Thursday, March 31, 2011

What A Week!

Sorry for the lack of posts. But somebody in our household started school. Yep, me.  I started class Monday. First day was really overwhelming. My brain hurt so bad. I actually had called Matt to cry to him about it. I'm so thankful that he believes in me whenever I don't believe in myself and is there to encourage me through anything I feel I cannot do. I just hope that this is a career for me and I will enjoy it. I'm feeling worried about it right now.
The Second day of class was not quite as overwhelming, but still a lot of information needs to be learned. Thankfully, the professors gave off Wednesday and Thursday.

I am using these 2 days for reading, highlighting, note cards, and studying. First quiz is on Friday morning and then I have my first test on Monday morning. Talk about fast-paced, huh? That's not the most shocking part. The shocking part is that the test is over 11 chapters; which, is 179 pages. Yes, I counted. I honestly am unsure of how I'm going to be able to retain all that information and be able to maintain it all in my brain. If only there were a way to borrow a brain for extra memory....hm, maybe I should check craigslist; the website does have everything, ha ha.
I use to think that the days went by too slow. But now, they are going by too fast and I wish I had more time off. Funny how that works out.

Saturday I am running a 10k early in the morning. Donations are still being accepted. The deadline is on Friday morning. So please help support this cause. The money that is being donated in my name is giving me motivation to really run well that day.  Click here to donate Currently I am halfway to my goal.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Check. Check. Call. Fold.

As I was in mid-sleep the other night, I received a phone call from Matt. It's always nice to hear his voice, even if it was midnight. He wanted to tell me about his night on how him and the guys he is working with went to the casino. He told me he had a pretty successful night. I was proud of how he did. Not even thinking about the baby list we made, he had put $100 on black since he was up in chips. Luckily, he did well. I honestly don't remember the entire story of how it all happened since like I said, I was in mid-sleep but I'm glad it all worked out and my husband walked out of the casino a happy man.  So, since Matt did something that was on our list, it's time to be crossed off. Although, we weren't together - it was something that HE wanted to do and it is on the list. So, goodbye #22.  I miss you, love.

Side note - a few nights ago I watched the movie, Eat. Pray. Love. with Julia Roberts. What a good movie! I thoroughly enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It kind of makes me want to read the book someday. So, if you haven't watched it yet, maybe you should.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

All You Gotta Say is La De Da

Not much has been going on the past couple days. I have, however, been doing a lot of scrap booking. I've had most of these projects on my "to-do list" for awhile.
Other than that, I have been trying to keep up with a running schedule, but it hasn't worked out that way. I only have about 1 week left of training for this 10k before I want to stop and give my body a rest so it's not worn out by race day on April 2nd. This past Wednesday I ran 5.1 miles, so that leaves me with 1 more mile to add onto the 5.1 miles I recently ran; which, I think is possible. Sometimes I wonder what I got myself into but I know it's for a good cause, it keeps me in shape, and afterwards, I get that awesome feeling known as: accomplishment

And on that topic of accomplishment, school is coming up soon. This week is spring break, then next Monday I have my first day of CNA class. I'm starting to get nervous about it but I'm really excited to get a move-on with my career, in hopes that I have actually found the career to stick with. I do feel this could be it!

Curious about my post title? Then check out this video on YouTube. I never heard of it until a few minutes ago when I was searching for a different video. It's not something I would normally listen to, but it sort-of has a catchy tune to it... ha, ha.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

See You In Two Months!

Well, Matt left the other day, Tuesday morning to be exact. It's always tough saying goodbye regardless the amount of days, weeks, or months. But I am looking at the positives of this DET (detachment) because if I think negative, then that will only drag out these 2 months. So on with the positives:
--Per Diem allowance
--3.5 - 4 hours away depending on traffic and speed
--It's not a deployment, therefore we have phone & internet
--I may be able to go out for a visit before I start school
--I will be in school 5 days a week, so the weeks should go by fairly quickly

If that doesn't pep me up, then I always have this picture to look at that Matt made for me on the computer when he said he "wanted to test out the printer quality":
With that being said, we bought a new printer! Our other printer quit working on us about 2 months ago and with me starting up school soon, we felt it was necessary to buy one before he left. We decided on the Canon PIXMA - MG5520 All-In-One Wireless Printer. It was originally $149 but on sale for $99. It has good reviews and the replacement ink cartridges aren't priced too high either; cheaper than the other brands we saw.

