tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72993720857910346112024-03-13T00:22:55.408-07:00A Midwest MissErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-22137231927708736732012-07-04T10:10:00.001-07:002012-07-04T10:10:50.631-07:00An Accidental Blog HaitusMiss me?<br />
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Thanks to a dead car last week, my move out date from Ames was pushed up a week and I spent Thursday and Friday frantically packing, (breaking), and moving things out of my house in Ames to bring back to my parent's house.<br />
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Poor Coffeepot.... <br />
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Add onto that a weekend home with one of my best friends helping Mom, dining with one of our favorite boys, and being generally silly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">dinner with cousin Jonathon was perfect! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">We're special...</span></div>
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Then a quick trip back to Ames to finish out my last two days of work and to pack up the rest of my belongings....<br />
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and now I'm here.<br />
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...living at home as a college graduate. I've got mixed feelings about it, especially since I like my independence and am ready to be in my own place (interview Monday could change things a bit!) But, for the time being, home is the smartest place to be. More on that another post...<br />
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June was a good month for blogging - I didn't quite reach my 30 in 30 goal, but I definitely learned a lot about blogging posted more than I ever have before! I hope to take some of this momentum, as well as new understandings, with me into July as my packed schedule keeps me from constant internet access.<br />
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Nobody melt out there today - it's a hot day to be celebrating our nation's birthday! Happy fourth of July readers!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-9732336937208490552012-06-26T20:09:00.002-07:002012-06-26T20:09:31.681-07:00Grilling does NOT defeat me!<br />
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Despite my inexperience to grilling, after the success I had with grilling for father's day, I gave it a shot here in Ames. Everything turned out delicious! (So delicious, I almost didn't use a fork!) <br />
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Onions, Stew Meat, and Mushrooms covered with some soy sauce and salt and cooked over hot coals are scrumptious. Add to that fresh strawberries and a cool summer brew and my evening outside was thoroughly relaxing. <br />
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After spending the afternoon weeding around the house and cleaning out the garage, the break was definitely appreciated.<br />
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Tomorrow looks to be a scorcher, so I'm planning to cool off with a little floating. Better than paying for air conditioning, right? <br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-18656560092187043792012-06-25T20:14:00.001-07:002012-06-25T20:14:24.308-07:00Expand Your VocabularyI found <a href="http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/20-obsolete-english-words-that-should-make-a-comeback/" target="_blank">this little gem</a> earlier today while taking a break from applications and internship work - I am making it my goal to use each of these words at least once this week! Any words your favorite?<br />
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In other news, the week is flying by. Now that I have more plans in place, time is disappearing at an alarming pace. Both a good thing and a bad thing, I suppose. This week looks to be fun, including a Wednesday tubing trip, drive-in movie night on Thursday, and a weekend trip home to begin moving things home, but most importantly, to hang out with this lovely ALL WEEKEND.<br />
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Can you say EXCITED?!<br />
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Have to finish out June with a little style (and maybe a bonfire at home...) <br />
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Now, I just need to be super productive the rest of the week.<br />
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I'm looking at<br />
packing<br />
cleaning out the fridge<br />
organizing the garage<br />
finishing a few more job applications<br />
figuring out a mapping system for PI projects<br />
background reading and notes for Tax Credit document<br />
planning a potential fourth of July float (what can I say, I'm addicted!)<br />
booking a plane ticket <br />
and anything else that's sure to come up.<br />
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Here's to a productive week! Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-5152095050219527172012-06-23T18:34:00.002-07:002012-06-23T18:34:52.465-07:00Singing, er...Dancing, in the RainI was sitting in my basement bedroom (country song anyone? brownie points if you get it right!) working on some job applications, when I heard something outside in the backyard.<br />
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I listened quietly for a little bit, until I figured out the sounds were rain!<br />
And, like the child I really am, I immediately jumped up and ran outside to play in the rain.<br />
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Splashing in the puddles, lifting my hands to the sky, laughing and giggling. I'd love to hear what my neighbors thought of my little dance in the driveway. <br />
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It was so refreshing though, both because the rain was much needed and because I'd been sitting too long filling out job applications and working on some internship projects. <br />
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There are a million other reasons why I love rain. Granted, I don't appreciate a lot of gloomy, dreary days in a row, but the occasional cloudy and rainy days are appreciated. I love the way rain smells, before, during and after it actually rains. I love the way the world quiets while it's raining, and in the few precious moments after, when the last remaining raindrops fall from tree leaves and are the only discernible noises. I love the way plants shoot up in the next few hours and days after a good rainfall, how even humans seem to emerge a little taller and more refreshed just by stepping into a rain dampened world. I love being able to hunker down inside with a tall cup of coffee and a book or movie when the rain comes down a little harder than I like. <br />
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Why isn't it raining now? I think I need to go play in it some more! <br />
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What do you like about rain?Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-35652003072494838422012-06-21T19:30:00.000-07:002012-06-21T19:30:49.530-07:00Go Follow Fish!Tonight's post is incredibly brief, and includes a shameless plug for this girl:<br />
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She's getting to do some travel in Europe and is currently is Belgium with some of our extended family. Follow her adventures with me at her blog, <a href="http://www.followingfish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Following Fish</a>. She's got some really fun pictures of her travels, and a great quirky style of writing.<br />
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And, in the spirit of her travels in Belgium, I'm reliving some of my own travels in Belgium from last summer.... pictorially. These particular pictures are from the beautiful city of Brugge, which is one of the first places she visited upon arriving in Belgium.<br />
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I still hope to go back someday...someday...<br />
That's why I've been filling out all of these job applications, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
Right. <br />
<br />
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<i>P.S. Someday {soon} I want to do a few flashback posts on my European Trip - so many great photos and stories that I want to remember and share!</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BLH5HkdwILDcZA05G5w-g9NWSDGvUvmsFZeovTA071sSIzdxWxNsB0LRwyYPZKIbeuSaEmshSs3f7QarQ9mxYDwc-twfzmFHxVWzFzGQ_Qnbv8kKszjgK6c_J_a5yEihvnySxAM2j4I/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BLH5HkdwILDcZA05G5w-g9NWSDGvUvmsFZeovTA071sSIzdxWxNsB0LRwyYPZKIbeuSaEmshSs3f7QarQ9mxYDwc-twfzmFHxVWzFzGQ_Qnbv8kKszjgK6c_J_a5yEihvnySxAM2j4I/s640/IMG_1349.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-23719884394036278842012-06-20T16:09:00.000-07:002012-06-20T16:09:03.553-07:00"I'm Harry Potter, Harry Harry Potter..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I borrowed this from my sister when I was home this weekend. I got a hankering last week to watch the last movie, but didn't want to pay to borrow it or try to find it at the library. And, of course, once I got it back to Ames, I couldn't just start with number seven, but starting from the beginning would take too long. So, I started with four. Insert pre-Twilight Robert Pattinson, and the start of the work against Voldemort.<br />
<br />
