My job is REALLY cool. To be honest, there are some days that I have to remind myself of that, but then I head down to the Bog (our on-campus bar with a bowling alley) for a program, or we have a huge turnout for an event, and I get that physical reminder.
Today's events was one of those days. While there could have been some improvements to the process, Taste of IIT was spectacular. I ate lunch (for $5!) and got to taste the culture of IIT. We had the following "tastes": Chinese, Bulgarian, Indian, Latino, and Malyasian. While I wasn't able to make it to all of the tables (I'll have to space myself out for I-Fest next semester), what I was able to try was delicious.
I have decided that I have to get better about taking pictures at events (because I don't have any from Taste). That is one of my (many) goals for next year. How was your Friday? Did you have any excellent "tastes"?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Updates
So, after spending a good two months without updating this, I updated it AGAIN. I gave it a face-lift, changed the name, and decided I'm going to keep updating this. Starting with an update of my last few months...
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
- One of the organization's I work with hosted another campus for a "finance conference."
- Our student government association began the process of electing a new board (more to come...)
- I became a certified TIPS trainer.
March:
March brought quite a few challenges for us.
- I survived a WHOLE WEEK without my boss (who got to swim with the dolphins and touch the sting ray's in the Bahamas...)
- I had my final finance hearing of the semester with the finance group that I work with.
- We attended Brandon's uncles wedding in Canada.
- I learned to ski (AND didn't fall down.)
- I was given a glow in the dark tee-shirt and survived our Late Nite program
- Saw the election of a new Executive Board for our student government, including the first female Student Body President.
April:
April is busiest month for us. I'm hoping to make it go a little smoother next year, but overall it was excellent.
- I got a Tungle.me account.
- We survived the selling of 400 formal tickets.
- I got to get all dressed up and go out on the town with my co-workers (and 400 of our students).
- I had more banquet invitations than I could accept.
- I was awarded the NSBE Essence Inspiration Award for my guidance of our National Society of Black Engineer's Chapter.
- I will get to end this month with Brandon's brother's wedding [Congratulations Ryan and Christina.]
As I said, it's been a busy (but rewarding) last few months. I feel comfortable in my job, I'm loving the work (and personal) relationships I've developed with my co-workers, and I honestly could not ask for a better place to be starting my career in higher education than where I am right now. That being said, we have our challenges like everyone, but I'm loving the supportive environment I'm in. I hope you are enjoying where you are, as well.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
"Unique" Ingredients...Oat Chicken with Sunshine Salsa
Brandon LOVED this meal.
Spicy Oat Crusted Chicken with Sunshine Salsa
Unique ingredient: Quaker quick oats (I know it's not really unique, but I wasn't quite sure what else to do with it.)
Ingredients for the salsa: 3/4 c. prepared salsa, 3/4 cup chopped orange sections
Mix salsa and orange. Refrigerate (at least 2 hours) until serving time.
Ingredients for the chicken: 2 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp butter (melted), 2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. ground cumin, salt, 1 1/2 cups Quaker quick oats (uncooked), 1 egg, water, chicken
Heat oven to 375.
In one dish, beat egg and water until frothy.
In second dish, stir together oil, butter, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt. Add oats, stirring until evenly moistened.
*I would not recommend using less oats because you aren't making a lot of chicken. You can reuse the mix (freeze it) or toss it if there is some that remains, but the oats absorb the spice and its still rather spicy.*
Dip chicken in egg, then in oat mixture. Bake 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and oat coating is golden brown.
Serve with Sunshine Salsa. *And maybe rice? It looks a little empty...*
Spicy Oat Crusted Chicken with Sunshine Salsa
Unique ingredient: Quaker quick oats (I know it's not really unique, but I wasn't quite sure what else to do with it.)
Ingredients for the salsa: 3/4 c. prepared salsa, 3/4 cup chopped orange sections
Mix salsa and orange. Refrigerate (at least 2 hours) until serving time.
Ingredients for the chicken: 2 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp butter (melted), 2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. ground cumin, salt, 1 1/2 cups Quaker quick oats (uncooked), 1 egg, water, chicken
Heat oven to 375.
In one dish, beat egg and water until frothy.
In second dish, stir together oil, butter, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt. Add oats, stirring until evenly moistened.
