2009 Accomplishments

1. Traveled to Denver twice, Miami twice, Oslo, Las Vegas, Cancun, Dominican Republic, New Orleans and Austin
2. Took a knife skills class - I am not really practicing it in real life though
3. Went white water rafting for the first time
4. Socializing more - Created a monthly happy hour and joined a book club
5. Completed my first Sprint Triathlon
6. Took 2 bootcamp classes
7. Tried Persian, Indian, Cuban and Turkish food for the first time
8. Saved one year of living expenses
9. Trained for my first half marathon
10. Tried new restaurants: Glass Wall, Striphouse, Nelore Steakhouse, Soma, Straits

July 4th

It was nice having a three day weekend. I was able to visit with friends and take as many naps as I wanted. We went to Dave's house on the 4th and he cooked an amazing brisket and I had some of the best boudin I have ever had.

My contribution to the event was Macaroni and Cheese Bites. I was told they were good and that they should indeed be made again so I will add them to my list of approved appetizers. I think the next recipe I try will be hummus but we shall see.

Macaroni and Cheese Bites

3 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
3 packed cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for sprinkling on top
2 extra large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 24-count, nonstick mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook, whisking occasionally, for about 2 -3 minutes until thickened. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and stir to melt. Remove from heat and stir in egg yolks, salt and nutmeg. Stir in macaroni.

Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of macaroni and cheese into the prepared mini muffin pan. Each cup should be filled to the top. Pack each one down gently. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 minutes. Using a teaspoon, carefully loosen the mac and cheese bites and transfer to a platter to serve.

To make ahead, bake and cool mac and cheese bites. Package and refrigerate. Place bites on a baking sheet and bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

2009 Travel

I just want to keep track of the places I am visiting this year. It is always difficult to remember after the fact and I try to travel as much as possible so my list is a bit lengthy at times.

1. Miami/South Beach
2. Cancun
3. Denver
4. Oslo
5. Las Vegas
6. Colorado Springs ?? Visiting Andy's parents
7. Boco Raton - birthday
8. Punta Cana - Aimee's wedding

Party Recipes - That Are Always a Crowd Pleaser

These are my winning recipes that are always crowd pleasers. Another important factor is that they are easy to make. The last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen but I always seem to over extend myself trying to find those amazing dishes that people will rave about.

Who does not like a compliment or two or three. he he

Black Bean Avocado Dip

Ingredients:

3 ripe avocados
1/2 red onion, minced
1 can black beans
1 can sweet corn
1 can rotel
1/4 cup shredded cheese - your choice
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste


Directions: Drain and rinse black beans. Peel, pit and slice avocados. Finely chop red onion. Finely mince fresh garlic. Mix all ingredients in medium bowl.

Serve with tortilla chips


Pizza Rolls

1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough
1/4 pound Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 pound pepperoni sausage, sliced
1/4 pound provolone cheese, sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 fresh basil leaves
Italian seasoning

Pizza sauce for dipping

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook salami and pepporoni on stovetop to reduce the amount of grease in rolls. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Roll pizza crust dough into an approximately 10x14 inch rectangle on the baking sheet. Layer with Genoa salami, pepperoni and provolone cheese. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese to within 1/2 inch from edges of the dough. Roll jelly roll style. Seal the edge with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Slice into 1 inch pieces to serve.

Race Schedule

I am only doing a few races this year but my first Sprint Triathlon. I am really trying to improve my time without doing too much. The last thing I want to do is injure myself. My first race was this last weekend so I have decided to keep track of my results for 2009. So here goes.

S.C.O.P.E. 5k 3/28/09 29:24 - First race where I have not needed to walk a portion

SilverLake Sprint Tri 5/17/09

Race for the Cure 10/3/09

Bootcamp Time

I have been going to my womens only bootcamp twice a year since I turned 30. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and kicks my butt back into shape. What is better than waking up at 4:40 in the morning to make a 5am class? Just think once you finish your 8 to 5 you are done for the day. You do not have to worry about how you are going to work in working out and dinner prep time.

