Happy Valentine's Day!

Dearest World,

Disclaimer: I am single so this is NOT a post about my one true love.  I am not about to go on and on about how wonderful he is and bore you to death (well at least that's not why it will bore you, I guess I can't promise not to bore you.... I'll try my best to avoid it!).

So Happy Valentine's Day or "single awareness day"
I decided that I wasn't going to spend the day feeling bad for myself because I don't have a boyfriend.  That's just silly! I have plenty of people to love and I'd say a few people that love me too :)
So just how do I plan on beating the "single blues"?
   Well I waaaaas going to make these delicious cinnamon rolls (not to mope but to indulge in things I love. It's different!).... but I am falling through on YET ANOTHER baking promise. I know, I know, I'm the worst.  I even bought the ingredients I didn't have yet last night (active dry yeast and whole milk) so the new plan is to make them next Sunday.  Mostly, I have really been wanting to eat (I mean bake, okay I mean eat) these since the first day I saw them. So, why am I bailing on my baking date today? It's Grandpa's birthday!! Last minute dinner plans with the whole family at Macayos :D I have a pretty awesome family so even better to surround myself with some of the people I love right?  I also love Mexican food.  Today is just shaping up naturally (or because I decided it was going to be awesome? Who knows....).

It helps that I woke up to my roommate putting flowers into a vase for my other roommates and me.
Beautiful Right???

Don't worry friends, I gave them a little something too...

Totally Cheesy (and adorable)! Isn't that what Valentine's Day is about though? I really couldn't resist when I saw these little guys.  I am no more single today than I was yesterday but today I've gotten to exchange gifts! That's pretty neat.

My Mom is also too good to me and got me this book

I read a lot of this love story on her (Pioneer Woman) blog.  I became an obnoxiously giddy schoolgirl much to my friend Nick's amusement.  I tend to read/watch/listen to depressing things (I just like them better usually) but sometimes it's good to give in and read something totally girlie, cheesy, filled with love (and food and men) and just be a giddy girl.  Sue me.

So no date, no cinnamon rolls, lots of love! Sounds good to me :D

Because It's Music Monday:

An awesome Valentine's Day playlist

(Well I'll be enjoying it today)

Maybe next year I'll have a post going on and on about that boy I love (I'll try to restrain myself). But for this year I am taking the time to remember all of my wonderful friends and family that put up with me for some reason. Man am I lucky!

-wishing you love today!

Andrea 

To Crossing things of Your List

Dear World,

    We all have a million to-do lists (well some of us may not write them down, but I am a HUGE list person).  There are lists for household chores, homework and assignments, gifts to buy, groceries to get, you name it!  My favorite list is that of all of the restaurants I have yet to try.  I LOVE trying new restaurants/types of food with friends.  All week I really wanted to go hiking so I decided I had better just make it happen.  I asked my roommate if she would like to go hiking then treat ourselves to Lo Lo's Chicken and Waffles (Scottsdale Rd and Thomas).  Let me just say that it was the perfect way to spend a Saturday.

So where did we go hiking?  Camelback: Echo Trail baby!  We had agreed to hike up Cholla trail which I was fine with but I really wanted to dominate Echo! I have been up Cholla many times, but for some reason I've never had the opportunity to go all the way up Echo and felt that it has been long overdue.  A boy in my com class also mentioned that Cholla was for old people, gotta prove my youth! Fortunately, a randomly chosen street for parking and a few of our hiking companions flaking out on us provided my roommie and I with the perfect opportunity to take on the steeper trail! Here are a few pictures of our journey:

Callie kicking the mountain's ass (oh and a very nicely muscled man ;) bonus!) Fortunately for the two of us ladies there was plenty of eye candy along our climb.  We didn't mind the additional scenery.  Honestly it seemed like it was a requirement to do a bajillion sit-ups to frequent this mountain.

      Just a nifty shadow pick.  I look bald and seem to have a super tiny head.  Fortunately other pictures prove that neither is true.  (I would not be able to rock the GI Jane hairdo...).

Callie and I at the top of the mountain.  No Big Deal.  

(The guy taking the picture asked us if we were students at Arizona State. I wonder what gave him that impression?)

So then we went back down the mountain.  I did not photograph because the descent usually scares me.  Can't I just take a water-slide down?  This loose gravel on top of rocks business makes me slide all over the place and cursing may ensue.  Did I mention that there was a couple who each had a baby strapped on to them?  That's right, I'm worried about tumbling down this mountain and these people are making their way down AND carrying precious cargo.  Brave? Stupid? Experienced? I am not sure.  What I do know is that for now I am MORE THAN CONTENT not to have any such special packages.  I sort of stopped worrying about falling and started dreaming of the chicken and waffles in my VERY NEAR future.. 

