Playlist?

I'm trying this out. Debatable. I ran across this site where you can share music, which of course, severely limits you. I did the best I could picking and choosing. Problem is it will restart the first song every time you reload the page, and it doesn't start playing until you can see the playlist on the page (which is why I had to put the playlist first on the side). Plus, I don't know if this will slow the page down or what . . .

What do you think?

Sushi: Don't Be Afraid!

I saw on the news recently how sushi is becoming the next big trend in teens now days. Good, I say. People are so afraid of sushi. Why? If you looked more into it, a lot of sushi is COOKED! Did you know that? And that LAME-O California roll that everyone insists on getting is made of imitation crab meat! Why would you be afraid of that? You can hardly even referred to it as seafood.

My good friend Maranda introduced me to sushi years ago. Thank God for her. Ever since I've been on a mission to TRY EVERYTHING . . . Grady, too. He didn't even like seafood before I met him. Now he's on a sushi rampage like myself. (I'll take credit for that.)

Our favorite: "Sushi Yoshi" in 5 Points. It's wonderful. Really, it's wonderful. It's a disgrace if you don't go. Anyways, during my exploration of sushi, I found the desire to try and make it myself. I will say, this has taken some time to learn . . . but I never mind a challenge when it comes to food.

Here's what I made tonight.
My important products:

Cook sushi rice as directed. It will probably be very sticky (it's supposed to be). Wet your fingers so it doesn't stick to you. Spread rice on sushi mat, then press seaweed sheet on top.

Let me note, you can also switch this procedure and put seaweed sheet down first, then rice. This will make a much tighter and cleaner roll. (You'll see down below)


Then, place whatever you'd like inside. I used "sushi grade" tuna, avocado, and (something different this time) Cajun crab dip! (In a separate roll I used mayo & Japanese chili pepper sauce- but the crab dip may be the better choice!)

Use the mat to begin rolling it up. Some rice will stick, but it will be fine. This was the roll with the rice on the outside . . .



And this was the roll with the seaweed outside . . .


And this was the final product.

See, it's really not as hard as you thought!
Now you try . . . or . . . at least go to "Sushi Yoshi."

Picture Practice!

Salsa was happy to pose for a picture with the new camera!

FINALLY!!!!

For those of you as concerned as I . . . I HAVE RECEIVED MY CAMERA!! What a relief! And, better yet, since it's pretty much the same camera I already had (only updated), it uses the same battery! Whenever one battery goes dead, I'll have another ready to go! I am quite excited, to say the least!

Alanna, there may be more pictures taken on Saturday than you think!

Random Recipe #2: The Appetizer

If you like Pico de Gillo, you'll like this!

You'll need this:

• 1 can black beans (drained/rinsed)
• 1 can regular Rotel (drained)
  
• 1 can Mexican style Rotel (drained)
  
• 1/2 red onion (diced)
• 1-2 tbsp. fresh cilantro (chopped)
• salt & pepper

You'll do this:

1. Dump in bowl.
2. Mix.

Comments:
The recipe is SO easy, and better yet, it's healthy! I can snack on it for days and never feel bad about it! I LOVE it! Hint: it's even better the next day. So, if you're making it for other people, let it sit overnight.

Camera Update #2 . . .

We broke down and ordered one. I told you I wouldn't last long. The cost to fix the camera was 1/2 the price of a new, updated one . . . so it just didn't make sense to get it fixed. I'm bummed I had to do it, but I must admit I'm excited to get a new one! Hopefully I'll be getting it in time for Alanna's bachelorette this Saturday! I certainly don't want to miss an opportunity to catch Alanna in action!

Camera Update

Uhh.
Well, the Canon man was WRONG! I received a letter from Canon today stating they DO NOT cover this particular problem in their warranty and that it would cost me $100 to fix it. $100! For that much, I'd be better off just getting a new one. Uhh. I'm disgusted.

On a brighter note, we've got another blogger! Rae, my old roommate, got married a few weeks ago and Alanna and I have convinced her to start her own blog! That's D'Amore (cute name, I think!)
(Michelle, I'm working on you next!)

