I could kick myself at the end of every dinner. This is the conversation I end up having with myself as I am rinsing dishes in the sink.
"Crap."
"I forgot to take a picture."
"Crap."
"These blogs would be much more interesting with photos. Any ideas on remembering? I keep the camera downstairs until I need to take it upstairs to upload it. There is stays.
Anyway.
Tuesday I made chopped salad. I used a fancy tool from Pampered Chef called a salad chopper. It's like a huge pair of scissors. I loved chopped salad. I always serve it with frozen garlic bread sticks that cook in just 4 minutes.
Wednesday, I had leftovers....wait for it.....shredded pork mixed with salsa served over top of rice and a side of turnip greens. Of course, Nate had already eaten because he almost threw up when he saw my plate. I love to mix foods and try new things. Anyone can mix shredded pork with barbecue, but I've tried spaghetti sauce, salsa, pizza sauce and sauerkraut. I find that a combo of new and interesting flavors is better than the same old tired meal.
Tonight, I am making two batches of brownies for the classes that have behaved this week and kept their brownie points. It's been a long week, but I think we all need the reward of brownies and a movie.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Cold weather food
Soup season is almost over. As much as I love winter, I am ready for some warmth and sunshine. I think that my emotions need it.
But since it's here, I took advantage of the cold weather and made some soup in the slow cooker yesterday. I am still learning how to make thick soup. All of my batches are always thin.
I attempted to make corn chowder. I added a can of creamed corn to the crockpot. In a skillet, I cooked some bacon, then added diced potatoes and onions with a little water until the potatoes were cooked to a little soft. I added butter for some flavor. I dumped the skillet's contents into the slow cooker. I added evaporated milk (probably why it's not thick) and a cup of chicken broth. It didn't look chunky enough, so I added some frozen corn. I cooked it on low ALL day. The bacon and chicken broth made for a great flavor, but I wasn't satisfied with the texture. I'll work on that next time.
But since it's here, I took advantage of the cold weather and made some soup in the slow cooker yesterday. I am still learning how to make thick soup. All of my batches are always thin.
I attempted to make corn chowder. I added a can of creamed corn to the crockpot. In a skillet, I cooked some bacon, then added diced potatoes and onions with a little water until the potatoes were cooked to a little soft. I added butter for some flavor. I dumped the skillet's contents into the slow cooker. I added evaporated milk (probably why it's not thick) and a cup of chicken broth. It didn't look chunky enough, so I added some frozen corn. I cooked it on low ALL day. The bacon and chicken broth made for a great flavor, but I wasn't satisfied with the texture. I'll work on that next time.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Getting the most out of your wardrobe
I talked Saturday about my large number of clothes. Over the years I have shared my tips for keeping your old wardrobe new...but I wanted to share them here.
A while back, I read that wearing the same color of different shades in an outfit was a good way to add some pop. That was when layering was in (but when isn't it?). So, I organized my closet by color. All the shades of red were together and all the grays and blacks. I put bright colors near bright colors and neutrals near neutrals.
When that got old, I organized it by type. All the pants were together, all the sweaters were together and all the hoodies occupied the same space. I kept the button down shirts together and all the "fancy" tops in the same area. All the short sleeves mingled with their like counterparts. I know if I need a cardigan to go over a short-sleeved shirt to keep me warm, that I can choose the best color by seeing them all at one time. This system helps me know exactly where I need to go, depending on the mood I'm in.
A while back, I read that wearing the same color of different shades in an outfit was a good way to add some pop. That was when layering was in (but when isn't it?). So, I organized my closet by color. All the shades of red were together and all the grays and blacks. I put bright colors near bright colors and neutrals near neutrals.
When that got old, I organized it by type. All the pants were together, all the sweaters were together and all the hoodies occupied the same space. I kept the button down shirts together and all the "fancy" tops in the same area. All the short sleeves mingled with their like counterparts. I know if I need a cardigan to go over a short-sleeved shirt to keep me warm, that I can choose the best color by seeing them all at one time. This system helps me know exactly where I need to go, depending on the mood I'm in.
