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a (welcome home) list

Posted in Lists on April 1, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

1.  Andrew and I spent this past weekend–Easter–in NYC.  It was lovely.  Tons of pictures were taken.  Lots of good food eaten.  Memories made.  Blog post/posts coming this week, I hope.

2.  Why is it that going on ‘vacation’ never seems like a vacation once you get home?  Between spending all my Spring Break before NYC doing homework/studying/getting ahead, and then being gone for the rest, I need a vacation FROM my vacation!

3.  It was snowing this morning here, and now it’s sunny.  Pick one, Buffalo!  I’ve been waiting a week to wash my car!

4.  It’s kind-of tradition for us to order pizza when we get home from a road trip.  There isn’t anything in the house, and we use it as an excuse to relax in front of the TV and savor the last moments of a trip before returning to ‘real’ life.  Well, there was no pizza for us last night.  Pasquale’s was closed yesterday, along with just about every other eatery in East Aurora.  Kudos to all the local businesses for actually OBSERVING Easter!  (It was greasy cheesesteaks for us from one of three open places.)  I’m thinking of writing an Op-Ed piece for the paper…

5.  Is it bad that I’m already anxious to get back to the pantry project?  (Rather, for Andrew to get back to the pantry project.)  I can’t help that I’m so goal-oriented.

Off to school for me!  Lots to do, lots to do!

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a list

Posted in Lists on March 15, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

1. WOW I’ve been quiet. (Well, at least on the blog.) It’s been busy, but I’m feeling a bit of a ‘lull’ coming on, if only for a week or two. My two big tests are over (can’t say I’m super impressed with either; still waiting on a grade for one of them) as well as my interviews for the coordinated program. Just trying to stay on top of all the studying before the next round of tests.

2. I painted my nails GREEN this afternoon (while studying, of course). St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday, and while I’m not Irish, I always get super excited. I’m not sure what we’re doing this year, but I’m ready with painted nails, an ‘I’m not Irish but kiss me anyway’ t-shirt and I make a mean Irish Soda Bread. Invite me to your party today!

3. Mini-Lent Update: I’ve lost 2 pounds in 2 weeks! Hurray! I realize this isn’t what Lent is about, but I was pretty happy this morning when I hopped on the scale, and am even wearing my skinny jeans in celebration. On a more spiritual note, God has really been revealing to me just how much I was letting food control me. When I did this same study with Emily a couple years ago, I refused (and I mean REFUSED) to give up sweets, extolling an ‘everything in moderation’ approach. Well. If Lent has taught me anything, it’s that I have been using that cookie here and those M&Ms there (not to mention the giant bowl of ice cream at night) as sources of comfort and plain indulging my taste buds for TOO LONG. It’s my prayer that one day soon I won’t even really crave these treats, and that I would come to crave God with the fervor (thanks for the word, Regina!) with which I crave sweets.

4. We’re getting away! It’s a bit spur of the moment (points for me!), but Andrew and I have decided we need a weekend AWAY. Away from house-cleaning, projects, school and these animals! I announced it a couple nights ago and Andrew jumped right into planning. We’re headed to New York City. Now, if I can only limit the amount of ‘dessert’ stops Andrew plans in the city… (Trust me, I’m already in prayer!)

5. We got more snow this morning. It’s absolutely frigid here. I just cannot keep the house warm enough. I’m even planning to DRIVE the mile to Taste (our local coffee shop, where you can find me studying each Friday afternoon), which irks me to no end. Although, I did just see someone walking past our house just now. If she can do it, so can I! (But don’t hold me to it…)

6. I haven’t cooked in what feels like forever. We’ve been busy and in an effort to spend less at the grocery store, I’ve been trying to use things we already have. This resulted in Andrew’s less-than-enthusiastic response to some frozen tamales one night and his favorite nutty sweet potato soup another night, which I paired with homemade cinnamon raisin bread. YUM.

7. The savings at the grocery store has gone directly to wine purchases. $100 in a span of four days. Hey, it was the $1 sale at Premier and then I went to a wine and cheese pairing class at our local store… I think 11 bottles for less than $100 is pretty good, don’t you??? (At the very least, we are good for AWHILE.)

