Beach Day

Two weeks ago (yes, I am very behind in my blogging), Jay and Kendall and I got to church at 8:45 am to work in the coffee shop only to discover that the large refrigerater was broken and all of the smoothie mix, milk, half and half, cream cheese, butter, everything had spoiled. We don't know exactly when it stopped working, but it was obvious that it had at least been a few days. I had never seen milk separated like that! Fortunately, everything was closed up so it didn't smell bad. We helped the crew clean out the fridge and decided to go to the early service, since our assistance in the coffee shop would not be needed (the fridge is fixed now and everything is back up and running, yea!) Kendall was really disappointed that she wasn't going to make it to youth group, since youth group is only during 2nd service and we were going to 1st service, so we decided to let her stay after church to go to youth group and Jay and I went to Starbucks (we had to have our coffee, after all) and then went to Walmart to pick up a few things we needed while we waited for Kendall. We were leaving Walmart and ran into our favorite employee there. He's a gentleman that is probably in his mid-fifties and he has a build similar to Santa and I think he must be related because he's got a huge heart. Everytime we see him, he's wearing a long ring necklace made of dollar bills. He's constanly raising money for the American Cancer Society and doesn't hesitate to tell everyone about his cause. We may even join him for the big walk in July. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by this horrible disease and I just love this man who has such a heart to help out in any way possible. We're always digging for dollar bills when we see him so that we can add to his necklace. This particular day it was absolutely gorgeous outside and our friend practically demanded that Jay take me to the beach. We thought it was a fabulous idea, so we went and picked up Kendall and came home and grabbed a few things and decided to have lunch at Avila beach. We didn't grab our suits and sunscreen and the whole bit, we just wanted to play a little catch and have lunch and watch the ocean. We stopped at Trader Joe's on the way there and picked up some lunch and then drove to Avila. There were so many people there that we had to park way up the highway, but it was worth it. What a beautiful day! There was a slight breeze, it was warm out, and we were so content there sitting on the steps having our lunch and walking down the beach that we had not a care in the world. I love days like that. We didn't really have a plan, but it ended up being such a wonderful day.

Nicole's Visit - Spring Break 08!

I realize it's been a long time since I posted anything. Things have been a little crazy around here with the new job. It's finally getting much easier at work for me. Although it's getting extremely busy as we hit the peak of tax season, I am feeling much more comfortable in my daily tasks and much more like a contributing member of the team. Everyone has been extremely patient with me and very supportive and I am getting to know everyone a little better each day and learning what makes them tick, how to tell when they are stressed out, tired, irritated, confused, etc....and I can tell you that I work with a really amazing group of people. Everyone works extremely hard, but the Partners take good care of their team and everyone is very supportive of one another. Even when I am feeling overwhelmed, I am so thankful to have found this position. The drive is absolutely gorgeous, I work with so many very talented and kind people, the pay is respectable, and we're able to get back on our feet financially, which has taken a lot of pressure off of Jay, which I am grateful for.

Nicole was here visiting for a few days. She goes home tomorrow (boo! hoo!) but we maximized our time with her. Jay went and picked her up from LAX on Wednesday night. Her flight got in around 9:30 and he had to leave before Kendall got out of school and I got out of work, so he ended up going by himself. They didn't get in until around 1:00am, so I didn't get to see her when she got home, but I went in and woke her up and kissed her goodbye on Thursday morning when I left for work. I ended up going in about 30 minutes early on Thursday because I had to leave some unfinished work on Wednesday night so that I could get home and take Kendall to youth group. Kendall was still in school on Thursday, so Jay took Nicole on a nice ride on the motorcycle through the wine country and they came to visit me and have lunch with me. We had a wonderful lunch at The Red Barn in Santa Ynez and it was so nice to be able to spend a little time with Nicole. She is so big now! That little bugger is going to be taller than me as well (her sister has already shot up past me now.) I am going to have to get a cat if I want to be taller than anyone in this house. Either that, or learn to walk in 3 inch stilettos, which I am sure Jay wouldn't complain about, but they are not exactly practical. After lunch, I went back to work and Jay and Nicole rode home and played some video games and when Kendall got home they all went to Farmer's Market in San Luis Obispo. Unfortunately, they had to leave without me because by the time I would have gotten home and changed and we all made the 40 minute drive it would have been close to 7:30 and everyone closes up shop at 8:00, so they went on without me and I went to Bunko and lost my shirt! But, I always have fun at Bunko - win or lose and I did enjoy the time with my friends and it took my mind off of not being with Jay and the girls in SLO.

