Playing Catch-Up

Have you ever noticed that the farther you fall behind in something, the harder it is to catch up? Well, that's how I feel with my blog. I have so much to update on that the thought is daunting. But today the goal is, "catch up or bust!"

The biggest news is that I am no longer a full-time office employee.

From Blogger Pictures

It was hard saying goodbye to a job and coworkers who have been very good to me for the past two+ years, but it was the right decision. I was completely burnt out on office work--it was time to leave and focus on other things.

My last day was October 15th. I spent the next three days packing for my trip (more about that in my next post), tackling a huge to-do list, and doing such housewifely things as roasting my own pumpkin:

From Blogger Pictures

From Blogger Pictures

and making pizza:

From Blogger Pictures

I have a new part-time job, working at the commissary for Nestle. I stock things like canned pumpkin, Purina dog/cat food, holiday candy, and chocolate chips for an hour at night and 10 hours every other weekend. It's not a bad gig and pays at least one of our biggest bills. I'm also planning to start school at Pierce College in January. I am taking the placement test and going in for an advisory session next week, and class registration is at the end of the month. I'm going for an Associates in health/wellness, with a degree in Nutrition eventually.

Anyway, I'm loving life! One last picture, the hubby and me at Halloween. This was the first time we've ever dressed up together, haha.

From Blogger Pictures

Smear Ads

Politics are currently at a white heat in Washington, much like anywhere else. Political ads take up most of the ad space on TV and the radio, and it's difficult not to be annoyed at how deceptive many of them are. One thing I'm noticing is how hard Democrats are trying to sound like Republicans. The normal theme of Democrats (and not-so-conservative Republicans--let's not leave them out!) is "Spend, spend, spend--the end justifies the means!" But this election, they know how angry the American people are with the massive deficit and how likely it is that they are going to lose their jobs for it. Therefore, they ignore their own horrific records for spending and howl that their Republican opponents are for sure going to spend our grandkids' fortunes as if they are suddenly alarmed at the consequences of such behavior!

Take the hottest race, for instance, between Republican Dino Rossi and Democrat Sen. Patty Murray. Murray's ads against Rossi are ludicrous in their inaccuracy. Rossi's record is very near flawless when it comes to his views/actions on spending and taxes. He is a conservative. The current appalling state deficit is not one iota his fault. Yet Murray continues to try to scare Washingtonians with what Rossi is GOING to do, which, according to her, is spend us into oblivion and have special taxes just for the middle class. It is simply NOT TRUE. But Murray can't talk about her own record because even the state's leading newspapers have pointed out that she spends tons of our tax dollars in ways they should not be spent. What do you talk about in a political ad when your record is exactly what Americans are angry with and your only promise is more of the same? Why, lie about your opponent of course. Rossi just wants to spend tons of your money! Rossi wants to send YOUR job overseas! (No, it's actually Democrats who have caused jobs to move overseas; if you can't make it in America because of all the stupid regulations and government monopolies, who can blame you for going overseas?) Rossi doesn't fight for veterans (haha, ridiculous)! Rossi doesn't want millionaires to have to pay taxes! (No, he just thinks everyone in America should pay their share--an equal percentage. Isn't that what this country is all about? Fairness to everyone? What is fair and American about taxing the crap out of a millionaire just because there's someone else who doesn't have as much?!) Rossi hates children! and puppies! (Okay, so I made that up.)

I am fed up with this nonsense. And I pray Washingtonians aren't stupid enough to buy it. If you WANT tons of spending, love big government, and want to pay most of your income in taxes, so be it--vote for Patty Murray! It's a free country; you can vote for whatever and whoever you want to. But please don't be dumb and vote for her based on her Rossi attack ads! =)

[You might as well get used to my talking politics for awhile...I am all charged up for this election and I have several posts I want to get out over the next few weeks. Haha]

Appreciation is nice.

Funny moments from a couple coworkers today regarding my leaving, which was announced in staff meeting this morning....

From Chad, when he called in at one point - "Hi, you CAN NOT LEAVE. But I'll talk to you about that later. Right now can I talk to Greg?"

From Don - "Can you show me how to do this again?"
Me: "Do you want me to just do it for you?"
Don: "Well, I want to learn how since you're leaving."
Me: "But I'm being replaced, you know!"
Don: *whisper* "But she'll probably be dumb."

