Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday, Dec. 29
Today was another great day for connecting with old friends. I saw a friend of mine who I went to both high school and college with, but we hadn't actually managed to see each other in over a year. He recently moved to Colorado and it was great fun to get to talk to him all about his new adventures. More than anything though (aside from reconnecting with a good friend) it makes me so excited for my own adventure next year when it comes to moving somewhere new, finding new places to explore, new people to meet and learning all about a whole new place! Yahoo!!
Wednesday, Dec. 28
Sometimes it really is the little things in life. As mentioned earlier, I love to swim and today found me back in the pool. Despite that I've been swimming for a lot of my life, I have never really perfected the art of switching sides when I come up to take a breath. I can handle four strokes in a row, but for some reason, rotating sides while breathing has been a challenge. While swimming today, I watched the person next to me and saw how flawlessly they were switching sides to breathe and just studied what they were doing that I wasn't. Turns out that if you want to switch sides that you breathe on, you have to do it every three strokes, not every four. (In hindsight, this seems obvious, but for whatever reason I never got that.) Once I figured that out I decided to just go for it and hope for the best. It worked great!! I'll admit, the first few strokes weren't pretty and there was definitely a lot of water up my nose, but after a lap or two, I was golden! I also don't get nearly as tired out or short of breath when I'm breathing every three, so I could do more laps in a row without taking a kicking break. Woo hoo!! :)
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, Dec. 27
Today Trina and I cooked dinner! I've been spending an awful lot of time on pinterest, looking at recipes in particular and I found one that sounded so delicious that I just had to try it out! It was Asparagus and Penne pasta and it turned out great!! I love being in the kitchen and while the kitchens in my halls at KU are fine, there's something about being home and being in a kitchen that is familiar to me and that I know well. Plus, having most of the ingredients provided for free by my parents doesn't hurt either, haha. Not only did the dish turn out GREAT (recipe at the bottom for those who are curious), but it's actually quite good for you! I used 100% whole wheat pasta and used 1/4 stick of butter, which is a 1/4 of what is called for, but the dish still tasted absolutely delicious! Not only did I get to be in the kitchen and cook away, but it was with Trina, which makes things even more fun! She's able to find humor in just about everything, so there was no shortage of laughing while we were working away! My parents loved the dish and appreciated the night off from the kitchen. I'm putting this in my recipe book with big plans to make again!
Happy Cooking!
Penne with roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter
INGREDIENTS
1 pound asparagus
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 pound penne
1/4 pound butter, cut into pieces (I used 1/4 of a stick)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Heat the oven to 400°. Snap the tough ends off the asparagus and discard them. Cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Put the asparagus on a baking sheet and toss with the oil and 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, put the vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer until 3 tablespoons remain. Stir in the brown sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from the heat.
Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling, salted water until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with the butter, vinegar, asparagus, Parmesan, and the remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt. Serve with additional Parmesan.
Monday, Dec. 26
Today I got to see one of my good friends from undergrad who currently lives in LaMoure, North Dakota. We lived together freshman year and for one semester of junior year (before we both went abroad) and with neither of us living in Minnesota, we hardly ever see each other. Seeing her yesterday was wonderful! I got to hear all about her teaching adventures and was so impressed with how well she has learned to handle teaching five (yep, five) grades all in one room. She is absolutely making the best of a less than great situation, but she loves it and has such a positive view on things!! She also is one of the most supportive people I know and talking about my future with her was made so much better by her encouragement! She asked so many good questions that made me feel awesome about choosing to go in to higher education and gave me a huge confidence booster for planning for the future! Yay!
Sunday, Dec. 25
Why was today great?! Because it's Christmas!! Much like with Saturday, today was filled with family and that is always something that makes me happy.
1. The gifts I got this year were all simple, but exactly things I needed and appreciate. I got lots of new running gear and some very cute new "adult" outfits from my sister. She has much classier taste than me and is always a lifesaver when it comes to dressing professionally.
2. I got to see my whole extended family. My dad comes from a big, crazy, fun, family and while we see lots of each other during the summer, once winter hits, we're rarely all together. Christmas not only brings us together, but everyone is in such a good mood too! My young cousin Sam got a GIANT fish balloon thing that runs on a remote and "swims" through the air. He brought it over and my dad and his brothers all instantly turned into young boys and started playing with it.