Afterwards, we went to have dinner at Pizza Port. This place has THE best pizza EVER. I am not even kidding when I enunciate on THE and EVER. It's a really cool set up inside (which I'll remember next time we are there to take a picture of). You order yourself, you seat yourself, and you wait until your name is called for. They actually make their own beer; which, is pretty delicious. Matt tried the Carlsbad Chronic - it's an amber ale type of beer. I had the California Honey that is a lighter type of beer with real honey that they get locally. I can taste it now..
Everything on there is fresh. It's awesome. It's a bit pricey than a pizza you would find at papa john's or domino's, but it's well worth the price. Ours had cheese, sausage, jalapenos, and fresh basil. 

On the way out, we saw this and I had to get a picture of it. I forgot my camera at home, so the full thing couldn't fit on my phone camera, but there was 1 more row after that car seat.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Shopping Spree

Over the weekend Matt and I went to the mall. We got him a new pair of dress shoes, then the rest was all me. We are trying to re-do my wardrobe because I dress like a "high school-er" as Matt would like to say. When he first said that to me I was trying to defend myself. But c'mon, I do! I really don't have adult-like-clothing, if that makes any sense? So I'm trying to get more into Express and New York & Company, etc.. Matt buys all his clothing at Express, so I have been in that store before but never did I EVER look in the women's section.... until Saturday. I really adore the clothing at Express. It fits great, looks even better and the best part about it all? I actually feel like I'm my age. So, we walked out with a purchase. Also, thank you to my wonderful parents - I had a gift card to American Eagle, so I bought a cute blouse and khaki shorts (they don't look high school-er either!) If I didn't have a gift card, I don't think Matt would have allowed me to shop in that store anymore Ha Ha.
Check out our new shoes
Got to love Payless BOGO 1/2 off! 
Since he got a new pair of black dress shoes, we said goodbye to his other old dress shoes as we I tossed them in the trash. I got some adorable slip on shoes. I just need to walk around in them more because it was rubbing the back of my heel the wrong way.


Sunday morning, we went to get Matt's haircut. We were feeling pretty hungry for breakfast, so we came across a place that was down the street, called "The Breakfast Club Diner." I was skeptical of the place because it looked pretty quiet and not busy from the outside, (plus, it had one of those blinking open sign lights) but we decided to give it a try.  Once we walked in, it was actually really busy. Almost every table was taken. We had fast, good service - plus our food came out pretty quick and it definitely looked appetizing.
I got the French Toast Combo which included 4 french toast, 2 large eggs, 2 sausage links and some fruit on the side. 
Matt got the Omelet Combo which included 4 eggs in the omelet, a whole bunch of stuff inside, hash browns, toast, and some fruit on the side.

Not only were the prices good, but it was tasty too. So our lesson of the weekend was: You never know how good a place can be until you give it a try... basically, don't judge a restaurant or diner by it's outer appearance.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Lots Of Talk & Pictures

Lent! Ash Wednesday was this week. What to give up, or what to start? (I know that we aren't really suppose to say outloud or share what we decide to do, but I have decided that I am going to share) With that said, I am going to do one of each.
What to give up - over thinking and analyzing. Of course it's good to do sometimes, but I think I do it quite often; while, Matt thinks knows I do it too often.
What to do more of/start - Praying actively for my husband and our marriage. This is also on our list. So, once Lent is over with, I will cross it off and (of course) keep up with it.
What are you giving up or starting for Lent?

Tsunami. It's been on my mind since I first heard of it on the news. I couldn't imagine being in something like that. Matt called me from work early in the morning telling me to wake up and turn the news on so I can get involved in what's going on with the world right now. Well, I did exactly that. I turned on the news and watched all the tragic terrifying clips for 4 hours. FOUR hours. I couldn't stop watching it. Something so scary yet we watch it and search for news article and video clips....because it makes us actually feel alive.

