Lyndsey tagged me over at her blog, The Foster Following. I'm not quite going to follow the rules and tag ten people (I'm lazy like that), but I'll write ten things that make me happy.
1. My husband. Sometimes our sense of humor is completely different and sometimes he uses humor to deal with stress and I use tears, but he can always make me smile. He's also been my best friend for almost ten years now. While I probably still would have survived medical school on my own, I'm so glad he was there to support me in so many ways. I can't wait to see what else life has in store for us, especially since I start residency this summer.
2. Sleep. I used to be the type of person who would compromise on sleep. I've become almost obsessive about getting 8 hours a night. In general, I think I'm a much happier person because of that. Also, a great nap almost always acts as a great stress reliever.
3. Girls' Nights. While I love hanging out with my hubby and certainly enjoy couples, there's nothing like a great girls night. Fortunately I've collected multiple great groups of girls in my various phases of life.
4. Movie night with the rents and lil bro.
5. A good book. I adore reading.
6. Baking. I don't quite like the extra calories that baking exposes me to, and yes, it's quite difficult to bake something and not eat it, but I love the relaxing motions of baking and the joy of creating something.
7. Trying new recipes AND Joe liking them. Joe's a very, very picky eater. While I don't want to stop trying new recipes, I also want Joe to eat some of the recipes I try. I've been trying to pick more recipes that I think Joe will like. He's been trying them and liking them. I love cooking for people. It's just not as fun if I'm only cooking for myself.
8. Surprise money. It's always nice finding a large bill in a coat pocket, getting more than expected from tax refunds, etc.
9. Unexpected weight loss. While I try not to obsess about my weight and I'm certainly not on a diet, it's always nice to see a lower number on the scale.
10. A great workout. I've been very lazy this week, but truly, there's nothing like an endorphin high.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Things I wish I could say...
Being a medical student, I feel I could have plenty of material for some quite interesting blog posts. Unfortunately for you readers, there's this thing called HIPAA and I'm not at the liberty to talk about my patients. Don't get me wrong, this is definitely to the benefit of the patient and medicine, but sometimes I just want to tell you about patients I see. I'll be a good, professional medical student and keep my mouth shut.
I'd also love to share some of my oh so wonderful (note heavy sarcasm) experiences with some of the residents and attendings with whom I work. However, these same individuals evaluate me and it's best to bite my tongue about some things, well almost all things related to this. Who knows if they happen to randomly stumble across my blog. So, why some of the moments that infuriate me could infuriate you too, I must keep them to myself. (Don't get me wrong, I've also had plenty of wonderful experiences).
The fact that I can't blog about my life makes me a little sad. I don't want to expose my patients or co-workers, but this is such a huge part of my life. Yes, I enjoy baking and reading, but those are my hobbies. I'm almost a physician, and with that I've had many experiences that contribute quite a bit to who I am. You readers don't really get to see that part of me.
I'd also love to share some of my oh so wonderful (note heavy sarcasm) experiences with some of the residents and attendings with whom I work. However, these same individuals evaluate me and it's best to bite my tongue about some things, well almost all things related to this. Who knows if they happen to randomly stumble across my blog. So, why some of the moments that infuriate me could infuriate you too, I must keep them to myself. (Don't get me wrong, I've also had plenty of wonderful experiences).
The fact that I can't blog about my life makes me a little sad. I don't want to expose my patients or co-workers, but this is such a huge part of my life. Yes, I enjoy baking and reading, but those are my hobbies. I'm almost a physician, and with that I've had many experiences that contribute quite a bit to who I am. You readers don't really get to see that part of me.
Chocolate Chip Macadamia Bread
Earlier this month I decided I want to try at least one recipe a month out of a cookbook. (I get most of mine off food blogs or magazines).
This weekend I made The Mixer Bible's Chocolate Chip Macadamia Bread. Since the recipe is from a published cook book, I'm not going to post it here.
First off, I had another baking fail. I used the designated pan size, cooking time, and oven temperature, but yet again it was undercooked. I tried cooking it some more, but that didn't work, yet again. I'm really hoping this isn't a start to a trend of baking fails.
