Hello friends!
It has been so long since my last post. So much has gone on since then..... Let's see, where to start.
Well, I've had two more sinus infections since my last post. My doctor's don't know what is wrong with me. Now, they think I have an autoimmune disease. Of course, I automatically think the worst, like MS. But, only time and lots of medical tests will tell.
School has been ok. I haven't really been "into it" like I should be or like I have previously been. I think because I have not been feeling well the majority of the semester, I find it hard to concentrate and am usually just really tired. I took my last test of the semester on Thursday and now all I have left is finals. This semester has really gone by fast. This is my last semester of class work and I am so excited. I am eagerly waiting to start my externship to see if I will actually be able to make it in the real world. For my school placement, I am going to Owasso public schools and for my hospital/rehab placement, I will be in Okmulgee at the George Nigh Rehab Center. I'm excited to work in rehab, not in Okmulgee. It gives me flashbacks to working in Claremore, which was quite interesting. I'm also whittling away at my thesis. It's taking a long time. I want to go on and get my doctorate and I keep thinking about why I would torture myself like that. We will see....
Robert and I have decided to put our house on the market-BOO, kinda. Our house has a myriad of problems, the main one being that we have some wood rot on the outside and need to repaint. That's hard to do on one salary. Because we are thinking about moving (I'll talk more about that), we thought our best option would be to put the house on the market now since it will probably take forever for it to sell. The market is so bad right now and of course, we chose to do it right before the winter season. Surely someone will want this house. It is a perfect starter home and is right in the middle of midtown, which is a popular area. Let's hope for the best! My mom and step-dad are moving to Houston soon and we will probably just live in their house, if our house sells. I'm not real excited about moving back in with my mom (pride thing) but we have to do what we have to do to get by. I also think we will be much happier in the end if I get offered a job out-of-state and we don't have to worry about selling our house then. That way we can just pick up and move.
So, about moving. I've interviewed for a few companies in North Carolina and I have an interview in Boston in November. Everyone I talk to about NC says what a wonderful, affordable and beautiful place NC is. I had no idea. The companies I have talked to seem great, but it's hard to know what to look for. You have to weigh benefits against pay and decide which one is more important. I wish you could just have both---maybe the right company will come along soon. I'll keep you posted.
This weekend, I'm not doing much. I have so much work to catch up on. I may go to a Halloween party later tonight, but I'm not sure. When I have things looming over my head it's hard to have fun and let loose because I always end up thinking about what needs to be done instead.
Lastly, I recently read an article in Newsweek that discussed the biological reason that positive thinking does make a difference. It was a great article. I'm guilty when it comes to thinking negatively. I'm going to try to think positively from here on out. I need to be more grateful for the things I have in my life rather than think about all the things I could have or should have. I wonder if anyone else is like that too?
Well, I have to leave you with a fun recipe for relatively healthy cookies:) Hopefully it won't be that long before I post again! Au revoir!
PB cookies
3/4 C peanut butter (I use the natural kind)
2 C bisquick mix (use the heart healthy kind, the yellow packet has trans fat in it)
1-14oz can of fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
sugar
hershey kisses
preheat oven to 375. mix first four ingredients. roll into walnut sized balls and roll in sugar. bake 7-9 minutes until they just begin to brown. press hershey kisses into the center immediately after pulling from oven.
I've also replaced Nutella for the PB and use caramel kisses. Those turn out super yummy!
----Chi
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Saturday, September 15, 2007
It's been so long....
Hi!
It's been so long since I last blogged. Unfortunately, not too much has happened. Apparantely I live an uneventful and semi-boring life. The one good thing that has happened is that I took my last dosage of Prednisone (corticosteroids) on Thursday. I hated life while I was taking those. I was quite moody, had an enormous appetite and was unable to sleep. But, I'm still on the antibiotics for another two weeks. I also took my first test in my swallowing disorders class. I studied pretty hard for that test and I think I did ok. Maybe not an A, but I passed (in my major, you have to pass with an 80% or you have to take the test again). Now I'm getting ready for two more tests. Luckily I'm not as spacey anymore seeing that I don't have to take the evil steroids. What else? Oh, we are decorating our house for the Fall. Seems ironic that we are spending money on the inside of our house while the outside is in need of a serious paint job. However, a paint job costs slightly more than a few decorations:) I like when the house is decorated because it makes it feel more homey and welcoming. Robert and I usually don't have lots of guests over because our house seems so small when more than two people are in it. But, we are thinking about branching out and doing something like a wine party this fall. I love the fall. I love the weather. I also love making my pumpkin dip. It's so easy and decently healthy. I got this recipe from one of my former employees at Chili's. She was an older woman who pretty much acted like my grandmother! Hope you enjoy it. Wish me luck in the next few weeks! Hope all is well with everyone!
