#65. Give Josh Rowe my BBQ Sauce Recipe

I finally made the leap and mailed off my BBQ recipe to Josh. If he shares it with anyone else, it's off with his head! JK, however I do feel like I might cry...

Here's proof I did it though.

On a happier note, I found some VERY CUTE printable recipe cards here.

Things I learned growing up with Glenda.

Wednesday is a day for reflection.

As I talked to Carl while driving to work this morning, I realized how blessed I was to have such a caring person to help raise me. There are a lot of things that life throws your way but I realize having a nurturing mentor to teach you, with such a wholesome childhood, helps a person choose the right. With that in mind, I write about a few (only a very few) of the good things I learned from G.S.S.

* People are more important than tangible things
* How to make paper boxes, Origami
* Homemade baked cookies go hand in hand perfectly with Christmas Caroling
* The best sled rides are found at Southwestern Hill
* Confetti Eggs for Easter are easiest broken while hanging off an irrigation system
* Wake up extra early and hit the drive through of fast food restaurants to pick up change on the ground before going to garage sales on Saturday mornings on bicycles
* You don't have to live on a farm to grow fruit or vegetables
* Take Your Daughter to Work Day It's real!
* How to play the piano
* Classical music appreciation
* I can do anything I want to do, including being the first female president...of StuCo
* Reading is an escape
* A bag of popcorn can be a satisfying dinner
* She didn't need a special recycling bag to take to the grocery store, she always took a book bag to the grocery store
* Thank you cards are proper etiquette
* Tetherball is a great sport
* R.S.V.P. is short for Respond S'il Vous Plait and S'il Vous Plait translates to Please in French
* Trucks are for girls
* The art of baking
* Be self sufficient
* Do anything you can to help others
* Be involved in your community
* VOLUNTEER
* Summer hasn't begun until you roast hot dogs in an open fire
* Too much tv is bad for you
* Always keep greeting cards and gifts on hand at home, you never know when you might need it

This was only a small list to what I learned in 16 years with my "second mother". Hope everyone is as blessed to be touched by such an angel!

#16, #52 and #97...Whew, busy Sunday!

#16. Have dinner with friends once a week until I leave.

Seth, Caleb and Deanne invited me to dinner last night at their house and it was a blast! We had 2 racks of ribs. One rack with Stubbs barbeque sauce and one rack with Rosie's (That's me and the recipe that is #65 on my list to give away)Homemade Barbeque sauce. Baked Potatoes, Roasted Corn, Baked beans and chocolate Pecan cookies with Ice Cream. Yum-o!



#52. As we try to wrap up the wedding decorations, Patty and I went to Big Lots yesterday in search of vases. (That walk is a lot further from my car than it portrays here online!)

#97. Last but not least, after several thoughts that I would purchase re-usable grocery bags...I DID IT! They are only a buck each! And...they are pretty.


P.S. Good luck to everyone who has the 101 for 1001 on their blog! Ciao Bella!

My husband (a.k.a. diggin for deals expert)

Carl was looking around on Craigslist when he saw that there was a dryer for sale for $75.00. He called the guy up and said "Have you sold the dryer yet?". The gentleman said, "I pushed the post ad button 20 seconds ago. Let me leave work and we can meet up at my house." When Carl got there, the seller told him that he had bought a new dryer and he just wanted to get rid of it, so he gave Carl the Kenmore 80 series dryer for $50 bucks!!! What a stinkin' find! But it gets better, he then decided that there were other things that he could give away, if Carl wanted them. So for 50 dollars we got a NordicTrack training system, 2 sets of garage Halogen lights and an almost new dryer! Later on in the evening Carl saw an ad for a Kenmore washer and for $190.00 we have a beautiful washer and dryer set. That hubby of mine, he's only frivalous when he spoils me...and I'm ok with that! LOL.

Things I realized today...

♥ If I leave the house at 7:20 a.m. I hit every green light down Unser Blvd. Northern Blvd is a totally different story though.