8. Anyone in need of a very large composter? (Or know of someone who may be?) Long story short: Andrew was awesome and got me a composter a couple years ago, except he thought bigger was better. (Of course.) Well, it’s too big for us and after two failed attempts to make compost, I admitted to him it’s a giant source of stress and guilt for me. I had no idea when he gave me the bigger one what a challenge it would be to fill it. So, if I can find a home for the big one, I’d very much like to get the one I WANTED IN THE FIRST PLACE. (Bonus: the smaller one allows you to compost in the winter, too, which is how all this has come up just now. It pains me–physically–to throw away all the compostable material I use in the kitchen all winter!)

9. I have a surprise for Andrew tomorrow. It involves our Saturday morning breakfast. And that’s all I’m saying!

10. Pantry project/kitchen lighting has not been touched in days. You better believe that’s on the agenda this weekend…

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how long has it been?!?

Posted in Lists on November 23, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

…since my last post?  I have no idea.  Seriously.

Let’s just say I’ve been busy.  It’s not like we just experienced a giant holiday or anything, not to mention tons of school work, a last push to spruce up the place and hosting relatives.

I don’t know what else to do other than this: a list.

1.  I’ve been trying to paint my nails for three weeks.  As in, on-my-to-do-list-and-polish-sitting-out-on-my-dresser.  Impossible, I tell you.  I just do not have the time.

2.  Andrew’s in his boot (meant to post–with pictures–about that) and “walking” without crutches.  It’s nice to have him back in relative self-sufficiency-mode, but he’s still very limited.

3.  He’s also thirty.  3-0.  Can you believe it?  I can’t.

4.  I have more ice cream in our freezer than even I want right now.  I’ve made some of it–Cognac-flavored for Andrew’s birthday, plus black raspberry chip (I experimented with lowering the melting point of the chocolate chips–a blog in and of itself) and pumpkin–as well as store-bought vanilla, pumpkin pie and rainbow sherbet, AND a gifted half-gallon of chocolate brownie-something-or-other from a dairy at Penn State.  Whew.  (What else was I supposed to do with all those leftover egg yolks from the angel food cake I made for Andrew’s birthday? BTW–homemade angel food cakes are WAY better than from the box.  Just saying.)

5.  Thanksgiving was yesterday.  (Duh.)  We hosted Andrew’s Aunt Linda and Uncle Dave, who traveled from Indianapolis.  (Their son, Luke, and Andrew’s grandma stayed with the Layers.)  We had a great time chatting with them at our place, running together on Turkey Day and Aunt Linda was a huge help in the kitchen–so glad they came!  We ate the big meal at Andrew’s parents’ house, along with Carolyn’s new husband’s family, so it was quite a gathering.  Despite the large number of people, there are TONS of leftovers.  YUM.

6.  I’ve already done a bunch of school work on this break.  I SO want to be productive and feel caught-up and prepared for my upcoming finals.  I just have to make it to Dec. 13…

7.  My little (almost 6-foot-tall high school senior) brother has his license AND a very cute girlfriend.  What is this world coming to?!

8.  I have done so much yardwork it isn’t even funny.  Andrew totally got out of it this year because of his bum leg.  I enjoyed the time outside–really, I did–but my schoolwork suffered. And I have a scar from one of the blisters I got.  A SCAR.  Seriously.  But, at least I got all the leaves and beds cleared and ready for spring.

9.  The house is really starting to feel homey.  We’re still down a couch–darn La-Z-Boy–but it should be here soon.  Before we hosted our visitors for Thanksgiving, we hung some photos, bought bathroom towels (finally!) and decorated for Thanksgiving a little.  I CAN’T WAIT to finish up the fireplace room once we get the new couch.  I promise pictures over Christmas break.  I PROMISE.

10.   I am so not ready for Christmas.  Like, at all.  I don’t even want to really listen to Christmas music yet (but I will, since it’s after Thanksgiving).  I’m just too overwhelmed with school; I can’t use any extra brain power to think about buying presents.  Let’s just hope I can get all our shopping done in the 12 days before Christmas…

 

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claiming victory

Posted in Lists on October 16, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

I’m 4 for 4 on workout-in-a-row days so far!  I’m feeling great and want to keep up the forward momentum. (How many times can I fit ‘for’ into a sentence…?!)

Other things I’m claiming victory FOR:

-I got a giant knick (is that how you spell that?) in my windshield while driving on the highway to school yesterday.  I didn’t let it get me down, or at least not too much, and I’ve already called our insurance company and arranged for a repair.  I cannot tell you the satisfaction and empowerment I got from handling that solo, and also being able to mentally check it off my list.

