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.)