Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Email From Japan
Last week we received an email from on of our contacts. It was so sweet I thought I would share it.
It really puts things into perspective and actually brought me to tears.
*The english is a little choppy but you get the idea.
-----Original Message-----
From: PLUS(JPN)/ K. Nakano
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 8:39 PM
Cc: PFC ?????; ?????? ?????
Subject: One of the US great support to the people in the disaster regions
Dear Joe-san and all friends at PCA,
How are you?
I am very glad to share this great great news with you and all friends at PCA.
After the earthquake, I watch TV news everyday and I was so impressed the one last night. USS Ronald Reagan is now off shore of the disaster region and they have been supporting relief efforts under the "Operation TOMODACHI (friend)". So the flight deck is like a distribution center of food and water company. The news introduced that one of the helicopters left the carrier to delivery food and water to the poeple. But the crew were not told any destinations, so they were looking for reasonable points from the upper air that seemed to be still isolated because of disconnection of roads. The helicoper delivered 17 places on the day and one of them was an elementary school which became an evacuation place. People there bowed so deeply and took hands of the crew with shedding tears. The young crew member smiled and looked so satisfied with his duty. Of course, I was moved to tears! And I felt that it was my honor to work together with PCA people.
The accident of the nuclear power complex has not been resolved yet and there is also a huge problem in Libya. Under such circumstances, US military is giving us a lot of support. If you have any US military members among your family, relatives and friends, it would be greatly appreciated to send them our gratitude and best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Kiyonori Nakano of PLUS Furniture
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Spicy Thai Noodle Soup
Ingredients -
-2 quarts chicken broth
-2 stalks fresh lemongrass, sliced on a bias in 2-inch pieces
-1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
-1 garlic clove, chopped (I used a garlic press)
-1 bunch of straw mushrooms
-1 pound large shrimp, peeled with tails on or sliced cook chicken*
-2 limes, juiced
-2 green onions, sliced
-1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
-1-2 handfuls of bean sprouts
-Thin Rice Noodles (I used half a box of Thai Kitchen Thin Rice Noodles)
Directions -
Bring the stock to boil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add lemongrass,garlic, and chili garlic paste. Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to let the spices infuse the broth.
Uncover and add mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes. Toss in the shrimp (or cooked chicken) and Rice Noodles, cook for about 8 minutes until noodles are soft and shrimp are pink. Remove from the heat and add the lime juice, green onions,cilantro, and bean sprouts. Taste for if you want more spice add more chili paste.
Tom Yum Goong
Ingredients -
-2 quarts chicken broth
-2 stalks fresh lemongrass, sliced on a bias in 2-inch pieces
-4 kaffir lime leaves (I haven't used them but can find them at the Asian market)
-1-inch piece fresh galangal or ginger (I used galangal which you can also find at the Asian market)
-2 red chilies, sliced (Jalapeno or Serrano chilies work too)
-2 tablespoons fish sauce
-1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
-1 bunch of straw mushrooms
-1 pound large shrimp, peeled with tails on
-2 limes, juiced
-2 green onions, sliced
-1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions -
Bring the stock to boil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies. (I also add about 1 tsp of chili garlic paste for a little more spice, we like spicy). Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to let the spices infuse the broth.
Uncover and add the fish sauce, sugar, and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes. Toss in the shrimp and cook for about 8 minutes until they turn pink. Remove from the heat and add the lime juice, green onions, and cilantro. Taste for salt and spices.
When eating don't eat the lemongrass and lime leaves they are for flavor only.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Little Miss
Little Miss I give up
Little Miss I'll get tough
Don't you worry 'bout me anymore
Little Miss checkered dress
Little Miss one big mess
Little Miss I'll take less
When I always give so much more
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
It'll be alright again
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
(okay)
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
Little Miss do your best
Little Miss never rest
Little Miss, be my guest
I'll make more anytime that it runs out
Little Miss you'll go far
Little Miss hide your scars
Little Miss who you are
Is so much more than you like to talk about
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
And it'll be alright again
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
(okay)
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
Hold on,
Hold on, and you are loved
Are loved
Little Miss brand new start
Little Miss do your part
Little Miss big ole heart beats wide open
She's ready now for love
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Well, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
It'll be alright again
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
(okay)
It'll be alright again, I'm okay
It'll be alright again
Monday, February 14, 2011
I Never Told You
How you kissed me at night
I miss the way we sleep
Like there's no sunrise
Like the taste of your smile
I miss the way we breathe
But I never told you
What I should have said
No I never told you
I just held it in
And now I miss everything
About you
I can't believe I still want you
After all the things we've
Been through
I miss everything about you
Without you
I see your blue eyes
Every time I close mine
You make it hard to see
Where I belong to when I'm not
Around you
It's like I'm not with me
But I never told you
What I should have said
No I never told you
I just held it in
And now I miss everything
About you
I can't believe I still want
You
After all the things we've
Been through
I miss everything about you
Without you
But I never told you
What I should have said
No I never told you
I just held it in
And now I miss everything
About you
(still you're gone)
Can't believe that I still want
You
After all the things we've
Been through
I miss everything about you
Without you
Friday, December 03, 2010
I almost did it......
These next few weeks are going to be busy, busy and I am not going to know where all the time went. Before I know it my birthday will be here, I will be getting ready for NY and then it will be February. Time never went this fast when I was 10.
Tomorrow is the Civil War, I am excited and nervous all at the same time. In the mean time GO Ducks!!!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
I am so thankful that I will be spending today with Christopher, Mom, Jack, Grandma, Grandpa and the rest of the family.
I am thankful that Grandma is doing so well from where she was a year ago today.
