1 year ago
Friday, June 19, 2009
Lovin' The Fresh Herbs
In the last several days my herb garden has really taken off. I have had tons of basil, parsley, rosemary, and chives. I have enjoyed using some recipes and also my imagination to use all these herbs. I have made a Rachel Ray recipe for pesto using parsley. I have always thought that basil was the only herb for pesto, but the parsley pesto turned out to be really good. On Tuesday night I made a pasta sauce using my fresh basil and rosemary. I have made tomato based pasta sauce many times at home, but never using fresh herbs. The pasta sauce was super yummy and the only difference from other times I have used it was the fresh herbs. Until now I haven't ever really been sold on the use of fresh herbs, but I am a true believer now! This spring as Mary Ann has already posted we planted a few things. I decided to plant some herbs because I have heard that they are really easy to grow. They are really easy and can be grown in planter boxes and the like. So I highly recommend growing your own herbs and enjoy the culinary benefits.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
More Change Than Expected
Well, before I blog about our fabulous trip to Alabama and DisneyWorld, I thought I should give an update on a couple of unexpected changes.
First of all, when I woke up the day after I ended my job I made a spontaneous decision to drastically cut my hair. I had been thinking about doing it for awhile, but I thought I would wait a few more months before actually going through with it. It ended up a little shorter than I thought I asked for (9 inches off the back), but I actually like it. And I loved having short hair for our hot and humid vacation.
This is my attempt at taking my own "before" picture.
And here is my new do, after a long day of errands and a fun evening of roasting hot dogs and marshmallows with co-workers. Not quite as cute as when I left the salon, but you get the picture.
And now for the next big change in my life. I am getting a new car, but it was NOT my idea. My car was stolen the night before we left on vacation--right from my covered parking stall in our condo parking lot. Don't ask me why they picked my 1998 Honda Civic when they had their pick of numerous nicer cars. We didn't discover it was missing until a half hour before we were supposed to leave for the airport when I sent Scott to get my sunglasses out of my car. I was so stressed getting ready for our trip that I didn't even call the police until we were on our way to the airport. My car was recovered the next afternoon in Taylorsville. All they told me was that the ignition was punched and it was undriveable. My sister went up a couple of days later to check it out for me, and it looked horrible. The insurance adjuster declared it a total loss because it would cost as much to fix it as it was worth. Scott and I and his dad stopped by to see it on our way home from the airport on Monday. It was really depressing. The morons did way more damage than was necessary, and they took several worthless personal items. I am most upset that they took my little Cubbie bear that I had hanging from my rear-view mirror. I bought that at my very first Cubs game after I moved to Chicago. Sad. As much as I complained about the quirks of my car, I really loved it. I bought it 8 1/2 years ago, and I only once had to do a major repair. It took me across the country a couple of times, and I just have many great memories in that car. May it rest in peace.
Well, here's a few pictures of the damage.
I'm now looking for a new car with the $4000 I got from my insurance. Any suggestions on what I should get? I'm thinking not a Honda.
First of all, when I woke up the day after I ended my job I made a spontaneous decision to drastically cut my hair. I had been thinking about doing it for awhile, but I thought I would wait a few more months before actually going through with it. It ended up a little shorter than I thought I asked for (9 inches off the back), but I actually like it. And I loved having short hair for our hot and humid vacation.
This is my attempt at taking my own "before" picture.
And here is my new do, after a long day of errands and a fun evening of roasting hot dogs and marshmallows with co-workers. Not quite as cute as when I left the salon, but you get the picture.