♥ I'm lucky to know and have the Gospel in my life. Some people never get the opportunity to hear it.

♥ 2009 Hyundai Accents are stinkin adorable .

♥ Dr. Casaus' dedication to this practice is like her need for air.

♥ I am head over heels in love with my husband. Even when I'm being bossy I just can't help it.

♥ All insurance companies are a pain to deal with.

♥ Verizon Wireless is AMAZING!

♥ I haven't had a bowl of cereal in 24 years.

♥ I am moving to a state where there are hurricane warnings!

♥ Green is my favorite color this year.

♥ I want to test for a real estate license.

♥ Wednesdays should always be my day of reflection.

# 35 Revise and Post Contact Lens Sheet

One Excel Spreadsheet and 30 revisions, ongoing for 6 months, has been finalized this afternoon! Contact Lens technology continues to grow and with the research, new lenses are introduced throughout the year. Our price list is grouped by Type of correction, Wear schedule and price. I added 6 new lenses to the list today along with updating the new service prices for the practice. Woo Hoo!!!

What is 101 in 1001?

Karen Hathaway is on an adventure since her sister started the 101 in 1001 fever. She recently started a venture, creating a list of 101 things that she wants to do in 1001 days and documenting them on a blog. I've decided to join her. We'll see how this goes...

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past — frequently simple goals such as new year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

*******************************************************************
Start Date: July 21, 2008
End Date: April 18, 2011

Family
01. Visit Ohio and see Carl's family once a year.
02. Visit Kansas and see my family once a year.
03. Go on a cruise with Carl.
04. Visit my mom in Laos.
05. Go on a "sisters" mini-vacation with Ranee and Kim.
06. Reconnect with cousins in France.
07. Write a letter to Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt.
08. Have as much family over for a holiday dinner in Texas as I can.
09. Introduce my mom to my mother-in-law before she moves to Laos.
10. Take my step sister out for an entire day to do whatever she wants alone.
11. Go camping with Carl.
12. Go fishing with Alex and Carl at Galveston Bay.
13. Float down the Arkansas River from Wichita to Winfield (KS) with my dad and Carl.
14. Float down the Rio Grande River (NM) with Sue (My mommy-in-law).

Friends
15. Plan a surprise birthday party for a friend.
16. Have dinner with a friend at least once a week until I leave Albuquerque.
17. Invite friends for dinner at least once a month.
18. Start the Amish Friendship Bread starter kit.
19. Bake and deliver Christmas goodies to neighbors.
20. Send a card to an out of town friend once a week.
21. Send a thank you letter to mentors throughout my life every other month.
22. Send a care package to a friend in the military/college.

Spiritual/Service
23. Read the Bible/Book of Mormon all the way through.
24. Get Temple recommends.
25. Be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.
26. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
27. Take discussions with missionaries in Spring Ward.
28. Have missionaries over for dinner once a month for 6 months consecutively.
29. Donate blood.
30. Volunteer for an eye clinic in Texas.
31. Help other members from church by setting up babysitting at my house for date night/moving a family into the ward/moving a family out of a ward.
32. Donate to Goodwill twice a year.
33. Host an enrichment activity for Relief Society.

Work
34. Complete Office Manager Calendar for my successor at work.
35. Revise and Post contact lens price sheet.
36. Relieve Ins. A/R by 10,000.00 before end of August.
37. Train JW on VF and Photos by end of 7/21/08 work week.
38. Hire another Opt Tech by end of Aug.

New Skills
39. Design and put a "California Closet" in our master Bedroom.
40. Mow a "Diamond cut" on our front lawn.
41. Play a song on Alex's guitar (If he'll teach me or buy a guitar and learn)
42. Write in Laos.

Financial
43. Pay off truck.
44. Pay off car.
45. Buy stock.
46. Keep checkbook updated for a month.
47. Set up online billing.
48. Open up a bank account at a local Credit Union in Houston.
49. Open a retirement fund (other than 401k).
50. Make at least 1 extra mortgage payment.