Oh sweet relief!! A tall cool glass of delicious brewed tea. I'm happy already.  Lo Lo's did not disappoint !! I wasn't sure what to order because everything on the menu looked fatty and delicious.  Biscuits and Gravy, Chili and Cornbread, "Stupid Fries", Wings, and so much "Mo'". Man-oh-man were Callie and I drooling....  I definitely need to go back and explore more of the menu.  I decided that for a first time experience I had better go just try the chicken and waffle combo (never done it, don't regret it).  Pictured below is the Lil Amadi with one thigh, one leg, one waffle, and one slab o' butter.  Don't doubt the powerful combination that is salty, amazing fried chicken and a simple waffle.  I don't know why it has taken me twenty years to give this a shot but it was the best reward for our morning climb.  I look forward to trying the biscuits and gravy (basically used to be my ultimate favorite food) and the red velvet cake.  Oh life is wonderful!!

-oh-so-satisfied,

Andrea

Putting an end to a ho hum week

Hey World,

So, I wasn't feeling to hot this week.  Nothing major happened I just wasn't sleeping well at all and was feeling pretty blue.  I recognized that I was being pretty pathetic; so with my first Stats test behind me I decided to ditch my night of homework for a night of relaxation.  It was oh so worth it!!!

Oh Carbs, beautiful carbs! This baked potato w/jalapeno bits and melted cheese definitely made for the perfect movie dinner.  College Cuisine may be simple, but that doesn't mean that it has to be bland! 

 What movie did that beautiful potato accompany?  The Royal Tenenbaums (which is one of my Dad's favorites).  I hadn't seen the movie before and it finally came up on my Netflix queue.  I honestly love Netflix and believe it is worth every single penny!  Who cares about that though, back to the movie.  If you enjoy dysfunctional families and great music then this is probably for you.  The characters are all extremely... quirky.  The acting was very well done and did I mention the music?  From Mark Mothersbaugh's original score to wonderful rock features such as Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard", Van Morrison's "Everyone", John Lennon's "Look at Me", The Rolling Stones' "She Smiled Sweetly" and "Ruby Tuesday", Bob Dylan's "Wigwam", and many others.  Let's just say that I was a little in love.

Where do the chocolate chip cookies come in to play?  what a silly question.  Chocolate chip cookies need no excuse! I wanted them so I made them and ate them!!! (Before you start thinking I am a greatly obese person I should mention that I went running first and restrained myself to two cookies that night. It was terribly difficult but I am trying to avoid sloth status here). 

So why do I advocate scrapping responsibility for a night of lazying around?  I finally slept people!! I don't know why I needed such a night but I did and sometimes it's just better to give in rather than fight such urges for the sake of productivity.  Now back to the textbook grind... 

Word Press-postaweek challenge

Hey There,

So I really like some of the suggestions that I have been reading in the Word Press postaweek challenge.  I decided that I might as well give it a whirl!  I figured I would conduct my response posts on tumblr....

TUMBLR ROCKS

I just wrote my first response on there... You should probably check it out :)
What are your blogging goals?  I'm trying this little project out because I just need something to keep my whirling mind focused and occupied!

My friend was telling me about a photo project she and her roommate are embarking on.  Every Sunday they are going out to take pictures on the psychology of religion.  I really can't wait to see what they come up with (mostly because I know they will end up with beautiful pictures).  The main reason I love blogging (even though I'm so new!) is that it is so inspiring.  Sorry for being so cheesy but I really do love seeing so many people creating projects for themselves and all of the varied interests.  It's amazing! I am trying to find a project that I can get really passionate about and the only way it's going to happen is to keep testing and exploring! Any suggestions?

                                                                                praying for inspiration
                                                                             -Andrea

Just Another Day...

Hey There,


    So remember when I said I was going to make the BBQ Chicken Pizza?? Me too.  Well, sadly that didn't work out :( My lovely guest chef and I didn't have matching schedules on Sunday.  Quite sad!! Want to see what I had instead???

Holy Cow! Is that cooked carrots? You betcha! Don't worry I know this is the lamest dinner ever.  I just remembered that I had a giant bag of baby carrots and that I haven't used this handy dandy steamer basket yet.  I did throw some butter and brown sugar in the mix but honestly won't be craving this ever.  I did get a lot of amusement out of using the basket but I feel like that may be a one time thing....  I'll definitely use it w/other vegetable dishes and what not but I'm really hoping that the pizza just works out next time.  It looks infinitely more satisfying....sigh.......

Before you run away thinking I consider cooked carrots a worthy dish (it really was about using the basket people), I promise that College Cuisine isn't always this boring!! The next night I had delicious pasta (yummmm).  I've had this artichoke pesto in my fridge and it was just begging to be used! Add in some chicken (marinated in....guess, guess, okay: artichoke pesto!), garlic (which I really need to cook longer next time a little crunchy bleh), and tomatoes.  I was very satisfied.  I will not be using the baby shells again.  I wanted to use pasta other than bowtie (my go to) and it was so uncooperative!  Honestly it was as if my fork repelled the pasta.  Slippery bastards!  Anywho I had it for lunch today and it was still tasty :)  I can't wait to experiment more! I should probably start using recipes.....

dreaming of BBQ chicken pizza....still

-Andrea

It's like listening to the radio....