- Some mornings, I build an outfit around an accessory. I choose a necklace or earrings that I haven't worn in a while and pair it with an outfit. I do the same with shoes. I have a cute pair of red heels I hardly ever wear, but it's easier to start with them and add black pants and a red top than it is to decide to wear the shoes...because I usually go for the old standby black "teacher" shoes that are comfortable and not really stylish.
- Now that my closet has a section that is hard to get to, I often pull items to the front area. It's usually stuff I haven't worn for a few weeks. It gives me a fresh peek and I can avoid leaving clothes in the back to wrinkle over and over again.
- I still have a lot of clothes that I rarely wear. I keep them thinking if I lose 5 pounds I will feel more comfortable wearing them. When I lost a lot of weight before, I made the mistake of getting rid of ALL my pants, since I went down 2 sizes. I won't do that again. Life happened and I gained the weight back....leaving me longing for those cute pants that used to fit so well. And the reverse doesn't seem to be working. I long to wear the cute smaller sizes, but it just makes me more upset that I worked hard to lose weight and gained it back. So despite what Dr. Phil or Oprah says...keep a few sizes around. I am not saying keep a size 2 if you are a 12...but if you fluctuate between a few sizes...don't part with them too soon.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Things I've learned as a substitute teacher
Well, it's been nearly two months since I left the YDR. I am learning something new everyday. Some are silly and some are serious, and I am sure there are more to come.
1. When you really have to go to the bathroom, there is no one there to relieve you.
2. Some students could care less about school and there is not much you can do to change it.
3. Teenagers know more about drugs, alcohol, etc. than I ever will.
4. Every day is different and when you least expect it....students surprise you.
5. Getting up at 6 a.m. isn't as bad as I thought, especially when I get to take naps now.
6. Eating lunch at 10:30 a.m. isn't as bad as it sounds.
7. Eating dinner at 4 p.m. isn't that bad either.
8. More time after work doesn't mean more motivation to make it to the gym.
9. Review games with food prizes don't carry as much weight as you think they do.
10. Teachers have a lot of meetings, too!
1. When you really have to go to the bathroom, there is no one there to relieve you.
2. Some students could care less about school and there is not much you can do to change it.
3. Teenagers know more about drugs, alcohol, etc. than I ever will.
4. Every day is different and when you least expect it....students surprise you.
5. Getting up at 6 a.m. isn't as bad as I thought, especially when I get to take naps now.
6. Eating lunch at 10:30 a.m. isn't as bad as it sounds.
7. Eating dinner at 4 p.m. isn't that bad either.
8. More time after work doesn't mean more motivation to make it to the gym.
9. Review games with food prizes don't carry as much weight as you think they do.
10. Teachers have a lot of meetings, too!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Mounds of clothes
It's no secret that I love clothes, shoes, handbags, accesories, etc. I've never really felt guilty about it because I spend so little. I do most of my shopping at Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops and sale racks of discount stores.
But a few days ago, I felt really overwhelmed. Nate and I don't have traditional closets...they are big, but have slanted ceilings and off layouts. I've been storing all of my clothes in my "dressing room," which is the spare bedroom. I had dozens of summer dresses, formal dresses and winter coats in the back of Nate's closet (which is the closet in OUR bedroom.) He wanted a place to store his firearms and asked me to give up my craft closet. I couldn't do it. So, he decided to use his closet. I've never seen the man so gung ho. He went to Home Depot, bought a bunch of wood and started turning his closet into a storage facility.
Unfortunately, I had to remove my clothes. Right now, they are laying on the spare bed. The stack is high. My wedding dress is partly to blame for that.
I don't know what to do. I could scale down my clothes, but I wear a lot of them, if not all of them. I am not really buying new clothes, so it's not like I am adding to the collection. I thought about storing the seasonal clothes in plastic containers in the basement, but you can't really fold formal dresses into plastic containers.
Any suggestions?
But a few days ago, I felt really overwhelmed. Nate and I don't have traditional closets...they are big, but have slanted ceilings and off layouts. I've been storing all of my clothes in my "dressing room," which is the spare bedroom. I had dozens of summer dresses, formal dresses and winter coats in the back of Nate's closet (which is the closet in OUR bedroom.) He wanted a place to store his firearms and asked me to give up my craft closet. I couldn't do it. So, he decided to use his closet. I've never seen the man so gung ho. He went to Home Depot, bought a bunch of wood and started turning his closet into a storage facility.
