... Happy Thanksgiving!
The wireless internet we were bootlegging at our apartment disappeared, so I haven't had real internet access for a while - thus the blog silence.
I hope everyone has a fantabulous turkey day. Wish me luck with roasting my first turkey. I bought the smallest turkey I could find - 10 lbs. This dinner will be good practice for when I have family over for Thanksgiving (next year, hint, hint).
Cheers!
A is for Alexis & Alma ...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
T is for Tickle...
... I feel a little tickle in the back of my throat tonight, and my ears are inching. I sure hope I'm not coming down with something! Mostly because Alma can't really afford to get sick right now since finals are right around the corner. And I happen to be medically uninsured at the moment, so let's hope this is just a passing fancy!
Y is for Yankees ...
... I don't normally cheer for the Yankees, but I sure am glad they won the World Series and got the games over with. I was tired of my favorite TV shows being replaced by baseball games, and SYTYCD judges kicking the wrong people off.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
N is for Netflix...
... Alma and I just got Netflix, and we love it! Way better than Redbox. I never have to go to the store to get the movies - they just come right to my mailbox! And they always have the new releases I want - they're never out. They have a huge selection - tons of old classics I want to see. And no late fees. Awesome. You should all try it. Seriously. Just thought I'd let you know. :)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
S is for Story ...
... So I've been waiting to tell you all this story until I felt the appropriate amount of time had gone past. I don't know if it has, but this is too hilarious to hold in any longer.
So the first Sunday that I was here in church in Keizer, we had a Sunday School lesson about the principal of eternal marriage. Unfortunately, the teacher brought up plural marriage. A discussion ensued about whether there would be plural marriage in heaven. At this point, an older woman in our ward piped up.
She said that when she was investigating the gospel, polygamy was one of the hardest things for her to get over and understand. But after she went to the Temple, her eyes were opened and she understood why it was necessary. This is what she said:
"I realized that of course we needed to have plural marriage in the celestial kingdom because we're suppose to have unlimited progression. If we didn't have polygamy, men would become limited in their progression. Because women only have a certain number of eggs and possible children they can have, and men are unlimited in how many children (i.e. sperm) they can have, if a man was only with one woman forever, he would be limited."
Crazy, right! Guys, she really said eggs in sunday school. The teacher just kind of moved on when she was done talking. Alma wasn't paying attention, and he couldn't believe it when I told him afterward. I've heard a lot of reasoning on why we had/will have plural marriage, but this one is new to me.
Disclaimer: For those of you who aren't LDS, this definitely is not doctrine and is not something that the Church teaches. Just FYI.
So the first Sunday that I was here in church in Keizer, we had a Sunday School lesson about the principal of eternal marriage. Unfortunately, the teacher brought up plural marriage. A discussion ensued about whether there would be plural marriage in heaven. At this point, an older woman in our ward piped up.
She said that when she was investigating the gospel, polygamy was one of the hardest things for her to get over and understand. But after she went to the Temple, her eyes were opened and she understood why it was necessary. This is what she said:
"I realized that of course we needed to have plural marriage in the celestial kingdom because we're suppose to have unlimited progression. If we didn't have polygamy, men would become limited in their progression. Because women only have a certain number of eggs and possible children they can have, and men are unlimited in how many children (i.e. sperm) they can have, if a man was only with one woman forever, he would be limited."
Crazy, right! Guys, she really said eggs in sunday school. The teacher just kind of moved on when she was done talking. Alma wasn't paying attention, and he couldn't believe it when I told him afterward. I've heard a lot of reasoning on why we had/will have plural marriage, but this one is new to me.
Disclaimer: For those of you who aren't LDS, this definitely is not doctrine and is not something that the Church teaches. Just FYI.
C is for Callings ...
... I've decided to continue blogging because my mom told me so. Some things never change. :) Also, Whitney pointed out that when I get pregnant, I'm gonna need the blog to show everyone pictures of my tummy and eventually the baby. Also a good point.
Alma and I got callings today in church. We were set-apart and everything. The callings are ... (drum roll please):
Mia Maid Adviser (Alexis)
Elders Quorum Presidency 2nd Counselor (Alma)
Awesome, right? I'm excited to be working with the young women. Except that they seem to think that I'm their age. Seriously - the Laurel president asked if I was a visiting young woman today. They could not believe that I'm 23. I didn't think I looked THAT young.
Alma's a little stressed about having more time commitments, but other than that, he's happy too.
Alma and I got callings today in church. We were set-apart and everything. The callings are ... (drum roll please):
Mia Maid Adviser (Alexis)
Elders Quorum Presidency 2nd Counselor (Alma)
Awesome, right? I'm excited to be working with the young women. Except that they seem to think that I'm their age. Seriously - the Laurel president asked if I was a visiting young woman today. They could not believe that I'm 23. I didn't think I looked THAT young.
Alma's a little stressed about having more time commitments, but other than that, he's happy too.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
M is for Maybe...
... Maybe I haven't posted on my blog in almost a month.
Maybe I don't feel like there's anything of interest to post.
Maybe I've lost all interest in spending more time than necessary on the internet.
Maybe I just can't seem to find the energy to do so.
Maybe it's because I'm lazy.
Maybe it's because there are other, more worthwhile things to be doing.
Maybe it's because I've been writing in my journal more and so don't feel the need to blog about the same thing.
Maybe I've lost whatever small audience of readers I had at one time.
Maybe it's time to call it quits to the blog.
What do you think?
Maybe I don't feel like there's anything of interest to post.
Maybe I've lost all interest in spending more time than necessary on the internet.
Maybe I just can't seem to find the energy to do so.
Maybe it's because I'm lazy.
Maybe it's because there are other, more worthwhile things to be doing.
Maybe it's because I've been writing in my journal more and so don't feel the need to blog about the same thing.
Maybe I've lost whatever small audience of readers I had at one time.
Maybe it's time to call it quits to the blog.
What do you think?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
E is for Employed...
... To mine and Alma's surprise, I was offered a job Friday, which I accepted. I start work on Monday morning. I'll be working at the Law Office of Eden Rose Brown. It's Monday through Thursday, 8-5 (awesome!).
The only down side is that I'll now have to be at work at about the same time I have been waking up for the past month. I already miss my days of sloth and indulgence!
The only down side is that I'll now have to be at work at about the same time I have been waking up for the past month. I already miss my days of sloth and indulgence!
M is for McDonald's...
... Friday night, Alma suggested we go on a date. I was excited to go out to dinner and then to a movie, since we haven't really gone out since law school started. But by the time dinner rolled around, we were both feeling a little tired.We ended up going to McDonald's and renting from Redbox. It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible. Who can really hate diet coke, fries, and a big mac - the quintessential American fast food? And, most importantly, it made the hubby happy.
Sometimes, Mickey D's to go and a $1 movie can make for a perfect Friday night date.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
L is for List ...
... In an effort to get more done during this week, I'm making a To-Do List, and I'm making it public. Hopefully, I'll feel more accountable this way.
Apply for more jobs.
Sand and stain side table.
Spray paint frame and finish framing print.
Clean my bathrooms.
Vacuum.
Go to the Temple.
Study for the GRE daily.
Go running at least three times.
Do 30 Day Shred daily.
Work on wedding thank you cards.
Don't watch TV during the day.
Get materials to do DIY headboard.
Write for at least 30 minutes every day.
Bake a peach pie.
The last one is the one I'm most looking forward to.
Good luck with your To-Do Lists this week!
Apply for more jobs.
Sand and stain side table.
Spray paint frame and finish framing print.
Clean my bathrooms.
Vacuum.
Go to the Temple.
Study for the GRE daily.
Go running at least three times.
Do 30 Day Shred daily.
Work on wedding thank you cards.
Don't watch TV during the day.
Get materials to do DIY headboard.
Write for at least 30 minutes every day.
Bake a peach pie.
The last one is the one I'm most looking forward to.
Good luck with your To-Do Lists this week!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
E is for Exercise...
... This morning, after Alma left for school, instead of going back to bed or watching TV, I decided to go running. Three miles later, I was feeling so good, I took a shot at this:
30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser. (After a few of my girlfriends suggested it on their blogs, I decided to give it a try.) It's only a 20 minute workout, but by the end, I was feeling the burn.
And guess what? I have so much more energy and motivation to go out and seize the day now. Isn't it amazing what a little shot of endorphins will do for you?
30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser. (After a few of my girlfriends suggested it on their blogs, I decided to give it a try.) It's only a 20 minute workout, but by the end, I was feeling the burn.And guess what? I have so much more energy and motivation to go out and seize the day now. Isn't it amazing what a little shot of endorphins will do for you?
Saturday, September 19, 2009
U is for Upset...
... Today's BYU football game against Florida State was very disappointing. I guess today's upset is what we all get for being completely swept up in the hype over BYU football.
Oh well. I didn't think BYU would go undefeated when the season started, and now I know they won't. Hopefully everyone can go back to having realistic expectations about the team and we can be proud of them for having a winning season overall.
And hey, there's always next year!
Oh well. I didn't think BYU would go undefeated when the season started, and now I know they won't. Hopefully everyone can go back to having realistic expectations about the team and we can be proud of them for having a winning season overall.
And hey, there's always next year!
