Just a Can of Hairspray

It’s been just another day. Work was trying as I sat there, missing my co-workers. This is a HUGE weekend for us. Hopefully many bags of chips will be sold and eaten. And with it being a huge weekend, the majority of sales is out in the market making sure their stores are all set. So buy lots of my chips!

I hate it when ‘my people’ are gone, especially my boss.

After work, I went to the gym. It is becoming my normal stop. I don’t always enjoy working out, but do know that it is doing good for my body.

But right now my body is tired and ready to hit the hay!

I love to cook. My grandma owned her own German/American restaurant that thrived for over 20 years. A couple presidents and Texas governors were some of her customers. So it’s probably no wonder why it is that I love to cook. I’m not remotely as good as she is, but I try. And most of the time I succeed.

So I figure that I will put my favorite recipes on here to share that I have found. I love to watch the Food Network, so I’m sure a lot of them will come from there. I also try to cook healthy, so they will also contain healthy recipes.
The first one to share, I made this afternoon.

Fettuccine with Creamy Red Pepper-Feta Sauce

Copyright Ellie Krieger, 2006 All rights reserved

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 to 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped 1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable stock 1 cup crumbled feta cheese or a 6-ounce block 1 pound whole-wheat fettuccine Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leavesHeat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic until soft, about 10 minutes. Add roasted peppers and saute until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Place mixture in the bowl of a food processor with stock and all but 2 tablespoons of the feta. Process until combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water by the tablespoon, if needed. Sauce should cling nicely to pasta. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide among pasta bowls. Sprinkle with parsley and remaining feta cheese.

What a day! We had Monday off due to a celebration of Martin Luther King’s life and today it snowed! Dallas is never prepared when it comes to this stuff. So those of you that are use to snow and ice mixtures, please drive here in Dallas. It’s not my driving that I’m so worried about, but the people around me.

So I got up this morning, took a shower and turned on the news to hear of all the school closings. Much to my dismay, I look out the window to snow. My boss called and told me to stay tight for a while and later called to say headquarters was closed and therefore our office was closed. Yay!

Today I have:

• made breakfast
• took a nap
• talked to my boyfriend and mom
• made lunch
• watch tv
• browse myspace
• browse some other blogs
• watch tv

What a nice day! Gotta love those snow days. And tonight, more American Idol!

I have no doubt why America is fat.

I saw it tonight at Wal-Mart. Sugared cereals, Fritos, Cheetos, frozen pizzas, blocks of cheese, cartons of soda-pops, Nuttybutty bars, ice cream, sweets in the shopping carts of the majority of families. Where are the fruit? Where are the vegetables? Where are the normal foods? I guess chips, pizza, cheese, soda, Little Debbie snacks and ice cream are normal food. It makes me sick when I look at their shopping carts filled with junk to feed their family.
I wonder what would happen if these familes started eating and drinking water, fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats and a little sugar.

You are what you eat. I guess that is what keeps encouraging me to continue my path to wellness and healthiness. I’m not perfect. But every day is a battle of eating more veggies and fruits and creating a happy balance with it all.

You are what you eat. I do not want to be a doughnut. I do not want to be an ice cream cone. I do not want to be a pizza. I want to be a lean mean healthy machine!

*I apologize for sounding so harsh/mean, but I firmly believe people must start taking responsibility for their health.*

I am sooo excited about this! This is the new ‘08 Accord Coupe. How awesome is this?! I’ve been wanting to see what the concept will look like as I’m looking to buy a new vehicle. While I love my Civic, I am ready for something a little nicer and less of what I feel is my college car. I bought my Civic a few months after I graduated from college and have progressed somewhat in my career, that I am wanting something more grown-up. Oh yeah! I am so excited for this vehicle!

Friday I met the girls for my birthday dinner. We had to rearrange plans due to the weather. It was pouring and the temperature had dropped from from mid 60s to the mid 30s in about an hour. For central, north Texas, that is COLD! Instead of making the drive to the Knox-Henderson area, we stayed in the Flower Mound area and made our way to MiCocina. It’s always fun to meet up and hear what is going on with each other as we are all in different areas of life.

Rebecca has been married for almost 5 years now and has an 18 month old son. Debra just recently got married 2 months ago  and they are trying to sell their house to buy a larger house. And me, I’m the single one and am dating a great guy, concentrating on my job and possibly going back to school for my masters.

It was funny to sit back and listen to each of us. One is thinking of potty training her son while the other is in the process of trying to sell her house. We are all the same age and yet we are all facing different areas in our lives. And yet it is still fun to get together and catch up!

Thanks, Girls! I had a great time.

For a moment of Daily Joy check this out. Brought to you by Lays Potato Chip (and the letter K). Because you can’t eat just one!

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite Doritos commerical at http://www.crashthesuperbowl.com until January 19.

The finalist will air during the Superbowl.

I can’t believe it’s 2007. That means in a few weeks, I turn 27. EEEEK! I don’t want to be 27. I like being 26. It’s a nice age. It’s still “mid-20s”. Now I’m getting closer to 30. UGH!

It’s a little hard having a birthday right after Christmas and only to be followed by Valentine’s Day. Poor McDuff.

And while I’ve been requested to reveal what it is that I’d like (external hard drive), it’s tough be it right after Christmas!

As you get older, the things you want get bigger. Jewelry, cars, a house, items to fill your house, etc. It was easier when I wanted a Cabbage Patch Kid.

I’m sure I will think of a few things I need between now and January 19.