50 in 1,001

AHHHH! I just happened to look at my 101 in 1,001 list today, to see if I have really done any of it... only to find that I was supposed to have finished all of my 1,001 things by TOMORROW.

I have technically completed 50, but I am happy with what I did. Honestly, I would write a totally different list now, but it is fun to look back on what I thought were interesting life things to do.

I have never made curry, but that's mostly because John doesn't like it. I have had plently of lovely curry dinners with my family. I never walked my dog before work, because I am not a morning person. I was too optimistic about that.

I haven't written any poems, or finished knitting John a scarf, or got Xmas cards out each year... but, who cares? I didn't see a musical at the Music Hall, but I am seeing Aida at the new Kauffman Center tonight - and that's even more fun!

I didn't take more cooking classes with my Nani, but she did take me to an "Arthritis and You: The Herbal Answer" class within two weeks of my diagnosis this spring!

I haven't seen more countries. That's a real bummer.

I wasn't a bridesmaid since I made this list, but I sang in some weddings! I am not yet a mom, but that was a long shot anyway. I thought I might want to buy a new car, but I am happy to be driving the same one! I paid off that car and a number of debts, and I am okay with the ones that are left.

Overall, it was 1,001 days of a LOT of growing up and a lot of change. And, I am happy.

balance.

One thing I am really excited about is being done with the big EVENT and just being married. I have big plans for a better routine, a more organized life --> balance. While I have enjoyed planning my wedding, there has been this constant THING (I don't want to say burden) on my shoulders. It is not a burden, because my wedding is something I am excited about... but, its like I can't truly relax, because there is always something I could be doing for it. Now that we're down to the last month, I feel like I can finally look forward to --> life past the wedding.

In addition to the wedding, work was crazy this summer. I didn't do just my job, I did a couple more... and it brought me down, and it made me bitter. Some of that has been resolved, some of it still stands - but, I am learning to blame less and do what I can each day. And be okay with it.

I want to set some short term goals for myself for post-wedding Paige - fewer than my 101 in 1,001:

• New routine. Even though I have been running around busy for months, I also have been more lazy than ever - because every time I have a free minute, I want to sit and zone out from the mental workout of the day. I can't wait to be back to my normal, day-to-day life duties, and make room for getting up earlier, taking walks again, and getting to sleep at a normal time. Maybe I will wake up with the alarm instead of my usual scramble?
  


• Grocery shopping. Wow, I really messed up on this. Like I said above, the mental roller coaster would wear me out so bad each day that I wouldn't feel up for planning my grocery store visits. So, I would quickly pick up the essentials and food for a couple meals, and then we would be wondering what to eat three days later... I need to get back to my meal planning and accountability to the plan. We were happier and healthier when I took the time to do this. Plus! When I cook, John cleans up.
  


• Time for friends. In some ways I have really checked out. I can't wait to put them first for a while.
  


• Time for family. Ditto.
  


• Cleaning. (see Grocery shopping.) Yeah, it's clean... enough. But, it's really messy. And those gifts? They are awesome, but I haven't had the strength to clean up and move out the old stuff.

Wish me the best. Hopefully I will be reporting to you in October that my life has slowed down and I am meeting these goals.

from scratch

I don't bake. I don't like all the science of it. When you cook you can fix things as you go - with baking, you get one shot to get it right. I am not a fan. But, I put it on my list that I would bake something from scratch. This is really elementary and I am pretty much cheating... but, here is the Shortbread recipe my Aunt Mary shared with me:

Aunt Mary's Easy Peasy Shortbread

• 8x8 square pan
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 sticks of soft butter

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Mix butter, sugar and flour.
3. Pour into 8x8 square dish - smooth it down with rubber spatula.
4. Bake for 25 minutes (or longer - I added 5 minutes because of my oven). It should NOT be brown.
5. Let it sit and cut into squares. Have milk or water ready - it will make you thirsty.
I was craving something sweet last night and Halloween candy is getting old. This came out great and I felt very domestic.

update on my progress

I completed another task on my 101 in 1,001 list! Yesterday I voted in the primaries. I counted up my progress today for the first time in a while - I have completed 19 tasks and have 7 in progress! I love checking something off of a list.

One big thing I have been entirely avoiding is the walk/run program I started. I could make a list of all the excuses I have, but the truth is, I just haven't been doing it; however, John and I have been working on some other plans for a healthier life... better grocery store planning, better eating in general, taking walks together, and he has been working out with a friend. So, the 5K* may never happen, but the spirit of it is still inside me -- & making a change.

