That's How It's Done, Mila

I really need to have a little talk with me from a year ago. That version of me thought life was chaotic and full and busy, but then this year came along and laughed in the face of all of that.

Holy. Smokes. I'm pretty sure if I try to cram in anything else, I'm going to burst into flames. This isn't burning the candle at both ends; I threw the candle in the fireplace months ago, along with a gallon of gasoline and a barrel filled with exhaustion.

ANYWAY.

In the midst of all of this crazy is a certain little girl who frankly doesn't give a damn about acquisitions and product margin bowlers and vertical market expansion and return on investment capital and blah, blah, blah. She wants to know why I don't have star stickers on my laptop because THAT is the most important question of the day. THERE SHOULD BE MORE STAR STICKERS, MOM. GO ORDER SOME ON EBAY, MOM.

Everyone should have a Mila. I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it. There is nothing better for a chaos-filled day than having a little person who just keeps on doing her thing. Mila is a disruption and a joy and everything that is important all rolled into one tiny body.

When things are chaotic, I tend to get writer's block. I can stare at the little square for this site for hours with no idea what has happened that could possibly be interesting enough to write about. The more is happening, the less I have to say.

Tonight, I asked the little person for ideas about what to write in this space. I'm wrapping up a whirlwind of three solid weeks of not having a free second during the work day, so lakgjaownblsn. My brain is done with the thinking and stuffs. I figured Mila would have a very solid idea.

I posed the exact question to Mila that I have asked myself for the past 14 years (Yes ... 14 years. I have been blogging for over 14 years. HOW NUTSJOBWUT IS THAT?). "What has happened lately that was worth remembering forever?"

Mila's answer was a good one. "I always want to remember how you and me and sissy hung out and laughed." She was talking about two days ago when the two girls were being obnoxious and I rolled my eyes at them, leading to them falling over laughing because they love to be obnoxious.

It was worth remembering, Mila. And I'm glad THAT is the moment that stuck out for you.

The Look of a Panicked Hamster

Tortellini with Parmesan Tomato Sauce

Mila has a habit of being very cyclical when it comes to food. She goes through phases when she'll eat absolutely anything, which is always chased by a phase where she eats pasta.

Only pasta.

Guess which side of the coin we're dealing with right now?

I'll see you on the other side, internet. I'll have new recipes then. I hope. In the meantime, this is an oldie, but a goody.

Tortellini with Parmesan Tomato Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
1 pound frozen tortellini (approximate size -- I used a 19 oz bag and there was still plenty of sauce for it)

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil. Toss in the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat.

2. Toss in the spinach. Sauté until the spinach is heated well.

3. Tomato time! Throw them in the pan, liquid and all. Heat them until the liquid begins to simmer then add the cream, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Let the sauce continue to simmer (stirring every few minutes) while you prepare the tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to the instructions on the package. It should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. By the time the tortellini is done, your sauce should be starting to thicken. Toss in the parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well mixed.

6. Drain your tortellini and toss it in the sauce. Stir to coat.

7. You can garnish with extra parmesan, if you're feeling fancy. Or don't. I won't judge you either way.