-I didn’t eat after 8 p.m. last night–despite having been at Panera for a meeting!  I’m not necessarily putting myself on a rigid I-can’t-eat-after-such-and-such-a-time, but this having-ice-cream-at-10-or-11 is OVER.

-I have three tests coming up, one of which is today, and another of which has us all in a tizzy.  I WILL study hard and it WILL be OK.

-I caught myself remarking to Andrew last night that my week ‘has been so crazy.’  And then I remembered it was Monday.  I WILL get through this week with flying colors!  The goal for today: be flexible.  I have a lot of random things I need to do without set times, so I just need to be able to make the best decision about scheduling when the time comes, instead of sticking to a hard-and-fast plan that sounded good in the morning.

-I WILL write a brand-new co-op post for next week.  Someone PLEASE hold me accountable??

-I WILL stop procrastinating RIGHT NOW and get back to getting ready for school :)

Happy Tuesday everyone!

-

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what’s new around here

Posted in Andrew, bible study, chocolate, coffee, eating issues, God, hadrian, Ice Cream, Lists, school on May 13, 2012 | 4 Comments »

I know, I’ve been slacking.

Well, maybe with the blog, but everything else just seems to find its way into my already packed schedule.  In addition to the massive amounts of chemistry studying that has been going on for the past week or so (and will continue until 10:59 Monday morning), I’ve been able to fit in a batch of yogurt, Mother’s Day cards/gifts/trips to the post office, multiple hairball clean-ups (eeewww) and some Big Bang-watching.  Thank you, Andrew, for doing my dishes and folding laundry.  I know I whine and complain and can be a bit of a perfectionist; thank you for being patient.

It will all be over after by 1 p.m. Monday–hurray!  I can already taste the margarita I’m ordering afterward…

Anyway, here’s something of a re-cap:

1. Starbucks has had half-price fraps since last Friday, and I didn’t get one until Tuesday, which I think showed great restraint.  The kicker?  I tried their new ‘mocha cookie crumble’ flavor and I was so not that impressed.  Oh well, guess that’s what I get for obsessing over it.  I even brought some of my own sweet potato tortilla chips for snacking along with the drink (I love salty with chocolate!), and they are the same kind you can BUY at Starbucks.  Ha!  Bonus: I’ve been looking for one of their ‘city/state’ mugs that either said ‘Buffalo’ or ‘New York’ that I liked–loved this green one featuring the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline.  Would love to find one that’s more local to Western NY, but until then, this will have to do.

Side note: I’ve visited more coffee shops in the past week studying for the final than I care to admit.  However, I have a post going on my coffee preferences, so I suppose I could chalk them all up to research…

2. We recently received a giant box in the mail–it contained FOUR bags of Julio’s tortilla chips that Andrew mailed back from Texas. He even included a giant bottle of their seasoning blend–think he’s trying to tell me something??

Please note the first ingredient is MSG…  Really?  Like I’m really going to feel good about shaking THAT all over my organic sweet potato fries…  I swear, you guys, it’s like I’m sleeping with the enemy, sometimes.

3.  I made Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip ice cream from Pioneer Woman’s new cookbook awhile ago, and I still have a little in the freezer.  Here are a couple photos:

All the blackberries I used turned into this leftover pulp–what a waste!  I tried it, just out of curiosity.  Big mistake–all it needed was cobbler on top with some vanilla ice cream!  I had to stop myself after two spoonfuls.

While the ice cream flavor was pretty spot-on, the chocolate I put in left something to be desired….  Instead of melting INSTANTLY in your mouth like real Graeter’s, these chunks of chocolate were crunchy and almost flavorless…almost no melting whatsoever.  At first, I thought it was the kind of chocolate I used: bittersweet vs. semi-sweet, or milk vs. dark.  However, upon further research into their methods (yes, I googled for their ingredients), I realized it’s all about the melting point and temperature…!  Duh, Holly, did you not just learn about this in Chemistry?  Basically, because ice cream is frozen, there is no way the chocolate can ‘melt in your mouth’ very quickly, unless you change the chocolate itself.  Graater’s actually adds oil to their premium chocolate to lower the melting point…  Now, all I need is their ratio of chocolate to oil…

4. So there is this long piece of carpet scrap we keep near the front door to help minimize mess on the carpet from coming in and out the door.  Obviously, it’s not nailed down or anything, so EVERY TIME Hadrian gets in one of his “zoomies” moods, he kicks it up into a wad under the dining room table.  Heck, even just normal walking moves the thing around.  THIS. MAKES. ME. INSANE.  I must bend over 900 times a day to fix the thing.  Yet another reason our forever home will not have carpet.