So, Harry Potter and I have been hanging out this afternoon, keeping it cool in my over-airconditioned basement room while I fill out job applications and attempt to figure out when everything needs to happen in July. Talk about complications, yo. Yeesh!<br />
<br />
Now all I need is more ink for my printer.... and some butterbeer.<br />
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Stay cool this week!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-7456281248520779122012-06-19T19:19:00.002-07:002012-06-19T19:19:50.624-07:00Snapshots from the weekendI know I've done a TON of updating today.<br />
Part of it is in an attempt to catch up with my 30 in 30 days (so I blog twice a day a couple times, it works!)<br />
Another part is to update on life.<br />
And another because I just enjoy sharing images and events from life.<br />
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Here are some snapshots that I love from my weekend home. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKQyIvDYMFHRIJHrV9gtCNNG7ihDfDCrKreiCgnLMdNKDn0quYmlGZjUUbLHMmbt28qFYotd-qwV8t3WCzcDqCCD57mC36stWBJXBCRboy_KHxmRtpnoH3ZUZiWW0vxa3XAE1bdLSFzA/s1600/IMG_9269.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKQyIvDYMFHRIJHrV9gtCNNG7ihDfDCrKreiCgnLMdNKDn0quYmlGZjUUbLHMmbt28qFYotd-qwV8t3WCzcDqCCD57mC36stWBJXBCRboy_KHxmRtpnoH3ZUZiWW0vxa3XAE1bdLSFzA/s640/IMG_9269.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaagdwJ3ZdH3x4aMZwme3yLbfCla4lu9rna-94UaWgcsvRm-vqJqXItHr440oSeFOaUMqV9TxSI26exi2YkO_D3rxTUscJ-mHioD8AGDBZa_KMDqNGCyn_VCkHqkETpPRXn5dqluzB4Vw/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaagdwJ3ZdH3x4aMZwme3yLbfCla4lu9rna-94UaWgcsvRm-vqJqXItHr440oSeFOaUMqV9TxSI26exi2YkO_D3rxTUscJ-mHioD8AGDBZa_KMDqNGCyn_VCkHqkETpPRXn5dqluzB4Vw/s640/IMG_2076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhyphenhyphenupd5ZaX85ajiHaNpti5bnxA85z7jtWBo2m0d8IqW1WtDKGAYf3YOBaYobiVq7VKUCqiQW43XNaVBbk4zi851bE4y-TEIqNonTidpHJm09R8aCTjjcz65V6TS_5isV9K9IERMtFcug/s1600/IMG_2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhyphenhyphenupd5ZaX85ajiHaNpti5bnxA85z7jtWBo2m0d8IqW1WtDKGAYf3YOBaYobiVq7VKUCqiQW43XNaVBbk4zi851bE4y-TEIqNonTidpHJm09R8aCTjjcz65V6TS_5isV9K9IERMtFcug/s640/IMG_2073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGuLu7hhAh44SxvZRBCLkhAQScczpuBf012zDOKtRJf1glrma8gP5xCJgoHx1NZCc9yt8fextEmjPIM8kJaj7ETZHU5ueKXeTC5TD4gO0qOqStZAGZNNF1fElPayTAy443LFPdsx4NiE/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGuLu7hhAh44SxvZRBCLkhAQScczpuBf012zDOKtRJf1glrma8gP5xCJgoHx1NZCc9yt8fextEmjPIM8kJaj7ETZHU5ueKXeTC5TD4gO0qOqStZAGZNNF1fElPayTAy443LFPdsx4NiE/s640/IMG_2092.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKQyIvDYMFHRIJHrV9gtCNNG7ihDfDCrKreiCgnLMdNKDn0quYmlGZjUUbLHMmbt28qFYotd-qwV8t3WCzcDqCCD57mC36stWBJXBCRboy_KHxmRtpnoH3ZUZiWW0vxa3XAE1bdLSFzA/s1600/IMG_9269.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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And honestly, it was totally worth it to take a break from blogging to truly enjoy being home<br />
<br />
front porch chats with Mom<br />
playing with the puppy and olde faithful Lena<br />
snow cones<br />
grilling for <a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/06/fathers-day.html" target="_blank">father's day</a><br />
coffee with Sam <br />
<a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/06/nifty-thrify.html" target="_blank">thrift shopping</a><br />
Dairy Queen<br />
conversation with Anne<br />
mowing the lawn<br />
Sunday afternoon naps <br />
a surprise visit from my dear, dear friend Brennan <br />
celebrating <a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/06/kiss-bride-andrew-and-brianna.html" target="_blank">my friend's wedding</a><br />
all in all, an excellent weekend home! <br />
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This week and weekend I'm in Ames, so I should be back on a more regular blogging schedule (better Emily and Amy?)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-30508105895634239012012-06-19T18:09:00.000-07:002012-06-19T18:09:06.688-07:00Nifty ThrifyAs I've grown older, I've begun to appreciate shopping.<br />
I swore I'd never be one who liked to shop, but it's happened.<br />
I'm not a mall shopper though. Sure, I love to look through department stores, and some of the smaller boutiques for ideas about fashions, and for any <i>amazing</i> deals I might find.<br />
<br />
But my real love of shopping comes from exploring thrift and resale stores,<br />
places where I can find brand name items at bargain prices that my low budget can handle,<br />
while maintaining a somewhat current sense of style and breathing life into my wardrobe.<br />
<br />
This weekend was truly the weekend for successful shopping.<br />
My church held their annual rummage sale, which has always been my jeans shopping spot. At $2 a pair, it's hard to find a better deal.<br />
Hard, but not impossible.<br />
By shopping at the rummage sale on the last day (Saturday), the organizers were trying to get rid of merchandise. Enter the bag/box sale. Brown papers bags are $1 for everything you fit inside, and boxes as marked, with $2 - $6 box sizes possible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkZVrR0Xl_pcJtsraHODaN1OCMV8nLKL95uAzd5kCYKeqfOpjwNAUUEne_HpoJvQ8DBbTY9BHAjnMGEML9ZcaavKlOCQ1oxdEAkm_HM4x1QOgS-yVwrUsK7Epfo4lQfs05OgPWar2yok/s1600/IMG_9445.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkZVrR0Xl_pcJtsraHODaN1OCMV8nLKL95uAzd5kCYKeqfOpjwNAUUEne_HpoJvQ8DBbTY9BHAjnMGEML9ZcaavKlOCQ1oxdEAkm_HM4x1QOgS-yVwrUsK7Epfo4lQfs05OgPWar2yok/s640/IMG_9445.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPbjwoGPsTluDKsmvGd29mwosFozHfmJf6TZfUQDArcPfGZoiydGU_iQVJ8sDqezqTKQ2HPIpiquPzxaP51WU1tTij2XsZNw2z5ZWi0D07iSi114bqgS7-y4NHbZUFxO6fqEckiOZrWQ/s1600/IMG_9451.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPbjwoGPsTluDKsmvGd29mwosFozHfmJf6TZfUQDArcPfGZoiydGU_iQVJ8sDqezqTKQ2HPIpiquPzxaP51WU1tTij2XsZNw2z5ZWi0D07iSi114bqgS7-y4NHbZUFxO6fqEckiOZrWQ/s400/IMG_9451.CR2" width="266" /></a><br />
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<br />
Even though the items were fairly picked over, I still managed to come away with some awesome items!<br />
In all, I walked away with:<br />
3 Pairs of Jeans<br />
1 pair of Capri's<br />
1 pair of jean shorts<br />
4 awesome belts<br />
A green poncho<br />
A pair of flannel PJ pants<br />
8 shirts <br />
A couple books<br />
and <br />
A wide barrel curling iron.<br />
<br />
For $2. Ultimate shopping score.<br />
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To top it off, I also did a little thrifting at Salvation Army, and found some great summer items too! <br />
Granted, it was no $2 score, but definitely a good day of shopping. <br />
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I love finding nice summer clothes that don't have plunging necklines, so I can move about comfortably in whatever situation - picnics, evenings out, shopping, lunch/dinner dates, errands, etc. <br />
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And these jean bermuda shorts are quickly becoming a favorite!<br />
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I'm always looking for new places to thrift, and while not everywhere has clothing that fits my interests, I'm always willing to try!<br />
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My Top List includes:<br />
- Stuff! Etc<br />
- Goodwill<br />
- Salvation Army<br />
- The Loft (in Ames)<br />
- Rummage Sales<br />
- Garage Sales<br />
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Where do you do your thrift shopping? <br />
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-56121741145290548982012-06-18T16:22:00.000-07:002012-06-19T16:24:41.275-07:00Father's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
* I'm playing catch up on the blog after taking a few days to enjoy home. I'm dating everything back a little bit to keep the timing right, so don't be confused! </div>
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Since Dad works so much and such long hours during planting season, Father's Day was incredibly laid back at the Fischer home, and included...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJM4l_-G8VqbtCJEpK3Ksiupk11hbDlmjTFl7-iOeLR9wSQLN8zX7O9Itlss-5cMC4VyFyh110Oeja_RGyWs65moPinLue8Wxas9u5R9ZUbKhMR6qLUK-F0d51sdCh8vtj0_sivFfMmw/s1600/IMG_9286.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJM4l_-G8VqbtCJEpK3Ksiupk11hbDlmjTFl7-iOeLR9wSQLN8zX7O9Itlss-5cMC4VyFyh110Oeja_RGyWs65moPinLue8Wxas9u5R9ZUbKhMR6qLUK-F0d51sdCh8vtj0_sivFfMmw/s640/IMG_9286.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
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: introducing Ginny to the taste of Root Beer</div>
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: teasing the dogs with food...</div>
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: ...and almost giving Ginny some yummies</div>
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: yummy shish-kabobs with beef, potatoes, and mushrooms</div>
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: plenty of dog playtime</div>
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: nap times, of course!</div>
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: relaxed smiles </div>
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: picnics on the porch </div>
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: strawberry rhubarb pie </div>
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: puppy love </div>
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: and puppy kisses</div>