Unfortunately, I had to remove my clothes. Right now, they are laying on the spare bed. The stack is high. My wedding dress is partly to blame for that.
I don't know what to do. I could scale down my clothes, but I wear a lot of them, if not all of them. I am not really buying new clothes, so it's not like I am adding to the collection. I thought about storing the seasonal clothes in plastic containers in the basement, but you can't really fold formal dresses into plastic containers.
Any suggestions?
Friday, February 20, 2009
And the finished (well almost) dining room
Check out the photo to the right for a before glimpse, well, more of a during.And look at the bottom to see the photos of the finished dining room. The photo on the left shows the natural light better, but Nate didn't install the new light yet. The second photo shows it at night with the new light, but without the beauty of the natural light shining in on the gorgeous floor. This dining room was a true test of our teamwork. I think we did a great job making it through together, even with a messy, dusty house for weeks. We are sitting down to eat dinner more!
*A special thanks to Ron Stiger for his help, advice and guidance!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Surprise -- the hutch
Just when I thought my camera was going to take the trip to the electronics graveyard, it some how resurrected. Not sure how, but I am done asking questions.
So, I can post the dining room photos. I wish I had a better before, but just think white walls, white carpet and1980s fixtures. Not to mention the ugly laminate hutch. Check previous posts in home projects to see the progress.
Anyway. Click here to read the background on the hutch. Here is the before, during and after of photos of the hutch.
I added little jeweled handles to the black doors. We only put two doors back on because there was the beautiful wood drawers that added contrast to the all black hutch. If you look close, you can see my amateur painting, but I don't think anyone is looking too close :-)
Before
During
After
So, I can post the dining room photos. I wish I had a better before, but just think white walls, white carpet and1980s fixtures. Not to mention the ugly laminate hutch. Check previous posts in home projects to see the progress.
Anyway. Click here to read the background on the hutch. Here is the before, during and after of photos of the hutch.
I added little jeweled handles to the black doors. We only put two doors back on because there was the beautiful wood drawers that added contrast to the all black hutch. If you look close, you can see my amateur painting, but I don't think anyone is looking too close :-)
Before
During
After
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Dinner ideas made easy
The one thing I miss about living in York is that the Giant supermarkets are more high tech than the one in Shrewsbury. I miss that little machine in the meat department that offers recipes. You can choose a cut of meat, scan the meat and dozens and dozens of recipes are ready for you to print. It's awesome.
For example, pork loin was on sale for buy one get one free. I really only make pork and sauerkraut and roasts before....so I was looking for something new. I scanned the pork and scrolled through the recipes. I ended up choosing Pork Paella. It was basically Cajun-seasoned cubes of pork served over a mixture of rice and beans, wine, clam juice (which I happened to have in the basement...lol) and peas. It was really tasty, filling and not to unhealthy. Pork is a very lean meat (if you trim the fat.)
The scanning machine is just another tool shoppers can use to save time and money. If you are already at the grocery store, you can make sure you have all the ingredients. Some people are intimidated to use new technology, but you will see after the first time you use it...you'll wish you started a long time ago.
For example, pork loin was on sale for buy one get one free. I really only make pork and sauerkraut and roasts before....so I was looking for something new. I scanned the pork and scrolled through the recipes. I ended up choosing Pork Paella. It was basically Cajun-seasoned cubes of pork served over a mixture of rice and beans, wine, clam juice (which I happened to have in the basement...lol) and peas. It was really tasty, filling and not to unhealthy. Pork is a very lean meat (if you trim the fat.)
The scanning machine is just another tool shoppers can use to save time and money. If you are already at the grocery store, you can make sure you have all the ingredients. Some people are intimidated to use new technology, but you will see after the first time you use it...you'll wish you started a long time ago.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Almost finished
Our dining room is almost finished. To the visiting eye it is finished, but we still have a few small details to take care of. Unfortunately, my camera is acting up. Fortunately, we are getting a decent tax return so I can buy a new digital camera. So, I hope to post pictures soon.