Chi
Pumpkin Dip
(I use sugar free products in this-you can use the real deal if you want)
1 package (small) sugar free vanilla pudding (i wouldn't use french vanilla-it's too sweet)
1 can (small) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 container of sugar free whipped topping
pumpkin pie spice to taste
Mix the pudding packet and pumpkin
Fold in whipped topping
add pumpkin pie spice to taste (i add tons)
served with graham crackers
It's been so long since I last blogged. Unfortunately, not too much has happened. Apparantely I live an uneventful and semi-boring life. The one good thing that has happened is that I took my last dosage of Prednisone (corticosteroids) on Thursday. I hated life while I was taking those. I was quite moody, had an enormous appetite and was unable to sleep. But, I'm still on the antibiotics for another two weeks. I also took my first test in my swallowing disorders class. I studied pretty hard for that test and I think I did ok. Maybe not an A, but I passed (in my major, you have to pass with an 80% or you have to take the test again). Now I'm getting ready for two more tests. Luckily I'm not as spacey anymore seeing that I don't have to take the evil steroids. What else? Oh, we are decorating our house for the Fall. Seems ironic that we are spending money on the inside of our house while the outside is in need of a serious paint job. However, a paint job costs slightly more than a few decorations:) I like when the house is decorated because it makes it feel more homey and welcoming. Robert and I usually don't have lots of guests over because our house seems so small when more than two people are in it. But, we are thinking about branching out and doing something like a wine party this fall. I love the fall. I love the weather. I also love making my pumpkin dip. It's so easy and decently healthy. I got this recipe from one of my former employees at Chili's. She was an older woman who pretty much acted like my grandmother! Hope you enjoy it. Wish me luck in the next few weeks! Hope all is well with everyone!
Chi
Pumpkin Dip
(I use sugar free products in this-you can use the real deal if you want)
1 package (small) sugar free vanilla pudding (i wouldn't use french vanilla-it's too sweet)
1 can (small) pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 container of sugar free whipped topping
pumpkin pie spice to taste
Mix the pudding packet and pumpkin
Fold in whipped topping
add pumpkin pie spice to taste (i add tons)
served with graham crackers
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Hi Hello
Well hello there!
It's the second week of school and I just can't get it together. My head is in the clouds. I'm experiencing senior-itis! I think it's been hard because of my chronic sinutitis. The latest update on this situation is:
I finally visited the ENT yesterday. I am now on three different meds, a steroid, something for a bacterial infection (and not a stupid z-pack that doesn't work), and a decongestant/exporant. I have to take them for the next month. I'm also having a CT scan done. He tried to perform a nasendoscopy on me yesterday, but my nasal passage was too swollen. The good thing to come out of this whole thing is that he will finally find the root of my problem and fix it! Yeah! I can't wait. Just wish I didn't have to take all these meds.
That's about all I have. This weekend is a 3-day weekend and I can't wait to rest.
It's the second week of school and I just can't get it together. My head is in the clouds. I'm experiencing senior-itis! I think it's been hard because of my chronic sinutitis. The latest update on this situation is:
I finally visited the ENT yesterday. I am now on three different meds, a steroid, something for a bacterial infection (and not a stupid z-pack that doesn't work), and a decongestant/exporant. I have to take them for the next month. I'm also having a CT scan done. He tried to perform a nasendoscopy on me yesterday, but my nasal passage was too swollen. The good thing to come out of this whole thing is that he will finally find the root of my problem and fix it! Yeah! I can't wait. Just wish I didn't have to take all these meds.
That's about all I have. This weekend is a 3-day weekend and I can't wait to rest.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Again?
I've been blessed with yet another sinus infection. This stinks. The part that sucks the most about having a sinus infection is having to pay the doctor to tell you what you already know. Can't I just get a lifetime supply of amoxicillan or z-packs?
Either way, it's been an interesting week. School started back and I am scared for this semester. I have three classes (1.5 hour classes) back to back on T/TH. By the time the third class rolls around, I'm in a daze. I barely know what we are talking about half the time! This semester is also the semester I do my research project. Like an idiot, I decided to do an actual project instead of a literature review. I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up for that one!
The weekend was fun. My friends Jason and Amy had their first baby! Abby Rae was brought into this world after a very long labor (22 hours). It was so nice to spend some time with them at the hospital. Amy looks beautiful but tired, Jason looks so proud and Abby is perfect! She is my first close friend (in town) to have a baby that I've actually gotten to get attached to. It was emotional!
I also got to meet up with an old friend Deana, her husband Steve and their ever-so-handsome son, Max. Although it was a short visit, it was so nice to see them. It has been more than 10 years since I've seen Deana! So much has happened in our lives since then, but it was nice to be able to pick up like old friends! I wish that we lived closer, but I guess that is just how life goes.
Then I had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Shogun. It was super yummy. Then I stopped off at the Cheesecake Factory (it's open now!) and got two pieces of cheesecake, Tiramisu and Carrot Cake. Robert and I tried the Tiramisu last night and it was sooooooo good. Tonight we will try the other one. There were so many choices. I think that I can feel my waist growing just thinking about it.
Well, I'm off to the library (yuck) to do some research. I can't wait.
Have a great week!
Either way, it's been an interesting week. School started back and I am scared for this semester. I have three classes (1.5 hour classes) back to back on T/TH. By the time the third class rolls around, I'm in a daze. I barely know what we are talking about half the time! This semester is also the semester I do my research project. Like an idiot, I decided to do an actual project instead of a literature review. I don't know what I was thinking when I signed up for that one!
The weekend was fun. My friends Jason and Amy had their first baby! Abby Rae was brought into this world after a very long labor (22 hours). It was so nice to spend some time with them at the hospital. Amy looks beautiful but tired, Jason looks so proud and Abby is perfect! She is my first close friend (in town) to have a baby that I've actually gotten to get attached to. It was emotional!
