Monday, September 12, 2011
Changin' It Up
I have no idea what to cook anymore. It is becoming more and more difficult to make my weekly menu. It all sounds the same or involves me buying every ingredient because I don't have it in stock. I'm in a cooking rut.
My new goal is to grab a cookbook I never look at and make one recipe from that selected book each week.
This week's recipe was a winner!!!
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 Tbsp. chopped onion (I used 3 or 4 Tbsps. If I was going to mess my knife and cutting board up for 1 Tbsp., I'd probably just omit.)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes (I used the Italian diced tomatoes.)
2 c. fresh broccoli florets
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch dried oregano
16 oz. dry penne pasta
1/4 c. fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil, add chicken and cook until slightly brown. Drain. Add onion and garlic to cook for about 5 minutes or until garlic is golden and onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, broccoli, salt, pepper and oregano; stir well and bring to a boil. Cover and turn down heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender, drain and add back into pot. (I add some pasta water to the chicken mixture so it coats the noodles better.) Pour chicken sauce into pot and mix well. Add basil, toss well and top with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serves 8
Enough to take for lunch the next day! And have a big pot left over. I think I should have went halfsies on this one.
My new goal is to grab a cookbook I never look at and make one recipe from that selected book each week.
This week's recipe was a winner!!!
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 Tbsp. chopped onion (I used 3 or 4 Tbsps. If I was going to mess my knife and cutting board up for 1 Tbsp., I'd probably just omit.)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes (I used the Italian diced tomatoes.)
2 c. fresh broccoli florets
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch dried oregano
16 oz. dry penne pasta
1/4 c. fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil, add chicken and cook until slightly brown. Drain. Add onion and garlic to cook for about 5 minutes or until garlic is golden and onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, broccoli, salt, pepper and oregano; stir well and bring to a boil. Cover and turn down heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender, drain and add back into pot. (I add some pasta water to the chicken mixture so it coats the noodles better.) Pour chicken sauce into pot and mix well. Add basil, toss well and top with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serves 8
Enough to take for lunch the next day! And have a big pot left over. I think I should have went halfsies on this one.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Heavy Hearts & Proud Spirits
When I took my sociology class in college, I had a project that involved interviewing people.
Sociological theory states that people will remember the most specific details regarding a tragic event.
I interviewed several adults regarding the assassination of JFK.
My mom even remembered what she had for lunch that day.
The human brain is an extraordinary thing.
It's been 10 years since 9/11. I remember it happening like it was yesterday. Listening to the radio and news over the last couple of days, people continue to support this theory.
One person was studying for a French exam when they heard. He even remembered what was on the test.
Another person posted the specifics of what they were wearing on that day.
I was sitting in WHS's library. I didn't have a first period class my senior year because I took a course at Blinn Community College. A student aide rushed into the library and shouted out, "A plane flew into a building in NYC." We all raced out of the library to Ms. Nelson's room. Ms. Nelson, our government teacher, had her classroom t.v. on, and we all stood in disbelief as the second plan hit the World Trade Center.
Prove the theory right!
Where were you when you heard the sad news?
What were you doing?
Regardless of these details, one thing is certain.
No one can forget the events of 9/11.
Today, we remember the people who lost their lives in this tragic event. So many children lost a parent that day. And so many parents lost a child that day. These lives have been so different the last ten years.
With a heavy heart, we lift these people up to you Lord.
God, please put your loving arms around them. Comfort them and hold them near You.
Bless our nation and the courageous armed forces who ensure this is still the best dang country in the world.
Bless the USA!!!
Sociological theory states that people will remember the most specific details regarding a tragic event.
I interviewed several adults regarding the assassination of JFK.
My mom even remembered what she had for lunch that day.
The human brain is an extraordinary thing.
It's been 10 years since 9/11. I remember it happening like it was yesterday. Listening to the radio and news over the last couple of days, people continue to support this theory.
One person was studying for a French exam when they heard. He even remembered what was on the test.
Another person posted the specifics of what they were wearing on that day.
I was sitting in WHS's library. I didn't have a first period class my senior year because I took a course at Blinn Community College. A student aide rushed into the library and shouted out, "A plane flew into a building in NYC." We all raced out of the library to Ms. Nelson's room. Ms. Nelson, our government teacher, had her classroom t.v. on, and we all stood in disbelief as the second plan hit the World Trade Center.