As for taxes, I was very nervous to tackle Nate and my taxes this year with the student loan interest, property taxes and mortgage interest. But a friend of mine said Turbo Tax was great! You don't even have to buy the software. You can go to www.turbotax.com and file online and not pay until you are finished. And even then, it's only $29.95 (extra for state) to file and totally worth it. She said she compared it to playing the slots...and I totally agree. After I entered Nate's W-2, the refund total shot up, then I added my W-2s and it went practically to zero. (I relished in the fact of only have two w-2s this year, because next year, I'll probably have six or so.) Then after each deduction, it slowly shot up again.
I haven't filed yet because Cracker Barrel offers a discount and off course I lost the information. But it looks pretty darn easy.
So here's hoping to a new digital camera!
As for taxes, I was very nervous to tackle Nate and my taxes this year with the student loan interest, property taxes and mortgage interest. But a friend of mine said Turbo Tax was great! You don't even have to buy the software. You can go to www.turbotax.com and file online and not pay until you are finished. And even then, it's only $29.95 (extra for state) to file and totally worth it. She said she compared it to playing the slots...and I totally agree. After I entered Nate's W-2, the refund total shot up, then I added my W-2s and it went practically to zero. (I relished in the fact of only have two w-2s this year, because next year, I'll probably have six or so.) Then after each deduction, it slowly shot up again.
I haven't filed yet because Cracker Barrel offers a discount and off course I lost the information. But it looks pretty darn easy.
So here's hoping to a new digital camera!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Exhausted
I haven't felt true exhaustion in so long. I was always really responsible about getting to bed on time, getting enough sleep and making sure I wasn't overdoing it.
In the past few week, I have felt exhaustion like never before. I started with Friday, when I was in school during the day and at Cracker Barrel at night. I woke up at 6 a.m. and didn't fall asleep until 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning. I think I did OK catching up over the weekend, but come Monday, I was at overdoing it again. I woke up at 6 a.m. to attend the first solo day of a 12-week sub position dealing with emotional support kids. I left school at 3:20 p.m. and drove to Harrisburg where I studied for a quiz. Then, I went to class. I didn't return home until after 9 p.m., only to do it again the next day. Well, Tuesday after work, it caught up to me. I took a 30 minute nap. Wedensday I took a 2 hour nap. Thursday, I took a 2.5 hour nap. It's getting ridiculous. I go home, sit down and have no energy to get back up. Fortunately, I was able to pull myself out of the funk long enough to take a cycling class last night and walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes. It was invigorating. When debating whether to exercise or not, I always remind myself how alive I feel when I am through, but sometimes the bags under my eyes and the exhaustion in my bones keep me from even attempting.
The exhaustion doesn't look to be ending anytime soon. I have a short time after school today before I have to be back at Cracker Barrel, and I return on Saturday (the bills have to get paid and we have been spending a lot at Lowe's and Home Depot as of late.) Then Sunday looks like a day to run errands, catch up on cleaning and return phone calls. Monday is a holiday, but I still have to go to class.
I am hoping to find a cure for this exhaustion and get back to the crafty, decorating girl I was before I took this 12-week sub gig. Who knew a dozen teenagers could wipe a girl flat on her back?
In the past few week, I have felt exhaustion like never before. I started with Friday, when I was in school during the day and at Cracker Barrel at night. I woke up at 6 a.m. and didn't fall asleep until 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning. I think I did OK catching up over the weekend, but come Monday, I was at overdoing it again. I woke up at 6 a.m. to attend the first solo day of a 12-week sub position dealing with emotional support kids. I left school at 3:20 p.m. and drove to Harrisburg where I studied for a quiz. Then, I went to class. I didn't return home until after 9 p.m., only to do it again the next day. Well, Tuesday after work, it caught up to me. I took a 30 minute nap. Wedensday I took a 2 hour nap. Thursday, I took a 2.5 hour nap. It's getting ridiculous. I go home, sit down and have no energy to get back up. Fortunately, I was able to pull myself out of the funk long enough to take a cycling class last night and walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes. It was invigorating. When debating whether to exercise or not, I always remind myself how alive I feel when I am through, but sometimes the bags under my eyes and the exhaustion in my bones keep me from even attempting.