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We may not have gotten to go on our planned bike ride, but we ended the evening watching some sand volleyball and eating at Dad's favorite restaurant, Sancho's.</div>
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Add to that a letter from France with fun Father's Day wishes, </div>
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and Dad's day turned out pretty nicely. </div>
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Thanks for all you do Daddy - </div>
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I never could express completely how much I appreciate you </div>
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and all you (and Mom) have done for me over the years. </div>
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I love you! </div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-59390328639636184332012-06-17T18:33:00.000-07:002012-06-19T18:34:31.044-07:00Kiss The Bride: Andrew and BriannaThis weekend, I went home to attend the wedding of my high school friend Brianna to her high school sweetheart Andrew. This is one of the first weddings of a high school friend I've attended, and it's got me thinking how much life will continue to change in these next few years. Many of my friends are seeing people, and I have no doubt that the next few years will be full of fun celebrations.<br />
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But for now, I was content to be home celebrating with Brianna.<br />
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She and Andrew switched up their wedding a bit and greeted their guests immediately after the ceremony. This tactic would have proved to make their guests wait around for quite some time if they hadn't had this little gem parked in the church parking lot.<br />
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Snow cones! Amy was particularly excited about her snow cone, and I have to agree that they were delicious.<br />
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We hardly noticed the 20 minutes in the parking lot before the bride and groom joined us for their own snow cones before leaving for the reception.<br />
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Two of my high school buddies, Hannah and Amy, sat with my family and I at our table, which kept everyone laughing as we shared memories and cracked jokes.<br />
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One of the highlights of the evening was bringing back a Lancer Production tradition to the dance floor. 5 LP alums rocked out to "Paradise By the Dashboard Lights," and even managed to snag a willing learner! We all had fun dancing the dance that was a staple at any LP event.<br />
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Definitely involved lots of acting towards the only guy in our little group. He was an excellent trooper though! <br />
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It's been awhile since we've all been together, but it was great to be together to celebrate this special occasion!<br />
<br />
I'm so happy for Brianna, especially since the love she and Andrew share was so evident during the ceremony and the reception. I wish them the happiest of marriages, and can't wait to see what the future brings for both of them.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Wier! </div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-65122822219648125722012-06-13T17:22:00.000-07:002012-06-14T08:42:25.536-07:00Easy Spinach Quiche<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the meals I began to enjoy in high school was quiche, especially spinach quiche. My mom didn't make it very often, but I loved it whenever she did. Since spinach always seems to sour more quickly than I can eat it, I decided to use some of the spinach to make quiche! It's an easy recipe that didn't take very much work, and tasted delicious!<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Spinach Quiche</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 pie crust</span> </span> </li>
<li>1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained - or 1 pound fresh spinach, cleaned
and torn in small pieces</li>
<li>1 onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>4 eggs</li>
<li>1-1/2 cups skim milk</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt </li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon pepper </li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg </li>
<li>1 cup shredded chedder cheese </li>
</ul>
<div class="recipe-directions">
Begin by baking the crust. I make a homemade crust of oil, flour and water, and just patted it into the pan instead of rolling it out. </div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
</div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
It doesn't look quite as pretty, but it still tastes fine!</div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Fit
the crust to a 10 inch tart pan, cutting off the excess with a rolling
pin. </div>
<div class="recipe-directions">
Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from
the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.</div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet on medium heat. </div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
Add the chopped onion and cook stirring occasionally until the onion
softens - about five minutes. </div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
Cut up the spinach into bite size pieces. </div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
Add the thawed and drained spinach (or
torn fresh spinach)and cook just until the spinach wilts and any liquid
has evaporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool.</div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, crème fraîche, salt,
pepper, and nutmeg just until homogenous. </div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
Stir in the cheese.... (I switched to a bigger bowl)</div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
.... then cooled
spinach and mix well. </div>
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<div class="recipe-directions">
Pour the mixture into the cooled tart crust. </div>
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Bake in 375°F oven for 40 minutes.<br />
<div class="recipe-directions">
</div>
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I had a little extra, and put it into another pie pan without a crust.<br />
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This recipe is packed with protein and delicious greens, and a great help for anyone with low iron (Hooray spinach!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SMdMA9vDsTn8MfyUaN1PjtlwXpEQhLK67cZAY-6NLteGRBj7oDQF7er4s9s7X2C4rgV-sYYME9YsmbbRf6vYC-OV2P-VBXguZbu7UnuzMXDq8PfwMB5PstuK2LdT6mxOxlN6O5ZiaEo/s1600/IMG_9248.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SMdMA9vDsTn8MfyUaN1PjtlwXpEQhLK67cZAY-6NLteGRBj7oDQF7er4s9s7X2C4rgV-sYYME9YsmbbRf6vYC-OV2P-VBXguZbu7UnuzMXDq8PfwMB5PstuK2LdT6mxOxlN6O5ZiaEo/s640/IMG_9248.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
I added some strawberries to my supper meal, and even had a second piece it was just as delicious. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeSgpeYy3MrPWL0FWPr8nUE2J9FDzQOZRR1XunLNV2l7zl-17-nyzKdmN44jtVsrv_fDyMGRBYUTloXeGQigqCtOKpNIhpX5ULHyQtOOz5nRKQmT-DHOcFIKaopinggBCMn34iELDuro/s1600/IMG_9258.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeSgpeYy3MrPWL0FWPr8nUE2J9FDzQOZRR1XunLNV2l7zl-17-nyzKdmN44jtVsrv_fDyMGRBYUTloXeGQigqCtOKpNIhpX5ULHyQtOOz5nRKQmT-DHOcFIKaopinggBCMn34iELDuro/s640/IMG_9258.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I got my recipe from <a href="http://www.easy-french-food.com/spinach-quiche-recipe.html" target="_blank">here</a> and modified it a little bit to fit my preferences<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Spinach Quiche</span><br />
<ul>
<li>1 pan crust </li>
<li>1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained - or 1 pound fresh spinach, cleaned
and torn in small pieces</li>
<li>1 onion, chopped</li>
<li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>4 eggs</li>
<li>1-1/2 cups crème fraîche (or heavy cream, half and half, or milk)</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt </li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon pepper </li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg </li>
<li>1 cup shredded gruyère cheese (or substitute)</li>
</ul>
<div class="recipe-directions">
<h3>
DIRECTIONS</h3>
<ol>
<li>Begin by blind baking the crust. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Fit
the crust to a 10 inch tart pan, cutting off the excess with a rolling
pin. Prick the bottom of the crust in about 20 places with the tines of
a fork and place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes. Once the crust
is well chilled, remove it from the freezer and immediately place in
the hot oven. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from
the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet on medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook stirring occasionally until the onion
softens - about five minutes. Add the thawed and drained spinach (or
torn fresh spinach)and cook just until the spinach wilts and any liquid
has evaporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool.</li>
<li>In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, crème fraîche, salt,
pepper, and nutmeg just until homogenous. Stir in the cheese and cooled
spinach and pour the mixture into the cooled tart crust.
