Let's Tally It Up, Shall we?

As I reflect on closing out 2011, I think it is fair to summarize where I've been and where I'd like to go in 2012.

No resolutions on this train. Goals are the most efficient way for me to measure my progress throughout the year.

January 1, 2011 is when I finally threw out the resolutions and started down the path of goals.

On a high level, I think it was productive. It gave me the breathing room to pull back some if needed, in order to direct my focus elsewhere.

For example, when I was at the peak of my running this year, there truly was not room to squeeze much else into my schedule between training and my daily life. During these times the other goals often sat idle until I could direct more attention to them.

How did I do in regards to my 2011 goals?

• 
  
  To learn Photoshop Elements.

Progress = 2% maybe? There is still a lot to learn here although I have learned how to adjust lighting, download/use actions, and of course crop. I've barely scratched the surface on this one so it will remain for 2012.

• 
  
  Continue to learn my camera.

Progress = 75% I took some amazing "for me" pictures this year. This one will remain on my 2012 list because there is still room for improvement specifically metering.

• 
  
  Run this half marathon.

Done with a bonus disaster for good measure just one week later.

• 
  
  500 in 2011.

Finishing the year with 350 miles.

• 
  
  Finally get my red Kitchen Aid mixer.
  

Done. Isn't she pretty?

• 
  
  
  


• 
  
  Decorate the walls in my house.

Lots of progress. The hallway is almost 100% complete. My office is also well underway. We have also added 2 new prints to the living room.

• 
  
  Not least to not be pregnant nor to have an additional child :)

Done. Whew!

• 
  
  Start reading again.

This is definitely the one item where I can say I 100% failed this year. I am alone in saying I didn't read not even 1 book for the 1+ crowd? Unless you count Dr. Seuss I did not make any progress on this goal. Must regroup for 2012.

All in all, I'm really proud of 2011. At times, I felt like I was on balancing on a tight rope with no net below but in the end I can really see the progress I have made. It was hard yet fun and rewarding.

On to 2012......

No Soup For You

Because I'm going to eat it all! I just had to share this recipe. It is from my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that I think my grandmother gave me as I was walking out the door for college.

I don't think I cracked that thing open until a couple of years ago though so I'm still working through it but I've found some good recipes in it as of late.

We made this recipe for my family on Tuesday and I'm making it again tomorrow. Yum!

Here is the recipe:


1-1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cubed, or beef stew meat
1 tablespoon cooking oil
4 14-ounce cans beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
2 cups chopped, peeled tomato (2 large) or one 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 10-ounce package frozen whole kernel corn
1-1/2 cups cubed, peeled potatoes (2 medium)
1 cup frozen cut green beans
1 cup sliced carrot (2 medium)
1 cup sliced celery (2 stalks)
1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium)

Directions

1. In a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven brown meat, half at a time, in hot oil; drain fat. Return all meat to Dutch oven. Stir in beef broth, oregano, marjoram, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Discard bay leaves. If necessary, skim fat .
2. Stir in tomato, corn, potato, green beans, carrot, celery, and onion. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 25 minutes more or until vegetables are tender.

To Tide You Over........

Until I have time to sort through my pictures from our trip to Nashville/Memphis for NYE and the ECU bowl game (and no I don't want to talk about it just in case you were wondering).

I've been making this chili for a few months now. It has been one of my favorite finds from my Southern Living cookbook circa 2007.

Meaty Black Bean Chili

Prep: 10 min., Cook: 20 min.
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients

3 (15-oz.) cans black beans
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 pound ground round
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (14-oz.) can low-sodium fat-free chicken broth
2 (14.5-oz.) cans petite diced tomatoes with jalapeños

Toppings: sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, lime wedges, sliced jalapeño peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, corn chips

Preparation
1. Rinse and drain 2 cans black beans. (Do not drain third can.)
2. Sauté chopped onion and ground round in a large Dutch oven over medium heat 10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Stir in chili powder and next 3 ingredients; sauté 1 minute. Stir in drained and undrained beans, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Serve chili with desired toppings.