And now for the next big change in my life. I am getting a new car, but it was NOT my idea. My car was stolen the night before we left on vacation--right from my covered parking stall in our condo parking lot. Don't ask me why they picked my 1998 Honda Civic when they had their pick of numerous nicer cars. We didn't discover it was missing until a half hour before we were supposed to leave for the airport when I sent Scott to get my sunglasses out of my car. I was so stressed getting ready for our trip that I didn't even call the police until we were on our way to the airport. My car was recovered the next afternoon in Taylorsville. All they told me was that the ignition was punched and it was undriveable. My sister went up a couple of days later to check it out for me, and it looked horrible. The insurance adjuster declared it a total loss because it would cost as much to fix it as it was worth. Scott and I and his dad stopped by to see it on our way home from the airport on Monday. It was really depressing. The morons did way more damage than was necessary, and they took several worthless personal items. I am most upset that they took my little Cubbie bear that I had hanging from my rear-view mirror. I bought that at my very first Cubs game after I moved to Chicago. Sad. As much as I complained about the quirks of my car, I really loved it. I bought it 8 1/2 years ago, and I only once had to do a major repair. It took me across the country a couple of times, and I just have many great memories in that car. May it rest in peace.
Well, here's a few pictures of the damage.
I'm now looking for a new car with the $4000 I got from my insurance. Any suggestions on what I should get? I'm thinking not a Honda.
Friday, June 5, 2009
The End of an Era
Well, today was my last day at the job that I have had for just over 4 years. For those of you who may not know, I am starting my own private practice. I have been working as a mental health therapist (social worker) for a non-profit agency that mainly helps victims of abuse and trauma. It has been an incredible journey of growth and healing for both me and my clients.
As the end of my job was drawing nearer, I found myself reflecting on my experiences. I have been so blessed to have incredible co-workers and amazing clients. My co-workers have become some of my best friends and have supported me through some of the darkest times of my life. I'm really going to miss them. I'm also going to miss most of my clients, although I must admit that I am feeling relieved to have a break from their trauma. I have had the privilege of working with some of the bravest, strongest people in the world. You can't imagine the horrors some of my clients have suffered, but they have chosen to be survivors rather than victims and to rely on the Savior for ultimate healing. I have felt honored to be a small part of their healing journey. My life will never be the same.
So as I let go of the past with sadness, gratitude, and joy, I look forward to the future with hope and faith that can dissolve my fears. I really have no idea where this new path is going to lead me, but I feel peace and intend to find joy in the journey.
As the end of my job was drawing nearer, I found myself reflecting on my experiences. I have been so blessed to have incredible co-workers and amazing clients. My co-workers have become some of my best friends and have supported me through some of the darkest times of my life. I'm really going to miss them. I'm also going to miss most of my clients, although I must admit that I am feeling relieved to have a break from their trauma. I have had the privilege of working with some of the bravest, strongest people in the world. You can't imagine the horrors some of my clients have suffered, but they have chosen to be survivors rather than victims and to rely on the Savior for ultimate healing. I have felt honored to be a small part of their healing journey. My life will never be the same.
So as I let go of the past with sadness, gratitude, and joy, I look forward to the future with hope and faith that can dissolve my fears. I really have no idea where this new path is going to lead me, but I feel peace and intend to find joy in the journey.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Can't get much better than this!
Here are a few random pictures of our fun past few days. Friday night Scott and I watched my niece and twin nephews. We took them to our ward party and laughed hysterically as they swung at a pinata (or "peeyata"). Too bad we didn't get any pics. On Saturday we spent a total of 5 1/2 hours watching baseball. We first went to Scott's nephew's game.
(These are of Matt pitching a couple of weeks ago.)
Later we went to a Salt Lake Bees double header. We missed the first 3 innings because we went to dinner at my favorite Thai restaurant (Thai Siam), but we figured we'd get plenty of baseball in. I was quite pleased to discover that they had Snowies at the ballpark. I judge a baseball stadium's quality first by its ambiance (you can't beat Wrigley Field) and second by its concessions. I was not disappointed on Saturday. Yum!
(We got excellent seats for a great price, thanks to Scott's County employee discount. I'm trying to forget all the fees that basically canceled out the discount.)
(Jumbo sunflower seeds, cotton candy, AND a Snowie? I was in heaven!)