Karen always times you the first week and the last week to see what type of improvements you have made. We just had our timed test and I have to say I am pretty proud of myself but just because I was interested I found the email of what my times were from my very first bootcamp. Yes, I keep every email and yes the email is from 3 years ago.

In 2006 at the age of 30 she tested us on planks and 1 mile runs now she test us on situps, pushups and 1 mile runs. The only thing that I can really compare is the run so here goes.

2006 Results: Run - 12:03 the first day and 9:17 the last day of class
2009 Results: Run - 8:10 the first week and 7:55 the last day of class

I just have to share my situp and pushup times though because like I said I am proud of myself.

We had 1 minute to complete and here are my results.

Beginning of Bootcamp
Pushup: 46
Situps: 40

End of Bootcamp
Pushup: 52
Situps: 43

Big Winner!

My husband got me into Texas Hold-em 2 or 3 years ago. I really enjoy the game (as long as I am winning) because I view it as a game of strategy and perception. Both skills must be nurtured and you have to keep a level head throughout the game. Once you give up it is all over; you have to be determined to try your hardest until the end and yes sometimes that means everyone else will have large chip stacks and you are looking at the measly 300 dollars you have left. I guess you could call me the come back kid because people will consider me done and I will double up and am right back in the game.

Last night was no different. I had a small chip stack but was able to come back yet again. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I was head-to-head with my husband no less and the chips went in his favor in the beginning but I was determined to press on even though I had an early work meeting the next day. It paid off in the end and I have to say it is nice when the money stays in the family regardless if it is him winning or me.

Running Way

I am so excited. I have finally ran 3 miles without stopping. Not only did I run 3 miles but I was doing so well that I kept running and ended up running a little over 4 miles without stopping; then I walked and ran the other 2 miles. I have been having issues because I kept having asthma attacks. I used to be able to run long distances with no problems but through the years I have lost that ability and and trying get back to where I was.

Now this comes at a perfect time because I just signed up for my first Sprint Triathlon in May and I think that is somewhat essential that you be able to run at least 3 miles. Now I just need to work on my biking and swimming which the swimming is what concerns me the most. I do not want to drown in the man-made, Silverlake!

Wish me luck

Super Bowl Sunday

I enjoy football but I have to say that what I enjoy most on Super Bowl Sunday are the ads. This year is no different and there were some good ones and some that were not so good.

The ads that really stood out and I remember are the ones I thought were strange like the 1 second Miller High Life ad here the guy just yells Hi! Then of course you have the ones that make you laugh out loud. My favorites were the Teleflora's - Talking Flowers and the Doritos - Crystal Ball ads.

At the end of the day I had a great time and ate enough pigs-in-the-blanket, pizza rolls and dip for two people.

Live Band and Fire Show - What's not to Like

Wednesday night we headed over to The Continental Club to here the DarDans. My husband works with Darden one of the band members. It was my first time at The Continental Club and I have to say I enjoyed it. The atmosphere was nice and the band was great. We called it a night around nine because it is a school night. When we started to leave we realized there was a whole other show in the back.

The Zion's Flame was in the back doing their flame eating show. It was very random to stumble onto but a nice surprise. If you have a Wednesday free you should check it out. The flame show itself is enough to pull you off the couch.

25 Random Things About Me

1. I have been in 8 car accidents, two the car flipped, but none were my fault and no one was hurt.

2. If I completed student teaching I would have a second degree in Education.

3. I met my husband 3 years before we started to date but did not realize until I saw pictures of us together in my photo album.

4. I changed my alternator, belts, oil and gave my car a tune up while in high school because my dad made me. I appreciate it now because I did learn some things about cars.

5. I have an adopted sister that left home when I was born and she has only contacted my parents 3 times since.

6. My favorite flowers are the Parrot Tulip and Orchid.

7. My graduating class in high school was 52 people.

8. My mom taught me how to make lye soap, can vegetables, sew, garden, knit and cook because these are useful skills to have. I might cook once a week now.