Us

Since we're going out of town this weekend, we celebrated my birthday a little early last night at The Melting Pot. I guess it works out nicely that the summer is such a big celebration time for Grady and I. Not only is it both of our birthdays, but it's our anniversary as well. July 9th will be 2 years. Crazy. Crazy how only just 3 years ago we were such separate people, living such separate lives. And here we are making this whole new life together. How lucky I am. How lucky I am that God put me in such a wild and crazy life path that led me to such happiness . . . that made me appreciate . . . I mean really appreciate every second of every day with such a wonderful person.

I love that after the very first conversation I had with Grady, I knew. Cliche, I know . . . but a very true story . . . one that I will make sure my children thoroughly understand.

I love who Grady has become on his own . . . his drive, his ambition to do something . . . something big.


I love his laugh. It makes me feel good.

I love how colorful Grady is. He's not afraid of color. Not on clothes and not in our house. I love that.


I love that he'll plan to take me out for a birthday or Valentine's dinner and won't tell me where.

I love that when we've been out to dinner, he still opens the car door for me.

I love that he loves to sit and enjoy food . . . that we can sit on the porch and drink wine for hours . . . that he'll surprise me with new and different bottles once a week.
I love that.


I love that he washes the dishes and picks up after himself.

I love that he notices things and listens to me (even when I know he doesn't want to).



Yeah, I'm lucky . . . lucky that I knew . . . and still know.
Happy early anniversary, Grady. I love and appreciate all that you are.

Hey Teachers and Parents . . .

HELP! I'm looking for a puppet theater and dress-up clothes for school this year. Any good ideas where I can find/order some?

Puppet theater: preferably a floor size (not tabletop) big enough to fit 2 kids. Looking to spend roughly $50 (this is the hard part).

Dress-up clothes: anything! I'd love girl and boy things (despite the fact that Grady refuses to accept boys play in the housekeeping center)!

Salsa and the DOGS

A momentous socialization moment happened this morning in the backyard! As I was searching the internet (as usual at this time in the morning), I notice Salsa sitting upright, calm and relaxed. Okay, this is normal. She usually does this early in the morning, checking out all the wildlife and making decisions on whether or not it's worth it to chase that particular squirrel or just bark at it instead. So, I continue my internet searches. Much to my surprise, when I look up again I notice 2 other dogs sniffing around her . . . all the while she is still sitting with her back straight and tall and appeared to be calm. I look further and 2 more dogs come walking towards her. Salsa stands up, tail wagging and starts sniffing them. I couldn't believe it! Her hair stayed down, and she never made a single bark. It was crazy! All of them bunched up in a huddle as if they were discussing some sort of master plan together. The dogs continued to walk around the yard, Salsa following and sniffing every step they took. Eventually the dogs walked out of her line and back into the woods. Naturally, an hour later, Salsa is still sniffing the yard.

I know this isn't such a big deal to most dog owners, but this was HUGE for me to watch. It is quite rare to see Salsa speaking to dogs so calmly . . . especially in her territory. I guess she decided early on there wasn't much she could do 4 against 1. Strange though, she never barked when they were outside her line in the distance, walking toward her . . . like she normally does . . .

Out to Dinner!

Last night us gals decided to try Tsunami in the Vista for the first time, which I loved! They have a GREAT selection of Hibachi style food AND Sushi (my favorite!). With such a fun setting, I'll definitely be going back!

On a sadder note, apparently my camera got a little wet and is malfunctioning. I'm figuring it out . . . hoping the warranty will cover this. If not, believe me, I won't be lasting long without a camera.

UPDATE: I spoke to the Canon man. I'm sending it in today. And it is covered! This is VERY good news! VERY GOOD news!

Random Recipe #1

Cooking? Yeah, cooking is something I have always loved! It might have had something to do with all the bowls, spoons, and beaters of batter my mom would share with me as a child that started my urge to cook . . . that and my everlasting desire to eat. It is definitely something I have always enjoyed doing. I don't mind experimenting and reading over recipes. In fact, I don't even mind grocery shopping. Hell, I like grocery shopping. I've even gotten so good as to (most often) stay on the perimeter of the store. You know, where they say all the "good things" for you are. Unless we've run out of ice cream, that is. And the kitchens. Ugh. Have you seen the kitchens now? The Viking . . . and Wolf ranges . . . ugh . . . they are simply beautiful. Now, that's cooking. You better be up for some serious cooking when you have one of those in your house. Ugh . . . maybe one day. Till then, I'll be fine with cooking on my stove . . . and (at my sisters request) maybe throw out some ideas for you . . .