On Saturday afternoon before the Bees game, Scott and I also did a session in the Jordan River temple. It was our first time there together, so I had to get a pic.
Sunday we got to have dinner with my family. The highlight was when my 8-year-old niece stated in all seriousness, "If you marry your brothers, your kids will have lots of arms and legs and two heads."
Tonight for FHE, Scott and I went with our friend Carla to get pedicures--Scott's first--so I had to take more pics.
(Scott liked his pedicure and even let them put on clear nail polish. He was quite surprised that all the workers were Asian. Where has he been?)
We then headed to Red Mango for frozen yogurt. Scott says I'm obsessed with it. I agree. I absolutely love it!
It seriously can't get much better than this! :)
(These are of Matt pitching a couple of weeks ago.)
Later we went to a Salt Lake Bees double header. We missed the first 3 innings because we went to dinner at my favorite Thai restaurant (Thai Siam), but we figured we'd get plenty of baseball in. I was quite pleased to discover that they had Snowies at the ballpark. I judge a baseball stadium's quality first by its ambiance (you can't beat Wrigley Field) and second by its concessions. I was not disappointed on Saturday. Yum!
(We got excellent seats for a great price, thanks to Scott's County employee discount. I'm trying to forget all the fees that basically canceled out the discount.)
(Jumbo sunflower seeds, cotton candy, AND a Snowie? I was in heaven!)
On Saturday afternoon before the Bees game, Scott and I also did a session in the Jordan River temple. It was our first time there together, so I had to get a pic.
Sunday we got to have dinner with my family. The highlight was when my 8-year-old niece stated in all seriousness, "If you marry your brothers, your kids will have lots of arms and legs and two heads."
Tonight for FHE, Scott and I went with our friend Carla to get pedicures--Scott's first--so I had to take more pics.
(Scott liked his pedicure and even let them put on clear nail polish. He was quite surprised that all the workers were Asian. Where has he been?)
We then headed to Red Mango for frozen yogurt. Scott says I'm obsessed with it. I agree. I absolutely love it!
It seriously can't get much better than this! :)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
My First List
This is SO one month ago.
Rules are: highlight, bold, or underline any of the following things you have done.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars--I was terrified that I would get attacked by a bear!
3. Played in a band--not a cool one
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. (apparently doesn't exist)
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo--thanks to the Sing-Along-Gang :)
11. Bungee jumped--7 times!!
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched an amazing lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I was super sick, and so my whole family missed out.)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train--My sister Jana and I almost suffocated on our way to Italy!
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill--I've taken many "mental health" days.
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping--Mexico 2000, just me and the fishies
27. Ran a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice--with a hot chauffeur who spoke Spanish too
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset--way more sunsets than sunrises
31. Hit a home run--coach pitch counts, right?
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language--with a little help from above
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied--I think so
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David--AMAZING!!
41. Sung karaoke--of course!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person--I snuck a picture--naughty!
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris--very romantic at sunset
51. Gone scuba diving--in the pool counts, right?
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business--currently in the middle of it
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood--I could never--I'm way too wimpy!
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square--11 hours straight on New Years Eve
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper--good ol' Spanish Fork Press
85. Read the entire Bible--thanks to Seminary
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating--although I did witness a killing and actually plucked a turkey feather in Mexico
88. Had chickenpox--THREE stinkin' times!!!
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous--Yay Cubs!
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake--I guess wading doesn't count.
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee--2 times last Fall
100. Visited Italy
I got 57. I guess being single all those years gave me some spare time to do random things...
Rules are: highlight, bold, or underline any of the following things you have done.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars--I was terrified that I would get attacked by a bear!
3. Played in a band--not a cool one
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. (apparently doesn't exist)
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo--thanks to the Sing-Along-Gang :)
11. Bungee jumped--7 times!!
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched an amazing lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (I was super sick, and so my whole family missed out.)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train--My sister Jana and I almost suffocated on our way to Italy!