Oh hey!

This is how my friend described one of his favorite albums.  Do you know what he means? I don't.  My guess is that the songs styles are varied within the album.... I don't know. I am hoping that giving it a listen will provide clarity; if not I shall inquire further and report back to you (unless this is a perfectly clear explanation to you and I am just out of the loop. It happens).

I made one of my dearest friends a mix CD today (I really love making/receiving mixes (really LOVE))!

What do you think? I hope she enjoys it!! It's always hard for me to make the first mix for someone... okay it's hard for me to make mixes for anyone other than Gianna.  It's fun though (plus it gives me an excuse to sit around listening to music b/c I'm, ya know, doing something productive.... right? kinda?)

-dreaming of Coachella
Andrea

So the semester is real... hmmm

Hellllo there World,

I feel like it is time to play a little catch-up.... (school=crazy amounts of reading)

APO: I am really excited for this semester to get going.  Our pledge induction ritual was last night and we now have the spring 2011 pledge class :)  It's so hard to believe that so many of our members will be leaving us at the end of this semester!! :( Not looking forward to that at all....  Fortunately we have 10 brand spankin new pledges!! My friends, Sara and Alex, are the pledge educators this semester and I know they'll do a great job.  I'm nervous myself.  I really want to have get a bunch of fun events planned (I am the Fellowship chair) for the group and I just hope that I plan things well and just have organized, low stress, high fun, events.  Now don't forget, we are a service organization, promise!  Just today I went with four other lovely ladies to serve dinner at St Vincent's.  I'm really looking forward to the different service opportunities, it's always awesome to get a feel for new volunteer opportunities.  We really do have an amazing group and I am so fortunate to have such an awesome organization in my life.  Much more to come on this group.  What are some organizations that you recommend for service opportunities?  Do you have and favorite volunteer experiences?


Food: So have you been to Chino Bandido? No? Why not? Don't worry I can't judge.  I just went there for the first time tonight.  Man have I been missing out.  Are you hungry? Well you will be eventually and you should go check it out.  No really, DELICIOUS.  Mexican asian fusion.  It just sounds like a beautiful place does it not?  If I haven't convinced you yet, well you are crazy because that much hooked me, they let you sample their popular dishes if you are a first timer.  Awesome right?  Much less of a stab in the dark for a first time stop.  I am glad there are leftovers in my fridge (breakfast of champions).  Oh guess what!? I am going to be making Pioneer woman's BBQ Chicken Pizza  tomorrow for a little College Cuisine special (okay because I want it in my tummy, it sounds delicious alright?).  I am pretty stoked! 


Exercise: A necessary evil.  It feels good once it's over. What were you expecting something more in depth? eh Maybe later... 


Dreams: Lately I have been having exciting dreams.  My mom was sending me on a trip to the Bahamas (thanks mom!) with an old friend.  It was a last minute surprise and I literally had to convince her to give me ten minutes to pack rather than waste a bunch of money buying everything I needed once I arrived in the beautiful beach land.  Alas, I awoke in time for Stats.  NOT THE SAME!!!!  The next night I had a crazy dream that I was able to slide down this mountain completely unscathed and then spend time in the coolest museum ever.  Ancient artifacts abound and a random (but super awesome) Alice in Wonderland exhibit.  I cannot truly express how amazing this mountain museum was nor can I begin to convey how sad I was when I realized it didn't exist. sigh....   Luckily I am pretty uncultured and have plenty o amazing real life museums to check out once I have adequate funds.  Any interesting dreams to share? I love remembering dreams and I love hearing about other people's dreams. It's so awesome to hear these stories that don't have the boundaries of real life.  Dreams often make no sense when in the waking world and that's what I love about them. Oh and I have some super exciting dreams which makes up for dull times. 


Nutty (?) Professor: One goal as I entered this semester: have an open mind.  It seems simple, maybe to some silly.  I felt it was very necessary as I had become much more cynical and judgmental than I care to be.  Thank goodness I already had this attitude going in.  I have a professor that has obviously watched "The Dead Poet's Society" and "Freedom  Writers" and strives to provide us with a similar experience.  We are learning the functions of small groups by competing as a group in pretty much all aspects of the class.  Each group was assigned a chapter of the book to become an "expert" on. We then meet as a group in front of the class (you know, pretend the class isn't there NBD) and decide as a group which six terms from the chapter are worthy of learning and putting on the test.  The students observing the group meeting are each assigned to one of the group members and then must focus on him or her for the duration of the meeting.  I will admit that I was skeptical at first but this approach really is much more engaging than that of a normal lecture on different communication theories.  It is hard to tell how well this will go grade wise... I do have quite the dynamic group too.  It shall be an interesting semester.  I must say I love that this professor puts the same deep level of emotion into every class even though he basically gives us the same "inspirational" speech every single class meeting.  Ah well....