As your probably well aware, I am not a beer drinker. I do enjoy a nice glass of vino out on the veranda or a bright, fruity cocktail by the ocean. But, beer? No way. Every single sip of beer that has ever been swallowed by me has always been followed by a very strong gag. So, naturally I did not think I would be able to get the full Oktoberfest experience. I mean when I went to the Guiness Factory in Dublin, I surely did not get the full experience. Yes, I learned how to pour the perfect pint of beer, but when it came to actually drinking that so called "perfect pint" I failed miserably. But, Oktoberfest is a once and a lifetime experience...especially when you actually get to go to Munich, Germany to celebrate it. I decided to have an open mind. I just new that the land of beer would have a type of beer that I could at least tolerate. Now, that you have a little background let me tell you about my first experience in Germany and at Oktoberfest!!
I went with a group of very good friends. Katie, Anna, and Kaitlin are all have husbands in Chosen Company. They are all also from the good ole state of North Carolina. Because we had waaaaay too much stuff we had to take two cars. Woops! So, on Wednesday we were off to Germany. It took about 4 hours to get there. At first we were pretty frustrated because the place we had booked had falsely advertised a few things that they did not actually have. But, the actual little house we stayed in was nice and had a beautiful view of the mountains. Oh! I forgot to mention that. We stayed in Garmisch, which is a magical looking place. There is nothing like the appearances of the houses in Germany. We grabbed a late night meal which included Weiner Snitchel, fries, and apple strudel. German food is comfort food. If we were stationed in Germany I would probably be as big as a house. This night was the night I was introduced to the Radler. This is a beer that is mixed with some sort of lemon drink. It should also win some sort of medal because it is the ONLY beer I have EVER drank more than a sip. Thomas would have been proud. Hahahaha!!! The restaurant was filled with German music. It was such a fantastic atmosphere! I had decided that Germany was the most magical place on Earth. :)
The next day was the big day! It was off to the festival of beer. Oktoberfest was so close, but we had one more thing to do before hopping the train to Munich. We had to buy dirndls! For those of you who don't know, a dirndl is the traditional German dress you see the German ladies wearing. We literally tried on these dresses and then wore them out of the store. The lady that worked there made sure that our bows were tied in the right direction. If you wear your bow the wrong way then you are screaming out that you are single! So, we had to switch our bows so we would be labeled as married. Of course, we soon realized once arriving into one of the beer tents that the men do not look at the bows. There was so much hootin and hollering. We must've been looking real cute in our dirndls. Ha! Another thing I noticed was the German men are extremely tall. A random German patted me on the head as he walked by. My friend Katie had brought her one year old, Carson, to Oktoberfest with us. He's only one and he has already been to Oktoberfest more times than me. He went last year too at the ripe age of 2 months. :) Everyone wanted to carry Carson. Italians, Germans, etc. etc. He was quite the celebrity, but then again, he always is. The beer tents were filled with beer (obviously), half chickens, and giant pretzels. Like I said before, Germany is land of the comfort food. The music played loud, people danced on tables, beer mugs were clanged together, and everyone was dressed in their best lederhosens and dirndls. The atmosphere was so much fun. Katie dragged me onto some fair ride. I squeezed her hand and screamed the entire time. But, it was soooo much fun. We ended up not getting into another beer tent and then got rained on, but we found another good place to eat where we made more friends and my friend Anna stood on a chair and drank her beer like a true German lady. ;) We missed our trainstop on the way back to Garmich because the door on the train wouldn't open!!! We ended up have to take a cab from the next stop. We looked like homeless people waiting for the cab. We were wet and wrapped up in scarves..seriously we looked homeless. Oktoberfest was definitely interesting...we met some nice people and some weird people, but all in all, we had a blast!!! It's an experience I will remember forever.
The next day we had a spa day at the Eidelweiss hotel. It's for the military. We all got the massage and facial package. It was a full day of pampering for us! It was nice and relaxing. We ended our long day of relaxation with dinner at this amazing restaurant. Snitchel and spazle were on the menu. It was amazing!!! Spazle are these little noodle things...I dont know they are so good, especially with cheese. When they have cheese they are like the BEST mac & cheese you have ever had. Kraft's got nothing on the Germans!!