I <3 weekends. This weekend included:

* Shopping and dinner out with the husband

* Sleeping in late

* Spending an afternoon in the kitchen making homemade wheat bread and black bean salsa (and a spice cake that unfortunately did not turn out well--I hate when that happens)

* Hanging out with some friends at a bar & grill in Yelm (where a bartender decided I looked exactly like Kate Bosworth and was bummed to find out I was married, heheheh)

* Church

* Chores and a visit to the gym

* Long evenings on the couch with the TV remote

Why must weekends end? Someone needs to work on that.

On the upside, this week does happen to be my last week of full-time office work. To say I'm excited is an understatement! I've been a receptionist for almost 6 years now and it's time for a break. I can't wait to get started with a new chapter in life. =)

Well, I figured it was about time I updated this thing!

One of the most exciting events of the year for a lot of us Army people is the battalion ball, which happened this past Saturday night. I was particularly excited for this one since I have gotten to know so many awesome people in the battalion during the deployment! It was a blast getting all dolled up, seeing my hubby in his dress uniform, and getting to hang out with all of my friends. The evening was over far too soon, but we all definitely partied our little hearts out! :-)

 

 

That night I and the other FRG leaders were also presented with the Commander's Award for Public Service, which none of us were expecting! It was such an honor, and I'm so thankful I've gotten the opportunity to volunteer for such an amazing and appreciative unit. Not everyone is this lucky!

In other news, on Monday I finally broke the news to my boss that I'm quitting next month. My last day will be October 15th. I am so excited and nervous at the same time at saying goodbye to full-time office work. As much as I've grown to dislike it (my brain feels like it's atrophying here!), it has become my niche, in a way, and it's always intimidating to venture out of your comfort zone. But I'm so relieved that I'll be done here soon and can set off on the road of being able to spend more time with my husband, devote my full attention to the FRG, and start working toward my goal of going to college and getting a degree. I am hoping to find a part-time job on post but we'll see what happens.

Last week I started reading Boundaries, by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. I'm sure I'll talk about it more when I'm done with it, but this book is without doubt a life-changing one for me. Partly due to my background, I'm a people-pleaser, very compliant, easily guilt-tripped, and have a very hard time saying no to anything. This book addresses people like me and helps them recognize these traits and pull ourselves out of them. It's written from a very Christian perspective, which I appreciate, and has been extremely eye-opening. I'll give a full review after I'm done with it, but I can't help but mention it now since I'm excited about it!

3rd Brigade is officially home!

Yesterday I left work for a few hours to attend our brigade's Welcome Home and Uncasing the Colors ceremony. I know I would probably think differently if I were the one wearing the green uniform and standing in a field for two hours, but I really enjoy military ceremonies. They make me feel especially proud to be an American and an Army wife.

1-23 Battalion, the "Tomahawks"

From Blogger Pictures

The band, which also recently returned from a deployment to Iraq.

From Blogger Pictures

So proud of these guys!

From Blogger Pictures

Gen. Johnson and Col. Funk take a ride in a Stryker to inspect the troops.

From Blogger Pictures

Fortunately no small children ran out into the field in front of the stryker this year.

From Blogger Pictures

Parading out the colors

From Blogger Pictures

Uncasing the colors

From Blogger Pictures

Flag of 3rd Brigade

From Blogger Pictures

Close-up of the Tomahawks

From Blogger Pictures

I had to get a picture with my hubby, of course!

From Blogger Pictures

Bake-N-Blog

So, a group of friends and I decided to carry out an idea that Jesstagirl and Her Officer came up with: "Bake-N-Blog"! All of us picked a cupcake recipe from Ming Makes Cupcakes and baked them, taking pictures of the process. I chose the "Peanut Butter Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate Ganache" because I knew my peanut butter-adoring husband would definitely help me eat them. =)

Anyway, with that introduction, let's get started!

Here's all the ingredients:

From Blogger Pictures

The dry ingredients mixed up, and my cup of peanut butter (I absolutely love this measuring cup from Pampered Chef for messy solids like peanut butter!):

From Blogger Pictures

Mixing up the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla:

From Blogger Pictures

Then I added part of the milk:

From Blogger Pictures

And part of the dry mixture:

From Blogger Pictures

And repeated that until the wet and dry mixtures were all mixed in and the batter looked deliciously silky and luscious like this:

From Blogger Pictures

Of course I followed it up by licking the beater...who wouldn't??