I also got to meet up with an old friend Deana, her husband Steve and their ever-so-handsome son, Max. Although it was a short visit, it was so nice to see them. It has been more than 10 years since I've seen Deana! So much has happened in our lives since then, but it was nice to be able to pick up like old friends! I wish that we lived closer, but I guess that is just how life goes.
Then I had dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Shogun. It was super yummy. Then I stopped off at the Cheesecake Factory (it's open now!) and got two pieces of cheesecake, Tiramisu and Carrot Cake. Robert and I tried the Tiramisu last night and it was sooooooo good. Tonight we will try the other one. There were so many choices. I think that I can feel my waist growing just thinking about it.
Well, I'm off to the library (yuck) to do some research. I can't wait.
Have a great week!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Yummy!
Hello! I don't have tons of time to write today (today is the first day back at school), but I wanted to share this recipe. Robert and I are trying to eat healthier and I just got my 2007 Cooking Light Annual Recipe book and this is the one we tried last night. It was very unique and good. I served it over brown rice. Garam Masala is expensive in our grocery stores, so I made my own by mixing equal parts of ground cumin, nutmeg, cloves and chili powder. I added more cumin (because I love it).
Shrimp Garam Masala
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups chopped bell pepper
1 cup prechopped onion (I use the frozen kind-I hate chopping onions)
1/3 cup dry white wine (I used chicken stock)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 lime wedges
PreparationSprinkle shrimp evenly with garam masala; let stand 5 minutes.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and onion; sauté 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add shrimp; sauté 3 minutes or until shrimp are done. Stir in wine, 3 tablespoons cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 cup shrimp mixture and 1 lime wedge)
Nutritional Information
CALORIES 260(29% from fat); FAT 8.4g (sat 1g,mono 3.5g,poly 2.8g); PROTEIN 35.5g; CHOLESTEROL 259mg; CALCIUM 112mg; SODIUM 405mg; FIBER 2g; IRON 4.5mg; CARBOHYDRATE 9.6g
Shrimp Garam Masala
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined large shrimp
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1 1/2 cups chopped bell pepper
1 cup prechopped onion (I use the frozen kind-I hate chopping onions)
1/3 cup dry white wine (I used chicken stock)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 lime wedges
PreparationSprinkle shrimp evenly with garam masala; let stand 5 minutes.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and onion; sauté 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add shrimp; sauté 3 minutes or until shrimp are done. Stir in wine, 3 tablespoons cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 cup shrimp mixture and 1 lime wedge)
Nutritional Information
CALORIES 260(29% from fat); FAT 8.4g (sat 1g,mono 3.5g,poly 2.8g); PROTEIN 35.5g; CHOLESTEROL 259mg; CALCIUM 112mg; SODIUM 405mg; FIBER 2g; IRON 4.5mg; CARBOHYDRATE 9.6g
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Picture of Paradise....Xel-ha
This is my absolute favorite spot of all time. Here is a picture we took on vacation.
What my name means...
P is for Philosophical
H is for Hot
U is for Unreal
O is for Outrageous
N is for Neat
G is for Gentle
C is for Cute
H is for Hardworking
I is for Irresistible
H is for Hot
U is for Unreal
O is for Outrageous
N is for Neat
G is for Gentle
C is for Cute
H is for Hardworking
I is for Irresistible
Monday, August 13, 2007
Great memories...
This is going to be a long post, so get ready. Well, we are back from Cancun. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it was (and much needed as well). We began our vacation on Monday morning (Aug 6) and flew into Cancun with no problems. We were taken to our hotel, RIU Palace Las Americas and our mouths were wide open as we pulled up. We had stayed at a RIU hotel in Playa del Carmen for Xmas, but we had no idea how nice the "palace hotel" was going to be.
Everyone at the hotel was SO friendly. We were greeted with fresh pineapple juice and it was sooo delicious. We got to our room and were pleasantly surprised. We were upgraded to a ocean view suite--the view was breathtaking.
Obviously, we sunned a lot and ate a lot. Our resort was all-inclusive, which meant all our drinks and food were taken care of. We had some of the best seafood and guacamole. I'm sure my cholesterol is sky high now!
On Wednesday, we took a trip to Xel-ha, which is a natural aquarium. If you get a chance while you are in Mexico, GO! you will not be disappointed. It truly is something that you need to see while you are there. We opted for the all-inclusive package to Xel-ha, which included transportation, all food and beverages and entrance into the park. It was a little more expensive, but worth every dime.
While in Xel-ha, Robert and I biked in the jungle, napped in the hammocks, snorkled (I saw a stingray, sea turtle and clown fish) and just took in all the natural beauty. I have never seen water so clear and beautiful. You could literally see all the way down to the bottom!
On Thursday, Robert and I got shiatsu massages at the resort. I've never had one of those before and boy, was it an experience. I guess it would be incorrect to label it as a massage. It is actually a technique they use on your pressure points and a lot of stretching. My masseuse/strong arm man was so strong! I felt like he was hanging from the top of the ceiling and then dropping himself down on me! It was quite painful but refreshing! Robert had a female masseuse. At first, I questioned her abilities, but I looked over at one point and she was walking on Robert's back and digging her toes into his butt! He said that he was scared she was going to break something because she was so strong!
