Ring...ring

We got a personal tour the Sprint campus today from, Matt, Jacob's friend since high school. 

I got to see all kinds of super secret things that I was sworn to secrecy about.   Lucky I didn't understand anything I heard, so the secrets are safe with me.

On the tour we did find this fun cut out:

Woo Hoo!

I just looked up my student's grades....and my freshmen did really well! Only 3 on probation!!! My sophomores fared okay but not as well.

I am ready for the Christmas break.....and I am super excited to see my sweetie in a couple of weeks!

My 15 minutes of fame...

Well, I've finally made it.....made it on the Lamar board that is!  My tweet was displayed for all the home-bound commuters today!

Happy Birthday to MMMMMEEEEEEEEEEE!

Wow, this was a great birthday.  Thank you all for a great, special, fun birthday!

I was in Texas to visit all my besties in the DFW.  We watch Harry Potter and they threw me an amazing party.  You guys made me feel so special and loved.

Then, my amazing boyfriend sent me these beautiful flowers at work:

Then my mom surprised me with giving me a quilt!  This is one she has been making for years and I've always admired it.  Now it's mine to snuggle under!  Thanks mom, it is beautiful.

I am way blessed.  Thank you all for all your love.

My heart is happy.....

So I guess this is a good road.  It's official, I have a boyfriend.

First Date

So after about two months of phone and email dates, tonight I got to meet Jacob in person.  He was all I hoped for and then some. 

My first thought was...wow he is even cuter in person than in pictures.  Our night was very easy, comfortable, and fun.  I don't know for sure where this is headed, but I like the road we're on so far.

Here is a picture of my the beautiful flowers he gave me.

We waz robbed!

The Broken Arrow Marching Band was 2nd at Grand Nationals.  (We should have won, in my opinion, but maybe I am biased.  We did win fan favorite.) 

I am so proud of both my nephews who competed in the event.  Great job boys!  Love you both and Aunt Holly is so proud of you!

Thankful

I am very thankful for unlimited minutes.  :) 

VOTE

I voted....go out and do your civic duty!

March on!

Congratulations to my nephew, Alex, and the Broken Arrow Marching Band for winning the state marching contest!  Nationals here we come!

Brrr....it's getting cold outside!

I love cold weather, mostly because I love comfort food.  Who wants to eat warm, cozy food when it's a 100 degrees outside?  So many of my favorite foods are winter-weather food.

I could eat soup pretty much every day.  I LOVE soups of all kinds.

Here is a recipe I plan on trying to make tonight.  It sounds amazing.

Chicken-Lime-Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Juice of 3 limes
• 1/2 cup of tomato juice
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tsp. chopped green chilies
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1/4 cup corn
• 1 avacado per each bowl (diced small)
• 1 cup Mexican cheese (shredded)
• 1 tsp. minced garlie
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Tortilla strips

Directions:

• Simmer chicken stock, tomato, Worcestershire, and lime juices with the jalapeno, cilantro for 45 minutes.
• While simmering, grill the chicken until cooked all the way through, then dice into small cubes or strips.
• Strain soup and add the chicken, green onion, chilies, red bell pepper, rice corn, garlic, to the broth and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Place the tortilla strips, diced avocado, and shredded cheese on the side to be added by guests as desired.

Life is Short

I got heartbreaking news today.  One of my freshmen lost her brother that was a senior in high school. 

It is a very real reminder of how short life is.  Make the most of the time you're given. 

Eating an Elephant

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time.

This is something I share with my students.  Many times we can get overwhelmed with the elephant in the room (all that needs to be done).....so much so that we stop doing anything at all.  We leave the elephant there....and he sits just getting bigger and bigger.

Who can eat a whole elephant in one setting?  That's the point.  We have to take it one bite at a time.

Life has picked up and I can get overwhelmed if I look at the big picture of all that needs to get done.  Instead I am going to choose to take it one day at a time, one task at a time.  One bite at a time. 

Happy 10/10/10 Day!

In celebration of 10/10/10, I am going to indulge in my favorite things......chips and salsa.  I LOVE Chili's chips and salsa.  The chips are super thin and extra salty.  The salsa is the right amount of heat for the masses. 

I think chips and salsa is my love language. 

Here is a favorite recipe that is a lot like Chili's salsa.

Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5 oz) can of tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (14.5 oz) can whole canned tomatoes (plus the juice)
• 4 teaspoons jalapenos (canned, diced not pickled)
• 1/4 cup yellow onion (diced) 
• 1/2-3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 
•  1/2 teaspoon cumin 
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

• In food processor, place jalapenos and onions.  
• Process for just a few seconds
• Add both cans of tomatoes, salt, sugar, and cumin
• Process all ingredients until well blended but do not puree.
• Place in container and chill
• Serve with favorite thin chips (I like Tia Rosa Mega Thin chips)

Everything is for me!

It's it the Monday after and OU-Texas weekend, and we won.  FREE Panara for breakfast.  Life is good.

Did I mention that I LOVE Panara's Everything bagel?  YUM.

I love the topping on the bagels so much, I found a recipe for it!  It's super easy and when made in bulk, is cheaper than buying pre-made spices.  It's great on sandwiches, fried or baked potatoes, salads, chicken, add to Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a bread dip--whatever you like!

Ingredients: 
1 Cup Fried Garlic (find this at an Asian Market)
1/2 Cup Onion Flakes
1/4 Cup of Sea Salt
1/4 Cup White Sesame Seeds (find this at an Asian Market)
1/4 Cup Black Sesame Seeds (find this at an Asian Market)
1/4 Cup Poppy Seeds
1/4 Cup Caraway Seeds

Direction:
In a Food Processor, grind the fried garlic, onion flakes, and sea salt for approximately 10-30 seconds (or until fine enough to pour out of shaker).  Add the white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and caraway seeds and mix.  Add to a shaker and enjoy!

:)

 I'm headed home with my windows down and a smile on my face.  :)

Vito....that's what's for lunch.

I AM ADDICTED.

I love breakfast.

I am making a yummy breakfast casserole to take to work tomorrow.  This one is super easy and amazing!  I have not found one person that doesn't like it.

Eggs Portugal

Ingredients:

• 1/2 stick of butter, melted
• 8 slices of bread, cubed (I used white) 
• 1 lb sausage, browned and drained (or 1.5 lbs thickly cut bacon fried crispy and crumbled into chunks)
• 10 oz shredded cheddar cheese
• 5 eggs, scrambled
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Directions:

• Melt butter in a 9x13 pan.  Scatter bread over butter.
• Sprinkle sausage (or bacon)over the bread.  Add dried onions over the sausage (or bacon). 
• Beat eggs and milk together.  Add soup and mix well.
• Pour liquid over the layers, saturating all areas well.  
• Cover and refrigerate overnight.  
• The next day, bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.  (I find it is closer to 60 minutes).
• Let it stand before serving. 

Hmmm.....this is interesting

So today I got an interesting match on eH.  It was refreshing and encouraging.  I'd given up hope that there were any real men out there.  We'll see!

Chips and Dip....Can it get any better? I submit it cannot!

Making 7-Layer Dip to take to small group tonight.  It's super easy.  Here is what I do...

Layer 1:  Spread 1 large can of refried beans on a platter.  Once smooth, sprinkle with garlic salt.

Layer 2:  Next, in a small bowl, mash two fresh avocados.  Salt to taste.  Spread over the beans.

Layer 3:  Spread sour cream over the avocados.

Layer 4:  Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Layer 5:  Cut up tomatoes and sprinkle evenly over layers.

Layer 6:  Chop green onion and sprinkle evenly over layers.

Layer 7:  Add sliced (and drained)  black olives to complete the layers.

ANYONE GOT A CHIP?   

Luck be a lady...

I've had some incredible luck picking winners lately.

First, I won the NCAA bracket in my office without watching a single game.  I should be getting my rewards soon.

Today I just "won" bragging rights for picking the final three and winner of Survivor.  It was my first time watching the show and it featured all past contestants.  I was up against long-time, lloyal Survivor fans.  Oh, and my brother.  Whom I beat.  Did I mention that?

Bring on the freshies!!!!!!!

Can't wait to meet all my new freshmen!

"Please Don't Devour Mockingjay"

I am almost done with the last book of the Hunger Games series.  I have to keep reminding myself to slow down and enjoy it!

Here is a great article about it!

