a peek inside the fishbowl

The girls and I were on our way to the grocery store yesterday and we got to talking about jobs. Sarah has decided she wants to be an astronaut. Her reasons are:

1) floating around would be a lot of fun
2) she likes to try new and fun things
3) she wants to learn more about space

All good reasons, don’t you think?

Emma has always said she wants to be a farmer, but I think she’d be happy doing anything with animals, especially horses.

I told the girls that it’s important to choose a career they are really and truly passionate about. That life is short, and they wouldn’t want to get up every morning for a job they hate.

And not everyone is well-suited to every job.

“What if someone didn’t like to have adventures and try new things,” I said. “And wasn’t interested at all in outer space and was afraid of heights… do you think this person would be happy being an astronaut?”

Sarah was quiet. I don’t think she could fathom the idea that someone wouldn’t like to have adventures and didn’t like the idea of going into outer space.

Personally, I don’t think I would find happiness being an astronaut or shoveling horse poop. There’s nothing in that for me … although it would be cool to travel into outer space at least once, and horseback riding is pretty fun. Okay, maybe I could see myself as a part-time cowgirl and space explorer. Do I need math for that?

Today, once again, I was reminded of how much I love the path my career has taken: the variety, the learning, the challenge, the fulfillment. If I was more religious I’d say that I was blessed, but instead I’m going to say I’m g.d. lucky.

This morning I was at a military shooting range, scoping out the location for a script I’m working on for one of four videos for DND.

It was awesome. And now I’m sitting here, with my second (this is almost unheard of!) coffee of the day. It’s grey and overcast outside, but inside, it’s ever so bright.

We brought a small bag of black sunflower seeds to the Stony Swamp area so we could feed the chickadees and I could spend some time with my zoom lens.

And now it’s Monday. On the agenda: to see a guy about a shooting range. But more on that later.

For now, check out the chickadee slide show!

I don’t buy powdered hot chocolate mix anymore. Why? I started reading the labels, that’s why, and figured we could do without corn syrup solids and hydrogenated vegetable oil and coconut and/or palm oils. Ew. What are they doing in there anyway?

Dangnabbit! We’re Canadians, living in the cold capital, and hot chocolate is a regular part of our winter routine! I couldn’t deny my kids the joy of hot chocolate on cold days, could I? So I’m making my own.

This is my hot chocolate recipe:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup white sugar (I use a little less)
pinch of sea salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 ½ cups milk
¾ ts vanilla extract
½ cup half and half (totally optional)

Combine the cocoa, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. It’ll make a thick paste. You will be very tempted to lick the spoon, but be careful, it’s hot okay? Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t scorch. Stir in the milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between four mugs and add the cream, or marshmallows if you’re so inclined. Me, I prefer to foam up some milk in the microwave.

That’s it! It takes about 10 minutes, but it’s so worth it.

The kids love it, but I’m a hot vanilla kind of girl. Here’s what I make for myself:

Take one mug, fill it with milk. Microwave until very hot. Add touch of sweetener (I use Splenda) and a drop of vanilla. That’s it.

I drank this all through my pregnancy with Sarah. I craved coffee, and realized I was really only craving something hot to drink, so this was my substitute. I still drink it when I want something sweet at night.

What about you, are you a chocolate or vanilla kind of gal?