Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...

Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to run on a cold Saturday!

Megan and I ran in the Jingle Bell Run over the weekend. Our goal was to finish and we did with bells on (literally).

Fast and Hilly

That was the course description of the 5K I ran in this weekend, and I have to agree on one thing... the course was hilly. The first half was basically all downhill, while the remaining half was all uphill. I finished but my time isn't anything to be impressed by, but there is always next time. The Jingle Bell Run is in two weeks and hopefully my time will come down some.

November 23, 2008... Note to Self: YAY for 3-day work weeks.

Bargin Barstools

Keith's requirement - has to have a back
Sara's requirement - to be able to keep my arms and legs instead of selling them to pay for the barstools (and to match our table).

As we found out, these two requirements don't go together. Barstools with backs aren't cheap. However, due to my bargain finding abilities, Keith and I (mostly I) found a winner.

After spending a Saturday morning searching for barstools, we (mostly I) came home frustrated. I wasn't about to pay $100+ for a barstool, and we needed two. After doing an internet search that afternoon, I discovered that JCPenney has barstools, and BINGO I think I had found a winner. The barstools had backs and they were on sale for half off so my arms and legs were safe. The only problems were that they were online only and on backorder (This was early-October). Good news - They could be returned to the store if we didn't like them.

I decided to take my chances and ordered two, only after I did a quick google search for coupon codes for JCPenney. I found one for free shipping... SCORE!

Anyway, the barstools arrived today. The backs are in tack. They match our table perfectly. My arms and legs are still attached. Oh, and I put these together all by myself. I even sat in them and they didn't go crashing to the floor.

November 17, 2008... Note to Self: Google is my friend.

Recap of our Chicago - Madison - Milwaukee Trip

Here's a quick recap and some of pictures.

Keith and I left Raleigh around 8 am Friday morning and landed in Chicago around 11 am where we were greeted by Anna and Jimmy. We headed to the hotel to drop off the car and bags and that's where our adventures began. We ate lunch at Ed Debevic's then headed down The Magnificent Mile (said in my best Oprah voice) to the Hancock Building where we had drinks and took in the skyline. We then headed to Navy Pier then back to the hotel for Happy Hour. After Happy Hour, we went to Zanie's Comedy Club.

Now for Saturday... We played in the Bean and went to the Planetarium. After the Planetarium, Keith wanted a Chicago -style hotdog so we ate lunch at Portillo's before we made our way to Madison.

Now for Sunday... we took in all things Madison like the University of Wisconsin - Madison, the Capital, The Old Fashioned, and Cave of the Mounds.

Now for Monday... we headed to Milwaukee so Keith and I could fly back home. Before the flight, we toured the Miller Brewery and had lunch at Mader's. The tour was great, but here's my thoughts on beer...ugh.

November 16, 2008... Note to Self: I'm no spring chicken anymore. 3 miles is tough.

The Tail of Bruno

On Wednesday morning, right before I left for work, Bruno and I had an adventure. Every morning, Bruno waits for me at the back door. On the back door, we have a shade. On this particualar morning, the shade was up so the pull string for the shade was hanging to the floor (like how most shades work).

Bruno sees me coming towards the door and he begins to wag his tail ,which in return causes him to hit the string. The string goes flying and in a split second, the cord has wrapped around Bruno's tail. Bruno then starts to panic. He's yelping, I'm screaming (trying to figure out the best approach to set Bruno free) and I'm trying to push him back to the door so the string isn't as tight. I finally manage to get him calmed down and he's sitting right beside to the door. I tell him to stay so I can run into the kitchen to grab some scissors.

Bruno sees me take off, he goes back into his state of panic and he's flopping around like a fish out of water. Finally, the string breaks and Bruno is set free.

So that's the tale of Bruno's tail, and here's a picture of Bruno and his new bed. I felt sorry for him and caved when I saw this.



November 15, 2008... Note to Self: Beware of shades, strings and Bruno's tail.

Week 6 Completed!