5. I ate sardines the other day for the first time!  Yes, I said sardines.  Honestly, they taste just like chicken.  Ha!  No, they don’t…but they do taste just like tuna.  Kath made a video of herself making a sardine salad and I was intrigued.  I bought a can of them last time we were in Ohio at Trader Joe’s and finally gave them a whirl.  Not bad at all!  Seriously, just like tuna.  I used her basic recipe and added some relish for a little more moisture.

6. Emily and I are plowing through Made to Crave and loving every moment!  We both agree that these last couple weeks have been really neat and there just seems to be so much ‘synergy’ going on with everything we’re learning.  For example, the beginning of the study focused more on simple principles of emotional eating, whereas now we’re moving into self-control (which was my first major break-through) and obedience to God.  The other night, I had a little bowl of ice cream (small, self-controlled and completely permissible for me), but afterward I realized I had eaten it ‘just because I wanted it.’  A perfect example of giving in and meeting a need–even with something permissible–when I should have been strong.

And another example: yesterday, Andrew and I ate a late lunch, so we didn’t want dinner before going to see The Avengers with the Layers.  It was about 5:45 p.m. and I’d just gotten a 100% on my final Chem quiz and was craving a walk and some fresh air, so we decided to walk to Vincenzo’s to get some water ice with our Groupon.  Anyway (I have a point here, I promise), we indulged a little in some liquid sugar (smalls!) before the movie, but passed on popcorn at the theater, which was easy since the line was long and we were already late.  However, by the time the movie ended we were both a bit hungry and Andrew suggested Kone King.  Now, I tell you what, I LOVE Kone King–their custard is just wonderful!  But you know what my first thought was:  ”I’ve already had my dessert for today–I don’t need any more.”  VICTORY!!!  Despite it being 9 p.m., I felt I needed some ‘real food,’ so we opted for subs, where I chose a turkey on wheat.  VICTORY!

7.  My friend, Regina, took me to the local Yogen Fruz here at the mall.  Big mistake; it’s just another thing to crave.  At least it’s (pseudo) healthy, right?

8. I’ve come to the conclusion that Hadrian and I are on some sort of weird circadian rhythm…  Nine times out of ten, I wake up–moments before my alarm–only to hear him start getting up (his collar jingling, a familiar whine/yawn and stretch from the living room, followed by the clacking of his nails on our wood bedroom floor), also moments before my alarm… As long as I can switch him from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. while I’m on summer break, we’ll be alright.

9.  Speaking of Hadrian…  I’m the worst dog-mom EVER.  I went out on a study break tonight to grab a Starbucks and run a few errands, one of which being to buy dog food–he’s dangerously low.  Well, I was apparently more concerned with getting to Ulta before they closed on Sunday than PetSmart…  Between that preoccupation and the onset of a sudden “shopping mood”  (probably more like procrastination, in this case), needless to say, I arrived to PetSmart too late.  Reason #536 that we don’t have (real) children yet.

Guess I’m going in the morning…  (Which really just means an excuse to get Starbucks before school, but who’s asking??)

10.  Hours to final exam: 12!

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day in review

Posted in bible study, Exercise, Lists, nail polish, Ranch Dressing, Running, school on April 11, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

1.  I’m eating muesli with a banana for dinner.  In fact, I decided this morning to have a ‘detox’ day after I pretty much ate my weight in chocolate/Easter candy/snack foods yesterday, all before going out to dinner, where I ingested two beers, a friend bacon strip (I kid you not), a few onion rings, most of my cheeseburger and all of my fries.  With ranch dressing.  So yeah, a light day was in order.  Actually, from the time I woke up this morning, it was like my body was telling me it wanted ‘real’ food, and my head actually agreed with it!  I’ve pretty much had fruit, vegetables, a cereal bar and peanut butter only, and with any luck, end my day with a cup of tea.

2.  I blame yesterday’s sweet-tooth-gone-out-of-control on many things: boredom, nervous energy about my upcoming tests, and the presence of Easter candy.

