Is it obvious that I am a little bit bored? When I get really, really bored, I tend to get crafty. So, today I made some gifts. Hobby Lobby has all of their glass and paper mache stuff for 50% off. They also have a clearance aisle that had some good stuff. Did you know a 5-pack of paint pens is $15? Ouch!
I also wanted to make chili tonight, but since it is blazing hot, I decided to make it lighter and cooler. So, here is another recipe!
Veggie Chili
1 each of zucchini, yellow squash, any color bell pepper (i like orange/yellow) and poblano pepper, diced
1/2 onion, diced
2 tbsp garlic
Chili powder, cumin and whatever else you like, to taste
6 cups veg stock
1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
Saute onion and garlic in a little olive oil. Add garlic and all other veggies.
When veggies are soft, but not falling apart, add tomatoes and seasonings (I just dump it all in and taste it)
Add stock, bring to a bil, then turn down to low. Simmer 20 minutes.
I serve mine with corn spoon bread (which is jiffy corn bread mix-follow directions on the box, can of drained corn and a cup of cheese)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
K-Bobs and Good Times
Last night I had dinner with the family I cook for. If you don't remember, I cook for The H family. They are an amazing family. My friend M, who previously cooked for them, ate with them for the first time last night with me. Mr. H has always asked us to have dinner with them, but because of the circumstance, M and I usually decline. I am glad we went last night though.
For the amazing family story:
www.hoperains.net
I made K-Bobs tonight and I think they turned out great. In fact, there was nothing left on the plate!
After dinner, we all watched Project Runway. It was a good one. I a definitely hooked to PR. Mr. H's son, little H had his "girlfriend" over. She has just returned from a mission trip in Thailand. Little H just returned from Africa. Man, times have changed. When I was that age, I definitely wasn't traveling the world.
Here is my recipe for K-bobs:
1 green and red bell pepper, chopped in squres
1 can sliced pineapple
1.5 pounds of chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 pkg smoked turkey sausage, cut into chunks
bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 min)
Build K-bobs (I generally put a piece of bell pepper between the meats)
Season with mix of salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder
Bake in oven at 375 for 25 min (turn once). Obviously you can grill them too, but this turned out perfect!
Serve with warm teriyaki sauce (on the side)
"Roasted" potatoes
6 small red potatoes-skin on
Cut potatoes in 1/4's, sprinkle left over seasoning from K-bobs
Add a tbsp of olive oil and a pat of butter
Mix together, wrap tightly in foil, bake 20 min at 375. After 20 min, put potatoes in bowl, cover and heat in microwave for 4 minutes!
For the amazing family story:
www.hoperains.net
I made K-Bobs tonight and I think they turned out great. In fact, there was nothing left on the plate!
After dinner, we all watched Project Runway. It was a good one. I a definitely hooked to PR. Mr. H's son, little H had his "girlfriend" over. She has just returned from a mission trip in Thailand. Little H just returned from Africa. Man, times have changed. When I was that age, I definitely wasn't traveling the world.
Here is my recipe for K-bobs:
1 green and red bell pepper, chopped in squres
1 can sliced pineapple
1.5 pounds of chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 pkg smoked turkey sausage, cut into chunks
bamboo skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 min)
Build K-bobs (I generally put a piece of bell pepper between the meats)
Season with mix of salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder
Bake in oven at 375 for 25 min (turn once). Obviously you can grill them too, but this turned out perfect!
Serve with warm teriyaki sauce (on the side)
"Roasted" potatoes
6 small red potatoes-skin on
Cut potatoes in 1/4's, sprinkle left over seasoning from K-bobs
Add a tbsp of olive oil and a pat of butter
Mix together, wrap tightly in foil, bake 20 min at 375. After 20 min, put potatoes in bowl, cover and heat in microwave for 4 minutes!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Powerpoint presentation...
I'm not a writer. I know this. I've decided that my style of writing can often be compared to a powerpoint presentation; short, sweet and to the point.