Alternatively, you can layer the spinach and cheese in the tart crust
before pouring the egg mixture on top.</li>
<li>Bake in 375°F oven for 40 minutes.</li>
</ol>
</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-54575319654541912372012-06-12T20:24:00.000-07:002012-06-12T20:24:06.656-07:00I could30 Blog posts in 30 days have been interesting thus far. I've usually got material to use every day, whether it be pictures or events or something inspired by the day to share.<br />
<br />
Today's not really an exception. There are plenty of things I could blog about....<br />
<br />
I could blog about the strawberry rhubarb pie I made as payment for borrowing my friend's cap and gown.<br />
<br />
I could blog about the oatmeal cookies I made, especially since I took pictures along the way to use for a recipe post. But the cookies turned out a little bland, and I'm not even sure I like the recipe enough to share with my small blog audience.<br />
<br />
I could blog about how I took a night nap for about an hour. My day was nowhere near taxing enough to leave me tired enough for a nap at 8 pm, but sleep just happens. And I'm still ready to go back to sleep for a full night.<br />
<br />
I could blog about the work I got done for my internship or how frustrated I was to be washing dishes that weren't mine after they'd stayed in the sink for two weeks or how refreshing a clean kitchen can be.<br />
<br />
I could blog about how looking for airline tickets when your schedule filled up so quickly is frustrating, especially when you've been waiting on others to finalize their plans before you can make yours.<br />
<br />
I could blog about my plans for the weekend, how much it means to be home, but that would just make me want Friday afternoon even more. <br />
<br />
I could.....<br />
<br />
But to be honest, I'm just tired. My words aren't inspiring, my ideas lackluster, my creativity gone. You could call this a filler post, so that I still make my 30 in 30 goal, you could read it as a Truthful Tuesday post, or you could read it as just what happens to be on my mind currently. It doesn't matter to me; to each their own.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow brings the midway point to the week, and I'm looking forward to it. Let's hope sleep brings back some optimism, excitement and productivity that left me this evening.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-66147573119484270992012-06-11T20:20:00.000-07:002012-06-11T20:20:00.792-07:00A Monday VisitorBesides being super productive this afternoon with internship items, I had a visitor arrive in Ames this evening!<br />
<br />
My good friend Amy is on her way to northwestern Iowa to pick up some calves, and decided to start her trip a little early. I'm thrilled to be her stopping point! It's always great to see friends from home, especially since Amy and I were roommates for two years during our time at ISU.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-1PbJeRt6M9gPlHKfSEdv_oplmC3tvQ2YLffON0YZFKVsQdpON58mOSmXk7AKLMbNQjMnMMRZxX9hx3AXS3NyDLun-MmMB43yQLHg2vE_4G_s-DCVWb23Y6TDYXJpuYZbPVNp78BoQQ/s1600/IMG_9110.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-1PbJeRt6M9gPlHKfSEdv_oplmC3tvQ2YLffON0YZFKVsQdpON58mOSmXk7AKLMbNQjMnMMRZxX9hx3AXS3NyDLun-MmMB43yQLHg2vE_4G_s-DCVWb23Y6TDYXJpuYZbPVNp78BoQQ/s640/IMG_9110.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She even brought along Callie, her beautiful (and incredibly calm/well behaved) border collie pup. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT84cqAqUeqTDImN1c9DKc-pHwbxw0E4Ywj_rldjx1Ev2cObuFp3Wl4OpHv0iIgF50VkGfOK3DdaSG28CqZyPje7RlA85jr0K80oamDG8bBQXT9sKVUxoVgB3wRpZG1Q_OYO2QlxE72xM/s1600/IMG_9104.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT84cqAqUeqTDImN1c9DKc-pHwbxw0E4Ywj_rldjx1Ev2cObuFp3Wl4OpHv0iIgF50VkGfOK3DdaSG28CqZyPje7RlA85jr0K80oamDG8bBQXT9sKVUxoVgB3wRpZG1Q_OYO2QlxE72xM/s640/IMG_9104.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Amy and I enjoyed some delicious Mexican food at Carlos O'Kelly's and got a chance to catch up on life (At least, I caught up on her life, since she follows the blog and seems to know most everything I tried bringing up - ha!). It was great to sit and talk and really relax after my productive afternoon at Panera.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbZIskbxsgbCFtq83cgZO3TdVBAfEexH7Ow0ymhhvRtW1zpJo-qj7c68U72T5bxUlWaRyhGjpQF6OaW1INMakxRrQ5c-eWJtL_hZDVKPknhHL6adh8ic1cUO5YKZDLLNG5iQaUEijBCA/s1600/IMG_9108.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbZIskbxsgbCFtq83cgZO3TdVBAfEexH7Ow0ymhhvRtW1zpJo-qj7c68U72T5bxUlWaRyhGjpQF6OaW1INMakxRrQ5c-eWJtL_hZDVKPknhHL6adh8ic1cUO5YKZDLLNG5iQaUEijBCA/s640/IMG_9108.CR2" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious Chicken Picado!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After supper, we took Callie for a walk on campus after supper, enjoying the perfect evening air and quite a few ISU memories.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU_xYLMs8nxymuiYKDtZP4TvBGpDwtysVacFFpRxI13aLipLxCpmfBcUwjx1chXyML2Q925gms-CKjo6rpeFyVPCqZgtgIrqib54UdiYQ2cT7cKZZX_xw2BZJHwVo7svCv5rf5D8j2sE/s1600/IMG_9115.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFU_xYLMs8nxymuiYKDtZP4TvBGpDwtysVacFFpRxI13aLipLxCpmfBcUwjx1chXyML2Q925gms-CKjo6rpeFyVPCqZgtgIrqib54UdiYQ2cT7cKZZX_xw2BZJHwVo7svCv5rf5D8j2sE/s640/IMG_9115.CR2" width="426" /></a></div>
Thankfully, not too much has changed in the year since Amy graduated. The campanile still stands! <br />
<br />
Even though Amy and Callie are heading out early tomorrow morning, I've still loved having them here. Guess it's a good thing I'll be getting a huge dose of home this weekend!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-49980768799857266962012-06-10T20:58:00.000-07:002012-06-10T20:58:03.696-07:00Today's Blog Topic.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8MJ2j5ZtKeoMmixRa1ClTnrgHxi8qJOC2YbDBcJG9sC56Ifq3-MMcE9NhCt0tiZ4XpnX6fQjKF53-StnSsykUmil5fq7VSfwigNauAzwaRR6d-BQdcf9fzZttUBJpKE4ygQ8hgUIZ-c/s1600/197082_1989116852786_1389272825_2410983_6624423_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8MJ2j5ZtKeoMmixRa1ClTnrgHxi8qJOC2YbDBcJG9sC56Ifq3-MMcE9NhCt0tiZ4XpnX6fQjKF53-StnSsykUmil5fq7VSfwigNauAzwaRR6d-BQdcf9fzZttUBJpKE4ygQ8hgUIZ-c/s640/197082_1989116852786_1389272825_2410983_6624423_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
...has nothing to do with this picture. It's just a picture I found this weekend while going through photo files on my computer. But take a moment to enjoy the cuteness of our family's puppy. <i>Awwwww! Look how adorable Ginny was as a puppy! </i>Too bad she's nowhere near that small anymore.<br />
<br />
Moving on.... <br />
<br />
Blogging everyday during the month of June has been easier than I thought.<br />
<br />
There's usually at least one little thing from my day that I can share, a picture, a thought, or even just a recap of the days events. I will confess though, updating on weekends is much harder than updating during the week. Especially this weekend, where I've got two days of bright sunshine that have totally wiped me out (I'm about asleep as I write this post to be honest).<br />
<br />
In a way though, I like that. I like that my weekends are full of activities and outings that keep me away from my computer, so that I'm out living the last couple months of my college career instead of rotting away inside my little basement bedroom.<br />
<br />
My guess is, once June is over, I probably will not update every single day (sorry Emily, I know you like to read the blog when you get up in France every morning). But I'll be able to update more frequently than before. I've become more conscious about the little things in my day that are fun to share with my family and friends, the pictures that illustrate what life really looks like for me now, the thoughts and ideas my friends share with me, etc.<br />
<br />
I've also found it's nice to have an outlet to recap the day, even if it's just for myself, to see what I've accomplished, what I have to finish, and what is still left to do. Summer is starting to go by quickly, and while I appreciate that in one respect (Em comes home at the end of July, County Fair, B comes home, family vacation), I'm also starting to fear I might not get everything done (see all my college friends again, river tubing, visits to friends in Des Moines, my summer reading list, traveling). It's a balancing act, and I'm still learning how to find the perfect balance. Maybe my new yoga class will help me this respect.<br />
<br />
Here's to a more balanced week (and a weekend trip home!)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKajGgwBI-07slkfquIUnryzNGWR8e39LgubmS9ztCV_N2tF3VxFFbkWkQq4bWxEq60mFQ2X_LItuWT_cDouHZ7ATvv9FRBhLU0qSyP-DBbf-7Q4xvQ2wgQTgi7ScsKWARdARLpCKORyI/s1600/197003_1981013810215_1389272825_2398149_478386_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKajGgwBI-07slkfquIUnryzNGWR8e39LgubmS9ztCV_N2tF3VxFFbkWkQq4bWxEq60mFQ2X_LItuWT_cDouHZ7ATvv9FRBhLU0qSyP-DBbf-7Q4xvQ2wgQTgi7ScsKWARdARLpCKORyI/s640/197003_1981013810215_1389272825_2398149_478386_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And one more cute puppy picture (can you tell I'm excited to see the <strike>pup</strike> crazy dog when I'm home this next weekend?)<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-62967074304810724022012-06-09T20:07:00.003-07:002012-06-09T20:07:40.672-07:00Remnants<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJcTwuufZDMhtHk3EBkMhcEsl3__7wU6cRXZRuBf8zWl3Qcnkg-bqNrhhWYi9Dd8gHvhsFR0dkx4Ysy4j7ilT_4iMHRa4u7d2iR5SlFW3pWKnI0wd04kR56OcaDErXdlZwr8r27dWZTw/s1600/IMG_9083.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJcTwuufZDMhtHk3EBkMhcEsl3__7wU6cRXZRuBf8zWl3Qcnkg-bqNrhhWYi9Dd8gHvhsFR0dkx4Ysy4j7ilT_4iMHRa4u7d2iR5SlFW3pWKnI0wd04kR56OcaDErXdlZwr8r27dWZTw/s640/IMG_9083.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are the remains of the swim bag I packed this morning - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
extra towels, other suit, and Berger's air pump. </div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xat7pwZyevEfCjpVEYMXS4laO5rXmUSzl-RY-IMAKspuOYIzzbwYmADQdKhuFXewhqy2ur38OhDeuUNnh0XZDlZHZ8kiEaEWw_iyGJ65ttb-PtgzR2DYwJmnTdL0hfPlqpW9kSmRjZg/s1600/IMG_9084.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xat7pwZyevEfCjpVEYMXS4laO5rXmUSzl-RY-IMAKspuOYIzzbwYmADQdKhuFXewhqy2ur38OhDeuUNnh0XZDlZHZ8kiEaEWw_iyGJ65ttb-PtgzR2DYwJmnTdL0hfPlqpW9kSmRjZg/s640/IMG_9084.CR2" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is all that is left of my delicious peach Snapple tea. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