Taste wise, it was OK. I think it would bake better as chocolate chip muffins than a bread. I added the macadamia nuts, but I didn't think the flavors complemented each other well. I've really only had macadamia nuts in white chocolate chip cookies. While, that wasn't the flavor I was expecting, the nuts still seemed a little odd in the bread.
Why such a crappy picture? I used my cell phone. Since it was such a horrible baking fail, I felt no need to pull out my SLR and try to get a good shot.
I'm hoping my next baking adventure is more successful!
This weekend I made The Mixer Bible's Chocolate Chip Macadamia Bread. Since the recipe is from a published cook book, I'm not going to post it here.
First off, I had another baking fail. I used the designated pan size, cooking time, and oven temperature, but yet again it was undercooked. I tried cooking it some more, but that didn't work, yet again. I'm really hoping this isn't a start to a trend of baking fails.
Taste wise, it was OK. I think it would bake better as chocolate chip muffins than a bread. I added the macadamia nuts, but I didn't think the flavors complemented each other well. I've really only had macadamia nuts in white chocolate chip cookies. While, that wasn't the flavor I was expecting, the nuts still seemed a little odd in the bread.
Why such a crappy picture? I used my cell phone. Since it was such a horrible baking fail, I felt no need to pull out my SLR and try to get a good shot.
I'm hoping my next baking adventure is more successful!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
An Irish Country Girl
An Irish Country Girl: A Novel by Patrick Taylor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I've had a busy month with school and today I decided I was finally going to sit down and finish Taylor's book. I'm glad Taylor helped us learn more about Mrs. Kinky Kincaid, but honestly, I'm getting bored. This is the fourth book in the series and they're almost all the same, style wise. Taylor tried to tell a love story, but that's just it--he told it. I didn't feel the emotions as well as I can in other books. Taylor threw some new characters in, which could increase interest, but not for me.
Truthfully, the first book in the series, An Irish Country Doctor, has been the best and the rest only mediocre since then. I keep hoping Taylor will surprise me with another Irish Country Doctor, but I think I've given up. I love reading books set in Ireland, but the series it getting too repetitive for me.
View all my reviews >>
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I've had a busy month with school and today I decided I was finally going to sit down and finish Taylor's book. I'm glad Taylor helped us learn more about Mrs. Kinky Kincaid, but honestly, I'm getting bored. This is the fourth book in the series and they're almost all the same, style wise. Taylor tried to tell a love story, but that's just it--he told it. I didn't feel the emotions as well as I can in other books. Taylor threw some new characters in, which could increase interest, but not for me.
Truthfully, the first book in the series, An Irish Country Doctor, has been the best and the rest only mediocre since then. I keep hoping Taylor will surprise me with another Irish Country Doctor, but I think I've given up. I love reading books set in Ireland, but the series it getting too repetitive for me.
View all my reviews >>
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Phone Upgrade Disappointment
My phone's been turning itself off again, so Joe and I decided it was finally time to upgrade. We voyaged out to the Verizon store. I knew I wanted a qwerty keyboard and was thinking I'd end up with the EnV 3. So, we're talking to the sales guy and comparing the EnV 3 to the Samsung Rogue. The sales guy is kind enough to mention that both of these phones require an additional $9.99 a month for a data plan. Umm...excuse me? Yup. He said basically in an effort to stop the calls Verizon customer service gets for unintentional data charges, Verizon started the $9.99/mos data plan requirement. If you already have a phone that would require the $9.99, your phone is grandfathered in under your old contract and you don't have to start paying the $9.99 until you upgrade. WTF! I don't want internet on my phone, so I should not have to pay for it. Period. So I ask if there are any phones with a qwerty keyboard that doesn't require the $9.99 plan...there's one! It happens to be the one my parents have and I've used it on occasion and know that I don't want it.
So slightly annoyed, I walk out of the Verizon store empty handed. I think it's absolutely ridiculous Verizon is trying to get another $10 a month out of us! I basically gave up the idea of a smart phone because I didn't want to pay the extra $30 a month. It's almost back on the table. Our phone contract expires some time this summer, so at the very least, I'm going to tough it out until our contracts expire. Then we'll probably look around at the other carriers and see where we go from there.
I still just can't get over this extra fee. To me, it's as bad as airlines charging baggage fees.