All recipes I share are recipes I have made . . . and tasted . . . and both Grady and I enjoyed (unless, of course, Grady is lying to me to not hurt my feelings . . . which sometimes I think he does . . . and in this case, you will just have to decide for yourself).

Random Recipe #1: The Meat

You will Need:

• 2-4 pieces of Orange Roughy (this is fish . . . )
• Italian bread crumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
• Olive oil or butter

You will do this:

1. Preheat oven to 425.
   
2. Mix together 1 part bread crumbs and 1 part parmesan cheese (amt. depends on how many pieces of fish).
3. Add garlic salt (to your liking).
4. Coat fish with olive oil (or butter).
5. Dip coated fish in bread crumb mixture.
6. Bake for 20 minutes (or until flaky).

Comments:
Honestly, this was fast, easy, and FAB! Just try it.

Crazy Saturday!

Saturday was quite the busy day!

I'm always up for a wedding. Free food, free drinks . . . what more can you ask for, really? The reception was at City Art . . . which was so great. A little small, but a fabulous atmosphere.

Saturday night was Mrs. Anderson's (who I adore) surprise birthday party!

Jesse, me, Mrs. Anderson, Royce, and Grady
We had a big time!

Yet ANOTHER!

Yeah!! Kindergarten teachers must love blogging . . . me, Kristy, Kelley, and now . . . The Mobley Mom! I was lucky enough to have student taught with Nicole 3 years ago in kindergarten and loved every second of it! She has helped me in SO many ways, and continues to do so even today! She is a master at the internet and all computer related things, so expect great things! Yeah, Nicole!!!

Salsa and the Turtle

"Salsa, what's that you see?"

"A TURTLE!"

"BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!"

"BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!"

"Salsa, I don't think the Turtle likes you."

Belize It!

Although Jennifer had us all convinced the new baby was a boy . . . IT'S A GIRL! We couldn't be MORE happy for you guys! Alex will be the sweetest little brother ever! (I'm changing your blog name!)

Jennifer has great pictures of the ultrasound on her blog . . . Alex and . . .

Everyone's Doing It . . .

Horray!! We've got another!
Check out Kelley's brand new blog!
This Girl's Life

A Whole New Bedroom!

I told you there'd be more to come!

Explanation:
1. I'm off for the summer . . .
2. We don't have any kids (that don't have 4 legs) . . .
. . . and so I'm left with too much time to contemplate about all the little things I think our house (may or may not) need. I told you before how bored I get with house decorations, so unsurprisingly I found it time for a bedroom change.

I know most of you have been in Urban Outfitters before . . . inexpensive, trendy . . . exactly what I crave. I couldn't be more happy! Not only was this bedspread cheap and fun, but it also helped me solve my bed skirt dilemma. I love bed skirts and had recently decided I would go with a "busy" bed skirt and plain bed spread . . . forgetting that my bed won't allow for a bed skirt due to the wooden boards that cover the sides . . . uhh! BUT . . . as I say in most situations, everything happens for a reason!
(It's just a bed, I know.)

HELLO, Urban Outfitters! For 32 bucks, I can "quick change" my bedroom anytime I want! I feel like I hit the jackpot! I SHALL NEVER BE BORED AGAIN!!!
. . . with bedspreads, that is . . .

Ron White

A spur of the moment decision led us to the Township Saturday night to see Ron White. It was a great time! Not only was he great, but I fully appreciated the wine we were able to bring into the theater. I will admit, the Township doesn't leave much leg room, but we were quite pleased with our (again, spur of the moment) buy from www.ticketdaddy.com, who hooked us up with 5th row seats! We will forever be using them!

Dinner with Friends

I always look forward to summertime . . . especially for all the fun cookouts! Last night we had our first of the season!