My new guacamole recipie

2 ripe avocados
1 can Rotel (hot, med, or mild)
Freshly chopped cilantro
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Salt
Dash of Paprika

Mash two ripe avocados with fork (ripe avocados are somewhat squishy, not hard.) Add one full can of Rotel diced tomatoes. Add finely chopped fresh cilantro to taste. Add seasoning to taste. Enjoy.


VERY YUMMY! This is much better than any mix you can buy. The cilantro really makes a difference, so don't skip it.

Goes well with chips and a nice lime drink :)

Guide to Florida travel

Last week Eric and I visited Tampa, FL and Fort Meyers, FL. In case you plan to travel here is some info which will be really helpful! In Tampa, we stayed at the Comfort Inn close to Busch Gardens. While it was a nice hotel, the surrounding area leaves something to be desired, but at least it's close to Busch Gardens. The pictures online are exactly what it looks like inside. The breakfast is pretty decent too. We stayed there half price through my Access membership discount. While we used another discount for the rental car, we found out through some friends you should bid on a rental on Priceline. Don't even bother with other types of discounts. It is the best way to get a good rate. Eric and I paid WAY too much even with a discount for our car for one day. Our friends paid $15 a day for the week!!

In Fort Meyers, we stayed with our friend for two days about 5 minutes from the island. We then decided to try staying on the beach. The best value was the Pierview Hotel on Estero Blvd. We got a room steps away from the beach (not a beach view), for only $75 a night. Don't bother going through some discount website. Make the reservation yourself. They have 2 types of rooms 2 beds for $208 or 1 bed for $75. The rooms are small, but we planned to be on the beach the whole time or out on the town. There is a bar nearby that plays music, but we couldn't hear any outside noise during our stay. The pool is right next to the beach too. It was nice to be right next to the beach (literally) during our stay.

If you want to party, Lani Kai is a good place to visit during the day or night. I wouldn't stay there because you are basically paying for a "Spring Break" room which to me is way over priced. Most of the 'kids' were staying there. But why pay $200 a night when you could just walk a block from the Pierview?

Anyway, our vacation was nice. With a little research you can get pretty good deals on travel. Ask around to find where to look. It took us a while but we also got our plane tickets through CheapoAir.com. We were able to sit together, and get a decent rate with Northwest (Delta) airlines.

Busch Gardens and Seaworld are nice to visit as well. If you like rides I would recommend the Gardens. They are WAY better than 6 Flags St. Louis rides. My favorite roller coaster was the SheiKra. VERY COOL!

In Seaworld we liked the Dolphin Show and the Shamu show. Personally I thought the dophin show was the most impressive!

I'm finished!!! :)

I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am finally free :-)

Once

For those of you who were watching the Academy Awards tonight, now you have even more of a reason to see what I thought was one of the best shows I've seen this year. Being a "master of music" I have to tell you, I LOVED everything about this film. "Falling Slowly" just won the Ocsar for Achievement in Music: Original Song, that came from this show. Simply moving. I cannot say enough how much I thought this movie was just 'perfect!'

Btw, in case you didn't know, the award-winning music was written by the actors/musicians in the movie. Just awesome!

Iron Barley

If you have never been to Iron Barley before you should make it a point to check it out. It is a local restaurant/bar off the Bates exit on 55. The food is very original and usually features some type of Barley in it's preparation. Yesterday I went and had the Cherokee Chicken. It was a special not on the menu and was quite the yummy experience. Usually they also feature watermelon or blueberry martinis that are to die for, but they were offering Hurricanes for the holiday. They also have quite the list of wine and beer selections. If you are a cider fan, try their Belgian brand, it was very very good.

So that's it folks!

It hasn't quite sunk in yet, but I am finally DONE with school. I won't be expanding on the degree just yet, and I'm currently done for at least a while. I attended the pinning ceremony today, and I thought it was crass to give us the 'old' left over pins rather than using the new pins with the new seal of the college. It's like the classes that are graduating around this time are getting the left overs. We had left over supplies to practice with, and an old building with old labs and equipment.