We were scheduled to leave on Friday afternoon. We got to the airport and found out that our flight was cancelled. Luckily, they put us up in another all-inclusive hotel for the night. There were so many people that were really upset about it, but, at least they put us up and didn't make us hang out in the airport all day!
So, now were are home and back to the daily grind! I miss it already! I truly love Mexico and all it has to offer. There is so much rich culture there! People always say they fall in love with places they travel to. I truly love Mexico! I love the food, the people, the culture. I can't wait to go back!
I've sent most of you pictures from the trip. Once I figure out the Picassa thing, I'll put a link on here.
Here are some links though to the hotel and Xel-ha. I highly recommend all the RIU resorts (we stayed at the RIU Yucatan for X-mas).
www.xel-ha.com
www.riu.com
Everyone at the hotel was SO friendly. We were greeted with fresh pineapple juice and it was sooo delicious. We got to our room and were pleasantly surprised. We were upgraded to a ocean view suite--the view was breathtaking.
Obviously, we sunned a lot and ate a lot. Our resort was all-inclusive, which meant all our drinks and food were taken care of. We had some of the best seafood and guacamole. I'm sure my cholesterol is sky high now!
On Wednesday, we took a trip to Xel-ha, which is a natural aquarium. If you get a chance while you are in Mexico, GO! you will not be disappointed. It truly is something that you need to see while you are there. We opted for the all-inclusive package to Xel-ha, which included transportation, all food and beverages and entrance into the park. It was a little more expensive, but worth every dime.
While in Xel-ha, Robert and I biked in the jungle, napped in the hammocks, snorkled (I saw a stingray, sea turtle and clown fish) and just took in all the natural beauty. I have never seen water so clear and beautiful. You could literally see all the way down to the bottom!
On Thursday, Robert and I got shiatsu massages at the resort. I've never had one of those before and boy, was it an experience. I guess it would be incorrect to label it as a massage. It is actually a technique they use on your pressure points and a lot of stretching. My masseuse/strong arm man was so strong! I felt like he was hanging from the top of the ceiling and then dropping himself down on me! It was quite painful but refreshing! Robert had a female masseuse. At first, I questioned her abilities, but I looked over at one point and she was walking on Robert's back and digging her toes into his butt! He said that he was scared she was going to break something because she was so strong!
We were scheduled to leave on Friday afternoon. We got to the airport and found out that our flight was cancelled. Luckily, they put us up in another all-inclusive hotel for the night. There were so many people that were really upset about it, but, at least they put us up and didn't make us hang out in the airport all day!
So, now were are home and back to the daily grind! I miss it already! I truly love Mexico and all it has to offer. There is so much rich culture there! People always say they fall in love with places they travel to. I truly love Mexico! I love the food, the people, the culture. I can't wait to go back!
I've sent most of you pictures from the trip. Once I figure out the Picassa thing, I'll put a link on here.
Here are some links though to the hotel and Xel-ha. I highly recommend all the RIU resorts (we stayed at the RIU Yucatan for X-mas).
www.xel-ha.com
www.riu.com
Sunday, August 5, 2007
And we're off....
Robert and I are headed to sunny Mexico tomorrow! We can't wait. After being sick and feeling lethargic all week, I'm ready to be out and about. We have a few things planned, like getting spa treatments next to the ocean and going to see the Mayan ruins. I can't wait to come back and share tons of photos and stories. Until then!
Bon Voyage!
Bon Voyage!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Home again:(
I never thought there would be a day that I would be sad about being at home and not at work. I thought I was feeling better until I got the heartburn from hell last night and still had it this morning. Normally, I would take a nice little purple pill (Nexium) but I can't with the antibiotics that I'm on. So, here I am, home again. I was thinking about going back to work tomorrow but I'm one of the fortunate 1 out of 20 people that experience side effects of drugs. Yeah!
Robert was nice enought to take me out for lunch today. We had the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's. It is so yummy. They use organic greens and gourmet toppings like edamame and applewood smoked bacon. It was really good. I was feeling really hungry, but when it came down to it, I wasn't very hungry at all. But our experience was so much better than it was the last time we went there, which is a positive.
Well, I think I hear my couch calling me. Better go warm it up.
Bises!
Robert was nice enought to take me out for lunch today. We had the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday's. It is so yummy. They use organic greens and gourmet toppings like edamame and applewood smoked bacon. It was really good. I was feeling really hungry, but when it came down to it, I wasn't very hungry at all. But our experience was so much better than it was the last time we went there, which is a positive.
Well, I think I hear my couch calling me. Better go warm it up.
Bises!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Boo on Summertime Sickness
Yes, I'm sick. I'm not quite sure what I have. The doctor gave me some vague diagnosis-"bacterial infection" a.k.a., "I don't know what the hell I'm talking about but I'll charge you for the visit anyway and make you fill prescriptions that cost a fortune." Errrr......so glad I wasted half of my day, a dose of steroids and some IV fluid for that one:( I think my favorite part of this sickness is the ear infection. Man, I haven't had one of those in YEARS! At least it gives me a day off from work. I'd probably just be sitting there staring off into space, oh wait, isn't that what I usually do?
I just wanted to say hi. Robert and I are off to Mexico next Monday. Here is a picture from our trip to Playa del Carmen in December. I can't wait to go again!
Hopefully I'll be over my "bacterial infection" soon. Hope everyone is doing well! I'm sure I'll get bored and write again later.