Health
51. Walk 2 loops (1 mile) with Sue twice a week until I move.
52. Park in a parking spot "far away" and walk to stores I go to.
53. Take a spin class at L.A. Fitness.
54. Go get my physical before I leave Albuquerque.
55. Weight lift with Carl once a week.
56. Use mouth wash after lunch at work everyday for a month.
57. Go to the dentist.
58. Take multi-vitamin everyday for 90 days.

Cooking
59. Make my own sweet chili sauce.
60. Send a recipe card to 5 friends.
61. Make a homemade chicken pot pie (crust and everything)!
62. Make and decorate sugar cookies with Carl and take them to new neighbors.
63. Make Ashlie a Cookbook.
64. Make one new entree once a month for 6 months.
65. Give Josh Rowe my BBQ Sauce recipe. (This has been a promise for 2 years running!)
66. Make homemade dinner rolls from scratch.
67. Make "dinner" kits for the boys to take to work.
68. Bake/decorate someone's wedding/birthday/special occasion cake.

Miscellaneous
69. Create a one of a kind Couples Halloween Costume for Trunk or Treat.
70. Finish reading the Work & the Glory series.
71. Scrapbook our wedding.
72. Take a lazy day and read an entire novel under the shade of a tree.
73. Go to the Annual Texas Crawfish and Music Festival Old Town Spring
74. Go to a pro baseball game in Houston.
75. Go to a pro football game in Dallas.
76. Create a LDS 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit
77. Visit South Padre Island.
78. Ice Skate at the rink in the middle of Galleria Mall.
79. Start a fire in our fireplace and roast marshmallows.
80. Rollerblade around our block.
81. Update my address book. (You can help starting now :)
82. Create a photobook for my dad with all our old photographs.
83. Create a photobook for my mom with all our old photographs.
84. Build a deck in our backyard.
85. Get a massage.
86. Learn to Golf.
87. Get my undergrad.
88. Find a custard place that's better than Colonel Mustard's Custard (If Possible)
89. Complete a triathalon with Tonya.
90. Help a friend quit smoking.
91. Find Thai Hot peppers and plant them in our garden.
92. Make 1 handmade gift for Christmas.
93. Get a real estate license.
94. Spend an entire day in Old Town Spring.
95. Learn how to make more of my mom's authentic recipes.
96. Find a new craft.
97. Buy and use re-useable grocery bags.
98. Write a poem.
99. Leave May baskets at door steps.
100. Start a new family tradition during a holiday.
101. Try to keep one present to Carl for any reason a secret. If you know me and our history...this hasn't happened yet. I always blow it.

Wish me luck and join in if you'd like!

To pursue a career in:

I was talking to the girls at work and they never let me live it down that I have done a lot in regards to my resume, considering my age.

I have always wanted to be a Renaissance Woman. (The archetype of a Renaissance Man was Leonardo Da Vinci, who actually lived during the Renaissance, of course. What made him, or anybody else, past or present, a Renaissance Man was his insatiable curiosity about virtually everything and, just as important, developing a certain skill in a number of different areas.)

With that, I wanted to write down everything because, quite honestly, I really have done a lot of things...

1990-2005: Volunteer for Habitat for humanity.
1996-1998: Secretary's Assistant for Andreas, Andreas & Muret L.L.P.
1996-1996: Youth Leader Chair for Youthapalooza
1990-2002: Waitress, Head Waitress, Shift Supervisor Pizza Hut
2001-2001: Cutlery Specialist for Cutco Cutlery
2001-2001: Bid Typist Central Plains Book Manufacturing
2001-2002: Assistant Manager, Store Manager, General Manager Pizza Hut
2001-2002: Fashion Consultant, the Buckle
2002-2002: 3 year old, Kinders Teacher Eubank Day School
2002-2002: Executive Administrator B & B Technologies
2002-2003: Administrative Assistant Larry H Miller Cars
2003-2004: Used Car Specialist Larry H Miller Cars
2004-2006: Catering Sales Manager Marriott Pyramid Hotel
2006-2006: Pharmaceutical/DME/Oxygen Sales Representative Major Medical
2006-2007: Customer Service, Retention Account Manager Sprint together with Nextel
2007-Present: Optometric Assistant, Practice manager Advanced Optometric Concepts P.C.

