Jose watching a junior rodeo in Durango, CO
Our first anniversary trip to Catalina
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
My Head Hurts
Between moving and the uncertainty of the house buying process, Jose and I are getting really stressed and tired. So far, we should be signing the final papers tomorrow, which means we will be moving in this weekend.
So on top of the stresses previously discussed we are now faced with the fact that we will be living together and I will be living with a family, not just roommates.
I haven't lived with any family since I was 17, which was 8 years ago... This is a little different than living with roommates because the dynamics are so much more difficult and if there is a frustration they see it as an affront to "the Family" not just with that person. I love his family, so I think we can do this OK, it will just take some getting used to.
That is all...
So on top of the stresses previously discussed we are now faced with the fact that we will be living together and I will be living with a family, not just roommates.
I haven't lived with any family since I was 17, which was 8 years ago... This is a little different than living with roommates because the dynamics are so much more difficult and if there is a frustration they see it as an affront to "the Family" not just with that person. I love his family, so I think we can do this OK, it will just take some getting used to.
That is all...
Friday, September 26, 2008
Recipe of the day (or week)
I loved this recipe ad Jose did too! Its super easy and great for an easy home cooked meal. (I didn't use Tarragon or any spice for the biscuits.)
Skillet Chicken and Dumplings
A skillet makes quick work of scrumptious chicken and dumplings featuring all-white-meat chicken breasts.
Prep Time:30 min
Start to Finish:50 min
Makes:4 servings
Chicken and Vegetables
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 bag (1 lb) frozen stir-fry vegetables (or any vegi mix you like)
Tarragon Dumplings
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
1. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil about 5 minutes, turning once, until chicken begins to brown.
2. Stir in soup and frozen vegetables. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently.
3. In small bowl, stir all dumpling ingredients until soft dough forms. Drop by 4 spoonfuls onto boiling chicken mixture. Reduce heat. Cook uncovered 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.
Nutrition Information
1 Serving: Calories 490 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 4 1/2g, Trans Fat 1g); Cholesterol 95mg; Sodium 1650mg; Total Carbohydrate 39g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 5g); Protein 42g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 35%; Vitamin C 30%; Calcium 10%; Iron 20% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 5 Very Lean Meat; 3 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 1/2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Substitution
You can use your favorite 1-pound bag of Green Giant® frozen vegetables instead of the stir-fry vegetables.
Success
To prevent dumplings from falling apart, drop dough onto chicken or vegetables rather than directly into liquid or gravy. If dough is dropped into liquid, the simmering action may force the dough apart.
Substitution
Don't like tarragon? Try dried basil or marjoram leaves or poultry seasoning instead of the tarragon for a flavor twist on these savory dumplings.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=7855&Source=SearchResultPage
Skillet Chicken and Dumplings
A skillet makes quick work of scrumptious chicken and dumplings featuring all-white-meat chicken breasts.
Prep Time:30 minStart to Finish:50 min
Makes:4 servings
Chicken and Vegetables
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 bag (1 lb) frozen stir-fry vegetables (or any vegi mix you like)
Tarragon Dumplings
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
1. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil about 5 minutes, turning once, until chicken begins to brown.
2. Stir in soup and frozen vegetables. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently.
3. In small bowl, stir all dumpling ingredients until soft dough forms. Drop by 4 spoonfuls onto boiling chicken mixture. Reduce heat. Cook uncovered 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.
Nutrition Information
1 Serving: Calories 490 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 4 1/2g, Trans Fat 1g); Cholesterol 95mg; Sodium 1650mg; Total Carbohydrate 39g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 5g); Protein 42g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 35%; Vitamin C 30%; Calcium 10%; Iron 20% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 5 Very Lean Meat; 3 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 1/2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Substitution
You can use your favorite 1-pound bag of Green Giant® frozen vegetables instead of the stir-fry vegetables.
Success
To prevent dumplings from falling apart, drop dough onto chicken or vegetables rather than directly into liquid or gravy. If dough is dropped into liquid, the simmering action may force the dough apart.
