Food! It's a Good Thing.

So on Sunday my family celebrated my little brother's birthday. I was ordered (or politely asked, it depends who you ask) to bring cornbread, so in my new found state of culinary inspiration. I decided to make it. I decided to go with The Pioneer Woman's recipe. I had to improvise a little because I don't have an iron skillet. It turned out okay. Everyone seemed to like it. I found it a little gritty (yes, even for cornbread), but that could be me messing something up. Here's how it looked:

I also made yummy honey butter to go with it. I found the recipe at this blog.

Wanna know the secret ingredient that restaurants use in honey butter? Of course you do:

Anybody with common sense can see that they use: Marshmallow Creme? Yep, apparently that adds something a little extra. Hey, it works. Mmmmmm, marshmallow creme.

Continuing along, tonight I decided to make a skillet potatoes. Again the recipe comes from one of my saving graces, My Kitchen Cafe. It turned out well.

I need something to go with the potatoes. Hey, I'm not trying to insult potatoes here, I could eat them alone always, but I didn't want them to feel alone. So I made an impromtu Chicken Cordon Bleu. I just lightly seasoned grilled chicken in a pan (which by the way has become my new favorite way to cook chicken), then I warmed up some ham and then placed swiss chesse on top. Yummers!

Nom, nom, nom,

I'm a little slow at posting things here. I forget. I wanted to post this before Halloween, but what are you going to do. Nothing that's what. So, anyway, about a week and a half ago I was at Target. And in their bakery area I found this little gem.

Cute! Candy corn shaped Rice Crispies treat!

I thought it made a fun treat. And any time you can shape one type of to look like another is fabulous.

One more update

A few weeks ago I developed a sore throat. That lead to a nice little fever (surprisingly not high like I usually get). Which lead to a stuffy nose and a cough. Well, now everything is all cleared up except the cough. I can't do anything. Laughing included. I just start coughing and coughing.

This unfortunate circumstance how forced me out of the Las Vegas Ragnar. It's really sad. I've been training sense July. Oh, and it's Vegas.

Oh well, there is nothing that I can do. What a bummer. Hopefully, the That's What She Said team will take lots of pictures.

Go team! T-minus 4 days.

Marlboro Man’s Second Favorite Sandwich

So for dinner tonight I wanted something a simple and tasty. Because difficult and gross doesn't seem worth it to me. =) In trying to improve my cooking repertoire my cool boss has directed me to a couple of food websites that have some awesome recipes.


Tonight, my recipe comes from The Pioneer Woman. As the title of my post suggest the recipe is called "Marlboro Man’s Second Favorite Sandwich." I've made the first favorite before. And while is was good, it is fattening.

The green stuff is avocado. I like avocados so there you go. This turned out really well. I was really happy how good it turned out. Hence the pictures. Thanks Pioneer Woman!

Kanye Interruptus

*Jaw drops* Well, I think that is your personally opinion there Kanye. Some people are so rude. Do you think that he would continue to interrupt people if someone punched him in the face when he tries it again? Sometimes it is surreal how rude people have become, there's just no common courtesy anymore. But if you want Kanye to interrupt you then go here.

I Pledge....

Okay, even though I would like to I don't get very politically here. Politically topics always lead to arguments because nobody agrees 100% on anything. Personally I hate all politicians and think we need term limits for Congress members. I think if we start running things on more local levels things would actually get done.

Anyway, the reason for my posting is this YouTube video that has been shown in some schools. I've seen a couple of videos like it, but not this one. It's called "I, Pledge." The video is made by the BO administration and it features many celebrities talking about how they pledge to do some nice for others or good for the Earth. Whatever, haven't we all been told we should be nice. (Until we realize that people suck and no one is as nice as they seem.)

I have two major problems with the video. First, is all the celebrities. I have no respect for celebs. They are all immoral hypocrites. Even though I know it happens and will always happen I don't think it is right for kids to worship them. This video is just reaffirming that sad reality. Don't get me wrong, it's okay to like the "work" they "do," but idol worship is a bit much. I believe that parents need to teach their children this. I know responsibility is hard, but isn't that one of the challenges of being a parent? Why not try and get parents involved in making a I, Pledge video?

Secondly, I have a very big problem when during the course of the video a couple of the celebs pledge to serve Barack Obama. That is exactly what they said: "I pledge to serve Barack Obama." I find this disturbing. No one should every pledge to serve any politician. You can pledge to serve your country or your fellow man, but never one person. Would you pledge to serve George W. Bush? Hell, no. And no one would have put up with that if it was said a year or more ago. This is no better than my in-laws neighbors telling them they have an obligation to serve the LDS church because they were baptized. You shouldn't have to be manipulated to believe in something. Irritating.

Don't be nice because a politician or celebrities tell you to. Be a good person because it's the decent thing to do.

