I'm not good with the predictable

I'm not sure when it started, but after college I moved abroad. Twice.

Then I came back to Oklahoma of all things, so I lived in the heart of Midtown OKC at the beginning of the area's renewal.

Then I moved to Norman. Life has been so... normal. And I think I'd rather have things be interesting than predictable. Life is better with the unexpected.

So since my lease is up, I knew I wanted to move. Life with 2 dogs is not conducive to apartment life (although it is doable, but that's another rant for another day).

For years I've daydreamed about living in the country and joked about living off the grid. So imagine my shock when I stumbled upon a guest house for rent on a free-range chicken farm in the middle of the country.

I made an appointment to go out and see it, figuring that even if it was horrifying, it would be a good story (see above). But lo and behold, it is delightful. So out to the country I go. Fresh eggs and organic produce will abound.

The dogs will love it. And no, I don't think they'll chase the chickens. They have a few acres behind my landlord's house to wander about on, behind chicken wire.

Green acres is the place for me...

Perfect Oatmeal

I do not oft claim to have super-human cooking powers, but there are some things that I am the bomb diggity at making. Oatmeal is one of those things. Let me share my secrets with you.

First of all, if you eat instant oatmeal... I'm just sorry. That is sad.

Second of all, if you make oatmeal in the microwave... please just stop.

Ingredients

• Half cup rolled oats
• One cup milk/almond milk
• Cinnamon to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

1. On medium heat on the stove top, bring milk to simmering or a slight boil. 
2. Add in oats. If it begins a rolling boil, turn heat down. You don't want to scorch the bottom. Simmering would be just fine.
3. Allow to simmer for 15 or so minutes, until fully cooked.
4. Add toppings of choice.

Yes, it takes longer, but by golly, it's 1000x better. Some notes below.

I use almond milk because I'm trying to cut out a lot of dairy. It's great, but cow milk is better. It's even BETTER to throw a dash of heavy cream or half and half in. Just sayin. Milk makes all the difference to oatmeal.

I add blueberries and strawberries as I have them. Strawberries in this oatmeal are ridiculously good. Add them at the end.

I increase this recipe by 50% because I want it to fill me up til lunch. Adjust recipe as you wish.

Welcome to your awesome life.