Oh, how boring

See, I'm a tad bit anal. But only about certain things. I don't need things to be clean in my home or in my office, but I do need them to be put in the correct place. I think this skill (oh, and it IS a skill) comes from growing up in a tiny house with a mother who couldn't throw anything away (cough, still can't, cough).

Organization. It gives me a freakish high. I love moving into a new place. Why? Because I get to figure out where to put a million little things! What's better than that? I hate to lift boxes, but put them in a room and I'll put everything away for you. I love helping friends move for this very reason. The kitchen is my favorite part. Figuring out what's used frequently and what's not and determining what cabinet will fit all the plates, spices, fancy glasses, pots and pans, and pantry items. My little slice of heaven.

Ok, I swear this is one of my only quirks. For your boredom, allow me to show you an example of my organizational skills.

Spice drawer after my husband has messied it up for a couple of months.


Spice drawer after my beautiful touch.


"A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN IT'S PLACE" - Some guy who probably didn't want to be known for that quote. No, I take that back. It was definitely a woman.

A summer love

Basil. This little guy is wonderful.


I have no green thumb. J has a small green thumb (giggle giggle, I love you). I'm pleased to announce that we've kept this basil plant alive for over 2 months now. We...ok, J...picks the leaves a couple of times a week.

It's provided us with some kick to a couple of delish dishes. And a quick go-to for pesto.

And, caprese style: Tomato, mozzarella, basil leaves, a dash of balsamic. Mmmmm


Note to self: a Mexican cheese block looks like a mozzarella block.
Reminder to self: Tell J not to keep blocks of different cheeses in the same tupperware.

Gnocchi in Fontina cream sauce

When we went out for our anniversary dinner a couple of weeks ago, J had a tasty dish that he couldn't forget. So he searched high and low and found a recipe that is pretty darn close. We tried it out Saturday evening and it was fabulous!

Gnocchi in Fontina cream sauce

1 pound gnocchi
6 T butter
2 T shallots
8 ounces Fontina
2/3 C cream
3 T parmesan
1 T fresh basil

Directions:

First, melt the butter with shallots (or substitute onion and add some garlic like we did)


Then add the cream. We like rich and we like extra sauce, so we added a bit extra cream. Bring the mixture to light boil. Add the Fontina & parmesan. Stir until melted.


Cook and drain the gnocchi (or make your own).


Add the pasta to your sauce. Serve and top with fresh basil. Voila!

NADIA!

Something you may not know about me: I'm a gymnastics freak.

Was I ever a gymnast? No. I'd like to attribute that to growing up in smalltown Illinois. There's not a whole lot of opportunity for such activities. I could have been great. Sigh.

Anyway, growing up, I loved gymnastics. My absolute favorite movie was Nadia, the biographical movie of Nadia Comaneci. I watched it at least once a day. You know how every parent has to hide a movie/toy/snack because their kid can't get enough of it? Yeah, that was mine. My mom bought me a leotard. My dad built me a balance beam. I was in heaven.


I still love the Summer Olympics for this reason. Gymnastic world championships and exhibition meets, while entertaining, just do not compare.

So you can imagine how excited I was to start attending a university that had a successful gymnastics team. Last fall, I only made it to one meet. It was heaven.


But who went with me? My husband. Bad idea. But he owed me. I can't remember why, but he definitely owed me. It was so exhilirating to watch. It was also entertaining to hear J's commentary:

Me: Ooooh! Will you get me a snocone?
J: No. We're in a recession.

J: I feel like I'm in Limited Too. (in regards to all the girls cheering and chanting)

J: I've seen at least 6 or 7 guys that would qualify for pedophile status.

J: Look at how ugly that girl is. Her nose is gigantic...Man, I should be a commentator.

J: I'd like gymnastics a whole lot more if they didn't work with mats. Be confident. Only have concrete underneath you. I think I'll suggest that for the Xgames next year.

J: The floor routine would be ten times better if they required them to do the worm across the mat.

J: Why was her score so low?
Me: Her legs came apart at least 3 times.
J: Well, that's not very ladylike, is it?

(After a girl NAILED this floor routine and everyone started cheering)
J: Shit's weak.


I was amused. Needless to say, I'm excited for the season to start this fall. If you live in Lexington, I will be hounding you to go with me. Be prepared.


What's your childhood-but-never-developed passion?