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill--I've taken many "mental health" days.
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping--Mexico 2000, just me and the fishies
27. Ran a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice--with a hot chauffeur who spoke Spanish too
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset--way more sunsets than sunrises
31. Hit a home run--coach pitch counts, right?
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language--with a little help from above
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied--I think so
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David--AMAZING!!
41. Sung karaoke--of course!
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person--I snuck a picture--naughty!
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris--very romantic at sunset
51. Gone scuba diving--in the pool counts, right?
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business--currently in the middle of it
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood--I could never--I'm way too wimpy!
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square--11 hours straight on New Years Eve
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper--good ol' Spanish Fork Press
85. Read the entire Bible--thanks to Seminary
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating--although I did witness a killing and actually plucked a turkey feather in Mexico
88. Had chickenpox--THREE stinkin' times!!!
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous--Yay Cubs!
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake--I guess wading doesn't count.
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee--2 times last Fall
100. Visited Italy
I got 57. I guess being single all those years gave me some spare time to do random things...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Our Semi-Green Thumbs
I guess it's my turn to blog. So, Scott and I have tried our hand at balcony gardening this past month. We got some flowers and herbs to grow in planters and in Scott's huge whiskey barrel. I must say that I have enjoyed it much more than I thought it would. Apparently I prefer gardening without bugs and weeds. Here are some pictures of our attempt.
It turns out a headlamp is not only great for camping, but it works wonders for planting in the dark.
Our whiskey herbs--basil, oregano, chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Nope, no sage.
Three of our four planter boxes and our hanging plant. We are selfish and hang them on our side of the balcony.
The red Verbena plants grow very well, but the daisies are pretty fickle. The first picture is our best plant, and the second picture shows a plant similar to the other two. Um, so are we supposed to cut off the dead flower heads? We're a bit clueless.
Yes, we are trying Topsy Turvy tomato planters--as seen on TV. Our first attempt failed miserably, but here is a picture of our second attempt. They have already grown much bigger and are turning upward toward the sun.
My consolation Mother's Day gift that I picked out. I love it!
When we first got married, Scott hated almost all of the home decorations that I wanted to buy. So I didn't buy many new things. This frog is something I couldn't seem to live without, so I bought it without Scott around. It really needs a flower, eh?
Well, we have really been enjoying spending time on our balcony. Here's hoping we can keep the flowers alive, and more importantly the yummy herbs and tomatoes!
It turns out a headlamp is not only great for camping, but it works wonders for planting in the dark.
Our whiskey herbs--basil, oregano, chives, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Nope, no sage.
Three of our four planter boxes and our hanging plant. We are selfish and hang them on our side of the balcony.
The red Verbena plants grow very well, but the daisies are pretty fickle. The first picture is our best plant, and the second picture shows a plant similar to the other two. Um, so are we supposed to cut off the dead flower heads? We're a bit clueless.
Yes, we are trying Topsy Turvy tomato planters--as seen on TV. Our first attempt failed miserably, but here is a picture of our second attempt. They have already grown much bigger and are turning upward toward the sun.
My consolation Mother's Day gift that I picked out. I love it!
When we first got married, Scott hated almost all of the home decorations that I wanted to buy. So I didn't buy many new things. This frog is something I couldn't seem to live without, so I bought it without Scott around. It really needs a flower, eh?Well, we have really been enjoying spending time on our balcony. Here's hoping we can keep the flowers alive, and more importantly the yummy herbs and tomatoes!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Goodbye American Idol
As promised I have sworn off American Idol for the season now that Allison has been eliminated. I was just thinking of what I had to look forward to tonight and realized AI is no longer on the agenda. Fortunately there are two NBA games that I can resort to while Mary Ann suffers through the Allisonless AI. Farewell Simon, Paula, Randy , Kara, and anyone else that may be added. until next season!
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