Eric and I headed to Oklahoma this weekend to get away from the city and to enjoy one last "hurrah" before school really starts to demand all my time and the weather becomes an obstacle. It was really nice to go on a road trip together and see his family, and we managed to pack a lot in to a few short days, all summarized below!
A few highlights from the weekend:
-Getting to talk with my very best friend about our worries, our hopes and our love
-Spending the day with Eric's nephew, who is probably THE most energetic 8-year old I've ever met.
-Making up new words to songs on the radio on the drive down
-Watching Eric daintily spit out his sunflower seeds into a bottle with his pinky in the air
-Celebrating our friend Kelly's birthday at his house where he made spaghetti and meatballs from scratch
-Hanging out with Eric's sisters and parents and enjoying way too much food in a 3-day time span
A few LOWlights from this weekend:
-Making two 13-hour drives in a 4-day time span
-Finding out that one wheel on my car is likely to fall off the next time I drive on the highway (there goes $200 in repairs)
-Watching Eric and Kelly pick up dead rats/large mice with minimal sanitary equipment and subsequently worrying about lyme disease
-Enduring ridiculous allergies AND catching a severe cold which is still going strong
Despite the less exciting moments, we had a great time this weekend. It was a nice change of scenery and it's always great to get to see friends and family that live far away. That being said, I'm going to go down some DayQuil and reminisce over mountains of Kleenex and cough drops.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Sinful Burgers
Tonight Eric and I got a little adventurous with our burgers. We added several terrific ingredients and I love you all so much that I decided to share the recipe!
First, gather your ingredients (our recipe makes 4 burgers). We went with a spicy tropical theme:
Ground beef (80/20 makes moist burgers, but you can go leaner if you want)
1/2 small can crushed pineapple
1 jalapeno, chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/2 an avocado, mashed (not soupy)
Also, any toppings of your choice. We had American cheese, shredded Cheddar Jack, tomatoes, avocado, and lettuce.
First, you need a strong man to tenderize the meat and cook up the onions in a small pan until they're soft.
Add the onions to the meat, along with the jalapeno and the drained pineapple. Once those ingredients are combined, add the cheese and divide the meat into patties.
Next, cook up the patties either on a grill, or you can cook them in a pan like we do (in a tiny kitchen, in a tiny apartment). It's best to only flip them once, so be patient after you start cooking. When they're done, add cheese if you so desire and let it get nice and melt-i-licious.
Serve them up on a bun with the extras of your choice, and enjoy the delicious sinfulness!
First, gather your ingredients (our recipe makes 4 burgers). We went with a spicy tropical theme:
Ground beef (80/20 makes moist burgers, but you can go leaner if you want)
1/2 small can crushed pineapple
1 jalapeno, chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/2 an avocado, mashed (not soupy)
Also, any toppings of your choice. We had American cheese, shredded Cheddar Jack, tomatoes, avocado, and lettuce.
First, you need a strong man to tenderize the meat and cook up the onions in a small pan until they're soft.
Add the onions to the meat, along with the jalapeno and the drained pineapple. Once those ingredients are combined, add the cheese and divide the meat into patties.
Next, cook up the patties either on a grill, or you can cook them in a pan like we do (in a tiny kitchen, in a tiny apartment). It's best to only flip them once, so be patient after you start cooking. When they're done, add cheese if you so desire and let it get nice and melt-i-licious.
Serve them up on a bun with the extras of your choice, and enjoy the delicious sinfulness!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Pictures from Hawaii
At the end of July I flew out to Hawaii for the first time ever, and I stayed with Eric for 12 days. It was awesome. Many people told me to go to this island or go to that island, and as I had about $100 to spend over those 12 days, I mostly just nodded and smiled and stayed on Maui, except for a short 10 minute trip I took to Kona on one of Eric's flights.
That's right! I got to fly with my boyfriend in his professional workplace. I've flown with him several times before in little 4-seater planes, but never on an "official" flight, so it was pretty cool. It's always fun to turn to the other passengers and point to Eric and say "That's my boyfriend" and see them be A) jealous and B) suddenly much more interested and impressed with the incredibly scenic and smooth flight.