The pinning was held at the new school, and I just thought it totally unfair to have been given the left overs through out my experience. Many of my classmates felt that our last class was almost worthless. We had a lot of busy work to do, and it feels like we are 'dumber' for have taken it. What about preparing us for boards? Doesn't that count for something? Forcing me to do 700 practice questions maybe be helpful, but it would be good to have an actual lecture that would pump us up and make us feel confident and prepared for what is coming up in about 6 weeks.

It's just all very sad. I should feel happy and excited like I accomplished something. They don't even give us a graduation or allow our parents to come to the pinnin. At the ceremony they said, we were the first to have our pinning ceremony at the negw school, but we are the last class that will have to wait until May to "walk" at graduation. On top of that, we'll have to PAY to go to our own graduation (and get a whole 2 tickets) it's just ridiculous. I'm not sure that I'll go, it's not like I don't already have two other degrees.

I'm just disappointed. I have a huge hurtle to jump through before I'm completely done, and I'm not sure I feel anymore prepared now than I did having not taken this last class at all :(

Another Trader Joe Favorite

Want a new, healthy recipe from Trader Joe's?

Buy one package:

Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend
Trader Joe's Crumbled Feta with Mediterranean Herbs
Trader Joe's Firm Tofu
Trader Joe's Organic Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth)
2 pieces of 1 clove of garlic

Directions:
Cook half a package of the Harvest Grains as directed on package using butter and broth.
Meanwhile cut the tofu in squares to amount desired, and marinate in the broth.
Fry tofu in pan using left over broth marinade and 2 pieces of clove of freshly ground garlic. (I also added a dash of oregano and majorum for the heck of it.)
Once grains are done, add tofu, and then add half a package of the feta cheese (you may want to chop up the big crumbles before putting them in.)
Stir together and enjoy!!!! Serves 2-3 if used as main entree.

Other ideas: use as a side dish (serves 4-5)

This stuff is a addictive, so have an empty stomach before you eat! YUMMY!!!!!

Forget Manic Mondays

I've decided that Mondays really shouldn't be called "Manic Monday." It's really more like: "Ambiguous, tired and what the H*&^ happened to my sleep last night Monday." Seriously, I really do hate Mondays. I wouldn't mind just skipping on over to Friday already or even December 20th for that matter. What in the world were the Pilgrims thinking with this mega work ethic thing. The Europeans have it grand with all their super-long lunch hours and what not! UGH! It's more like "It's just another crabby Monday."

My third decade

Whether I wanted it or not, I reached my third decade of life this last week. Personally I don't feel any different, but I can tell you I did not expect to be where I am in life as I am now. I don't know if it's the 30 blues or the fact that none of my friends were able or interested in doing anything this last weekend. It makes me feel sad. I know that I have not been as available, and the idea of having 'free' time is weird to me. I do know that I have made an effort to keep in touch where possible, but why is it that an effort is not so much made in return? I might be just about ready to finish my third degree, but that doesn't mean I've disappeared!

Is this because I'm one of the few single people left? Is it because their husbands are more important than celebrating with the girls? I understand family obligations or work snafus, but whatever the excuse, it's just an excuse.

At least I enjoyed a few nice nights out with Eric. We tried to enjoy Six Flags the weekend before, but I guess everyone thought the same thing we did, and we rode 5-6 rides in about 7 hours (it was sad!!!) My family took me out as well, and I anxiously await my present coming in the mail (YEAH!).

I just miss the close friendship bonds I guess. No one wants to talk anymore like we used to, they're too busy to keep up friendships with the girls. I don't get it. "Back in the day" you didn't go an hour without talking to your friends. I guess being older is different? I don't understand why it has to be this way. I guess people are just really busy, because I know in some cases that is true. But there are others who are notorious for not calling back and saying they will go somewhere and then don't. Well I'll repay that then and we'll call it even?

