REALITY CHECK!

Some of you may have notice that I haven't posted lately, some may not have and some of you probably don't care (that's ok, I know you're busy).   But, I do want to share what's been going on (there is an important lesson to learn here!)  

In the last few months I have taken a part time job (needed some extra cash), in 3 weeks time I have had a total of 7 house guests and I have come to the realization that I have been managing my life a little too well (maybe even too too well?).   At first, I thought "it wouldn't be that much of a strain after all it is only 4 hours a day 5 days/week and I would be working right out my office at home (Sweet!)".   Well, I couldn't have been more wrong (I wouldn't admit this normally, but in the name of "full disclosure" I will make an exception).

THE FALL OUT:

First and foremost, I am ashamed and embarrased to admit that I have not been feeding my family very well.   My house is a mess (not so feng shui right now) and everybody is so tense, uptight and short tempered that it has turned into a nightmare!!!!!   At first, I told myself "everyone will get used to it" (at this point the likehood of that happening is a snowballs chance in YOU KNOW WHERE.....)   So, I ask myself "WHY?"   Like I mentioned above, I have been managing my life too well.   Which as become a great disservice to my family, because apparently I have not done them or myself any favors by not delagating more responsibility to them. (Family, I say this with love and I take full responsibility).   That, I find to be a very BAD decision on my part to allow this to happen (again, I wouldn't normally admit to this).   Oh, yeah the answer to my question "WHY?"   Listen carefully because I will never admit to this again!   I am not a very good delagator (it's so much easier to just do it myself, I know I sound like a control freak).   AND I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG!  

THE PLAN:

1:   I WILL learn to delagate more responsibility to the members of our household.
2:   I WILL teach my family to be independant members of our household and not just follow me like baby ducks.
3:   I WILL take time out for me.
4:   I WILL learn to say "NO".

Well, that is it in a nutshell.....It's been quite a rollercoaster ride these last few months.   I will keep you updated on the progress.

ENJOY!

Jacqui Allen

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GREEK STYLE BEEF STEW

I recently decided that it was not only necessary, but imperative that I expand the family's dinning experience. So I went on a search for new dishes to feed my clan.
I love Greek food and decided on this Greek beef and leek stew.

The recipe was easy to follow and my entire house smelled simply divine while it was cooking. I have to admit, I was a little worried about how it would taste because the spice combos seemed a little unusual 9cinnamon, sage, rosemary and more). BUT!!!! Wow, it was amazing. The family gave it a 100% rating and it will be served in our house again. My husband loves stew and he liked it better than mine (which used to be his favorite) but, that is OK. The 2 are completely different and I have to agree, it is an awesome dish. Oh by the way, I added my own touch by serving it over couscous.


Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Please drop me a comment and let me know what you think of it.

I must give credit to the creator of the recipe, so here is the link to the recipe at epicurious:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/356409

Enjoy!

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