Last week was so busy! I helped my cousin Brittany move, went to a Royals game, babysat my other cousin's sweet baby girl, had lunch with our little sister (i.e. Big Brothers Big Sisters), helped my brother load a truck for his move, spent one-on-one time with two great friends.... the slower pace to this week is very welcome!

*On a side note, I would love to do the 5K someday because someone laughed at me when I said I was going to. Not only to prove it to them, but to me.

and... we're off!

Adios, Kansas! We begin our road trip today and I am excited to be crossing three things of my list - visiting John's family, taking a road trip, and taking a vacation :)

Counting My Blessings

Had a wonderful birthday.

Went flower shopping with Nani.

Had a fun, political discussion with Nana.

Great dinner at my parent's house.

Checked two more things off of my list.

Car accident today - thankful Ali and I are okay.

Looking forward to a fun weekend.

Feeling blessed.

Tuscan White Bean Salad

On Valentine's Day, I had my parents, sister, and friend Lacy over for dinner. I made a roast in the crock pot and did my best to copycat the Houlihans Tuscan White Bean Salad recipe. It was a hit!

Tuscan White Bean Salad

• 2 cans Cannelloni Beans - rinsed and drained
• 4 medium Tomatoes
• 1/4 Cup fresh Basil, chopped
• 3 cloves of Garlic
• 3/4 Cup White Wine Vinegar
• 1/4 Cup Sugar
• 3/4 Cup Light Mayo
• 3 TBSP Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Mixed Greens
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Goat Cheese!

1. Combine beans, tomatoes, basil and garlic.
2. Make dressing with vinegar, sugar, mayo, mustard, salt and pepper.
3. Place mixed greens in a bowl and drizzle with dressing. Cover with the tomato mixture. Drizzle Balsamic Vinegar over the top.
4. Crumble some Goat Cheese on top!

* This makes way more dressing than you probably need. So plan ahead to have salad the next couple nights with your homemade dressing!

This was my 4th new recipe since making my 101 in 1,001 list back in November. And, making dinner for my parents was #74! It was great to do something for them. Having a meal prepared by someone else is a treat, and it felt good treat all of them on a day when you are supposed to show love.

I have now marked 10 items off of my list... only 91 to go!

I also made cupcakes... but not from scratch... I will have to mark that one from my list soon. The Kitchen Aid mixer sits in my kitchen, calling to me. But, for some reason, I am totally intimidated to use it. Anyone else afraid of baking? I think I like "cooking" more because I feel like I can fix my mistakes... baking is science. And, I should know. John watches Alton Brown daily...

I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day too!

Another Recipe Down

Tonight I am making Steak Soup - one more recipe on my journey to try 20 new. Mmmmm... I realize now why Campbells is so popular. Making soup from scratch has a lot of prep and too much time to wait for the goodness! I am so impatient tonight. Also, it is one of those recipes where you have get started the moment you walk in the door so that you can eat at a normal time. I am one of those people who likes to get her pajama pants on and sit for a bit before dinner. Not tonight.

However, tonight I am just happy to be home. My drive home was one for the books. I had Christmas Eve flashbacks - One slide on ice, and I am done for. I was shaking the rest of the way home... even though I knew I was safe once I crossed into Kansas. Thank you KDOT! Screw you, Missouri.

Wishing you all yummy dinners.

Writing Cards to Nani

Some time ago I mentioned my Nani, my maternal grandmother. She is an amazing woman who has had an adventurous life. She spent most of her childhood years in Lucknow, India. Her parents were missionaires, as her own grandparents had also been. India is a part of my heritage that you would not guess looking at my freckles and auburn hair... but, on this side of my family, home cookin' is Chicken Curry and Rice, and an array of Chutneys. Her childhood included tales of elephants, Nepal, Tibet, and terrifying exits from the country during WWII. I could write an entire series on here about how different her life was from the ordinary. Her name is Pinky, for goodness sakes! In addition to India being a part of my heritage, she spent a great deal of my childhood teaching me about my Kansas heritage as well. In fact, our family still manages wheat farms in Kiowa, Kansas. She is an amazing woman... and an Alpha Chi Omega, at that!

For probably ten years now, she has been sending me homemade cards almost monthly. They are always folded cardstock with photos of family pasted in a collage on the front. The note inside contains proverbs, poems, Bible verses, and joyful, supportive thoughts about the stage of my life I am in. As a part of my 101 in 1,001 list, I am going to try to pay it forward. #78 on the list is writing 20 cards to my Nani. This is an easy one, because writing her is plain fun. You can brag to your grandmother... because being your personal cheerleader is a grandmother's job.

(My mother and Nani on my sister's wedding day)

Finally.

