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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Japanese Night!

Tonight was Japanese Night and it was soooo goooood. Megan and I love sushi, so Megan invited me over for dinner! We had California rolls, a Japanese cashew noodle salad, miso soup, lots of wasabi peas, and sake. Everything was wonderful...except the sake. Just not my cup of tea. Anyway, check out the pictures, it was great. Next week: Italian Night. Can't wait!

The yummy California rolls Megan made.

The miso soup I cheated on.

Megan's cashew noodle salad.

Soooo gooood.

It looks great.

We had the orange sorbet for dessert, but I forgot to take a picture of it before we started eating.

Orange Sorbet

This was so yummy.

Serves 1

1 oz sweetened condensed milk
2oz fresh orange juice
1 orange
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Cut the top of the orange, use a spoon to take out the meat of the orange. Careful not to make a hole. Mix sweet condensed milk with the juices. Pour the juice into the orange and put in freezer for at least 4-5 hours.

This is a really good, and pretty healthy recipe. We had Japanese night at Megan's house tonight and I wanted to make a dessert. I found this while I was looking. I made three oranges at one time, and found that I didn't have enough to fill them when I was putting the juice back into the orange. I had a hard time juicing the orange to get enough juice. I had a gallon of orange juice on hand so I used that with the fresh squeezed. I would probably double the condensed milk and orange juice next time, so that the orange cups will be full. I added more, that's why mine are full in the picture. They were really good though, and basically the only calories come from the condensed milk. If you want to make it thicker you could add vanilla ice cream.



I'll make this again. I'll probably make it for my brothers since it's fun to eat out of the orange peels. No need to dirty a dish. :)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Mediterranean Diet

I don't mean "diet" as in "weight loss diet", I mean as in the type of food you eat. I was reading Better Homes and Gardens last night while I was waiting for Josh at the Y and came across an article about the Mediterranean style of cooking. The magazine suggested checking out the Oldways website. When my Nanny had her heart surgery I did some research on ways to keep your heart healthy, and one thing that came up a lot was this Mediterranean style of cooking, which is lots of healthy fats, and not much red meat. The article in the magazine said that many people have lost more weight eating this way than on a low-carb diet (and their hearts are a hell of a lot healthier, too). I don't think I'm going to use it as a weight loss program, it just works out that I LOVE Italian food and herbs, so I'll probably be trying some new recipes. :)

The BEST part: women should drink one glass of red wine per day for their health. I love any diet that says that.

Here is the Mediterranean food pyramid that I found on the Oldway website.

Completely Pathetic

The only thing that would make this worse is if I'm related to these idiots, and trust me, it's possible.

Courtesy WANE.com:

Roommates stage stabbing
to get drugs
Last Edited: Thursday, 29 Jan 2009, 12:29 PM EST
Created On: Thursday, 29 Jan 2009, 4:49 AM EST


Annie Ilnicki
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne police investigated a stabbing early Thursday morning and have determined that both the victim and her roommate had staged the story of being confronted by an intruder in their residence on White Oak Avenue.

Detectives handling the investigation indicate that the wound to Tera Preston was administered by Matthew Menkes in hopes of Ms. Preston receiving prescription pain killers.

Ms. Preston said she is disappointed that the Fort Wayne Police Department thinks that the stabbing was staged. She continues to stick with her story that a 6'5" black man broke into her apartment and stabbed her after she walked in on him.

Detectives have yet to file charges in this incident and the investigation is ongoing.

Check back at WANE.com for updates to this story as they become available.

The Story That Made Me Cry Today

Every. Single. Day. When I watch Good Morning America, I cry. They always have some story on that brings out the big baby in me. Here is today's story:


'Hi My Name Is Kujo. I Am a Nice Dog.'
Abandoned Pup With Child's Note in Collar Looking for a Home

By JONANN BRADY
Jan. 29, 2009

When Cecilia Miller's 11-year-old grandson, Michael, found a freezing puppy in the backyard on one of the coldest nights of the year, she called her neighbor, lifelong dog lover Wanda Martin.


When Martin, 79, arrived, the emaciated dog was curled up outside the basement window of Miller's Alliance, Ohio, home, but he refused to come inside.

"I took a pillow and a comforter and put it in the dirt and the next day took cheese out of my pocket and gave it to him. From then on, we were buddies," Martin told reporter Tracy Carloss from ABC News' Cleveland affiliate.

It took a little while for the dog to warm up to her, but when Martin was finally able to pet him, she found a note written in a child's scrawl tucked in the mutt's collar. The note, punctuated by a smiley face, read, "Hi, my name is Kujo. I am a nice dog. My owner can't feed me. Please help me. I'm great with kids too."

Kujo's abandonment seems to be a sign of the tough economic times. Every year, nearly 8 million pets are put in shelters, and shelter workers say more people are giving up their pets as the economy worsens.

