juice, red onion and cilantro. Today I used a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

I made 2 cups of rice (lots left over, ~.75), ~2 cups black beans (~.45), 1 lb ground turkey (~2.96), shredded cheddar (~.83), shredded lettuce (~.33), can of tomatoes (.69), sour cream (.56).

This kid loves these flavors... he could eat rice & beans every day

Total cost of dinner for 3 people ~$6.57. There was enough left over for 2 lunches, plus enough rice for at least one or two more meals after that. I will probably have rice and beans for lunch on Wednesday. That’s about $1.31 per meal, so YAY me.

Other thoughts at the end of the day: 

I think that I will put peanut butter on my English Muffin tomorrow morning instead of regular butter. It should be more filling.

I'm going to count how much coffee I go through this week. I'm also thinking of making my own coffee sweetener/creamer. I usually use french vanilla creamer in my coffee, but I'm thinking that I should be able to make a healthier (and cheaper) version using simple syrup, milk, and vanilla (<-- I have some awesome Mexican vanilla).

Today's coffee count: 

1 pour over, 2 refillable K-cups

Weekly count:

 2 pour overs, 2 refillable K-cups