*I would not recommend using less oats because you aren't making a lot of chicken. You can reuse the mix (freeze it) or toss it if there is some that remains, but the oats absorb the spice and its still rather spicy.*
Dip chicken in egg, then in oat mixture. Bake 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and oat coating is golden brown.
Serve with Sunshine Salsa. *And maybe rice? It looks a little empty...*
"Unique" Ingredients...Potato Chicken Avocado
I started to make my grocery list earlier this week and realized that I am SO bored of the regular meals that we eat. I started to go through the cabinets and found all of these ingredients that I had obviously bought to make one thing or another, but had never got around to making. I'll post some of the successful recipes here over the next few weeks (and probably complain about some of the not so successful recipes.)
We started with Cheesy Chicken (success, but so simple so I won't bother sharing.) The most unique recipe so far was SUCH a success (I'm thinking of making it again next week.)
Potato Chicken Avocado's
Unique ingredient: dry Potato Buds
Other ingredients: 1/3 c. water, 1 can cream of mshroom soup, 1/4 c. shredded cheddar, 2 tbsp. pimiento-stuffed olives, 2 tbsp. parsley, 4 tbsp. minced onion, garlic powder, shredded chicken, 4 ripe avocados (halved), and paprika.
Cook and shred the chicken. Then, heat water and soup to boiling on stove. Once boiled, turn down to medium-heat and stir in all ingredients (except avocados and paprika.)
Place avocado halves (cut side up) in glass baking dish. Divide potato mixture among avocado halves and sprinkle with paprika. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the bottom of the pan.
Set oven to broil. Broil 4-5 minutes until light brown and melty!
Enjoy!
We started with Cheesy Chicken (success, but so simple so I won't bother sharing.) The most unique recipe so far was SUCH a success (I'm thinking of making it again next week.)
Potato Chicken Avocado's
Unique ingredient: dry Potato Buds
Other ingredients: 1/3 c. water, 1 can cream of mshroom soup, 1/4 c. shredded cheddar, 2 tbsp. pimiento-stuffed olives, 2 tbsp. parsley, 4 tbsp. minced onion, garlic powder, shredded chicken, 4 ripe avocados (halved), and paprika.
Cook and shred the chicken. Then, heat water and soup to boiling on stove. Once boiled, turn down to medium-heat and stir in all ingredients (except avocados and paprika.)
Place avocado halves (cut side up) in glass baking dish. Divide potato mixture among avocado halves and sprinkle with paprika. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the bottom of the pan.
Set oven to broil. Broil 4-5 minutes until light brown and melty!
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Dinner - Chicken Caesar Burgers!
About every two weeks, I make a list of the 12 - 14 meals we will eat over the next few weeks. The hassle then comes to making a decision (on a nightly basis) of what to make to dinner. I knew we had buns, and I hate it when bread goes bad, so I decided to go with my modified Chicken Caesar Burgers - SUCH a success!
Ingredients:
1 package ground chicken breast
garlic (I use Garlic Lover's Delight)
grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (I use Miracle Blend Seasoning)
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Italian Seasoning or something similar
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
EVOO
4 rolls or buns
1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
dash of paprika
lettuce
tomatoes, sliced (I prefer mine thick)
Burgers:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, garlic, as much parmesan as you would like, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, italian seasoning and lemon zest. Stir and form oval patties. (Mine generally makes 6 patties, but it is up to you as to how many patties you want/need.)
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with EVOO. Add patties and cook for about 5 minutes per side.
3. Preheat the oven to 350. Toast the buns/rolls on a cookie sheet. When they are light golden, remove; sprinkle with EVOO and top with parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese has set into bun.
4. In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp. Dijon, 1/2 of lemon juice, EVOO, salt/pepper and lettuce. Toss; set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Dijon, remaining lemon juice, EVOO, and paprika. Set aside. (This is the sauce for the burgers.)
6. Set out all ingredients and build your burger: Bun, sauce, tomato, burger, lettuce, sauce, bun!
You can serve with pasta salad, potato chips..or you can serve it with Guacamole, like I did. To confess, this recipe originated with a Rachel Ray recipe, however, I have adapted to ingredients that I readily have on hand, and included my own burger sauce (since we LOVE sauce for our burgers.) Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Ingredients:
1 package ground chicken breast
garlic (I use Garlic Lover's Delight)
grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (I use Miracle Blend Seasoning)
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Italian Seasoning or something similar
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
EVOO
4 rolls or buns
1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
dash of paprika
lettuce
tomatoes, sliced (I prefer mine thick)
Burgers:
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with EVOO. Add patties and cook for about 5 minutes per side.