Pledge to educate yourself , through school and independently.
Pledge to be aware of what is going on around you.
Pledge to respect others and others' opinions even when you disagree with them. (Yeah, that's a hard one.)
Pledge to listen.
And always pledge to be your best.

Movie Weekend.

Go movies! I love movies. So what better way to spend a otherwise dull weekend than to go see several movies.



On Saturday night I went with cool boss to see The Time Traveler's Wife. I liked it. This movie is about a man who skips around in time and the woman he loves. It makes me want to read the book now to see if I get the same feelings that I hade with the movie. (Side note: I really love books.) How can I explain it? The movie is not fast paced, but it's not slow either in terms of plot development. The one thing that felt odd was from the relationship between the characters and how it felt like you were jumping into the middle of the relationship instead of seeing it develop. Other than that, well besides how worldly a six year old girl is, I thought the movie was very nice for a chic flick. Oh and seeing Eric Bana in the buff isn't too bad either. =)



Right after the movie, guess what we did? Saw another one. This time we went to see Julie and Julia. If you don't know, this movie is about the famous chef Julia Child and how she learn to perfect the art of cooking French cusine and publish a book for Americans about said art. And it's also tales the tale of a woman named Julie who wrote of cooking her way through Child's book over the course of a year. She started it as a blog then published a book. I really liked this movie. It was extremely cute and filled with witty charm. Both Amy Adams and Meryl Streep did an amazing job. I have heard of some people not caring too much for the back and forth of when the movie switches from Julie to Julia. I didn't mind this. I thought it flowed nicely. The scenes in some way or another related so you could make an easy comparison.

I find it amazing when someone can come up with an idea like that and come out on top. It makes me jealous. I want to be that creative. Do you ever worry that you're not good enough to do what you love?

Continuing on......

On Sunday, the hubby and myself decided to go see District 9. A new sci fi movie in which aliens get stuck on Earth and trouble ensues. Kudos to the director of this movie. It had the gritty feel that some news stories have without seeming cheesy. The lead actor played the part well. This is not a hero movie. You know, where the lead character goes out and defeats the bad aliens. District 9 is not black and white like that. I would reccomend this movie if you are into sci fi or action. Violence (awesome, but a lot) and swearing gave it an R rating.

So it was a good movie weekend. Yay!

Cirque du Soleil

So tonight me and the hubby went to see Cirque du Solei: Saltimbanco at the E Center. First, let me say it was an awesome show. Very bright and colorful and humorous. Personally I liked the one we saw in Vegas better. That one was called Mystre. It seemd that the latter had more acerobatics than Saltimbanco. This show was still had me in a wonderous awe though. It's just incredible what these people can do! They speak in French, but I think it adds to the ambiance. Unless, of course, you understand French then you can understand what they say.

I love the costumes, they have so much piazz and mystery. We were in the front row on the floor, which can be a dangerous place. Dangerous meaning you may be chosen to participate in an activity. So what might happen is they could shake your hand or goof with you a little bit or they might bring you on stage (this is usually just one person). Well if you know me, you know that the idea of being the center of attention freaks me the hell out. Luckily enough, I was not chosen. So if you don't want that, then sit higher up. Actually that reason aside, I think I would sit higher up next time because you don't have to crane your neck as much.

If you haven't seen a Cirque du Soleil show, I highly recommend it.

Only downside to the evening was when we pulled into the E Center parking lot. These jerk-offs want $10 for parking! I couldn't believe it. How ridculous. Didn't the taxpayer pay for this arena? And now they are basically trying to force people to go through Ticketmaster to buy tickets. Ticketmaster charged me a Building Facility Charge of $3 per ticket, a Convenience Charge of $12.90 per ticket and a Order Processing Charge of $5.10. So that is a grand total of $36.90 in charges. And why is Ticketmaster charging a Building Facility Charge? Haven't we already paid for the building? And should the people performing the show pay for using the building?

My suggestion, don't use Ticketmaster if you can help it. That's what I'm going to do from now on. These venues charge you to death and then they wonder why nobody buys anything.

But go see a Cirque du Soleil show. =)

Does it get any easier?

So last year I started running because cool boss talked me into doing the Wastach Back Ragnar Relay. Let me clarify one small detail: before March 2008 the last time I did any real running was about 16 years ago, you know, when I was 12 or so. What I'm trying to say is that I'm not a runner. I will admit to not being consistant (again, not a real runner) and I sucked when "running" the Ragnar Relay. Now when I say "running" I mean a combination of walking and jogging. I am also slow, meaning I'm pushing about 15 minute miles.

