Wednesday, January 19, 2011

An update before class.

So, basically after my challenge was over, I pretty much stopped updating this thing. I've been so, so busy with classes and getting back in the swing of things at school that blogging is pretty much the last priority. I have some time before I have to leave for class at three, so while I enjoy this cup of tea I'll make a little update.

I got back from California on January 9, and classes began January 11. That meant that I had only two days in which to get over jet lag, purchase my books for the upcoming semester, complete my homework for the first day of classes, oh, and sleep. It was exhausting and I think I napped for eight hours in one day after the first week was over. It was totally worth it though..my nephew is the world's cutest baby and I am so glad I got to spend time with him. I can't wait until my sister comes out to visit in February/March (she has not decided yet).


Look at that face! 


My classes this semester are great so far. I've gotten called on in Con Crim Pro TWICE so far (he cold called on me the first day, and the third class he began calling on people row by row. I sit in the first row.) Astoundingly, I knew the answer both times. I think I am finally getting used to this "talking in class" thing.

I was relatively pleased with all of my grades from last semester. I did much better than I have done in the past and I didn't feel that crushing despair I normally feel when I receive my G.P.A. I am very busy with classes, like I said, but I've still been able to see my friends and hang out with them when I have the time. I've even been able to cook a bit. I think I'm going to start linking to recipes in my blog that I made that week, meals that ended up being delicious. Here are a couple:

Roasted Eggplant Soup. Sounds odd, I know, and I've actually never eaten eggplant before, but it was delicious. If you like things with a little kick (and I do), I highly recommend adding her "spice suggestions", which I believe are 1-2 teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander and a pinch of red pepper flakes. I just had a bowl for lunch and it was perfect for a rainy day like today.

Roasted Chicken with Balsamic Bell Peppers. This was so tasty and healthy, too! Zach's mom has a subscription to Cooking Light and I read a few of her copies over break, and then I checked out the website to see what they had for ideas. I just used the thin sliced chicken cutlets that I normally use to make anything with chicken and everything turned out great. Zach was skeptical, but he cleaned his plate.

That's basically all the "real" recipes I've made this week (I also made chicken parmesan and a stir fry over rice, but those aren't really recipes). This weekend I plan to organize my cupboards and take stock of all of the things I have, because I almost always end up overbuying things when I don't realize I already have them. For example, my six cans of black beans.

I was in Target a couple of days ago and I saw that they had a 6 quart Crock Pot on sale for only $30! I've always wanted a slow cooker, especially this semester because there are two days a week when Zach and I don't get back from class until almost 8 p.m. and it would be nice to have a meal all warm and ready to go. It also came with a "Little Dipper" which is basically a teeny Crock Pot to put warm dips in for parties. I was pleased, because I didn't realize that when I bought it so it was a nice added bonus. I think this week I am going to attempt beef stew in it, so we will see how that goes.

I have to head off to class now. See ya, three blog readers!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

new bangs, new year.



I'm still in Lake Tahoe, CA with my family visiting my sister/brother in law and brand new nephew. He is simply adorable. He is currently at his first doctor's appointment so I am just hanging out at their house by myself. Did some laundry and whatnot.

Four out of five of my grades have been posted, and I'm relatively pleased with all of them so far. I suppose that has a lot to do with the second year curve being higher, but I do feel as if I worked much harder this semester and I actually understood a lot of my classes (which is pretty much a first, haha) so I'm happy.

Time to go finish the laundry. It's the least I can do while I'm still here.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

last challenge. THANK GOD

Day 30 – A photograph of youself today + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days






That's me in front of Lake Tahoe. My sister lives out here and it's awesome.


Three good things that have happened in the past thirty days:


1. My first nephew was born/I got to meet my first nephew. He is precious.
2. Got fairly decent grades for the 3/5 classes I took this past semester. I say 3/5 only because I haven't received the final two grades yet.
3. I am done with this foolish challenge. 

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

never?!

Day 29 – Something you could never get tired of doing.


That's impossible. Even if I love doing something very much, it's impossible not to get tired of it. For the sake of this insanely hyperbolic question, I'll say either sleeping or snuggling with Zachy. I know, ew, stop it, disgusting. Possibly also reading terrible celebrity gossip blogs online. I know, my pseudo-intellectualism is a total sham. 

Sunday, January 2, 2011

been taking a coupla days off to hang out with a baby.

Day 28 – Your favorite movie.


No way I can pick just one. UP is amazing, There Will Be Blood was great, and I can't not watch Forrest Gump every time it's on TV.