3. Preheat the oven to 350. Toast the buns/rolls on a cookie sheet. When they are light golden, remove; sprinkle with EVOO and top with parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese has set into bun.
4. In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp. Dijon, 1/2 of lemon juice, EVOO, salt/pepper and lettuce. Toss; set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Dijon, remaining lemon juice, EVOO, and paprika. Set aside. (This is the sauce for the burgers.)
6. Set out all ingredients and build your burger: Bun, sauce, tomato, burger, lettuce, sauce, bun!
You can serve with pasta salad, potato chips..or you can serve it with Guacamole, like I did. To confess, this recipe originated with a Rachel Ray recipe, however, I have adapted to ingredients that I readily have on hand, and included my own burger sauce (since we LOVE sauce for our burgers.) Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Dearest Facebook...
Obviously, Facebook has taken off. I remember when a good friend of mine was in a poke war with a friend on Facebook when we were in high school. "You should totally get Facebook." "They don't have my school yet." (That was a lie, just to be honest. I wasn't sure what school I would be going to and I didn't want to have to explain that, nor did I want to have to make a new profile at www.thefacebook.com, because that's what it was called back then.)
I called my holiday break "the break of the exes." I had more add's of people I used to talk to or used to date over break than I've had in the past six years (since I left Washington.) I had a really good conversation with one of those individuals tonight. The hang-up was rather quick and abrupt, but it left me thinking. It had been quite a while (over 5 years) since I had thought about, or spoken to, that individual. "Where are you now?" That's such a loaded question. But...here's my 5+ year update, in bullet point form.
I called my holiday break "the break of the exes." I had more add's of people I used to talk to or used to date over break than I've had in the past six years (since I left Washington.) I had a really good conversation with one of those individuals tonight. The hang-up was rather quick and abrupt, but it left me thinking. It had been quite a while (over 5 years) since I had thought about, or spoken to, that individual. "Where are you now?" That's such a loaded question. But...here's my 5+ year update, in bullet point form.
- Graduate high school.
- Got out - I always said I'd move. No one believed me, at least not until I moved to Michigan.
- In Michigan, I met some of my best friends: Stephanie and Steve, then the transition to Stephanie (a different one), Ryan (one of many), Craig, another Ryan, Theresa, Brittany (for a period of time, anyway) and many other close close friends from the mitten.
- I met Brandon. The best thing about picking up my life and moving to MI is, and will always be, him.
- I had quite the development. I started young and graduated old, it felt.
- I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations (in three years.)
- I launched straight into my Master of Arts.
- I spent an amazing two years working with a unique group of technical and career minded students in the College of Aviation at WMU. (and spent nine months working as a full time professional)
- I graduated with my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership
- I was unemployed for less than three weeks before a job offer came in.
- I spent most of my unemployment period with Brandon and his family - and end to an "era of education", so to speak.
- I got to move to Chicago, IL to be a grown up. Even better, my best friend Brandon and our family (dog Ellie, cat Parker) got to come with us.
- I started my second professional job
- My dad quit his teaching job for "the job" in NEVADA (a state we had NOT lived in previously.)
- My mom quit her job of forever (8 years?) to support my Dad (and I found out later, how own) dreams.
- My brother picked up life to start over as a middle-schooler in a new state.
- My sister picked up life to start over as a high-schooler in a new state.
- ALL OF MY FAMILY picked up their life one more time for a new school district.
- My parents followed their dreams and opened the greatest company ever (TOAD, their theater company)
- My sister didn't go to college, but is furthering TOAD and her personal life by working for my family's company
- My family never faulted. They have always said we will follow our dreams. In the hardships and the difficulties, they have managed to rise above and succeed in ways I'm not sure any of us saw happening.
5+ years is a long time. The achievements in this amount of time are amazing. Some may think that certain things are missing in this "ideal world," but I honestly can't think of a single thing I would change. All I know is this:
I don't judge what other people do; many choices that may be right for others are definitely not right for me.
FYI: today was the best day because I got to reconnect with a long lost friend, I got to see a number of students that I haven't seen in over a month, and I was reminded of why I love my job thanks to the excited looks I put on the faces of four different groups of students. I was also reminded that a GREAT FRIEND is moving to Chicago in September (and may crash in my spare bedroom for a few days/weeks/months!) Why was today the best day for you?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, Monday it was all I hoped it would be.