Tomorrow morning we are heading to the beach to spend the weekend with Chris' family and go crabbing.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday...No wait Friday...No Wednesday
When we were little I got so excited knowing Mom was going to be home for 4 full days and I thought that was awesome. No other holiday gives you 4 full days with Mom when you are a kid. I LOVED it. It was like a bonus weekend.
Now as an adult I love it for the same reason. I get a long weekend without taking any extra days of vacation. We usually do something fun with the family for the entire weekend.
I am thankful for today's Wed-nes-day!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
DVR.....
As I got home from work, changed, jumped into my bed to watch Days Of Our Lives on DVR, I realized I haven't done my thankful blog today.
I crawled in bed and pressed play. As I was laying there with Kona on one side and Shiver literally on my chest I thought man I love my DVR. I can come home relax for 40 minutes and watch the one show I have watch since I was in 4th grade.
Silly yes, but I am thankful for my DVR and the trash TV it has on it to help me decompress from my days at work.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thanksgiving Week....
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Ginger Ale & Saltines
They are magical together. Almost close to amazing if you ask me. I am so thankful for the combination of the 2 and how awesome they are.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday Night
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Cutest Blog On The Block
Thank goodness!!! I am so thankful for a cute blog. <----- Now that was cheesey.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
TSA
Personally, I love my life and value my life. If that means going through an x-ray scanner or getting a pat down when I fly to get where I am going safely, then so be it. If you don’t want to be scanned or pat down DON’T fly, that is your choice. Personally I am glad they care.
It is a right to fly and something we each chose to do. In doing that we agree to the terms put on us by the government and TSA, who are trying to protect us from getting blown up in the sky or flown into another building.
If people don't like one of the 2 options they have to x-ray or a pat down then take a train, drive, walk or hitch hike. Regardless you know this is your option when you buy the ticket. Unless you have been under a rock the last year or even 9 years for that matter.
With that said, thank you TSA for protecting me and getting me to my destination safely every time I fly. I will sacrifice a little just to be alive.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Costco
I am SO thankful for Costco.
Friday I caught up on our bills did our budgeting and figured we could go and do major grocery shopping. Major grocery shopping, we did.
We went to WalMart on Saturday and picked up the basics and then went to Costco tonight. Our freezer is now fully stocked with Chicken, Salmon, bread, pork and steaks. I think we have enough meals to last us till February.
Thank you Costco!!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Mushrooming....
Last weekend Chris went fishing with his Dad while I went to the Verbort Sausage Festival with my Mom and a quick stop at Plum Hill (see we love this place). On their way home from fishing he stopped a picked a bunch of mushrooms at Brown's Camp. I loved them so much I wanted to go now so we could get some to can.
Saturday morning we got up kind of just laid around then decided we were going.
Once we got there, Chris showed me what they looked like, what I was looking for and where to look, then off we went. With in minutes we had a bunch and kept finding more. I kept getting excited yelling, "I found one, wait I found 5!"
It was like a mini treasure hunt for me without the map leading me to the treasure. After 3 or 4 hours we figured we had enough and were going to head home and get a few other errands done that we need to do.
We were relaxing talking about how much fun it was and all the sudden I was convincing Chris we should go back again today. So we got up early, cleaned all our mushrooms from yesterday, stopped at Mc Donald's in North Plains and off to Browns Camp we went.
After a couple hours and a few different stops we found about half of what we found yesterday but still enough end up with 12 1/2 pints canned and in the pantry for us to enjoy.
It was a great weekend just the 2 of us and Kona.
Today for Saturday and Sunday I am thankful for Oregon having amazing Chanterelle Mushrooms, the beauty of the Oregon Coast range and the good time Chris, Kona and I had the last 2 days experiencing all of it.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Date Night
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Co-Workers
It was stressful, but it all worked out. Today I am thankful that the co-worker who was out on business is back, well at least till next Tuesday. :)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
My Artichoke
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
4pm
Monday, November 08, 2010
Suprises
Love you!!!
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Day Light Savings
I am thankful though that tonight I will get an extra hour of sleep or at least thankful it will feel that way. :)
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Verbort Sausage Dinner....
We also made an extra stop at Plum Hill!!! Love that place.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Give and Get is Here!
Give and Get is Here!: "Enjoy 30% off from November 11-14 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit."
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Nov 4th....
Me I am just thankful I have a job whether I like it, love it or hate it at times I have one.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Voted...
Monday, November 01, 2010
I'm Back & I am Thankful
To come back from my mini blogging hiatus I decided I would post every day in Nov. what I am thankful for. I know everyone does it but I figured I am in the mood to blog and be thankful.
Today Nov. 1 I am most thankful for my trip to San Diego. It was amazing and I had a great time with my family.

Friday, April 16, 2010
OBGYN
After 2 years (I know bad Taneha) I am going to the OBG this afternoon. I am so nervous I want to cry and cancel. No reason at all. Well, there is a reason or 2 to be honest. That is for another post, but really only Erin reads this and she already knows the honest part so I may not have to write another post. :)
Off to see the wizard.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Top 5 Books
This is what I finally came up with.
Here is the run down. I don’t really have all time favorite books, well maybe one or ten. So I will break them down a little. FYI my orginal list has 20 books on the list.
If you love funny, comical, fast read, girly books Jenn and I LOVED these. All 5 good books, a good series. Wouldn’t say I would put any single book as a favorite but favorite series if that make sense.
Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Sophie Kinsella
Shopaholic takes Manhattan
Shopaholic Ties the Knott
Shopaholic & Sister
Shopaholic & Baby
Same author wrote The Undomestic Goddess – It is a quick good read too.