9. I have had 9 dogs since I was a little girl. Don't ask.

10. In college I worked at a career center, a credit union, law firm and cable company.

11. At the cable company my two bosses had a fist fight in the parking lot and the cops blocked me in. I had to ask them to move so I could go to class.

12. My first job was a dish washer at the Top Half which was a truck stop. One day they forced me to be a waitress and I cried in the walk in cooler and tried to get my mom to pick me up. If you are shy it is guaranteed that truck drivers will bring you out of your shell.

13. My parents did not use an air conditioner at home until I was in high school.

14. I never used a clothes dryer or a dish washer until I was 25 years old.

15. I accidently burned down 5 acres of our property in high school. Luckly, it did not spread any further.

16. I used to be able to play a mean game of chess.

17. In 6th grade I was in band. I played the clarinet and was first chair every week.

18. My mom always made my Halloween costumes. She still does if I ask her. She even made my Oktoberfest costume.

19. My eyes change colors depending on what I wear. They are grey, blue, green and aqua on any given day.

20. My parents only knew each other 5 days before marrying. They will celebrate their 45th anniversary on April 5th.

21. My hair has been dyed once because the chorine in the pool turned it green.

22. A snake crawled into the engine area of my car while in high school. The fire department came out to assist and the story was in the Kountze newspaper the next day. (It was pretty exciting for Kountze)

23. I cannot stand people chewing their nails.

24. I was named after Laura Ingles on Little House on the Prairie.

25. I dislike all melons – watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew

The Whole 'Beef' Enchilada

Now I do enjoy cooking BUT it always seems that when ever I try to cook on the weekdays I become a little stressed out. So keeping that in mind I might make a full meal from scratch once a week. The rest are meals consisting of sauce in a jar, breaded and cooked chicken, pizza or takeout.

I did, however, make these beef enchiladas last night and I have to say they were really good. I think making the red sauce from scratch made all the difference. They did not take too long to make so I was able to enjoy some couch time before bed. I am only cooking for two people so keep that in mind when recreating this recipe.

Beef Enchiladas

1/2 pound ground beef

1/2 white onion diced

3/4 cup shredded cheese - I used a Mexican blend

5 freshly made tortillas - Mission tortillas are not allowed in our house

1 cup pico de galo - bought at Kroger

1 Serrano pepper - diced and seeds removed

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Red Sauce

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

3 tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon oregano

2 cups water/broth

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

I made the sauce first while the ground beef was cooking and preheated the oven to 375. Just add all ingredients to a sauce pan and let simmer. I added 1 cup beef broth and 1 cup water. It made enough for this meal plus I was able to freeze the rest for later.

Cook the ground beef until almost done on the stove top and add the onions and the pepper. Cook until the onions are transparent. Add some of the sauce you made to the ground beef mixture. Just enough to add flavor and moisture. Next take out an 8x8 pan and coat with non-stick spray. Dip the tortillas in the sauce and place in pan one at a time adding some beef mixture and a little cheese. Roll the enchiladas and place the cease face down. Once you have filled all tortillas pour the red sauce over the enchiladas. Until 1/2 inch of the pan is filled with the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the enchiladas and place in the oven.

Cook until the cheese is melted and slightly crisp on the edges. Once you remove it, sprinkle the pico de galo and cilantro on top and serve.

JENGA - The Game of Life

Take turns removing the three-inch blocks one at time, using caution to keep the structure intact while stacking the removed pieces back on the top of the tower. As the tower rises, its base begins to teeter--one wrong move and it collapses in a heap! Game over.

This is how I view life for the most part. I always feel that one wrong move and all the hard work will be for nothing and everything will come crashing down. I know they say that out of adversity comes opportunity but I have not been able to embrace this philosophy. My husband says that if I have nothing to worry about I make things up to worry about. My parents have said the same thing. So maybe it is just who I am. I worry things may go wrong or I will take the wrong path while in reality my life is good and there is no reason to waste time thinking of what might happen. Instead, I should enjoy the calm and stop thinking of the potential storm on the horizon. Getting there is the problem though.