We did SO many things out there, and I could write up a novel about that trip-- but I'm already in pajamas and I have some Pinning to do, so instead, I shall tell my story in pictures! Enjoy!
First of all, Eric bought me a gorgeous new Anne Klein carry-on that has ::wheels:: Up until this point I've been using an old blue duffel bag I got free with my $50 purchase at Aeropostale 10 years ago. Especially on this trip, with my 6 connections (no, not exaggerating) the wheels were quite valuable.
Our first full day together in Hawaii; we took this picture at Baldwin Beach. Unfortunately it was cold, windy and cloudy-- but still beautiful!
This is Eric's good friend David. Everyone thinks he is French because of his accent-- he's not. He's actually from Israel. In this picture, David is drinking from a coconut at a small market we stopped at near Kihei. David took me around the island that day since Eric was at work, and it was really nice to not have to be stuck in a house all day in Hawaii!
My man flying as a captain for Pacific Wings! *sigh* I think I fell in love with him again about 12 times during that 45-minute flight...
This was the gorgeous view above the clouds on that flight to Kona, just as the sun was setting.
This is the view of the shoreline of Maui on the way to Hana. I jumped on a flight with Eric and David and it was absolutely breathtaking. The beaches there are Baby beach and Baldwin.
I GOT IN THE OCEAN (at Big Beach in Kihei). This is a huge deal-- after years of jellyfish stings, Shark Week, and a traumatic Splash Zone experience at Sea World as a child, getting in the ocean was a pasttime I gave up years ago. But I figured, I'm in Hawaii. I can't NOT get in the ocean... It was awesome.
Two. Minutes. After this was taken, I was pummeled by a giant wave, my swimsuit was violently readjusted by the surf, and I proceeded to recommit myself to abstinence from the ocean. But for 5 minutes it was a great time.
It was pretty sunny on Big Beach-- Eric cares a lot about skin health, so he took precautions.
Eric had no trouble getting all sandy at Big Beach in Kihei. Sand in the crack? Not a problem for this guy!
We took this picture as we entered the Royal Lahaina Luau...
The luau was fabulous-- the entertainment was just incredible, and sitting here just thinking about the food has made my mouth fill up with saliva. I know, that's gross. But that's how good it was! Add to that the all-you-can-drink Mai Tais and Blue Hawaiians-- people, that is what paradise is supposed to be like.
One afternoon we drove out toward Hana and stopped at Twin Falls. We hiked into the farm where the waterfall is located, and waded through frigid tundra runoff very cold water to get to it. This is Eric directly under the water. I chose not to become hypothermic, and opted to be the picture-taker instead.
At the house where Eric was living there was a kitten, Nudles, who was extremely playful-- he even plays fetch! This is photographic proof that Eric (who claims an eternal hatred of cats) actually sat down to play with a cat. In this picture, Nudles is taking a break from fetch to attack Eric's foot.
It was a wonderful trip. I'm always going to remember my trip to Hawaii as an extremely fun, relaxing, romantic 12 day adventure.
Where did you go this summer?
That's right! I got to fly with my boyfriend in his professional workplace. I've flown with him several times before in little 4-seater planes, but never on an "official" flight, so it was pretty cool. It's always fun to turn to the other passengers and point to Eric and say "That's my boyfriend" and see them be A) jealous and B) suddenly much more interested and impressed with the incredibly scenic and smooth flight.
We did SO many things out there, and I could write up a novel about that trip-- but I'm already in pajamas and I have some Pinning to do, so instead, I shall tell my story in pictures! Enjoy!
This is Baby Beach; it's off to the side of Baldwin Beach, and the water is enclosed by a wall of lava rocks, which means the seaweed and killer sea creatures are far less likely to find their way into the area.
Two. Minutes. After this was taken, I was pummeled by a giant wave, my swimsuit was violently readjusted by the surf, and I proceeded to recommit myself to abstinence from the ocean. But for 5 minutes it was a great time.