These are the remains of slightly dirt flip flops that floated</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
down the Skunk River for about four hours today. </div>
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the remaining smile of a slightly sunburnt, but definitely content, Erin, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who throughly enjoyed floating down a river with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good friends,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good music, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good laughs, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
good times. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, "Hooray!" for summer.</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-19754317455129264872012-06-08T20:19:00.002-07:002012-06-08T20:19:48.537-07:00Friday Night LightsWith all the new tv shows that are on this summer, you would think I'd find one to watch. (The Bachelorette doesn't count, although I've found an awesome blogger whose comment on each episode are hysterical!)<br />
<br />
Instead.... I've used Netflix and fallen in love with Friday Night Lights. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/738516/friday-night-lights_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/738516/friday-night-lights_medium.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/738516/friday-night-lights_medium.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Something about the southern accents, an intense football focus, excellent personal dynamics, and very unique and awesome filming styles make this show so interesting.<br />
<br />
I'm not done with the first season yet, but I'm definitely enjoying it.<br />
<br />
Anyone else seen the show? What do you think?Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-73331969345148692502012-06-07T14:45:00.001-07:002012-06-07T14:45:53.107-07:00Spicy Pork Sausage Lasagna<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the blogs I like to follow is <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/" target="_blank">Iowa Girl Eats</a>. She's a born and raised Iowan who loves to cook, and is always sharing delicious looking recipes. One of the recipes she recently posted was <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/05/31/caprese-lasagna-with-spicy-turkey-sausage/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IowaGirlEats+%28Iowa+Girl+Eats%29" target="_blank">Caprese Lasagna with Spicy Turkey Sausage</a>. I loved the idea for a more summery lasagna, and make a few adaptations myself to fit with what I had on hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">gredients </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">3/4lb
lasagna noodles</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">extra
virgin olive oil</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">3/4lb pork sausage </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">2
Tablespoons butter</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">2
garlic cloves, minced</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">3
Tablespoons flour</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">1
1/2 cups chicken broth</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">1
1/2 cups 2% milk</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">salt
& pepper</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">4
roma tomatoes, thinly sliced</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">8
basil leaves, chopped</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 2.5pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">1
1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Instructions </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y-5JCVuuCGISwx8Hou8up9qioann4pmQvV1T3sXKX5T9L2o4tAFf1tzsX1XAIN0xgJaISF9WAjkMXby-SzPYn44pwj9HX5Wl5n9v1r-GjOFrNgRv70FyQu3s2DpUQrIaTs5EarGE76g/s1600/IMG_9008.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y-5JCVuuCGISwx8Hou8up9qioann4pmQvV1T3sXKX5T9L2o4tAFf1tzsX1XAIN0xgJaISF9WAjkMXby-SzPYn44pwj9HX5Wl5n9v1r-GjOFrNgRv70FyQu3s2DpUQrIaTs5EarGE76g/s640/IMG_9008.CR2" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">Preheat
oven to 375 degrees. Cook lasagna noodles in a very large pot of salted,
boiling water until just under al dente. Drain and return to the pot. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhJAH3n_GnYgKHMGGGxCMlzZKRkfFDF6CBVZm4oR4sgb2qnZxCzXwXdZeE9IWMYZ6cCfyh6Pv0dvZrgNmoo1efHNlvjx2nCkIaAIVuSSTj36WFz014-sC0uEUvfxo_QhSWTa8HwSzaKQ/s1600/IMG_9017.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhJAH3n_GnYgKHMGGGxCMlzZKRkfFDF6CBVZm4oR4sgb2qnZxCzXwXdZeE9IWMYZ6cCfyh6Pv0dvZrgNmoo1efHNlvjx2nCkIaAIVuSSTj36WFz014-sC0uEUvfxo_QhSWTa8HwSzaKQ/s640/IMG_9017.CR2" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">Add a
splash of extra virgin olive oil and gently stir to coat the noodles.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD60qHXNbgc1vVdCL2yxUc1x3d-Fst-QdPHAowsQfhoa7LXySIYDvKbS58qoVfXfkwNkZLxrDWP0AmQ1rwc37m6LkWImVoXEILFFq2HoxjFXlMIK6B5b1c0u9eqOe8KaD4FfDCBI_Pdg/s1600/IMG_9014.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD60qHXNbgc1vVdCL2yxUc1x3d-Fst-QdPHAowsQfhoa7LXySIYDvKbS58qoVfXfkwNkZLxrDWP0AmQ1rwc37m6LkWImVoXEILFFq2HoxjFXlMIK6B5b1c0u9eqOe8KaD4FfDCBI_Pdg/s640/IMG_9014.CR2" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"> </span><span style="color: #212122;">Meanwhile,
heat a large skillet over medium heat. Squeeze sausage out of its casing and
cook while breaking up until no longer pink. Remove to a plate and set aside.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_36a34MTKWVKDPc7zy3ltBlxfO0EkdizPAolDgYmjTMFojI75DfjhbI-V5YA82HTbT8AdAJUbxw-SgPwwY3LSozLorO8NbuNDF6-1cFzr8FVVpD_dG5vDp32kyew2PkVubVe4uDfGWeY/s1600/IMG_9019.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_36a34MTKWVKDPc7zy3ltBlxfO0EkdizPAolDgYmjTMFojI75DfjhbI-V5YA82HTbT8AdAJUbxw-SgPwwY3LSozLorO8NbuNDF6-1cFzr8FVVpD_dG5vDp32kyew2PkVubVe4uDfGWeY/s640/IMG_9019.CR2" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">In
the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about
30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour, then whisk to combine and cook for 30 more
seconds.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">Slowly
pour in chicken broth a few Tablespoons at a time, whisking to break up any
lumps. Continue pouring and whisking until mixture is smooth. Pour in milk and
whisk to combine. Season with salt & pepper.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQOWcWqI-Fw94mC9PLjs7JCt4GVDPYIBYnw0CMsvPH6TBFnviTOEkLP83mmwzVL4YE0vYdyHF8sMVsj55NV0v9U5w2vPfhOrxqtfYPja40q6DpfyRXH1oq-xPDoCrRlF6uTdICxExQ0U/s1600/IMG_9030.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQOWcWqI-Fw94mC9PLjs7JCt4GVDPYIBYnw0CMsvPH6TBFnviTOEkLP83mmwzVL4YE0vYdyHF8sMVsj55NV0v9U5w2vPfhOrxqtfYPja40q6DpfyRXH1oq-xPDoCrRlF6uTdICxExQ0U/s640/IMG_9030.CR2" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">Switch
to a spatula and stir sauce until thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Pour into
a bowl with a spout, and set aside.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_gBSZ51hkblu8Wu1GnWgxsu-FgHs4e33OT3Ms2NxzUxTmszhZQ6lWU9WRsK1l6Ayttw4TaC7LOKJfzuahB836xRt5DoC5RKJTylacU9bZgoGaEG9kFaX4QE_ZteuImonDVd93Wb9SNY/s1600/IMG_9039.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_gBSZ51hkblu8Wu1GnWgxsu-FgHs4e33OT3Ms2NxzUxTmszhZQ6lWU9WRsK1l6Ayttw4TaC7LOKJfzuahB836xRt5DoC5RKJTylacU9bZgoGaEG9kFaX4QE_ZteuImonDVd93Wb9SNY/s640/IMG_9039.CR2" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">Spray
the bottom and sides of a 9×13″ baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour 1/4 cup
sauce into the bottom, then spread evenly with a spatula. Place 3 lasagna
noodles in the bottom, then top with 1/3 of the tomatoes, 1/3 of the basil, 1/3
of the cooked turkey sausage, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 of the
remaining sauce. Repeat 2 more times, for a total of three layers.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;"><span></span></span><span style="color: #212122;">Cover
baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15 more
minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbly. Let sit 5 minutes
before slicing and serving.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_juSlygQPlr86rtVyk8CNfw9oeP9j3DDZJtFRcT3ljRdffSHXPvSbiL60HlFdMPUgBt8r4rUQmiVC_koaisXPyDsN2RHMxCwj42f4G0LtZhfgNHK8KZGGAmN6zBIabmOKUhqHiLOgtc/s1600/IMG_9043.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_juSlygQPlr86rtVyk8CNfw9oeP9j3DDZJtFRcT3ljRdffSHXPvSbiL60HlFdMPUgBt8r4rUQmiVC_koaisXPyDsN2RHMxCwj42f4G0LtZhfgNHK8KZGGAmN6zBIabmOKUhqHiLOgtc/s640/IMG_9043.CR2" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5.85pt; margin-left: 20.1pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #212122;">I had my meal with blueberries and an almond/skim milk blend! Delicious! </span></span></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-74528683083395437622012-06-06T17:02:00.000-07:002012-06-06T17:02:02.208-07:00I Took Some Pictures<div style="text-align: left;">