A Long Shot

Life has been drastically better these past few months.  I am a homeowner.  My job is amazing and fulfilling.  Friends and family love and support me daily.  I am very blessed.

But I have always desired getting married and having a family.  I live in a college town.  I work with college students.  I go to church that is primarily college-aged people.  My natural contact with men my age is nonexistent.

Recently I was talking to another single friend about this.  She shared that for a couple months she had been on eHarmony.  She encouraged me to give it a try. 

To be honest, I scoffed at it.....the internet?  Seriously? How clique of me to try.  I just didn't know what I thought about it.  Could God actually use something like that?  I thought about it for a while and finally decided to sign up for 1 month.  Just to see....to try.

I was convinced that I was putting God in a box.  If He could use a burning bush to communicate, why couldn't he use the internet.  I still have my doubts.  But I am going to give it a try.  We'll see what comes from it......

Psych Season 5 Premiere is tonight!!

Happy Father's Day

I'm really missing my dad today, but I am thankful for my awesome brothers who are also wonderful fathers.

ConGRADulations

Congratulations to the OU class of 2010! 

I survived my fist commencement!  Although it was a wet one, we got to celebrate the accomplishments of all those OU SOONERS!

Hello, call me Juror #2

As I was headed into my first commencement, I get a summons from Jury Duty.  I was one of 3 alternates....I was to go back the next day to see if I would be chosen.  I had a 1-in-3 chance.  However, there was a tornado that hit Norman that night.

Today when I got in, several people got out of the jury because of the tornado.  I was then chosen to be juror #2. 

This is my first time to serve on a jury.  I am not against it.  Actually I am sort of excited to see how the process works.  However, the timing absolutely stinks.  My office is in commencement mode, and I won't be there to help. 

Remembering

I am remember two years ago today and missing my dad.  I am thankful for the time I did have with him.

He is a 4-legged baby...

Today I had to rush Mick to the doggie ER.  He will chase anything, and I was in the back yard when someone with a dog walked by.  He took off a million miles an hour toward them and must of pulled a muscle in his leg.  He yelled and wouldn't put any weight on it.  I am now trying to keep him still and resting....and and get him to take his meds.  That is not easy. 

He should be okay though.  If I am this nervous about him, I am worried to see what I am like when it is my human baby!

Slumber Party

To celebrate my newly bought house, I am going to have all my best friend in my house for a slumber party!  And unlike the slumber parties of my teenage years, I am betting we actually SLEEP!  We are OLD you know!

I can't wait.

Extreme Home Makeover

The popular TV show, Extreme Home Makeover, came to the Norman area to build a house.  Emily and I were set to volunteer and got there too late (weather bad). 

We went back the next day and watched.  I was able to see Ty and some of the other hosts film some sections.  Can't wait to see the full episode!

It was neat to see such a transformation happen so quickly!

Chicken Fried Steak is Food For the Southern Soul

One of my best friends, Dana, called me to ask how I made my chicken fried steak.  It's super easy comfort food.  Here is my recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 pds. Cube Steak
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk (plus 2 more for gravy)
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• Seasoned Salt,  salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

Steps:

• In one dish, beat the eggs with the 1.5 cups of milk. 
• In second dish add the flour, 2 tsp seasoned salt and pepper to your mixture.
• Place meat in the liquid soaking both sides.  Salt meat and then dredge in the flour mixture, coating both sides.  Dip again in the egg/milk and then again in the flour.
• In a skillet (cast iron works best) heat 1/2 cup of oil or so on a medium-high heat.  Drop a small pinch of flour and it the oil  and if it sizzles, it is ready.
• Cook on both sides until golden brown and the meat is done, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
• Drain on paper towel

 For the gravy:

• Pour off the grease into a heat-resistant bowl.  Without cleaning the pan, return about 1/4 a cup of the oil to the pan.
• Add about 1/3 a cup of flour.  You want to stir this until the mixture browns and thickens into a "roux'."
• If it is too thick, add a little more oil.  If it is too thin, add a little more flour.  
• One golden, add the two cups of milk, whisking consistantly. 
• Wisk to combine and the gravy will gradually thicken.  
• Taste it and add salt and pepper.  Salt is key--don't ruin a good gravy by under seasoning it.  
• Once it is thick, it is ready to serve!  (If you get it too thick, add a couple splashes of milk.)