I am the master of procrastination.
For example, while writing this article, I was looking for a synonym for “place” in an online thesaurus, and I discovered they had crossword puzzles. I was intrigued and started working on one.
After a few minutes of head-scratching, I had to stop and remind myself that I still had to work on this.
Ever since I can remember, I have always thrived when there was a set deadline and I knew towards what goal I was working to. Anything ambiguous would not be helpful to me, and instead I will find other things to do, i.e. procrastinate. I have so many interests that I seldom get bored. Now it’s even easier since I always have a book (or books) to be read on my Kindle. There is always something new to paint or learn to draw. A cake to bake. A meal to cook. Clothes to fold and iron.
As Gretchen Rubin would say “Work is the greatest form of procrastination.”
And with kids, there is even more work.
I was happy though that during this summer vacation I was able to take some time to improve my watercolor painting skills, thanks to online classes with none other than artist extraordinaire Tey Sevilleno. She was a couple of batches ahead of us in USLS-IS and I was so happy to reconnect with her via Facebook and we set up classes. I learned so much during my 5 sessions with her and I was grateful to get feedback on my artworks. It is one thing to follow a tutorial on YouTube and another thing to create your own art. I am delighted that I have finally made a few originals, although for now they live in my sketchbook. Practice makes progress.
The summer holidays quickly passed by this year as Becca got only 5 weeks off from school. Of those, we spent 2 weeks in Germany with family.
We stayed at a resort in Cochem, Germany, for 5 days during those 2 weeks. Oma, Opa and the girls’ cousin, Paul, went with us. The resort was like a village of tiny houses with a recreation center and a huge golf course.
Unfortunately for us, the pool was reservation-only, in 90-minute slots, so the kids had to amuse themselves somehow for the rest of the day. Thankfully, with Paul around, it was not that hard. For an 11-year-old he sure has a lot of patience with our girls. They follow him around, grateful for another playmate.
We also took a day trip to the town of Cochem and walked around the old town. I wanted to go up to the castle, but it would be too much walking for Oma. Instead, we took a boat tour along the Mosel River and took in the view of the many vineyards and quaint towns along the river.
When we came back to my in-laws’ place for the remainder of our holiday, the kids were in their pool daily. And they were spoiled by Oma. I am glad they had this time with family.
It has been quite hot this summer though, that most afternoons I would rather stay indoors and drink something cold.
My go-to cold coffee before was my homemade cold brew coffee. It took some planning and space in the refrigerator. To make cold brew, you soak coarsely ground coffee beans overnight and then filter it out. I found that the best and fastest way to do it was via a large French Press. Then, I discovered the Shakerato via one of the many foodie emails I have subscribed to.
It is fast and easy, no need for advance planning, just be sure to have ice in the freezer.
I have tried making the Shakerato with instant coffee, and it will suffice. But the one made with espresso is far more superior.
Shakerato (Italian Iced Coffee)
All you need, for 1 serving, is:
1/3 c or 80ml hot espresso or very strong brewed coffee
2 to 3 tsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
4 to 6 ice cubes Make your coffee, add the maple syrup and mix well. Put the ice cubes into a large-enough jar or cocktail shaker then pour in the sweetened coffee. Place the lid on and shake until the ice is mostly melted. Pour into a glass and enjoy!*
