A mom’s 20/20 vision
This column has been around now since 2009 and I still remember writing that first article to submit and see if they would like the concept of a working mom column that included mom-isms, easy recipes, and talking about comical every day events. Well, so far so good. When I look at what I was writing about 11 years ago, I find that there are many of the same situations going on today — the life of the working mom continues but, now in the ever-growing digital age.
Moms are still using their cell phones to receive and reach out to family about what to make for dinner. However, with the addition of wireless earbuds, they can now look a little crazy standing in the middle of the grocery aisle appearing to talk to themselves. It may make others think “Oh, that poor thing, she is so busy, seems frazzled, and now is having conversations with shredded cheese.” That mom is probably thinking of her tasks to get done at work, the home list of to-do’s waiting for her when she gets there, the birthday and wedding gifts she has to pick up, what the kids will wear to the band and choir concert next week, and why no one can tie up the bread so it doesn’t become as hard or drink the last tablespoon of milk from the jug rather than leaving it in the fridge. Augh… that poor thing.
This leads me to ask a very simple question: How come it typically the wife’s/mom’s responsibility to be the only person in the house with 20/20 vision? Not your normal 20/20 vision… no, “Mom 20/20 vision?” What is this you ask? It is a mom’s inherent ability to see those things that no one else can. Here is the start of my list and the rest will be in my best seller whenever it is release..ha!
1. Wet boots and shoes leave dirt, snow, and mud on tile and carpet — alarming, but many family members cannot see this so will wear dirty footwear from the garage and across the entire 2000 sq.ft. main level of the home.
2. Honey and peanut butter do leave a sticky residue on the kitchen counter — another crazy fact that only mom’s seem to be able to see or feel. Gotta love putting your purse on the counter and inheriting a sticky or oily stain for the bottom of your purse. Thanks now.
3. Laundry does not move itself — What?! It doesn’t? This is for the husbands who need tips on doing laundry. If the laundry sits in the washer for two days, it will probably start to smell. If it does smell, do not then move it to the dryer. Please rewash the smelly laundry. Also, if you have washed a load of laundry (woo-hoo!), remember that the laundry fairy doesn’t come to our house so it is your responsibility to transfer the wet clothes to the dryer — preferably within two days to avoid the previous smelly laundry tip.
4. And, lastly, if you are looking in the bathroom mirror and can see something white or blue on it, that is your toothpaste that has flown from the sink to the mirror — yep, it’s yours. See it, recognize it, and clean it.
Oh, I could keep going… but, then it may sound more bitter than being the truly helpful suggestion list that it is meant to me (smile). Heaven knows I am not perfect but I think that working moms get a grace on some things — right? After all, she has other skills to share — like 20/20 vision.
Have a great week everyone!
Yummy Tuscan Chicken
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
1 tsp. dried oregano
3 tbsp. butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
3 c. baby spinach
1/2 c. heavy cream
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
Lemon wedges, for serving if you want
1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until golden and no longer pink, 8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes are beginning to burst then add spinach and cook until spinach is beginning to wilt.
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Return chicken to skillet and cook until heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.
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