Monday, July 30, 2007
What a weekend!
Good Afternoon!
Well, where do I start? I had such a wonderful weekend. It started on Friday night at Carrabba's where 15 of my closest friends (who are in town) and their significant others/friends, Robert and I celebrated my birthday with a nice dinner. Carrabba's is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Even though I worked there and it's a chain restaurant, it is sooo good! Robert and I also held our rehearsal dinner there and we always celebrate special moments there. I had the Sirloin Marsala, which was so yummy. I rarely treat myself to steak when we dine out, so this was a nice treat. I got some great presents from friends and family. Robert bought me a dozen of assorted flowers which happened to be the most beautiful flowers I have ever received! There were white roses, red roses, pink roses and some kind of yellow flower that reminded me of lilacs. I also got a new digital camera, a cookbook, new wine glasses (there's a story that goes with those), and lots of wine and my favorite, Three Olives Cherry Vodka (I can't find it in stores).
After dinner, we attempted to head downtown to McNellie's Public House to meet with with some of my high school friends who were in town for the reunion. We never made it. Parking was a nightmare because of Diversifest. The headliner band was The Flaming Lips so everyone was out that night (btw, if you ever get a chance to see the Lips play, don't pass it up! they are so much fun to see). So Robert and I went home and crashed.
Saturday I head to the pool with Sheila. We went down the slides over and over again! It was so much fun. However, I think I inhaled half of the pool water every time I came down from the slide. I couldn't stop sneezing!
Then it was off to my 10 year reunion. Kristin and Deana: you didn't miss anything:( Christina P. says " hi" to you both. It was from 7-10 at the Renaissance hotel. Out of the 980 odd people I graduated with, there were only about 40 people there (with their spouses/friends). There was no DJ, only some guy playing music off his computer from iTunes. It was nice to see some old faces, but other than that, I probably could have gone without going. Oh well, you never really know. I still had a good time.
On Sunday, I went shopping with Sheila. She is interviewing with ESPN and we needed to find her a power suit. Luckily, she loved the first one she tried on and it was done and over. For those of you who don't know, I really hate going shopping:) I wasn't feeling very well (no, not hungover) all day so I went home and took a nap after shopping. Then my mom and David took Robert, Angie and I out to dinner at Mimi's. It was fun catching up with Angie and having dinner with everyone.
When I woke up today, I felt worse than when I woke up yesterday. I went to the doctor...I have an ear infection, sinus infection and some kind of bacterial virus. He thinks that I caught the virus from the pool I went to. Who knows. It sucks being sick when it's 100 degrees outside!
Sorry for the long post, but I had so much to write about! No recipe today:( Maybe after I use my new cookie cookbook!
Ciao!
Well, where do I start? I had such a wonderful weekend. It started on Friday night at Carrabba's where 15 of my closest friends (who are in town) and their significant others/friends, Robert and I celebrated my birthday with a nice dinner. Carrabba's is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Even though I worked there and it's a chain restaurant, it is sooo good! Robert and I also held our rehearsal dinner there and we always celebrate special moments there. I had the Sirloin Marsala, which was so yummy. I rarely treat myself to steak when we dine out, so this was a nice treat. I got some great presents from friends and family. Robert bought me a dozen of assorted flowers which happened to be the most beautiful flowers I have ever received! There were white roses, red roses, pink roses and some kind of yellow flower that reminded me of lilacs. I also got a new digital camera, a cookbook, new wine glasses (there's a story that goes with those), and lots of wine and my favorite, Three Olives Cherry Vodka (I can't find it in stores).
After dinner, we attempted to head downtown to McNellie's Public House to meet with with some of my high school friends who were in town for the reunion. We never made it. Parking was a nightmare because of Diversifest. The headliner band was The Flaming Lips so everyone was out that night (btw, if you ever get a chance to see the Lips play, don't pass it up! they are so much fun to see). So Robert and I went home and crashed.
Saturday I head to the pool with Sheila. We went down the slides over and over again! It was so much fun. However, I think I inhaled half of the pool water every time I came down from the slide. I couldn't stop sneezing!
Then it was off to my 10 year reunion. Kristin and Deana: you didn't miss anything:( Christina P. says " hi" to you both. It was from 7-10 at the Renaissance hotel. Out of the 980 odd people I graduated with, there were only about 40 people there (with their spouses/friends). There was no DJ, only some guy playing music off his computer from iTunes. It was nice to see some old faces, but other than that, I probably could have gone without going. Oh well, you never really know. I still had a good time.
On Sunday, I went shopping with Sheila. She is interviewing with ESPN and we needed to find her a power suit. Luckily, she loved the first one she tried on and it was done and over. For those of you who don't know, I really hate going shopping:) I wasn't feeling very well (no, not hungover) all day so I went home and took a nap after shopping. Then my mom and David took Robert, Angie and I out to dinner at Mimi's. It was fun catching up with Angie and having dinner with everyone.
When I woke up today, I felt worse than when I woke up yesterday. I went to the doctor...I have an ear infection, sinus infection and some kind of bacterial virus. He thinks that I caught the virus from the pool I went to. Who knows. It sucks being sick when it's 100 degrees outside!
Sorry for the long post, but I had so much to write about! No recipe today:( Maybe after I use my new cookie cookbook!
