Schnitzel with Noodles

I figured "Raindrops on Roses" would be a dead give away for a title. So at least that one made you think you were going to get a nice German recipe for meat and pasta. But alas, no such luck--I'll have to master my fear of handling raw meat before going down that road. The past couple of days have gone a little differently than planned, so in celebration of getting dressed and leaving the house today (baby steps, right?) I thought I'd post one of my fun ideas.

See, I've never been much of an Oprah fan. Sure, I've watched here and there but nothing die hard. I've never bought and read one of her book club books. I didn't stop eating red meat when she said the beef farmers were evil (pretty sure that isn't the exact quote). Proudly, I've never used the reasoning "because Oprah says so" to validate my thoughts or actions. There is, however, one thing I've taken a liking to. That is her over-the-top Favorite Things show. In the past she's done them around Christmas to show the latest gifts for the season. Inevitably (or however you spell that) she introduces a wide variety of her favorite things and then little elves come and deliver them to each person in the audience. I know a lady who was in the audience for that show and she walked away with all sorts of treasures.

ANYWAY, at some point last year I started collecting some of my favorite things. I keep them in a box under my bed. At different times I've thought of wrapping them up and sending them to someone (mainly, one of you for the nearest holiday) but then talk myself out of it. Giving a gift should be about the recipients favorite things....not mine. So instead, I thought I'd list a few here. That way, if something strikes your fancy, you can get it yourself. Saves me on shipping too :) So as you sit back and read through this list I ask just one thing. Please picture Oprah's announcing voice reading the categories to you. It's the least you could do.

My Favorite Things.....

Lotion: Aveeno Grapefruit & Rosemary. Smells so wonderful (and you know how I like good smelly things!)

**Blarg. I tried copying and pasting pictures here but it screwed up the type and font. So maybe this won't be quite as fun as it could be. So maybe I'll just add links instead. Done and done.

Worship CD: It's a tie right now. Shane and Shane's newest, Dare 2 Share, is pretty great. You just have to force yourself to get past the slight cheese in the title. The other one is Enter the Worship Circle: Chair & Microphone Vol. 3. This could also go for longest title EVER. While I find Shane and Shane so dear to my heart because of the memories they stir up, I also can't help but be refreshed by lyrics that don't automatically run out my mouth without thought. This girl's voice is peaceful and clear and I just love it.

Sandwich: Chicken and Apples from Rising Roll. There is nothing more perfect. Chicken salad-tart green apples-creamy blue cheese dressing (with or without...I can go either way)-and extra crispy bacon-on a fresh croissant. In the words of my childhood crush, Uncle Jesse....."have mercy"! Ps--if you don't have one of these in your area, don't be sad. Just consider it a divine reason to come and visit me. Oh, and Firehouse's Hook and Ladder should get an honorable mention here....as long as it doesn't get too soggy.

Business Book: I have to admit: I haven't read many of these. As I was unpacking my boxes tonight and came across this gem: Three Signs of a Miserable Job by Patrick Lencioni. This is a book focused on helping managers, so if you aren't one then I will admit you'll feel a little stuck when you finish. All I know is that this book gave words to why I've loved every job I've loved and why I've despised all of those I despised. If you (or your sweet husband) are a manager, please read. It is an allegory (fancy word for story with a moral) so it's a quick read.

Game: I have a split division here. Educational and Entertaining. In the educational category, Bananagrams must take the cake for quick thinking and vocabulary expansion. While you can easily win this with 3 letter words, I've found that there is no glory in the Meloy family for that kind of win. Your words will be scrutinized and respect will be doled out for quality over quantity. Hey, I don't make the rules! If you are one that finds stress in a fast paced game, maybe Farkle will tickle your fancy. This is a contageous dice game of no skill and all luck. Plus you get to scream FARKLE as many times as you want. What's not to love?? Oh it's only $5 at Target, so don't waste your dollars at Amazon.

Ice Cream Flavor: Ben and Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar. Personally I think it should be called Coffee Toffee...but that's thanks to Wendy's Coffee Toffee Frosty. Just saying that a few times will make your day better. Which is what I recommend since the actual treat itself is something like 5 gazillion calories per teaspoon. But I digress. Who knew that the girl who doesn't actually care for a cup of coffee would love coffee ice cream? It's true. And this one is delish. Do us both a favor and don't click on the nutrition link if you happen to spend some time with any of the B&J flavors.

We have so many more favorites to cover, so consider this my commercial break......