Martin and Miller, who is 77 years old, are jointly caring for Kujo, but they feel they don't have the stamina to keep up with him.

Martin believes Kujo is still a puppy -- between 6 and 9 months old -- though, at more than 100 pounds, he's hardly little. Martin thinks Kujo may be part German shepard and boxer.

Both women agree that the stray is gentle and very good with children. He also seems to be housebroken.

They are looking for a family with children to adopt Kujo. They've received a few offers, but no one seems to click yet.


What made me cry was on the show, they showed the note that was under his collar, and it was written in a kids hand writting. It makes me so sad to think of a child having to write that. My heart would be broken if I had to let my dog go and not know what would happen to him.

Ted Haggard

Do you know this man?


This is Ted Haggard. I've never heard of him before this morning, but I guess he used to be a very famous television evangelist. He lost his show and his job a few years ago when a guy came out and said that the pastor approached him for sex and drugs. He and his wife were on Good Morning America this morning because another man has come forward saying that the pastor exposed himself inappropriately to him in a hotel room. That's the background.

I don't want it to sound like I support the man, but even though he's been in such a public tarnishing situation, I have a little respect for him. He was talking to Robin Roberts this morning, and he very well could be a wonderful actor, but I think he really is working to make things better in his life. What impressed me about him though, was the fact that he was asked point blank: "Is what this man is saying, true?" and he answered, flat out, "yes, it is".

No one ever tells the truth anymore. And no one ever flat out says yes, that horrible story is true and I take responsibility. I can't remember the last time I was watching an interview and the person flat out told the truth (cue the footage of Bill Clinton "I. Did. Not. Have..."). Even this nutcase governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. He was on Good Morning America on Monday, and all he did for his entire interview was make a fool of himself. I think it is very courageous for Haggard to accept responsibility, and not lie about what he did.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

I made pizza, and it was FANTASTIC.

This story starts with Christmas, when I got my wonderful KitchenAid mixer. I was reading the instruction book that came with it, and inside was a recipe for pizza dough. Fast forward to about the time Papa died, and Josh and I were online ordering pizza. By the way, do you know you can order pizza ONLINE!? The world these days, I'm telling you. So we were on the Pizza Hut and the Papa John's website picking what we wanted and comparing prices for both. We wanted one pizza and it was coming up to almost $20, and then delivery fees and taxes ON TOP of that. It was crazy. We were discussing it and I said "I really should learn how to make pizza". We eat pizza a lot, it's just so easy. On Saturday we were sitting on the couch and I was thinking it sounded good, so I decided I was going to make it. I figured I'd just make one for us for dinner.

Then Joshua's mom came over and we were all sitting at our dining room table discussing what we were going to do for his birthday. Lisa likes to take him out to dinner and was suggesting we go to Cork 'n Cleaver (an outrageously priced steak restaurant. I know it's good, but a steak is a steak, if you ask me.) Josh doesn't really like going out with a big group of people for dinner (I don't either, it always takes so long and seems like such a hassle), so I suggested we stay home and I'd cook. I've cooked for my parents and Lisa before, so I figured it wouldn't be a big deal. After I offered I started thinking about it and realized that this would be cooking for seven people...so I didn't invite my parents. Haha. Then I started to worry. I'd never made pizza before and I was going to try out this new recipe on Josh's birthday dinner, and feed it to his whole family. I had no back up if I messed it up. It was pretty risky. So I started by making his cake. He likes homemade cakes. Funfetti is his favorite, but not too long ago he said he wanted a Cherry Chip cake. He decided he'd rather have that for his birthday, so that's what I made. I baked it, and set it out to cool. While that was happening I went to the store to get the pizza ingredients.

Normally, I'd share the recipe. I'm not going to with this one - and it's not because I'm selfish. The reason is, I don't know how to make dough without my mixer - and it is different than making it by hand. The only directions I have to give are the mixer ones, which really are impossible to use if you don't have them. I feel bad, really. If you have a mixer, let me know and I'll get you the recipe right away. The dough is really the only recipe that matters though. Once that's made and spread out, you put on pizza sauce and all the toppings you want. It was super easy once I got the hang of it, and they were so good.

Josh's family really liked them, at least I think so, because there wasn't much left! Josh liked them, and that's really all that matters :). Here are some pictures of my prized pies.

This is pepperoni, sausage, and onion, before the oven.
Finished pepperoni, sausage, and onion.
Pepperoni, before oven.
Pepperoni, ready to eat.
Finished cheese pizza.

I'm telling you, these were great. I'm definitely going to have friends over and make more.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

When You Think You've Seen It All


It's a USB drive.
I think this is the conclusion of my crazy wine cork postings.