Substitution
Don't like tarragon? Try dried basil or marjoram leaves or poultry seasoning instead of the tarragon for a flavor twist on these savory dumplings.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=7855&Source=SearchResultPage
Packing... my thoughts
It is no fun task. It can be exciting when you have a place to move to and thoughts on where it will all go, but if you are like me and unaware if you will even be able to move to the fantasised spot, it makes motivation difficult.
We are still waiting on other people to finalize the details of the house and this alone can be a very stressful event. I am also one to eat junk when I am stressed so trying to lose weight in the midst of the stressful event I am enduring, is almost impossible. I have been frequenting the gym and keeping a food journal, with a limit on my caloric intake, however, I am still faced with challenges daily.
As previously discussed, my weakness for candy corn can overtake me at times and right now they are every where, including my kitchen. To make matters worse, when I cheat on my diet, I stress about how that one-time cheat will ruin my whole diet and make me gain 20 pounds. I know this is ridiculous but the fact of the matter is, that is how I am and I think.
Enough of the blabbing, I have to go pack :(
We are still waiting on other people to finalize the details of the house and this alone can be a very stressful event. I am also one to eat junk when I am stressed so trying to lose weight in the midst of the stressful event I am enduring, is almost impossible. I have been frequenting the gym and keeping a food journal, with a limit on my caloric intake, however, I am still faced with challenges daily.
As previously discussed, my weakness for candy corn can overtake me at times and right now they are every where, including my kitchen. To make matters worse, when I cheat on my diet, I stress about how that one-time cheat will ruin my whole diet and make me gain 20 pounds. I know this is ridiculous but the fact of the matter is, that is how I am and I think.
Enough of the blabbing, I have to go pack :(
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Recipe of the day (or week)
These were so good, everyone at worked liked them (or at least the ones who were quick enough to get one). I did modify a few things to make them less fattening. See the recipe, and the notes in brown are my changes. Enjoy!
Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Prize-Winning Recipe 2007! Oatmeal cookie mix and pie filling make it easy to get a delicious apple pie-like bar.
Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:3 hr 40 min
Makes:24 bars
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup firm butter or margarine (or low fat butter or margarine)
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened (or Neufantchel Cheese)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg (try egg beaters, I haven't yet but they should work)
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling (cut up the apple pieces, they spread better)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. Place cookie mix in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and coarse. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked crust. In medium bowl, mix pie filling and cinnamon. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over top. Sprinkle with walnuts.
5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Refrigerate to chill, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 40 to 45 minutes.
Nutrition Information (For Original Recipe)
1 Serving: Calories 240 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 13g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 19g); Protein 4g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes/Recipe.aspx?recipeId=44250
Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars Prize-Winning Recipe 2007! Oatmeal cookie mix and pie filling make it easy to get a delicious apple pie-like bar.
Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:3 hr 40 min
Makes:24 bars
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup firm butter or margarine (or low fat butter or margarine)
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened (or Neufantchel Cheese)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg (try egg beaters, I haven't yet but they should work)
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling (cut up the apple pieces, they spread better)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. Place cookie mix in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and coarse. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked crust. In medium bowl, mix pie filling and cinnamon. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over top. Sprinkle with walnuts.
5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Refrigerate to chill, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 40 to 45 minutes.
Nutrition Information (For Original Recipe)
1 Serving: Calories 240 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 13g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 19g); Protein 4g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes/Recipe.aspx?recipeId=44250
So what is going on now, you might ask?
Foggy, gloomy morning. I love Fall. I really do. The cool nights and the warmer days. I love it when the Santa Ana winds kick in and everything is dry and dusty. Another great reason is Halloween, not really the day but the candy corn is everywhere and it is my favorite.
Last weekend I was packing and relaxing. We realized it will be one of the last weekends we have before the move and when our life now drastically changes. We will be living together in a house that we will not be renting.
Another new thing is that Jose and I have been working out together and I really like it. I have lost four pounds since last Monday and I hope the weight will keep dropping off of me.
That's about all the excitement in my life as of now but coming up this weekend is more packing and the weekend after that is the move.