But I think my all time 5 favorites
- Water For Elephants – by Sara Gruen (Probably one of my all time favorites I started it 3 times on the 3rd time I couldn’t put it down. I think I read it in 3-4 days.)
- Shoot The Moon – by Billie Letts (She wrote Where the Heart Is which was one of Oprah’s first book club books.)
- The Lucky One – Nicolas Sparks (Some people don’t like him mainly all his books seem similar. Amy V LOVES him, Krissy not a fan. I have only read 4 of his books this one was one of my favorites. I did like all the 4 that I have read though.)
- Accidental Happiness – Jean Reynolds (I randomly received this book and loved it.)
- Sam’s Letter to Jennifer – James Patterson (Not anything like his mystery books at all. This was one of the first books I read in literally 2 days. LOVED it.)
I have many more but you said top 5. A few other favs though are
- Girl with a Pear Earring (probably would tie one of them for my top 5 fav. )
- Memoirs of Geisha
- The Choice
- At First Sight
- The Pilot’s Wife
So there is a run down of a few good ones. I have many more but it was only suppose to be 5. Depends on what you are also looking to read. Kite Runner is another one of my favs. I have started a list from authors that aren’t as popular as Nicolas Sparks or James Patterson, of books I want to read now.
Also most done with another I started last Saturday. On to the next one.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Dan Dan Noodles
I receive emails from Cooking Light, MyRecipes.com and I get the Cooking Light magazines. I love new ideas and especially ones that help me watch my calories.
This morning I received an email from them, subject, Budget-Friendly Recipes. WHAT? SWEET! This is just what I am in need of right now. Especially since, we are doing our monthly grocery shopping tomorrow.
In the email, it says, "Budget Cooking: Feed 4 for $10". Again, SWEET! The picture of Peppery Pasta with Shrimp was enough to get me looking.
Recipe 6 however so far (because I have completely stopped to write this blog) has been the kicker.
Dan Dan Noodles, I LOVE Dan Dan Noodles. It is one of our favorite dishes at PF Chang's. Either Kirsten or Erin I cannot remember who either way they are wonderful introduced me to them.
Therefore, Thursday night, after grocery shopping, we will be loving some Dan Dan Noodles.
Here is a link to the recipe in case you want to attempt to make them. I will let you know how yummy Cooking Light Dan Dan Noodles are versus PF Chang's.
Dan Dan Noodles - Link
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Quick Update
Julia Michael's 30 day Shred kicked my ass. It didn't end there. I did 2 loads of laundry, dishes, dinner, a few rounds of Bejeweled and now I am getting ready to read a few more chapters before bed.
All in a couple hours and I feel good.
What Happened?
What happened? Where are the days when I could go out after work and meet a few friends for drinks? Now I would rather go home, read or go to bed.
When I get home the dishes are usually waiting, the vacuum cleaner is yelling, "please, please, please use and abuse me" and clutter well it is in every corner. Sometimes I feel like I hate the place we live in so much I don't care, therefor that is my excuse for the way it looks. I think it is a good one myself.
What it boils down to. I need to get up off my ASS and do something. I need to clean my house and start caring again. Once I do it I will be less tired and everything will be done. I just can't get myself to the point of starting. I find other things to do with my time. Like end up at Lost Lake or play 50 rounds of Bejeweled Blitz. Which btw I see nothing wrong with.
I have to do it. What am I going to do if we have a baby? Really, can I live like this if we have a baby? I think not.
Goal for the next 30 days.....Clean my house, work out at least 2 times a week (just a start) and eat better. I will let you know on May 13th how it is going.
Here is to going home and working out tonight. :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Lost Lake
When I got up and looked outside, to my amazement (why since it is Oregon) it was beautiful. Poor Kona had been cooped up in the house and was getting the nervous, "I need out of this effing house" whine. I was trying to think of what we could do that would be fun but close since Chris had to leave by 4 or 5 to go to work. I decided to make noise and wake him up about 10ish. He went and got coffee for us, finally. When he got back I suggest going to this lake towards the beach where he went fishing recently, Lost Lake.
View Larger Map
I changed quickly and he loaded the truck. An hour later we were there. I was reading a book, Kona was running playing with sticks and Chris was fishing. With in 2 minutes of casting he had a fish on.
It ended up being a beautiful day and we had a great time. It was nice to get away I needed it after the emotional week I had.
Can't wait to go back again and can't wait to go back to go camping this summer.



Thursday, March 11, 2010
Hard Boiled Eggs
Do you put them in before the water starts boiling? Do you start with cold or hot water? Do you put the eggs in after they start boiling? How long do you boil them? Seriously I don't know the right answer.
I decided I wanted to make a Chicken Caesar Salad tonight with hard boiled eggs. So I guess since Chris is working I have to figure it out.
Here is where we are thankful for the World Wide Web. http://www.google.com/ How do you cook hard boiled eggs? Wah Lah 1,760,000 result. I think I found my answer, well kind of.
Do you put them in cold water and bring to a boil? You can.
Do you wait for the water to start boiling and then add eggs? You can. Good thing cause by the time I start to look up instructions water was boiling and eggs were sitting next to the boiling water.
Now how long do I cook them? 15-20 minutes.
How long do I let cool? 10-15 minutes...Now I wait.
Not bad...Now on to the Caesar Salad and *dressing.
*To the web I went again, man I love the internet. Below is the recipe for dressing I am going to try. We will see how yummy it is, I have everything and it looks REALLY easy.
