“When our friendless standards were first unfurled, who were the strangers who first mustered around our staff? And when it reeled in the light, who more brilliantly sustained it than Erin’s generous sons? Ireland, thou friend of my country in my country’s most friendless days, much injured, much enduring land, accept this poor tribute from one who esteems thy worth, and mourns thy desolation. May the God of Heaven, in His justice and mercy, grant thee more prosperous fortunes, and in His own time, cause the sun of Freedom to shed its benign radiance on the Emerald Isle.”
-- President George Washington in a letter to the people of Ireland
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Ginger Steak Salad--The After Shock
The explosion of flavor also created an explosion on my lip! I woke up this morning with a gigantic cold sore! Ugh! I'm so glad the one day in years that I get a cold sore on my lip, I get to have my picture taken for work and then talk in front of a bunch of people. Yikes! Ok so it wasn't that bad. My friend Jess let me do several do-overs on my picture and gave me adequate time to pose. Which is saying a lot. Plus I got a new title, I am now a specialist instead of an assistant. Ben said I'm almost a seargent! ....more like a seargent major if you ask me.
New Beginnings was tonight and I had a nice time. I was impressed with how nice the program turned out. I had a small speaking part. I had to give an overview of the personal progress program, which is funny because I still kind of have a mental block on it. Good thing I have a life line that I can call for situations like that. I called my sister Marie from the church right before the program started. Thank goodness for life lines!
I missed Benjamin's skype call this morning, after waiting for 40 minutes I gave up and went to work feeling totally dejected. I hate when I miss his calls. I plan my whole morning routine around them. Get my hair perfect, make up on, cute outfit, perfume, the works! Gotta look good for my morning date!
So there was a microburst today and it blew out windows in different locations around town. It was really scary. Especially when they announced over the loud speaker at work that there was an external disaster. We were all a little frightened. I thought it was kind of ironic since I blogged about a tornado yesterday and last week. I have been stocking up on supplies since that time.
It was interesting watching the clouds moving so fast in such an ominous looking sky. It was frightening. I'm glad it's over and that the weather has turned calm again.
I'm also glad my speaking part is over. I used to enjoy speaking in public, but now I prefer to watch from the sidelines. I'm not as comfortable in front of a crowd as I used to be. Not too mention I feel a bit vulnerable when my husband isn't around to reassure me. I miss that man.
New Beginnings was tonight and I had a nice time. I was impressed with how nice the program turned out. I had a small speaking part. I had to give an overview of the personal progress program, which is funny because I still kind of have a mental block on it. Good thing I have a life line that I can call for situations like that. I called my sister Marie from the church right before the program started. Thank goodness for life lines!
I missed Benjamin's skype call this morning, after waiting for 40 minutes I gave up and went to work feeling totally dejected. I hate when I miss his calls. I plan my whole morning routine around them. Get my hair perfect, make up on, cute outfit, perfume, the works! Gotta look good for my morning date!
So there was a microburst today and it blew out windows in different locations around town. It was really scary. Especially when they announced over the loud speaker at work that there was an external disaster. We were all a little frightened. I thought it was kind of ironic since I blogged about a tornado yesterday and last week. I have been stocking up on supplies since that time.
It was interesting watching the clouds moving so fast in such an ominous looking sky. It was frightening. I'm glad it's over and that the weather has turned calm again.
I'm also glad my speaking part is over. I used to enjoy speaking in public, but now I prefer to watch from the sidelines. I'm not as comfortable in front of a crowd as I used to be. Not too mention I feel a bit vulnerable when my husband isn't around to reassure me. I miss that man.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Parasitic wife latches onto husband
Ben asked me recently what I am most looking forward to for his R&R. I said finally someone to open my jars again!!! Just kidding. I didn't say that until tonight when I realized that I can open most of the jars all by myself now. They say that deployment makes you stronger...'they' are right!
I told Ben that I am most looking forward to just holding his hand, looping my arm through his and just having the comfort of my strong sturdy husband by my side again.
Really, I plan on latching on like a parasite and not letting go until the very last minute!! He's probably going to be one of those guys who misses his flight. Because when he tries to break free of my iron jar opening grip I'm going to trip him and make him break a leg so he can't go back. Oops I just revealed my diabolical plan on my blog. This is top secret information so don't tell anyone ok?
Let's talk food storage for a minute. So last Thursday before the tsunami hit Japan we had a freak windstorm here in town. I thought for sure a tornado was coming. So being the ever prepared confident career driven successful woman that I am, I frantically called Maren and told her we had to hurry to Walmart to beat the stampede of people desperately trying to purchase last minute supplies.
As we were hurrying into walmart I saw a guy carrying a vacuum out of the store...I thought to myself...that is not going to cover it buddy! So after a frantic search at walmart...ok so the panic wore off when I got inside and started listening to that soothing elevator music they are always playing. Whoa sidetracked! Anywho I realized most things with a shelf life are carb loaded, and so opted for 5 boxes of mac'n cheese. I'm covered. If anyone's hungry during the next tornado come on over, but please bring milk.
On a side note--I decided to start making my post titles more like a news headline. Fun huh? Maybe it will last, maybe it won't.
P.S. I made the most delicious Ginger Steak Salad that I got off of http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/03/ginger-steak-salad/
It was full of flavor!! So refreshing to my tastebuds! The chile lime orzo soldier soup is like yoga for your mouth, so I would have to say this salad is like pilates for your mouth.
I told Ben that I am most looking forward to just holding his hand, looping my arm through his and just having the comfort of my strong sturdy husband by my side again.
