You know what really chaps my ass? Whenever I have to fill in my "occupation" on a form. I am still unsure of what to write. Is the correct term "stay-at-home-mom", is it "homemaker", is it something else I am not aware of? Either way, I don't think any of those titles do the job, my job, and the job of millions of other women, any justice. The term "stay-at-home" hits me like it's insinuating that I am ACTUALLY staying at home, on my ass, on the couch, which, I'm not going to lie, sometimes I DO, but mostly, I don't. And before you get yourself into a tizzy, I am REALLY grateful for this job. I just want a better name for it on paper. And if there's no way to come up with a better name, can the powers that be, at least, give me some more space to describe, in better detail, what my "occupation" actually consists of.  The form below cut me off before I could write "personal assistant to husband" and "picker-upper-of-all-the-socks". I would have liked to include that stuff and some more on my passport renewal application. 

So, it got me thinking of other things to include under occupation. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Conflict resolution specialist

2. Grill Master

3. Dead animal removal person (I need assistance with this one...from another stay-at-home-mom)

4. Part-time landscaper, part-time teacher, part-time therapist, part-time financial planner

5. Plumbing, garbage, and other gross shit also may fall into my jurisdiction from time to time. 

Can we all agree that a new, more appropriate title is needed? I've decided that from now on, when asked about my occupation, I am just going to write, "I run shit". 

What's to drink....

I have to offset last week's pricey wine, because that baby is going to blow right through the new 2017 budget, but this little surprise I received, it will fit just right. A friend brought this to my house for an impromptu get together. I was grateful for the bottle and happy to try something new. It's a dry sparkling wine from Spain (Cava), and it's pretty damn good. I'm starting to think that (dry) sparkling wine, or Champagne, is much like pizza to me. I never really meet one that I don't like. Cheers!

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava

What's to eat....

My timing was all off with this one, as I made it, when it was about 20 degrees outside. But, it would be perfect for these next few warmer days in NJ. Please remember that I froze my ass off making this. For you. You will need to add some salt to the marinade because duh, salt makes everything better.

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/12771/grilled-shrimp-scampi/

Working on my favorite things....

You know how I just mentioned that salt makes everything better? Add to that lime, avocado, vodka, coconut, and a hot shower, then rub it all over yourself. Your dry, cracking, corpse-like winter skin will thank you. Oh, don't try to eat it. It doesn't taste good. You're welcome, again. 

Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub

Wishing you ALL of the Good Stuff. 

XO

Tara

P.S. "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates. I came across this and felt like it was really good advice. That Socrates really knew his shit.