Patience

Streams in the Desert is the devotional guide I am reading. It is such a great devotional; I would definitely recommend it if you need a good one.

In todays reading, it really hit home. It was talking about obstacles that are hinderances to our spiritual growth and how we so often are impatient for them to go away. However, these obstacles are the very thing which produce the gift and quality of character we pray for--one of the main ones being pateince. And the only way to acquire these gifts and character traits are to endure the trials adn overcome obstacles which seem unbearable. I must remember that God is in control and nothing is impossible for Him. I need to stop running away, submit to God, and trust He will help me overcome these trials.

My trials and obstacles:

1. Living with the in-laws

2. Not having a home

3. Not being in control of the house I live in

4. Not serving in Peace Corps already

5. Not being in school

6. Having all "my stuff" in storage

7. Leaving for Peace Corps soon

8. Comparing myself to others

9. Failing to see the real me--the one God created

10. Not really knowing who I am

These are some of the marjor things that cause me to be impatient, snippy, angry, jealous, and generally disgruntled with life. I am aware of all this, but I haven't really taken any steps to deal with it. I just blow up and things seem okay for awhile and then it all builds up again. Maybe now that I am "publicly" acknowledging my need to trust God to handle, I will be able to let some of it go or at least have the strength to push through.

Here I go. God, save me!

Green Update

I haven't really talked about anything green we have done lately. However, our compost is looking so rich and black. Nick's parent recently used some sompost soil to plant flowers. The flowers are looking fantastic despite the lack of rain we've had. Also we have a tomato plant growing out of the compost pile. No tomatoes yet but the plant is looking good.

In the garden, tomatoes are coming in. I haven't had any turn red yet, but I am expecting that any day now. The hot peppers are coming in like crazy!! I have used several peppers in recipes--spaghetti sauce, pico de gallo, and cilantro rice. We had a watermelon start growing but it shriveled up and turned black. I think the vine is still all immature to grow the melon to full size.

Also I think I have mentioned Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap before, but I just wanted to reiterate how awesoem this soap is. I use it for so much--shampooing, bathing, moping, washing clothes, and dishes. It is seriously some of the purest most versatile soap one can use. And it cost pennies compared to buying laundry detergent, dish detergent, shampoo, conditioner, bathroom cleaner, and bath soap/body wash. I wish everyone would just try this soap; I really believe you would be converted.

Dinner and a Snack

I wish I had taken pictures of these recipes, but oh well...they were delish! nonetheless.

Stuffed Portabellos: Serves 2 (but easily doubles or triples)

2 portabello caps

1 cup leftover spanish rice (I made a homemade version, but store bought works well)

1/2 cup cheddar cheese

1/4 cup oil

Heat the oven to 375*. Oil the top and bottom of the mushroom. Place the caps top side down (the stem side should be facing up). Put the rice on top of the mushroom. Then top it all off with cheese. Bake it for about 15mins then broil for about 3mins or until cheese is melty and bubbling. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Sticks: Serves 2-4

1 can refridgerated breadsticks (refridgerated pizza dough can be substituted)

2 cups oil--guesstimate

some cinnamon and sugar

Pour oil into 10" or 12" frying pan. Oil should be about 1 1/2" deep (may need more than two cups--I didn't measure last night). Roll each breadstick out to about one foot long. When oil is about 350* or bubbles around the end of breadstick, lay three breadsticks in and fry about 30-45 seconds each side. They will puff up so DO NOT crowd the pan. When golden brown on each side, take out and drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Enyjoy!

An Oldie...but a Goodie

I grew up listening to late 80s and early 90s pop love songs. The song "I love a rainy night" came to mind and I HAD to listen. It just made me think about other songs I used to listen to all the time and brought back some fun memories. Here is a list of a few faves:

I love a rainy night--Eddie Rabbit

I wanna ance with somebody--Whitney Houston

Karma chameleon--Culture Club

Don't you want me, baby--Human League

What I like about you--The Romantics

Conga--Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine

Wake me up before you go-go--Wham!

and anything early Mariah Carey

What did you listen to while growing up?

Midnight Train to Georgia...well almost

This weekend Nick and I took a trip to Georgia to see some good friends and attend Faith wedding reception. It was a long, tiring weekend, but it was good to see the girls. I really miss having girl friends to hang out with anytime so it was refreshing to be back together with all of them. Pictured are Allison, myself, Faith (the blushing), and Patti Mae.

Here are Nick and I (compliments of Allison). Normally I don't like pictures of myself, but I love this one and another Allison took of her and I. Also, Nick cleans up pretty good. :)

This probably my favorite picture of Faith and Brian. I like the angle; I think it just adds a cool element to your traditional wedding pictures. Also, Faith's dress was FABULOUS!! She picked a beautiful, classic shape with a gorgeous lace overlay and a bit of sparkle. Loved it!!

New Recipe

I made this recipe up a couple weeks ago but have just been to busy to make them. However, I wish had done it sooner because they were great!! We had them paired with corn and mashed potatoes. They would be a great appitzer though and can be made quickly. I really hope you'll try this one; I think you'll LOVE IT!! I know it is definitely a keeper for us.

Buffalo Chicken Wontons: Serves 5

approx. 20 wonton wrappers

1/2 cup water

1 large canned chicken, drained

4 oz softened cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce

1/2 cup oil

Preheat oven to 375*. Lightly oil baking sheet. Flake chicken with fork then add cheeses and hot sauce. Place about a tablespoon of mixure one one half of the wonton wrapper. Moisten edges of wonton with water, fold edges together and lightly press to seal. Place wonton on baking sheet and lightly oil the top. Bake about 10mins or until egdes begin to brown.

July 4th Pictures

Here we are the Nationals stadium. It was a bit windy on the concourse but felt great!!

The entrance was right next to the metro station. There were a lot of people there.
Here's the stadium. It looks all gray when you see it on tv, but in person it actually really nice.
Go Chipper!! Chipper Jones had a great day...even if we lost. Go Braves!!