The exhaustion doesn't look to be ending anytime soon. I have a short time after school today before I have to be back at Cracker Barrel, and I return on Saturday (the bills have to get paid and we have been spending a lot at Lowe's and Home Depot as of late.) Then Sunday looks like a day to run errands, catch up on cleaning and return phone calls. Monday is a holiday, but I still have to go to class.
I am hoping to find a cure for this exhaustion and get back to the crafty, decorating girl I was before I took this 12-week sub gig. Who knew a dozen teenagers could wipe a girl flat on her back?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bed time
I have been trying really hard to get in bed by 10 p.m., so I am able to leap out of bed when the alarm goes off at 6 a.m. I am realizing, that I am a morning person, afterall. All those years of sleeping in until 9 a.m. or later where just me adapting.
But last night, I was sucked in by Dateline's interview with the mother of the recent octuplets. I couldn't help but think the woman was crazy like everyone else did, but I think she raised some valid reason as to why she produced that many children. Not to say that I think she should take government money or other handouts, but I can relate to her.
I am not judging her. I think too many rumors are flying and I am hard pressed to see which are facts and which are not. I can't imagine what it would be like to want kids so bad, only to be told you were unable to have them naturally. That you would have to be implanted with fertilized eggs and hope for the best. It's probably sort of twisted, but after 6, maybe she wasn't satisfied. If the doctor told her me I was running out of time, I might make a quick decision, too. I don't know. I would really have to examine all the facts, but I think people need to stop judging her and maybe look at her as a caring human being.
But last night, I was sucked in by Dateline's interview with the mother of the recent octuplets. I couldn't help but think the woman was crazy like everyone else did, but I think she raised some valid reason as to why she produced that many children. Not to say that I think she should take government money or other handouts, but I can relate to her.
I am not judging her. I think too many rumors are flying and I am hard pressed to see which are facts and which are not. I can't imagine what it would be like to want kids so bad, only to be told you were unable to have them naturally. That you would have to be implanted with fertilized eggs and hope for the best. It's probably sort of twisted, but after 6, maybe she wasn't satisfied. If the doctor told her me I was running out of time, I might make a quick decision, too. I don't know. I would really have to examine all the facts, but I think people need to stop judging her and maybe look at her as a caring human being.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Peanut butter and Jelly and leftovers
Wow. I never imagined being so busy that I wouldn't even have time to make a decent meal. Even I can throw together something in 10 minutes. But yesterday, I went from teaching to Harrisburg to get a good parking space and study for a quiz, then right to class. I was gone from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. I lived on granola bars and peanut butter and jelly. Today, I am eating a mixture of leftover pork barbecue (the store bought kind) and instant mashed potatoes. This can't be good for fitting into the dress for Amy's wedding. But I am constantly on the move. I like it, don't get me wrong, but it's taking a little getting used to. I am teaching mitosis, miosis and acceleration and the makeup of solutions. It's actually fun to try to get this kids to understand this complicated stuff. And they understand when I have to go over something that I don't know.
I won't see Nate until Saturday morning. That is crazy. He is on night work and I am going to bed early so I can function when I arrive at 7:30 a.m. to gather together my lessons.
I am hoping after a refeshing weekend, that I can pull myself back together and get into a good routine. Now, I just have to make it through the next few days.
I won't see Nate until Saturday morning. That is crazy. He is on night work and I am going to bed early so I can function when I arrive at 7:30 a.m. to gather together my lessons.
I am hoping after a refeshing weekend, that I can pull myself back together and get into a good routine. Now, I just have to make it through the next few days.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Apology
I know I promised photos, but I just didn't get the hutch done. Yes, it's all painted black, but I realized it needed a clear sealant coat because every time you bumped it, it peeled off. And, we are still working on clear coating the floor, which makes walking in the dining room impossible. That is one thing about DIY home projects; you never know know what will come of them. "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Hopefully by mid week or next weekend, my house will be back to normal and I can finally post pictures of our dining room overhaul! Thanks for understanding.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Work weekend
It's Friday night (technically Saturday morning) and I am hopped up on adrenaline, a 20-minute nap and Cracker Barrel coffee. After a week of work (and a few days off) I am so ready for the weekend. Nate and I have off and have grand plans to finish our dining room. I can't wait to show you photos. Some people get giddy about baby's with chubby cheeks or warm desserts with melted ice cream, but I get giddy about taking what seems like impossible home projects and completing them. Of course, babies and dessert make me giddy, too.