On our last day we took a hike around Lake Eibsee. Most beautiful lake EVER!!! The mountains that surrounded it were rocky and the water was this amazing shade of teal and dark blue. After this, we had one last meal in Germany. Mmm, mine was goulash and more spatzle!!! Super delicious!!!
We loaded into the car and made our way back home...to Italy. It was an amazing experience and a fun journey to have with such great friends. I am truly blessed. Guten Tag!!!!!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Ramblings about a Revamp
When you read this post you may notice that it has a slightly different look to it. No, your eyes are not deceiving you. I decided it was time for a revamp. I think it's time to revamp a lot of things. I haven't been too happy with myself lately. I am not doing a good job of "giving birth to a new me" as someone once said before deployment. I wanted this period of time in my life to be for me. There are so many habits I want to create, places I want to see, items I want to organize, clothes I want to clean out and get rid of, hobbies I want to take an active interest in, skills I want to improve...the list goes on. Sure, I've gotten started on some of this (some being the key word). I am taking and planning trips with my dearest girlfriends. I am currently taking a photography class. This will be my 3rd blog post TODAY! So, this is my official attempt at blogging more. I joined one of the Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) bible studies. I look forward to growing in my relationship with God and finding fellowship with those who believe as I do. I think it will provide me with yet another support system. I've been trying to draw more. I am not as consistent with it as I'd like to be. I tried drawing with oil pastels recently. It's okay I guess. I want to take some art classes. I've been keeping a type of drawing journal. I have a page per week where I write a short blurb about my day with little pictures and designs added to it. It was a Pinterest idea I saw. Speaking of this particular project...I think I need to play catch up on it. I've been trying to go to the gym, but I am still not satisfied at where I am at in that department. Basically, I've got some things that I have started on. But, I guess I feel like that's just it...a start. There are so many other projects and ideas I have floating through my head that I think could have been completed already if I would relearn time management. I use the term "relearn" because I once knew how to manage my time. But, ever since being done with school it's like I can't get myself on a set schedule. It makes me really angry with myself. I want to start fresh tomorrow. I want to revamp my life. I need to go to bed at night feeling accomplished. I don't usually feel overly accomplished. Oh sure, I've had a fabulous and fun day, but not so much of a productive one. Like I said before...I need to relearn time management skills. I know it is possible to work hard and be productive, but still have time to play while being leisurely. I think I also overwhelm myself with these huge to do lists I set out for myself. I think I need to be more realistic. I am not super woman. I need to make short daily to do lists. I think I look so much at the big picture of what I want and it frightens me a bit. It's as if I have already psyched myself out that I can't and won't do all the things I want to do and accomplish. Maybe, just maybe, I should stop listening to myself and just do. That's it, more "do" less "think." Hmm, maybe? We shall see. With this new week, I hope new beginnings will happen. I pray the Lord will grant me "wisdom" in this department. James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Festa della Zucca
Ah, Festival of the Pumpkin. I can't think of a better way to spend the start of the fall season. Festa della Zucca was a small festival. It went along one street in the town of Montegaldella. But, the food was AMAZING. It was heaven in my mouth. Jackie and I order a few things and shared them. We treated our mouths to the delectable flavors of Pumpkin Tortellini, Pumpkin Risotto, Pumpkin Gnocchi, and Mashed Pumpkin. We finished our meal with a pumpkin dessert. It was all so warm and comforting. As I said before, it was perfect for the fall season. Pictures are in the links below. :)
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Bonjour from Nice
We are fortunate enough to have an organization on post known as Outdoor Recreation that organizes lots of day trips to various places around Europe. When Jackie and I saw they were arranging a trip to Nice, France we knew it would be for us. The bus departed from post around 3:00 in the morning. It was obviously extremely dark and getting out that early was tough. I think we were beginning to question whether or not a trip is worth it if you have to get up at such an awful hour of the morning. Plus, the 24-hour shoppette had recently changed it's hours so it was no longer open for 24 hours. We, however, had not realized it until we got there. So, there we were with no coffee or snacks. If you know me, then you know I have to have snacks for a long trip...especially a 7 hour bus ride. We did find a vending machine that worked so we were at least able to get a snack and drink. But, we were still without coffee, so we mumbled and grumbled...of course. Once on the bus, I settled in with a Vera Bradley bag as a pillow and took some Benedryl to make me sleepy. Is that bad? Oh well, you know you do it too. ;) I slept off and on. It was sort of a light sleep.