Friday, September 18, 2009
C is for Correspondence...
... Dear Salem,
I think that I could grow to like you. It seems like you have lots of hidden gems that a little exploring would reveal. I like the look of your "historic downtown." Alma's too busy with law school. But I think that maybe you and I could be friends. If only I had a girlfriend to explore you with.
... Dear Whitney,
I finally have time to play, and we're in different states! I wish you were here to explore Salem with me. I think we could have some fun around town together. Maybe you should start checking on flights to come see me?
... Dear Jeannie,
Watching So You Think You Can Dance just isn't the same without you and Jared making comments while we watch. I miss Wednesday TV nights together. But I miss you and Jace even more.
... Dear University Communications,
I miss working with you. I even miss staff meeting. That sentence only should tell you the depth of my feelings.
... Dear Business I interviewed with,
Though I'm not terribly excited about the position I interviewed for, I'd probably still accept if you offered it to me, simply out of sheer boredom. I'll be expecting your phone call on Monday.
... Dear Lazy,
Go away. You're not wanted here. It's too hard to get anything done with you hanging around.
... Dear Willamette Law,
I hope you're worth losing my husband for at least a year, if not three. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make, but don't forget to hold up your side of the bargain.
And Finally...
... Dear Amy and Shawn,
Thanks for all the kindness and friendship you've sent our way. It's definitely received with gratitude, and has made the transition a lot easier. And you have adorable children. I just can't get enough of them.
I think that I could grow to like you. It seems like you have lots of hidden gems that a little exploring would reveal. I like the look of your "historic downtown." Alma's too busy with law school. But I think that maybe you and I could be friends. If only I had a girlfriend to explore you with.
... Dear Whitney,
I finally have time to play, and we're in different states! I wish you were here to explore Salem with me. I think we could have some fun around town together. Maybe you should start checking on flights to come see me?
... Dear Jeannie,
Watching So You Think You Can Dance just isn't the same without you and Jared making comments while we watch. I miss Wednesday TV nights together. But I miss you and Jace even more.
... Dear University Communications,
I miss working with you. I even miss staff meeting. That sentence only should tell you the depth of my feelings.
... Dear Business I interviewed with,
Though I'm not terribly excited about the position I interviewed for, I'd probably still accept if you offered it to me, simply out of sheer boredom. I'll be expecting your phone call on Monday.
... Dear Lazy,
Go away. You're not wanted here. It's too hard to get anything done with you hanging around.
... Dear Willamette Law,
I hope you're worth losing my husband for at least a year, if not three. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make, but don't forget to hold up your side of the bargain.
And Finally...
... Dear Amy and Shawn,
Thanks for all the kindness and friendship you've sent our way. It's definitely received with gratitude, and has made the transition a lot easier. And you have adorable children. I just can't get enough of them.
Monday, September 14, 2009
U is for Update...
... Oh hello, there, little blog. I've missed you. Sorry to have neglected you for an entire month. It's just that there's been a lot going on lately.
After two weeks in Salem, I think I'm gonna be okay. The first week was full of tears and homesickness, and the second week I lacked energy to do anything, but today I am feeling motivated and optimistic. The apartment is finally unpacked and settled, and I've found a few friends and have some possible job options, so things are on the up and up.
And, Alma loves law school, so that makes everything worth it.
That's all for now, but I won't neglect you for another month before I post again. Promise.
After two weeks in Salem, I think I'm gonna be okay. The first week was full of tears and homesickness, and the second week I lacked energy to do anything, but today I am feeling motivated and optimistic. The apartment is finally unpacked and settled, and I've found a few friends and have some possible job options, so things are on the up and up.
And, Alma loves law school, so that makes everything worth it.
That's all for now, but I won't neglect you for another month before I post again. Promise.
Friday, August 14, 2009
S is for Salem...
... Alma and I are headed to Salem this weekend to check things out and to drop Alma off at law school. He'll be staying up there and starting orientation on the 19th, and I'll come back to Provo and finish things up at work.
We think we've found an apartment to rent. We even filled out an application. Which is a little scary considering the fact that we've never seen it in person. We're just taking a chance and hoping it will work out. It seems that this whole thing is one big gamble. I try not to think about the fact that in two weeks I'll be living in a city and a state I've never been to before. I'm sure it will be fine. I mean, it looks pretty enough, right?
So good luck to us. I guess that's all I'm trying to say.
We think we've found an apartment to rent. We even filled out an application. Which is a little scary considering the fact that we've never seen it in person. We're just taking a chance and hoping it will work out. It seems that this whole thing is one big gamble. I try not to think about the fact that in two weeks I'll be living in a city and a state I've never been to before. I'm sure it will be fine. I mean, it looks pretty enough, right?
So good luck to us. I guess that's all I'm trying to say.Wednesday, July 29, 2009
F is for Family...
... We're headin' to Idaho this afternoon for a long weekend Don Tubbs family reunion.
Because of my multiple family situation, we attend a great many family reunions throughout the summer. But this one, with just my sisters, brothers, spouses, parents, and a whole lot of grandchildren running around like crazed hooligans is my favorite one of the year.
We're looking forward to a weekend of boating and wakeboarding, tie-dying, rodeo-ing, breaking pinatas, playing Wizard & family bingo, showing off at our talent show, and good food!
A big ol' thanks to Jeannie for all the effort she's put into planning it this year and to Mom for being willing to host everyone at the house.
And for good measure, some pics of just a part of the fam from last year's reunion:
Because of my multiple family situation, we attend a great many family reunions throughout the summer. But this one, with just my sisters, brothers, spouses, parents, and a whole lot of grandchildren running around like crazed hooligans is my favorite one of the year.
We're looking forward to a weekend of boating and wakeboarding, tie-dying, rodeo-ing, breaking pinatas, playing Wizard & family bingo, showing off at our talent show, and good food!
A big ol' thanks to Jeannie for all the effort she's put into planning it this year and to Mom for being willing to host everyone at the house.
And for good measure, some pics of just a part of the fam from last year's reunion:
Monday, July 27, 2009
E is for Enough..
... After being placed yet again on the BYU law school waiting list, Alma and I have decided enough is enough.
Enough waiting around on BYU. We're officially heading to Salem, Oregon, where Alma will be attending Willamette University's School of Law.
Alma's leaving the 16th of August, and I'll be around until the 28th.
Get your fill of the Jeans, folks, cause this show is hittin' the road.
Enough waiting around on BYU. We're officially heading to Salem, Oregon, where Alma will be attending Willamette University's School of Law.
Alma's leaving the 16th of August, and I'll be around until the 28th.
Get your fill of the Jeans, folks, cause this show is hittin' the road.
M is for Moved...
... That's right. Moved. Past tense.
To where you ask? Into a storage unit. For the time being anyway.
A ginormous thank you to Jared and Jeannie for all their help. We literally could not have done it without you. Also, thanks for letting us shack up with you for a couple of weeks.
We'll be sleeping around for the next few weeks, so if anyone has an open bed their willing to share, send us a memo.
To where you ask? Into a storage unit. For the time being anyway.
A ginormous thank you to Jared and Jeannie for all their help. We literally could not have done it without you. Also, thanks for letting us shack up with you for a couple of weeks.
We'll be sleeping around for the next few weeks, so if anyone has an open bed their willing to share, send us a memo.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
C is for Cleaning...
... Cleaning is rewarding at first. Watching something embarrassingly dirty transform to spotlessly clean all due to the work of your own hands has its mental and emotional rewards. It's especially fun when your husband (who rarely cleans the house) works with you side by side. And in this world of computers and offices and sitting down all day and getting paid for it, I sometimes forget the joy that comes from working with your own hands and the sweat of your brow.
But after too many hours of cleaning one tiny apartment, cleaning becomes a pain in the you-know-what.
Goodbye security deposit. I just realized you're not worth it anymore.
But after too many hours of cleaning one tiny apartment, cleaning becomes a pain in the you-know-what.
Goodbye security deposit. I just realized you're not worth it anymore.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
B is for Boxes...
... My living room is currently cluttered with cardboard: heavy taped-up boxes, half-packed boxes, and flat broken-down boxes.We're in the midst of packing and moving to who knows where (literally - as of the 28th of July, we're officially homeless). It sure ain't fun, but at least it means we're leaving our tiny, suffocatingly hot, 3rd-floor apartment for something (hopefully!) bigger, cooler, and closer to the ground.
Just as a side note: Our books alone filled six or seven boxes. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised since we were both English majors, but I am.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
P is for Phoenix...
... Wicked was wonderful, and Phoenix was HOT! It's a pity it wasn't the middle of the winter.Having never really listened to the music from Wicked or read the story, Friday night's performance was one big, spectacular surprise for me. It's definitely as good as everyone says it is. I love the story and the way it ends. My favorites songs were Popular (of course), I'm Not That Girl, Defying Gravity, and For Good. I'm not ashamed to admit I was on the verge of tears at the end.
That being said, however, it didn't top Les Miserables as my number one musical.
The rest of the trip was perfect, except for the long car ride home. Thanks Andy, Alysa, and everyone else for the great time!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
W is for Wicked ...
... That's right ladies and gents. I'm gonna see it.
My mom, sisters and I are taking a girls weekend and heading to sunny Phoenix to see the show! I can't wait. Hopefully it will be as good as everyone says it is!