Anyway. I spent most of Thursday tweaking our terrible built-in hutch. I am sure whoever built it there had lovely intentions, but it just doesn't fit the room. It looks like the builder of the hutch made a few mistakes and just covered it with flimsy trim. Most of it is covered with laminate, but some of it is beautiful wood. The back splash -- if you will -- is wood panel. I have scratches all over my hands from using the cats paw (I think that is what it's called -- it's the tool you rip things apart with) to remove the sliding glass doors and tracks. I ripped out a funky scalloped trim, which I am sure was cool in the 1970s. I wondered as I was doing this, why I didn't rip the whole dang thing down. I also had a huge smile on my face the entire time because I did this ALL by myself. I even made two trips to True Value and made the right decisions.
But with 75 percent of the work done, I am so glad I didn't. I sanded the laminate and primed it, then used a black flat paint(which by the way hides brush strokes for you crazy painters like me) to paint all but the shelves and drawers. I have to say, it's looking mighty fine. I promise to have before and after photos before the weekend is over..if my hands survive. Nate also promises to have the floor done and the furniture moved back in. I can't wait to see my new and improved dining room.....all by our own hard work!
Anyway. I spent most of Thursday tweaking our terrible built-in hutch. I am sure whoever built it there had lovely intentions, but it just doesn't fit the room. It looks like the builder of the hutch made a few mistakes and just covered it with flimsy trim. Most of it is covered with laminate, but some of it is beautiful wood. The back splash -- if you will -- is wood panel. I have scratches all over my hands from using the cats paw (I think that is what it's called -- it's the tool you rip things apart with) to remove the sliding glass doors and tracks. I ripped out a funky scalloped trim, which I am sure was cool in the 1970s. I wondered as I was doing this, why I didn't rip the whole dang thing down. I also had a huge smile on my face the entire time because I did this ALL by myself. I even made two trips to True Value and made the right decisions.
But with 75 percent of the work done, I am so glad I didn't. I sanded the laminate and primed it, then used a black flat paint(which by the way hides brush strokes for you crazy painters like me) to paint all but the shelves and drawers. I have to say, it's looking mighty fine. I promise to have before and after photos before the weekend is over..if my hands survive. Nate also promises to have the floor done and the furniture moved back in. I can't wait to see my new and improved dining room.....all by our own hard work!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Yummy dinners
I have been making some tasty dinners lately, but of course it isn't until I am putting the dishes in the sink that I remember to take a photo. By then, it's too late.
We had fish on Monday, which as easy as sprinkling seasoning on frozen fillets and cooking it at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Tuesday, I made one of Nate's favorites, BBQ Nachos. I used to make Nate nachos all the time when we were dating, by my parents introduced us to the BBQ kind while dining at Smoky Bones and The Works.
Even though we have tons of pork left from the wedding, I used the store-bought stuff. It's pretty easy to throw in a saucepan and heat up. I layered blue and yellow tortilla chips on a plate and sprinkled mozzarella cheese on them and popped them in the microwave for 35 seconds to melt the cheese. When the pork was warm, I dropped little piles of pork on the nachos followed by a sprinkle of chopped lettuce, and finely diced tomatoes and onions. I also added sour cream, green salsa, guacamole and jalapenos. I promise you, even though I don't have a photo, it made for a colorful dish.
Wednesday I made an Olive-Garden worthy pasta dish in about 10 minutes. I have so many pasta noodles, shapes and sizes in my cupboards, but neither of us is a big pasta eater. I realized it was time to start using them.
So, I boiled garlic Parmesan fettuccine noodles in salted water. In the meantime, I sauted garlic, onion, mushroom, tomato, shrimp and imitation lobster meat in olive oil in a sauce pan...just enough to make it soft and warm. I sprinkled in a little pepper and sweet basil for some taste. We just served the veggie/seafood combo over the noodles! YUM. I will try to start taking more photos, I promise.