3. Delicious food!! The menu on Christmas has never changed, but I still love it! Mashed potatoes, roast, fruit salad, spanakopita, and green salad. Each family brings one or two of the dishes and man oh man, my extended family can cook!!!
4. After the meal all of the cousins sat in front of the fire and caught up on how everyone was doing. We all lead fairly different lives, so hearing what's happening in each of their lives is always a treat.
5. Lastly, the book I got on Christmas Eve (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) is soooooo good!! I have incredible appreciation for books that I can't put down and just keep bringing me back, and this is definitely one of those books!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Kwanzaa!
1. The gifts I got this year were all simple, but exactly things I needed and appreciate. I got lots of new running gear and some very cute new "adult" outfits from my sister. She has much classier taste than me and is always a lifesaver when it comes to dressing professionally.
2. I got to see my whole extended family. My dad comes from a big, crazy, fun, family and while we see lots of each other during the summer, once winter hits, we're rarely all together. Christmas not only brings us together, but everyone is in such a good mood too! My young cousin Sam got a GIANT fish balloon thing that runs on a remote and "swims" through the air. He brought it over and my dad and his brothers all instantly turned into young boys and started playing with it.
3. Delicious food!! The menu on Christmas has never changed, but I still love it! Mashed potatoes, roast, fruit salad, spanakopita, and green salad. Each family brings one or two of the dishes and man oh man, my extended family can cook!!!
4. After the meal all of the cousins sat in front of the fire and caught up on how everyone was doing. We all lead fairly different lives, so hearing what's happening in each of their lives is always a treat.
5. Lastly, the book I got on Christmas Eve (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet) is soooooo good!! I have incredible appreciation for books that I can't put down and just keep bringing me back, and this is definitely one of those books!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy Kwanzaa!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, Dec. 24
I am so lucky!! There were so many things that happened today that make me feel so truly lucky for having the life that I do.
My family has hosted Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. While the different guests that we have varies year to year, overall we have a pretty set formula. Invite folks over, eat appetizers and chat, serve a very non-traditional meal, eat delicious dessert, go to midnight mass. There are a few people we count on seeing every year, but then we always keep our ears open for people who might need a place to go. Last night was no exception. We had two different sets of families over, one couple which I have known my whole life. The other family are neighbors who moved to the neighborhood about 5 years ago and we've gotten to know them fairly well.
In a mostly chronological order, a list of what made the day wonderful:
My sisters and I slept in, then sat on the couch drinking coffee and reading the paper, then ate a tasty lunch of eggs and toast.
The afternoon was filled with cleaning, but with everyone in such good moods, it didn't matter. There was lots of cooking to happen too, but everyone did a little bit, which made everything easier.
Our guests showed up 30 minutes early, but we all just laughed and everyone helped with parts to the meal.
The food was delicious! Cous-Cous with salmon and then Cous-Cous with chorizo. Plus, roasted cauliflower, green beans and zuchinni, a green salad, and a colorful salad (with pomegranate, clementines, cabbage and tomatoes), yum!
Conversation was wonderful! There was lots of questions about what I'll do and where I'll be after May (I have the same question too!) along with general catch up from all families. We cracked jokes, talked politics and poked fun.
Gifts!! The family I've known my whole life always brings us wonderful books. They both have great taste and always find just the right thing. I got Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Forde and have already started it and love it! The best part? Once I finish my book, I can pick from all of the books the rest of my family got too!
Midnight Mass has been tradition to attend also for as long as I remember. While going to mass at 10:00 at night is a little bit of a struggle, last night was definitely worth it. The music was wonderful (as always) and we got to see people that only come to church at Christmas, so we don't see them that often. The priest brought Muggles into the sermon (that's non-magic people for those of you lacking Harry Potter knowledge) and everyone was in such a happy mood!
The overall message from last night that I took away was all about peace. To be peace, to act peaceful, to be open to peace. While I'm pretty hit and miss about relating to the message of mass, last night definitely stuck with me. And while other people there might not have gotten the same message it's definitely what I got from it. At a time when there are lots of unknowns in my life about the future, it's nice to be reminded of how I want to act from day to day.