So slightly annoyed, I walk out of the Verizon store empty handed. I think it's absolutely ridiculous Verizon is trying to get another $10 a month out of us! I basically gave up the idea of a smart phone because I didn't want to pay the extra $30 a month. It's almost back on the table. Our phone contract expires some time this summer, so at the very least, I'm going to tough it out until our contracts expire. Then we'll probably look around at the other carriers and see where we go from there.
I still just can't get over this extra fee. To me, it's as bad as airlines charging baggage fees.
Baking Fail
A couple of weeks ago, a recipe for chocolate chip, pretzel, peanut butter cookies is circulating the boards on the nest. Back in August I made these chocolate chip pretzel bars, and with all the talk of those cookies, I knew I had to make them to satisfy my craving. When I made them last time, I used a 9x13 pan. Don't get me wrong, they were delicious, but I thought perhaps I'd like them a little thicker. So I tried baking them in an 8x8 pan for the same amount of time. Yeah, that was a mistake.
I drizzled the chocolate and peanut butter on top, cut into the bars, and they're not done. (I tried the toothpick test, but kept getting chocolate). So I put the whole thing into the toaster oven to try to bake some more. Why the toaster oven? Well, I thought I was finished baking the cookies, so I started baking chicken for Tikka Masala and I didn't want the garlic and spices of the chicken to taint my yummy cookie bars. Eventually I smell burning...
As you can see, even after trying to rebake them, they're still not done. Plus, all of the beautiful, yummy chocolate and peanut butter toppings were burnt. I was so disappointed, but I didn't let a some burning get me down. Yes, I pulled out all of the ingredients and made another batch. This time I used the 9x13 pan.
I drizzled the chocolate and peanut butter on top, cut into the bars, and they're not done. (I tried the toothpick test, but kept getting chocolate). So I put the whole thing into the toaster oven to try to bake some more. Why the toaster oven? Well, I thought I was finished baking the cookies, so I started baking chicken for Tikka Masala and I didn't want the garlic and spices of the chicken to taint my yummy cookie bars. Eventually I smell burning...
As you can see, even after trying to rebake them, they're still not done. Plus, all of the beautiful, yummy chocolate and peanut butter toppings were burnt. I was so disappointed, but I didn't let a some burning get me down. Yes, I pulled out all of the ingredients and made another batch. This time I used the 9x13 pan.
Friday, February 19, 2010
These are some great photos!
I recently discovered the Big Picture photo news blog. I continue to be amazed over and over at how great the photos are. The most recent post includes photos from the Olympics. If you haven't checked it out yet, I definitely suggest heading over there.
Fix It Friday - 44
Thursday, February 18, 2010
4 weeks and 4 years
Well, it's February 18th today. This is a big day for two reasons. First, Match Day is exactly 4 weeks away. Second, Joe proposed to me exactly 4 years ago.
I'm not going to lie, practically since January I've been an emotional rollercoaster. The whole month of January, I had problems sleeping. I couldn't fall asleep, then when I finally did, I'd wake up multiple times throughout the night. Fortunately, February brought a surgery rotation and I've been so physically exhausted that falling and staying asleep is no longer an issue, it's just getting enough of it. My consumption of peanut butter M&Ms has also increased. I recognize the times when I'm stress eating and it's unfortunately become a little more frequent. I feel much better when I get a workout in, so I'm trying to be more diligent about working out. I finished my bag of M&Ms tonight and will not buy anymore so the temptation is gone. But then, right now I'm also frustrated about working out because my knee's bothering me again.
I feel like things are hitting us all at once. We want to know where we're moving, but other than ranking my programs, we have no control of it. We are at the beck and call of an envelope delivered to us in front of my whole class on March 18th. We've been very fortunate with our living situation out here, but now it's time to sell our house. Worrying about finding a buyer and handling the process is an added stress. I really don't like strangers wandering through our house. While I know it's unlikely, they're seeing our belongings and I have this odd fear someone is going to try to break in and steal our computer, etc, and they'll know exactly where we keep it. I guess that's the Baltimore girl in me. (Not that I've heard of that happening to anyone I know.) On top of that, along with knowing what city we'll be living in, we kind of want to find a home to live in. Unfortunately, we can't do that until March 18th. So basically, we're planning on flying back East for a weekend and doing a marathon session of home viewings, hoping to find a house we love and can afford, put a contract in, and settle in a very short time. We're planning on leaving Omaha at the end of May, so at the very least we need a place to live after that. Hopefully Joe will be fortunate enough to find a job shortly after Match Day and may even need to leave Omaha earlier to start the job. But where is he to live if we haven't closed on a house yet? And, we need a mortgage for this house. We've never bought a real house before, so this is a little overwhelming. Oh the things to think about.