Whew! I think that's it. And every time I had to fill out an application or resume you'll never guess the reason for leaving... To pursue a career in _____. I think the long road may have come to an end and I will settle with my obsession with eye balls. Doctorate here I come! Unless real estate gets into the way...Ha! I'll let you know.

4 workers killed at Houston Oil Refinery

My husband is safe, but let us pray for the families of those lost and injured.

HOUSTON July 18, 2008, 06:21 pm ET · The largest mobile crane in the nation collapsed at a Houston oil refinery Friday, killing four workers and injuring six others in the latest of several fatal accidents that have raised concerns about the safety of construction cranes.

The crane, capable of lifting 800,000 pounds, fell over at a LyondellBasell refinery in southeast Houston about 2 p.m., said Jim Roecker, the company's vice president for refining.

The massive, deep red crane lay on top of a smaller, bright yellow crane on the grounds of the refinery. Ambulances and fire trucks were lined up outside.

The casualties were in the area of the crane, but officials still aren't certain whether they were on the crane or under it, Roecker said.

Three of the injured were treated and released at the scene, said Houston Fire Department Assistant Chief Omero Longoria. Two severely injured workers were taken by helicopter to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center hospital and the other injured worker was taken to a hospital by ambulance.

The crane, whose exact dimensions were not immediately available, belonged to Deep South Crane & Rigging. Roecker described it as the nation's largest mobile crane.

The crane had not been scheduled to do any work Friday, but Roecker said its engine was idling after it hit the ground.

"This is a traumatic experience for all of us. We have to focus on the safety and health of our employees," Roecker said.

Deep South spokeswoman Margaret Landry issued a statement from the company's headquarters in Baton Rouge, La., saying it was investigating "to determine the root cause, correct it and ensure that this type of tragedy does not occur again."

Mattie Graham stood with her husband, Deep South worker Horace Graham, at the plant near the scene of the accident.

"I'm thinking about their families. He could have been there today," she said, gesturing to her husband.

The refinery has about 3,000 LyondellBasell workers and 1,500 contract workers, Roecker said. He said all personnel at the plant were accounted for, and the plant was operating as usual.

The crane was delivered in pieces and assembled on site about a month ago. It was brought in to remove large drums from inside a coking unit whose roof had been cut off to allow the crane access, Roecker said.

The Houston refinery is one of the world's largest for processing high-sulfur crude oil. The facility itself covers about 700 acres along the Houston Ship Channel at the city limits of Houston and Pasadena.

East Texas Crane Academy president Joe Bob Williams, whose company has certified crane operators for Lyondell, said it's unusual for such cranes to fail because of the number of people involved in their maintenance.

"It's really odd for these cranes to have any issues because there are so many eyes looking in," Williams said.

Crane safety has been getting extra scrutiny in recent months because of an alarming number of crane-related deaths in places such as New York, Miami and Las Vegas.

Do tastebuds change?

I finally went to the grocery store! I was buying all kinds of goodies when I ran into a good friend of mine.
*Cue music...Duhn-ta-da-dahhhhh*
THE PATIO MEDIUM SPICY BEEF AND BEAN BURRITO!
Now, I don't know how people in other regions of the U.S. of A. feel about these but to me they are little morsels of late night, QuickTrip gas station, artery clogging, high school memories! Seeing this little package takes me back to 2-liters of Mountain Dew that I would drink from a straw, juggling a burning hot Patio Burrito in hand, chasing boys in cars on Main Street in Winfield, Ks.

One of my favorite places to be was at Scott Kent's house because dad and Uncle Joe bought these by the cases and had them readily stashed in the freezer in the garage.