So, here it goes, minus the bullets, background noise and pretty pictures.
1. I am 29. I think this might be the worst age. Your 20's are almost behind you and 30 is looming around the corner. Let's just pray my 30's are better than my 20's.
2. Monday, the Big D, did not go as planned. Actually, it took a u-turn. Back to square one. Need details? Email me...I'm not about to put that story where the whole world can see.
3. God is great! My best friend, S and her husband, C are proud parents to a newborn, M. Their patience, perseverance and prayers paid off. Keep praying for them as they bring M home and into their world.
4. I move in two weeks. The majority of my belongings have been moved. All I have left is four outfits and some important papers. I'm actually really nervous!
5. I got a speeding ticket yesterday. This was my first one, honestly!!!!! Have tickets gone up? I was going 9 over and it was $120. OUCH!
6. Is there a Papa Murphy's in your neck of the woods? If so, go grab some and eat it up! I had a thin crust chicken, artichoke, bacon and garlic cheese pizza last night. Can you say YUM! Papa Murphy's has "take and bake" pizza.
7. This weekend it tax free weekend in T-town. I have my coupons in hand and am ready to shop for things I can wear in Houston. Do you think swim suits are appropriate attire during the school year?
Toodles!
So, here it goes, minus the bullets, background noise and pretty pictures.
1. I am 29. I think this might be the worst age. Your 20's are almost behind you and 30 is looming around the corner. Let's just pray my 30's are better than my 20's.
2. Monday, the Big D, did not go as planned. Actually, it took a u-turn. Back to square one. Need details? Email me...I'm not about to put that story where the whole world can see.
3. God is great! My best friend, S and her husband, C are proud parents to a newborn, M. Their patience, perseverance and prayers paid off. Keep praying for them as they bring M home and into their world.
4. I move in two weeks. The majority of my belongings have been moved. All I have left is four outfits and some important papers. I'm actually really nervous!
5. I got a speeding ticket yesterday. This was my first one, honestly!!!!! Have tickets gone up? I was going 9 over and it was $120. OUCH!
6. Is there a Papa Murphy's in your neck of the woods? If so, go grab some and eat it up! I had a thin crust chicken, artichoke, bacon and garlic cheese pizza last night. Can you say YUM! Papa Murphy's has "take and bake" pizza.
7. This weekend it tax free weekend in T-town. I have my coupons in hand and am ready to shop for things I can wear in Houston. Do you think swim suits are appropriate attire during the school year?
Toodles!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Random Thoughts, Installment 2
Hi again!
Here are more ramblings...
1. I have sold ALL of my furniture. The only thing left in my apartment is a couch. Goodwill got some serious donations!
2. It is really, really hot here in Tulsa. It is actually hotter here than it is in Houston (thanks only to Hurricane Dolly).
3. My birthday is Sunday. I don't really feel like celebrating this year. 29 isn't that exciting:(
4. The "Big D" will be final on Monday. Everyone cross their fingers and wish me luck. I'll need it.
5. I'm nervous about my move. I only have 2 weeks left here.
6. I never made it to the Peach festival, sorry Deana! I'm going to have to settle for some non-local peaches for Deana's cobbler.
7. I love Honest Tea. If you like cold tea and you haven't had it, check it out. They are running a "Red, White and Green" special at Whole Foods. 12 bottles for 9.99 plus 10% off case discount. That's .83 a bottle. They also have hot tea bags which are delicious!
8. I hope everyone has a great weekend.
9. I may have perfected a recipe for Mexican White Cheese Dip. I have been testing tons of recipes. I think this is as close as it gets. Try it out!
1 pound WHITE american cheese (one pkg of slices is a pound)
4 oz pepper jack cheese
1.5 cups of WHOLE milk (trust me here)
Simmer milk until scalding. Slowly whisk in american cheese (I just stacked all the slices together and cut it into cubes or, if you can find it, they sell white american cheese by the block in the deli). After american cheese is melted, slowly whisk in pepper jack. It will thicken as it gets hotter.