A special thanks to all the husbands in the family for being good sports about it.
My mom, sisters and I are taking a girls weekend and heading to sunny Phoenix to see the show! I can't wait. Hopefully it will be as good as everyone says it is!A special thanks to all the husbands in the family for being good sports about it.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
P is for Pregnant...
... No, not me, but that would be exciting.
Just wanted to give a shout out to my big sis Jeannie and wish her congratulations and best of luck. She's pregnant with a healthy, beautiful (I'm assuming, anyway) little girl. We're so happy for you! Can't wait to get a female version of this little guy:
Also, congrats to my bestey Whitney on the upcoming birth (any day now) of their first! I'm so excited to meet the little guy. I am, after all, his godmother. That's a pretty big deal.
Just wanted to give a shout out to my big sis Jeannie and wish her congratulations and best of luck. She's pregnant with a healthy, beautiful (I'm assuming, anyway) little girl. We're so happy for you! Can't wait to get a female version of this little guy:
Also, congrats to my bestey Whitney on the upcoming birth (any day now) of their first! I'm so excited to meet the little guy. I am, after all, his godmother. That's a pretty big deal.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
P is Pancakes ...
... Recently, I have been craving pancakes. It's probably because some of the food blogs I read featured pancakes recently. And then last night's episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay featured blueberry pancakes. Yum. But this morning, on Oh Joy!, I saw this:
Bacon, Chocolate Chips, Maple Syrup and Pancake?!?! The ultimate in salty and sweet delight.
One package of the mix is $12. Do you think it's worth it? Alma doesn't eat pancakes, so I would have the whole thing to myself. Mmmhhhhh...
Oh, and PS - Shea and Noelle, thanks for your sweet comments on the last post!
Bacon, Chocolate Chips, Maple Syrup and Pancake?!?! The ultimate in salty and sweet delight.One package of the mix is $12. Do you think it's worth it? Alma doesn't eat pancakes, so I would have the whole thing to myself. Mmmhhhhh...
Oh, and PS - Shea and Noelle, thanks for your sweet comments on the last post!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
U is for Unknown...
... There seem to be a lot of unknowns in my life right now.
I don't know where we're going to be living in a month.
I don't know what city we're going to be living in in two months.
I don't know where I'll be working in two months.
I don't know where Alma will be going to law school in a month and a half.
There's not much I can do about these unknowns.
I'm trying not to be too stressed about this.
I don't know where we're going to be living in a month.
I don't know what city we're going to be living in in two months.
I don't know where I'll be working in two months.
I don't know where Alma will be going to law school in a month and a half.
There's not much I can do about these unknowns.
I'm trying not to be too stressed about this.
Friday, June 19, 2009
B is for Broken...
... I broke our television today. It no longer turns on.
Really, it's no great loss - except now we have no way to watch SYTYCD.
The TV was already partially broken. No remote control, which was a huge problem when I felt too lazy to get off the couch. The down channel button was broken, so changing the channel meant possibly going through all 65 channels, especially if you go to fast and accidentally click past the one you want. And the DVD player connection was broken, so we couldn't watch any movies on it.
Like I said, it's no great loss, but it was the only thing we had to watch our favorite shows on.
At first I was excited cause I thought I finally had the perfect excuse to get the HD TV I've been coveting at Costco. But thanks to recent (certain sport equipment) expenses, we don't have much extra cash laying around.
I guess what I'm getting at is ... Anyone happen to have a TV they want to get rid of?
Really, it's no great loss - except now we have no way to watch SYTYCD.
The TV was already partially broken. No remote control, which was a huge problem when I felt too lazy to get off the couch. The down channel button was broken, so changing the channel meant possibly going through all 65 channels, especially if you go to fast and accidentally click past the one you want. And the DVD player connection was broken, so we couldn't watch any movies on it.
Like I said, it's no great loss, but it was the only thing we had to watch our favorite shows on.
At first I was excited cause I thought I finally had the perfect excuse to get the HD TV I've been coveting at Costco. But thanks to recent (certain sport equipment) expenses, we don't have much extra cash laying around.
I guess what I'm getting at is ... Anyone happen to have a TV they want to get rid of?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
H is for Hundred ...
... This is my 100th blog post! Exciting. It took me a little longer than expected to get to it because I've been so blog-lazy lately.
... I just realized I have over 200 recipes in my cook-this list on my computer. And that's not counting cookbooks. I'll probably never get them all crossed off, but it's always good to have a lot of choices to choose from!
Just thought you should know those two things. Hope your week is going swimmingly!
... I just realized I have over 200 recipes in my cook-this list on my computer. And that's not counting cookbooks. I'll probably never get them all crossed off, but it's always good to have a lot of choices to choose from!
Just thought you should know those two things. Hope your week is going swimmingly!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
G is for Golf...
... I've lost my husband to golf. Literally. He comes home from work, then heads to the range for a couple of hours almost every night.
Last night he said: I'm so happy the NBA finals are over so I have more time to golf.
When Alma picks anything over watching the Lakers in the FINALS, you know it's a big deal.
He also said: I can't believe I can love anything as much as golf. I think I like it better than basketball and football.
I hope I'm not included in that "anything." But it may be a possibility.
Unfortunately, I also seemed to have lost his half of our monthly paycheck. Oh that's right, it's not lost. It's sitting in my living room, in the form of a brand new golf bag full of shiny new golf clubs and a pair of golf shoes and gloves.
Geez, golf is an expensive game. I've lost my husband's time and his money!
Last night he said: I'm so happy the NBA finals are over so I have more time to golf.
When Alma picks anything over watching the Lakers in the FINALS, you know it's a big deal.
He also said: I can't believe I can love anything as much as golf. I think I like it better than basketball and football.
I hope I'm not included in that "anything." But it may be a possibility.
Unfortunately, I also seemed to have lost his half of our monthly paycheck. Oh that's right, it's not lost. It's sitting in my living room, in the form of a brand new golf bag full of shiny new golf clubs and a pair of golf shoes and gloves.
Geez, golf is an expensive game. I've lost my husband's time and his money!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
S is for SYTYCD...
... So You Think You Can Dance has started in earnest, but unfortunately I haven't been able to watch as many episodes as I want largely due to the NBA conference finals monopolizing my television screen.
I did, however, watch last night's episode, and I learned some bad news and some good news.
First, the bad news. They seem to be kicking off all the good dancers. Don't bother getting attached to anyone, because chances are, they probably won't make it. Remember Natalie, Katee's BFF from last year? I was really rooting for her, and she somehow got cut.
But don't worry, just because I'm a little miffed right now doesn't mean I won't be watching and loving SYTYCD this year. I'm sure there will be a few dancers I'll grow to love this season just like last year.
Which leads to the good news. Fox is having a FALL SEASON of SYTYCD this year! Yippee! I guess they got the clue that the whole world loves SYTYCD. This is great news. Now I'll have a full two-seasons worth of SYTYCD and I won't have to wait an entire year to see it again. And maybe Natalie will audition again and get the credit she deserves this time.
The world really is a beautiful place.
*Note: Alma is not as excited about this news as I am. But he'll be in law school, so it won't really matter as he won't be spending much time in front of the television screen.
I did, however, watch last night's episode, and I learned some bad news and some good news.
First, the bad news. They seem to be kicking off all the good dancers. Don't bother getting attached to anyone, because chances are, they probably won't make it. Remember Natalie, Katee's BFF from last year? I was really rooting for her, and she somehow got cut.
But don't worry, just because I'm a little miffed right now doesn't mean I won't be watching and loving SYTYCD this year. I'm sure there will be a few dancers I'll grow to love this season just like last year.
Which leads to the good news. Fox is having a FALL SEASON of SYTYCD this year! Yippee! I guess they got the clue that the whole world loves SYTYCD. This is great news. Now I'll have a full two-seasons worth of SYTYCD and I won't have to wait an entire year to see it again. And maybe Natalie will audition again and get the credit she deserves this time.
The world really is a beautiful place.
*Note: Alma is not as excited about this news as I am. But he'll be in law school, so it won't really matter as he won't be spending much time in front of the television screen.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
6 is for Six Months...
... As of 2:30 p.m. today, Alma and I have been married for exactly six months. I can hardly believe it myself. I guess time flies when you're in love. (c'mon, I'm allowed one cheesy one-liner!)The good news is, I can honestly say that we're happier and more in love now than we were six months ago. Let's hope that trend continues.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
R is for Running...
... Last summer around this time, I was in such awesome shape. I was running marathon distances. And enjoying it!
This year, sadly, I am nowhere close to that. The other day I ran about 3 miles, and it was hard. What a lazy bum I've turned into! I can't decide if it's the weather that has prevented me running thus far, or the fact that I'm married now and I never want to do things without Alma by my side. And I don't like running alone. Alma doesn't enjoy running, which leaves me in the aforementioned predicament. It also probably has something to do with the fact that since getting engaged in August, I essentially quit exercising in any way. Which worked out for me pre-marriage (I lost 12 pounds) but hasn't worked out for me post-marriage (I gained 12 pounds).
The long and short of this is, I've got to start running again and get back in shape. Swimsuit season is practically upon us!
Tonight I'm attempting four miles. Wish me luck!
