Monday, January 12, 2009

A New Pastime

As if I needed another one right now. I start school in 6 days and I'm totally in crunch time to prepare...and I find something totally non-nursing related to become obsessed with.


This is my first attempt with photomanipulation:



I never even knew something like this was possible. I just happened to stumble upon a website, which lead to another, which lead to a blog, which lead to a tutorial...and on and on and on. I'm not even sure where I ended up, I just know this whole concept really fascinates me.




Somebody PLEASE stop me before I self-destruct.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Payback



And by payback, I mean what's going to be inflicted upon me after my husband realizes I posted this. That dashing young man in the white suit is my Prince Charming on his prom night.


Let us pause in appreciation of the advances in both fashion and hairstyle.
.
.
.
Wow




Linda & Larry, (hubbies parents) I'm sure you are looking at this in fond admiration of your sweet boy and his lovely locks. I posted this for you. I know you are proud beyond words for all 4 of the boys you raised, but I'd like to extend my thanks to you for one in particular.







I couldn't be happier that he chose me to share his life with, and as a bonus receive a wonderful second family. A Mother in law who can keep up with my relentless gabbing on the phone and a Father in law who harrasses me to no end. (Yes, I'm taking my medicine thank you.) :)



I am truly blessed.

Friday, January 9, 2009

82

Degrees that is. It was a gorgeous day.



Those of you who just battled an ice storm, my apologies. :)

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

International Dish #1

Taste of the Carribean



I give this one a 2.5 out of 5. The sweetness of the pineapple went really nice with the spice of the pepper, but I wish there was more bulk to the relish. Maybe a glaze of some sorts? Still, it was a nice light zingy dish. We got to use the bottle of Rum that we purchased in Jamaica, so that made for a nice flashback.

Speaking of flashback...Lets dig up some 6 month prego Jamaica vacation pics...





Sunscreen anyone?

Okay, flashback over. Back to the recipe.

Pork Loin Chops with Pineapple and Serrano Pepper Relish

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh pineapple
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh serrano chile, including seeds
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
2 (1-inch-thick) boneless pork loin chops
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons dark rum

Preparation:
Toss together pineapple, onion, chile, thyme, vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Grind coriander seeds in an electric coffee/spice grinder (or crush with flat side of a knife). Pat pork dry; sprinkle all over with coriander, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sauté pork, turning once, until well browned and just cooked through but still juicy, 6 to 10 minutes.

Transfer pork to plates. Add pineapple mixture and rum to skillet and sauté, scraping up brown bits, 1 minute. Serve pork with relish.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Congrats to...



Kristie! You are the winner!



Out of 23 entrants, #4 was chosen by the random number generator. I sooooo wish I had the means to send goodies out to all my blog friends, thank you to those who participated. I'll be in touch with you Kristie :)

Monday, January 5, 2009

Leslie, the Infamous Austin Cross-Dresser

If you are from around here, you know what I'm talking about. For those of you who don't, there's even a Wikipedia page for you to get your edu-ma-cation on.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Cochran

I ventured downtown today in hopes of getting some decent city shots. Not only did I get some shots, I had the opportunity to meet Leslie and exchange some fashion tips.



It's may have been too cold for a leopard thong and heels, but he still made it a point to show off his best asset.



If anyone is interested in seeing some of my shots from a local Cigar shop, follow this link:

http://piecesofaustin.blogspot.com/

In other news...lurkers still lurking, this is your last opportunity to enter the give-away! Winner will be announced tomorrow!