Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive; then go and do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. 


~Howard Thurman

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

{What I Love Wednesday}

The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.

My First Loaf!!

My first loaf of bread ever!! I made a basic whole wheat loaf. If was very good...today I took it to work with some leftover sliced ham and cheddar cheese. Everyone made sandwiches. Good-bye, bread!

Cat VS Bread Machine

Today I decided to make my first loaf of homemade bread. I just couldn't wait anymore. After work, I went to the store to buy flour and yeast, then came home to get started on my newest venture. After deciding to make a two pound loaf of whole wheat bread with light crust ( who knew there were so many decisions to make-where's the button that says "bread"?!), I put together my first loaf of bread and closed the lid. Immediately, all kinds of swishing and churning sounds erupted from the bread machine. The cat was lounging on the top of the refrigerator when I started the machine. In 1.5 seconds he had leapt from the top of the fridge and was gone to hide safely--in my stationery box. After a minute he came back to assess the danger and act out the stages of bread machine battle mode (see photos, below). After bravely peeking at the bread machine from the dining area, he stealthily jumped onto the kitchen counter (the no-go zone in our home) and started a boxing match with my new bread machine. After a couple of minutes I suppose he figured out that the machine would not hurt him...he backed off, but continues to run back and check it out from the dining chair every time it makes a sound. I'm really excited to taste my fresh bread. Maybe I should make a tuna loaf for the cat! :)

Step 1: Hiding in Fear

Step 2: Angry Cat Ears: What is This?!

Step 3: Bravely Assessing Potential Household Threat!!

Step 4: Crisis Averted: The Realization That the Breadmaker is, Indeed, An Inanimate Life Form.

Step 5: Acceptance & Continued Monitoring :)

New Year, New Hair

I am starting to get the urge to change my hair color again. This happens to me every so often--the last time was almost a year ago, when I colored my hair a dark brown with a hint of auburn. I don't want to go that dark, but I think I want to bring back a touch of red again. Especially since Rich really likes the reds. Not sure, exactly, what color to go with, but Jose will be able to help with that delicate decision making process. :)

For now, I am tending to my sick hubby and relaxing a bit, until tomorrow when I can call to make my hair appointment!

Cheers!

Good-bye, Christmas!

Our Christmas was absolutely amazing! Even though we have been together 4 years and married almost 3, this is the first Christmas that we have enjoyed with just the 2 of us. We started around 1:30 with opening presents...bazillions of presents. It took us over an hour to open everything! We had presents from each other, and family and friends and it took a long time! We of course, being somewhat young at heart thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We took 134 pictures together, mainly because of my new digital camera (which I opened last night). Okay, so maybe it was a few more than necessary, but we had fun! After opening presents, we Skyped with my in-laws in order to open our stockings (from them). Rich's mom always does such an amazing job with the stockings. She finds so many unique little things to put inside! Then I got to work preparing my chicken. I suppose I should go through prep since I blogged about this chicken yesterday!

I rinsed the hen, then pulled the skin on the breast away from the meat. I pounded my lemon, then sliced it in half. I also kept 2 thin round slices for garnish. I squeezed the lemon into the cavity of the bird. I then sliced in onion-1 round slice, and cut up the rest into large pieces. I filled about 2/3 of the cavity with the onion. I also rubbed the halves of lemon onto the skin. Then I prepared my butter. I combined 1 stick of softened butter, 2 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper together. Then I took about 2 tsp of fresh thyme (leaves only) and mixed that into the butter as well. I rubbed the majority of the butter mixture under the skin on the breast of the chicken, then spread the remaining butter on top of the chicken, I took several sprigs of thyme and inserted them about 1/2 way into the cavity of the bird, then trussed the legs. I salted and peppered the top of the bird, then set a slice of onion and 2 slices of lemon, with some long slices of lemon zest and thyme leaves for garnish. Then I put the chicken, carrots, and potatoes in my roasting pan and decided to add some chicken broth to the pan. I added about 2/3 of a small can of Swanson broth.  I started it at 450 degrees for 30 minutes, then lowered to 400 for about 50 minutes. It came out DELICOUS. It was so succulent and moist. I don't feel like the recipe called for enough salt and pepper. I think I would double it next time, but we salted at the table and it was fine. I am going to post a picture of my pre-roasted meal and the finished chicken. My only complaint is that the skin didn't get as brown and crispy as I like, but I'm fairly certain that's because I added the chicken broth to the pan. Though it affected the skin, it caused the potatoes and carrots to be delish!!

Goodbye, Christmas!!