Oh. My. Goodness.



Need I say more? Gotta love Google.

Oh, the Things You'll Find.


It seems like every time I use Google I find the weirdest images. I bought a new table this weekend. Here is a picture of it:



I found it at an art show I went to. So I was just on the internet, and decided to see if a lot of people made them, and check out the prices. I googled: "cork table". Here is what I found:


"Cork Chair"


"Loose Cork Chair"



"Cork Chair"


"Cork Chair Orange" (Also comes in Green, Yellow, and Pink.)

"K-9000"



"Roll Chair"


"French Chair"

I couldn't make this stuff up.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Monday, January 19, 2009

Oh, Childhood.

I was told a story last week by my cousin Karen who lives in southern Indiana, right by Kentucky. It is important to realize that I'm one of the youngest in my family, and that Karen my cousin is older than my parents. My family is so weird. I always thought she was my aunt. Anyway. At the time my sister died, everyone was up here for the funeral and stuff. Karen babysat me while my parents got things together and worked on their own grief. Karen and my mom have always been close, and I was actually named after her, we have the same middle name.

At the showing last week I was sitting in a chair not really talking to anyone (see previous post where I wonder if I should like my family more) and Karen came over to talk to me. She told me this story about how she and her husband watched me while they were in Fort Wayne back when Alex died. My entire life I've asked so many questions that it's annoying, I know it is. She was telling me I was playing and just rattling off questions like I always did. She said though, that there were three questions she'd never forget for the rest of her life. I didn't remember them, I was five years old. The first question was, would I recognize my sister when I got to heaven? I was worried that she'd grow up and I wouldn't know who she was. The second question was, would she ever get teeth? And the third question was, when I got to heaven, if I was standing in line at the water fountain and Jesus wanted a drink, should I let him cut in front of me?

Oh the things that are important to a five-year old.

Karen told me that she said I might not recognize my sister, but she would recognize me. She was unsure if she would get teeth, but she told me she would ask her pastor. And she told me I should certainly let Jesus cut me in line to get a drink of water.

The story made me laugh, but also made me want to cry.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Maybe A Title Will Come To Me

I've been struggling a lot lately. And it's not because I haven't had support. I have been blessed to have the most loving and caring friends and family around me. My problem though, is that I don't feel the same way about all of my family. On Friday, my Nanny asked us all to not complain about one another, and I had no idea how hard that would be until I had to honor her request. To be honest, I don't think I said one word the whole day. I didn't realize how much I complained, I actually don't think any of us did. As horrible as this sounds, I do love all of my family, there are just some I'd rather be around than others. I don't have patience for many of them, and I don't know how to change my own attitude to accept them. I would never have a friend that exhibited the same character traits that they have, but I feel I need to try harder, because they are my family. But how hard do you try? I can try to set aside my differences, but will they?

Another thing I've been struggling with lately is the concept of Heaven. Josh and I have talked a lot about it the past few days. I am having a hard time understanding it though. Joshua gave me a book to read that he says will help me understand, but I'm having a hard time concentrating on it, or anything really.

I've been freaking out, because our wedding is 123 days away. I have a lot to still do. My biggest disappointment though, is that my Papa won't be there to see us.

Thinking


I've been thinking a lot lately. This past week was a difficult one for my family and myself. A very important person in all of our lives was very sick, but is no longer in pain. It was a tumultuous week, starting with a phone call, heading to the emergency room, and then the news that this would probably be his last hospital stay. We all said our tearful goodbyes, and he told us all he loved us. To say the least, I'll never forget it. It was something to see.

"My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Family.


Your family is the greatest gift God could have given you, so keep them close. In times of need, you will always have their support and love to surround you. Take a minute to recognize your blessings, and give thanks for what you have, for someday, you might not.

Friday, January 2, 2009

This Is Fun

Click here to find out how many people in the U.S. you share a name with. There are 23 people in the U.S. with my current name and 286 with my married name. I don't know how they figure though...

A Good Article

This is a good article for anyone getting married, or even just living with their significant other. Check it out, it has good thoughts.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Oh, Wow.

I just realized that I'm getting married THIS year. I have so much still to do! Actually, I don't even know what I have left to do. Looks like today is going to be a productive day!

Happy New Year!

I believe I am probably the only person awake and sober at 4:00am on New Years Day. I know, I'm a loser. I am also a loser because I went to bed before midnight...but in all fairness, if Josh didn't have to work today I would have stayed up with him. I woke up at three when his alarm went off and had a message from Sarah that Ben proposed! I got so excited that I couldn't go back to sleep. So I'm still sitting here wide awake, and I think I may go paint the dining room. I should probably keep the details of my embarrassingly boring life to myself, but oh well, there you go. Thank you, Ben for motivating me to paint my dining room. :)

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