3.  While running this morning, it started to hail.  Hail, no matter how small, still stings one’s face.

4.  I took my Micro test this morning and felt pretty good.  I ended up with a 90%, which gives me a solid A in the class for the semester.  In fact, the teacher already has it in her book.  As she drops two of the six tests, I’m technically ‘done’ for the semester.  I can now sit back, relax, and actually enjoy her lectures.  (I will, in all likelihood, complete the take-home test in the hopes of dropping my lowest grade, but at least it’s a take-home.)

5.  In addition to the above good news, I also found out that I can complete the last three Micro labs AT HOME using the internet (same teacher).  So, basically, if I can manage to complete them all before next Wednesday, I can turn them all in and never go to lab again.  My life just got a whole lot easier.

6.  Which is a good thing, since test number 2 today was my Chem quiz, which I bombed.  Well, a 72% isn’t exactly bombing it, but I wasn’t happy.  I really thought I knew the stuff!  I’ve decided I have test-anxiety when it comes to that subject…MUST. STUDY. HARDER.

7.  Test number 3 this week is Stats, which is tomorrow afternoon.  I actually feel pretty good about that one.  Guess we’ll find out tomorrow.

8.  The cat left a hairball on our bed this afternoon.  Fantastic.

9.  We still haven’t filed our taxes yet.  We’re definitely “April 15th” people.  Well, I shouldn’t really say “we.” Andrew does about 99.9% of it, so I guess he’s the procrastinator, but since I don’t really lift a finger to help, I can’t fault him too much.

10.  I’m ending my day with session 2 of my Made to Crave Bible study lesson on DVD, with some toenail-painting and some more studying.

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OAIJ x 2 …and other matters

Posted in baking, bible study, coffee, Dayton/Ohio, Faith, Family, Friends, God, Lists, maple, Miscellaneous, nut butters, oatmeal, Oats, peanut butter, school, traveling, Uncategorized, writing on April 4, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Before I get too far (well, before I get anywhere at all), let me just tell you all how HORRIBLE I feel about not blogging in like, FOREVER.  It’s not that I’m wracked with guilt (except that I am), but I just enjoy blogging, and I miss it.  What can I say?  I’m a writer.  Alas, time is not my friend these days…  I honestly don’t know how Kath does it…three times a day!  I know her posts aren’t long or eloquent, but it still takes time to take, download and upload photos, in addition to writing a snippet here and there.  I find myself saying, “I don’t have time for (fill in the blank), and I don’t even have kids yet!”  Seriously, how does one fit them in?!?!  I suppose children are just like any other top-priority item; you just do.

All that to say, I’m sorry I haven’t blogged in awhile.  No, I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth (although it sometimes feels like I have) and yes, it’s good to be back.

And, as usual, I have lots to say!

(I’ll use bullet points to avoid the number-conundrum…my OCD tendencies make it hard to end on anything other than 10.)

-Check out my Maple Syrup post for the co-op.  The maple-bacon cupcakes (muffins if you want to sound “healthier”) are the perfect brunch item and will send the eyeballs of everyone to whom you serve them rolling into the backs of their skulls.  Make them this weekend!

-We went to Ohio this weekend to visit our friends, Emily and Dan, and Dave and Jen, and their new baby, Aiden.  I also got to see Susy, another dear friend and running-mate.  We had a fabulous time, although I didn’t take enough pictures (I never do).  I’ll be posting about our trip soon.

-I’m officially on “Easter Break” right now.  Except that I still get up at 0-dark-30 to drink coffee/eat breakfast/workout.  And I have school work to finish.  In fact, I’m going to the chem tutor this morning.  Oh, and I have tests in all my classes when I get back next week.  Not to mention the mile-long list I’ve made of stuff to bake.  So, really, I’m not taking a break at all–I just don’t have to go to class.

-A miraculous thing happened the other day:  I finished off not one, but TWO jars of nut butters!  If you don’t know already, this means I get to enjoy a rare treat TWICE–OIAJ!

-I made oats in the Smucker’s jar (left) yesterday for lunch: oats, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, flax seeds, a splash of strawberry kefir, dehydrated strawberries, cottage cheese and granola on top.  (Thanks for the granola, Susy!)  Of course, all that with a little peanut butter swirled in.  This baby filled me up for hours! Yay for having another one (Crunchy Barney Butter) in the fridge.