Before I knew it the sun was coming up and we were arriving in Nice. We were greeted with mountains and crystal blue waters from afar. Our first stop was a perfume factory. We got a tour of the factory and then were able to purchase products. Of course, it was all very pricey. So, Jackie and I settled for one product that was reasonable priced. It was this special oil that smelled amazing. It's a great thing to lather on after a shower to hydrate your skin. They said it was good for dry elbows. I was sold when they said that!
After that we ventured to the market in Nice. It was amazing!! There were so many fresh fruits and vegetables along with beautiful flowers. I wish we would have brought a cooler to feel up with all the deliciousness. If we had been closer I would have purchased some fresh flowers to take home and put in a vase, but I figured they wouldn't last the day or the 7 hour bus ride. We did buy a baguette and had already made it our mission to find some good brie to go with our bread. OHH and we had the most AMAZING croissant ever. It was buttery, flaky, and delicious. We also looked around the cutest little candy shop. The gave free samples, which is always a plus!!
During lunch we got some free entertainment. This group of guys were like acrobats! They flipped and did so many tricks. While some flipped and flopped other played music. It was quite a show. We ventured down the road towards the beach. It was beautiful. The streets were lined with palm trees and the sea sparkled in the sunlight. The water danced with sunshine and different shades of blue. We of course took tons of pictures in front of the glistening water. We were happy as clams. I just wish we could have spent more time there. After spending some time by the water, we stopped at a little bar for mojitos and creme brule.
It was now time for our cruise around the French Riveria. Basking in the sunlight while riding around on a boat is the life. I can see why the rich and famous like it so much. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining, and we had the wind in our hair. We were able to see Monaco and Monte Carlo from the boat.
Before departing from Nice, we stopped by another candy shop and browsed around. We never did find any Brie for our baguette. We were quite disappointed. But, other than not finding Brie, our trip to Nice was awesome. I want to go back again someday.
It was a long, but relaxing day. We got back home around 2:00 on Sunday morning. We had a full day with lots of tasty treats, beautiful scenery, and pleasant company. I look forward to many more trips to come. :)
Before I knew it the sun was coming up and we were arriving in Nice. We were greeted with mountains and crystal blue waters from afar. Our first stop was a perfume factory. We got a tour of the factory and then were able to purchase products. Of course, it was all very pricey. So, Jackie and I settled for one product that was reasonable priced. It was this special oil that smelled amazing. It's a great thing to lather on after a shower to hydrate your skin. They said it was good for dry elbows. I was sold when they said that!
After that we ventured to the market in Nice. It was amazing!! There were so many fresh fruits and vegetables along with beautiful flowers. I wish we would have brought a cooler to feel up with all the deliciousness. If we had been closer I would have purchased some fresh flowers to take home and put in a vase, but I figured they wouldn't last the day or the 7 hour bus ride. We did buy a baguette and had already made it our mission to find some good brie to go with our bread. OHH and we had the most AMAZING croissant ever. It was buttery, flaky, and delicious. We also looked around the cutest little candy shop. The gave free samples, which is always a plus!!
During lunch we got some free entertainment. This group of guys were like acrobats! They flipped and did so many tricks. While some flipped and flopped other played music. It was quite a show. We ventured down the road towards the beach. It was beautiful. The streets were lined with palm trees and the sea sparkled in the sunlight. The water danced with sunshine and different shades of blue. We of course took tons of pictures in front of the glistening water. We were happy as clams. I just wish we could have spent more time there. After spending some time by the water, we stopped at a little bar for mojitos and creme brule.
It was now time for our cruise around the French Riveria. Basking in the sunlight while riding around on a boat is the life. I can see why the rich and famous like it so much. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining, and we had the wind in our hair. We were able to see Monaco and Monte Carlo from the boat.