Ciao!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Hello...
Good Morning!
Well, today is my big 2-8! I'm actually pretty excited. This is the first year since I've graduated from OSU that I feel accomplished and feel like I'm on the right track. I finished my last day of clinic work (for the summer that is) yesterday and it feels so good not to be at the TU clinic anymore, even if it is just for a few weeks. I only have one more semester of class work left and then I'm off to my externship before I graduate. Time has gone by so quickly.
This has been a good week. I got to visit with my friend Rachael and her husband Robert on Sunday. I haven't seen either one of them in a few years. I think the last time I saw Rachael was at my wedding in 2003. It was so nice to see them. They are really a lot of fun to be around. Hopefully I can be better at keeping in touch this time around.
Besides my birthday celebration dinner tonight, I am going to meet up with some old/lost friends from high school at our 10 yr reunion. I know in my first post I said that I wasn't sure if I was going to go or not, but I actually am pumped about it. I've talked with a few people that I haven't talked to in years (do you see a trend?) and we are all going to meet up. The festivities take up the whole weekend beginning tonight with a mixer, picnic/school tour tomorrow and a "business casual" party tomorrow night at the Renaissance hotel. I'll give you an update after I attend!
Well, I need to go to the gym and then to find some cute shoes for my dress I am planning on wearing tonight. Wouldn't it be nice to have a personal shopper?
TTFN!
Chi
Oh, here is a very simple and easy recipe. It's my mom's recipe for Peach Salsa. Yum !
5 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped
2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
1 tbsp finely chopped mint
1 tsp fresh, seeded, minced jalepeno
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/8 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Well, today is my big 2-8! I'm actually pretty excited. This is the first year since I've graduated from OSU that I feel accomplished and feel like I'm on the right track. I finished my last day of clinic work (for the summer that is) yesterday and it feels so good not to be at the TU clinic anymore, even if it is just for a few weeks. I only have one more semester of class work left and then I'm off to my externship before I graduate. Time has gone by so quickly.
This has been a good week. I got to visit with my friend Rachael and her husband Robert on Sunday. I haven't seen either one of them in a few years. I think the last time I saw Rachael was at my wedding in 2003. It was so nice to see them. They are really a lot of fun to be around. Hopefully I can be better at keeping in touch this time around.
Besides my birthday celebration dinner tonight, I am going to meet up with some old/lost friends from high school at our 10 yr reunion. I know in my first post I said that I wasn't sure if I was going to go or not, but I actually am pumped about it. I've talked with a few people that I haven't talked to in years (do you see a trend?) and we are all going to meet up. The festivities take up the whole weekend beginning tonight with a mixer, picnic/school tour tomorrow and a "business casual" party tomorrow night at the Renaissance hotel. I'll give you an update after I attend!
Well, I need to go to the gym and then to find some cute shoes for my dress I am planning on wearing tonight. Wouldn't it be nice to have a personal shopper?
TTFN!
Chi
Oh, here is a very simple and easy recipe. It's my mom's recipe for Peach Salsa. Yum !
5 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped
2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
1 tbsp finely chopped mint
1 tsp fresh, seeded, minced jalepeno
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/8 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Random Babbling...
Hello! It has been awhile since my last post. This week has been so hectic. We are moving offices at work and I've literally been an "office bitch" and have been put in charge of packing.....the WHOLE office. I thought I was going to go off the deep end this week. I have forgotten how much packing sucks and that it is physically tiring as well. I kept thinking that some of the other people in the office were going to start packing, but that has not been the case. Oh well, I'm over it now.
Robert left for Houston yesterday and I have to admit that it has been nice having the whole house to myself. I went to the Peach Festival in Porter, OK today and it was interesting to say the least. It was extremely hot outside. But the free peaches and ice cream were worth it. We even got to pick some peaches off the tree and take them home with us. I chose white peaches. I didn't even know there were so many different kinds of peaches.
I also bought the first Harry Potter book. I never got into the craze while it was going on (even though it is still going on), but my sister convinced me that I would really like them. So, after I go have dinner at my mom and David's house tonight, I think I'm going to be a big nerd and come home and read.
I know that I normally sign off with a recipe, but I'm going to search for a recipes for my peaches, beyond the typical peach pie. I'll test it out and post it next time.
"
Robert left for Houston yesterday and I have to admit that it has been nice having the whole house to myself. I went to the Peach Festival in Porter, OK today and it was interesting to say the least. It was extremely hot outside. But the free peaches and ice cream were worth it. We even got to pick some peaches off the tree and take them home with us. I chose white peaches. I didn't even know there were so many different kinds of peaches.
I also bought the first Harry Potter book. I never got into the craze while it was going on (even though it is still going on), but my sister convinced me that I would really like them. So, after I go have dinner at my mom and David's house tonight, I think I'm going to be a big nerd and come home and read.
I know that I normally sign off with a recipe, but I'm going to search for a recipes for my peaches, beyond the typical peach pie. I'll test it out and post it next time.
"
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday.....
Good Morning!