Inaugural Speech

I always vote in the presidential race but this time around I was very excited about the process and followed the coverage more than I ever have before including the inaugural speech. I never bothered before to tune in and watch this process but this time was different. As I watched I, like many other people, knew that this is a moment that will go down in the history books. I had to wonder if President Obama would be quoted years from now like Kennedy, Roosevelt and Lincoln.

My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us,grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

Maybe, I was listening to an audio stream that would be replayed 50 years from now.

I enjoyed the inaugural speech immensely and I can only hope to be apart of more inspirational moments in history.

New Year Goals

I try to set goals for myself each year. Some people call it their life list but I view my list as something that will grow with me and as a result my goals will change. Last year it was to skydive which I did in September. This year I am going to try to accomplish a bit more. I do not want to list to get to an unmanageable size though because that would defeat the purpose of setting goals. maybe if they are written down I will be more likely to do them. We will see.

1. Compete in a Sprint triathlon - Signed up for the Silverlake Sprint Triathlon

2. Buy a Digital SRL camera

3. Start revisiting my passion of photography

4. Be more proactive when it comes to socializing/making friends - Working on it

5. Take a knife skills training class - Hubby and I took class April 14th

6. Take a cooking class - something Greek or Thai

7. Try a new recipe once a month -January/Beef enchiladas, February/potstickers, July/macaroni and cheese bites

8. Learn Spanish

9. Try to post 2-3 entries in my blog a month

10. Get a group together for a paintball game - I have always wanted to do this

11. Learn more about web analytics - blogs, books, something

12. Take a wine tasting class

13. Go to the gym at least 2x a week - Took bootcamp March 23rd - S.C.O.P.E. 5k 29:32

14. Try Indian food - Completed 2/2/09 Also tried Persian & Turkish

15. Travel somewhere new - Miami and Cancun

16. Focus on myself more

17. Clean the house more often - Why not get a maid already

18. Go to an art gallery once a month

19. Go on a girls trip - no boys allowed

20. Become better at tennis

I think this is a good list for 2009. I am going to think of it as a work in progress. Hopefully I will be adding to it and not taking away from it. I wish now that I had started a blog earlier because it would help me see what I accomplished in 2008. The only things that really stand out are:

1. Traveled to London, Norway, Denver, New York, San Antonio, New Orleans, Austin, Las Vegas, South Padre and Dallas

2. Completed 2 Houston Adventure boot camps - warm weather only for me

3. Started a new job in February 2008

4. Went skydiving for the first time.

5. Susan G. Komen 5K - 31:24 time

6. Learned NetTracker, ExactTarget, EpiServer and Sharepoint

Hubcap Grill

I have been reading excellent reviews about Hubcap Grill and decided I wanted to try it out. With people saying that it has the BEST burger in town I came with big expectation. So last Saturday the weather was perfect and with my husband and a friend joining me we headed over to the Hubcap Grill.

Now there are a few things you need to keep in mind before going to the Hubcap Grill. The first is that they have very little inside seating and the second is they only accept cash. When we arrived we saw that they have quite a few speciality burgers but since this was our first visit we wanted to stick to the basics. I ordered the cheeseburger with fries and then found a place to sit outside. Our orders were delivered to our table promptly and the food looked great. The bun they use seems like a ciabatta bun - I could be wrong. The patty was cooked perfectly and had just enough seasoning. The only thing that I can say that could be improved on is the fries. They are good do not get me wrong but there just is nothing special about them.

Entertainment while dining

While we were enjoying our meal we heard some commotion behind us. We look across the street and there are two girls fighting with a group of guys around them. Most of the guys are trying to break them up while another guy takes pictures. The girls kept following one another and starting back where they left off. Hair pulling, punching, bear hugs you name it we saw it. They did stop long enough to get a free Christian rap CD that someone was giving away downtown. Now where can you get a great burger and street entertainment! My overall impression of Hubcap is good and the entertainment we saw just guarantees that I will not forget my experience anytime soon. If you get a chance you should check the place out. It lives up to the rave reviews and who can pass up on an great burger.