Ahhhh...memories.

Too bad they sort of taste gross to me now, 10 years later...at least it took me back to the good ol' days. If you ever had an adventure that the Patio Burrito starred in, I suggest you go buy one at your local Dillon's, Smith's, Kroger or Super Wal-Mart. I wouldn't recommend you eat it, but it's a cheap $0.37 time capsule.

Have a great day and thanks for tuning in!

My nieces

I am often an honorary auntie... and I love it! Gotta show 'em off! I sure do love you little girls!

Here is little Miss Vay:




and Miss Kayla:

How to cook when you have "nothing"

Not often do I find myself with "nothing" to do. I am usually on the go-go-go. One of my downfalls....with that being said, I took this weekend to do NOTHING and have today off, in which I plan to do nothing. I am afraid this makes me sound lazy but OH WELL. I have been eating frozen chicken nuggets because that's almost the only thing in the fridge/freezer. I keep wanting to go to the grocery store but then I remember what I have to do these next two days and that it nothing! Which puts my taste buds in a semi bad mood because I like chicken nuggets but not THAT much. So I wanted to share a throw together recipe that turned out quite nice! It's nothing special, I'm sure everyone has made a rendition of this home-style feel good food before, but I was happy with the way it turned out and only wish my sister-in-law Kim could be here to take a picture of it, because she can make ANYTHING aesthetically alluring.

Cheesy-Tuna-Ghetti



Ingrediants:
Spaghetti Noodles
1/2 cup milk
2 TBSP Butter or margarine
5 slices of pasteurized cheese product (Kraft or off brand orange-yellow cheese)
1 can drained tuna
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Cook noodles according to package (al dente). Add butter, cheese, and milk. stir until creamy. Flake tuna into noodles and add salt and pepper to taste.

Survey

Are you anything like you were at this point last year? Yes. Carl had JUST left to go back on the road and I was up playing on the internet because I have a hard time sleeping when he's away. It gets a little better with time, but it's always hard the first few weeks.

Who was your last phone call? Carl

What are you most looking forward to? Moving the rest of my stuff home to Spring, TX where the house we just bought is with my hubby inside of it!

Have you ever been awake for 48 hours? Yes

What are your initials? RLB

Are you jealous of anyone right now? Alex cause he's in Texas.

When was the last time you cried really hard? Sometime in June, it was a rough month.

Your parents tell you they're going to split up, how would you react? They called a family meeting and they told us they weren't going to stay together. It was really hard and I acted out in rebellion and rage.

Last person you told a secret to? Secrets don't make friends. I think Alexis and I were telling secrets but only because Carl and Seth started it. Other than that....it's been a while. I don't really remember a real secret I told.

What's irritating you right now? The fact that I can't sleep.

What did you do today? Conducted a meeting, helped Patty with Wedding stuff, talked to Carl on the phone, put together more wedding plans, came home, ate chicken nuggets, watched the Princess Diaries part 2, talked to Carl on the phone, filling out this survey.

Do you ever regret not going for someone you liked? No, things happen the way they're supposed to. Now I'm married to the one I belong with.

Is there anyone you hate? Seriously, I joke about it but it's not honestly true. There isn't anyone I truly hate.

Last person who told you things were going to be okay? Carl

Did you believe them? Yes

Be honest, do you like people in general? Yes but not the ones with intolerable personalities.

Last words you spoke? I love you, have a good rest of the night and call me in the morning. Love you bye.

What are you thinking about right now? Finishing this and going to bed

Can a girl and a boy be best friends with out having feelings for each other? Absolutely! Insecure people think otherwise, I have plenty of friends that are of the opposite gender

Give me a random lyric from the song you're listening to? No lyrics just guitar riffs

What do you do when a telemarketer calls: I literally sing, "Noooooo soliciting! Please remove me from your call list..." Then I hang up.