Really, I plan on latching on like a parasite and not letting go until the very last minute!! He's probably going to be one of those guys who misses his flight. Because when he tries to break free of my iron jar opening grip I'm going to trip him and make him break a leg so he can't go back. Oops I just revealed my diabolical plan on my blog. This is top secret information so don't tell anyone ok?
Let's talk food storage for a minute. So last Thursday before the tsunami hit Japan we had a freak windstorm here in town. I thought for sure a tornado was coming. So being the ever prepared confident career driven successful woman that I am, I frantically called Maren and told her we had to hurry to Walmart to beat the stampede of people desperately trying to purchase last minute supplies.
As we were hurrying into walmart I saw a guy carrying a vacuum out of the store...I thought to myself...that is not going to cover it buddy! So after a frantic search at walmart...ok so the panic wore off when I got inside and started listening to that soothing elevator music they are always playing. Whoa sidetracked! Anywho I realized most things with a shelf life are carb loaded, and so opted for 5 boxes of mac'n cheese. I'm covered. If anyone's hungry during the next tornado come on over, but please bring milk.
On a side note--I decided to start making my post titles more like a news headline. Fun huh? Maybe it will last, maybe it won't.
P.S. I made the most delicious Ginger Steak Salad that I got off of http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/03/ginger-steak-salad/
It was full of flavor!! So refreshing to my tastebuds! The chile lime orzo soldier soup is like yoga for your mouth, so I would have to say this salad is like pilates for your mouth.
Monday, March 14, 2011
...and you marry who you date!
and John Wayne...apparently:
Yeah that's him the guy in the blue shirt that says "Stunning looks and brains too".
He feels the need to advertise it.
(By the way thanks Maren for letting me use your mug...My hot chocolate tasted extra delicious in it!)
Confessions...
Ben confessed to me last night that he was disappointed that I never became a nurse.
That's ok. I was disappointed when he didn't follow through with International Relations.
I was so looking forward to living in foreign countries and meeting all sorts of diplomats and dignitaries!
In just the first few days of knowing eachother Ben and I tagged along with one another to get all of our school stuff in order. He came with me to meet with teachers, counselors etc. Unbeknownst to me at the time he was already mapping out our future and had decided me being a nurse would really benefit our future family.
Funny, because as I was tagging along with him I was thinking International Relations would be awesome because we would get to live in foreign countries!
Along the way our goals and our dreams changed as so often they do in college. I vaguely remember being disappointed about the switch from International Relations, but he was always so excited about the next thing he was working on I couldn't help but be happy for him. I know he felt the same way about my change in interests.
On a side note-- in that first week of getting to know eachother in person (after 6 months of writing) everywhere we went people would ask us if we were married. All of Ben's counselors/teachers would ask if I was his wife...we had no spoken commitment of any kind at that point. I do remembering perking up when he was hesitant to say no. It seemed like more of a not yet instead of a no.
It put a little bounce in my step--like 'hey I'm this cute guy's future wife!' Or so I hoped!
When I brought him home for the first time after 2 weeks of pal-ing around together my sister Becky asked him when he was going to propose. He told me later he was thinking any day.
It looks like he is taking it of himself...maybe he caught himself by surprise?
That's ok. I was disappointed when he didn't follow through with International Relations.
I was so looking forward to living in foreign countries and meeting all sorts of diplomats and dignitaries!
In just the first few days of knowing eachother Ben and I tagged along with one another to get all of our school stuff in order. He came with me to meet with teachers, counselors etc. Unbeknownst to me at the time he was already mapping out our future and had decided me being a nurse would really benefit our future family.
Funny, because as I was tagging along with him I was thinking International Relations would be awesome because we would get to live in foreign countries!
Along the way our goals and our dreams changed as so often they do in college. I vaguely remember being disappointed about the switch from International Relations, but he was always so excited about the next thing he was working on I couldn't help but be happy for him. I know he felt the same way about my change in interests.
On a side note-- in that first week of getting to know eachother in person (after 6 months of writing) everywhere we went people would ask us if we were married. All of Ben's counselors/teachers would ask if I was his wife...we had no spoken commitment of any kind at that point. I do remembering perking up when he was hesitant to say no. It seemed like more of a not yet instead of a no.
It put a little bounce in my step--like 'hey I'm this cute guy's future wife!' Or so I hoped!
When I brought him home for the first time after 2 weeks of pal-ing around together my sister Becky asked him when he was going to propose. He told me later he was thinking any day.
I love my soldier!
Hmmm...I wonder if he is really surprised that someone is taking his picture?
It looks like he is taking it of himself...maybe he caught himself by surprise?
That's gotta be it.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Lamb Chops.
Is there something on my face?
Oh how embarrassing!
The NICU for lambs
These babies are hungry!
I think I will just take this little cutie home with me! My boston's would love it!
Just hanging out.
A Great Pyrenese with an intimidating bark standing guard over his little flock of 3,000 sheep.
Mama and babies snuggling to keep warm.
Twins!
These boots were made for walking...
through sheep....ewe you get the idea!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Chicken, Lime, Orzo, Soldier Soup
I just threw soldier in the title so I could post this picture of Ben. I just like looking at him. What can I say? I married a handsome guy!
Now for the rest of the ingredients!
In a large pot sautee 1 medium onion chopped, 1 finely chopped jalapeno chile pepper, 5 cloves finely chopped garlic & 1-1/2 Tblsp olive oil:
Next add 1lb of chopped chicken breast and sautee:
Now add 1-1/4qts of chicken broth, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 can of diced tomatoes and let simmer for a few minutes.
Now you are ready to add your orzo pasta and a 1/4 cup chopped cilantro:
A delicious soup that cleanses the palate and refreshes the soul!! Really it's like doing yoga for your taste buds! I love it!!
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