Whenever a friend asks for advice, I always say to take things one step at a time. I wish I could listen to my own advice right now. It's one thing to be prepared, it's another thing to try to control things that are out of our control right now. I hope these next four weeks fly by. I'm going to try to just take a couple steps back and let things fall into place, but I can't promise I won't have a good cry or two in the meantime.
I'm not going to lie, practically since January I've been an emotional rollercoaster. The whole month of January, I had problems sleeping. I couldn't fall asleep, then when I finally did, I'd wake up multiple times throughout the night. Fortunately, February brought a surgery rotation and I've been so physically exhausted that falling and staying asleep is no longer an issue, it's just getting enough of it. My consumption of peanut butter M&Ms has also increased. I recognize the times when I'm stress eating and it's unfortunately become a little more frequent. I feel much better when I get a workout in, so I'm trying to be more diligent about working out. I finished my bag of M&Ms tonight and will not buy anymore so the temptation is gone. But then, right now I'm also frustrated about working out because my knee's bothering me again.
I feel like things are hitting us all at once. We want to know where we're moving, but other than ranking my programs, we have no control of it. We are at the beck and call of an envelope delivered to us in front of my whole class on March 18th. We've been very fortunate with our living situation out here, but now it's time to sell our house. Worrying about finding a buyer and handling the process is an added stress. I really don't like strangers wandering through our house. While I know it's unlikely, they're seeing our belongings and I have this odd fear someone is going to try to break in and steal our computer, etc, and they'll know exactly where we keep it. I guess that's the Baltimore girl in me. (Not that I've heard of that happening to anyone I know.) On top of that, along with knowing what city we'll be living in, we kind of want to find a home to live in. Unfortunately, we can't do that until March 18th. So basically, we're planning on flying back East for a weekend and doing a marathon session of home viewings, hoping to find a house we love and can afford, put a contract in, and settle in a very short time. We're planning on leaving Omaha at the end of May, so at the very least we need a place to live after that. Hopefully Joe will be fortunate enough to find a job shortly after Match Day and may even need to leave Omaha earlier to start the job. But where is he to live if we haven't closed on a house yet? And, we need a mortgage for this house. We've never bought a real house before, so this is a little overwhelming. Oh the things to think about.
Whenever a friend asks for advice, I always say to take things one step at a time. I wish I could listen to my own advice right now. It's one thing to be prepared, it's another thing to try to control things that are out of our control right now. I hope these next four weeks fly by. I'm going to try to just take a couple steps back and let things fall into place, but I can't promise I won't have a good cry or two in the meantime.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bad Knee Day
I'm not going to lie, I've been slacking on my exercise, especially my knee exercises. I don't know what it was about today, but it was definitely a bad knee day. I got so excited I was able to do the elliptical again without pain that when I did have time to work out, I opted for the elliptical instead of strength training.
While I know I have to go back to doing more strength training, it's frustrating. When I have time to work out, I want to do what I enjoy, not just quad strengthening. It's also very frustrating, because I feel my pain today was at a similar point as pre-surgery. I do think something else is going on. My left calf is truly more developed on the outside and much less developed on the inside. I don't know if it's my gait or my arches, or what. I've been wearing my orthotics all day, so supposedly I should have proper foot alignment.
I don't know. I just know I'm tired of knee pain. I should go back to the physical therapist, but since it's a new year, I have to re-meet my deductible and PT isn't covered until the deductible is met. I don't know if I throw in the towel and try new orthotics made fit by the physical therapist (not a podiatrist) or what. While we haven't touched our deductible this year, I probably should get things taken care of before we have to switch insurances this summer.
Sigh. I'm just stressed with life and I just wish I could wave my magic wand and have the muscle tone I need and no knee pain.