Prove the theory right!
Where were you when you heard the sad news?
What were you doing?
Regardless of these details, one thing is certain.
No one can forget the events of 9/11.
Today, we remember the people who lost their lives in this tragic event. So many children lost a parent that day. And so many parents lost a child that day. These lives have been so different the last ten years.
With a heavy heart, we lift these people up to you Lord.
God, please put your loving arms around them. Comfort them and hold them near You.
Bless our nation and the courageous armed forces who ensure this is still the best dang country in the world.
Bless the USA!!!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Things I know...(part 3)
My feet are becoming Peggy Hill feet. None of my shoes fit. All of them are tight. In fact, I stretch and pull on all the sides of my shoes before I cram my foot inside. No one tells you your feet grow when you are pregnant.
My balance is a little off these days. I tend to walk into people.
I'm out of breath after everything I do. I pretty much am panting after opening a bottle of water. I was so worried about this, I did some research. Apparently as my uterus continues to grow, it pushes up against my lungs causing a shortness in breath.
I use a heating bag every night to soothe some of my back pains. It started out with lower back pains. Now the muscles that run on both sides of my spine under my shoulder blades throb constantly.
Sleeping is becoming more and more difficult. I've started using the word "uncomfortable" when people ask how I'm feeling. I don't generally like their response back, "Oh just wait."
Everyone lets me pick where we're going to eat out. Umm, Mexican food please, duh!!
Babies make you want to buy things. I think it's good that we don't know the gender. If so, it would be out of hand at this point.
My growing tummy makes me giddy!
I don't know if I've ever been more excited about anything in my entire life.
My balance is a little off these days. I tend to walk into people.
I'm out of breath after everything I do. I pretty much am panting after opening a bottle of water. I was so worried about this, I did some research. Apparently as my uterus continues to grow, it pushes up against my lungs causing a shortness in breath.
I use a heating bag every night to soothe some of my back pains. It started out with lower back pains. Now the muscles that run on both sides of my spine under my shoulder blades throb constantly.
Sleeping is becoming more and more difficult. I've started using the word "uncomfortable" when people ask how I'm feeling. I don't generally like their response back, "Oh just wait."
Everyone lets me pick where we're going to eat out. Umm, Mexican food please, duh!!
Babies make you want to buy things. I think it's good that we don't know the gender. If so, it would be out of hand at this point.
My growing tummy makes me giddy!
I don't know if I've ever been more excited about anything in my entire life.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Great Name Debate
The most popular question we get these days is, "Do you have a name picked out yet?"
Yet, as in, "You've been pregnant since April. You surely have a name by now."
The answer is a big fat no. I'm pretty sure our hospital discharge papers will be placed in a pending folder somewhere as we continue to debate our first born's name.
Why is this so difficult?
Because Randy and I have completely (let me emphasize the word COMPLETELY) different ideas. I like very unusual, uncommon names. He likes very common names (and names that are identical to every former annoying student that I taught in the past.)
Just to give you an idea of how are conversations usually go...
P: "Randy, I really like the name 'Landry' for a little girl."
R (with a disgusted face): "You mean, like Landry Jones, the OU quarterback."
Never mind...
That's a no-go. No sooner names here apparently. It's not like we're naming it Stoops. (Man, he's annoying with his visors!)
So we usually don't discuss names. It's a dangerous topic that leaves me feeling defeated.
I came up with a plan. I placed a baby name book on our dining room table. As we're eating, Randy would undoubtedly start flipping through the book, and we can get the discussion going."
Well...I need a new plan. Here's how that went last night during dinner.
What about...
R: "Samson?"
P: "Really?"
R: "He'd be strong. Strong, like bull."
What about...
R: "Zeus?"
P: thinking, "How can that be in the book?"
R: "How cool would that be?"
What about...
R: "Saber? Our kid could be an American Gladiator."
Here's the best one!
What about...
R: "Mack?"
P: "As in Mack Brown? Randy, we don't need to be that fanatical."
R: "It's a cool name."
P: "It's in the phrase, "about to get your mack on."
R: "Oh our boy will be doing that." (with this silly little grin on his face because he must be thinking "like father, like son." PUUHH LEASSEEE!!!!!)
Let me point out three things.
1. The name book apparently was a terrible idea.
2. Randy only seems to be interested in finding a boy name.
3. We only have 12 weeks until I'm full term and have to figure this thing out.
Yikes!
