I did it!

Today Dale and I tackled Mt.Baker. Originally, we had planned to go snowshoeing today(nice and safe, I know). But then Dale bought a new snowboard and was itching to try it out. I haven't been skiing in 13 years! The last time I skied I hurt my knee and have been scared to ski ever since.I am so glad I went. I took it really easy and didn't over do it but it felt good to be on the mountain doing something I used to enjoy. I am loving the 'courage' in 2009. We are looking forward to taking Aiden out and eventually Amelia too. The mitten in the picture is for our niece Megan's kindergarten class project.

busted

I joined the gym this week. So far so good. The kids like the play place. I've found the ladies only gym off the change room nice and quiet. I have big plans to move into the regular gym once I'm not a brilliant shade of scarlet after 2.4 minutes on any cardio machine. I may even try a class if some friends would join...hint,hint. Then today I was blindsided. One of the daycare ladies approached me, I thought it was something to do with the kids. She asked if I had tried their 'body pump' class. I replied 'no' and started to put my headphones back on. She said they needed one more person at the noon class or it would be cancelled. I had two problems with this proposition. I had just finished 30 minutes on the treadmill and was the above mentioned shade of scarlet and secondly, I had on really ratty work out clothes. I have cute clothes but I had already worn them this week. I entered the classroom to find a few perfectly co ordinated women, barbells, dumbbells and step benches. I was screwed. Too make a long story short, I survived. I was shaking and an even deeper shade of scarlet at the end (didn't think that was possible). I followed the instructor so closely that I even did a few of her 'pump up the class' jumps and hollers. I am a very good student. I will probably be calling in 'immobile' to work tomorrow but I'm glad I tried the class and will definitely be going again.

Target ramblings

A co worker told me awhile ago it's cheaper to buy something overpriced at Haggens than run to Target for the same item. Yesterday, her theory was proven. I needed face wash and moisturizer, I remembered at Haggens but it seemed to be twice the price. I'll just make a special trip to Target and save 10 bucks and also pick up a day planner. Amelia and I headed over after dropping Aiden off at school. In less than 10 minutes I had located my three items and was heading to the cashier. Oh.. I need to pick up a pay as you go cell phone since cancelling my phone last month. What, you didn't know I don't have my cell anymore? That's because I only talked on it a total of 29 minutes in 5 years. It was always dead in the bottom of my purse or I couldn't hear it ringing. It was a major source of contention between Dale and I. Now I kinda like leaving the house knowing I am free from pesky phone calls. I do see the need for one in emergencies hence the 'go phone'. I located the phone and put it in my basket. Oh, I need some more work out clothes for my noon appointment at the gym, pants and shirt located. Then my eyes happened on the kids clearance rack of clothes, dangerous. I try to avoid these since Amelia already has a kajillion adorable hand me downs. I found the sweetest next year Christmas dress for her for $4.48, adorable cardigan $2.98 and a lil dress for the same price. And this is where Target kills you. All these little items add up. On my way to the till I stopped of in Aiden's dept and picked up a pair up $7.48 cords, the boy needs pants. So.. I actually saved $6 on face wash and moisturizer but I spent an additional $120 on stuff at Target.

cornbread crust chicken pot pie

I try to only shop at Costco once a month. If I go more frequently I find my grocery bill is way higher at the end of the month. I made a list last year of items that are cheaper to buy at Costco or are definitely more convenient to buy in bulk. Did you know Costco's top seller is toilet paper? And for good reason, who wants to run out of that? Anyway back to my Costco theories. I always buy bananas,baby carrots (anyone noticed they are slimy lately?), lettuce, broccoli salad, eggs,milk,beer,peanut butter,jelly, and bread when I'm there. I also try to pick up a rotisserie chicken because they are so easy for dinner. And they lowered the price, it had crept up to 6 something but yesterday it was $4.99 again. I like that. The chicken is an easy dinner and then I will use the chicken for another meal and then I will make soup with the (I hate to use this term) carcass. Very economical!
Tonight I tried a new recipe from Oprah's website:
Chicken Pot Pie with Cornbread Crust
Recipe created by Cristina Ferrare


This is a feel-good meal! It's traditional without a catch but very satisfying—not to mention easy and fast.


Ingredients:

Filling:


1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 medium Onion , chopped
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups chopped Roasted Chicken
1/2 cup frozen sweet petite peas
1 potato , diced and boiled
1 1/2 cup chopped, cooked carrots
1/2 tsp. salt
Cracked pepper
Dash of Tabasco® sauce
Crust:


3/4 cup white or yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 Tbsp. canola oil
To make filling: Preheat the oven to 400°. Spray a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In a large sauce pan, heat olive oil and unsalted butter together. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 4 or 5 minutes. Add in flour until blended. Slowly stir in 2 cups of heated chicken stock, whisking well. Cook mixture over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 4 minutes. Stir in chicken, peas, potato, carrots, salt, pepper and Tabasco®. Pour into a 2-quart ovenproof casserole dish coated with cooking spray and spread mixture evenly.

To make crust: In a bowl, stir cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Stir milk, egg and canola oil until well combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Spoon the batter evenly on the filling. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 22 to 25 minutes.
* I didn't add the potato

my new wheels!

Yesterday at dinner time Dale asked if I would go out to the garage and grab him a beer. My first reaction was to tell him to go get it himself but I had been out for most of the day by myself so I obliged. When I went into the garage my new car was sitting there! It's a 2005 Volvo XC90 and I love it. I took some pictures in the dark that didn't turn out so I found these online. It's the same color as in the picture.

new year, new do

Over the last few months I noticed my natural color has darkened. I've decided to try out life as a brunette! I think I like it but I feel like I need to wear make up now as my face looks washed out with the new color. I chickened out about getting bangs but I think I may go back. When I got home from my hair appointment Dale told me to get on my driving gloves and we went and test drove new cars...

my word

Last year I chose the word 'reduce' as my life theme for the year. It worked quite well for me. Looking back I realize that word had more of an impact of how I lived my life than the resolutions/goals I had written down. It's easy to remember one word everyday and try to apply it to whatever is happening in your life at that moment. I had picked my word for 2009 a month ago and was looking forward to using it this year. The word was simplify and yesterday I realized that wouldn't be much of a challenge for me. I like simple living and try not to make things complicated. So my word for 2009 will be... courage! I'm not going to make a long list of daredevil activities that will be accomplished in the name of courage. It will be more of a way to step out of my comfort zone and try things a new way,push myself harder or stand up for myself and the people around me.