While I know I have to go back to doing more strength training, it's frustrating. When I have time to work out, I want to do what I enjoy, not just quad strengthening. It's also very frustrating, because I feel my pain today was at a similar point as pre-surgery. I do think something else is going on. My left calf is truly more developed on the outside and much less developed on the inside. I don't know if it's my gait or my arches, or what. I've been wearing my orthotics all day, so supposedly I should have proper foot alignment.
I don't know. I just know I'm tired of knee pain. I should go back to the physical therapist, but since it's a new year, I have to re-meet my deductible and PT isn't covered until the deductible is met. I don't know if I throw in the towel and try new orthotics made fit by the physical therapist (not a podiatrist) or what. While we haven't touched our deductible this year, I probably should get things taken care of before we have to switch insurances this summer.
Sigh. I'm just stressed with life and I just wish I could wave my magic wand and have the muscle tone I need and no knee pain.
Beef with Broccoli
I've always enjoyed beef and broccoli from Chinese takeout places, but I haven't ordered it for years. That being said, I decided to give it a try. The sauce wasn't quite the same, but in a good way. I think Chinese takeout uses a little more soy sauce, so this is probably better for me. Another plus, Joe liked it!
Reciped copied from Pioneer Woman who got from the Steamy Kitchen Cookbook.
Jaden’s Chinese Beef Broccoli
INGREDIENTS
1 lb (500 g) top sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into 1/8-in (3-mm)-thick strips
11/2 lbs (750 g) broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
1 tablespoon high-heat cooking oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
BEEF MARINADE
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cooking oil
Freshly ground black pepper to season the beef
STIR-FRY SAUCE
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
2 teaspoons Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
1 In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the Beef Marinade. Add the beef and let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2 In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the stir-fry Sauce.
3 In a wok or large sauté pan, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and bring to a boil. Add the broccoli and cover to steam for 3 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green, crisp tender and you should be able to pierce the stem with a fork. Drain.
4 Discard the water in the pan and dry the pan well. Set the pan over high heat and when hot, add the high-heat cooking oil and swirl to coat. Add the garlic and fry for 15 to 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the steak strips, keeping them in one layer and fry 30 seconds. Flip the strips and fry the other side.
5 Pour in the stir-fry Sauce and stir to combine. Simmer until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 30 seconds. Add the cooked broccoli back into the pan and toss to coat well.
SERVES 4 AS PART OF MULTICOURSE MEAL. I served mine with rice.
Tikka Masala
I've only had Tikka Masala once or twice and really enjoyed it, so I decided to give making it a try. I followed the recipe from Joelen's Culinary Adventures. Yet again, she did not disappoint. I enjoyed it much more the second day after the seasonings had more time to sink it. I tried it with both egg noodles and rice. I enjoyed the rice more. I have some in the freezer right now, and after writing this post, I think I'm going to have to start defrosting it for dinner tomorrow.
Recipe from Joelen's Culinary Adventures
INGREDIENTS
Chicken Tikka:
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons table salt
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat (about 3-4 lbs)
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 medium garlic cloves , minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Masala Sauce:
2 - 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion , diced fine
2 medium garlic cloves , minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2/3 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
DIRECTIONS
For the chicken, combine cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt in small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with spice mixture, pressing gently so mixture adheres. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
In large bowl, whisk together yogurt, oil, garlic, and ginger. After the seasoned chicken has 'marinated' for 30-60 minutes in the fridge, pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and toss to fully coat both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight.
For the sauce, heat oil in medium sized saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until light golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, tomato paste, and garam masala; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this point, allow the sauce to cool. Transfer the sauce into a storage container, cover and then refrigerate overnight (I refrigerated for 8 hours).
The next day, remove the chilled sauce from the fridge and heat up in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in cream and return to simmer. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm.
While sauce simmers, adjust oven rack to upper-middle position (about 6 inches from heating element) and heat broiler. Remove the chicken from the fridge and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Place the yogurt coated chicken on the parchment lined baking sheet. Broil chicken until thickest parts register 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer and exterior is lightly charred in spots, 10 to 18 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then cut into 1-inch chunks and stir into warm sauce (do not simmer chicken in sauce). Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Before serving, stir in cilantro into the sauce or garnish with cilantro if using (I used dried cilantro).