This year, sadly, I am nowhere close to that. The other day I ran about 3 miles, and it was hard. What a lazy bum I've turned into! I can't decide if it's the weather that has prevented me running thus far, or the fact that I'm married now and I never want to do things without Alma by my side. And I don't like running alone. Alma doesn't enjoy running, which leaves me in the aforementioned predicament. It also probably has something to do with the fact that since getting engaged in August, I essentially quit exercising in any way. Which worked out for me pre-marriage (I lost 12 pounds) but hasn't worked out for me post-marriage (I gained 12 pounds).
The long and short of this is, I've got to start running again and get back in shape. Swimsuit season is practically upon us!
Tonight I'm attempting four miles. Wish me luck!
Monday, May 18, 2009
S is for Staycation...
... Due in part to the fact that we are trying to save money and in part to the chance that we may be leaving Utah soon, Alma and I are learning to be tourists in our own state this summer. We've already been to Zion National Park, and we have another camping trip planned to Arches and Moab in a few weeks with some friends. Here are some other places we'd like to go:
Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake
The BYU Bean Museum (in 5+ years at BYU, I've never been)
Capitol Reef National Park
Lavender Days Festival in Mona
Alpine Slide in Park City
Lake Powell
River Raft the Green River
Lagoon
Bryce Canyon
Canyonlands National Park
I don't know if we'll make it to all of them, but at least we'll have a fun summer trying!
Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake
The BYU Bean Museum (in 5+ years at BYU, I've never been)
Capitol Reef National Park
Lavender Days Festival in Mona
Alpine Slide in Park City
Lake Powell
River Raft the Green River
Lagoon
Bryce Canyon
Canyonlands National Park
I don't know if we'll make it to all of them, but at least we'll have a fun summer trying!
Friday, May 15, 2009
L is for Lakers ...
... So, thanks to my darling husband and the fact that it's currently the NBA playoffs, I've been watching quite a lot of basketball lately. Or, more specifically, I've been watching this team:
I dunno, maybe I just have no clue what makes a great team, but coming from a completely objective perspective (unlike Alma and all of his friends), I'm just not that impressed. Sure, sometimes they are awesome and their fearless leader Kobe Bryant deserves all the praise and fame he can get.
But mostly, when it counts, they just can't seem to get the job done.
I dunno, maybe I just have no clue what makes a great team, but coming from a completely objective perspective (unlike Alma and all of his friends), I'm just not that impressed. Sure, sometimes they are awesome and their fearless leader Kobe Bryant deserves all the praise and fame he can get.But mostly, when it counts, they just can't seem to get the job done.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
T is for TV...
... It seems all of my daily television shows are ending right about now. House, Fringe, American Idol, Lost, The Office, 30 Rock...
I sure will miss them, but maybe now I'll be able to get more things done at night - like getting my exercise in, attending enrichment, doing the dishes. TV has made me oh-so-lazy.
The bright side of things is, my NUMBER ONE TOP FAVORITEST IN THE WHOLE WORLD tv show is starting next week:
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!!
And that will take up at least two nights of the week.
I sure will miss them, but maybe now I'll be able to get more things done at night - like getting my exercise in, attending enrichment, doing the dishes. TV has made me oh-so-lazy.
The bright side of things is, my NUMBER ONE TOP FAVORITEST IN THE WHOLE WORLD tv show is starting next week:
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!!
And that will take up at least two nights of the week.
Friday, May 8, 2009
M is for Mom...
... Last week my mom came to Women's Conference and she stayed with us at our apartment. I loved having her around all the time for a couple of days. It made me realize how much I love and enjoy my mom.
It seems the older I get, the more I appreciate my mom and the way she raised me. I'm sure everyone feels the same about their mothers. Isn't it wonderful that after we get through those spoiled, bratty teenage years we have the opportunity to really get to know our moms as people, as equals, and as friends?
Happy Mother's day to all the mothers out there and to my mom especially. Thanks for all your love, support, guidance, and friendship.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
C is for Cards...
... Guys, believe it or not, I just spent $20 on Mother's Day cards! A whopping $20! On cards! What?!?!
I could not find a single card under $3, and most were over $4! When you have three grandmothers, a mom and a mother-in-law, that can add up pretty quickly.
All I can say is the greeting card business is seriously running some kind of sweet racket. They've made a business out of commercializing holidays. How much more evil can you get than to turn once innocent and special days meant to be spent with family counting your blessings into a money-making scheme by card-creating corporations?
(For my mom or grandma that may be reading this - I totally don't mind paying for or sending you a mother's day card. I'm just saying that Hallmark is out to get us all.)
I could not find a single card under $3, and most were over $4! When you have three grandmothers, a mom and a mother-in-law, that can add up pretty quickly.
All I can say is the greeting card business is seriously running some kind of sweet racket. They've made a business out of commercializing holidays. How much more evil can you get than to turn once innocent and special days meant to be spent with family counting your blessings into a money-making scheme by card-creating corporations?
(For my mom or grandma that may be reading this - I totally don't mind paying for or sending you a mother's day card. I'm just saying that Hallmark is out to get us all.)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
W is for Willamette...
... Just wanted to give a big thank you to Willamette University College of Law. Alma received an acceptance letter along with a partial scholarship offer from them on Monday!Willamette is a small, private liberal arts university in Salem, Oregon. It's the oldest university in the West. It wasn't exactly our first choice, but the more I learn about the school the more I think it might be a good fit for us. For more info about it, visit here.
We're still waiting to hear back from some schools, so nothing is set in stone, but I just thought I'd share the exciting news!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Z is for Zions ...
... About a week ago we went camping for the weekend at Zion National Park down in southern Utah. Although I had it on good information that the weather would be just lovely, unfortunately, it got quite chilly both afternoons we were there. I may be exaggerating, but I think we almost froze to death on Saturday night. Other than that, everything went wonderfully.We hiked up Angel's Landing while we there, and although I occasionally felt like my heart was in my throat because of how high we were and how narrow the cliff was, the view at the top was definitely worth the hike up. And as we were hiking along the Emerald Pools trail, we came across four or five deer grazing next to the path. I think that's the closest I've ever been to a deer.
The park is gorgeous this time of year with everything in bloom, and it was great to "get away from it all." In fact, I think the experience may have convinced Alma that camping ain't half bad, even if you can't shower every day.
The view from the top of Angel's Landing
Resting next to the upper Emerald Pool
B is for Blogggggg....
... It seems that I've lost all energy to blog recently. Maybe it's because nothing eventful is happening in my life right now, or maybe it's because my blog has been looking oh-so-blah, but for whatever reason, I've been pretty lazy about keeping on my blog. I really have no excuse, as I have plenty of extra time at work to blog as much as I want.
I'm gonna try to do better. I can't promise an interesting/amusing/funny blog post every day, but I will try to be more consistent. And they won't all be about food. Promise.
I've also spruced up the blog a bit, even though it's still not quite where I want it to be. If ya'll have any suggestions, they would be appreciated.
I'm gonna try to do better. I can't promise an interesting/amusing/funny blog post every day, but I will try to be more consistent. And they won't all be about food. Promise.
I've also spruced up the blog a bit, even though it's still not quite where I want it to be. If ya'll have any suggestions, they would be appreciated.
Monday, April 27, 2009
T is for Thai ...
... A post on our wonderful Zions camping trip is forthcoming, but in the meantime, here are a couple recipes I promised my sister I would post a week ago.
One advantage of living on a budget and not being able to go out to eat whenever I want is that if I want some delicious ethnic foods, I have to make them myself. This is quickly expanding my cooking repertoire. A lot of dishes that I thought would be quite complicated are actually quite simple, as long as you have the necessary, sometimes hard to find, ingredients. But after a few trips to the local Asian market or other specialty food stores, you'll be ready to go!
I've also noticed that if I go out to eat to an ethnic restaurant, I crave that type of food for at least the next week, but usually much longer. We recently went out for Thai food, and I've been wanting a heaping plate of Pad Thai noodles with a side of curry ever since. After searching various Asian food blogs, I came up with some recipes that I thought I could handle.
They were both delicious, easy, and took less than 30 minutes to make! Definitely give these a try if you're a fan of Thai food. You'll be impressed at how good a cook you are.
Pad Thai
Serves 4-6
adapted from Chez Pim
(her long explanation of how to make Pad Thai was extremely helpful. I've paired the recipe down, but if you need further instruction, look at her site)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fish sauce
1/2 cup tamarind pulp
1/2 cup palm sugar (you can substitute white or brown sugar, but use 1/3 cup instead)
2-4 tsp. chili powder (depending on how spicy you want the sauce)
1 lb. Rice Noodles - Fresh if possible, but dried will work too
The measurements for the ingredients below are pretty fluid, depending on how much you want of each in each serving of Pad Thai
Chicken, cut into thin, bite-size pieces
Shrimp - optional
Green ends of one bunch of green onions, cut in 1-inch slices
Peanuts, chopped finely or crushed
Eggs
Beansprouts
4-6 cloves of garlic, chopped
Cilantro
Lime
Vegetable or Canola oil
Directions:
First, it is important that you only cook Pad Thai in serving sizes. Do not try to cook the whole pound of noodles at once, or it will get gummy and you'll end up with a sloppy mess. Follow the directions below, and you won't go wrong.