Caesar Dressing
1 Cup Mayonnaise
ont>1 Tsbp lemon juice
1 Tsp Worcestershire
1 Clove Garlic Minced
1/4 Tsp Salt
1/8 Tsp pepper
1/2 Cup Parmesean Cheese
1 Tbsp of Milk or Half & Half
Mix all together shake or whisk
I'll let you know how good it is.
**Update Caesar Dressing suprisingly YUMMY! I was impressed with it, why I am not sure but who knew it would be so good. Oh wait it had a cup of Mayo of course it was good. ;-)
Also last minute I decided to make blacken chicken to throw in the salad.
1/2 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp dried tyme
1/8 tsp ground white pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder (I didn't have this so I just left it out)
2 Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes until it is smoking hot.
2. Mix together the paprika, salt, cayenne, cumin, thyme, white pepper, and onion powder. Oil the chicken breasts with cooking spray on both sides, then coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture. (I put it in a sandwich bag and shook it together.)
3. Place the chicken in the hot pan, and cook for 1 minute. Turn, and cook 1 minute on other side. Place the breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 5 minutes.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thai Chicken with Baby Corn
For tonight I tried something new for dinner. I LOVE Thai food. Ok I LOVE Asian food and I love to try new things. I love chicken with baby corn and found a recipe similar to something I usually get when we get Thai.
Oil -- 3 tablespoons
Chicken breast or thighs, boneless, skinless and thinly sliced -- 1 pound
Onion, thinly sliced -- 1/2
Garlic, minced -- 3-4 cloves
Baby corn, cut into rounds -- 1 cup
Straw mushrooms -- 1 cup
Oyster sauce --3 tablespoons
Fish sauce -- 3 tablespoons
Sugar -- 3 tablespoons
Pepper -- 2 teaspoons
Method
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large pot over medium-high flame. Add the chicken and stir fry until halfway cooked through, 2-3 minutes. Add the onions and garlic and continue stir frying until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are lightly translucent, another 2-3 minutes.
2. Reduce heat to low and add the corn, mushrooms, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to cook through and serve with rice.
Variations
Add some julienned red peppers along with the onions if you like.
One half bunch of chopped scallions can be substituted for the onion.
Now I am going to go watch The Real Housewives of Orange County reunion. Don't judge you know you watch too.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Can't explain it.....
I am happy for you - I am jealous of you
I am happy we are health (well for the most part minus Chris' back) - I am sad you struggle
I am happy my husband loves me so much - I hope all husbands love that much
I am happy my husband has a job - I am sad I never see him
I am happy I have a job - Sometimes I hate this job
I miss you so much - I don't want to miss you
I wonder, I pray, I think, I pray, I cry and I pray some more.
I have so many things I am happy for but sometimes feel empty. I sometimes feel a lone and yet I know I have so many people that love me.
I really can't explain it. I know there are so many other things in this world far worse than how I feel or what is going on in my life.
I want to blog but I don't want to. I don't want to seem selfish and emotional. I don't want everyone to think I am letting the "world" know what is going on.
I am happy and have GREAT things in my life. There is just this empty part that comes up every now and then.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The end of 2009. The end of a decade.
It started out as a rough year but this time it was different. I took what I had and I learned and grew from it. I have learned and figured out how to make it work when it seemed like nothing else will work. I can honestly say 2009 has not been a bad year. Don’t get me wrong it has had it’s moments but I think out of 10 years I have learned and done a lot of firsts this year.
I have had my ups and downs this year. I have had my laughs and cries this year. I have found friendships I thought were lost, I have gained new friends and I have lost friends. I have walked 13 + miles in less then 24 hours. I have slept on a gym floor for an hour in the middle of no where. I have sat in a mini van with 5 other girls for 32 + hours. I got to go to one of the places I have wanted to go in all of my 33 years with an amazing friend. I realized that if I am positive about a situation it will more than likely end better than if I am negative. I really have learned to live this year to make me happy and not anyone else. I don’t expect anything out of anyone and I get so much more in return. This year I realized that we can’t take any moment for granted. We could lose things or people we love in an instant and when you get a second chance take it, because there may not be a third. I have accomplished so many goals this year and I am so proud of those goals I have accomplished. I may have cried my way through but in the end I am so much happier about the decisions and places I am at in my life.
This year for me has been a good year.
In a decade I have had lived in 10 different houses, had 7 different roommates, 3 different cities, and 2 cars.
In the last 10 years I met, stalked and married my best friend. He alone brought so many amazing people into my life. 10 years ago today I didn’t know my amazing mother and father-in-law. I have found and gained some of the most amazing people in my life that weren’t there 10 years ago.
In 10 years I have discovered I love to read and quilt. In 10 years or even this year I realized how important family is and how much I love and cherish every moment with them, especially my wonderful Mother. These 10 years haven’t been easy and I can say some of the best things I learned she has taught me.
In 10 years I still can’t spell and my punctuations…Yeah it sucks worse than my spelling.
10 years ago I was 23 and doing anything and everything I wanted to do. Can I say that 10 years ago today I would have seen my life where it is today? Probably not. I think it is more than I could have imagined. I have a great life and I love it. I look forward to 2010 and the 9 years after that.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Just the right time...
So damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me I'd like to thank my lucky stars that
I'm alive and well
It'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you've sat and watch go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me... I'm alive
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well
I'm alive and well
Stars are dancin' on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This motor's caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
Now I'm alive and well
Yeah I'm alive and well
-Kenny Chesney
Featuring Dave Matthews
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Up..Up..and Away
You stand and watch as long as you can till you can't see it any more. Some kids scream till they get a new one and some don't even get a new one and just scream. It is one of the worst things that could ever happen to you as a kid. Right?