Ash Wednesday
For Christians, today is the start of Lent. I've been saying I'm in a faith crisis. Being in the medical profession, I don't feel like I can call something a crisis and not doing anything about it. So, for Lent this year, I'm going to try my darnest to go to church weekly. I haven't decided if I want to go back to giving Catholic Mass a try, or try something new and go to a Lutheran church. I guess I'll decide that on Sunday.
I had a brief thought to give up baking for Lent. This will definitely be difficult for me, but I changed my mind. I decided I'm just going to stick with going to church weekly. This way at the end of Lent I can't say, "well at least I stuck with something," if I only have one thing to which to stick.
I had a brief thought to give up baking for Lent. This will definitely be difficult for me, but I changed my mind. I decided I'm just going to stick with going to church weekly. This way at the end of Lent I can't say, "well at least I stuck with something," if I only have one thing to which to stick.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Queen of Babble in the Big City
Queen of Babble in the Big City by Meg Cabot
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really, it's 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I found Lizzie extremely annoying in the first book. While Lizzie can still be annoying in the Big City, I at least knew what to expect, plus I think Lizzie grew up a little since the last book, which is a good reflection of Cabot's character development.
I still think of this as chick lit and it's not my usually preference, but I will say, I'm curious to see where book 3 goes. I checked it out of the library today, so we'll see if I have some time to read it.
View all my reviews >>
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really, it's 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I found Lizzie extremely annoying in the first book. While Lizzie can still be annoying in the Big City, I at least knew what to expect, plus I think Lizzie grew up a little since the last book, which is a good reflection of Cabot's character development.
I still think of this as chick lit and it's not my usually preference, but I will say, I'm curious to see where book 3 goes. I checked it out of the library today, so we'll see if I have some time to read it.
View all my reviews >>
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Corn Casserole
I love corn. I love cornbread. When I saw this recipe on the Baltimore Nesties Cookbook, I knew I had to give it a try. I've tasted it both warm and cold, I definitely prefer it warm. Some say it's like a pudding, I think it's more like a super moist corn bread. I baked mine in a 9x13 pan. Next time I might try a smaller pan, but that could be detrimental as I found out with some cookie bars I tried last weekend (future post), so we'll see.
Recipe from SarahKate31 on Baltimore Nesties Cookbook (link above)
INGREDIENTS
1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
1 can (15 oz) drained whole kernel corn
1 box jiffy corn bread mix
1 cup (8 oz) light sour cream
1 stick of butter (softened)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350, grease 9x13 pan. Mix all ingredients together in medium bowl. Spread into greased pan. Bake 45 minutes.
Joe didn't want to try it, so I ended up freezing half of the batch. I placed parchment paper between the cut pieces and stacked them before freezing.
Random Morbid Thought
The book I'm currently listening to suggested future brides have a trial run if they are going to get their make-up done because we all have experiences where a deceased love one no longer looks like the person we remember because the mortician used so much make-up and a bride doesn't want that on her wedding day. (Yes, that's a super run-on!)
So, that got me to thinking...is there such a thing as mortician make-up trials? I mean if you're in your 80's or 90's or diagnosed with a terminal illness, you pretty much know the end is near (eventually). I don't know the turnover rate for morticians, but I think it's feasible to assume that it's low and if someone met with a mortician, but didn't die for another 10 years, it would be the same person. So, with this thought in mind, one could go meet with the mortician before her death and tell her what she wants to look like in the coffin. In general, I think families like their deceased family member to look practically like they did the day before they died, not how they looked 15 years earlier. If a person has passed, I really don't feel there is a need to make her look younger. If grandmom never worn bright red lipstick in real life, the family should not see her in the coffin wearing bright red lipstick. I could go on, but you get my drift.
I know this is morbid, but if I remember 60 years from now, I really might go meet with the mortician to give her/him an idea of my living personality and appearance. Call me weird.
So, that got me to thinking...is there such a thing as mortician make-up trials? I mean if you're in your 80's or 90's or diagnosed with a terminal illness, you pretty much know the end is near (eventually). I don't know the turnover rate for morticians, but I think it's feasible to assume that it's low and if someone met with a mortician, but didn't die for another 10 years, it would be the same person. So, with this thought in mind, one could go meet with the mortician before her death and tell her what she wants to look like in the coffin. In general, I think families like their deceased family member to look practically like they did the day before they died, not how they looked 15 years earlier. If a person has passed, I really don't feel there is a need to make her look younger. If grandmom never worn bright red lipstick in real life, the family should not see her in the coffin wearing bright red lipstick. I could go on, but you get my drift.