Soak rice noodles in warm water until al dente. Do not soak them to the point that they're soft.
In a small saucepan over low heat, mix together tamarind, sugar and fish sauce. When sugar is melted and sauce is heated through, add chili powder by teaspoons, tasting frequently, until desired level of spiciness is reached. Set sauce aside.
Thai Red Curry
Adapted from Rasa Malaysian
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
1/2 lb green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths and parboiled
2-3 kaffir lime leaves, cut into fine thin strips, or 1-2 tsp. of lime zest
2 tablespoon oil
3 tablespoons red curry paste
1/4 cup palm sugar, or 3 tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
2/3 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
Directions:
One advantage of living on a budget and not being able to go out to eat whenever I want is that if I want some delicious ethnic foods, I have to make them myself. This is quickly expanding my cooking repertoire. A lot of dishes that I thought would be quite complicated are actually quite simple, as long as you have the necessary, sometimes hard to find, ingredients. But after a few trips to the local Asian market or other specialty food stores, you'll be ready to go!
I've also noticed that if I go out to eat to an ethnic restaurant, I crave that type of food for at least the next week, but usually much longer. We recently went out for Thai food, and I've been wanting a heaping plate of Pad Thai noodles with a side of curry ever since. After searching various Asian food blogs, I came up with some recipes that I thought I could handle.
They were both delicious, easy, and took less than 30 minutes to make! Definitely give these a try if you're a fan of Thai food. You'll be impressed at how good a cook you are.
Pad Thai
Serves 4-6
adapted from Chez Pim
(her long explanation of how to make Pad Thai was extremely helpful. I've paired the recipe down, but if you need further instruction, look at her site)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fish sauce
1/2 cup tamarind pulp
1/2 cup palm sugar (you can substitute white or brown sugar, but use 1/3 cup instead)
2-4 tsp. chili powder (depending on how spicy you want the sauce)
1 lb. Rice Noodles - Fresh if possible, but dried will work too
The measurements for the ingredients below are pretty fluid, depending on how much you want of each in each serving of Pad Thai
Chicken, cut into thin, bite-size pieces
Shrimp - optional
Green ends of one bunch of green onions, cut in 1-inch slices
Peanuts, chopped finely or crushed
Eggs
Beansprouts
4-6 cloves of garlic, chopped
Cilantro
Lime
Vegetable or Canola oil
Directions:
First, it is important that you only cook Pad Thai in serving sizes. Do not try to cook the whole pound of noodles at once, or it will get gummy and you'll end up with a sloppy mess. Follow the directions below, and you won't go wrong.
Soak rice noodles in warm water until al dente. Do not soak them to the point that they're soft.
In a small saucepan over low heat, mix together tamarind, sugar and fish sauce. When sugar is melted and sauce is heated through, add chili powder by teaspoons, tasting frequently, until desired level of spiciness is reached. Set sauce aside.
- Heat wok or large frying pan until very hot. Add 3-4 tablespoons of oil and let heat.
- Add chicken and stir fry until halfway done, about 1-2 minutes if chicken is sliced thinly. Then add 1-2 tablespoons of sauce and 1-2 garlic cloves. Let cook for a minute longer.
- Add 1-2 cups of loosely packed noodles, depending on how large you want your portions to be. Add 1/4 cup of sauce.
- Stir noodles, sauce and chicken together quickly, keeping everything moving, until noodles are soft. Break up noodles if they stick together. You can add more oil if the noodles continue to stick together, but I didn't find it necessary.
- Push the noodles to the side, and crack an egg in the middle of the pan. Let sit for 10-15 seconds, then push noodles on top of egg and mix everything together until egg is cooked through.
- Add shrimp, peanuts and beansprouts. Continue stirring until shrimp are pink, another 1-2 minutes. You can add more sauce at this point if you think it looks to dry, but, again, I didn't need to.
- Throw in the green onion ends and the cilantro. Turn off heat, stir a few more times.
- Plate the finished Pad Thai, squeeze a quarter of a lime over the top, and serve.
- Rinse and wipe out pan, and start over!
Thai Red Curry
Adapted from Rasa Malaysian
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
1/2 lb green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths and parboiled
2-3 kaffir lime leaves, cut into fine thin strips, or 1-2 tsp. of lime zest
2 tablespoon oil
3 tablespoons red curry paste
1/4 cup palm sugar, or 3 tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
2/3 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
Directions:
- Heat up a wok or deep fryin pan with the cooking oil.
- Saute the red curry paste until aromatic.
- Add the chicken into the pot and stir well with the curry paste.
- Add coconut milk, water, green beans, kaffir lime leaves, and bring the curry to boil.
- Add fish sauce, palm sugar, and stir-continuously until sugar is melted.
- Dish out and serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
C is for Camping ..
... Alma and I are going camping this weekend at Zion National Park. This is the first time either of us have been camping on our own. Hopefully we'll survive it and it will become a wonderful, fond memory.
We seem to have all the essentials - tent, lantern, dutch oven and cast-iron frying pan, air mattress, coolers. This is the first time trying out the new tent, so hopefully we'll be able to figure out how to put it up!
We definitely don't want to end up lost, starving, or without shelter, so for those of you who are more experienced campers, or who have been to Zion's, is there any advice, tips, or words of warning you can offer us?
We seem to have all the essentials - tent, lantern, dutch oven and cast-iron frying pan, air mattress, coolers. This is the first time trying out the new tent, so hopefully we'll be able to figure out how to put it up!
We definitely don't want to end up lost, starving, or without shelter, so for those of you who are more experienced campers, or who have been to Zion's, is there any advice, tips, or words of warning you can offer us?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
B is for Bread...
... I've been baking quite a bit of bread lately. Alma loves it, and I enjoy making it. And I think it's cheaper than buying bread from the grocery store. The thing about making bread is that it's time intensive. It doesn't take a lot of work, it just takes a lot of time to rise. I usually make it on Saturday or Sunday when I have plenty of time and stuff to do around the house while the dough rises.I find that a lot of people have baking bread fears, but truthfully, it's quite simple. Just mix, knead, and let rise. That's it. A few tips on making great bread can be found here. They're really very helpful. Also, if you don't have a bread machine or a KitchenAid, never fear. I don't have either. I just mix my bread dough with a wooden spoon. Also, don't be afraid of kneading. You can't really do it wrong.
I've tried a couple different recipes - maple white bread, which was yummy, especially served warm with sour cream and brown sugar on top (I know it sounds weird, but it was soooo good), and light wheat bread, but I think that I like the old-fashioned, nothing-special, bread recipe from my Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook the best. Plus, it makes two loaves from the recipe, while the other ones only make one.
I know I've definitely been slacking on posting recipes, but I haven't been slacking on the cooking. Below are some links to recipes I've made lately that are particularly enjoyable.
Soft Pretzels
Pasta Alla Carbonara
Almost Summer Rice Noodle Salad
Icebox Cake
Fettuccine with Creamy Tomato Sausage
White Bread
From Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook
Makes 2 loaves
5 ¾ to 6 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 package, or 2 ¼ teaspoons, active dry yeast
2 ¼ cups milk or buttermilk
2 tablespoons suga
1 tablespoon butter, margarine, or shortening
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1. In a large mixing bowl combine 2 ½ cups of flour and the yeast; set aside. In a medium saucepan heat and stir milk, sugar, butter, and salt just until warm and butter almost melts. Add milk mixture to flour mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6-8 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place in lightly greased bowl (I just spray mine with Pam), turning once to grease surface of dough. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (45-60 minutes).
3. Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease two bread pans.
4. Shape dough halves into loaves by patting or rolling. To shape by putting, gently pat and pinch, tucking edges underneath. To shape by rolling, on a lightly floured surface roll each dough half into a 12x8 inch rectangle. Roll up each rectangle, starting from a short side. Seal seams with your fingertips.
5. Place shaped dough halves in prepared pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (30-40 minutes).
6. Bake in a 375 degree oven about 40 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped (if necessary, cover loosely with foil the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning). Immediately remove bread from pans. Cool on wire racks.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
S is for Snow. Again...
... Don't worry, it's just snowing again here in Provo, Utah. It's April 15th, and it's snowing heavily.
This is why, even though Alma wants to go to BYU's law school, I wouldn't be heartbroken if we ended up going somewhere else. Only if it were somewhere warmer, that is.
This is why, even though Alma wants to go to BYU's law school, I wouldn't be heartbroken if we ended up going somewhere else. Only if it were somewhere warmer, that is.
F is for Foodie...
... Some people, when they're bored or can't sleep, look at clothes online and make a wish list of all the beautiful clothes they'd buy if they could.When I'm bored, I look at food blogs, cooking equipment, and cookbooks and dream about having a gourmet kitchen and being able to buy and make whatever I want.
I could easily spend over $3000 on Amazon right now. Just give me fifteen minutes and it'd be gone.
These are only a few of the cookbooks I'm coveting at the moment. If you have the extra cash, go out and buy one. I'm sure you won't regret it.
Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics
The New Best Recipe
Joy of Cooking
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
F is for the Farm...
... I hope everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable Easter weekend. We spent ours in Malad with the rest of my sisters and their many children. Just to give you a little taste of my home and our weekend, here are some images from the farm. Enjoy!