I awoke this morning to the sound of a nice rainfall. Lately it has been raining so hard that the sound isn't comforting. I started watching Samantha Brown's trip to Macchu Picchiu, which is the lost Incan city that was discovered about 100 years ago. It was beautiful and made we want to plan my next trip. I really hope we are able to travel a lot when I am done with school. I probably wouldn't mind living in land-locked OK for the remainder of my life as long as we traveled often. Actually, I still want to move. I have been picking out "potential moving destinations" that we are going to visit in the next year. So far, we have researched Madison, WI, and after seeing Michael Moore's SICKO, we have put serious thought into making a bigger move overseas. When I graduate, I have to do my CFY year, which is a clinical fellowship year to earn my certification. It is a 9 month fellowship year. As much as I would love to pack my things and move overseas, the smartest thing for us to do is probably stay in the States until I receive my certification. Who knows what will happen.
I wasn't very productive yesterday. While Robert is gone at work, I try to stay home and tidy up and catch up on school work. I did both, but after that, I did nothing but watch movies and read. I also ended up going on a small hike, even though I said yesterday in my blog that it was too hot. It was nice and refreshing. I love going on hikes. They really let your release your daily stressors and give you time to just think. Oh, I did go to the grocery store and picked up a few things. How I wish we had more options than Super Target, Wal-mart, and Reasors. We do have a Wild Oats here, but it is a little expensive. Robert and I only shop there when we have some extra $$! I wish there was a Trader Joe's here. I used to stock up on products when I visited my sister in Santa Fe, but she no longer lives there. I guess I will have to save that trip for when I visit Gina B. in Michigan. The highlight of my day was last night while I was making Pad Thai (use the Thai Kitchen, Pad Thai for 2 mix-it's so good and easy---and cheap too!). I like extra lime in my Pad Thai so I decided to grate the lime into my mix, so I could get all the essential oils out of it and add extra flavor. While I was grating, my hand slipped and I grated a large chunk of my thumb, right about the bone, off. It was quite painful---I even had to sit down for a bit because I was a little light-headed. I guess when it heals, it will add some character to my thumb!
Well, I guess I'll stop writing for now. Blogging is addicting. It's like having a personal journal. I could have probably written forever today!
Here is my closing recipe--My friend Melissa (who just got accepted into the Pastry program at the Culinary Institute of America-YEAH!) and I make these often. She obviously is a better baker than I am-but I try!
Ginger Creams, AKA, The best cookies ever....
1/3 c shortening
1/2 c sugar
1 egg
1/2 c molasses
1/2 c water
2 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp cinammon
Easy creamy icing
1 c confectioners sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla or lemon
1 1/2 tsp water
mix shortening, sugar, egg, molasses and water. stir dry ingredients together and blend in. chill dough (it will be very sticky and look not very chilled, but it is)
heat oven to 400 degrees. drop dough by teaspoonfuls about 2" apart on lighty greased baking sheet (I use parchment paper or a Silpat instead of greasing my sheet). Bake about 8 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly. while slightly warm, frost with lemon or vanilla icing.
i also store mine in the fridge after they have cooled.
I awoke this morning to the sound of a nice rainfall. Lately it has been raining so hard that the sound isn't comforting. I started watching Samantha Brown's trip to Macchu Picchiu, which is the lost Incan city that was discovered about 100 years ago. It was beautiful and made we want to plan my next trip. I really hope we are able to travel a lot when I am done with school. I probably wouldn't mind living in land-locked OK for the remainder of my life as long as we traveled often. Actually, I still want to move. I have been picking out "potential moving destinations" that we are going to visit in the next year. So far, we have researched Madison, WI, and after seeing Michael Moore's SICKO, we have put serious thought into making a bigger move overseas. When I graduate, I have to do my CFY year, which is a clinical fellowship year to earn my certification. It is a 9 month fellowship year. As much as I would love to pack my things and move overseas, the smartest thing for us to do is probably stay in the States until I receive my certification. Who knows what will happen.
I wasn't very productive yesterday. While Robert is gone at work, I try to stay home and tidy up and catch up on school work. I did both, but after that, I did nothing but watch movies and read. I also ended up going on a small hike, even though I said yesterday in my blog that it was too hot. It was nice and refreshing. I love going on hikes. They really let your release your daily stressors and give you time to just think. Oh, I did go to the grocery store and picked up a few things. How I wish we had more options than Super Target, Wal-mart, and Reasors. We do have a Wild Oats here, but it is a little expensive. Robert and I only shop there when we have some extra $$! I wish there was a Trader Joe's here. I used to stock up on products when I visited my sister in Santa Fe, but she no longer lives there. I guess I will have to save that trip for when I visit Gina B. in Michigan. The highlight of my day was last night while I was making Pad Thai (use the Thai Kitchen, Pad Thai for 2 mix-it's so good and easy---and cheap too!). I like extra lime in my Pad Thai so I decided to grate the lime into my mix, so I could get all the essential oils out of it and add extra flavor. While I was grating, my hand slipped and I grated a large chunk of my thumb, right about the bone, off. It was quite painful---I even had to sit down for a bit because I was a little light-headed. I guess when it heals, it will add some character to my thumb!
Well, I guess I'll stop writing for now. Blogging is addicting. It's like having a personal journal. I could have probably written forever today!
Here is my closing recipe--My friend Melissa (who just got accepted into the Pastry program at the Culinary Institute of America-YEAH!) and I make these often. She obviously is a better baker than I am-but I try!
Ginger Creams, AKA, The best cookies ever....