Did you ever wonder where that balloon would actually end up? When you were a kid did you ever participate in a contest where you tied your name onto the balloon and if the place holding the contest got a call about your balloon you won? Did you ever just put your name and phone # on a balloon anyway just to see where it would end up or if someone would find it? We did this several times. I am sure Thomas has no recollection of this but we did the contest at grandma's one year or maybe 2 years. I think it was a 2 because I was so excited about it the next year. We never won, nobody ever found my balloon or at least that I know of. I am sure we couldn't do that today with all the crazy people out there but it still would be fun to do.
Fast forward 20 + years.
Now that Chris is working most nights I am home alone the majority of the evenings. This used to bother me but it doesn't as much any more plus Kona is there too. 2 Sunday nights ago I was sitting on the couch watching Amazing Race. I was completely into it and all of the sudden Kona is looking out the back window growling. Not just a little, "hello, hello" she was hair standing growling. Now I knew she wasn't growling at the cats they were in the garage and when she see's the neighborhood raccoons she just barks at them. I actually freaked out and froze on the couch for a full minute not wanting to move wondering what to do. I slowly peaking around the corner thinking maybe it was a raccoon and she didn't like them being in the back. I didn't see anything. Looking a little closer I saw something move on the patio but it was low to the ground. I kind of figured being that little and low to the ground it wasn't a person. Since it wasn't a person I decided to get up a look.
Yep it was some kids Happy Birthday Mylar balloon.
That is where they end up. In some random persons backyard dancing around, while their dog is ready to attack and they are scared out of their mind.
Funny part when I brought it in to pop it she wouldn't stop growling at it. After I put it in the garbage can she kept staring at the garbage can like it was going to pop back out of the garbage. I love her!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Traditions
I was talking to Mom today about a conversation she had with a friend. They were talking about Christmas traditions they used to have with their families when their kids were little and now it is time for those kids to move on and have their own Christmas traditions with their families. One of our family traditions was getting a Christmas tree. We would get up on a Saturday or Sunday morning go to McDonald's for breakfast and go get our tree. The sad part, I actually forgot about this tradition until Mom mentioned it. I hate to say it but over the years I have become a holiday I don't look forward to. Today I think I finally pin pointed what it was. Traditions.
As Mom and her friend we discussing all their children have gown up and have their own traditions now. They go and get their trees as families with their kids. Some may go to breakfast, some may make a day of it, some may go to the woods to get their tree. Some families make gingerbread houses with their kids and some will make cookies. On Christmas day they wake up with their kids and open presents and go about their day. I tried to think what Christmas tradition do Chris and I have...........We don't. Some years we get a tree some years we don't. Some years we decorate some years we don't. The only real tradition we have had is where we spend Christmas day. One year we spend it with my family and the next year we will spend it with Chris' family.
I think I need to come up with a Christmas tradition. I guess I am going to have to come up with one in 10 days.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Green Chile-Chicken Casserole
I couldn't figure out the other night what to make for dinner. For some crazy reason I wanted to make a casserole so I started searching on MyRecipes.com through their casserole category and found this Green Chile-Chicken Casserole. This is going to one to keep that is for sure. We even thought the sauce would be good to use for enchiladas. if you try it I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup canned chopped green chiles, drained
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup fat-free sour cream
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 (10 1/2-ounce) cans condensed 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup, undiluted (such as Campbell's) (We used cream of mushroom instead cause we have about 20 cans of it)
1 garlic clove, minced
Cooking spray
24 (6-inch) corn tortillas
4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 1 pound)
2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine the first 9 ingredients in a large saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Spread 1 cup soup mixture in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange 6 tortillas over the soup mixture, and top with 1 cup chicken and 1/2 cup cheese. Repeat layers, ending with the cheese. Spread remaining soup mixture over cheese. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
My Secret.....
I love wearing heels mainly because I am short and the taller I am the skinnier I feel. Ok I know I am crazy but it is true.
I found a pair of cute pointed heels before I left for NY but the 7 were too big and the 6 1/2 seemed to just pinch my toes. I had a thought. What if I wore trouser socks.......Voila it worked. My feet didn't slip and they fit perfectly. I was so happy and my feet were happy too.
My little secret that I had to share. I am sure you have all already discovered this secret and if you have well just let me please keep thinking I have discovered something new. :)
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
26 Years Ago

Thursday, September 03, 2009
Portland To Coast 2009
2 sets of Walking Clothes warm and cool weather - check
Socks (at least 2 sets) - check
Underwear & jog bra - check
Running hat - check
Water carrier/water bottle - check
Energy Food - check
Energy Drink - check
Water - check
Sunglasses - check
2 changes of dry clothes - check
Flip Flops - check
Warm Socks - check
Jacket or Sweat Shirt for night - check
Warm hat - check
Sleeping bag - check
Pillow - check
Money - check
IBU - check
Camera - check
Cell phone - check
Zune - check
Chargers - check
Toothbrush and paste - check
Earplugs - check
Eye mask - nope but I got the warm hat to cover my eyes - check
Book - check
Zip Lock Bags - check
Band aides - check
Walkies - check
All fitting into one back pack - check
Thursday night I went over my checklist 3 maybe 4 times and even packed extra if there was room in the backpack. I wasn't going to have Tara yelling at me cause I didn't fit everything into one backpack. I wasn't going to be that person that over packed.