*For more on our Easter weekend, click here.
*For more on our Easter weekend, click here.
J is for Ji-Hye...
... This is Ji-Hye, my lovely, wonderful sister-in-law. As you can probably guess from the picture, she graduated from BYU-Idaho with a bachelors in psychology on Friday. She'll be heading to Gonzaga University this fall to get her masters in community counseling.The first time I met Ji-Hye, I was scared spitless, for multiple reasons, but mostly because she's Alma's only sister and the first member of the family I met. But fortunately for me, Ji-Hye is one of the friendliest, kindest girls I know. I don't know what I would do without her and the much needed sanity she brings to the Jean family.
Congratulations Ji-Hye! We're so proud of you and we love you!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
S is for Sandals...
... These JCrew sandals have been sitting in my closet for about a month, taunting me. They set me back $49.50, plus tax. Which, in my opinion, is too much to spend for a pair of flip-flops, however cute and gold they may be.I never intended to buy them. But the sales lady was so friendly, and she raved about how cute they looked with my outfit, and I was afraid to say no. So I bought them, fully intending to return them the next day.
I haven't gotten back to the store yet. And every morning, they whisper to me, "Wear us. We would be adorable with that outfit you've got on. You need a new pair of leather flip-flops. We'd last forever. We're totally with 50 bucks."
So far, I've held strong. But they've almost convinced me. I get weaker daily. Can I get a little help out there?
Speaking of taunting, this ad keeps popping up everywhere on the internet, and I'm starting to really want that dress. Wouldn't it look cute with those sandals?
Monday, April 6, 2009
S is for Style...
... Once, I was a pretty stylish dresser (or so I like to think). I went shopping more than once a month, and spent more than I should on clothes. I did my research, I watched for the latest trends, and I adapted my style accordingly.
Then I got engaged. And then I got married. My fashion has been going downhill ever since.
It's not because I don't care anymore. I still do my research. I still check out the trends. It's just that you have to update your wardrobe to stay fashionably current. And right now, there are more important things to spend my hard-earned pennies on.
Or at least that's what Alma tells me.
But I just thought ya'll should know that someday, I'll be stylish again. It'll probably be three or four years down the road, but it'll happen.
At least, that's what I tell myself.
Then I got engaged. And then I got married. My fashion has been going downhill ever since.
It's not because I don't care anymore. I still do my research. I still check out the trends. It's just that you have to update your wardrobe to stay fashionably current. And right now, there are more important things to spend my hard-earned pennies on.
Or at least that's what Alma tells me.
But I just thought ya'll should know that someday, I'll be stylish again. It'll probably be three or four years down the road, but it'll happen.
At least, that's what I tell myself.
W is for Waiting ...
... We're waiting for some important letters right now.
Everyday after work I check the mailbox. Everyday, my hopes are raised.
Everyday, my mailbox is empty. Everyday, my hopes are dashed.
Waiting is a hard thing to do.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
G is for Gourmet...
... Five reasons why a husband may not always enjoy gourmet cooking:
1. It often results in more dishes to wash.
2. It takes longer, which means he eats later.
3. It costs more money for the ingredients.
4. Sometimes it's delicious, and sometimes it's ... interesting.
5. Sometimes, all a man really wants is meat and potatoes.
1. It often results in more dishes to wash.
2. It takes longer, which means he eats later.
3. It costs more money for the ingredients.
4. Sometimes it's delicious, and sometimes it's ... interesting.
5. Sometimes, all a man really wants is meat and potatoes.
Monday, March 30, 2009
S is for Saturday ...
... You know you're a married woman when your Saturday consists of cleaning and reorganizing the house, grocery shopping, baking, and doing laundry while watching an old movie. And you love it.
Monday, March 23, 2009
A is for Anniversary ...
... I know, I know, how can we have an anniversary if we've only been married for three months? Well, as of March 20th, Alma and I have been together for exactly one year, and that's worth celebrating.If you had told me one year ago that I would be married to Alma Jean, I would have told you that you were smoking some sweet dope. Funny how life has a way of surprising you.
We've had our share of ups and downs over the past year. Ups definitely being the day we got married, the day Alma proposed, the day we said "I love you," and the entire two weeks of our honeymoon. Downs being our first fight, our first fight after we got married, and having no money cause we spent it all on the wedding and honeymoon. But it's all been totally worth it.
When I got home from Atlanta and was once again in the arms of my husband, I had the pleasant realization that I was indeed married to my very best friend in the world.
What an exciting, suprising, and funny life it is! I can only wonder what surprises our next year together has in store.
K is for sKetches
I've been meaning to finish this sketch for a while, a long while (so sorry Jeannie and Jared... and Jace I guess) but now that I'm almost done, I don't know if I like the dark background. Hmmm, I guess now it's kind of too late...
Lexi on Sunday night, really bored, needing some attention...Lexi: Umm, can you cuddle with me, please?
Me: I have to make an attempt to finish the sketching... sorry. Just pretend, imagine I'm cuddled up next to you. I promise it's just as good.
You can see Lexi getting progressively more and more angry...
The Angry face...
Lexi running, actually walking away... either way I want my shoes back.Friday, March 20, 2009
S is for Spring...
... It's officially the first day of spring today and, at least here in Atlanta, the weather is gorgeous. Mid-70's. I hear it's snowing in New York, though. Too bad for them. I hope the weather in Utah is somewhere in between. Actually, I hope it's closer to Atlanta's temps than New York's.
It's funny how just when you think winter will never end, spring arrives, and you're left wondering why you ever thought it was so bad. Every spring I think, Oh yeah, winter's not that bad. I don't mind Utah winters so much.
Isn't nice that we have the winters in our lives to remind us to be grateful for the springs?
It's funny how just when you think winter will never end, spring arrives, and you're left wondering why you ever thought it was so bad. Every spring I think, Oh yeah, winter's not that bad. I don't mind Utah winters so much.
Isn't nice that we have the winters in our lives to remind us to be grateful for the springs?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
F is for Flying...
... As you may have guessed from my previous post, I'm traveling this week. I'm in Atlanta for a media relations conference.
To get here, I flew through the air. Incredibly. I sat in a chair in the sky. And every five minutes I shouted, "Oh my gosh! Wow! I'm flying!"
To get here, I flew through the air. Incredibly. I sat in a chair in the sky. And every five minutes I shouted, "Oh my gosh! Wow! I'm flying!"
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
R is for Room Service..
... There have been a few mile markers in my life that have made me feel like I was a finally an adult. One of those is room service.
Every time I order room service at a hotel, I think to myself, "This is it. I have finally arrived at adulthood."
It never gets old. There's just something wonderful about making one phone call and 30 minutes later having hot food arrive outside your room. I don't know why I enjoy it so much, but I do. It's what I look forward to at the end of a long day of travel.
Every time I order room service at a hotel, I think to myself, "This is it. I have finally arrived at adulthood."
It never gets old. There's just something wonderful about making one phone call and 30 minutes later having hot food arrive outside your room. I don't know why I enjoy it so much, but I do. It's what I look forward to at the end of a long day of travel.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
T is for Television...
... Alma and I watch far too much television. We have a show for almost every night of the week.
On Sundays, we watch Kings.
On Mondays, we watch House. And 24. And sometimes Castle. (whew, Mondays are busy nights!)
On Tuesdays, we watch American Idol.
On Wednesdays, we watch Lost.
On Thursdays, we watch The Office and 30 Rock.
On Fridays and Saturdays, we usually watch movies. You know, you gotta have a break from all that TV watching!
Sometimes I think there's got to be a better way for two relatively intelligent, fun people to spend their time together. And then I snuggle up next to Alma on the couch and watch some more.
On Sundays, we watch Kings.
On Mondays, we watch House. And 24. And sometimes Castle. (whew, Mondays are busy nights!)
On Tuesdays, we watch American Idol.
On Wednesdays, we watch Lost.
On Thursdays, we watch The Office and 30 Rock.
On Fridays and Saturdays, we usually watch movies. You know, you gotta have a break from all that TV watching!
Sometimes I think there's got to be a better way for two relatively intelligent, fun people to spend their time together. And then I snuggle up next to Alma on the couch and watch some more.
Monday, March 16, 2009
P is for Procrastination...
... I had a paper due today.
I told myself all last week that I would work on it. When Friday came, I promised myself I would dedicate my weekend to starting, and finishing, it.
I had no time to do it Friday night, or Saturday. More important things came up (see previous post). So I planned to do it Sunday afternoon.
I did everything but my paper. I did the laundry. I cleaned the bedroom. I reorganized. I cooked dinner. I did the dishes. (Some of them, anyway. Alma did most of them.) I baked bread. I made cookies. I watched TV. I read scriptures. At the end of the night, I told myself I'd have plenty of time to do it at work.
Today, I've been dedicated at work. There's no distracting me from my important responsibilities. Why did I ever think I'd have time to write a paper today?
But sometimes, procrastination pays off. I just went to class, and my teacher's extended the deadline until Friday.
I told myself all last week that I would work on it. When Friday came, I promised myself I would dedicate my weekend to starting, and finishing, it.
I had no time to do it Friday night, or Saturday. More important things came up (see previous post). So I planned to do it Sunday afternoon.