1/3 c shortening
1/2 c sugar
1 egg
1/2 c molasses
1/2 c water
2 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp cinammon
Easy creamy icing
1 c confectioners sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla or lemon
1 1/2 tsp water
mix shortening, sugar, egg, molasses and water. stir dry ingredients together and blend in. chill dough (it will be very sticky and look not very chilled, but it is)
heat oven to 400 degrees. drop dough by teaspoonfuls about 2" apart on lighty greased baking sheet (I use parchment paper or a Silpat instead of greasing my sheet). Bake about 8 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly. while slightly warm, frost with lemon or vanilla icing.
i also store mine in the fridge after they have cooled.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Welcome to my blog
Hello to everyone and welcome to my first blog. I was inspired to start this blog by my friends, Kristin and Deana. I love reading their blogs and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
So, it is 10:20am in Tulsa, OK. I think the temperature has already reached 90 degreess. I don't enjoy this weather. But, I have lived in OK all my life, so it is something you get used to. Robert always has to work early (5:30) on Saturdays, so I generally spend them by myself. Sometimes I go hiking on Turkey mountain, but today it is too hot. And, last week, I got lost on a trail and ended up spending four long, hot, hours on that mountain! So, this is how I spend my Saturdays: I get up around 8:00am, let my three dogs out, get back in bed and read a book (this week it is PREP by Curtis Sittenfeld). It is about a young girl's recollection about her time at a prestigious boarding school. Sounds a little immature, right? It is totally not. Let me give you a little background about how I chose this book....
My 10 year high school reunion is right around the corner. Two weeks to be exact. It happens to fall on my 28th birthday. Am I going? Still undecided. My closest friend from high school, Lisa Coakley (Friedl) will be in town and we are planning to go. Does that mean I want to go? Not exactly. Reasons I don't want to go? I see most of the people I graduate with on a regular basis. It's not that I had a terrible time in high school, it was hard. I had some GREAT friends though. The two women that inspired me to write this blog were among the list of GREAT friends I had. But it was tough for me. But that is another blog in itself. Anyways, back to the book, PREP. I chose it because it really puts into perspective the issues that face young adults. I related to most of what the main character, Lee, was going through. And it was like a trip down memory lane. If you get a chance, read it, or better yet, I'll send it to you! I love sharing books!
Well, I think I'm going to stop blogging for now. I have decided that I am going to sign off each of my blogs with a recipe. I love cooking and am pretty much obsessed with food. I think that I was a chef in another life. I guess it's never too late........
Green chili, chicken and black bean empanadas
1 package of puff pastry (thawed-follow directions on box)
1 small can of green chilis
2 chicken breast, boiled and shredded
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
cumin, salt, pepper to taste (and for extra heat, red pepper flakes)
mix the green chilis, chicken, black beans, cumin, salt, pepper and red flakes (if you want) together. cut the sheets of puff pastry into quarters. Put a little (about a tablespoon) of the chicken mixture into the middle of each sheet. Seal the puff pastry together by putting water on the edges and crimping together with the edge of a fork. Bake as directed on the back of the puff pastry box. YUM!
See you later!
So, it is 10:20am in Tulsa, OK. I think the temperature has already reached 90 degreess. I don't enjoy this weather. But, I have lived in OK all my life, so it is something you get used to. Robert always has to work early (5:30) on Saturdays, so I generally spend them by myself. Sometimes I go hiking on Turkey mountain, but today it is too hot. And, last week, I got lost on a trail and ended up spending four long, hot, hours on that mountain! So, this is how I spend my Saturdays: I get up around 8:00am, let my three dogs out, get back in bed and read a book (this week it is PREP by Curtis Sittenfeld). It is about a young girl's recollection about her time at a prestigious boarding school. Sounds a little immature, right? It is totally not. Let me give you a little background about how I chose this book....
My 10 year high school reunion is right around the corner. Two weeks to be exact. It happens to fall on my 28th birthday. Am I going? Still undecided. My closest friend from high school, Lisa Coakley (Friedl) will be in town and we are planning to go. Does that mean I want to go? Not exactly. Reasons I don't want to go? I see most of the people I graduate with on a regular basis. It's not that I had a terrible time in high school, it was hard. I had some GREAT friends though. The two women that inspired me to write this blog were among the list of GREAT friends I had. But it was tough for me. But that is another blog in itself. Anyways, back to the book, PREP. I chose it because it really puts into perspective the issues that face young adults. I related to most of what the main character, Lee, was going through. And it was like a trip down memory lane. If you get a chance, read it, or better yet, I'll send it to you! I love sharing books!
Well, I think I'm going to stop blogging for now. I have decided that I am going to sign off each of my blogs with a recipe. I love cooking and am pretty much obsessed with food. I think that I was a chef in another life. I guess it's never too late........
Green chili, chicken and black bean empanadas
1 package of puff pastry (thawed-follow directions on box)
1 small can of green chilis
2 chicken breast, boiled and shredded
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
cumin, salt, pepper to taste (and for extra heat, red pepper flakes)
mix the green chilis, chicken, black beans, cumin, salt, pepper and red flakes (if you want) together. cut the sheets of puff pastry into quarters. Put a little (about a tablespoon) of the chicken mixture into the middle of each sheet. Seal the puff pastry together by putting water on the edges and crimping together with the edge of a fork. Bake as directed on the back of the puff pastry box. YUM!
See you later!
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