Before departing from Nice, we stopped by another candy shop and browsed around. We never did find any Brie for our baguette. We were quite disappointed. But, other than not finding Brie, our trip to Nice was awesome. I want to go back again someday.
It was a long, but relaxing day. We got back home around 2:00 on Sunday morning. We had a full day with lots of tasty treats, beautiful scenery, and pleasant company. I look forward to many more trips to come. :)
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Strange, isn't it?
I have only been home for less than 12 hours and I have already noticed some differences. It was dark, but I could still see that Fayetteville has grown and changed. It'll probably be even crazier looking in the day time. Even being in my house is so different. Sitting on the toilet seat was strange. I am used to a thin, wide seat where I feel like I might fall in. I sort of felt like a big cow on our tiny, thick toilet seat. When I reached for a spoon this morning I was shocked to discover that it isn't in the same place that my spoons are in my drawer at my home in Italy. My childhood room is even different looking. It's definitely quite cute and girly, but still different than before. The faucets have been changed and the kitchen chairs seat cushions have been redone. Oh and did I mention, as we speak, I am watching a TV with actual channels? I dont have my computer hooked up to the TV so I can watch something. Very odd feeling. It was also strange waking up in a different bed. What was extrememly strange was last night right before I went to sleep. It was midnight and I thought to myself, wow..in Italy the sun is already up. It's a feeling that you can't really understand until you've been in this situation. I also feel worried about my little home, which I find odd because we've been gone for weeks at a time when on vacation and I never thought twice about it. I guess it's just knowing that your so far away from it. It just facinates me that a country that used to be considered foreign no longer feels foreign at all and the country that was never foreign suddenly feels slightly foreign. There are differences that I have already noticed and it feels strange, but it's good to be home with my family and I can't wait to see my friends. Well, thats all the inital changes that I saw. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on my adventures in America! Bye Y'all!!! ;)
Deployment Bucket List
Let's face it, deployments are not fun. They make you stress, worry, and miss the other person like crazy. Your suddenly doing half the amount of laundry (hm, well, maybe this is one of hte high points) and cooking you once did. You find yourself staying up waaaay too late watching TV shows and movies. Your constantly bringing your phone everywhere with you. Gotta go to the bathroom? The phone goes with you. Everytime the phone rings you automatically think its them. Well, news flash, it's usually only them in 1 out of 10 phonecalls. When you log onto your skype you triple check to see if they are on. Well, that's if they were blessed with internet. Thomas was not blessed with internet on his last deployment. This deployment I'd say he is very blessed...he has his own room with a roof and they do have some internet access they can use at the MWR if they aren't busy. Okay, so I went off on the dirt road for a minute there..lets get back to my original point. Deployments are not fun! There are a slew of other reasons why they are no bene, but today we are not going to focus on that. We will focus on why deployments can be a good thing if you let it. Remember, in every aspect of life, its what YOU make of it.
So, here I am, making my Deployment Bucket List. These are all the things I would like to get accomplished OR be seriously working towards getting accomplished by the time Thomas comes home. Last deployment I didn't make such a list. My goals were simple..survive the first year of Graduate School. That was all I cared about. I didn't have time to develop hobbies or do things for me. This deployment it's about being there for my husband and creating a mentally, spriritually, and physically better person in myself. I want to be the best Rachel I can be. Yes, I know you think I'm perfect just the way I am, but there's always room for improvement. ;) Okay, here is my deployment bucket list thus far...