We had fish on Monday, which as easy as sprinkling seasoning on frozen fillets and cooking it at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Tuesday, I made one of Nate's favorites, BBQ Nachos. I used to make Nate nachos all the time when we were dating, by my parents introduced us to the BBQ kind while dining at Smoky Bones and The Works.
Even though we have tons of pork left from the wedding, I used the store-bought stuff. It's pretty easy to throw in a saucepan and heat up. I layered blue and yellow tortilla chips on a plate and sprinkled mozzarella cheese on them and popped them in the microwave for 35 seconds to melt the cheese. When the pork was warm, I dropped little piles of pork on the nachos followed by a sprinkle of chopped lettuce, and finely diced tomatoes and onions. I also added sour cream, green salsa, guacamole and jalapenos. I promise you, even though I don't have a photo, it made for a colorful dish.
Wednesday I made an Olive-Garden worthy pasta dish in about 10 minutes. I have so many pasta noodles, shapes and sizes in my cupboards, but neither of us is a big pasta eater. I realized it was time to start using them.
So, I boiled garlic Parmesan fettuccine noodles in salted water. In the meantime, I sauted garlic, onion, mushroom, tomato, shrimp and imitation lobster meat in olive oil in a sauce pan...just enough to make it soft and warm. I sprinkled in a little pepper and sweet basil for some taste. We just served the veggie/seafood combo over the noodles! YUM. I will try to start taking more photos, I promise.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Work update
I have to say I expected to be a day-to-day substitute through the end of the school year. Of course, I hoped for somthing more concrete. I had a crazy phone call about two weeks ago, only two weeks into my subtitute teaching career. It was emotional supprt supervisor at York County School of Technology. She said the IU said I was available to substitite and she wanted to interview me!
I called her back, just to see what this was all about. After a little here and there, I am commited to fill in for the emotional support science teacher at YCST through the middle of May. I am excited, scared and happy all at one time. I will probably miss the day-to-day excitment of not knowing where to go. And even though I complain about random days off with no pay, I may miss them. Then again, I am happy to know that I am going to the same school and working with the same kids every day. I also know this is a great move for me and a step toward a full-time position in the fall, which is what I have been hoping for.
I am not really worried about the content. In the last month or so of subbing I have successfully covered many subject areas with no problems. It's the interactions with the students that I worry about. I hope I can help them and work with them without too many outbursts or tantrums.
Students always surprise me. Just when I thought high school subbing was the last thing I wanted to do, I had a super easy day Monday. And the best thing I heard all day was a senior boy who said, ""Our sub is hot." That doesn't hurt a gal's self esteem at all, does it?
I called her back, just to see what this was all about. After a little here and there, I am commited to fill in for the emotional support science teacher at YCST through the middle of May. I am excited, scared and happy all at one time. I will probably miss the day-to-day excitment of not knowing where to go. And even though I complain about random days off with no pay, I may miss them. Then again, I am happy to know that I am going to the same school and working with the same kids every day. I also know this is a great move for me and a step toward a full-time position in the fall, which is what I have been hoping for.
I am not really worried about the content. In the last month or so of subbing I have successfully covered many subject areas with no problems. It's the interactions with the students that I worry about. I hope I can help them and work with them without too many outbursts or tantrums.
Students always surprise me. Just when I thought high school subbing was the last thing I wanted to do, I had a super easy day Monday. And the best thing I heard all day was a senior boy who said, ""Our sub is hot." That doesn't hurt a gal's self esteem at all, does it?
Monday, February 2, 2009
Super bead
While the rest of the Stiger family cheered on their beloved Steelers, I used the chunk of time Sunday to start beading the crystal bracelets for Amy's bridesmaids. It's been a while since I did one of these bracelets, so I was a little rocky to start, but once I got on a roll, I cranked out three. I have two more to go, but I think one of the three is too small, so I should probably rip it out and start over on that one. Maybe one of the gals has a super-skinny wrist.I know the picture isn't very good, but I got so many compliments from all the girls (and guys) who were viewing the game at the Stigers. I am thinking of having a craft day at my house and teaching every one how to do these bracelets. I took a class at Ben Franklin Crafts (before it closed). They sell for about $40, but you can make them in about 30 minutes (once you get the hang of it) for $7 or so.
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