Yet, as in, "You've been pregnant since April. You surely have a name by now."
The answer is a big fat no. I'm pretty sure our hospital discharge papers will be placed in a pending folder somewhere as we continue to debate our first born's name.
Why is this so difficult?
Because Randy and I have completely (let me emphasize the word COMPLETELY) different ideas. I like very unusual, uncommon names. He likes very common names (and names that are identical to every former annoying student that I taught in the past.)
Just to give you an idea of how are conversations usually go...
P: "Randy, I really like the name 'Landry' for a little girl."
R (with a disgusted face): "You mean, like Landry Jones, the OU quarterback."
Never mind...
That's a no-go. No sooner names here apparently. It's not like we're naming it Stoops. (Man, he's annoying with his visors!)
So we usually don't discuss names. It's a dangerous topic that leaves me feeling defeated.
I came up with a plan. I placed a baby name book on our dining room table. As we're eating, Randy would undoubtedly start flipping through the book, and we can get the discussion going."
Well...I need a new plan. Here's how that went last night during dinner.
What about...
R: "Samson?"
P: "Really?"
R: "He'd be strong. Strong, like bull."
What about...
R: "Zeus?"
P: thinking, "How can that be in the book?"
R: "How cool would that be?"
What about...
R: "Saber? Our kid could be an American Gladiator."
Here's the best one!
What about...
R: "Mack?"
P: "As in Mack Brown? Randy, we don't need to be that fanatical."
R: "It's a cool name."
P: "It's in the phrase, "about to get your mack on."
R: "Oh our boy will be doing that." (with this silly little grin on his face because he must be thinking "like father, like son." PUUHH LEASSEEE!!!!!)
Let me point out three things.
1. The name book apparently was a terrible idea.
2. Randy only seems to be interested in finding a boy name.
3. We only have 12 weeks until I'm full term and have to figure this thing out.
Yikes!
Tea Time
I' always on the look out for cool kitchen gadgets. I love quirky little things. Quirky usually means expensive.
I'm not going to buy these. Believe me, we are working on a "budget." Oh how I hate that word. With a baby on the way, we're going to have to change how we spend our money. When I say "we're," I mainly mean "me." Randy sent me a working rough draft two days ago, and I haven't even opened the email yet. It just sounds scary and depressing. But I'm completely off topic, and besides who wants to read about budgets?
Yah, exactly!
So on to the lighter, airier topic, cool kitchen items.
These tea gadgets were featured in my Food Network Magazine.
The robot holds the tea bag!
Who wouldn't want a robot sticking out of your tea mug?
What a conversation piece!
Or check this one out...
These people are fishing for your sponge, I mean tea bag! Love it!!!
I'm not going to buy these. Believe me, we are working on a "budget." Oh how I hate that word. With a baby on the way, we're going to have to change how we spend our money. When I say "we're," I mainly mean "me." Randy sent me a working rough draft two days ago, and I haven't even opened the email yet. It just sounds scary and depressing. But I'm completely off topic, and besides who wants to read about budgets?
Yah, exactly!
So on to the lighter, airier topic, cool kitchen items.
These tea gadgets were featured in my Food Network Magazine.
The robot holds the tea bag!
Who wouldn't want a robot sticking out of your tea mug?
What a conversation piece!
Or check this one out...
These people are fishing for your sponge, I mean tea bag! Love it!!!
Monday, September 5, 2011
God please bless Texas!
The last two days have been filled with sadness, fear, worry, and an uncontrollable feeling of helplessness.
The wildfires in Central Texas can't even be described. I can't even look at the pictures online anymore. The pictures look like they came out of a movie. Unfortunately, they are real. It makes my stomach hurt.
Everyone in the area is just sitting on pins and needles. Bastrop has always been my favorite part of the drive between my parents house in Weimar and Austin. Those beautiful pines are now fuel. My friend said it best when she said, "I haven't been this sad since 9/11."
This is a bad nightmare, and it seems to be getting worse. We know people who have lost their homes. If you don't personally know of anyone, you know someone who knows someone else. I recognize the last names of people being interviewed on tv. I know where the subdivisions are that are being evacuated. I know that places I remembered going to as a little girl are now gone or being threatened.