After writing my 101 in 1,001 list back in November, weight loss became one of my focuses. The last few times in my life I made attempts to lose weight, I did just that - lost weight, and then gained it in the euphoria of losing weight. This time, I wanted to start learning more about food, in general. Thanks to my fitness pal, I have been able to learn a lot more about the food I eat and I am starting to find a healthy balance. The site is great - I record the food I eat (and their database includes every brand imaginable), record my exercise, and I can plan goals for myself... for free.

Today I am happy to say I have reached my five pound mark. It is a great way to end the week.

White Christmas and a Snowy New Year

Never again will I ask for a white Christmas. The anticipation of blizzard conditions was pretty fun... but, the result created a tense atmosphere for the entire Christmas celebration. Each time a family member left my grandparent's house or was on their way over, we all felt anxious until we knew they were safe. I also was snowed in to their house for a couple days and was overwhelmed with the idea of being away from home and wondering when I could get back. And... if the "getting" back would be safe.

Luckily all of us survived the snow. But, the added stress really took something away from the magic of the holiday.

I have been getting some much needed exercise taking care of my drive way, over and over, as the snow continued throughout the week; however, the additional exercise has only helped balance out the crazy amount of food I have eaten in the last week - so, no weight loss. Before the holidays, I was four pounds down and anticipating my five pounds lost announcement... alas, the announcement will come later.

I also crossed a couple things off of my list! I finally printed my 2008 scrapbook off of Snapfish and am quickly completing the 2009 book while the memories are still fresh. Also, I threw a party at my house! Five down, 96 to go... oh my.

I wish all who read this a safe, healthy and happy new year. Let this be the year you don't just dream your dreams. Happy New Year!

Pepperocini Pot Roast

Tonight I am also having a quick, easy dinner my mother made last winter. SO YUMMY - I remembered it and today I am finally making it myself.

Vicky's Pepperocini Pot Roast

• Chuck Roast
• Baby Carrots
• Potatoes
• Jar of Pepperocinis

1. Drop Roast into Crock Pot - season to your liking (I am using Garlic Salt, Mrs. Dash and Pepper)
2. Cover with carrots, sliced potatoes, and the entire jar of Pepperocinis.
3. Cook on High - eat in 8 or so hours.

Basic. Simple. Comes out tasting like a lot of work went into it. I can also check another recipe off my List!

With these leftovers and Thanksgiving leftovers, I plan to eat like a queen this weekend. I wish all who read this the same. Happy Thanksgiving!

best.tomato.soup.ever.

Last night I attempted to copy Nordstrom Café’s Tomato Soup. This is probably my third or fourth attempt over the last couple winters. While working there in college, I fell in love. I probably ate the soup each day that I worked there! The original recipe I took from the Café yields about 125 servings, so it has taken some time for me to cut the recipe into my recipe that makes around 8 cups.

Paige's Tomato Soup - based on Nordstrom Café's Tomato Basil

• 1 small/medium yellow onion, sliced
• ¼ cup Basil, chopped (LOOOVE basil? Add more. I do.)
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
• 3 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Two 28 oz. cans of whole, peeled tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup Chicken Stock
• ½ cup (1/2 of a Half Pint) Heavy Cream

1. Saute onion, basil, carrot and olive oil for about 15 minutes, or until soft.
2. Add tomatoes and stock. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
3. Puree the mixture until smooth and return to pot. (Unless you double it, the entire mixture should fit in your blender)
4. Add cream. Salt & Pepper to taste.
5. I always sprinkle a little basil over the top.

I used more cream than this (half pint) last night, but I felt the cream overpowered some of the lovely flavors. I would start with a ½ cup, and add up to a half pint according to your taste preferences. Enjoy! Part of my List was a challenge to try 10 new recipes. I think I will change it to 20 and count this one!

This soup really speaks to my soul… and my belly. My best advice is to make grilled cheese sandwiches and invite friends over for this one. Now, I am on the hunt for something to make tonight with the left over chicken stock...

First one down

Another busy weekend, but a great one! I was able to cross #52 off of my List - I finally made it back to a K-State home game. I have become so used to watching the game on my couch, I forgot what it was like to be there for the real thing. It was a long day, but it was really fun. 100 to go!

A lot happening with my family right now... My dad learned very recently that his place of business will be closing. My mom has also been out of work since January. All you can do is count your blessings and do your best to improve your situation.

Skyler's death taught me one very important thing: today is your life - live it. Good day or bad day, hardships or blessings, I will search for joy and reason in each day.