-Andrew and I fasted last night while praying for some friends who are going through a rough time.  I’ve never fasted before.  I’ll be honest, food is kind of a big thing for me (as I’m learning through the Made to Crave Bible study–more on that later–I’m doing with Emily), so when Andrew first proposed the fasting idea last week, I was pretty against it.  But, God totally changed my heart and by yesterday morning I was pumped and ready to go!  I had my last snack at about 4:45 (we haven’t been eating until 7:30, so snacking at that time is normal for me) and we prayed together in two sessions.  God totally provided (I thought I would be in agony; my tummy was growling, but I–obviously–made it through) and not only was it a great time of prayer and bonding with Andrew, but it also helped get me off my sugar-kick from this weekend and take one step further in my journey of leaving my food issues behind me.

-Speaking of food:  I made Pioneer Woman’s Simple Sesame Noodle salad with Beef the other night and it was wonderful!  This is something I saw on her blog ages ago and is included in her new cookbook.  Andrew also really liked it, but I thought it was way too oily, so I’ll be reducing that next time.  I added the beef to make it more of a meal (it’s a variation in her cookbook, not sure if it’s in the online recipe) and bell peppers for more color and nutrition.  Topped with chopped peanuts–yum!

-I’ve come to the (sad) conclusion that I need a cup of coffee to get me through my T/Th Statistics class (1-3 p.m. yikes!) without my eyes uncontrollably closing on me.  Guess that’s what happens with a 5 a.m. wake-up time and swim practice.  I’ve done recent “taste tests” and I’m not a huge fan of Tim Horton’s (unfortunate since they are EVERYWHERE around here) or the cute little local place here in the Orchard Park village, Orchard Perk, (although they may have more than one roast…).  I’d make some at home, but at the moment have no good coffee thermos with which to actually transport the coffee.  To-do for this weekend: find one!

-Easter is this weekend and Andrew’s grandma is coming for a visit!  SO EXCITED!  I’m running in the Bunny Hop 5K, which goes right by their house (neat!  I might have a cheering section), and I’m hoping to spend as much time with everyone this weekend as possible = get as much work done as possible before Friday night, and what in the world do we do with Hadrian??

-Did I tell you all I’ve officially gotten into the Dietetics Program at Buffalo State?  Well, I have.  I have one summer class before I start full-time in the fall.  I’m a little anxious about scheduling my fall classes since I schedule last (as a new transfer student) and the classes I need are small with only 1 or 2 sections.  I think the professors will provide an ‘override’ if I can’t get into something I must have, but I’m still nervous.

-I’m making steakhouse mac and cheese today from Cooking Light. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

Whew!  I think that’s about it… Or at least a good start getting caught-up!

Alright, sun’s coming up and I have dishes to put away and a hubby to wake up! Happy Wednesday/first day of Easter Break/day I get to bake :)

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a list

Posted in baking, bible study, cookbooks, Dayton/Ohio, Ice Cream, Lists, school on March 22, 2012 | 1 Comment »

1.  I haven’t been blogging much lately.  I’m sorry.  I hate that I’m not.  I’m not even THAT crazy-busy (busy, but not CRAZY-busy), so I’m not even sure why.

2.  We’re having a bit of a heat wave here.  I’m going to be up-front and say I’m not thrilled.  First, I was expecting massive amounts of snow and a long winter, which we didn’t get.  Now, it’s basically feels like summer…  What gives?  We all know this 80-degree weather is going to disappear in favor of 60-degrees and rainy…just hurry up already!

3.  I got an 83 on my Micro TAKE-HOME test.  an 83! On a TAKE-HOME test!  ”Impossible” and “unfair” aren’t strong enough words…

4.  I rocked that last two days in Chemistry.  ”Rocked” = I managed to answer (aloud) more than one question correctly = the teacher thinks I know what I’m doing.

5.  Yesterday was like Christmas!  I got my order from SwimOutlet.com, which contained a pull buoy, paddles, fins, more swim caps and a mesh bag in which to carry it all; as well as my Amazon order that contained the Made to Crave book, devotional and DVD/workbook.  Emily and I are going to do a long-distance Bible study together!

6.  Did I tell you I got accepted into the Dietetics program at Buffalo State?  Well, I did.  Not that it was really up in the air…  I’m a transfer student with a 4.0; were they not going to let me in??  Now comes the fun part–figuring out how to register for my online summer class and fall classes!

7.  I haven’t cooked all week, which makes me sad.  Despite our heat wave, I’m making French Onion soup tonight.

8.  Andrew and I just finished the first season of Big Bang Theory.  Hilarious!

9.  Pioneer Woman’s newest cookbook arrived the other day.  In it, she includes recipes for Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip Ice Cream and Dorothy Lane’s Outrageous Brownies.  (Apparently she has some sort of friend or something from Cincinnati who has introduced her to some of Ohio’s more redeeming qualities.)  It also has the lemon-blueberry pancakes I’m been dying to make.  I’m in HEAVEN.