While Ben's in Maryland this summer, he let me borrow his <i>nice</i> camera.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not talking about a fancy point and shoot. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm talking about a Canon EOS 30D.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.popphoto.com/files/imagecache/article_main_photo/_images/Camera-Test-Canon-EOS-30D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://www.popphoto.com/files/imagecache/article_main_photo/_images/Camera-Test-Canon-EOS-30D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Definitely more high tech than most camera's I've used before.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And even with a little coaching before I left, I still am not the greatest at using it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But there is hope!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My good friend Manne is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Manfred-Brugger-Photography/110622962313623" target="_blank">fantastic photographer</a> who agreed to show me the ropes. So yesterday, we went tromping around on some hiking trails to get some pictures of plants and bugs. It was definitely a learning experience, but I feel so much more comfortable with a lot of the camera's functions. I'm starting to think about how the camera sees things, not just how I see things. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIncq0gIqefM4Lde_YpWJs4TcJBvzHaRHbYkTrGSuL5kmEh3S9ZkYtRfnI1ZHMtXvrkZARPpGx4NW8lSCBr2IkNYZIG0PxeIXMxAdujbJC8YPcLLVHeJ791Hf26v8MV8U2Z2TilqCQo0/s1600/IMG_8927.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIncq0gIqefM4Lde_YpWJs4TcJBvzHaRHbYkTrGSuL5kmEh3S9ZkYtRfnI1ZHMtXvrkZARPpGx4NW8lSCBr2IkNYZIG0PxeIXMxAdujbJC8YPcLLVHeJ791Hf26v8MV8U2Z2TilqCQo0/s640/IMG_8927.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Besides understanding some of the basic functions yesterday, I also came away with a greater appreciation for light. Manne told me that light is measured in lumens, and there's a drastic difference between the lumens provided inside and the lumens outside with natural light (Think about a 100 watt lighbulb that has about 1600 lumens compared to bright sunlight, with over 100,000 lumens). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cMPRjKIy6W5WdyDpZRji1moInm9kqtmmhVWlVHB1k8WELddALHiqFAatp66Hc7hAcgmhlH44hjJLig6GfL3xyFBzFJJXCNMrJnOINJa10VDcIrJmFMqobUB0GH5U3bqo5hS-3M45Vhk/s1600/IMG_8960.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cMPRjKIy6W5WdyDpZRji1moInm9kqtmmhVWlVHB1k8WELddALHiqFAatp66Hc7hAcgmhlH44hjJLig6GfL3xyFBzFJJXCNMrJnOINJa10VDcIrJmFMqobUB0GH5U3bqo5hS-3M45Vhk/s640/IMG_8960.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
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I went through the pictures I took yesterday and saved the ones that turned out (or that I just liked). At some point, I want to expand my knowledge of photoshop, but for now, my focus is on using the camera to create some awesome pictures. </div>
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Here are a few from the shoot!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvW9UR04oXeAc-o-0uPM_qQsWny6EPR-8KlIw_CswAg32zqYEZ0lyt2r5m28pF_Dyqcoaw_ogz40MgzuMDrn4ax40Z36Il-skEjDW78-aIj4gLiKk8OESAK565y2gNtUZIPGIFfdL8nI/s1600/IMG_8942.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvW9UR04oXeAc-o-0uPM_qQsWny6EPR-8KlIw_CswAg32zqYEZ0lyt2r5m28pF_Dyqcoaw_ogz40MgzuMDrn4ax40Z36Il-skEjDW78-aIj4gLiKk8OESAK565y2gNtUZIPGIFfdL8nI/s640/IMG_8942.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywq-OFSYZis4vbnvsAZeE_NH0z2VPbrnYvcPQtUKCgp4VM9h8ipZwIdrVYxITDJHzLplww37QRYym1EdW5V7Y_LvQH2zPW4RkOoLHjh4PxQXezmaohwDgJBsOV3czbfvw-Rv-4eJ3nYY/s1600/IMG_8951.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywq-OFSYZis4vbnvsAZeE_NH0z2VPbrnYvcPQtUKCgp4VM9h8ipZwIdrVYxITDJHzLplww37QRYym1EdW5V7Y_LvQH2zPW4RkOoLHjh4PxQXezmaohwDgJBsOV3czbfvw-Rv-4eJ3nYY/s640/IMG_8951.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's to taking more pictures this summer! <br />
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<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-35758217344369021622012-06-05T20:44:00.002-07:002012-06-05T20:44:46.080-07:00A Little Pick-Me-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
Somehow, popcorn and a movie in evening always work as a pick-me-up. </div>
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<a href="http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Sweet-Home-Alabama-sweet-home-alabama-692419_375_516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Sweet-Home-Alabama-sweet-home-alabama-692419_375_516.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<i>Sweet Home Alabama</i>, a perfect mix of comedy and romance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRWxMAEcuF0z55AOlGDFk0MQaQU8dp5mPCKbhNpGK92JRa6q4Cv6zmedWe_pQE_x1Sl7qt-zmLpEBB9denIqHL5B4eeCsQeR3X5FCUAOTYgRNBcODWW1pMW21H6vgB3qzJ3q8Gnt6RVs/s1600/IMG_9048.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRWxMAEcuF0z55AOlGDFk0MQaQU8dp5mPCKbhNpGK92JRa6q4Cv6zmedWe_pQE_x1Sl7qt-zmLpEBB9denIqHL5B4eeCsQeR3X5FCUAOTYgRNBcODWW1pMW21H6vgB3qzJ3q8Gnt6RVs/s640/IMG_9048.CR2" width="640" /></a></div>
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Homemade Caramel Corn and some tangy Homemade Lemonade serve at a perfect accompaniment.<br />
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Stay tuned for some pictures from my first photoshoot from earlier this afternoon! </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-40389882035341480092012-06-04T17:41:00.002-07:002012-06-04T17:41:37.415-07:00Young Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a great childhood, plenty of time to play outside, get dirty, use my imagination, etc. <br />
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One of my 101 goals is to write a book of childhood stories, </div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span>to share the fun days, crazy stories, and silly activities.</div>
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Like this story, about Young Love.</div>
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Meet Emily and Kendall. Emily's my younger sister, and Kendall is my cousin, my best friend's younger brother. Aren't they adorable?! I just love old pictures....<br />
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Many times during the year, my family would head down to the Porth house in southern Iowa for a few days of pancakes, swimming in the creek, playing in the playhouse, and watching the Brave Little Toaster. (If you never saw the Brave Little Toaster while growing up, you're seriously missing out. But that's another story....) <br />
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One particular visit, when Hannah and I were about 8 or 9, we had been playing dress-up and came across a beautiful white dress. Sadly, this dress was too small for either of us to wear, but the perfect size for one little sister. <br />
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Spark! Ideas immediately started running through my head, and from the look I got from Hannah, she was headed down a similar path. Our brains ran wild with ideas about a wedding. We had the perfect dress, a girl to wear it, spectacular jewelry, and of course, a gorgeous ring. There was music to select for the ceremony, food for the reception, guests, a preacher... the list in our minds went on and on.<br />
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However, the attention span of an eight year old, though longer than that of a four year old, couldn't wait for the entire list to be completed, so we settled on the basics of a wedding ceremony.<br />
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Emily and Kendall were both very willing participants, especially since Hannah and I spent half of our time sending our pesky little siblings away - who wants to play with your sister/brother when you've got a cousin to play with?<br />
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We sent Kendall away to change into some nice clothes while Hannah and I dressed the beautiful bride, fixed her hair, and coached her on the necessary parts of the ceremony. We dressed ourselves too, since you can't have a wedding without at least a couple guests. We picked a handful of clover flowers for the bouquet, and rounded up our mothers to witness this momentous moment in lives of their youngest children. <br />
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We processed down the stairs instead of down the aisle, making the young groom wait for his bride by the windows of the living room, holding aside the curtain over the stairs for Emily's grand entrance.<br />
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The littles played their parts beautifully, though the bride was not having any of that "you may now kiss the bride" stuff. Cousins, geesh!<br />
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But together, the two left the 'alter' holding onto one another, the perfect picture of the innocence and fun of childhood. <br />
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-39766462925191327962012-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:002012-06-03T18:02:04.708-07:00Slow Sundays Bring a SmileSundays are always best for relaxing, spending time with family or friends, and just taking a moment to breathe between each of the 52 weeks.<br />
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I can recall many Sundays at home as a child where Mom made sure we all spent time together as a family, going on a picnic, playing a board game, ABC's Disney movie night from 6-8, driving to visit family, etc. It was rare that any of my or my sister's friends would be allowed to come over, or for us to go hang out with them (to the exclusion of our neighbors - hard to say no when you can walk to each others house in less than 2 minutes).<br />
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I appreciate my parents, my mother especially, for working to keep Sundays a little more laid back, a little more family focused. Sure, Dad usually had chores to door, hay to bale, etc, and as Emily and I grew older, we would occasionally have activities on Sundays, but for the most part, Sundays were family days.<br />
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<br />
It's hard to have such a day when my parents are back at home, and my sister is seven hours ahead (so it's Monday for her currently). However, the peace, slower pace, and socialization with friends still exists.<br />
<br />
After a sleeping in and attending 10:30 mass, I headed to Des Moines to pick up my bridesmaid's dress and spend a little time with the bride, Megan, discussing some wedding details. This is the first time I've been in a wedding party, and I'm exciting to be helping out. The ceremony's not until late August, which is good since my dress arrived at the store in the wrong style. Right size, right color, wrong style. Thank goodness there's plenty of time for a reorder!<br />
<br />
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<br />
It's it just gorgeous though? I definitely love Megan's choice. I've never been a fan of bubble dresses, but this one grew on me the minute I tried it on. It's so comfortable, a beautiful color, and has pockets! I also love that it has straps, since it's so awkward and inconvenient to constantly be pulling up a strapless dress. Plus, it just looks classy, comfy and fun! <br />
<br />
To make the little trip even better, I found the shoes in my size at Payless. I've got plenty of time to break those in now, so they'll be comfortable for a whole day of wedding festivities! <br />
<br />