I did everything but my paper. I did the laundry. I cleaned the bedroom. I reorganized. I cooked dinner. I did the dishes. (Some of them, anyway. Alma did most of them.) I baked bread. I made cookies. I watched TV. I read scriptures. At the end of the night, I told myself I'd have plenty of time to do it at work.
Today, I've been dedicated at work. There's no distracting me from my important responsibilities. Why did I ever think I'd have time to write a paper today?
But sometimes, procrastination pays off. I just went to class, and my teacher's extended the deadline until Friday.
W is for Wonderful...
... Ingredients for a wonderful weekend:
Snowboarding and shopping
Appetizers with a favorite girlfriend
Sleeping in late and cuddling with your husband
Picnic at the park and feeding the ducks with family
Dinner with two best friends and their spouses
Inspirational messages delivered by an apostle
Birthday party
Lazy Sunday afternoon
Snowboarding and shopping
Appetizers with a favorite girlfriend
Sleeping in late and cuddling with your husband
Picnic at the park and feeding the ducks with family
Dinner with two best friends and their spouses
Inspirational messages delivered by an apostle
Birthday party
Lazy Sunday afternoon
Sunday, March 15, 2009
K is for ducK whisperer
Jace fed the ducKs...
then he chased them...
the poor ducK did not know how to fly away...
*Just to clarify. Alma posted this, not Alexis, even though it says posted by Alexis below. I follow the "A is for ..." rule, Alma does not, as you can see.
K is for Konfessions
Dearest food,
I'm sorry, it's not you, it's me. I think we need a break. It's been good, I mean great 25, 26 years but we really need a break, maybe forever. I'm sorry... well sort of. Goodbye my once lover...
I loved food since I was very little, (ed being the key tense here) like since I was 7lbs and minutes old; so it's been a long time. I loved food before I got married. (ed being the key tense again) You might be thinking to yourself, "Hmmm, maybe he is talking about his weight gain." [OCD Sharing Time: All recently married couple gain weight. All Asian people eat rice. All Asian people eat only half serving per day, unless your name is Kobayashi, "the all you can eat hot dog" or a sumo wrestler.] However, you would be sadly mistaken, kind of. Yes, I did gain some weight but I don't think it has anything to do with the amount of food digested, but probably the lack of exercise. I'm putting my money on the dusty gym pass. Anywho, I have parted ways with food all together because I hate doing the dishes. Let me share an equation: food + my belly = me happy. Simple right? [OCD Sharing Time: All Asians are great at math. That's why I was an English major. Suck eggs stereotypes!] Here's another equation: wife + cooking + dishes + dishes + four different spatulas + ten pans + food = my belly ache + phalanges ache + body ache. Yes, it's an exaggeration but not by much. Wait, I forgot two sets, not two measuring cups, two sets of measuring cups. Oh wait, I forgot three tasting spoons, and the dirty wall for checking pasta consistency. I feel like it's Hell's Kitchen every night, except my Gordon Ramsey or whatever his name is, is much better looking, however maybe I would rather have him and his ever-so-emotional cooks, because they would have less dishes, or maybe they would have a designated dish washer, much like designated hitters in baseball, sometimes I feel like a designated dish breaker. [OCD Sharing Time: All Asians love baseball, because they are too feeble to play football. All Asians love Chinese food and love doing dishes.]
Lexi: What do you want for dinner? (thinking: How many spatulas can I use tonight? hmm...)
Me: Oh I ate a late lunch, like ten minutes ago. (It's 5pm.)
Lexi: Why did you do that? (thinking: Idiot!)
Me: Oh, I love food so much and I was hungry, so hungry. (thinking: I hate dishes. Total Cooking Time = 1- 1.5 hr; Total Washing Time [Dishwasher Included] = 30-45 mins... 7 times a week. Again thinking: I hate dishes. I'm sorry dinner, you have to go.)
But, I'm too weak. I only break up to make up. Maybe I got it all wrong. I just need to figure out how I can eat delish food without the all the dishes, 1 hour worth. [OCD Sharing Time: All girls like to cook. All boys have to eat and then do the dishes; I just prefer not to. I just remembered why I ate out so much.]
Here is a picture I need to share...
PS... If you merely say or hint that you want a puppy/baby, you are liar and not ready to be a parent... unless you are ready to steal a baby or maybe part ways with one or more of your body parts, like phalanges or limbs. Until you are ready to make those kind of sacrifices, you should keep your comments to yourself-ves. (I used YOU as an universal YOU, not thinking of anyone in particular.)
I'm sorry, it's not you, it's me. I think we need a break. It's been good, I mean great 25, 26 years but we really need a break, maybe forever. I'm sorry... well sort of. Goodbye my once lover...
I loved food since I was very little, (ed being the key tense here) like since I was 7lbs and minutes old; so it's been a long time. I loved food before I got married. (ed being the key tense again) You might be thinking to yourself, "Hmmm, maybe he is talking about his weight gain." [OCD Sharing Time: All recently married couple gain weight. All Asian people eat rice. All Asian people eat only half serving per day, unless your name is Kobayashi, "the all you can eat hot dog" or a sumo wrestler.] However, you would be sadly mistaken, kind of. Yes, I did gain some weight but I don't think it has anything to do with the amount of food digested, but probably the lack of exercise. I'm putting my money on the dusty gym pass. Anywho, I have parted ways with food all together because I hate doing the dishes. Let me share an equation: food + my belly = me happy. Simple right? [OCD Sharing Time: All Asians are great at math. That's why I was an English major. Suck eggs stereotypes!] Here's another equation: wife + cooking + dishes + dishes + four different spatulas + ten pans + food = my belly ache + phalanges ache + body ache. Yes, it's an exaggeration but not by much. Wait, I forgot two sets, not two measuring cups, two sets of measuring cups. Oh wait, I forgot three tasting spoons, and the dirty wall for checking pasta consistency. I feel like it's Hell's Kitchen every night, except my Gordon Ramsey or whatever his name is, is much better looking, however maybe I would rather have him and his ever-so-emotional cooks, because they would have less dishes, or maybe they would have a designated dish washer, much like designated hitters in baseball, sometimes I feel like a designated dish breaker. [OCD Sharing Time: All Asians love baseball, because they are too feeble to play football. All Asians love Chinese food and love doing dishes.]
Lexi: What do you want for dinner? (thinking: How many spatulas can I use tonight? hmm...)
Me: Oh I ate a late lunch, like ten minutes ago. (It's 5pm.)
Lexi: Why did you do that? (thinking: Idiot!)
Me: Oh, I love food so much and I was hungry, so hungry. (thinking: I hate dishes. Total Cooking Time = 1- 1.5 hr; Total Washing Time [Dishwasher Included] = 30-45 mins... 7 times a week. Again thinking: I hate dishes. I'm sorry dinner, you have to go.)
But, I'm too weak. I only break up to make up. Maybe I got it all wrong. I just need to figure out how I can eat delish food without the all the dishes, 1 hour worth. [OCD Sharing Time: All girls like to cook. All boys have to eat and then do the dishes; I just prefer not to. I just remembered why I ate out so much.]
Here is a picture I need to share...
PS... If you merely say or hint that you want a puppy/baby, you are liar and not ready to be a parent... unless you are ready to steal a baby or maybe part ways with one or more of your body parts, like phalanges or limbs. Until you are ready to make those kind of sacrifices, you should keep your comments to yourself-ves. (I used YOU as an universal YOU, not thinking of anyone in particular.)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I is for Idol...
... This year, as with every year before, I swore off American Idol before the season started.
"Why won't they just let the show die?" I asked. It's obvious America is no longer interested in another made-for-tv mediocre singer. Eight seasons is seven seasons too many, I said.
When I heard they were bringing on another a judge, I was slightly tempted. And then I reminded myself that I was so over American Idol.
The singers are never that great, I said, and the wrong person always gets kicked off too soon (think Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Michael Johns). What's the point of watching? Besides, American Idol is totally second-rate compared to So You Think You Can Dance.
But sometimes, a show is a phenomenon because it really is that good.
And I am loving American Idol this season.
"Why won't they just let the show die?" I asked. It's obvious America is no longer interested in another made-for-tv mediocre singer. Eight seasons is seven seasons too many, I said.
When I heard they were bringing on another a judge, I was slightly tempted. And then I reminded myself that I was so over American Idol.
The singers are never that great, I said, and the wrong person always gets kicked off too soon (think Chris Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Michael Johns). What's the point of watching? Besides, American Idol is totally second-rate compared to So You Think You Can Dance.
But sometimes, a show is a phenomenon because it really is that good.
And I am loving American Idol this season.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
C is for Choir...
... Alma and I got a special calling last Sunday.
As it was explained to us by the bishopric member, our married student ward has a high turnover. And there are a lot of members, but not so many callings. So there are some callings in our ward one doesn't normally find in a family ward.
Like ours: Ward Choir Members. Just think of us like this:
And yes, we were even sustained and set apart for it.
We'll now be attending church for four hours every Sunday. Yay.
As it was explained to us by the bishopric member, our married student ward has a high turnover. And there are a lot of members, but not so many callings. So there are some callings in our ward one doesn't normally find in a family ward.