Let me know what you think.
Here are more ramblings...
1. I have sold ALL of my furniture. The only thing left in my apartment is a couch. Goodwill got some serious donations!
2. It is really, really hot here in Tulsa. It is actually hotter here than it is in Houston (thanks only to Hurricane Dolly).
3. My birthday is Sunday. I don't really feel like celebrating this year. 29 isn't that exciting:(
4. The "Big D" will be final on Monday. Everyone cross their fingers and wish me luck. I'll need it.
5. I'm nervous about my move. I only have 2 weeks left here.
6. I never made it to the Peach festival, sorry Deana! I'm going to have to settle for some non-local peaches for Deana's cobbler.
7. I love Honest Tea. If you like cold tea and you haven't had it, check it out. They are running a "Red, White and Green" special at Whole Foods. 12 bottles for 9.99 plus 10% off case discount. That's .83 a bottle. They also have hot tea bags which are delicious!
8. I hope everyone has a great weekend.
9. I may have perfected a recipe for Mexican White Cheese Dip. I have been testing tons of recipes. I think this is as close as it gets. Try it out!
1 pound WHITE american cheese (one pkg of slices is a pound)
4 oz pepper jack cheese
1.5 cups of WHOLE milk (trust me here)
Simmer milk until scalding. Slowly whisk in american cheese (I just stacked all the slices together and cut it into cubes or, if you can find it, they sell white american cheese by the block in the deli). After american cheese is melted, slowly whisk in pepper jack. It will thicken as it gets hotter.
Let me know what you think.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Random Thoughts
Hello!
It's been a little while since my last post. I don't really have anything exciting to report on, just a bunch of random thoughts.
1. Bella, my adorable lab, turned 7 this week. I also found out that she has Cushing's disease. The news was very hard to take. I realize that Bella was never meant to live forever. Bella is like my daughter. For more information, visit http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=416
2. I finished my last day at Broken Arrow on Thursday. Very uneventful.
3. I am still moving to Houston. My apartment now consists of a couch, bed, dresser and clothes.
4. I love craigslist.com. Thanks to everyone who has bought my stuff:)
5. I said good-bye to a friend with GBM (brain tumor). I learned that life is too short to worry about the future. Live in the now and live it to the fullest.
6. I want to delete my myspace account. There are too many creepy people on there, even though my account is set to private. I'm learning to love Facebook. A positive of FB is it doesn't jack up your computer like myspace.
7. I am in the process of saying "good-bye" to friends in Tulsa. It started last night with my speech path friends. Tomorrow is with close friends that I have made here. It is going to be hard to move to a place where nobody knows your name:(
8. I'm dreading moving in with my mom. I am thankful for the opportunity, but still dread it.
9. I am going to the Porter Peach Festival tomorrow and am currently looking for some great Peach Cobbler recipes. I think Deana's cobbler recipe might be it.
10. Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.
It's been a little while since my last post. I don't really have anything exciting to report on, just a bunch of random thoughts.
1. Bella, my adorable lab, turned 7 this week. I also found out that she has Cushing's disease. The news was very hard to take. I realize that Bella was never meant to live forever. Bella is like my daughter. For more information, visit http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=416
2. I finished my last day at Broken Arrow on Thursday. Very uneventful.
3. I am still moving to Houston. My apartment now consists of a couch, bed, dresser and clothes.
4. I love craigslist.com. Thanks to everyone who has bought my stuff:)
5. I said good-bye to a friend with GBM (brain tumor). I learned that life is too short to worry about the future. Live in the now and live it to the fullest.
6. I want to delete my myspace account. There are too many creepy people on there, even though my account is set to private. I'm learning to love Facebook. A positive of FB is it doesn't jack up your computer like myspace.