I know this is morbid, but if I remember 60 years from now, I really might go meet with the mortician to give her/him an idea of my living personality and appearance. Call me weird.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I'm not really big on Valentine's Day. Yes, it's nice to get flowers and chocolates, but I really feel like it's become a Hallmark holiday. I don't need a special day on the calendar to surprise Joe with a Caramello bar to show him I love him.
Today, going to through my google reader, I came across this storyboard and figured I'd use a wedding photo in honor of Valentine's day. If you haven't checked out Shadowhouse's blog before and like textures for photoshop, etc, I definitely recommend making a stop over there!
Since I am doing a Valentine's Day post, quick tidbits.
Our gifts to each other: I'm making crab cakes, Joe's cleaning up my mess. Yes, that's our practical nature. Joe did surprise me with flowers yesterday, but I almost feel like I guilted him into it. Yesterday he abruptly said, "I have to go run an errand." He went onto explain he needed a single bolt from Home Depot. I thought this was an odd story and perhaps a cover for going out to get me flowers. Nope. He truly went to Home Depot for a bolt. I mentioned how my suspicions were wrong and later that night came home to flowers. So sweet. Guilted or not, I definitely appreciate the thought!
This is our 9th Valentine's Day together.
Four days from now, February 18th, marks 4 years since Joe proposed. (wow, I really can't believe it's been that long).
It's snowing again in Omaha. Is it spring yet?
Today, going to through my google reader, I came across this storyboard and figured I'd use a wedding photo in honor of Valentine's day. If you haven't checked out Shadowhouse's blog before and like textures for photoshop, etc, I definitely recommend making a stop over there!
Since I am doing a Valentine's Day post, quick tidbits.
Our gifts to each other: I'm making crab cakes, Joe's cleaning up my mess. Yes, that's our practical nature. Joe did surprise me with flowers yesterday, but I almost feel like I guilted him into it. Yesterday he abruptly said, "I have to go run an errand." He went onto explain he needed a single bolt from Home Depot. I thought this was an odd story and perhaps a cover for going out to get me flowers. Nope. He truly went to Home Depot for a bolt. I mentioned how my suspicions were wrong and later that night came home to flowers. So sweet. Guilted or not, I definitely appreciate the thought!
This is our 9th Valentine's Day together.
Four days from now, February 18th, marks 4 years since Joe proposed. (wow, I really can't believe it's been that long).
It's snowing again in Omaha. Is it spring yet?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Enough Snow Already
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I've heard wonderful things about this book and fortunately I was not disappointed. I didn't think I was much of a mystery person, but I've really enjoyed the past two I've read. I just might have to throw mysteries in my books a little more often.
I personally thought there was an elevated sexual overtone and I did not realize there was some sexual assault in this book. When I read, I like to escape to another world, preferably without disturbing situations. Yes, I know mysteries involve a crime, so some settings are unavoidable.
I briefly looked up Larsson and saw he was a journalist as well. I wonder how much of Blomkvist is actually Larsson. Either way, I thought the characters were great, believable, and gruesome at times.
Story-wise, I loved it and look forward to reading the next book.
Narration wise, excellent.
View all my reviews >>
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I've heard wonderful things about this book and fortunately I was not disappointed. I didn't think I was much of a mystery person, but I've really enjoyed the past two I've read. I just might have to throw mysteries in my books a little more often.
I personally thought there was an elevated sexual overtone and I did not realize there was some sexual assault in this book. When I read, I like to escape to another world, preferably without disturbing situations. Yes, I know mysteries involve a crime, so some settings are unavoidable.
I briefly looked up Larsson and saw he was a journalist as well. I wonder how much of Blomkvist is actually Larsson. Either way, I thought the characters were great, believable, and gruesome at times.
Story-wise, I loved it and look forward to reading the next book.
Narration wise, excellent.
View all my reviews >>
Missed World Nutella Day!