Where did you go this summer?
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thoughts Pending
Holy majoly. This summer has flown by and it's honestly starting to freak me out a little. It's been a while since I've posted anything substantial, but I haven't forgotten. In fact, I have tons to say about my summer job, as well as my trip to see Eric and my time at the beach with my family. All of these stories are in the works, and just as soon as I finally adjust to the current time zone and get over my jet lag I will sit down and get 'em to ya! In the meantime, just a few thoughts (in no particular order):
Hawaii sucks when your boyfriend lives there and you don't.
Being in Hawaii is not compensation for a crappy job where the company treats its employees like pond scum.
I miss having a cat.
Thank God I started keeping a budget.
Gas in Chicago is RIDICULOUS.
I'm more okay with myself now than I was a year ago, including my assets and shortcomings.
My relationship is a lot stronger than I realized.
It's time to invest in a round brush and buy more toothpaste.
Southern accents always make me feel more comfortable.
My sister is freaking awesome.
I'm not quite ready to go back to school just yet.
Stories coming soon!
Hawaii sucks when your boyfriend lives there and you don't.
Being in Hawaii is not compensation for a crappy job where the company treats its employees like pond scum.
I miss having a cat.
Thank God I started keeping a budget.
Gas in Chicago is RIDICULOUS.
I'm more okay with myself now than I was a year ago, including my assets and shortcomings.
My relationship is a lot stronger than I realized.
It's time to invest in a round brush and buy more toothpaste.
Southern accents always make me feel more comfortable.
My sister is freaking awesome.
I'm not quite ready to go back to school just yet.
Stories coming soon!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Party Rolls
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to assemble, 15 to cook, and about 3 to consume. I made these with Eric this past week and they were AMAZING and actually not too terrible on the waistline. This recipe is for one tube of crescent rolls, so just multiply for however many more people you'll be serving. Check it out.
Spinach-Cheese Party Rolls
You'll need:
A tube of crescent rolls
1/4 cup chopped spinach (we used frozen)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese sprinkled with garlic powder
(For this recipe we actually used a couple of Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese wedges--- a nice alternative)
1/2 cup diced tomato (optional)
Lay out your crescents on a cutting board, then top with either your shredded or your spreadable cheese.
Next, sprinkle your spinach onto the rolls. You don't need to cover the entire surface.
Last, top with diced tomatoes. If you are making these even 3 hours ahead of time, I recommend NOT including tomatoes because they can cause the rolls to become soggy. However, you could assemble these and keep them in the fridge until they're ready to bake just before serving, to keep the sogginess at bay!
Place the rolls on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 15-17 minutes. Use the crescent roll instructions as a starting guide, but be aware that you'll need to bake them a little longer for all the ingredients to cook through. Remove from the oven when they're golden brown on top and enjoy!
To store, place in a paper-towel lined, air-tight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Spinach-Cheese Party Rolls
You'll need:
A tube of crescent rolls
1/4 cup chopped spinach (we used frozen)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese sprinkled with garlic powder
(For this recipe we actually used a couple of Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese wedges--- a nice alternative)
1/2 cup diced tomato (optional)
Lay out your crescents on a cutting board, then top with either your shredded or your spreadable cheese.
Next, sprinkle your spinach onto the rolls. You don't need to cover the entire surface.
Last, top with diced tomatoes. If you are making these even 3 hours ahead of time, I recommend NOT including tomatoes because they can cause the rolls to become soggy. However, you could assemble these and keep them in the fridge until they're ready to bake just before serving, to keep the sogginess at bay!
Place the rolls on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 375 for about 15-17 minutes. Use the crescent roll instructions as a starting guide, but be aware that you'll need to bake them a little longer for all the ingredients to cook through. Remove from the oven when they're golden brown on top and enjoy!
To store, place in a paper-towel lined, air-tight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
How To Control Life
That's right, folks. I've figured out how to control my own life! Well. Not really. But even better, I've figured out how to create the illusion of controlling my life! It all comes down to bitching about accepting the things you can't change and changing the things you can.