Randy has many fond memories of Bastrop as his Grandparents live here. He learned to play golf with his Papa at the golf course in Bastrop State Park which unfortunately is no more.
This evening because of the crazy winds, the fire was approaching the Fayette County border line. Oh how I love Fayette County! Randy and I know that one day we will move back and raise our family there. We loved growing up in that area, and we're just sick about the fires that are threatening the area. We are waiting and praying for some good news. But the fire remains at 0 percent containment as it continues to spread. Luckily the winds are dying down.
Please pray for Texas! Please pray for the families who have lost their homes and the brave people fighting these beasts. The unknown is so scary. Bastrop, Texas is on my mind constantly as people are facing this nightmare dead on as they evacuate and wait and wait some more for the news of whether their house, belongings, and treasures have been spared. I know these are just "things," but it doesn't make it any better.
Bastrop's fire is by far the largest, but it's not the only one. I'm also praying for my school's community. 25 homes have been burnt down and more damaged in the area where I work. We don't have school tomorrow due to the fires. People are hoping to return to their neighborhoods tomorrow, and we will know more about the damage then. I believe our school has been spared.
What a roller coaster day! Randy has monitored my access to all the pages on Facebook. Can I give a shout out to Mark Z? He is amazing for his Facebook invention. I have been more informed than ever. Facebook is about 2 hours ahead of the Austin news update. Fayette County EMS has been extremely helpful if anyone is looking for a good site to follow. I'm probably too informed for being an expecting mom. My baby is probably so stressed out right now (hence the monitoring). Tomorrow, I will need to find some distractions. Maybe I'll work on my geography skills. I can't even tell you how frustrated Randy is with my compass skills. So I might get a little confused with all this east and west stuff. He even gave me a lesson tonight on Google maps. I'm just concerned and worry gets in the way with all this north/south/east/west lingo.
Just please make it stop!
The wildfires in Central Texas can't even be described. I can't even look at the pictures online anymore. The pictures look like they came out of a movie. Unfortunately, they are real. It makes my stomach hurt.
Everyone in the area is just sitting on pins and needles. Bastrop has always been my favorite part of the drive between my parents house in Weimar and Austin. Those beautiful pines are now fuel. My friend said it best when she said, "I haven't been this sad since 9/11."
This is a bad nightmare, and it seems to be getting worse. We know people who have lost their homes. If you don't personally know of anyone, you know someone who knows someone else. I recognize the last names of people being interviewed on tv. I know where the subdivisions are that are being evacuated. I know that places I remembered going to as a little girl are now gone or being threatened.
Randy has many fond memories of Bastrop as his Grandparents live here. He learned to play golf with his Papa at the golf course in Bastrop State Park which unfortunately is no more.
This evening because of the crazy winds, the fire was approaching the Fayette County border line. Oh how I love Fayette County! Randy and I know that one day we will move back and raise our family there. We loved growing up in that area, and we're just sick about the fires that are threatening the area. We are waiting and praying for some good news. But the fire remains at 0 percent containment as it continues to spread. Luckily the winds are dying down.
Please pray for Texas! Please pray for the families who have lost their homes and the brave people fighting these beasts. The unknown is so scary. Bastrop, Texas is on my mind constantly as people are facing this nightmare dead on as they evacuate and wait and wait some more for the news of whether their house, belongings, and treasures have been spared. I know these are just "things," but it doesn't make it any better.
Bastrop's fire is by far the largest, but it's not the only one. I'm also praying for my school's community. 25 homes have been burnt down and more damaged in the area where I work. We don't have school tomorrow due to the fires. People are hoping to return to their neighborhoods tomorrow, and we will know more about the damage then. I believe our school has been spared.
What a roller coaster day! Randy has monitored my access to all the pages on Facebook. Can I give a shout out to Mark Z? He is amazing for his Facebook invention. I have been more informed than ever. Facebook is about 2 hours ahead of the Austin news update. Fayette County EMS has been extremely helpful if anyone is looking for a good site to follow. I'm probably too informed for being an expecting mom. My baby is probably so stressed out right now (hence the monitoring). Tomorrow, I will need to find some distractions. Maybe I'll work on my geography skills. I can't even tell you how frustrated Randy is with my compass skills. So I might get a little confused with all this east and west stuff. He even gave me a lesson tonight on Google maps. I'm just concerned and worry gets in the way with all this north/south/east/west lingo.
Just please make it stop!
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