Quinoa Pasta with Grilled Veggies

Recipe #2 didn't turn out as well as my first. It definitely looked and smelled good, but if I make it again in the future I may have to make some tweaks to it. I overcooked the pasta a little bit, but that's an easy fix. The veggies were delicious, but it was the dressing that I didn't quite enjoy. Now, some of it is my fault since I forgot to add the Apple Cider Vinegar. The recipe also called for fresh herbs and mustard which both seemed quite overpowering without the vinegar. I am also not a big fan of wilted lettuce and the recipe calls for spinach to be mixed in prior to everything sitting in the fridge for 6 hours.
Overall, not a terrible turnout, but one that looked better than it tasted.

Cake Balls

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm now focused on conquering the kitchen. From the start of this deployment I swore I would learn how to cook. Now, don't get me wrong I can make a mean omelet, a tasty salad, grilled cheese, tomato soup, and various desserts. However I when I whip something up, I do it in a matter of minutes because that's what I feel like in the moment. Cooking for two... now that's another story. The thing is, I love cookbooks and have quite a few to pick from. I tell myself I will use it, eventually when I it's not just me eating.

Fast forward however many months since Drew left and I've only looked at the pictures in them. So, my plan is to pick one recipe each week from one of the cookbooks and try it out. That will get quite a few meals under my belt before he is home.

Now, while I can't serve them for dinner I decided to tackle cake balls as my first recipe. I needed something for the 4th of July and figured these seemed like a good choice. Basically, it's a mini cake dessert. Starbucks sells a similar item in its stores. Anyways, while they are time consuming to make, they were really easy. And, from the feedback I got, they were really good. The fun part is you can you use whatever cake mix you want, icing, and then dip the ball in whatever you desire. I chose Devil's food cake, cream cheese icing, dumped in peanut butter.

Miss Green Thumb

Yes, I've tackled a tree. I can handle the grass (although does anyone know how to string a weed-whip?), and now I am tackling the landscape. I know it probably doesn't sound all that impressive, but I am proud to say that I've ripped out weeds, planted flowers and kept the yard looking, well, acceptable. It's another example of a learning experience from this deployment. God bless my mom for never forcing me to do yard work. Now that I'm on my own in a sense I have no choice than to keep the yard up. While some days it can be a pain -the random weeds popping up here and there drive me crazy - overall it's been a... fulfilling project to watch the flowers grow. It's a project I started and will only succeed if I continue to take care of each flower. I still have some work to do in the back, but slowly but surely everything is coming together.

Keep your fingers crossed everything continues to grow and looks beautiful for when Drew returns.

Next stop... the kitchen.

I Can

I had somewhat of an 'epiphany' yesterday. It would be an understatement to say that this deployment has been a learning experience for me (and Drew). If anything, it's been an eye opener. Over the last eight months I have learned so much about myself. I can be lazy especially if I sit down after work. I like structure and schedules. I get upset when it gets messed up. I don't like to be alone, but I do enjoy quiet moments. I get anxious and irritated when I don't get sleep. I don't like going to weddings alone, but I will. I second guess everything about Lexi. It's okay to ask for help - and people will help if you ask. I appreciate other people's opinions/advice because... I don't trust myself or give myself enough credit. But, in reality, I CAN. Yes, I can do things. I can cut the grass. I can hang curtains. I can fix a scanner. I can fix a warping fence. I can keep Lexi safe and healthy and yes... I CAN cut down a tree!And, I can do it myself. I am stronger and more independent than I have been giving myself credit for, which is funny, because I've always been told how independent I was as a toddler. Yet, I seemed to have forgotten that as I've gotten older. Now, I really know.. anything is possible.
ps. I should explain that a portion of the tree snapped from the winds the other night and I wanted to get it down before more bad weather came and sent it through a neighbor's house.

Congrats Graduates

It's hard to believe that it's already mid May and time for students to graduate. I want to personally congratulate both of my brothers for graduating. Kevin just recently graduated while Matt received his diploma a couple of months ago. Time sure flies. My parents officially do not have a single child in school. I'm sure that feels great. Now we can focus on the wedding - just kidding!

I know there are quite a few other friends of mine who have finished up grad school. Becky, congrats to you! I know you will be a fantastic physical therapist! Enjoy your trip abroad!

Drew, I'm so proud of you for getting through a semester of school while overseas. I can't even imagine how frustrating some of those days/projects had to be while working.

And, for everyone else just a few steps away from your degree/graduate degree.. you are almost there! Keep your head up and don't give up!

Other than celebrating Kevin's graduation, there isn't a whole lot of exciting news to share. Lexi and I have had our fair share of visits to the vet. She had her one year shot check up last week and everything looks good. Sadly, that wasn't the end of things. She had a cut on her face that she just kept scratching at which led me back to the vet yesterday for a special spray and a cone/lampshade collar thing. That did NOT go well at all. I can't even begin to explain how awful it was to put that thing on her. She went absolutely nuts! I have never seen her so upset before and so confused. I did not think she would come near me again. She didn't move from the floor for nearly 7 hours before I finally said screw it and took it off of her. Even then, she didn't move. Once she did, there was a puddle of water where he face had been laying (from crying and salivating from her freak out breathing). She is good now - no collar. And, the massive cut is drying up. I'm crossing my fingers that she doesn't have any more issues and we can stay away from the vet until her next scheduled visit.

Now, if only Mother Nature will settle down and stop bringing rain. I am so sick of the cold, rainy days. I can not wait for sunshine. Hopefully it will come out soon because the grass really needs to be cut!

Remembering 9/11

I'm back from work, and most days I just want to sit and watch something mindless after hours and hours of news. But today, it's different. Today, I am hooked on the news coverage of Osama bin Laden's death. I'm not sure what makes this story different than others. It is still hard to believe nearly 10 years have passed since that horrific 11th day in September. Or maybe it's because I know so many men and women who have been fighting the war on terror abroad. And, over the last couple of months it seems like there has been an increase in US deaths in Afghanistan, that some positive news just feels good. More than anything though, seeing the video from around the world is empowering. Just as the nation did after the attacks in 2001, the country is coming together again to celebrate this victory.

I wish Drew and the other soldiers could see the sea of people cheering outside the White House and Ground Zero, as well as the fans at the Phillie's game who stop cheering for their team, and began cheering for the USA. I can only hope that all of this positive energy and support for our troops continues, because as Drew told me in an e-mail, we must still keep fighting. There are still plenty of bad guys out there.

Royally Obsessed

I'll be honest, I am looking forward to the royal wedding tomorrow. (I wouldn't call myself royally obsessed... that title is saved for the guy in the link below.) Maybe it's because I am planning my own wedding. Maybe because Kate reminds me of one of my sorority members. Or maybe it's because the couple is young and seems in love. Whatever, the reason, I will be watching the wedding. Oh and, it helps that I also work at 4am and it's my job to watch the news at that hour. You better believe that our crew is planning a party for too. I am baking some royal cookies as I type this blog (pictures to come). Although, I must say, even if there wasn't a wedding, we would still be grilling out and celebrating the weekend and the end to this non-stop rain!

Back to the wedding... I am looking forward to seeing what Kate wears, how she does her hair, etc. etc. I do, however, think that coverage/hoopla has been pretty ridiculous. It is unbelievable what companies will come up with to sell, what people will do... This guy takes the cake!