This stuff is good! I throw in a few extra jalapenos for good measure and I'm all set. Enjoy!

Mmmm Good

Strawberry Cobbler~It was not pretty but it was good!

Strawberries and Cool Whip

I NEED THIS!

http://www.cakespy.com/2009/04/grilled-cheesecake-sweet-take-on.html

FYI: If someone can teach me how to make this a link without all the mess. I'd be forever grateful :) Also, if you could send this to my house that would be even better!

Good eats

I've been meaning to post these pictures for a week now. Last week before the power went out due to the storm I cooked up some some yummy food. The reason this is worth noting in pictures is because normally when I cook it may taste good but it is not always pretty.

However today I bring you:

Pretty Food~It was good too!

Banana Bread

Chicken Casserole

The 9:30 am Heart Attack on a plate

This was my second "breakfast" today and it just so happened to be 9:30 in the morning no less. Steve and I get up really early even when we don't have to (think 6 am) so 9:30 feels like lunch to me most days and this morning was no different.

Just in case you would like to make this fabulous "meal" it consists of simply baked potatoes, butter, and cheese. That is all.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Whew, I've been MIA but for good reason. Last week was busy to say the least. Wednesday night I hosted a 31 Gifts Party. It was small but there was no shortage of laughter. Nights like those remind me how grateful I am to have my friends to always keep me laughing.

Thursday night was even better. It was my turn to host Supper Club for JL so 8 or so of my girlfriends came over for dinner complete with china place settings for the dining room table. We had turkey tenderloin casserole, italian green beans, macaroni and cheese, salad, and a pumpkin cream trifle for dessert. Everything was fabulous if I don't say so myself.

Finally, Friday night the family arrived for a weekend for food, fun, and fellowship. We had wayyyy more food than the average person should ever have in their house at one time but it was excellent. It was a great weekend and I took tons of pics but I've included a few below because I know you would rather look at pics that hear me babble.

Today we will head to my dad's for more Thanksgiving fun before returning home to nap on the couch. Happy Thanksgiving to your and your family!! Enjoy!!

What is on my birthday list?

Nikon D40 SLR Camera with Lens. Isn't it sexy?



Kitchenaid Mixer that can make anything and everything under the sun or just sit on the counter and look pretty. Whatever works :)




The oh so beautiful ECU Pirate purple laptop by Dell. It would go with with the ECU gold walls in my office huh?

The list goes on but these are the three fabulous pieces of my dreams.

Ahhhh...The Beginning

Welcome aboard Matey! We thought it would be fun to start a blog to share our lives with family and friends both near and far so enjoy and please feel free to leave comments. This blog will touch on lots of topics but just to name a few of our favorite things:

• Fall
• College Football
• Our Puppy, T.
• Traveling
• Friends and Family
• Food
• Sports (Running, Hunting, Golf)
• Reading

This blog is not dedicated to one of these in particular. As our crazy life together continues it's journey I expect it to touch on all of them at various points as well as many, many more so stay tuned to watch it unfold.

This weekend all of the items above are on tap. It should be fun. Today is only Monday and I can hardly wait until the weekend. We are headed to Lake Norman, which is just outside of Charlotte, NC to spend Labor Day weekend.

We have rented a house with our family on the lake. It's going to be so great spending time with everyone and eating lots of great food. The menu so far looks good and as always there is no shortage of food with this clan.

This will be T's first trip to the lake and first boat ride. I'm so excited to see him in the lake and on the boat. He's going to LOVE it! I'm excited too because we are going tubing. Last time I tried this my arms were sore for days. That was actually Labor Day two years ago and I still remember how bad they hurt the next morning.

On Saturday, we are headed to the ECU/VT game. I've literally been counting the days to football season since our big bowl win at the end of last season. A win on Saturday would be fabulous :)

It should be a great weekend as long as the weather holds out and we win! I'll be sure to post pics and a weekend recap sometime next week.

Have a great week everyone!

Love,

S and A