This year, because I again decided to do the Ragnar Relay (yes, I am crazy) I wanted to try and do a little better. It's not about winning, it's about finishing. Anyway, I started working out and taking a mixture of fitness classes, which includes Step, Pilates, Cycling and Power Tone. I really liked all the classes and I believe those classes have helped me. I also was running. So this year I have been able to run up to a mile before I have to walk. For me, that is a big improvement. I felt like I did better this year and was pretty consistant.

Where is this going, you might ask. Well, we decided to sign up for the Las Vegas Ragnar Relay (did I mention we are crazy?). In preparation for this my husband has began helping me train. He did this last year also, but didn't get the chance before the first Ragnar Relay this year because he was recovering from surgery. His patience is amazing. Isn't is incredible how one person can how so much influence over you (in a good way)? Today and yesterday I have gone about a mile and a quarter before walking.

In explaining all of this I have one question.: Does it get any easier? It feels like I'm not making any process. I am not a natural runner. Running in this heat is also very difficult I don't know how some people do it. I don't plan on doing any marathons, but if I could run a 5k I woukld be pleased. One problem is that in order to do this I need to be motivated (I also accepted bribes). Meaning I have to run with someone else (e.g. husband, friends) or else I just can't get into it. It's a bad personality flaw I know, but until reading becomes a form of exercise then that's what I got to go on.

But really, does it get any easier?

Cake Pops

So for a belated birthday treat my cool boss made me some cute little cake pops. Cake pops, what are those you ask? Well, you take a little cake, mix it with some frosting, coat it with more frosting and put it on a stick. They are so cute and yummy. And I have pictures. Oh, she discovered the idea from this adorable website.

It's Edward!

Because apparently I'm a Star Wars fan. Who knew.

" Oh no, my head is being eaten."

Mmmmmmm, tasty chocolatey brains.

Oh, yeah

I also wanted to add two new shows that I discovered. The first is The Little Couple. It is so cute. It is about a married little person couple. She is only 3'2"! I know she is an adult woman, but she is still so cute! Jen(that's her name) is also a doctor. The show is way neat.



The second show is called Cake Boss. It is like Ace of Cakes, but it is in Boston. It is because of Cake Boss that I have also started watching Ace of Cakes. I love watching them makes all those cool cakes. One day I am going to get a fancy cake like that, because everyone should have one at least once. Maybe it's just me, but it seems like the cake makers on Ace of Cakes are high. Maybe they are just WAY relaxed, but I still think they are smokin' a little somethin' somethin'. (If you know what I'm sayin', do you?)

Both of these shows are on TLC.

Found a New Show

So about two weeks ago I was channel surfing because I have a million channels and nothing was on. As I was flipping through I came across the History Channel (usually a good choice) and saw the show "Ice Road Truckers." Now, I know this show has been on for awhile, but before it just didn't seem interesting. So I tuned in to give it a try. And I liked it. It is actually very interesting. Just watching how these drivers tackle the roads in Alaska is intense. I like it and am glad I gave it a try.

I also like Gangland (although each episode is kinda the same). But I think it is in part to the narrator. His voice is very....capitivating.

That is all.

Ragnar Relay 2009

So I survived another year. Yay! I actually liked this year better than last year. Even though it rained (it did make for nice running weather). Van 1 was awesome. My teammates were hilarious. Even my leg was better. So I have gathered some photos of are little adventure, please to enjoy.

This first picture is at the starting line. The girl in the blue shorts is our first runner. We call her K1:

Update(7/1/09): As cool boss reminded me, K1 was also known as Ms. Right?. Reason being A6 was always asking (sarcastically) if he remembered her name correctly. So funny.

The second picture is our second runner, Meg. Awww, no fancy nickname for her. She kicked ass.

Next is our third runner (yeah, I can count), Jessi. Look at that beautiful scenery.

Here goes our fifth runner, J5. See fancy nickname. Now you may be thinking, "Hey, I thought you could count. I do believe a 4 comes after 3." Well, fear not I am aware that the fourth runner is missing. That fourth runner is me. And there is not a picture of me running. That would be cruel to force on the masses, such an image that would be.

Update(7/1/09): I didn't really mention how my running went. Well my first one was a little hot, it was also my longest one. I was able to do a mile before I had to start walking. Yay me! I also had a hill, which wasn't too bad. My second run was at night. So it was nice and cool. Flat as flat could be. The only issue was when I had cars coming toward me their headlights would ruin my night vision. Again I went about a mile before I had to stop. Hey, I never said that I was a runner runner. My third leg (yay last one) was down hill. Awesome. It was also raining, which I don't have a problem running in the rain. How refreshing it was. And I did a mile straight. Overall, I had a good time. Van 1 rocked, well, the van.

A6 is our last runner in Van 1. Wow, he was good. He just kept on trucking. Our van rocked!