Friday morning Jenn shows up at 3:50ish and I am ready to go. Well everything is packed and I am ready to get this show started. Butterflies a little but I have hours till my first leg so I am ok. I drink down my first Monster of the morning to wake me up, it is 4am and I don't tend to be awake at 4am very often. Still downing water to hydrate I think I was on my 3rd bottle for the morning. I was for sure going to be hydrated. By the time we got to the start I think I went to the restroom 3 times. I decided I was going to be hydrated. Everyone in my van can vouch for me. I was VERY hydrated! There was not one exchange where I didn't use the restroom. I may have even had to go a few other places too. ;-)
After hours of waiting and anticipating it was time. I grab my newly purchased Zune to get it ready and WHAT, are you kidding me, it is dead. I was so upset but Erin to the rescue let me use her iPod. It was around 5pm as we approached the exchange my stomach started flip flopping. I was freaking out. The exchange point I remember was kind of crazy and I see walkers going up a path through the wood. Erin runs to the car and hears someone say, "we won't be able to meet up with them for about 4 mile." Erin quickly grabs me her water pack runs it to me and tells me the WONDERFUL news. At this point I am close to puking and about to jump back in the van. I just think to myself, "You are fine. You have done 8 miles without water and the girls ahead of you for at least 6 miles. 4 mile a piece of cake." But trying convincing yourself that?
I see Claire as she approaches I get ready in the exchange lane, we exchange and I am on my own straight up hill through the woods. There aren't many people around me so I just focus on the path ahead and making that 4 miles. As I walk up the path I see road. What are you kidding me I don't have to wait 4 miles? NOPE!!! All of that stress and anxiety for nothing. I take a deep breath and a sigh of relief. As I hit the road and pavement I get into a grove and just start walking and watching ahead to see who my first road kill will be. After a few minutes I hear a few honks, yelling and see The Pork Chop Express with my girls cheering me on. At that moment a wave of emotion hits and I get so excited. I am doing it, after all these months of waking up early and hill climbing I am doing it. I was so proud of myself. I didn't care who else was proud of me, I was proud of myself. I knew I could do it but there was a little bit of doubt in my mind that I couldn't. At that moment for the next hour and 6.81 miles nothing else mattered and I tried to take in every moment of each step I took. Focusing on going faster and pushing my body to catch the person ahead of me. At that moment my toes and toenails could have fallen off and I would have never known. Well I might have.
It was one of the best 31 hours of my life. Sleeping in a field, driving in a mini van for 31 hours, eating the best ham and cheese croissant, sleeping on a grange gym floor, bonding with amazing friends, laughing, joking and making up crazy games counting the the number of Nike shorts we saw was all worth it. We were tired by the end but at the end we were ready to do it all over again the following year. So much that now I have considered taking on the Hood to Coast in 2010. Just think there will be that much more time to count the # of Nike shorts.
Thank you Tara for creating an amazing team of girls that could work so well together. Thank you to the girls in The Pork Chop Express. You were so encouraging even when we were tired ourselves and ready to be done. Knowing that you guys would be at the end got me over that last little surprise hill.
Final short count 30.
Thank you to all of those who supported me and the American Cancer Society. I ended up raising $530. It was the second part of my challenge and I was very thankful to all of you that contributed and supported my efforts.
Pictures to come later.
Friday, August 07, 2009
July....
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Facebook...Blog...Twitter..MySpace Follow-up
Here is what we came up with.....
Blogging - A place to share thoughts, feelings, emotions and really anything you want.
MySpace - Seems to be more for fun crazy stuff. (I will leave out the description my unknown friend used.)
Facebook - Something fun to catch up with family, friends and people you haven't heard from in years.
Twitter - Updates every hour or minute. So if you feel the need to keep everyone updated each hour this is the place to do it.
So, if I keep changing my Facebook status today. It is purely for my friend who's name rhymes with Oyce who loves it when people update their status hourly when they should use Twitter and Tweet!!!
Happy Blogging, MySpacing, Facebooking and Twittering which ever you love to do.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Blog....Facebook....Twitter....Facebook....Facebook..Twitter....MySpace
I feel like it is a little out of control at points. How many Social Networks does one need to keep in contact socially? OK I am guilty of having a Blog, FB, Twitter and MySpace. I conformed.
I never use my MySpace page. I have thought about deleting it, but there are people on there that aren't on Facebook. Then again the ones I love and care about have my phone number, they can text or call me.
I feel like I haven't blogged in a while because I just don't have time. I have all these Blog topics but why blog when I can just update my FB status. I like to be able to sit down and put thought into my blog not just a......Taneha Poulton Teshera is.....blah blah blah. There is more time and effort when blogging which I seem to not have lately. I do love blogging though. I have it connected to FB so it will automatically post on FB just in case someone doesn't want to go to another application. The added convenience to Social Networking.
Then there is Twitter. I get it but I don't get it. I get a million updates a day from people on Twitter and it is great getting news updates, star updates, company updates and friend updates. Thank goodness I have an unlimited text plan. I seem to only use this when I am out and about and take a picture of something and want to Tweet about it. It is also connected to my FB status so it will instantly update.
Which do I use? Which is more important? Which do more people use? Do I use different applications for different things? Is a blog more personal? Is Tweeting just for daily updates? Is Facebook a combination of both?
Now that I have posted a blog I better go Facebook and Tweet. :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Cilantro-Lime Rice
Ingredients
Rice:
Rice 2 1/2 cups (this makes about 8 servings in our rice cooker)
3 Cups Chicken Broth (I cook the rice in chicken broth to add flavor)
Sauce:
1/4 Cup Chicken Broth
1 1/2 Large Limes
2-3 Garlic Cloves
Dash Salt
2 tbsp Green Onions
2 Cups Cilantro
Preparation:
Cook Rice either on stove top or in a rice cooker
To Prepare sauce, mix the sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Stir into rice mixture.