Like ours: Ward Choir Members. Just think of us like this:
And yes, we were even sustained and set apart for it.We'll now be attending church for four hours every Sunday. Yay.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
V is for Vote...
... Do you want to see your favorite newlywed couple on the cover of this magazine?
(The pic's a bit fuzzy, it the Utah Bride and Groom Magazine.)
If so, here's what you need to do:
1. Go to the magazine's photo contest website.
2. Find this picture (#1072) of me and Alma:
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and enter your name, email address, and our picture's number (1072). Click enter.
4. (Optional) Repeat with as many different email addresses as you have.
If we get the most votes, not only will we be on the cover of the magazine (yay!) but we'll also get a free canvas print from our photographer, Brody Dezember (double yay!).
Thanks for your help everyone!
(The pic's a bit fuzzy, it the Utah Bride and Groom Magazine.)If so, here's what you need to do:
1. Go to the magazine's photo contest website.
2. Find this picture (#1072) of me and Alma:
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and enter your name, email address, and our picture's number (1072). Click enter.4. (Optional) Repeat with as many different email addresses as you have.
If we get the most votes, not only will we be on the cover of the magazine (yay!) but we'll also get a free canvas print from our photographer, Brody Dezember (double yay!).
Thanks for your help everyone!
Monday, March 9, 2009
S is for Snowboarding...
... Alma and I went snowboarding on Saturday. It's one of the few activities we both enjoy doing. At least, that's what Alma thought.
I may have been a bit dishonest about my actual feelings toward snowboarding while we were dating. I may have gone snowboarding a few times last year with Alma and never complained once. I may have said that I really enjoy snowboarding. I may have actually gone so far as to buy snowboarding equipment.
Taking all that into consideration, it may have come as a bit of a shock to Alma on Saturday when, mid-way through our first run down the mountain, after falling for like the kajillionth time, I starting crying and yelling about how much I hate snowboarding and that I never want to go again.
Eventually I did make it down the mountain, and surprisingly, I even went down a few more times. But needless to say, that's probably the last time Alma and I will go snowboarding together.
Anyone in the market for some almost brand-new snowboarding equipment?
I may have been a bit dishonest about my actual feelings toward snowboarding while we were dating. I may have gone snowboarding a few times last year with Alma and never complained once. I may have said that I really enjoy snowboarding. I may have actually gone so far as to buy snowboarding equipment.
Taking all that into consideration, it may have come as a bit of a shock to Alma on Saturday when, mid-way through our first run down the mountain, after falling for like the kajillionth time, I starting crying and yelling about how much I hate snowboarding and that I never want to go again.
Eventually I did make it down the mountain, and surprisingly, I even went down a few more times. But needless to say, that's probably the last time Alma and I will go snowboarding together.
Anyone in the market for some almost brand-new snowboarding equipment?
Friday, March 6, 2009
M is for March...
... March has definitely come in like a lion.
After a week of relatively warm (60 degrees) and sunny days at the end of February, March has brought with it wind, rain, clouds, and snow. Miserable.
(There is a teeny, tiny, unselfish part of me that is slightly happy for the snow, because it means that Alma will have fresh powder on the mountain when he goes snowboarding. But that part of me is getting drowned out by the loud, selfish, complaining part.)
Here's hoping that March will go out like a lamb, but you never can know with this crazy Utah weather!
After a week of relatively warm (60 degrees) and sunny days at the end of February, March has brought with it wind, rain, clouds, and snow. Miserable.
(There is a teeny, tiny, unselfish part of me that is slightly happy for the snow, because it means that Alma will have fresh powder on the mountain when he goes snowboarding. But that part of me is getting drowned out by the loud, selfish, complaining part.)
Here's hoping that March will go out like a lamb, but you never can know with this crazy Utah weather!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
W is for Wednesday...
... Wednesday is our favorite day of the week. Some reasons why Wednesday is so great:
At the end of the day, you're closer to Friday than Monday.
Lost is on.
We get to see Jared, Jeannie, and Jace.
Alma plays basketball.
I get to spend some girl-time with my sister.
... We always go to my sister's house to watch Lost, but this week they're out of town.
We're a little lost (haha, no pun intended) without our Wednesday routine. We miss you guys. Come home soon.
At the end of the day, you're closer to Friday than Monday.
Lost is on.
We get to see Jared, Jeannie, and Jace.
Alma plays basketball.
I get to spend some girl-time with my sister.
... We always go to my sister's house to watch Lost, but this week they're out of town.
We're a little lost (haha, no pun intended) without our Wednesday routine. We miss you guys. Come home soon.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
B is for the Bachelor ...
... I don't know if all ya'll watch ABC's show The Bachelor, but last night's show was craaaazy.
I was at the gym last night, and because there was nothing better on the TV's, I watched the last two episodes of The Bachelor. Or maybe I should say the last episode, and then the follow-up to the last episode episode. I haven't seen any of this season, but last night's episodes sucked me right in. Too bad it's over with now. Or is it? Apparently, you never know with The Bachelor.
As I'm sure everyone knows, the last episode is the one where the bachelor picks one of two girls to propose to. So he dumped one, and proposed to the other, and they were so happy and cute together. I got a little emotional myself thinking of how happy Alma and I were when we got engaged. It was heartwarming. Exactly the kind of emotional response ABC wants you to have to the show.
AND THEN, not thirty seconds after the end of that episode, when you still have warm-fuzzy feelings, the "After the Final Rose" episode comes on. And guess what?
The bachelor has changed his mind. He made a mistake. He's actually in love with the other girl - you know, the one he dumped. He then proceeds to dump his current fiancee, and then ask the other girl for a second chance. By the end of the show, he's repeating all the things he said to the first girl when he proposed to her, except this time it's to the one he dumped in the last episode. How ridiculous is that? It was like a slap in the face to all of us who we're feeling so happy during the previous episode.
Reality shows are crazy, ya'll. They should be called: "A Distorted Reflection of Reality" shows. They sure make for some entertaining shows, though.
I was at the gym last night, and because there was nothing better on the TV's, I watched the last two episodes of The Bachelor. Or maybe I should say the last episode, and then the follow-up to the last episode episode. I haven't seen any of this season, but last night's episodes sucked me right in. Too bad it's over with now. Or is it? Apparently, you never know with The Bachelor.
As I'm sure everyone knows, the last episode is the one where the bachelor picks one of two girls to propose to. So he dumped one, and proposed to the other, and they were so happy and cute together. I got a little emotional myself thinking of how happy Alma and I were when we got engaged. It was heartwarming. Exactly the kind of emotional response ABC wants you to have to the show.
AND THEN, not thirty seconds after the end of that episode, when you still have warm-fuzzy feelings, the "After the Final Rose" episode comes on. And guess what?
The bachelor has changed his mind. He made a mistake. He's actually in love with the other girl - you know, the one he dumped. He then proceeds to dump his current fiancee, and then ask the other girl for a second chance. By the end of the show, he's repeating all the things he said to the first girl when he proposed to her, except this time it's to the one he dumped in the last episode. How ridiculous is that? It was like a slap in the face to all of us who we're feeling so happy during the previous episode.
Reality shows are crazy, ya'll. They should be called: "A Distorted Reflection of Reality" shows. They sure make for some entertaining shows, though.
I is for Indian ...
... Sunday night, Alma and I had an Indian food night in.
I've recently developed quite the addiction to Indian food. I don't know why, but I love it. I think the blend of spices in Indian food is delicious. Unfortunately, Indian restaurants in Provo aren't the cheapest thing around, and since we're trying to save our pennies right now, we don't go out much. Which means that I've had a serious unfulfilled craving for some chicken tikka masala.
So I've been trying my hand at making some Indian food. I've made chicken tikka masala, naan bread, red kidney bean curry, indian spiced cauliflower and potatoes, raita, and homemade hummus. Most of it was delish, but the tikka masala was a bit too spicy for me, and I am still jonesing for the restaurant kind. Alma liked it a lot though. I think next time, I'll halve the amount of red pepper called for in the chicken marinade. The kidney bean curry was my favorite. Alma, of course, thought it would be better with meat.
Below are links to the recipes I used. They were a lot easier than I thought they would be. Give them a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Indian Spiced Cauliflower & Potatoes and Raita
Red Kidney Bean Curry
Chicken Tikka Masala
Naan Bread
Hummus
I've recently developed quite the addiction to Indian food. I don't know why, but I love it. I think the blend of spices in Indian food is delicious. Unfortunately, Indian restaurants in Provo aren't the cheapest thing around, and since we're trying to save our pennies right now, we don't go out much. Which means that I've had a serious unfulfilled craving for some chicken tikka masala.
So I've been trying my hand at making some Indian food. I've made chicken tikka masala, naan bread, red kidney bean curry, indian spiced cauliflower and potatoes, raita, and homemade hummus. Most of it was delish, but the tikka masala was a bit too spicy for me, and I am still jonesing for the restaurant kind. Alma liked it a lot though. I think next time, I'll halve the amount of red pepper called for in the chicken marinade. The kidney bean curry was my favorite. Alma, of course, thought it would be better with meat.
Below are links to the recipes I used. They were a lot easier than I thought they would be. Give them a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Indian Spiced Cauliflower & Potatoes and Raita
Red Kidney Bean Curry
Chicken Tikka Masala
Naan Bread
Hummus
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