7. I am in the process of saying "good-bye" to friends in Tulsa. It started last night with my speech path friends. Tomorrow is with close friends that I have made here. It is going to be hard to move to a place where nobody knows your name:(
8. I'm dreading moving in with my mom. I am thankful for the opportunity, but still dread it.
9. I am going to the Porter Peach Festival tomorrow and am currently looking for some great Peach Cobbler recipes. I think Deana's cobbler recipe might be it.
10. Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.
Friday, July 11, 2008
For my best friend Shara
The following is a letter that my best friend Shara and her husband, Cory, wrote for their potential birth mother. Cory and Shara have been waiting very patiently for good news from their adoption agency. Recently, they received word that their agency is undergoing "changes" and essentially lost all of the parts of their home study, which is an integral part of their application. They went from being #7 on a list to back to square one. The most amazing thing about them is that they have never gotten frustrated. They continue to wait with patience.
I thought by posting their letter, those who read my blog, or happen to come upon it, may know of someone in a situation that warrants giving their child up for adoption. Please pray for Cory and Shara. May they be blessed with an addition to complete their family.
~Chi
Dear Birthmom,
We really do not know where to begin except to say, “Thank you.” We are indefinitely grateful. We know this decision is not an easy decision for you.
Our names are Cory and Shara. We have been married for five wonderful years and are excited to see and experience the many more years of life we have together. We are true soul mates. Cory is an elementary PE teacher and Shara is a first grade teacher. We have a four year old English Bulldog named Sadie who is spoiled rotten! It has surprised us both to see how much we love Sadie, so we can only imagine that the love we will give to a child will far exceed any expectation we have ever had.
We try to live with Christ as the center of our marriage and lives. We have been so blessed by the opportunities the Lord has given us to see and experience life. We love to travel, but we are always happy just to be at home. Home is where our heart is. Our favorite places to be are anywhere with each other and family. We love the mountains and the water – whether it is the beach, lake, or the swimming pool. We are very involved in our church where we assist with the teen program on Wednesday nights and stay busy with our Couples Sunday School class. Cory loves to hunt, fish, and kayak. Shara loves to cook, decorate, scrapbook, and yes, shop. She is always looking for a bargain! Laughter, family, and friends are very important to us and our lives.
Shara describes Cory as, “strong but gentle, honest, funny, patient, a teacher, dedicated, a story teller, hardworking, loving, a provider, humble, and a Godly man. Cory loves the Lord whole heartedly and he shows it by the way he chooses to live his life. He is my husband and best friend who makes me laugh and shares in my joy and sorrow. I am a better person because of him. He is the love of my life.”
Cory describes Shara as, “caring, loving, kind, gentle, supportive, and encouraging. Her relationship with the Lord and her love for the Lord is what brings these characteristics out in her. She is my best friend and the person I turn to when times are good and bad. She makes me and everyone she is around feel very special. Her heart is a truly loving one. Shara is the one the Lord hand-picked for me. I could not have dreamed of a better partner for life; she is without a doubt my best part. I thank the Lord for her every day we have together.”
Family is a critical part in our life, it is our rock. Our families are our biggest supporters and encouragers. We spend a huge part of our free time with our family. Both sides of our families have taught us the true meaning of family. It will be our greatest accomplishment and joy to have the opportunity to be the kind of parents our parents were to us.
For the past three and a half years we have wanted nothing more than to start a family of our own. Little did we know it would take us the entire three and a half years to see that God has a different, far better plan than we could imagine. He is leading us right here to this place to meet you and this child you are so willing to give us. We can already feel our hearts pouring out with love for this child we have not even met. Even our families are bursting at the seams with love and anticipation as they too wait to meet this precious child.
We want nothing more than the opportunity to be a mom and dad. A son or daughter will be an answered prayer in a home full of love, laughter, and support. Not a day will go by that we will not think of you and the courage it took to trust us with this life. We promise to love this child unconditionally for the rest of our lives. Thank you for considering us with this precious life to raise and love.
Love,
Cory & Shara
I thought by posting their letter, those who read my blog, or happen to come upon it, may know of someone in a situation that warrants giving their child up for adoption. Please pray for Cory and Shara. May they be blessed with an addition to complete their family.