Now, I'm ready to sit back with some homemade popcorn and a movie, which might put this tired girl to sleep. Here's to an awesome week! Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-17590055628955004252012-06-02T17:01:00.001-07:002012-06-02T17:01:50.918-07:00A Little PhobiaPerhaps you know someone with a phobia.<br />
<br />
Arachnophobia - fear of spiders<br />
Hydrophobia - fear of water<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Chiroptophobia - fear of bats</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Pediophobia - fear of dolls</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Coulrophobia - fear of clowns</span><span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Ephebiphobia - fear of teenagers</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">While my fear my not be quite the extent of being called a phobia, I did look up the name. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Musophobia</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Fear of mice. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">I was never afraid of the classroom pets we had in grade school.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Or Emily's hamster.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">I just dislike being surprised by mice. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">And growing up in a farmhouse, mice would inevitably run out and surprise you, leaving you (at least in my case) to jump up on a <strike>table</strike> chair and remove every appendage from the floor as quickly as possible. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Thankfully, cats could easily brought inside to help catch the problem, and traps worked wonders in other areas of the house.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Here in Ames, we have no cat. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">We've used a few traps just in case, especially since our back door is not tight to ground.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">And we've caught a couple, which Wayne (my roommate's boyfriend) has graciously taken care of. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">But....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">He's gone with my roommate this weekend.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">B's in Maryland.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">B's roommate is in Minnesota.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">And there was a dead mouse in a trap, sticking up the house. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Ewww.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">I tried. I REALLY tried to push aside my repulsion, the shudders that ran down my shoulders and spine when I thought about moving the mouse. I devised ways to put me as far away from the mouse as possible, and that would keep it out of my sight. Kitchen tongs - check. Colored plastic bag to obscure mouse - check. Eyes tightly closed - check (wait, where's the mouse?) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">I couldn't do it. I could not will myself to even touch the trap, to pick it up with a pair of tongs and drop it into the bag. Instead, my roommate Jess stepped up to the plate, used those tongs with only one shudder, and we became dead rodent free. Praise. God.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">As a farm kid, I feel that there are certain expectations I have to live up to. Things that I shouldn't be bothered by, such as cows running across a road, wearing long sleeves in blistering summer sun, the smell of manure, enjoying swimming in creeks and pond, handling dead rodents. But even these expectations are different for everyone. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Sure, I wish I had more courage, especially in dealing with something so small and seemingly insignificant. But everyone has fears, and each person's fear is important, if only to themselves. I know I have laughed at other people's funny phobias before, thinking how silly it would be to fear something so kind.fun.nice.interesting.normal.small.non-threatening.insignificant.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Fear is grounding. It reminds us of our flaws, of our constant need for others to help us, to grow stronger, to attempt facing our fears, or find ways of coping and dealing with our fears. But first, we have to acknowledge our fear before we can move forward. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;"><i>When I am afraid, I will trust in you., O Lord</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;"><i>~ Psalm 56:3 ~</i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: new gothic nt;">Even if it's just a little mouse.</span>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-15967757354998186842012-06-01T08:49:00.001-07:002012-06-01T08:49:23.259-07:00Starting June off RightDo you ever get the feeling that the busier you are, the more you get done?<br />
Even if you're tearing out your hair trying to get everything done,<br />
or stressing about actually getting things done... <br />
I feel that way a lot.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I look back on my first semester of college, when I took 15 credits and earned a 3.33 GPA.<br />
All easy classes. And yet so much free time to mess around and do <strike> no </strike>very little studying <br />
Compare to last fall, when I took 23 credits and pulled of a 3.84 for the semester.<br />
<br />
BAM. Quantiative Evidence that I do better when I'm busy.<br />
Take that STAT's professor! <br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Math Humor - couldn't resist!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div>
With all that being said, I know that balance is key. Not biting off more than you can chew and such.<br />
(Confession - last fall came close...)<br />
<br />
So, since my summer seems to be a lot more open that I thought it was going to be, I'm going to try to keep up on some of my 101 goals (within moderation of course. It is still summer!) <br />
<br />
Here are some I thought I'd focus on during the next month (or at least get started on)<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">June Goals! </span></u></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Complete a daily Bible Study</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- 30 blog posts in 30 days (starting today!)</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Drink 32 oz of water a day</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Complete 2 random acts of kindness</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Write an appreciation letter to each of my family members</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Photograph the letters of my last name and frame them</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Start a sourdough starter</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Learn to play the guitar</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit;">
- Take a yoga class (Starting June 7th!)</div>
<br />
Hopefully this isn't too ambitions, but I think that I'll be able to work on these throughout the month. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Here's to a productive month</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
of pint night Wednesdays</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
of a high school friend's wedding (fun!)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
of a potential visit to Maryland</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
of visits with friends in Des Moines</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
of exploring Ames by bike</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
of learning how to take pictures </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
and reading and writing and ...</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Lots of stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does your June look like? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>P.S. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Keep your eyes on <a href="http://followingfish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">this little blog.</a> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sister is going to set off on some European traveling in June, </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and she's going to try to post some pictures from </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Germany. Belgium. France. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and all places inbetween. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Keep her in your prayers! </i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-23740616479692662522012-05-30T11:47:00.000-07:002012-05-30T11:47:37.655-07:00Revisiting 101<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, when I was home for graduation, I got to visit with one of my longtime good friends.<br />
She expressed "concern" that I would never be able to finish my 101 in 1001 Days list. <br />
Now, I haven't forgotten about this list.<br />
<br />
I just haven't updated it in a long time.<br />
And looking through to see what I can update - rather sad.<br />
Pathetic might actually be a better word.<br />
<br />
There's only a few things that have actually been accomplished.<br />
So
I'm going to try completing a few of the items on the list each month,
just to help make things more manageable. Look out for my June goals in
the next couple of days. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
But that being said, here's my "updated" list of accomplishment.<br />
<br />
Keep checking back to see how the list changes month to month! <br />
<br />
<b>Writing</b></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Write
a book of childhood stories</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">30
blog posts in 30 days (0/30)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Mail 2
letters a week (0/104)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Write
a history of Maysville</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Write
a letter to the editor</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Reading </b></div>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Read
24 classics (0/24)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Subscribe
to Better Homes and Gardens</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Read through