1. Grow in my relationship with Christ. While Thomas is gone I want to start going to weekly bible studies. There is an organization called PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel). I've never been able to go because it's on Tuesday mornings and I am usually at the school volunteering. But, I decided that I need to go regardless. I am not getting paid for what I do. I don't need to feel obligated. If I took one morning off to work on what's important then that would be okay. What's funny is I know the people I work with would not care and would completely understand. But, you know how it is. You make a commitment and you want to stick with it. But, I need to make my commitment to Christ a little bigger. I am also going to be the Awana Cubbies Director again. There's nothing like seeing Christ through a child's eyes. Another aspect of this I need to work on is reading and studying the Bible on my own. Doing that seems a bit overwhelming because it's such a big book and it's sometimes hard to understand (thank goodness I have a study Bible now). Any tips on studying, reading, and marking the text of the Bible would be much appreciated. :)
2. Exercise more and keep it consistent. I'm sure this is on every girl's deployment bucket list. Seriously, I have to do something. I even thought about getting a personal trainer at our gym on base, so I am more accountable. At least until I get back into the habit again. And hey, if I am paying for it, I'm most likely to go. Plus they could probably give me some valuable information. Crossfit is also going back on the schedule again. I would love for Thomas to come and be like wow..is that my wife? Haha!!! :)
3. Keep my diet healthy. What I find fascinating is that any time I eat a bunch of junk food I feel gross afterwards, but yet some how there are days when salt and vinegar potato chips are just what I need. Realistically, I know that every once and while I have to have a little junk (blame it on PMS). But, for the most part I know I can do the whole healthy eating thing. I just need to remember what the bad foods do to me and limit it. Everything in moderation.
4. Get my creative juices flowing. Have you met my mother? She is the most creative, artistic person I know. So, it's gotta be in my genes somewhere right? Here are some of the things I'd like to do to get creative. I want to learn to draw. I've got some books already and have slowly started trying, but I haven't been consistent with it (are you now noticing a pattern? consistency is obviously not my strong suit). I also plan on going out and buying some blank canvases and some paint and just, well, paint. I read somewhere not to think too much about just grab a brush and start painting. I will try to research it more, but I would love to take some sort of painting or drawing class. Another way I want to get creative is to start doing more DIY projects. I think it would be awesome to have different things in my house that I could say, "yeah, I made that." I'm also planning on taking some classes at the Arts and Crafts Center. Some of the classes I think I'll take are wheel spinning (I think this is what it was called, it's where you make pottery out of clay and spin it) and mosaics as well as whatever else they've got. I would love to have a hobby like this.
5. Improve my photography. I absolutely love taking pictures and I've been told that I'm good at it. I've even got a lot of my pictures framed and hanging on the walls of our house. I am planning on taking a photography class in September to improve on my photography skills.
6. Develop a Green Thumb. I have tried the whole gardening thing and I have had ups and downs with it. For example, my pansies did quite well this winter, but now that summer has come they are dead and crunchy. I have had the WORST luck with citrus trees. I think its actually a bug problem though instead of a "me" problem. The reason I say this is because of our rose bushes. They were doing so good!! They were blossoming and thriving. All of a sudden they went downhill fast! I discovered bite marks in the leaves and I remember the citrus tree leaves getting those bite marks. Stupid bugs. But, we saved on of the rose buses after buying some insect spray. But, back to the orginial point. I want to get better at gardening and have beautiful flowers and other plants.
7. Blog More. Oh, how appropriate since I am writing a blog right now!! I really do love to blog. I love that I can share my thoughts and experiences to my friends and family back home while I'm away. I've gotten a little slack on it lately. I haven't been taking the time to sit and write well-written thoughts. You can probably notice the difference between ones I wrote way after the experience happened and the ones that I write pretty immediately after it happened. You are going to find much more humor, insite, and details in the ones that I sit, concentrate, and do immediately when I think of it. Hm, kind of like this blog, I suspect.
8. Cooking. I have become quite the happy little cooker since living in Italy. I have taken a cooking class and I usually cook all the meals at home now. I am constantly researching new recipes on Pinterest. I want to develop my skills more and experiment with cooking new things. I am already signed up for the second cooking class at Aeolia's in October.
9. Journal More. Yes, this may seem very 7th grade to you, but there's just something about putting your thoughts down on paper that really seems to help. Plus, it's so fun to look back at the things you wrote years ago. It can kind of show how you've changed and how you haven't changed. Anyway, I need to get back into the habit of sitting down and reflecting on my day while putting it into writing.
10. Travel. Even though Thomas is away, it doesn't mean I should sit in the house all the time. I'm going to get out and see the world with my friends. You don't get a chance like this very often. It's a treat to live in Europe, you might as well dig in and savor every single bite.
11. Organization, Organization, Organization. I have got to get things organized in my house. Everything needs a place, but not everything does right now. I need to find special homes for all my belongings, so both Thomas and I know where to find them.