Today, I finished Week 6, Day 3 with a 25 mintue run with no walking. It was hard, but I finished. Only three more weeks to go of C25K, and I should be at 30 mintues with no walking (or 3 miles). The Jingle Bell Run is about a month and a half away and we're all getting pumped.

October 23, 2008... Note to self: Eating NC State ice cream, a cheeseburger, and a ham bisciut at the State Fair does not make for a happy tummy.... ugh. And I still have maple cotton candy and a caramel apple waiting. This is why I run.

Week 5 Completed!

Yesterday, I completed my first 20 minute run with no walking. Although I ran quite slow, I did manage to run the entire time. YAY ME! I'll start Week 6 on Sunday and my third workout will be a 25 minute run. Only Week 6, 7 and 8 left.

Not much else to post. Work has been keeping me pretty busy. We had two events this week and we have three events on this coming Monday alone. Then it's downhill until after the holidays.

October 17, 2008... Note to Self: Benadryl is my friend.

Short and Sweet, but Very Important

It’s one month until my birthday (and two months from the Jingle Bell Run).

October 6, 2008… Note to self: Make birthday wish list.

Second House Mini-Project

So after three years of wanting to paint this chest, I finally did. I didn't take a before picture, but I found this one so you can kind of get the idea.

Here's the after.

Crockpot Taco Soup

Here's what you'll need:

1 lb of lean ground beef (cooked before going into the crockpot)

2 cans of kidney beans (1 can light, 1 can dark)

1 can of black beans

1 large can of diced tomatoes (or two normal sized cans)

1 can of Rotel tomatoes

1 can of corn

1 package ranch dressing mix

1 package taco seasoning

Here's how to make:

Rinse and drain the beans, drain the corn then dump everything into the crockpot. Let it cook on low all day and enjoy! Garnish with cheese, sour cream, tostitos, etc.

First House Project

A new fence! What? You don’t see it? I promise it’s there! If you don’t believe, just ask Bruno!

Our side of the subdivision is currently fenceless as in the privacy fences. Here’s a picture of the backyards.

As a solution to the fence-fenceless problem, Keith and I decided to install an electric fence and Bruno is less than thrilled. He currently hugs the house when walking to and from the backyard since he doesn’t quite get the logistics yet. And he doesn’t seem to mind getting shocked if it results in him being able to go on our runs, even though I’ve repeatedly told him that some days it’s better if he stays at home. (Yes, I do believe Bruno understands the English language).

With my running program, I’m still on Week 3, although I should be on Week 4. A recent cold threw me for a loop so after a week of no running, I decided to re-do Week 3 (although slightly modified).

September 30, 2008... Note to Self: One day, Bruno will learn or at least I hope so.

Week 2 - DONE!

I just completed Week 2 of Couch to 5K and onto Week 3 tomorrow. Week 2 wasn't so bad and today was probably the best day minus the two dog encounters and Bruno having to make his pits stops. I think I'm ready for tomorrow and I don't think I would have said that the last time I ran.

September 14, 2008... Note to Self: Bring it on!

Survived Week 1, Starting Week 2

With the Jingle Bell Run fast approaching (first of December), I decided that I needed to get in gear and start running. Last week was Week 1 of Couch to 5K and I survived. Today, I started Week 2. And Bruno tagged along/has been my running partner, although he won’t be running in the actual 5K with me, but I wanted to start him off slowly with me.

September 8, 2008…Note to Self: Running makes you aware of muscles you didn’t know you had… Ouch!

Shhh..... He's Sleeping!

People ask.... what does Bruno do during the day? Well, here it is.

September 6, 2008... Note to Self x 2: Oh, how I wish I could sometimes be Bruno.

Breakfast Muffins

With TS Hanna rolling through, I was unsure what Saturday would bring so I decided to start the day with a breakfast, compliments of a friend.

Here's what you'll need:

1 12 oz can Pillsbury/Hungry Jack biscuits (flaky buttermilk biscuits.)