And this last picture is after our team crossed the finish line. It was cold, rainy and we were all tired. BUT, we did it! Go team! Three of our teammates were not able to finish with us. *shakes head* For shame.

Next year it's Team That's What She Said.

Las Vegas Ragnar anyone?

Weekend

Awesome weekend! I love when that happens. So on Friday I went with my cool boss and her sister (as it was said sister's birthday, yay!) to see Joel McHale. If you don't know him, he is the host of "The Soup" on E!. (Not "Talk Soup" mind you) He has also famously starred in "Spiderman 2," "CSI: Miami" and "Pushing Daisies." He is so damn funny! And really nice. I saw him last year at Wiseguys and he took time after each show to sign and pose for pictures. That picture I got with him then didn't turn out as well because I used a cell phone and didn't have a flash. But as you will see below this time the picture is a lot better. He is kind of raunchy. I think it's funny when they do that. It's like they have to be good on tv so they go crazy when they perform on stage. Although I don't think anyone is as crazy as Bob Saget. That guy is filthy, it is quite hilarious.


He also signed a t-shirt. I need to get a picture of that and put in on here.


On Saturday, we went out to a movie, "The Hangover." It was freakin' awesome. I laugh so much through this movie. Before we went to the movie, the hubby and I went out to dinner at Biaggi's. It's an Italian restaurant. It was quite tasty. I did find something new though. It's called black fettuccine.

I know, crazy! I guess it's just regular fettuccine that uses some type of squid oil(ink?). It's tasteless, but still cool. I mean, it's black! It also had lobster in it. Pretty good. The only bad part was that it had green onions in it. Those damn tiny chopped pieces that stick to everything. Nice place for a good price.

My Little Bro's Wedding

On June 6, 2009 my little brother got married. How sweet. The following are pictures of the blessed event.

This first photo is of the newlyweds exiting the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple where they where married and sealed for (according to the Mormon faith) time and eternity. That is a long time. Hope they really like each other. =)

This next one is a picture of my parents and the bride and groom in front of the actual temple. Apparently the doors you see below are locked and no one goes in or out those. So the couple goes into the doors (above) and gets into the temple that way. So I've been told.

Next we have the "ring ceremony." Do I hear you asking what the hell does that mean? Well, let me enlighten you. It is kind of a new thing that the Mormons do after they get married. If the bride and groom so choose, the gather family and friends who were not able to go into the temple with them and they exchange wedding rings and say a vow type thing to one another. Well, at first I thought it was for us heathens, to say, "hey, look, we did get married." But after sitting through this thing I realized that it is just as religious as if it was held in a church. That is all they talked about; how blessed a couple is to be married in the temple. Wow. I guess my marriage is just a sham. Oh, sorry, but I digress. Moving along...

This picture is of the gigantic wedding cake that my BROTHER pick out. My new sister-in-law didn't care. He is so crazy. But it was delish! (Side note: See boss lady, you could totally do that, practice, practice, practice. You have the talent) It was so pretty. The chocolate was like fudge. It was so rich.

Here, the groom gently feeds his bride. I told him I would beat him if he shoved it in her face. I hate that. It is sooo hickish. Her family was trying to egg her into doing it. Dumb. Wedding dresses have been ruined by doing that.

This is the bride and groom figurines that were choosen. Trust me though, she did not have to drag him. They both were running to the alter.

Me and my hubby. I must say that I loved that dress. It is really cute. I don't know how well I wear it, but I still like it.

A shot of one part of the wedding cake.

This is the pasta salad that I made for the rehearsal dinner. It is pretty yummy if I don't say so myself.

And here is the fruit pizza that I also made for the rehearsal dinner. And it was wonderful. And I'm not the only one who thought so. =P

So there is the day that they waited two years for. Congrat you two.

Tomorrow I'll post about the occurance on the way to the wedding and other happenings.

Night!

And one more thing...

So I, along with cool boss (and others) decided to go running tonight. Why? Because said cool boss is an evil manipulator and talked me into doing the Ragnar Relay again this year. Oh, what is this relay you ask? It's a 12 person team that takes turns running over a 36 hour period for about 180 miles. Oh no, I don't need to be committed, it all real. (see here: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/) But hey, it's fun. So while we were running (walking), it started to rain. And by rain, I mean it freakin' poured! We were soaked. It was hilarious. We'll do awesome!

Garden 2009

This is my garden this year. I don't have pictures of my Snapdragons because they haven't bloomed yet. =( But here we have other flowers and plants. The plants are squash and tomato.











These pictures here are of the birds nest in our cherry tree. Robins, my husband hates them since they like to eat all the cherries. Well, actually, the robins don't fully eat the cherries, it's more like they pick at them and throw them on the gound. Bastards. =) And that is sad because we have some tasty cherries. Yum!





And this is the planter that I am keeping on the porch. For cute! =)