That is the recipe fairly simple. The Salmon recipe is pretty easy as well.
4tbl sweet chile sauce
1tbl fresh lime juice
1tbl fish sauce
3tbl soy sauce
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped green onion
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cilantro
Marinate the Salmon most of the day bake or BBQ
They were great together - Enjoy!!!!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Princess Flora Van Esteban Menudo - Nicknames
Princess Flora Van Esteban Menudo originated a few years ago at work from a co-worker. I love the show Friends one favorite episode is when Phoebe realizes she can have any name she wants and wants Princess Consuela Bananahammock. I decided I wanted to change my name too and Princess Flora Van Esteban Menudo is what a co-worker came up with. So if I were ever to change my name that is what it would be.
As far as my other nicknames here is a list and where they came from.
Neha - The most common one. Given by my family members so much easier to say than Taneha for little kids.
TJ - When I was little my Bap (Grandfather) called me TJ. It is now my nickname for Chris' family
T-Jo - Given by Jack when he would leave Thomas and I notes. Our initials are both TJ so I got T-Jo
T - Honestly no clue who started it but the other most common one.
Moon - I went to stay with my sister when she lived in California and the twins were just learning to talk. I showed them the moon one night and the next morning they ran around the house yelling Moon at me. From then on they called me Moon.
T-T - Mer started calling me TT when we lived together and funny enough when I got married it was now appropriate.
Tancha - I got a piece of mail long ago with my name miss spelled. Thomas thought it was so funny he started calling me Tancha. He decided to share the nickname with Chris when we met. Chris decided to share it with a few friends and his family so for a few I am Tancha.
Tanera - Tricia's husband Warren likes combining first and last names. Chris now thinks it is the best nickname ever so now he calls me Tanera and so do the Petrov children. (Maybe I have gotten rid of Tancha for a bit.)
Teeny Ha Ha - Almost forgot, how I don't know. Given by Scott Mauck at Raft Rally.
I am sure I am forgetting a few but I am sure someone will remind me. Some I have left off on purpose. My brother and husband have given me too many and I chose to leave them out.
Here is a list of nicknames I have given others.
Frank - Jenn, ha ha the latest addition to the nickname list. Frank came about when she miss spelled drank in a text to Denise.
Georgina - Kelsey, a few years ago I thought she needed another nickname and Georgina is what she got. :)
Krissy Bugger - Kristen, I can't take credit for it
Pretty Princess - Erin Walsh, I have always called her a Pretty so I added Princess to it one day. Now she is and will forever be Pretty Princess.
Penelope Princess Lou Lou Bear - Lexi, also Penelope or Lou Lou.
Sissy - Tracie my Sissy
Sikoni - Lindsey, this one originated one night when Zach was a little delirious. He was doing and saying weird things and he named the Kool Aid spoon his Sikoni. It was funny to us so then from there on Lindsey's name was Sikoni.
I am sure I am forgetting names I have given if I do I will add them. Oh yeah our animals have nicknames too.
Bean - Kona for Kona Coffee Bean or Boo Boo
DoDo- Jack
Little Boy Boy - Shiver, the funny part is he is not little.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Hoisin Pork and Snow Pea Stir-Fry - Quick and Easy Asian Recipes - Photos - CookingLight.com
Hoisin Pork and Snow Pea Stir-Fry - Quick and Easy Asian Recipes - Photos - CookingLight.com
Shared via AddThis
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Garlic Thai Chicken
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp garlic (I used about 4 cloves)
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp corn starch
8 green onions
mushrooms
babycorn
12 oz boneless chicken (used 3 chicken breasts)
1 1/2 cup rice
In mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, garlic, sesame, cayenne pepper and corn starch. Set aside. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes cook chicken for about 2-3 minutes then add mushrooms, babycorn and onions. Put in saucey mixture; toss lightly. Stir fry chicken, mushrooms, babycorn and onions until chicken isn't pink. Serve hot on rice.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Back to Expectations & Compasion
I failed miserably last week. I have always struggled with this when it comes to my Dad. My biological father. He is my Dad so I "expect" him to be a the "Dad". As I grew up my Mom has always told me never expect anything from anyone and you will rarely be disappointed. I try so hard to live that but it is hard. It has always been hard and that is where it comes from.
For Christmas this year it is the first time in my almost 33 years I did not see my Dad. For my birthday on the 2nd no phone call. (Which I come to expect, ironically but still get disappointed when I don't get one.) Still as of today I have yet to see him.
Thomas and I talked about the fact that we hadn't talked or heard from Dad in a few weeks so I thought I would try and get a hold of him see how he was doing. 1 VM nothing, 2 VM nothing, call work not there, 3 VM nothing, call work again not there, call work the 3rd day there. After giving him a huge lecture about not hearing from him and me being worried he explained what has been going. I was then compassionate after talking to him and felt bad. I was also reminded by a friend he is an adult and if he chooses to not answer the phone or return calls that is his prerogative. I can't expect him to call me back.
I just wonder though am I wrong in expecting these things from him or not? I guess I just can't and should know that. Do I have complete compassion? I am trying very hard to. So I will keep working on it. :)
Friday, April 03, 2009
I Try
I know for some it is just as hard for you to tell me as it is for me to hear. I remember a phone call I got from one of my best friends about 3 years ago. I was working a lot that weekend and she so bad wanted to come meet me for lunch. It didn't work out. I knew, I knew what she was going to tell me. When we finally talked on Sunday before she could say anything I just said, "it is ok I am happy for you." She started crying which made me cry. Because I was, I was truly happy for her.