Friday evening I finished a section of our wedding scrapbook. Just one section... and there are at least 11 more sections to go. So below are the pages that are complete (Click to enlarge photo). I must say, I am proud of the way it came out!
Wedding Party section
First page in the section. This is how the two pages look side by side
Left side of page
Up close of left side. The whole idea is suppose to be little picture frames hanging by ribbon and thread
Right side of page
Up close some details on left side
Second page of the section
Left side of page
up close details on left side
Another up close view
Right side of page. Made some black bow ties.
Left side of page
Last page of the section
up close view on some details. I made the names looks like name places.

P.S. Don't forget to change your clocks if you haven't already. Spring ahead!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

Last night I made homemade Chicken Pot Pie for Matt and I. I've made this recipe a few times before, but never shared it with family. I got this recipe from my mom.  It makes a lot of servings, but you can always alter it to make smaller portions. I just like to make a bigger pan of it because we normally eat it for leftovers the next day for lunch and dinner. It's even good the day after that too.
 So, the recipe I am putting up, is for the size of meal I make:

Prep time: 1 hour (which includes cook time for chicken on stove)
Cook time in oven: 30-35 minutes
Serving size: I think this could easily feed 5-6 people, but not including going up for "seconds"
  • 2 Chicken Breasts (preferably on bone; it comes out more moist this way, easier to take apart and it's actually cheaper than buying skinless and boneless)
  • 1 Family size can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup (26 oz.)
  • 2 cups of Bisquick mix
  • ~ 2 cups of milk
  • Peas and Carrots mix (I buy these in the freezer section, usually generic brand name will do) You can also use the mixed vegetables that include corn too.
  • Pepper and salt
  • 13x9 baking dish
First you will start off by putting the two chicken breasts in a large pot. Then add water so it's a little over half-way filled to the top. Start your timer to have it cook between 40-50 minutes (Mine is usually finished within 45 minutes). Make sure your water comes to a boil.
Once the chicken is finished, carefully take it out of the pot and put it on a plate. Cut open the chicken to see if there is any pink. If there is pink, then you need to cook it for a little bit longer; if there is no pink, then continue to let the chicken cool on a plate for about 5 minutes while doing the next step.

While the chicken is cooling, this is a good time to start on the peas and carrots. You can either:
 A.) put them in a steam bag or plastic bag and cook it in the microwave for ~5 minutes, or 
 B.) steam the on the stove.  
If you want to steam them: Put a little bit of water in the pot, then put the vegetables in. Once vegetables are added, put the lid on the pot and let the water get to a boiling point. Once it starts to boil, turn down the burner so it's only simmering. Steam the vegetables for 15 minutes.
Before I put the lid on

After the vegetables are started, now it's time to cut up the chicken into cubes or shred it into pieces. I find it easier to cut all the chicken off the bone, then pull it apart with my hands so it's shredded. Put all the chicken into your 13x9 baking dish, or whichever dish you decide to use.
Yeah, I know.. it looks gross - this is after I took the chicken off the bone.

Next, add the Campbell's chicken soup. BEFORE you throw away the can, pour milk a little bit under the halfway mark.  Now, pour the milk into the baking dish and stir around the chicken, chicken soup, and milk.
Not so appetizing looking here either.

The peas and carrots now should be finished and drained out. Once they are, pour the vegetables into the baking dish. Add some salt and pepper (not too much salt!) and stir. Preheat oven for 350*


Now, it's time to make the crust. Take 2 cups of Bisquick (make sure it's leveled off to the top.)  Put in mixing bowl, then add 1 cup of milk. You want your mixture to not be too thick or too runny. Right in the middle to where it's easier to spread and easily slides off the spoon you mix with.  So you can adjust the amount of milk once it's stirred and use your better judgement. When the Bisquick is mixed up, then pour into baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire dish so nothing is visible. I find it easy to pour it all across evenly and then spread it gently with the backside of the spoon to have all the areas covered.


