Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Final Swing

We have all done things and then followed them with the thought, "Why would I do that?"  This often doesn't pertain to engaging in a good game of golf.  Although last summer I participated in this golfing extravaganza with my sister-in-law and co-workers, I must have blocked out a few details, such as #1. It takes 7 hours to golf 18 holes.  #2. I'm absolutely terrible.  #3.  July is hotter than Hades.
The girls must have blocked out number 2 as well, as they so kindly invited me for year 2 of the festivities.  The theme for the outing was "Final Swing Before the Ring" in honor of one of the teammates bridal shower.  I have chosen to further the theme to "Final Swing Before the End of my Lifetime" in honor of my announcement that I have indefinitely returned my borrowed golf sticks...er...clubs to my mother-in-law.  Let me be clear, the girls were such a fun and gracious bunch. There simply comes a point where your athletic inability is no longer funny it's just pitiful- specifically at hole number 3...out of 18.   Please note, while I may sound discouraged and harsh about my golfing disability, I, in no way feel that way.  I am very pleased to announce my final swing, as my interest is just as lacking as my golf swing.  I would be more than happy to be in charge of making festive crafts for the event next year.  







Friday, July 13, 2012

Reality Change

While I still feel blessed to be employed in the field I have prepared for, for the past ...well...EVER, the honeymoon feeling of "I can't believe I got a job" is dwindling and the reality of entering the workforce is nipping at my heels.  I had some time in my classroom this week to do mostly snooping and rummaging to see what I'm working with.  Thankfully, I have lots of materials which helps in the overwhelming feeling I get when I think of planning and preparing for 40 kids.  Aside from the thoughts of the responsibility I will have with the kids, the realization that I have been coming to this summer is that there really is no "end" at this point.  In college, there was always a start and then shortly later an ending.  Classes started, then a few months later they ended and you never had to see the professor again, look at the material again, write another paper on that topic, etc. etc.  Then, a new class began starting the short cycle over.  And finally came graduation marking an end to college. Well, I'm in the workforce now and aside from retirement, there really is no end.  I am now "in" what I have worked toward.  This explanation is a bit fuzzy, but I suppose my point is that the pattern or rhythm of my life as I know it has changed.  There are no semesters and no final grades after 4 months.  It's just a long continuation of working.  I am very much okay with this as it's a positive change and progression to the next phase in life.

My classroom does not look like much right now, but hopefully I will put some of my magic teacher touch to the four walls in the next few weeks.  I'll be sure to post pictures.... if it ends up lookin' like something :).

Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps

Considering my success rate of re-inventing things I find on Pinterest is roughly 1/8, I'm proud to share ANOTHER recipe I tried off my social pin board.  This not only satisfied my taste buds (I'm not hard to please), but my husband's, whose food preferences are a little harder to cater to.  They are not spicy, but I kicked a few up a notch for Will by adding some hot sauce and jalapenos...yikes!


INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cooked rice, warm or at room temperature
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (or other leftover meat, like shredded pork or beef)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green onion, finely sliced (white and green parts)
1/2 red or green pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 cups shredded cheese (I use a combination of Monterey jack and sharp cheddar)
Sour cream (optional)
6 burrito-sized flour tortillas
DIRECTIONS:
Mix rice together with chili powder, cumin and garlic salt. Add remaining ingredients except for cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle cheese over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges, then arrange chicken and rice mixture down the center of each tortilla. (Optional: I like to dollop little bits of sour cream over the cheese before arranging chicken and rice mixture down the center – it makes the wraps delightfully creamy.) Roll stuffed tortillas, leaving edges open and slightly flatten the wraps with the palm of your hand. Spray seam-side of the wrap lightly with cooking spray.
Heat a large non-stick skillet (or griddle) over medium heat for 1 minute. Arrange wraps, seam-side down, in pan or griddle and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking them seam-side down first helps seal the long edge so they don’t fall apart. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining wraps. Serve warm.






Monday, July 2, 2012

A Summer Weekend

Being in our twenties, Will and I expect weddings to claim our summer weekends. However, this summer has not been overcome by weddings so Saturday was refreshing as we celebrated the vows exchanged between two long time lovers. Will's parents' close friends finally made it official after 30+ years of dating. The two hippy lovebirds had a beautiful ceremony and between the longevity of their dating career and the antique Rolls Royce they drove away in, they were the talk of the town. Much love and congrats to the bride and groom!

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