101 in 1,001

A long time ago I heard about someone attempting to do 101 things in 1,001 days. I realized (thank you, Google) that this was a movement - a challenge people all over the world are taking on! As I read more blogs I find more people who are making these lists and I think it is about time I finshed my list and got started.

Starting: today (11/2/09), Finishing: August 8, 2012

Smarts1 Read fifteen Book Club books (15/15) - done June 2011
2 Try reading 100 Years of Solitude. Again. Turns out, I  just don't like it.
3 Read a book by Ayn Rand

Chef Paige!4 Bake something from scratch - done 11/3/2010
5 Learn to grill - summer 2010
6 Try 20 new recipes (20/20)
7 Make curry

Betterment8 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
9 Make a financial donation to a non-profit organization - done 1/19/10: Partners in Health
10 Make a financial donation to a politician you believe in
11 Vote - primaries on 8/3/10
12 Donate clothes
13 Quit your greatest vice
14 Encourage others to do it with you
15 Gift to stranger at Christmas in 2009, 2010, 2011
16 Attend Church 30 times (about once a month) stopped counting... :)
17 Unseen good deed

Health18 Lose 5 pounds - done 1/22/10
19 Lose 5 more
20 Get up before work and take the dog on a walk for one week straight
21 Do it again.
22 Eat breakfast at the house for an entire week
23 Do it again.
24 Run for longer than 3 minutes straight - I suck at running
25 Run for 5 minutes
26 Run for 8 minutes
27 Run for 10 minutes
28 Lose another 5 pounds
29 Take a yoga class - started Fall 2011
30 Reach “Normal Weight” BMI: 140 pounds
31 Attend a yoga class - done 10/6/11
32 No fast food for one week - done (probably done before, I just didn't notice!)
33 In bed by 10:30 for two weeks

Love Life34 Prepare a surprise dinner by candlelight
35 Plan a secret “date day”
36 Do it again.
37 Visit North Carolina - done 7/18/10
38 Go on a real picnic
39 Buy John a watch, with an inscription
40 Write a love letter

Creative41 Print a 2008 scrapbook - done 12/20/09
42 Print a 2009 scrapbook - done 2/10/10
43 Make an album for 2010 - done 2/15/11
44 Ditto – Capture 2011 in a book. - ready to print
45 Create art and hang it on the wall
46 Buy a video camera
47 Frame last two Bara Nana photos from India
48 Finish knitting John a scarf
49 Write 3 poems
50 Buy a really nice camera - SLR! May 2012
51 Send Xmas cards to friends each year (2/3)
FUN stuff52 Attend a K-State Football game in Manhattan - done 11/14/09
53 Do a puzzle with 1000+ pieces
54 Throw a party - done 12/31/09
55 Wear a bridesmaid dress again
56 Throw a BBQ - done 5/30/10
57 See a concert
58 See a musical - done summer 2010 & 2011 (Starlight)
59 See a musical at the Music Hall
60 Sing Karaoke
61 Current country count: 4 (USA, Canada, Mexico, Egypt) – bring to 5
62 See sixth country
63 7th country
64 Make a snowman
65 See a concert with Evan
66 Road trip - left 7/16/10
67 Have a professional massage
68 Paint with Brittany
69 Visit NE United States
70 Visit Uncle Rob’s ranch - done 5/2012
71 Flower shopping with Nani - done 5/17/2010
72 Political discussion with Nana - done 5/17/2010
73 Surprise visit to Grandpa - done February 2011
74 Cook dinner for my parents - done 2/14/2010
75 Go camping - done July 2011 and August 2012
76 Take two cooking classes with Nani
77 Fresh flowers in the house for 4 weeks (4/4)
78 Send Nani 20 cards (13/20)
79 Buy veggies at a Farmer’s Market
80 Take a vacation - 7/16/10 - North Carolina!
81 Order room service - done 12/1/10 - Atlanta, Georgia
82 Celebrate my dog’s birthday each year (3/3)
83 Bridesmaid in a wedding
84 Be the bride! done 10/1/11
85 Be a mom.

Financial86 CT paid off - done 1/6/10
87 CH paid off - done 1/6/10
88 CM paid off - done 12/15/10
89 USB paid off
90 Loan paid off
91 Car Loan paid off - done 1/1/2012
92 Student Loan - owe less than $5,000
93 Get a raise94 Get another raise!
95 $250 in savings - done
96 $500 in savings - done
97 $750 in savings - done
98 $1000 in savings - done
99 Buy a house
100 Buy a new car

Share the Love101 Talk someone else into making their own 101 in 1001 list - done 11/20/09
I feel excited and motivated! I love creating lists at work... now I can use this skill for personal growth - awesome.