I can't change the fact that Eric is in Hawaii working far away, on a ridiculous schedule, for all but 17 hours each week when he's here with me (IF he makes it home that week).
I can't change the fact that my car is clunky and on its last legs and I can't afford another yet.
I can't change the fact that my life is missing a few pieces I'd hoped would be in place by now.
I can't change the fact that I'm in school in Chicago instead of driving around Norman with the windows down.
But.
I CAN change my hair.
Last night I finally had enough and I decided that if I can't change the big, meaningful things in my life, I sure as hell could change the smaller, less consequential aspects of my person, such as the length of my hair, so I did. I chopped off about 6 1/2 inches into nice, choppy layers. The hair framing my face comes down to just above my collarbone, then it tapers lower from there to about an inch below my shoulder.
I've had longer hair for about 3 years now, so it's nice to make a more drastic change. I feel sporty and trendy and sophisticated, and I'm going to save, like, $0.30 on shampoo!!!
In all seriousness, though, sometimes a small change like this is all it takes for me to feel like things are back in my control, and that's enough to keep me going for another couple of weeks until it's time to re-motivate.
What kinds of things do you do to reinvigorate your life when things are getting rough?
I can't change the fact that Eric is in Hawaii working far away, on a ridiculous schedule, for all but 17 hours each week when he's here with me (IF he makes it home that week).
I can't change the fact that my car is clunky and on its last legs and I can't afford another yet.
I can't change the fact that my life is missing a few pieces I'd hoped would be in place by now.
I can't change the fact that I'm in school in Chicago instead of driving around Norman with the windows down.
But.
I CAN change my hair.
Last night I finally had enough and I decided that if I can't change the big, meaningful things in my life, I sure as hell could change the smaller, less consequential aspects of my person, such as the length of my hair, so I did. I chopped off about 6 1/2 inches into nice, choppy layers. The hair framing my face comes down to just above my collarbone, then it tapers lower from there to about an inch below my shoulder.
I've had longer hair for about 3 years now, so it's nice to make a more drastic change. I feel sporty and trendy and sophisticated, and I'm going to save, like, $0.30 on shampoo!!!
In all seriousness, though, sometimes a small change like this is all it takes for me to feel like things are back in my control, and that's enough to keep me going for another couple of weeks until it's time to re-motivate.
What kinds of things do you do to reinvigorate your life when things are getting rough?
Friday, July 6, 2012
Climbing Trees
As a kid I loved to climb trees. There were a few specific trees that I found my way up into every time I saw them. The tree that used to stand outside my Abuelo and Abuela's house was perfect for climbing. It had narrow, low branches that were just within reach and that were perfect for setting my toes into. I used to climb up that tree while my brother or cousins climbed up the other tree on the opposite side of the driveway. We would go up high, listen as the trains rumbled through the neighborhood, and then shimmy down and keep playing whatever game we had paused.
I don't climb trees anymore, although now that I think about it I can't come up with a single good reason not to. I should probably give myself permission to access my inner child again and just climb a tree! The trees in my life these days are more metaphorical. In fact, lately I have been climbing a pretty big tree, a new tree. I'm not quite ready to talk about details just yet. This is something I'm doing for me. But I can tell you, I'm about to step out onto a branch without anything below me to catch my fall. It's terrifying, and I keep fighting the urge to walk back toward the trunk and go down a little ways. But the view from this new branch is incredible and I know that if I just walk out a little further, everything will soon become clear.
Stay tuned.
I don't climb trees anymore, although now that I think about it I can't come up with a single good reason not to. I should probably give myself permission to access my inner child again and just climb a tree! The trees in my life these days are more metaphorical. In fact, lately I have been climbing a pretty big tree, a new tree. I'm not quite ready to talk about details just yet. This is something I'm doing for me. But I can tell you, I'm about to step out onto a branch without anything below me to catch my fall. It's terrifying, and I keep fighting the urge to walk back toward the trunk and go down a little ways. But the view from this new branch is incredible and I know that if I just walk out a little further, everything will soon become clear.
Stay tuned.
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