Anyway, I said where I am now wasn't what I hoped for. I didn't expect to constantly be concerned about my job being cut. It seems so common now, it's like old news, and it seems the only way to survive is to just give up and give in. I'm not sure why this is though, and it's frustrating to no end. I feel frustrated and confused. I feel stuck. I want to go forward and while I'm doing so in my third degree, it just seems like everything else is frozen; maybe I just need to hit the restart button and pretend it never happened.

You want to know what thirty feels like, at least for me? One word: BLAH!

Wow!

I'm too busy to write anything in particular, but this little girl is amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKKQCyfjo4E

Here's the finale:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYVXN7gk5W0

Pavarotti joins the angels in heaven today

Pavarotti died today from complications related to pancreatic cancer. It is said that his last words were:

"I believe that a life lived for music is an existence spent wonderfully."

Take a moment and just listen.

Midnight and Moonlight

School has begun (both of them), and things are going well. It's so wierd actually having weekends free again. Granted, they are every other weekend, but seriously, I didn't have more than a weekend here or there for about 8 months. Every other weekend just feels like I'm on vacation. It's NICE! Almost there!

Anyway, I've realized some pretty sad info that's not new. There are MANY poor abandoned kitties in the city of St. Louis. Two have decided to figure out my schedule and know when I will be home to feed them. One of them is maybe 6 months, the other older. I've named them Moonlight (for the black and white kitty) and Midnight (for the black kitty) yesterday. Midnight is scared of me, but Moonlight comes right to my door and waits for me. Cosetta was not amused last night when Moonlight tried to get in the house (which would not be good.)

If I take them to the Humane Society, they will most likely be euthanized, so what can I do but feed them. I used to be in the Cat Network, but they are always booked and I've already tried that route one other time.

Anyway, I'm not writing about anything of consequence. Just really writing to write. Later.

I'm a Mac Girl now!

I'm SO excited. Yesterday I purchased the last MacBook Pro (of the one I wanted) supposedly in the St. Louis area. I saved a ton buying on tax-free weekend and using my education discount (and let's not forget all the rebates I'll get in the mail too). Today I just figured out how to go wireless, very exciting. I'm well-versed in using a Mac for my job, but I've never had one of my very own. It will be interesting learning all the technical stuff, because I'm used that being done for me, but I welcome the challenge. Next up is figuring out how to make my printer and maybe even my stereo wireless with my airport :)

Talk about how much I still have to learn, when I first started this baby up, I hunted down all the driver disks for my PC stuff that I still use. Turns out, I don't even need them! That's how much better a mac is! Let's also talk about how my sales rep told me not to bother with the virus software, why? because MACS ARE BETTER!

I'm SO happy to be joining the Mac world. First I had o-t-j software training, next came the video IPOD I won, now FINALLY I have my very own :)

Almost done

Well it is unfortunate that summer (for me) is coming to a close. Summer is a cherished time where I have the freedom to choose what I want to do with no actual obligation to do anything specific. While I'd love to say I usually do nothing specific, I think I've only had 1 summer since college that I literally did nothing, no work, no classes, well maybe I worked on the house but that's about it. This summer marks the close of about a month's worth of extra work for some $$, and the completion of 'the big 2' as I call them. What's the big 2? Well those are the classes that usually kill a students' progress where I attend. But I made it, and with flying colors.

I cannot believe how fast the summer has flown. I really hope that this Fall does the same. I have one semester left, and then boards. It seems like eons ago when I was pulling my hair out and nothing was going right in any facet of my life. Now here I am, the beginning of a new year and hopefully the end of a 1 1/2 year journey to complete another degree. It's interesting how the actual new year does not seem to mean as much or bring about as much emotion, as does the beginning of a new school year. Maybe it's because I've been in school all my life, literally.

Here's to all the crazy people like me who work and go to school to improve their situation in life. Cheers!

Just saying hello

Well for those of you who for some strange reason like to read my random ramblings du jour, I just wanted to let you know that many of the issues I've been facing have passed or cooled down. I've felt like I was on vacation this last week because almost absolutely nothing of significance occurred. The holiday was nice, and one of my classes were canceled so I really had time to just 'take it easy' without going somewhere or doing something kinda vacation (or studying for tests).