Keep smilin' and laughin'
Last weekend I was packing and relaxing. We realized it will be one of the last weekends we have before the move and when our life now drastically changes. We will be living together in a house that we will not be renting.
Another new thing is that Jose and I have been working out together and I really like it. I have lost four pounds since last Monday and I hope the weight will keep dropping off of me.
That's about all the excitement in my life as of now but coming up this weekend is more packing and the weekend after that is the move.
Keep smilin' and laughin'
Everything Happens for a Reason
I now have a moment to ponder how my life has flown by the last few months, enough time to write a bit about it.
June
A lot of anticipation was put into going to Durango, my Mom's choice resting place. Prepping the maps and information created an air of excitement but the realization of why we were going set in about a day before we left. This was supposed to be a little exciting, I hadn't been to Durango in about 10 years and Jose had not ever been outside the state, except to Vegas. We took off late at night to avoid traffic and Jose pretty much drove the entire way there. Our time in Durango was short but it is such a small town, that was ok. Jose and I were hoping to relax a little bit but that's not what other people wanted to do so we headed down south to visit Grandma. Phoenix was friggin' hot!!! So hot it was difficult to breathe. Again, we wished we could have stayed longer but that's not what ended up happening. We drove back, dropped off the boys and decided we were going to stay in Big Bear for a couple of days to get the relaxation we needed. We were so happy when we found out that Jesus and Letti were going to come visit us. We only stayed for two nights but it was worth it and we can't wait to go back again.
July
My Birthday!!! I turned 25.... It sounds so old.... but I don't feel it....
Also, we had started to look for a house that will fit our needs and the needs of Jose's parents. I didn't know this then but it would be a stressful couple of months...
August
We found a house in Corona that has everything we need and more... An offer was submitted and papers were signed... Now we only have to wait to make sure it all goes through ok...
September
The house is waiting and all we need is to fill the pool... All the papers are signed and we jsut need to show the bank that the pool can be filled, the problem is, it has to be fixed before it can be filled. All in all we are being told that October 3rd is the move-in date. We can't wait and we already have so many plans for our room and what we want to do with it.
That is a summary of everything that happened the last few months. Not too exciting but enough to make me tired and stressed. We can't wait until the house thing is done with and we can finally settle in but, in the words of my Mother and Jose, everything happens for a reason.
June
A lot of anticipation was put into going to Durango, my Mom's choice resting place. Prepping the maps and information created an air of excitement but the realization of why we were going set in about a day before we left. This was supposed to be a little exciting, I hadn't been to Durango in about 10 years and Jose had not ever been outside the state, except to Vegas. We took off late at night to avoid traffic and Jose pretty much drove the entire way there. Our time in Durango was short but it is such a small town, that was ok. Jose and I were hoping to relax a little bit but that's not what other people wanted to do so we headed down south to visit Grandma. Phoenix was friggin' hot!!! So hot it was difficult to breathe. Again, we wished we could have stayed longer but that's not what ended up happening. We drove back, dropped off the boys and decided we were going to stay in Big Bear for a couple of days to get the relaxation we needed. We were so happy when we found out that Jesus and Letti were going to come visit us. We only stayed for two nights but it was worth it and we can't wait to go back again.
July
My Birthday!!! I turned 25.... It sounds so old.... but I don't feel it....
Also, we had started to look for a house that will fit our needs and the needs of Jose's parents. I didn't know this then but it would be a stressful couple of months...
August
We found a house in Corona that has everything we need and more... An offer was submitted and papers were signed... Now we only have to wait to make sure it all goes through ok...
September
The house is waiting and all we need is to fill the pool... All the papers are signed and we jsut need to show the bank that the pool can be filled, the problem is, it has to be fixed before it can be filled. All in all we are being told that October 3rd is the move-in date. We can't wait and we already have so many plans for our room and what we want to do with it.
That is a summary of everything that happened the last few months. Not too exciting but enough to make me tired and stressed. We can't wait until the house thing is done with and we can finally settle in but, in the words of my Mother and Jose, everything happens for a reason.
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