Do we know what's wrong, do we have the answers yet? No. I don't know when we will.
About 10 weeks ago something was brought to Chris and I. We were approached and asked if we would think about adopting a baby. Not your typical adoption through an agency just the paper work. Without going into details because I don't have many (so please don't ask) we have been waiting to find out if the mother is going to go ahead with the adoption or keep the baby. She has been really sick for the last 2 months. She still has not decided if she will keep the baby or not. This has also been really hard on me. I was so excited at first but then was brought back to reality. I didn't want to be excited because what if she decides not to go through with the adoption. I want her to be sure this is what she wants. So we will wait.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Addictions
Addiction 1 - Reading, I can't stop. When I am at work or doing something all I can think about is what is going to happen next and figuring out where I can fit reading into laundry, working, dishes, working, PTC training, working, cleaning, working out and sleep. :)
Addiction 2 - My BlackBerry. Seriously I completely understand why it is called the CrackBerry. Are you kidding me? I never need a computer again. I have access to every email address I have (including work), IM, BlackBerry messanger, text, Internet, BrickBreaker, FB the list is endless. I get so excited when I find an new application I can download that is free. What am I doing to my brain. I think I need to read more. :)
I guess there could be worse things to be addicted to.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
It is Official
I am on a team with 5 of my closest friends and I am very excited to share this accomplishment with them. Jenn and I have done a few training walks together and I have done a few on my own. We keep trying to come up with new and more challenging places we can walk in the evenings and hopefully some really challenging ones on the weekends. It looks like we have a few tough legs in store for us.
I am really excited and looking forward to this experience and sharing it with Jenn, Tara, Jenny, LindsAy and Erin. PTC here we come!!!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Just checking in....
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I found a new blog to read....
If you haven't heard the story check out their blog. When you get there before you read ANYTHING go to the links on the right side of the page and you will see one titled, if you haven't been here before. It gives you a background of what Matt is blogging about. Once you have read that part of his blog dive in. There is seriously reading for days. I have now added the blog to my blog reader and am looking forward to updates. I look forward to updates on others blogs as well.
This blog just makes you put life into perspective. It makes you realize how EVERYTHING can change in literally a minute. It makes you realize there are far more important things in life than a new pair of jeans or who is going to do the dishes that night. Chris and I have so much going on right now which really makes me crazy but we have each other.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Nightstand
As I was looking through my box of books I stumbled upon about 6 or 7 books I have started but haven't finished yet. Usually I will have 1 book I am reading and a few I have started reading but not finished sitting on my nightstand. Now sitting on my nightstand are 6 or 7 books I have started but not finished. I have now made it my new goal to finish them before I buy another book. Which will be hard since I love to buy new books that I think I will love.
Last night I finished Water for Elephants, loved it. (Which BTW is an entirely new blog.) Now I have to decided which of the 7 books on my nightstand I will restart and finish.
Can You Keep A Secret, Sophie Kinsella
River Cross My Heart, Breena Clarke
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
Girl With A Pearl Earling, Tracy Chevalier
Big Stone Gap, Adriana Trigiani
Sunday At Tiffany's, James Patterson
We Were The Mulvaney's, Joyce Carol Oates
I think it might be The Alchemist since I have read most of it and just stopped because I fell asleep on the plane and lost my spot.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Love Never Fails
Anybody can return evil for evil... The real victory is being kind to people who mistreat you... USUALLY people that are hurting, end up hurting others... My rule of thumb to remember is this.... Hurt people, hurt people.... God wants his mature, faith-filled people to help heal wounded hearts... It's the goodness of God that leads people to repentance...Be a light in darkness... If you will be extra kind, before long, God's goodness expressed through you will overcome any evil...LOVE NEVER FAILS.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Difficulties
-Donald J. Trump
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
New Tries
Friday night I decided to attempt at making Eggplant Roll-Ups, the recipe I got from Aunt Debbie. Much to my surprise, Chris LOVED them. He isn't much of a "red sauce" person so he didn't add red sauce to his but we both agreed it was something we will be trying again very soon.
Another recipe which I got from the March issue of Every Day with Rachel Ray from her 30 minute meals was Spinach-Artichoke French Bread Pizza. Instead of making an entire meal out of it I made it as an appetizer. I just cut them up so everyone could have a slice of pizza. :-) I decided next time I am going to add mushrooms to the recipe.
We loved both of the recipes and I plan on making both of them again in the near future. Thanks Rachel. :)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Soup of the Day
I found it!
The chef has opened his own resturant, Otto and Anita's Bavarian Restaurant located in Multnomah Village.
Last night I decided to take a shot at making the soup. If it didn't turn out well at least I tried.
It was amazing. If you like pickles and you like soup you will love it. It sounds crazy but trust me it is one of the best soups ever.
Here is the recipe and a link.
6-8 Servings
3 oz. Onion (cut julienne)
4 Lg. Dill Pickles (cut julienne)
4 c. Water
1/2 c. Whipping Cream
Enjoy!!!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
On Being Happy....
Do you desire to be happy? (Remember this!) The proof of desire is pursuit.... You must go to happy places. Pursue happy people. Create happy days. If you reeeally desire happiness in your life, you must be willing to reach for it! Never blame anyone or anything for your unhappiness. Life rewards reachers.... Happiness is NEVER placed in your life, happiness is simply placed within your reach! Now go out there and have a happy day.... :-) :-)
Instead of complaining about how much I dislike my job, I need to be happy I have one. :-)




