I am not going to lie. This was a rough Monday. I've been telling myself that today would be rough. It's not the first day back, but its the first day back after only two days off (if that makes any sense...) Getting up this morning was not a problem. But it still was a rough Monday.
So, I may not have mentioned, but Brandon and I splurged after Christmas! We are in training. My first goal: The Kalamazoo 5k. My second goal (and the big one): Chicago Rock N Roll HALF MARATHON! We bought a treadmill, and I have already put almost 10 miles on it. I bring this up because it was part of my "rough Monday." However, in looking to the better side, I know that I just pushed myself a little too fast today. I'm working on it - who wants to join us in Kzoo and Chicago in May and August? Let us know!
Back in April - June, I was looking for some inspiration. It was a rough time, both personally and professionally, and I found something that really helped.
Back in April - June, I was looking for some inspiration. It was a rough time, both personally and professionally, and I found something that really helped.
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
And that's just what I plan on doing, even on this rough Monday. Why is today the best day in this year, so far?
- My Seahawks shirt was shipped today (just a reminder: Seahawks v. Bears IN CHICAGO on Sunday)
- The CTA Train Tracker is up and has revolutionized my mornings (and evenings!)
- Students are back at IIT, making work a smiling, bustling place once again.
- I was able to top my Monday off with a huge mug of salted hot chocolate:
Start with your favorite mug (I chose a holiday gift from Ryan and Christina)
Add your desired amount of cocoa powder and a touch of sea salt (more to taste, of course!)
Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a touch more sea salt.
Enjoy this fabulous week, and remember to ask yourself why THIS DAY is the best day of the year (thus far.)
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Friday, April 22, 2011
My job is REALLY cool. To be honest, there are some days that I have to remind myself of that, but then I head down to the Bog (our on-campus bar with a bowling alley) for a program, or we have a huge turnout for an event, and I get that physical reminder.
Today's events was one of those days. While there could have been some improvements to the process, Taste of IIT was spectacular. I ate lunch (for $5!) and got to taste the culture of IIT. We had the following "tastes": Chinese, Bulgarian, Indian, Latino, and Malyasian. While I wasn't able to make it to all of the tables (I'll have to space myself out for I-Fest next semester), what I was able to try was delicious.
I have decided that I have to get better about taking pictures at events (because I don't have any from Taste). That is one of my (many) goals for next year. How was your Friday? Did you have any excellent "tastes"?
Today's events was one of those days. While there could have been some improvements to the process, Taste of IIT was spectacular. I ate lunch (for $5!) and got to taste the culture of IIT. We had the following "tastes": Chinese, Bulgarian, Indian, Latino, and Malyasian. While I wasn't able to make it to all of the tables (I'll have to space myself out for I-Fest next semester), what I was able to try was delicious.
I have decided that I have to get better about taking pictures at events (because I don't have any from Taste). That is one of my (many) goals for next year. How was your Friday? Did you have any excellent "tastes"?
Updates
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011
So, after spending a good two months without updating this, I updated it AGAIN. I gave it a face-lift, changed the name, and decided I'm going to keep updating this. Starting with an update of my last few months...
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
February:
Every month is pretty busy for me, and February was no exception. Here are some highlights:
- One of the organization's I work with hosted another campus for a "finance conference."
- Our student government association began the process of electing a new board (more to come...)
- I became a certified TIPS trainer.
March:
March brought quite a few challenges for us.
- I survived a WHOLE WEEK without my boss (who got to swim with the dolphins and touch the sting ray's in the Bahamas...)
- I had my final finance hearing of the semester with the finance group that I work with.
- We attended Brandon's uncles wedding in Canada.
- I learned to ski (AND didn't fall down.)
- I was given a glow in the dark tee-shirt and survived our Late Nite program
- Saw the election of a new Executive Board for our student government, including the first female Student Body President.
April:
April is busiest month for us. I'm hoping to make it go a little smoother next year, but overall it was excellent.
- I got a Tungle.me account.
- We survived the selling of 400 formal tickets.
- I got to get all dressed up and go out on the town with my co-workers (and 400 of our students).
- I had more banquet invitations than I could accept.
- I was awarded the NSBE Essence Inspiration Award for my guidance of our National Society of Black Engineer's Chapter.