4 eggs, beaten

Salt & Pepper to taste

4 oz sausage, cooked, cut into small pieces

2 1/2 oz (2/3 cup) finely shredded cheddar cheese

Here's how to make:

Directions: 1. Spray 10 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray 2. Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Place one biscuit in each sprayed cup - firmly press in holes and up sides. 3. Spray large non-stick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat until hot. Add eggs, cook until almost set but still moist. Stir in sausage bits and remove from heat. Divide edd mixture into 10 biscuit cups. Top with 1 tablespoon of cheese per "cupcake". 4. Bake at 400 for 11 to 13 min or until edges are light brown.

September 6, 2008... Note to Self: Research price of intercom. Maybe the reason my throats hurts is because I'm constantly yelling at Keith when he's in his man-room. Keith, your phone's ringing. Keith, it's dinner time. Keith, the cable guy is here.

Slowly, But Surely

Slowly, but surely we're beginning to unpack and get things in order. Unlike Willoughby, there are no major projects (YAY), but just little fixes here and there. The previous owner of the house is living two doors down until his wife secures a job in Vegas so it's kind of strange to see him go by. He came over today to drop off a gift card and something for the lawn mower and told us some more about the house and the projects he's done.

It's not in order yet and exactly like we want it, but here are a couple of pictures. Here's one of the front of the house.

This is of our master bedroom.

And this is of the guest bathroom.

September 1, 2008.... Note to Self: Stairs can be tricky. Learn to walk. (I've already fallen up the stairs once and down once.)

Packing Frenzy

Keith and I close this coming Thursday and we’re trying our best to get everything packed up so we can move out. Check out how lovely our house looks, it’s starting to make me twitch. T-minus two days until closing.

August 25, 2008... Note to Self: Packing SUCKS!!

Coconut Cake

Here's another recipe from Bee. It's similar to the Jell-O Cake recipe.

You'll need:

1 box of white cake mix (and all the add-ins, egg whites, oil, water)

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of milk

cool-whip

coconut

Here's how to make:

Bake cake mix according to directions. Right before cake is done, boil 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of milk and a handful of coconut. Pour mixture over hot cake. (I poked holes in the top of the cake as well before pouring the mixture over.) Let cool completely. Top with cool whip and coconut.

Long time, No Post

Not much has been happening lately, which I guess is a good thing. Mom and dad came up yesterday to help with home repairs (stuff that was noted on the inspection report that the buyers wanted fixed). So Keith and Dad repaired gutters, shingles, wood and chases, while Mom and I started packing up some stuff. T-minus 18 days until closing.

Keith and I saw The Dark Knight today... very good movie, but it's fairly long.

Note to self: August 10, 2008… I really don't want to go to work tomorrow.

More Good News!

Keith and I got a new home (well, we’re under contract and it’s contingent on our home selling). It has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with a bonus room. It’s about 2025 sq ft and has a huge backyard (it’s on almost an acre) for Bruno. Keith thinks Bruno is going to become an outside dog now, but Bruno begs to differ. I mean, who’s going to watch TV with me when Keith is playing Xbox?

So if all goes as planned, we’ll move in around the end of August. Here are a couple of pictures with the sellers stuff. I love the kitchen and it has a PANTRY. If I can make good food in the one I have now, just think what I can stir up in this one. Maybe I can finally learn how to make brownies?

July 27, 2008… Note to self: when vacuuming, it is not a good idea to get the nozzle close to the toilet paper.

We're Under Contract

Yes, we’re officially Under Contract. On Tuesday, we found out that two offers came in. Our realtor called both agents and asked for their clients to give us their best offer. With that, a contract was born.

Now, we just have to make it through all of the inspection (which is Monday) and find ourselves a new place to live. Hopefully, I'll post more good news soon.

July 23, 2008... Note to Self: It DID only take one person (well, two... no, three... wait, six if you count all parties involved) to sell our house.

New Chicken Dish

Weekends are my time to try new recipes and this weekend, I decided to make Chicken with Mushrooms, compliments of Allrecipes.com. Keith cleaned his plate and we’ll be having seconds tomorrow night so definitely a keeper.