Put cookie tray in the oven, and then the baking dish on top (this way if anything were to overflow it lands on the cookie tray rather than your oven!). Cook for 30-35 minutes, remove from oven, and let it cool for 5 minutes (that way it keeps it's form and not too soupy when you put on the plate).
 Then enjoy :)

I know it sounds confusing and a lot of steps, but it's not. Okay, so maybe there are a lot of steps, but once you make this dish at least once or twice, it becomes easier; more of a routine.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Say Cheese

I feel very accomplished today. I have been slacking on going up to the college to get my parking permit, student ID, Books, and asking a few questions. But today I told myself I cannot wait any longer because sooner than I know, spring break will be here and then I'm in trouble since school starts the next day!
So, I forced myself out of the house to go to the college.

Well, I got my parking permit!

And my student ID!

I went to the bookstore to purchase the two books I need for the course but only one was available, so next week I'll drive back up to the campus and just purchase both of them at the same time. It seems easier to me.

For now, I'm all set until school starts on March 28th. Yay college. It came up quick!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Welcome Aboard!

This weekend has been such a blast. I've been enjoying spending time with Matt and being outdoors. The weather has definitely picked up and it's starting to feel like California, once again. I cannot wait until the summer comes around!!  
Yesterday (Saturday), Matt and I were out the entire day! We first went to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego early in the afternoon. We didn't realize how big the actual ship was until we got there.We were touring through the ship for about 2.5 hours! It was really interesting and a lot of fun.
We were able to sit in jets, helicopters, etc. Matt also saw a few planes that he's worked on before.
Here's a chopper Matt has worked on.
There was a boat race going on throughout the day. This made us want a boat!
Huge bridge going from San Diego to Coronado Island
Love this statue. Mother and son welcoming home the Dad from overseas. The facial expressions up close were awesome.
Doing the famous dipped kiss :)  Of course, this is our version since we're not in the exact pose or attire.

After the museum, we decided to go rock climbing. This was my first time trying to climb but Matt has gone a few times before and thought I would enjoy it; which, I did!
-- Getting my first lesson on belaying and tying a climb knot.
-- I accomplished my first wall to the very top.
-- Then I tried to boulder (which I think is very tough).
-- And before we left, I was able to climb up a few walls to the top. I was mainly proud that I accomplished a 5.5 with no issues. The higher the numbers, the tougher the wall and routes get.
--Top two pictures are a few views of Vertical Hold, the indoor climbing place. It's over 24,000 sq. ft. of climbing.
--Matt bouldering up a wall. He did an awesome job at bouldering and climbing!
--Both of us bouldering up a wall to take a picture.

At the end of the day when we came back home (12 hours later), Matt made a delicious pizza
and I noticed a new flower bloomed from pretty bouquet I put together.
It was a fun-filled day and we managed to cross off #14 and #74 on our list!

If you would like to see more pictures, keep and eye out for my facebook. I will upload them later on tonight or tomorrow. And don't forget, you can always enlarge the photos by clicking on them.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Evening Out

Matt got off work early today! It was definitely a nice feeling for the both of us. We were able to eat an early dinner for a change. After dinner, Matt and I went to the local Farmer's Market here in Oceanside. They block about 3 streets off and have a lot of vendor booths and tents set up with people selling items. There is normally a band playing, jumping houses, and a lot of food. Of course, the name wouldn't make since if they didn't sell fresh produce and flowers, so that is there as well.
And this is what makes me enjoy living in California.
Fresh squeeze organic lemonade. Very sweet & sour!
And of course, who doesn't love funnel cakes??
Matt was being silly without me knowing and put whip cream in his mouth(picture on the left)
Matt's new hot sauce. The Nemesis. Just the name alone sounds intimidating to me! This hot sauce contains tons of peppers and spices including the habanero and ghost pepper. We also found out tonight that the ghost pepper is no longer the hottest pepper in the world; the Naga Viper Pepper is and you can read about it by clicking that link. It is actually hot enough to strip paint. Yes, paint.

And I got me something -  fresh flowers. I made a flower arrangement just like I've wanted to for awhile now. Definitely not as easy as it looks to be at the florist shop. I think I did an O.K. job, but Matt says it looks "perfect"; which, of course makes me feel better. I am my worst critic.

* Click photos if you want to view them larger.


Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you very much and Matt loves you too. We hope you had a nice day out with Dad. We miss you! Sending you a hug via computer.