~Chi
Dear Birthmom,
We really do not know where to begin except to say, “Thank you.” We are indefinitely grateful. We know this decision is not an easy decision for you.
Our names are Cory and Shara. We have been married for five wonderful years and are excited to see and experience the many more years of life we have together. We are true soul mates. Cory is an elementary PE teacher and Shara is a first grade teacher. We have a four year old English Bulldog named Sadie who is spoiled rotten! It has surprised us both to see how much we love Sadie, so we can only imagine that the love we will give to a child will far exceed any expectation we have ever had.
We try to live with Christ as the center of our marriage and lives. We have been so blessed by the opportunities the Lord has given us to see and experience life. We love to travel, but we are always happy just to be at home. Home is where our heart is. Our favorite places to be are anywhere with each other and family. We love the mountains and the water – whether it is the beach, lake, or the swimming pool. We are very involved in our church where we assist with the teen program on Wednesday nights and stay busy with our Couples Sunday School class. Cory loves to hunt, fish, and kayak. Shara loves to cook, decorate, scrapbook, and yes, shop. She is always looking for a bargain! Laughter, family, and friends are very important to us and our lives.
Shara describes Cory as, “strong but gentle, honest, funny, patient, a teacher, dedicated, a story teller, hardworking, loving, a provider, humble, and a Godly man. Cory loves the Lord whole heartedly and he shows it by the way he chooses to live his life. He is my husband and best friend who makes me laugh and shares in my joy and sorrow. I am a better person because of him. He is the love of my life.”
Cory describes Shara as, “caring, loving, kind, gentle, supportive, and encouraging. Her relationship with the Lord and her love for the Lord is what brings these characteristics out in her. She is my best friend and the person I turn to when times are good and bad. She makes me and everyone she is around feel very special. Her heart is a truly loving one. Shara is the one the Lord hand-picked for me. I could not have dreamed of a better partner for life; she is without a doubt my best part. I thank the Lord for her every day we have together.”
Family is a critical part in our life, it is our rock. Our families are our biggest supporters and encouragers. We spend a huge part of our free time with our family. Both sides of our families have taught us the true meaning of family. It will be our greatest accomplishment and joy to have the opportunity to be the kind of parents our parents were to us.
For the past three and a half years we have wanted nothing more than to start a family of our own. Little did we know it would take us the entire three and a half years to see that God has a different, far better plan than we could imagine. He is leading us right here to this place to meet you and this child you are so willing to give us. We can already feel our hearts pouring out with love for this child we have not even met. Even our families are bursting at the seams with love and anticipation as they too wait to meet this precious child.
We want nothing more than the opportunity to be a mom and dad. A son or daughter will be an answered prayer in a home full of love, laughter, and support. Not a day will go by that we will not think of you and the courage it took to trust us with this life. We promise to love this child unconditionally for the rest of our lives. Thank you for considering us with this precious life to raise and love.
Love,
Cory & Shara
Thursday, July 3, 2008
#7 Plastic
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/health/22well.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin
Lately, I've been researching BPA, Bispehnol-A, which is used in making polycarbonate, which in turn is the hard, shatterproof plastic often used in making water bottles and containers. The most popular brand of these water bottles in Nalgene. Studies have shown that BPA is hazardous to our health (for a more in depth explanation, click on the link above). BPA is also used in many baby bottles and containers. It is also used in dental sealant. How do you know if your water bottle/container/baby bottle is made with BPA? Apparently, there are numbers assigned to plastics. Turn your bottle over..is there a 7 with a recycle symbol around it? If so, chances are, it was made with BPA.
Am I saying that we are all being poisoned slowly while we are drinking our water? No. A lot of studies show that these specific plastics, #7's, have to be exposed to high heat. Most of us don't boil water, put it into our water bottles and then drink out of it. However, some people heat up their baby bottles and leftovers. I obviously am NOT an expert here, I am just stating what has been said.