- I will get to end this month with Brandon's brother's wedding [Congratulations Ryan and Christina.]
As I said, it's been a busy (but rewarding) last few months. I feel comfortable in my job, I'm loving the work (and personal) relationships I've developed with my co-workers, and I honestly could not ask for a better place to be starting my career in higher education than where I am right now. That being said, we have our challenges like everyone, but I'm loving the supportive environment I'm in. I hope you are enjoying where you are, as well.
"Unique" Ingredients...Oat Chicken with Sunshine Salsa
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Saturday, February 19, 2011
Brandon LOVED this meal.
Spicy Oat Crusted Chicken with Sunshine Salsa
Unique ingredient: Quaker quick oats (I know it's not really unique, but I wasn't quite sure what else to do with it.)
Ingredients for the salsa: 3/4 c. prepared salsa, 3/4 cup chopped orange sections
Mix salsa and orange. Refrigerate (at least 2 hours) until serving time.
Ingredients for the chicken: 2 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp butter (melted), 2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. ground cumin, salt, 1 1/2 cups Quaker quick oats (uncooked), 1 egg, water, chicken
Heat oven to 375.
In one dish, beat egg and water until frothy.
In second dish, stir together oil, butter, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt. Add oats, stirring until evenly moistened.
*I would not recommend using less oats because you aren't making a lot of chicken. You can reuse the mix (freeze it) or toss it if there is some that remains, but the oats absorb the spice and its still rather spicy.*
Dip chicken in egg, then in oat mixture. Bake 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and oat coating is golden brown.
Serve with Sunshine Salsa. *And maybe rice? It looks a little empty...*
Spicy Oat Crusted Chicken with Sunshine Salsa
Unique ingredient: Quaker quick oats (I know it's not really unique, but I wasn't quite sure what else to do with it.)
Ingredients for the salsa: 3/4 c. prepared salsa, 3/4 cup chopped orange sections
Mix salsa and orange. Refrigerate (at least 2 hours) until serving time.
Ingredients for the chicken: 2 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp butter (melted), 2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. ground cumin, salt, 1 1/2 cups Quaker quick oats (uncooked), 1 egg, water, chicken
Heat oven to 375.
In one dish, beat egg and water until frothy.
In second dish, stir together oil, butter, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt. Add oats, stirring until evenly moistened.
*I would not recommend using less oats because you aren't making a lot of chicken. You can reuse the mix (freeze it) or toss it if there is some that remains, but the oats absorb the spice and its still rather spicy.*
Dip chicken in egg, then in oat mixture. Bake 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and oat coating is golden brown.
Serve with Sunshine Salsa. *And maybe rice? It looks a little empty...*
"Unique" Ingredients...Potato Chicken Avocado
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I started to make my grocery list earlier this week and realized that I am SO bored of the regular meals that we eat. I started to go through the cabinets and found all of these ingredients that I had obviously bought to make one thing or another, but had never got around to making. I'll post some of the successful recipes here over the next few weeks (and probably complain about some of the not so successful recipes.)
We started with Cheesy Chicken (success, but so simple so I won't bother sharing.) The most unique recipe so far was SUCH a success (I'm thinking of making it again next week.)
Potato Chicken Avocado's
Unique ingredient: dry Potato Buds
Other ingredients: 1/3 c. water, 1 can cream of mshroom soup, 1/4 c. shredded cheddar, 2 tbsp. pimiento-stuffed olives, 2 tbsp. parsley, 4 tbsp. minced onion, garlic powder, shredded chicken, 4 ripe avocados (halved), and paprika.
Cook and shred the chicken. Then, heat water and soup to boiling on stove. Once boiled, turn down to medium-heat and stir in all ingredients (except avocados and paprika.)
Place avocado halves (cut side up) in glass baking dish. Divide potato mixture among avocado halves and sprinkle with paprika. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the bottom of the pan.
Set oven to broil. Broil 4-5 minutes until light brown and melty!
Enjoy!
We started with Cheesy Chicken (success, but so simple so I won't bother sharing.) The most unique recipe so far was SUCH a success (I'm thinking of making it again next week.)
Potato Chicken Avocado's
Unique ingredient: dry Potato Buds
Other ingredients: 1/3 c. water, 1 can cream of mshroom soup, 1/4 c. shredded cheddar, 2 tbsp. pimiento-stuffed olives, 2 tbsp. parsley, 4 tbsp. minced onion, garlic powder, shredded chicken, 4 ripe avocados (halved), and paprika.