From Blogger Pictures

I lined the cupcake pan and filled each one:

From Blogger Pictures

Then they went into the preheated 350-degree oven to bake up into yumminess.

From Blogger Pictures

After 20 minutes, I wanted one RIGHT THEN.

From Blogger Pictures

But first they needed icing, so I mixed up more peanut butter and vanilla:

From Blogger Pictures

Then I added some milk:

From Blogger Pictures

And powdered sugar.

From Blogger Pictures

Then I started the ganache, which is just cream and chocolate chips. I did not own a traditional double boiler, and they were much too expensive to buy, so I put a metal bowl into a pan full of water and it worked perfectly!

From Blogger Pictures

The finished icing looks amazing.

From Blogger Pictures

The chocolate is melting:

From Blogger Pictures

It's all melted after a very short time, so I took it out of the simmering water.

From Blogger Pictures

Then I iced the cupcakes!

From Blogger Pictures

And drizzled on the ganache:

From Blogger Pictures

Ahhhh there is NO way these can NOT be amazing.

From Blogger Pictures

I prepare to dig in!

From Blogger Pictures

So, my official review: I give these cupcakes 5 stars. The cake is soft, rich, and peanut-buttery, and together with the icing, it melts in your mouth. The ganache was super easy and the perfect finishing touch. I will definitely make these again!

Here's the actual recipe:


P.S. Taking pictures while baking/cooking is an interesting process--I felt rather stressed about it. How does the Pioneer Woman do it almost every day??

Zucchini

Zucchini is one of my very favorite veggies. I had a zucchini dish at a friend's house once that consisted of roasted zucchini topped with basil and mozzarella cheese that I loved, and since I wasn't quite sure how she'd made it, I decided I'd come up with my own version. I have no idea what to call this recipe...several people I've made them for call them, "those zucchini things," so I guess that will have to do. ;)

Sarah's Zucchini Things

First you preheat your oven to 375 and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Then you slice the zucchini (I used a yellow squash this time too since I had one) lengthwise and put them on the baking sheet, like this:

From Blogger Pictures

To keep the slices from rolling all over the place, cut a sliver of the peel off any rounded edges:

From Blogger Pictures

Brush each piece with olive oil (or grapeseed oil, which is a staple in my kitchen--it's so healthy!):

From Blogger Pictures

Sprinkle the pieces with salt and lemon pepper (or just plain pepper, but I love lemon pepper), and top with basil. I was blessed enough to find fresh basil at the store for once, but if not dried basil just has to do.

From Blogger Pictures

Small slices of fresh tomato comes next--I had plum tomatoes this week, which were the perfect size, but if you are using large tomatoes, cut the slices in half.

From Blogger Pictures

Now pop the pan in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. You want to start checking them at about 6 minutes--poke one with a fork to see if they are starting to soften. You want them tender but not mushy! While they are in the oven, slice up some fresh mozzarella cheese, the thicker the better.
Yummy roastedness:

From Blogger Pictures

NOW for the delicious part. Top each zucchini slice with mozzarella. It's hard to resist eating them at this point!

From Blogger Pictures

Put them back in the oven for about one minute. You do not want the cheese to melt and run all over the pan; you just want it warmed and softened, like this:

From Blogger Pictures

Serve them right away! I enjoyed mine with a filet of baked fish. =)

Note: These would be prettier for a fancy dinner party with a bit more preparation, ie, choosing zucchini with a straight, uniform size; not running out of tomato (like I did, resulting in random little pieces stuck on); and not running out of cheese (like I did, resulting in some thick pieces and some thin pieces). Haha.

You know what I love? Biting into a perfect peach. Firm, but not hard; juicy and sweet but not overripe. It's like happiness exploded in your mouth.

I am eating just such a peach. It was from a local fruit stand (with the farm it was grown on just behind it), and I can't wait to go back this weekend and get more. One of my biggest frustrations is buying fresh fruit that turns out to be bad. It should be, like, a crime or something.