So what does that mean for me? It means I have traded in my Nalgene bottle for a friendlier Sigg bottle, which is made from aluminum. And no, my water does not taste like metal. I also have a Camelback bottle, which is BPA free. It is still made from plastic, but it does not use a BPA polymer. Check out their website: http://www.camelbak.com/betterbottle/
I obviously have a lot more research to do. I'll keep you posted. If you have any more information, let me know. I'd love to learn more.
Lately, I've been researching BPA, Bispehnol-A, which is used in making polycarbonate, which in turn is the hard, shatterproof plastic often used in making water bottles and containers. The most popular brand of these water bottles in Nalgene. Studies have shown that BPA is hazardous to our health (for a more in depth explanation, click on the link above). BPA is also used in many baby bottles and containers. It is also used in dental sealant. How do you know if your water bottle/container/baby bottle is made with BPA? Apparently, there are numbers assigned to plastics. Turn your bottle over..is there a 7 with a recycle symbol around it? If so, chances are, it was made with BPA.
Am I saying that we are all being poisoned slowly while we are drinking our water? No. A lot of studies show that these specific plastics, #7's, have to be exposed to high heat. Most of us don't boil water, put it into our water bottles and then drink out of it. However, some people heat up their baby bottles and leftovers. I obviously am NOT an expert here, I am just stating what has been said.
So what does that mean for me? It means I have traded in my Nalgene bottle for a friendlier Sigg bottle, which is made from aluminum. And no, my water does not taste like metal. I also have a Camelback bottle, which is BPA free. It is still made from plastic, but it does not use a BPA polymer. Check out their website: http://www.camelbak.com/betterbottle/
I obviously have a lot more research to do. I'll keep you posted. If you have any more information, let me know. I'd love to learn more.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
It's official!
I can officially post that I am moving to Houston. Not that most of you didn't already know. I FINALLY got a hold of my supervisor. She was very nice about it and even offered my a job if I ever return.
The time I have left here in Tulsa is limited. I am planning on moving the 1st week of August. I have a lot of things to take care of before then. I am currently in my "clean house" phase, where I am trying to get rid of all the things I don't need. One thing about living in an apartment is it shows you what you can and can't live without. I am selling all of my furniture, decor, etc...I want a fresh start. Since I have decided to live with my mom and her husband for a few months to save some $$ (what am I thinking?), I decided when I finally find a place to live, I can start new. There is an IKEA and Crate and Barrel in Houston!
After my Target/biscuit incident, my life has been pretty boring. Today I have been hanging with Bella. She keeps having doggie nightmares. The picture I posted is of her today with all of her toys. I've read that dogs often hoard their toys and sleep with them when they are feeling maternal. Even though Bella has been spayed, I know she still has that mommy instinct in her.
I started reading a new book today. It is TWILIGHT by Stefanie Meyers. They are a series of pre-teen romance novels about a young woman who is in love with a vampire. I know it sounds cheesey, but they are written very well. Apparently, they are the next "Harry Potter-ish" books.
One more thing. I have a new recipe! I had this great "green sauce" at the Farmer's Market a few weeks ago. My cheap self decided that it would be easier to try to copy her recipe than continue to buy it (it is $7.00/jar). I altered the recipe to make it lighter as well, because once you start eating it, you won't be able to start.
Here it is:
Green Sauce (good with blue corn tortilla chips, carrots, on chicken or fish)
Also, I'm pretty bad a measuring things, so here is a base for the recipe. You can tweak it to your liking.
2 to 1 ratio of low fat mayo to low fat sour cream (I wouldn't use fat free), so let's say 2 cups mayo, 1 cup sour cream
1 bunch of cilantro
5 green onions
extra virgin olive oil-2 count
1 jalepeno, seeded unless you want your mouth on fire
Put everything into a blender and let it rip! I would taste it and add things as you wish. I like it with extra, extra cilantro! Let it sit in the fridge for at least 3o minutes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
