4.29.2009

New Do?

In less than two months, I'll be starting my Master's Program for Occupational Therapy. I'm wanting to find a new look that for this next step in life. Not that it's that different, but it is a change, and they expect you to look refined and professional, since we'll be training to become OT professionals.

I've slowly collected more professional looking clothes that are modest, and look dressier than most of my school clothes. It's hard finding cheap, modest clothes! Especially when you're 5'12". :) So no more wearing sweats to class, or dashing out the door with my hair still dripping wet. I plan to "dress for success".

Lately I've felt that my hair is unpredictable at best, and often feels unruly and uncooperative. I've been thinking that I should try to find a "new do" that will be easy to maintain and look professional. Should I continue let it grow out, or cut it shorter? Let it have the faded color of once dyed, but going back to natural, or should I dye it. If so, dark brown, reddish brown... too many choices!

So, though it's not a super important decision- there's my dilemma. What to do, what to do.... any suggestions would be welcome!

4.27.2009

progress in the midst of procrastination

Lately I have been really tired and unmotivated. I've managed to not fall behind in my classwork, but the house is starting to show signs of neglect... and I really could put more effort into my school work.

Today I completed the first challenge exam required to fulfill the computer literacy credit I needed in order to move into my grad program. I'd learned way back in September that I would need to study up and challenge this course, and it's been weighing heavy over my head these last months. It feels nice to get the first step done!

This afternoon I was also able to register for my first quarter of EWU's Master of Occupational Therapy Program! This also helped me feel more motivated and accomplished. For years this has been only a distant dream, and now it's actually happening! It's very exciting to me.

There are still things on my long to-do list that I need to complete. They'll come in time. For now I'm just enjoying these feelings of accomplishment before I feel overwhelmed with everything else.

4.22.2009

Bald Eagle in Portland?

Last weekend, Bob and were in Portland visiting my family. As we were packing up and getting ready to drive back home, Nathaniel ran inside and told us that a bald eagle was in our neighbor's tree! Nathaniel, Mom, and I had seen one the day before on a walk, but it had been from somewhat of a distance and we didn't have anything to see it more clearly. This time, we were able to get right under the tree it was in and gaze up at our nation's majestic bird. Here are some pictures of him:




4.20.2009

Liquid Bliss

As many of you probably know... I'm quite the coffee lover. I'm not one of those addicts who can't function if they don't get it, but I enjoy getting it every 2-3 weeks as a treat. My favorite drinks at Starbucks have been decaf soy caramel Macchiato (if I'm in the mood for something warm), or a decaf caramel Frappuccino (if I want something cold). The only problem is that I found that the frappuccinos are SUPER unhealthy. Funny how seeing nutrition facts can make something you once enjoyed sound nasty!

Today I discovered a perfect alternative to the cold icy treat, that also has the bonus of using soy (the frap comes from a mix so they can't substitute) that tastes amazing! It's an iced venti soy decaf caramel macchiato with extra sauce. If you decide to try it you may get a confused or exasperated look from your barista while placing your order, but it's worth it. Oh, and don't forget to stir in the caramel and milk from the top... otherwise you'll get straight coffee until the very end. :P

4.13.2009

Vegan Stroganoff

Bob and I both enjoy cooking, which has been a lot of fun. It's fun to spend time together while creating a meal that we'll enjoy together. Recently, Bob has been quite busy working for the UCC Office, and so I've done most of the cooking since I get home earlier. I realized I've fallen into a rut and have been repeating several tried and true meals. Bob's been great about it and always appreciates what I make, but I am determined to find new meals that we both like.

With both of our unique tummy needs (I already feel sorry for our future children!) it's difficult to find new meals that we can both enjoy. Yesterday as I should have been reading for class, I was thinking about what I might make for supper tonight.

One of Bob's favorite meals that his mom makes is Stroganoff made from mushroom soup, sour cream, Lipton's onion soup mix, onion, mushrooms, and dinnercuts. I felt bad because I hadn't made it for him, since I can't eat several of those ingredients. As I thought about it, I realized that I could make several substitutions and come up with something that was pretty close to his childhood favorite. Here's what I came up with. I think next time I will add a few cloves of garlic, but other than that, it was great!

Vegan Stroganoff

• 3 cups hot water
• 4 tablespoons Chef Bonneaus Instant Brown Gravy
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 3 packets George Washington’s Rich Brown Seasoning and Broth
• 1 block of tofu


Whiz these ingredients in a blender until smooth. Meanwhile.... sauté the following:
• 1 8-ounce package of sliced white mushrooms
• 1 sliced Portobello mushroom
• ½ onion, sliced in thin strips


When the mushrooms are soft and the onions translucent, add the liquid mixture from the blender into the sauté pan. Stir constantly until mixture begins to boil. Finally, add about 1/3 of a 12 ounce container of Toffuti sour cream and mix until it’s evened out.

Tonight we had it over rice, but it's also good over potatoes or your favorite pasta. Would also probably be good with other spices, or with your favorite veggie meat. :)