the Bible in a year</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Participate
in a Daily Bible study </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Read
20 books suggested by others (1/20)</b><b> </b></li>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>The Paris Wife </b></li>
</ul>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Health</b></div>
<ol start="11" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Go to
the gym twice a week</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Drink
32 ounces of water a day </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Take a
yoga class - <b>Starts June 7th!</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Take a
dance class </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Run a
5k</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Do 10
pull-ups</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Do 100
crunches in quick succession</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Go
waterskiing </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Fast for
a week</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Do a
detox</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Lose
20 pounds </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Become
a certified first responder</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spend
a day at a spa</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Inspirational</b></div>
<ol start="24" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Send
my Mother flowers randomly</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Send
my Grandmother flowers randomly</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Take a
day at the Lady of the Prairie Retreat</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Write
myself a letter to open on my wedding day</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sponsor
a child</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Complete
10 random acts of kindness (0/10)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Write
future hubs once a week</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Become
a big sister through Big Brothers/Big Sisters</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Watch
the sunrise and sunset in a day</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Volunteer
at an animal shelter</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Leave
an inspirational note in a library book</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Family</b></div>
<ol start="35" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Write
an appreciation letter to each of my family members (0/3)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Have
dinner with each member of my family (0/3)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Have a
Harry Potter marathon with Emily </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Family
vacation to Minnesota </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Research
my family tree</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Have an
Anne of Green Gables marathon with Mom</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><strike>Visit
Hannah </strike></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Visit
Andrea</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Creative</b></div>
<ol start="43" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Make a
wedding quilt for Megan</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Make a
chalkboard calendar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Build
a bookshelf</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn
to carve</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Make
my own earrings</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Replace
my charm bracelet</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Photograph
the letters of my last name and frame them</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Finish
1 fair project a month (0/12)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sew an
entire outfit</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn
to knit </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Sew a
cloak for Old Threshers</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Food </b></div>
<ol start="54" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Try
tofu</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Try 50
new recipes (</b><b>5/50) See links to <a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/05/shrimp-penne-la-besty.html" target="_blank">Shrimp A La Betsy</a> ,<a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/02/cheesecake.html" target="_blank"> Coffee Cheescake</a>, <a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/03/fantastic-fruit-pizza.html" target="_blank">Fruit Pizza</a>, <a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/05/royal-iced-sugar-cookies.html" target="_blank">Royal Icing</a>, and <a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-day-fun.html" target="_blank">Beef Lasagna.</a></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Bake
bread, light and airy</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Start
a sourdough starter</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Serve
a 3 course meal</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Experiment
with grilling</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Cook a
meal outside</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Plan
out my menu for two weeks</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Can
five kinds of produce (0/5)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Plant
a garden with 10 types of produce (0/10)</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fashion</b></div>
<ol start="64" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Buy a
red dress and heels</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Complete
a 30 in 30 challenge</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Post
20 fashion blog posts (0/20)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Try a
new hairstyle</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Get a
manicure and a pedicure</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Get a
makeover</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Travel</b></div>
<ol start="70" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Visit
North Carolina</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Visit
Sedona</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Go camping
in Yellowstone </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><strike>Visit
a new winery </strike></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Take a
spontaneous road trip</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Go to
Canada</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spend
a weekend in Chicago visiting Brennan</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Participate
in RAGBRAI</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Stay
at a Bed and Breakfast </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Spend
a weekend at a resort </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Go to
Hawaii </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Start
a Europe Trip fund </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Attend
the Old Threshers Christmas</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Random</b></div>
<ol start="83" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Find a
four leaf clover</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Host a
board game night</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Create
an online catalogue of my books</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Move
into my own apartment</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Buy a
new computer</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Get a
pen pal</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">See
the Nutcracker</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Attend
an Opera</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Get a
dog</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Kiss
in the rain</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Learn
to play the guitar</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Take violin
lessons </li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Make a
tutorial</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Create
a budget</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Go one
week without buying anything</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Go one
week without TV</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><a href="http://amidwestmiss.blogspot.com/2012/05/life-as-college-graduate.html" target="_blank"><strike>Graduate</strike></a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b>Eat at 10 new restaurants (</b><b>3/</b><b>10) Black Market Pizza, El Azteca, The Cafe</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Go
horseback rid </li>
</ol>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7299372085791034611.post-13826212289578947912012-05-29T08:59:00.002-07:002012-05-29T08:59:55.118-07:00A Freedom Float<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon on the water, floating with friends down the Skunk River.<br />
<br />
<br />
Our group of seven set off a little before 3, and floated for about 3 1/2 hours down the river, laughing, talking, and enjoying the perfect weather (and water!) <br />
<br />
<br />
It was definitely one of my more memorable Memorial Days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.tubeproinc.com/documents/images/TP33-POLO-BLUE%20side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://www.tubeproinc.com/documents/images/TP33-POLO-BLUE%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Even if my tube did let me down and found a sharp object somewhere along the way, I still enjoyed splashing through the water and scouting out rough patches for the rest of my group. It reminded me of summers going creek stomping with Hannah. And besides, a tube still holds air as long as you close off the hole!<br />
<br />
Next time (for there will assuredly be several more floating trips this summer), I'm hoping for a higher water level, a stronger tube, and a waterproof radio. There's very little else that could make floating better! <br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04446274926671123550noreply@blogger.com4