Rants, Recipes, and Running

Ryan and I have always been lovers of the outdoors. With the absolute crazyiness of coordinating our schedules, we have not been able to take a camping trip yet. The number 1 priority on our wedding registry was not dishes, corning ware, or neat kitchen tools (although, I got some great ones at our shower -- and I LOVE kitchen tools). Our #1 priority was getting a good supply of quality camping gear. And that we did! So last weekend we took a 5 1/2 hour trek up the mountains to Big Lake, AZ located in the White Mountains. It's actually close to the New Mexico border. This couldn't have been a better escape from the 100+ temps Tucson has been experiences. It was in the 70's during the day and 40's at night. So here is part 1 of our short, but amazing adventure! Thursday morning, I had my Critical Care final. So, we had everything packed up Wednesday night. After my final - I came home and got everything to the door. When Ryan got home from work - the car was loaded w...

It's time for the monthly update. I feel sheepish saying this, for I know the summer goes WAY TOO FAST. But, summer isn't all that pleasant in AZ. 109, 105, 106, 109, hot hot hot. Plus, the closer to August 20 (graduation) - the happier I am. But, I will continue to pray this summer goes slowly for all my loves up north! :) Current Music: -My sister Lisa burned a Glee Season 1 soundtrack for me, and I am definitely enjoying it. I've also loving the Neil Diamond - it frequented our camping trip :) Current Shame-Inducing Guilty Pleasure: Red licorice. I bought a bag for our camping trip, didn't finish the bag on the trip - so have been snacking on it. Yum. I love licorice. Black or red. Current Colors: Anything but purple! I am so sick of wearing my ugly, purple, scrubs. Purple is my school color. I will never wear this color again after I graduate...... I did buy a orangy-pink colored sundress a few weeks ago. Sounds ugly - but with a nice tan...it's ki...

Sometimes I have evenings where I don't feel like marinating meat, prepping vegetables, seasoning the meal to perfection, and cooking a delicious concoction. However, to stay in the budget and healthy - eating out isn't an option either. So, I resort to comfort food. Nights like this occur when: -the husband is out of town -Sunday evenings after a busy weekend -at the end of a long, crazy, never-ending day But often comfort foods/easy-quick meals include frozen pizza, mac n' cheese (ish), macoroni & ketchup (one of my favorites). But here is something I've found as my "go-to" comfort meal. And it's full of good fiber and veggies! And it's even gluten free (for my GF readers :D) Painfully easy, but delicious! Trust me on this one. -1 can black beans or kidney beans or red beans (whatever your feeling or whatever is in your pantry!) -1 can stewed tomatoes -Chop up some red/green/yellow peppers -Chop up some onions -Throw a few spr...

Greetings everyone! We have returned from our camping trip, and reality is hitting hard! I have been working on my Capstone paper since 6:00 am -- and am realllly wishing I was miles up in the mountains, secluded in the forest, away from nursing school again! ;) But, I'm home. *sigh*. I will be doing a vacation recap....soon. But in the meantime.....here my ten! :) 1. What was/is your favorite live action (meaning not animated) kids movie? Hm...I don't know how "action-y" this is...but I loved the Parent Trap. The new one. I don't think I ever saw the original? But, oh, how I wanted to be a twin, and go to a cool summer camp, and be Lindsay Lohan. Wow, I'm really glad that dream never came true. You know, "being Lindsay Lohan" and all. I would be a crack-head. In rehab. So sad! What ever happened to our innocent little red-headed Lindsay?! 2. What is a bad habit you have? Are you working on breaking it? Fidgeting. Good Lord, I feel sorry...