Bachelor Shame

I don't know how it all started, I've withheld for so many seasons, but in a moment of weakness, I watched the Bachelor. It is ridiculous and I hate-watch it more than anything now, but I'm hooked and now and I'll continue until the very goofy ending.

Chicken Casa Time

Chase loves this recipe, it is most favorite, so I am passing it along so more husbands, families, dates, or whatever, can be as happy.

Chicken Casa

1 1/2 lbs skinned chicken parts (I like breasts)
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 c + 2 tbsp water
1/4 c ketchup
1 tbsp + 1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp prepared mustard
1/4 tsp curry powder

Sprinkle chicken evenly with onion salt and pepper. In medium non-stick skillet cook chicken (350 degrees), skinned side down, about 5 minutes or until browned; turn and repeat.
To prepare sauce combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl, turn skillet down and pour mixture over chicken, cover and cook (simmer) for about 45 minutes (or until chicken is tender).
Remove chicken to a serving platter and keep warm.
Bring sauce to a boil; cook stirring occasionally until mixture is reduced by about 3/4 cup.

Enjoy!

It's a long Par 5 leading to the nation's capitol

If you know what movie that is from...come over and we will watch it!

Chase was working in DC this weekend on an event during the Inauguration. While I miss Chase on his out-of-town events, he definitely gets to see some cool stuff and his photography editing abilities are off the hook!

Wizards, shadows, and things on the wall!

I've decided to push aside all shame and ego and talk about a problem I have. I don't know where this began and why it seems to have gotten worse (or just having someone there who can tell me about it the next day), but I have a sleepwalking problem.

It first became known to Chase what he married on our honeymoon in Mexico. I suddenly rolled out of bed, onto the floor, and started pulling at him. In my mind, I was pulling him out of the way of a huge boulder coming down a hill towards us.

It continued in the same way. I would get up because I heard a noise. I jump out of bed and run to the wall. I think people are in the room except it's just a sweatshirt on a hook.

And now I'm just worried that it'll get worse and what'll happen when we have kids and they come in the room in the night. I might end up punching my child.

My friend, MacKenzie, suggested I keep a sleep journal and see if any routines need to be changed. So I guess I'll report back with evidence. If it's Diet Coke though, I'll just be a sleepwalker.

And this is for Chase, because I think it's really what is going on...

Why doesn't anyone use 'Phat' anymore?

So I think marriage agrees with me...a little too much. I am looking to drop off a few pounds and thought I would share some of the exercises I use and where I get some motivation.

Exercise:

• I love running, so that is always part of the schedule, however I used to run everyday but being married gives less time for working out when Chase is home, so I only run 4 days a week when I can fit it in.
• Chase let me get a mini-elliptical that I can use during the day while working. It's pretty spiffy and I get a good work out and nobody knows I'm doing it while in a meeting.

• I also started tearing work-out routines from magazines and pinning them on Pinterest and I go through those during the day too.
• We got a scale for Christmas, so that is also helpful to weigh myself everyday and if it fluctuates too much, then I try to be better.

 Food:

•  Cooking and going out to eat less is important. I also have tried to cut back the soda and drink a lot of water. Chase and I even started a contest where I don't drink soda for the month and he won't eat bacon. It's pretty tough.

It's all about moderation and exercise, but I don't want to completely deprive myself. I'll check back in to see how the weight is staying on (not ideally) or dropping off (much better).

I wouldn't call it a resolution...

So with a new year, it's hard not to evaluate your life, where you are currently and where you would like to be. I don't know if I want to say it's resolutions, rather a plan for the coming year.

Chase and I are planning to buy a house this year, so that's a big part of finances and keeping our eyes open for good opportunities.

I'm starting some part-time work, which will be hard, but also a nice way to get experience and pay off those student loans.

And obviously that ties to school and continuing my Ph.D. I have to keep reminding myself that for the rest of my life I will be a doctor, so I can sacrifice now.

We also will discuss children this year, so we'll see what moves forward with that.

Something my mom showed me was a woman in her ward who wanted to write 100 things she was grateful for and made areas to focus her gratitude, so I copied the list from my mom and am passing it on for those who want to start on a gratitude high.

1. Physical abilities
2. Physical gifts (possessions)
3. 10 living people
4. 10 deceased people
5. 10 things of nature
6. 10 things of today
7. 10 places on Earth
8. 10 modern inventions
9. 10 foods
10. 10 things about the Gospel (religion, beliefs)

Happy New Year 2013!

New Year Meal Magic

For New Year's, to celebrate all the new things to come and what a great year 2012 was, I made a big fancy dinner for Chase and myself. Chase loves Buzzfeed and they posted a ham recipe and glaze he emailed me for consideration. Then because we are Mormon, the best combination with ham was funeral potatoes, so we had those as well. I stole some ideas from my sister about making delicious funeral potatoes at a lower fat count, so I will also include those as well.

The ham recipe with glaze and sauce is from Buzzfeed, the link is below. Check it out and my suggestion would be to thicken the glaze first with more honey, it will stick better to the outside of the ham.
Ham Recipe

With the funeral potatoes, every family has their own way of doing it, but here is mine (and my mom's and sister's):

Bake potatoes, then shred them. Some use frozen hashbrowns, I like the fresh taste better.
Mix together 1 can of low-fat Cream of Chicken, 1 container of sour cream (low-fat), and 1 can of Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup (low-fat). I also add some milk because it's thick and salt and pepper to taste. Then I add a little shredded cheese. If you want to add some of the lower fat cheese, I bet that would work too, I just use regular. It needs a little fat in it.
Next you mix the potatoes and sauce, but into a casserole dish, then add shredded cheese to the top.
Bake until everything is heated thoroughly.

Delicious meal, wonderful past year, and year to come!