Cook and shred the chicken. Then, heat water and soup to boiling on stove. Once boiled, turn down to medium-heat and stir in all ingredients (except avocados and paprika.)
Place avocado halves (cut side up) in glass baking dish. Divide potato mixture among avocado halves and sprinkle with paprika. Pour enough water into the pan to cover the bottom of the pan.
Set oven to broil. Broil 4-5 minutes until light brown and melty!
Enjoy!
Dinner - Chicken Caesar Burgers!
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
About every two weeks, I make a list of the 12 - 14 meals we will eat over the next few weeks. The hassle then comes to making a decision (on a nightly basis) of what to make to dinner. I knew we had buns, and I hate it when bread goes bad, so I decided to go with my modified Chicken Caesar Burgers - SUCH a success!
Ingredients:
1 package ground chicken breast
garlic (I use Garlic Lover's Delight)
grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (I use Miracle Blend Seasoning)
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Italian Seasoning or something similar
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
EVOO
4 rolls or buns
1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
dash of paprika
lettuce
tomatoes, sliced (I prefer mine thick)
Burgers:
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, garlic, as much parmesan as you would like, salt, pepper, Worcestershire, italian seasoning and lemon zest. Stir and form oval patties. (Mine generally makes 6 patties, but it is up to you as to how many patties you want/need.)
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with EVOO. Add patties and cook for about 5 minutes per side.
3. Preheat the oven to 350. Toast the buns/rolls on a cookie sheet. When they are light golden, remove; sprinkle with EVOO and top with parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese has set into bun.
4. In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp. Dijon, 1/2 of lemon juice, EVOO, salt/pepper and lettuce. Toss; set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Dijon, remaining lemon juice, EVOO, and paprika. Set aside. (This is the sauce for the burgers.)
6. Set out all ingredients and build your burger: Bun, sauce, tomato, burger, lettuce, sauce, bun!
You can serve with pasta salad, potato chips..or you can serve it with Guacamole, like I did. To confess, this recipe originated with a Rachel Ray recipe, however, I have adapted to ingredients that I readily have on hand, and included my own burger sauce (since we LOVE sauce for our burgers.) Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Ingredients:
1 package ground chicken breast
garlic (I use Garlic Lover's Delight)
grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper (I use Miracle Blend Seasoning)
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Italian Seasoning or something similar
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
EVOO
4 rolls or buns
1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
dash of paprika
lettuce
tomatoes, sliced (I prefer mine thick)
Burgers:
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with EVOO. Add patties and cook for about 5 minutes per side.
3. Preheat the oven to 350. Toast the buns/rolls on a cookie sheet. When they are light golden, remove; sprinkle with EVOO and top with parmesan cheese. Cook until cheese has set into bun.
4. In a large bowl, combine 1 tsp. Dijon, 1/2 of lemon juice, EVOO, salt/pepper and lettuce. Toss; set aside.
5. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Dijon, remaining lemon juice, EVOO, and paprika. Set aside. (This is the sauce for the burgers.)
6. Set out all ingredients and build your burger: Bun, sauce, tomato, burger, lettuce, sauce, bun!
You can serve with pasta salad, potato chips..or you can serve it with Guacamole, like I did. To confess, this recipe originated with a Rachel Ray recipe, however, I have adapted to ingredients that I readily have on hand, and included my own burger sauce (since we LOVE sauce for our burgers.) Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Dearest Facebook...
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Obviously, Facebook has taken off. I remember when a good friend of mine was in a poke war with a friend on Facebook when we were in high school. "You should totally get Facebook." "They don't have my school yet." (That was a lie, just to be honest. I wasn't sure what school I would be going to and I didn't want to have to explain that, nor did I want to have to make a new profile at www.thefacebook.com, because that's what it was called back then.)
I called my holiday break "the break of the exes." I had more add's of people I used to talk to or used to date over break than I've had in the past six years (since I left Washington.) I had a really good conversation with one of those individuals tonight. The hang-up was rather quick and abrupt, but it left me thinking. It had been quite a while (over 5 years) since I had thought about, or spoken to, that individual. "Where are you now?" That's such a loaded question. But...here's my 5+ year update, in bullet point form.