Other than test stress, I've really been enjoying my clinical/class experiences this summer. I feel like many of the things that I've been learning are coming together, and various procedures and techniques are starting to feel easier and less awkward. Even my instructors are saying that I'm doing really well clinically, which is awesome in my book! Today my teacher jokingly said I should be the instructor after I had helped another student with a question she didn't know (only because she works at another location and things are different there.) I said thanks, but I just knew the answer because it was something I asked about last weekend from an employee... so there ya go.

I could always use prayers on passing the theory component of these 2 courses, so keep those going! I'm ALMOST done with my summer session. I'm VERY excited to be nearing the last few weeks of these courses. After that, I'm not going to school for a month! YEAH, four weekends off in a row!

God be with me, because really need to do well in these courses. 3 more weeks left!

After the month break, I should hopefully be DONE, I said D-O-N-E in 16 weeks! Please keep those prayers going, because I will need ALL the help I can get!

Yum, Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy Potato Recipie: YUM, YUM




2 lb bag frozen potatoes (hash brown type only cubed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 chopped onions
1 lb sour cream
1 cream of chicken soup can
2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter

Melt the butter and mix all ingredients together. Back for 1 hour at 350 degrees. You can also half everything to make less of a party sized serving.

Breast Cancer Petition

There is a bill out there wanting to make insurance companies cover a minimum 48 hour hospital stay for those women who need it following a mastectomy. It is a very important bill! Go to this website and add your name to the petition.

I'm moving... again

Well, it looks like I'm going to moving... again. This time I'm moving to another state. It'll be a bit of drive to work, but most of it will be against traffic. If any of my St. L friends out there are available Sat., August 3rd just to help load the truck, I would truly appreciate your help. I'm going to arrange for help unloading at the new destination with other friends so no one except a few will be doing both. Wish me luck!

Current River Float Trip

Alley Spring Mill

Part of the Alley Spring

This last weekend Eric and I went to Emminence, MO and completed our annual canoe trip vacation. This year we went on the Current River from Round Spring Landing to Two Rivers Landing. One thing about floating near the springs, was that we noticed the water was VERY cold in those areas. It made for a brisk, invigorating swim. For the most part, it was a nice day until it decided to rain for about 20 minutes, but for whatever reason I found it to be the most funny thing ever. It was really a blast! Not to hot, not to cold and just enough sun. I forgot to put sunscreen on my legs so I have a nice random, patchy sunburn on my legs and little square on my feet from my sandals.

This year we wanted to do something special, try something different, and also be a little bit lazy. We stayed at Coldwater Ranch in one of the luxury cabins, complete with full kitchen, linens, a/c, fireplace, and best of all a Jacuzzi tub. It was VERY nice. The fire ring was already loaded with wood, and we had plenty more set up for us on the side. They even provided a gas or charcoal grill for use.

On Sunday, we went horseback riding and then visited two springs. Last year we visited the round spring and blue spring, so now it's a tradition. This year we visited Alley Spring and the Rocky Falls, both equally cool. We learned that 81 million gallons of water run through the Alley Spring and that Rocky Falls is a formation made from an old volcano. Normally the water would run deeper through the rock, but this particular rock is harder than the usual volcano rock.

While all places posted no vacancy signs, we found it interesting that in parts it seemed we basically had the river all to ourselves. It was very calming and relaxing. I have way more pictures, but I'm including four for your viewing pleasure. If you want to be in the outdoors, but don't like dealing with the hassle of camping, this is the way to go. It was most beneficial as it started raining again by the time we arrived home. The whole starting a fire in the rain, was a non issue. It was nice to say the least. I would go back to Coldwater any day. Maybe next time I'll invite more friends (who like their a/c) to join us in the bigger cabins in the future.

Cabin Jacuzzi

Rocky Falls

The tide is turning

Slowly but surely the tide is turning. The storm is letting up just enough for me to breathe, and I am taking in as much air as I can. I'm not in the clear just yet, but yes things are improving.