10.  It’s already THURSDAY.  On the one hand, this is awesome, because it means the weekend is just 1.5 days away (weekends start at noon on Friday for me).  On the other hand, time is flying!  Can you believe it’s almost APRIL???

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impromptu list

Posted in Co-op, Lists, Miscellaneous, salad, school, sleep, swimming on March 6, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

I had intended to write and publish the post about our trip to the Adirondacks tonight, since, you know, it’s Tuesday and the trip was this past weekend.

Well, I’m making the executive decision to go get ready for bed since it’s 10 p.m. and I. NEED. REST.

Adirondacks post coming tomorrow.  In the meantime, highlights of the past few days:

1.  After much anxiety and stress (and prep!), I scored a 92 on my Chemistry quiz.  Hallelujah!

2.  Spring Break is exactly two days and 50 minutes away…but who’s counting?

3.  I have not one, not two, but THREE articles on the docket for the paper…  Hello more fun money :)

4.  I’ve been asking for a GREEN Penn State sweatshirt for a little while now (ever since I saw Abigail’s in pink).  She’s home on her spring break and brought one in GREEN back for me.  So excited.

5.  I roasted beets tonight.  (And other veggies.)  I’ll let you know how they turned out when I actually eat them, perhaps tomorrow.

6.  Swim practice was intense this morning.  How do I know?  (Other than the obvious huffing and puffing and gasping for air while swimming…) I was STARVING this afternoon.  Yup, swimming will do that to you.

7.  My little brother, Aaron, will be 17 tomorrow. SEVENTEEN.  Where did the time go?

8.  I’m going to accompany Andrew and his friend Bart to the gym tomorrow evening to get some new ideas to revamp my lifting routine.  Should be interesting…

9.  Did I mention spring break was coming up?

10.  Wrote another blog for the co-op today about salads.  Check it out!

 

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a list

Posted in Lists, school, stress, swimming on February 28, 2012 | 3 Comments »

…because, yet again, it’s that kind of week.

1.  I should be studying Micro or starting my Chem homework, but my brain is going a million miles a minute.  And it’s only 5:31 a.m.

2. The trouble is, those things (see above) take TIME.  Like, more than an hour.  If I don’t have more than an hour, I feel like I can’t start them.  So I do other things, like blog.  Hey, they all gotta get done!

3.  I have my first swim practice today.  Did I tell you I joined the Master’s team at the Y?  I can’t remember…  It’s been making me anxious.  The old Holly would be sweating bullets by now, worried to death she wouldn’t be able to hack it.  The new and improved, best-shape-of-her-life, more mature and self-confident Holly is only the slightest bit anxious (hey, I’m still me) but realizes it might be a rude awakening in the pool, and maybe it won’t be.  Either way, I’ll get through.

4.  I have a Micro test tomorrow morning.  I am not prepared.  The teacher is kind enough to allow us to take it with any of her sections throughout the day, the last being at 5 p.m.  Seeing as I have her lab directly before the 5 p.m. lecture, (my real section is 10 a.m.), I just might take her up on it.  I hate doing that, but I just might need the extra study time.

5.  I have my second Chem quiz this weekend.

6.  We’re going out of town this week–as in, leaving Thursday night.  We’re going to Gore, which is in the Adirondacks, for skiing.  Well, I don’t think I’ll be skiing.  I just want to get away with my school books and magazines and not be on a schedule and just ready and study and bake.  Repeat.

7.  Did I mention we’ll be in a cabin with a bunch of other people with no internet and that I have a Chem quiz to do ONLINE?  Just a little stressed about this…

8.  My next chapter of Chem homework is due Friday, but since I’m leaving Thursday (see #6 above), I have to finish it before.  I haven’t started yet.  Did I mention the last homework took something in the ballpark of 6+ hours?

9.  I’ve been fighting a cold now for a week and a half.  Go away already!  My poor, red nose can’t take any more!

10.  In an email recently to a friend I confessed that if I didn’t love school (and the thought of being an RD) THIS MUCH, I would quit in a heartbeat because the schedule (with only 12.5 credits and a 10-minute commute!) right now is insane.  This must be what having children is like…

Say an extra prayer for me this week!

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