I called my holiday break "the break of the exes." I had more add's of people I used to talk to or used to date over break than I've had in the past six years (since I left Washington.) I had a really good conversation with one of those individuals tonight. The hang-up was rather quick and abrupt, but it left me thinking. It had been quite a while (over 5 years) since I had thought about, or spoken to, that individual. "Where are you now?" That's such a loaded question. But...here's my 5+ year update, in bullet point form.
- Graduate high school.
- Got out - I always said I'd move. No one believed me, at least not until I moved to Michigan.
- In Michigan, I met some of my best friends: Stephanie and Steve, then the transition to Stephanie (a different one), Ryan (one of many), Craig, another Ryan, Theresa, Brittany (for a period of time, anyway) and many other close close friends from the mitten.
- I met Brandon. The best thing about picking up my life and moving to MI is, and will always be, him.
- I had quite the development. I started young and graduated old, it felt.
- I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations (in three years.)
- I launched straight into my Master of Arts.
- I spent an amazing two years working with a unique group of technical and career minded students in the College of Aviation at WMU. (and spent nine months working as a full time professional)
- I graduated with my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership
- I was unemployed for less than three weeks before a job offer came in.
- I spent most of my unemployment period with Brandon and his family - and end to an "era of education", so to speak.
- I got to move to Chicago, IL to be a grown up. Even better, my best friend Brandon and our family (dog Ellie, cat Parker) got to come with us.
- I started my second professional job
- My dad quit his teaching job for "the job" in NEVADA (a state we had NOT lived in previously.)
- My mom quit her job of forever (8 years?) to support my Dad (and I found out later, how own) dreams.
- My brother picked up life to start over as a middle-schooler in a new state.
- My sister picked up life to start over as a high-schooler in a new state.
- ALL OF MY FAMILY picked up their life one more time for a new school district.
- My parents followed their dreams and opened the greatest company ever (TOAD, their theater company)
- My sister didn't go to college, but is furthering TOAD and her personal life by working for my family's company
- My family never faulted. They have always said we will follow our dreams. In the hardships and the difficulties, they have managed to rise above and succeed in ways I'm not sure any of us saw happening.
5+ years is a long time. The achievements in this amount of time are amazing. Some may think that certain things are missing in this "ideal world," but I honestly can't think of a single thing I would change. All I know is this:
I don't judge what other people do; many choices that may be right for others are definitely not right for me.
FYI: today was the best day because I got to reconnect with a long lost friend, I got to see a number of students that I haven't seen in over a month, and I was reminded of why I love my job thanks to the excited looks I put on the faces of four different groups of students. I was also reminded that a GREAT FRIEND is moving to Chicago in September (and may crash in my spare bedroom for a few days/weeks/months!) Why was today the best day for you?
Monday, Monday it was all I hoped it would be.
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Monday, January 10, 2011
I am not going to lie. This was a rough Monday. I've been telling myself that today would be rough. It's not the first day back, but its the first day back after only two days off (if that makes any sense...) Getting up this morning was not a problem. But it still was a rough Monday.
So, I may not have mentioned, but Brandon and I splurged after Christmas! We are in training. My first goal: The Kalamazoo 5k. My second goal (and the big one): Chicago Rock N Roll HALF MARATHON! We bought a treadmill, and I have already put almost 10 miles on it. I bring this up because it was part of my "rough Monday." However, in looking to the better side, I know that I just pushed myself a little too fast today. I'm working on it - who wants to join us in Kzoo and Chicago in May and August? Let us know!
Back in April - June, I was looking for some inspiration. It was a rough time, both personally and professionally, and I found something that really helped.
Back in April - June, I was looking for some inspiration. It was a rough time, both personally and professionally, and I found something that really helped.
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
And that's just what I plan on doing, even on this rough Monday. Why is today the best day in this year, so far?
- My Seahawks shirt was shipped today (just a reminder: Seahawks v. Bears IN CHICAGO on Sunday)
- The CTA Train Tracker is up and has revolutionized my mornings (and evenings!)
- Students are back at IIT, making work a smiling, bustling place once again.
- I was able to top my Monday off with a huge mug of salted hot chocolate:
Start with your favorite mug (I chose a holiday gift from Ryan and Christina)
Add your desired amount of cocoa powder and a touch of sea salt (more to taste, of course!)
Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a touch more sea salt.
Enjoy this fabulous week, and remember to ask yourself why THIS DAY is the best day of the year (thus far.)
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