OVERTIME IN SIMI VALLEY// Random snapshots from our day

Set your alarm to 5:45 am
We left the house at 6:30 to head out to Simi Valley. When Taylor has to work overtime on Saturdays, I like to tag along and go to a near by cafe to get some studying in. Thanks to daylight saving, it was pitch dark when we left, but it was actually really pretty seeing the color of the sky change as the sun began to rise. I feel like the rain always brings out the most insane colors.






Off to a Cafe
After I dropped Taylor off,  I camped out at a cafe, and got some studying done and also did a devotional from I John.   It's been far longer than I care to admit that I've done either of those things, so the 5:45 wake up time was totally worth it.





Back Home
When we got back home, we drank our bougie Whole Foods beer (and by bougie what I really mean is just that we didn't get blue moons this time) and played some monopoly deal. Then we made a breakfast inspired concoction with eggs over Taylor's Aunt Tina's delicious brisket and grilled potatoes.  I'm trying to cut back on my red meat.  I've grown up a total red meat eater, but am starting to realize that I can't just stuff that all in my mouth without thinking anymore.  However, in moderation- I can't think of anything else that hits the spot than sunny side up eggs over really good meat over really good potatoes, all on one plate. yum!

MORNING STRAWBERRIES// Ready for Spring

The weather has been warming up a little bit, and I can't wait til spring.  By this time of year, I'm totally sick of being cold and missing the summer fruits that make the most deliciously simple snacks.  When I was little, summer was always unquestionably my favorite season- no school, swimming every afternoon, and getting to run around in shorts all day.  Now that I'm older, with the introduction of springtime allergies, and especially after experiencing my first blisteringly hot summer last year in the valley- I've tried to tell myself to appreciate the winter more.  However, by the time March hits, I'm pretty much over being appreciative and wishing that the sun would come out again!

IT'S RAINING IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA// Staying in for dinner tonight!

So, it goes without saying that I don't like rain.  As soon as I hear that rain is going to be in our forecast, all I can think of it soggy socks and car seats, my hair going flat, and getting soaked outside even if I have an umbrella because the rain is not only falling down, but blowing horizontally too.

That being said, I do appreciate the rain.  Taylor used to work at the water district and is constantly reminding me that southern California is in a drought. And, after taking my LEED exam, I will pretty much forever live with a guilty conscience hanging over my head every time I flush the toilet or wash the dishes knowing that I am letting gallons of drinking water literally go down the drain.

So having come to terms with the fact that rain is a necessary part of life, one thing I do love about rainy days, is how much it makes you appreciate the simple things.  Somehow soup just seems to taste when you're inside and listening to the rain fall down outside, and the simple fact that you are dry is all of sudden just the greatest thing ever. A few days ago, I asked Taylor to pick up some squash from the market for me, thinking he was going to bring home some yellow squash, (I love sauteing yellow squash with zucchini for something quick). But to my surprise he came home with butternut squash. Having never cooked butternut squash, I had it sitting in a fridge for a few days, not knowing what to do with it. But then I realized I could  try and make soup out of it. I used this recipe because i already had most of the ingredients in my kitchen and added some parsley and rosemary, but one of these days I might try this one if I have some apples on hand. It actually turned out to be super easy and a perfect comfort food for a rainy day!