12. Learn Italian. Now, I've obviously picked up some Italian by just living in Italy for over a year. But, I want to take an actual Italian class so I can improve and add more vocabulary to my Italian repertoire.
For now, I think that's all I have on my deployment bucket list. I of course reserve the right to add to or change anything on my list. :) Well, I've made my list so now it's time to make yours.
So, here I am, making my Deployment Bucket List. These are all the things I would like to get accomplished OR be seriously working towards getting accomplished by the time Thomas comes home. Last deployment I didn't make such a list. My goals were simple..survive the first year of Graduate School. That was all I cared about. I didn't have time to develop hobbies or do things for me. This deployment it's about being there for my husband and creating a mentally, spriritually, and physically better person in myself. I want to be the best Rachel I can be. Yes, I know you think I'm perfect just the way I am, but there's always room for improvement. ;) Okay, here is my deployment bucket list thus far...
1. Grow in my relationship with Christ. While Thomas is gone I want to start going to weekly bible studies. There is an organization called PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel). I've never been able to go because it's on Tuesday mornings and I am usually at the school volunteering. But, I decided that I need to go regardless. I am not getting paid for what I do. I don't need to feel obligated. If I took one morning off to work on what's important then that would be okay. What's funny is I know the people I work with would not care and would completely understand. But, you know how it is. You make a commitment and you want to stick with it. But, I need to make my commitment to Christ a little bigger. I am also going to be the Awana Cubbies Director again. There's nothing like seeing Christ through a child's eyes. Another aspect of this I need to work on is reading and studying the Bible on my own. Doing that seems a bit overwhelming because it's such a big book and it's sometimes hard to understand (thank goodness I have a study Bible now). Any tips on studying, reading, and marking the text of the Bible would be much appreciated. :)
2. Exercise more and keep it consistent. I'm sure this is on every girl's deployment bucket list. Seriously, I have to do something. I even thought about getting a personal trainer at our gym on base, so I am more accountable. At least until I get back into the habit again. And hey, if I am paying for it, I'm most likely to go. Plus they could probably give me some valuable information. Crossfit is also going back on the schedule again. I would love for Thomas to come and be like wow..is that my wife? Haha!!! :)
3. Keep my diet healthy. What I find fascinating is that any time I eat a bunch of junk food I feel gross afterwards, but yet some how there are days when salt and vinegar potato chips are just what I need. Realistically, I know that every once and while I have to have a little junk (blame it on PMS). But, for the most part I know I can do the whole healthy eating thing. I just need to remember what the bad foods do to me and limit it. Everything in moderation.
4. Get my creative juices flowing. Have you met my mother? She is the most creative, artistic person I know. So, it's gotta be in my genes somewhere right? Here are some of the things I'd like to do to get creative. I want to learn to draw. I've got some books already and have slowly started trying, but I haven't been consistent with it (are you now noticing a pattern? consistency is obviously not my strong suit). I also plan on going out and buying some blank canvases and some paint and just, well, paint. I read somewhere not to think too much about just grab a brush and start painting. I will try to research it more, but I would love to take some sort of painting or drawing class. Another way I want to get creative is to start doing more DIY projects. I think it would be awesome to have different things in my house that I could say, "yeah, I made that." I'm also planning on taking some classes at the Arts and Crafts Center. Some of the classes I think I'll take are wheel spinning (I think this is what it was called, it's where you make pottery out of clay and spin it) and mosaics as well as whatever else they've got. I would love to have a hobby like this.
5. Improve my photography. I absolutely love taking pictures and I've been told that I'm good at it. I've even got a lot of my pictures framed and hanging on the walls of our house. I am planning on taking a photography class in September to improve on my photography skills.
6. Develop a Green Thumb. I have tried the whole gardening thing and I have had ups and downs with it. For example, my pansies did quite well this winter, but now that summer has come they are dead and crunchy. I have had the WORST luck with citrus trees. I think its actually a bug problem though instead of a "me" problem. The reason I say this is because of our rose bushes. They were doing so good!! They were blossoming and thriving. All of a sudden they went downhill fast! I discovered bite marks in the leaves and I remember the citrus tree leaves getting those bite marks. Stupid bugs. But, we saved on of the rose buses after buying some insect spray. But, back to the orginial point. I want to get better at gardening and have beautiful flowers and other plants.