Here’s what you’ll need:

3 cups sliced mushrooms
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup

Here’s how to make:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place half of the mushrooms in a 9x13 inch pan. Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then roll in bread crumbs.
In skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Brown both sides of chicken in skillet. Place chicken on top of mushrooms, arrange remaining mushrooms on chicken, and top with mozzarella cheese. Add chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup to pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.

July 20, 2008… Note to Self: When Keith is playing XBox, all conservations must start with "Can you hear me?"

Bee's Soup

Although more like a stew, Bee's Soup combines ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, corn, lima beans, chicken and onion (yes, I said onion).

Here’s what you’ll need, except I don’t have exact measurements. I just add until it looks right.

Chicken (3-4 breasts)
Chicken broth (I use almost one can of Swanson’s, sometimes the whole can)
Tomatoes (I use two cans, diced, undrained)
Potatoes (I use about 3-4 medium to large potatoes, cut into cubes)
Corn (I use one can, drainded)
Lima Beans (I use one can, drained)
Onion (I use a small onion)
Salt and pepper to taste
Water (mabye one cup or two)

Cook chicken then shred.
In a large pot, combine all ingredients and cook until potatoes are done since they take the longest.

Pretty simple, right??

July 18, 2008... Note to self: Fridays are simply the best day of the week.

Jell-O Cake

So for a belated birthday cake, I decided to make Keith a Jell-O Cake for his birthday. I normally make it with strawberry jello, but this time I tried raspberry. I’m always hesitate to try new things when I know I already like something, but this seems to be a winner.

Jell-O Cake
1 box white cake mix (with add-ins… eggs whites, oil, water)
1 box (4 servings) Jell-O of your choice
1 carton of Cool-Whip (I used Cool -Whip Lite)

-Prepare cake mix according to directions on box.
-When cake is done, polk holes in the top so that it appears you’ve aerated your cake. I normally use a straw or a chop stick. A fork would probably work good too.
-Boil one cup of water and add to Jell-O. Mix.
-Pour Jell-O over the top of the cake.
-Let cake cool completely. I normally put it in the refrigerator for 2+ hours.
-Top with cool whip.

You’ll see variations of this cake and some recipes call for a large box (8 servings) of jello. Keith and I find this too be way too much jello.

July 14, 2008… Note to self: Learning to cook takes time and patience. Few things come out perfect the first time. Please refer to July 8's post.

Happy Birthday, Keefy!

Today is Keith’s birthday, the big 2-8.

July 10, 2008… Note to Self: Keith is getting old, but I’m not too far behind.

Price Reduction

After being on the market one month, Keith and I have decided to lower the price on our house. We thought we had an offer coming in last week, but who knows what happened. We did find a house we like to South Raleigh and are hoping it holds on. It’s been on the market for awhile, but seems to have everything that Keith and I want and need.

Cary also did a survey of residents that live in the areas close to downtown and the results were just posted online. Keith and I are not alone. Someone responded with “remove all rentals-homeowners only- or provide an ordinance with regards to the number of occupants in a rental home” and “get rid of the renters.” I promise, those are not comments Keith and I made, although we did feel out the survey with the same type of complaints. At least we’re not alone.

July 9, 2008... Note to Self: It only takes one person and our house will sell.

I'm a Blogger!

I, too, have decided to jump on the blog bandwagon (And I wanted to be just like my sister). I’ve thought for awhile that a blog might be a good idea (a way to unwind, a way to reflect), but I was uncertain if I would actually keep up with one. So here’s the test.

The blog title, “Note to Self” is a phrase I tell myself often. Each day, I seem to learn new “notes.”

Note to self: when on the deck of a cruise ship, foam flip flops (imagine the ones from Old Navy) don’t have any type of traction, but Keith will be there to help with the fall.

Note to self: when applying for Graduate School in Communication, learn to spell communication correctly.

Note to self: Spaghetti is not necessarily good (down right disgusting) when cooked in a crock-pot. Japan Express is now on speed dial.

July 8, 2008… Note to self: Olive Garden makes great bread sticks, but eating three bread sticks does not help the thighs.