Since big things have been happening in my life the past few months, I've constantly reflected on how grateful I am, how happy I am. Since it's that time of year, I decided to write a post about the things I'm thankful for...since I missed starting the days of being thankful on Facebook...
1. I am thankful for my husband. Beside me I have someone who supports me and wants the same things out of life that I do. I am happy that the things we have been working for are finally becoming a reality-- and between those big events are moments filled with love and laughter.
2. I am grateful for my family, who is supportive, understanding, and fun. Growing up I never understood the benefits of a small family, and although it was a hard thing to learn, we know never to leave words unspoken and to cherish every moment together.
3. I am grateful for my education. It is value that was stressed throughout my childhood and instilled in me a love of learning that I still carry with me. Specifically, grateful for the learning that took place while obtaining my Master's degree since it helped me find a job that makes me happy and also taught me to look at life with empathy and without judgment. I'm also grateful for the opportunity to use my education everyday to touch and affect the lives of students.
4. I'm thankful to have moved to a place with real seasons and cooler weather. Fall has always been my favorite season-- college football, pumpkin flavors, and the start of the holiday season. It seems to be perfect with the addition of sweaters and colorful leaves.
5. I'm thankful for cozy socks, sweatshirts, and pj pants. In order words, thankful for comfort.
6. I'm thankful for coffee. I don't necessary need to drink coffee to feel more awake, but I do start every morning with a delicious cup and think its an added benefit to have the delightful aroma filling the kitchen.
7. I am thankful for my sister. I say it all the time, but Sarah inspires me. She was my sidekick growing up, making it so I never felt alone. It's something that, looking bad, I am tremendously grateful for. In our adult lives, Sarah has taught me that dreams can come true and that higher education isn't the only way to open a door for opportunities. She has determination, strength, and passion I admire.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Snow
I'm slowly starting to get used to the snow.
The first time it snowed this winter was Christmas Eve. I was so excited to see the snow, since I don't really remember ever seeing it, even though I lived in Connecticut until I was 5. I took pictures. I stood in it. I played with the dogs in it. My body didn't even feel the cold.
As the excitement died down, the cold overwhelmed me. While I think Florida is too hot, I wasn't quite prepared to go from 80 and 90 degree weather to 30 degree weather in a period of only a couple weeks. Brian would laugh at me as I put on two jackets, a hat, a scarf, and gloves to take the dogs for a walk, but it was better than feeling frozen.
However, nothing prepared me for driving in the snow.
Since the trucks drop off the salt stuff to keep the roads clear, the roads don't scare me-- maybe a little wet, but I've driven in bad rainstorms before, so that wasn't an issue. (I'm a very cautious driver in completely sunny weather, so I'm definitely a cautious driver in rain and snow.)
However, the sensation of feeling like you are going to run into these white balls that are headed straight for your car is something I had never experienced before. Although the logical part of my brain tells me that it's just a snowflake that will fall onto my car, the irrational part tells me that I can't possibly drive into something like that. I guess knowing the irrational thoughts is the first part of getting over it, right?
There were a few days where I was checking the weather and planning my trips to the grocery store, etc. when it wasn't supposed to snow. But slowly, I am coming to terms with the fact I know live in a state where it will snow in the winter and I will still need to run errands. I do think the snow is very pretty. Our dining room table is next to two doors with large windows overlooking our deck. Its very calming to look up from my computer and see the snow falling.
The first time it snowed this winter was Christmas Eve. I was so excited to see the snow, since I don't really remember ever seeing it, even though I lived in Connecticut until I was 5. I took pictures. I stood in it. I played with the dogs in it. My body didn't even feel the cold.
As the excitement died down, the cold overwhelmed me. While I think Florida is too hot, I wasn't quite prepared to go from 80 and 90 degree weather to 30 degree weather in a period of only a couple weeks. Brian would laugh at me as I put on two jackets, a hat, a scarf, and gloves to take the dogs for a walk, but it was better than feeling frozen.
However, nothing prepared me for driving in the snow.
Since the trucks drop off the salt stuff to keep the roads clear, the roads don't scare me-- maybe a little wet, but I've driven in bad rainstorms before, so that wasn't an issue. (I'm a very cautious driver in completely sunny weather, so I'm definitely a cautious driver in rain and snow.)
However, the sensation of feeling like you are going to run into these white balls that are headed straight for your car is something I had never experienced before. Although the logical part of my brain tells me that it's just a snowflake that will fall onto my car, the irrational part tells me that I can't possibly drive into something like that. I guess knowing the irrational thoughts is the first part of getting over it, right?
There were a few days where I was checking the weather and planning my trips to the grocery store, etc. when it wasn't supposed to snow. But slowly, I am coming to terms with the fact I know live in a state where it will snow in the winter and I will still need to run errands. I do think the snow is very pretty. Our dining room table is next to two doors with large windows overlooking our deck. Its very calming to look up from my computer and see the snow falling.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken
Pinterest is my favorite place to look for recipes.
I adapted a recipe found here: http://jujugoodnews.com/jalapeno-popper-chicken/
My husband and I both really enjoyed it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1.5 – 2 tsp. taco seasoning
1 egg
2 oz. cream cheese (we used reduced fat)
1/4 cup shredded cheese (we used 2% cheddar jack)
2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, minced (we used 3-- we like spicy, and some of the spice diminishes in the oven)
2 chicken breasts
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375. Spray baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the breadcrumbs and the vegetable oil. Cook, stirring often, until the panko is golden and crispy. Place in a shallow bowl or dish. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
3. In another shallow bowl or dish, lightly beat an egg.
4. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños.
5. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, or horizontally slice the chicken through the center, until it is almost butterflied. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, and then divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between each chicken breast’s pocket. Use toothpicks to secure, if necessary.
5. Dip the chicken pieces one at a time first into the egg, and then into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat the chicken completely. (I added a little more taco seasoning and a few red pepper flakes to the top of the chicken before baking-- again, we like spicy!) Place the chicken on the prepared baking rack and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
I adapted a recipe found here: http://jujugoodnews.com/jalapeno-popper-chicken/
My husband and I both really enjoyed it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1.5 – 2 tsp. taco seasoning
1 egg
2 oz. cream cheese (we used reduced fat)
1/4 cup shredded cheese (we used 2% cheddar jack)
2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, minced (we used 3-- we like spicy, and some of the spice diminishes in the oven)
2 chicken breasts
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375. Spray baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the breadcrumbs and the vegetable oil. Cook, stirring often, until the panko is golden and crispy. Place in a shallow bowl or dish. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
3. In another shallow bowl or dish, lightly beat an egg.
4. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños.
5. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, or horizontally slice the chicken through the center, until it is almost butterflied. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, and then divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between each chicken breast’s pocket. Use toothpicks to secure, if necessary.
5. Dip the chicken pieces one at a time first into the egg, and then into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat the chicken completely. (I added a little more taco seasoning and a few red pepper flakes to the top of the chicken before baking-- again, we like spicy!) Place the chicken on the prepared baking rack and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
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