7. Blog More. Oh, how appropriate since I am writing a blog right now!! I really do love to blog. I love that I can share my thoughts and experiences to my friends and family back home while I'm away. I've gotten a little slack on it lately. I haven't been taking the time to sit and write well-written thoughts. You can probably notice the difference between ones I wrote way after the experience happened and the ones that I write pretty immediately after it happened. You are going to find much more humor, insite, and details in the ones that I sit, concentrate, and do immediately when I think of it. Hm, kind of like this blog, I suspect.
8. Cooking. I have become quite the happy little cooker since living in Italy. I have taken a cooking class and I usually cook all the meals at home now. I am constantly researching new recipes on Pinterest. I want to develop my skills more and experiment with cooking new things. I am already signed up for the second cooking class at Aeolia's in October.
9. Journal More. Yes, this may seem very 7th grade to you, but there's just something about putting your thoughts down on paper that really seems to help. Plus, it's so fun to look back at the things you wrote years ago. It can kind of show how you've changed and how you haven't changed. Anyway, I need to get back into the habit of sitting down and reflecting on my day while putting it into writing.
10. Travel. Even though Thomas is away, it doesn't mean I should sit in the house all the time. I'm going to get out and see the world with my friends. You don't get a chance like this very often. It's a treat to live in Europe, you might as well dig in and savor every single bite.
11. Organization, Organization, Organization. I have got to get things organized in my house. Everything needs a place, but not everything does right now. I need to find special homes for all my belongings, so both Thomas and I know where to find them.
12. Learn Italian. Now, I've obviously picked up some Italian by just living in Italy for over a year. But, I want to take an actual Italian class so I can improve and add more vocabulary to my Italian repertoire.
For now, I think that's all I have on my deployment bucket list. I of course reserve the right to add to or change anything on my list. :) Well, I've made my list so now it's time to make yours.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Food and Organization 101
So, my family seems to be amazed these days at all the things I've been cooking. Sometimes they are good amazed and sometimes bad amazed (example...avocado chicken salad, ha!). Thus, the reason for this post..well, that and to show off my first organization win! To begin I will show you what I did to our little military issued wall locker to get it looking and being more organized!
I forgot to take a before picture...but this is the final, whole thing.
I put labels on all the bins so I would know what was in each bin, so no more digging through all the bins to find what I need.
Okay, now on to the food portion of this. I'll probably try to take more pictures of foods I make and share it with all of y'all. First of all, Thomas and I have been trying to eat based on the Paleo Diet. Some call it the Caveman diet. It's sort of based on what the early humans ate. You basically eat meats, poultry, nuts, fruits, healthy oils, and vegetables. Your not really supposed to eat flour, grains, or dairy. We aren't hard core or anything...we have our cheat days (uh hello we live in Italy), but it's just about trying to eat more fresh, healthy options so we can be, well..more healthy. Here are some of the things we have made...
Here's the recipe for it: http://paleodietlifestyle.com/chicken-sun-dried-tomato-sauce/ Now I did a couple of things different..I didnt have any steak seasoning, so I didnt use it. I also used rosemary instead of time because we grow rosemary and not thyme.
Now, this next thing was supposed to be Coconut Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies, but I decided to make a pie thing instead. Now, this is only semi-Paleo..it called for sugar which is definitely not Paleo, but I used Splenda so it would at least be lower in calories. Hm, I might could have use honey instead..now thats Paleo..hahaha!!! Oh and I used olive oil instead of coconut oil because I couldnt find it. Here are the pictures of it and the recipe: http://chocolateandcarrots.com/2011/06/coconut-flour-chocolate-chip-cookies
I am nowhere neeeear where I want to be organizational and health/fitness wise, but I am getting started. Now, that Thomas is deployed, I want to use that time to get myself in gear. Feel free to hold me accountable and/or motivate me when you think I need it. :) My next post will be my Deployment Bucket List. I have all these goals I want to achieve and work on while Thomas is gone. So, stay tuned!
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