17 days...

Yes, the countdown has begun. Only 17 more days until Eric is done with his first year material for medical school. Sure, he has a few more weeks of non-book work to do once April 30 hits. But in 17 glorious days, he can put the books away (or laptop, as the case may be), and our summer of fun can begin! :-)

So what have I been doing to bide the time? Well, for one thing, I've been experimenting with food (as always). Tonight I made a meatloaf that we both actually enjoyed [recipe below], which is pretty much a miracle considering how we both have always loathed meatloaf. I've also been forcing myself to workout twice a day, which in theory is a very good idea, but, unfortunately, just results in me eating an extra 300 calories a day and not losing an ounce. But hey, at least my heart may be getting a little healthier, right?

Oliver... well, nothing really affects a cat. He sleeps. He meows. He eats. He bothers Eric while he's studying (the dynamic between those two is pretty funny to watch). Then he sleeps some more. Poor Eric hasn't been able to sit in his recliner for a month because the cat has taken it over as his personal bed and marked his territory with a slough of cat hair. He seems to enjoy his life well enough.

My mom is coming to visit this coming weekend to celebrate her birthday. That will be a nice change of pace, and I've had very much fun planning what to cook up for our visitor!

And that's what we're doing these days. Nothing exciting, nothing extraordinary; but life is good. :-)

[Easy BBQ meatloaf]

2 lbs. hamburger meat

1 c. water

1 box Stouffer's Chicken or cornbread stuffing mix

2-3 eggs

1/2 c. BBQ sauce

(You may also want to add some onion or onion powder)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except 1/4 c. of bbq sauce. Once mixed thoroughly, mold mixture into a loaf and place in a greased 9X13 pan. Cover with remaining bbq sauce. Bake for 50 mins to 1 hr.