Name someone you know whose name begins with a P: Uncle Peter

How many kids do you want? 5-7, I stinkin' love kids

What makes you happy at this moment? Life

What color are your eyes: Brown

What side of the bed do you sleep on: The left

Would you rather go camping or to a five star hotel: I like both, depends what we're going for

Do you find it easier to forgive or forget: Forgiving is easy, I remember EVERYTHING

Would you ever stay with someone just because you didn't want to break their heart? No, don't prolong it. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

Have you ever taken anyone/anything for granted: I have, but I didn't mean too. It was a subconcious non-decision. I get reminded to be grateful.

Do you hate being alone? No, but I do get lonely. ME TIME is never a bad idea

Who was the last person you hugged? Patty

How late did you stay up last night? About this time

What was the first thing you thought this morning: "Why does my iPod alarm always play Jack Johnson when I put it on shuffle mode?

Is the person you have a crush on older or younger than you: He is 2 months younger than me, to the date!

What are you going to do this weekend? Church tomorrow, make some cards for my husband and lay around. I rarely lay around, tomorrow is going to be an exception.

Are you texting someone: No

Have you ever cried while taking a shower? Yes, sobbed, it was sad

What's a sure way to catch your attention: Introduce yourself

Have you ever, in any way, been betrayed by someone you trusted? Yes, but life goes on. You just gotta build a bridge and get over it sometimes

Patty's Wedding

Here are some creations for the favor bags Patty and I put together. I am sincerely thinking about maybe do something with wedding planning on the side when I get completely moved to Houston...



A Twinkle Sucker with two tiny flowers wrapped around the stem


Votive candle wth a mesh navy blue ribbon and a sticker that matches her hearts theme



A sea of wedding favors!

Radio

I heard on the Radio the Top 10 most agressive dog breeds list of 2008.

10.) German Shepards
9.) Border Collie
8.) English Cocker Spaniel
7.) Beagle
6.) Pit Bull
5.) Australian Cattle Dog
4.) Akita
3.) Chihuahua
2.) Jack Russell Terriers
1.) Doxen (Weiner Dog)

I personally really like Pit Bulls, but they are on #6 on the list. Rotweilers are not. Interesting huh? I had a friend growing up with Weiner Dogs. I don't remember them being that bad, Chihuahuas are on the upper of my most annoying list.

The End.

THE RAVE!!!

I have been talking about writing this blog and have some other before and after pictures I might add to this slide show in the future, however, here is my ODE TO MR. CLEAN and his MAGIC ERASER (Even the brand from the Dollar Tree - 2 for 1.00 or the Great Value Wal-Mart brand - 4 for 1.97, works just as well, but THANKS TO YOU MR. CLEAN for developing a product so worth copying!

When I made dinner Friday night, we had pork ribs with my homemade BBQ Sauce. If you have ever had my homemade BBQ Sauce or are a closet BBQ Sauce pro, you will know that it entails LOTS of brown sugar. Any type of sugar will turn into a syrup and in the event you try to bake it on a cookie sheet, you're in for either a struggle to get it off or you must prepare for a funeral for your beloved cookie sheet....BUT NOT THIS TIME!!!

Carl has used this on a daily basis at the house and we have exactly 13 left under the sink in a nifty bowl at his disposal.

Sue also uses this hefty little scrubber on all sorts of household items, such as: walls, trash can lids, license plate plastic covers, etc...

4th of July weekend

What a fabulous weekend!

I was in Texas with Carl and Alex was there too! He came out west for a little adventure and work...but we can't forget to have a little fun and play!

We watched the fireworks at Splashtown Park on Friday, went to Putt-Putt miniature golf at a brand new "range" 3 minutes from the house on Saturday and then Church, Brunch and nappy-time Sunday. We got on Craigslist to see what freebies were available online, a creme de la free garage saling creme, if you will, and the highlight of the weekend was.....*drum roll please*....duhn-tee-da-duhn.....We found a free golf club set for Alex!!! Topping it all off with a T-Bone steak dinner to boot!

Here are some pictures to hold you over till next time!

Love, Me