On a similar note, every year at mass one of the musicians sings Christmas in the Trenches, an all time favorite song of mine, based on a true story. It's a lovely song about finding similarities and being at peace, even if just for one night. To me, I think it sends an incredibly important message about how we should always think about how our actions are affecting the person on the other side. One of the last lines in particular resonates with me "on each end of the rifle we're the same." The line makes more sense when you hear the whole song, so please, have a listen. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9coPzDx6tA
Tomorrow is Christmas and I can't wait to get a whole other day with my immediate and extended family!!
My family has hosted Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. While the different guests that we have varies year to year, overall we have a pretty set formula. Invite folks over, eat appetizers and chat, serve a very non-traditional meal, eat delicious dessert, go to midnight mass. There are a few people we count on seeing every year, but then we always keep our ears open for people who might need a place to go. Last night was no exception. We had two different sets of families over, one couple which I have known my whole life. The other family are neighbors who moved to the neighborhood about 5 years ago and we've gotten to know them fairly well.
In a mostly chronological order, a list of what made the day wonderful:
My sisters and I slept in, then sat on the couch drinking coffee and reading the paper, then ate a tasty lunch of eggs and toast.
The afternoon was filled with cleaning, but with everyone in such good moods, it didn't matter. There was lots of cooking to happen too, but everyone did a little bit, which made everything easier.
Our guests showed up 30 minutes early, but we all just laughed and everyone helped with parts to the meal.
The food was delicious! Cous-Cous with salmon and then Cous-Cous with chorizo. Plus, roasted cauliflower, green beans and zuchinni, a green salad, and a colorful salad (with pomegranate, clementines, cabbage and tomatoes), yum!
Conversation was wonderful! There was lots of questions about what I'll do and where I'll be after May (I have the same question too!) along with general catch up from all families. We cracked jokes, talked politics and poked fun.
Gifts!! The family I've known my whole life always brings us wonderful books. They both have great taste and always find just the right thing. I got Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Forde and have already started it and love it! The best part? Once I finish my book, I can pick from all of the books the rest of my family got too!
Midnight Mass has been tradition to attend also for as long as I remember. While going to mass at 10:00 at night is a little bit of a struggle, last night was definitely worth it. The music was wonderful (as always) and we got to see people that only come to church at Christmas, so we don't see them that often. The priest brought Muggles into the sermon (that's non-magic people for those of you lacking Harry Potter knowledge) and everyone was in such a happy mood!
The overall message from last night that I took away was all about peace. To be peace, to act peaceful, to be open to peace. While I'm pretty hit and miss about relating to the message of mass, last night definitely stuck with me. And while other people there might not have gotten the same message it's definitely what I got from it. At a time when there are lots of unknowns in my life about the future, it's nice to be reminded of how I want to act from day to day.
On a similar note, every year at mass one of the musicians sings Christmas in the Trenches, an all time favorite song of mine, based on a true story. It's a lovely song about finding similarities and being at peace, even if just for one night. To me, I think it sends an incredibly important message about how we should always think about how our actions are affecting the person on the other side. One of the last lines in particular resonates with me "on each end of the rifle we're the same." The line makes more sense when you hear the whole song, so please, have a listen. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9coPzDx6tA
Tomorrow is Christmas and I can't wait to get a whole other day with my immediate and extended family!!
Friday, Dec. 23
Friday found my mom and I making dessert for Christmas Eve dinner. We made Negresse en Chemise, a french dish that is deliciously chocolatey and takes a lot of patience. I love baking and started learning from my mom at a young age and while I do fine on my own, I love being able to bake with her. This recipe is fairly simple, but it involves melting lots of chocolate which you have to do at low heat. Once the chocolate is melted though, you just add strong coffee, rum, butter and whipping cream and fold it together. Holey moley, talk about delicious! We had a little bit of trouble getting everything to fit in the mold, but it's currently setting on the porch (yep, we use our porch as a fridge in MN) and we'll see how it turns out! Despite being 24 years old, turns out I still love baking with my mom just as much as when I was younger!
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