I'm a little bummed I missed World Nutella Day yesterday. I admit, I haven't worked with Nutella much, but I love the taste and texture of it. I'll never forget my first experience with Nutella. My freshman year of undergrad, I took a trip with school to London. We made a day trip to Paris. We were running late and I kept saying we needed to get to the bus, no detours. On the way to the bus, we saw a crepe stand. I was torn. Here I was telling the rest of the group no stops until we get back to the bus, but that would mean I'd miss my chance to get a crepe from a vendor IN PARIS! Supposedly I had such a look of excitement when I saw the crepe stand, the rest of the group said there was no way they were going to let me leave Paris without getting my crepe. I ordered a banana and nutella crepe and I think it may have been the best dessert I've ever had.
Sigh. Oh how I miss Europe and travel adventures.
Well, back to Nutella Day. I've since marked Februrary 5th on my calendar as Nutella Day for next year. Maybe this way I'll remember to make something with nutella. I would make something using Nutella today, but I've been craving these pretzel bars, and I definitely don't need two sets of sweets around the house.
Sigh. Oh how I miss Europe and travel adventures.
Well, back to Nutella Day. I've since marked Februrary 5th on my calendar as Nutella Day for next year. Maybe this way I'll remember to make something with nutella. I would make something using Nutella today, but I've been craving these pretzel bars, and I definitely don't need two sets of sweets around the house.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Advice to Med Students
Yes, I'm still a med student, but it took me most of third year to learn this, so I figure I'll put it out there now. I don't even think any med students read my blog, but that's ok.
For my non-med student readers...medical training is a hierarchy. The med students report to the intern, who reports to a senior resident, who reports to a fellow, who reports to an attending. Yes, there are a ton of middle men, but it's part of medical training. This hierarchy sometimes leaves us students waiting for a "dismissal" to go home by our residents. This is very frustrating when you've been sitting around for 3 hours waiting for patients to show to do consults or admissions. You've already checked up on the patients you're seeing, read about your cases, and now you're twiddling your thumbs until it's time to go home. If you're doing this with a fellow medical student, IT'S OK FOR ONE OF YOU TO ASK TO GO HOME! There is no need for both of you to sit and do nothing. Also, if a resident tells you to go home and it's earlier than normal, go home. It will not look bad on your part.
For my non-med student readers...medical training is a hierarchy. The med students report to the intern, who reports to a senior resident, who reports to a fellow, who reports to an attending. Yes, there are a ton of middle men, but it's part of medical training. This hierarchy sometimes leaves us students waiting for a "dismissal" to go home by our residents. This is very frustrating when you've been sitting around for 3 hours waiting for patients to show to do consults or admissions. You've already checked up on the patients you're seeing, read about your cases, and now you're twiddling your thumbs until it's time to go home. If you're doing this with a fellow medical student, IT'S OK FOR ONE OF YOU TO ASK TO GO HOME! There is no need for both of you to sit and do nothing. Also, if a resident tells you to go home and it's earlier than normal, go home. It will not look bad on your part.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Back to Real Life
If you're a regular follower, you probably picked up that I had a fair amount of free time last month. In my year of blogging, I don't think I've ever had 50 posts in a month before.
This month, it's back to reality. I'm back to a busy service and lots of hours at the hospital. That's ok. I may not be able to read 5 books and listen to another 2 books this month like I did last month, but I'm seeing patients again. (And not just any patients, the kiddos!)
I'm hoping I can try a couple new recipes here and there, and perhaps finish a book or two, but we'll see.
This month, it's back to reality. I'm back to a busy service and lots of hours at the hospital. That's ok. I may not be able to read 5 books and listen to another 2 books this month like I did last month, but I'm seeing patients again. (And not just any patients, the kiddos!)
I'm hoping I can try a couple new recipes here and there, and perhaps finish a book or two, but we'll see.
New New Year's Resolution
I love to try new recipes, but I seem to get all of my recipes online or through food blogs. While this is great, I have a pile of recipe books collecting dust. So, an additional goal this year is to try one recipe a month from one of my cook books. Since January is past, obviously I'll just have to start in February. The recipe can be anything--dinner, dessert, soup. I know this will hardly make a dent, but at least I'll feel like I'm trying to use my recipe books.
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