Friday I had to work again so Jay and the girls went and had lunch at Subway and then picked up Nicole's best friend Maddie and took all 3 girls to Lasertag and then to Boomer's for bumper boats, go-karts, miniature golf, and the rock wall. They all had a blast and wore themselves out. I got home that evening and Jay and Kendall & Nicole and I went to Red Robin in the mall for dinner and then we went and picked up Maddie and brought her over for a slumber party. She is such a sweetie and I was really glad that she and Nicole had some time together while Nicole was here, even for this short visit.

On Saturday morning, we got up and had breakfast and took Maddie home and then headed out to Ventura to go sailing with my Dad & Valerie. We got down to the boat a little past 11:30 and took some Bonine and ate our picnic lunch before hitting the open seas. It was a really beautiful day and the weather was relatively warm when we were sitting in the docks. When we got out of the marina, the temperature dropped considerably and the wind picked up quite a bit. We had a nice sail for about 2 hours, but then the wind got even stronger and there were a lot of white-caps and it was time to head back. None of us got sick this trip, but I got a little nauseated and had to eat a few tortilla chips and drink some water to calm my stomach and Jay started to get a little nauseated as well, but both cases were not extreme. My Dad had some trouble getting the boat to stay on course and we were glad that he and Valerie are so experienced because it might have been a little scary otherwise. Fortunately for all of us, they have a lot of hours under their belts and we had all been several times so we didn't get nervous. Even though we had to head back a little early, we still enjoyed the day immensely. After we got back and got the boat cleaned up, Dad & Val treated us to Macaroni Grill for an early birthday celebration for Jay. We had a delicious dinner and reminisced about our wedding rehearsal dinner that was held there just 2 short years ago.

Since we got home on the later side last night and were all wiped out, we decided to go to the 11:00am Easter service this morning. I got up first and got myself ready, then helped Kendall do her hair and Jay and I made breakfast together and we headed off to church. They don't do a big Easter production at FCC, which I kind of miss at The Lighthouse. I like seeing a big play on Easter Sunday and at First Christian, it's more like your regular Sunday service. Pastor Dennis did read about the cruxifiction and resurrection, but there were no costumes or plays but it still felt like Easter. Everyone was dressed extra special and the smiles were extra big. After church we went to Albertson's to get ingredients for dinner and then we came home and I took some photos of us all dressed up and then we changed and got comfy and had lunch and then the girls and I went back to Albertson's to get birthday cards for Jay. His birthday isn't until April 4th, but he'll be in Colorado Springs during his birthday and we wanted to celebrate while Nicole was here and I wanted to wait until she got here to get a card from the girls so that they could pick it out themselves. While we were gone, the "Easter Bunny" came over and hid some eggs and so we came home and Jay got out the video camera and the girl went looking for eggs. The Easter Bunny did a really good job hiding eggs this year and the girls had a lot of fun and were up to the challenge! The Easter Bunny also brought a new purse for each of them from Pacific Sunwear and somehow managed to get hold of some homemade crafts that I did at Pam's Stampin' Up workshop a week ago. I don't know how he got hold of those, but he did and put them in with the purses! After the Easter egg hunt, Jay opened his birthday cards & gifts. I got him a leather briefcase and the girsl got him a $25 I-Tunes gift card. After presents, we finished making dinner and sat down for some tri-tip, garlic & herb mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus w/ red bell pepper (yum!) Then we all sat down and played Uno-ATTACK! The girls were just about tied and Jay and I got our behinds handed to us but fun was had by all.

I think the highlight of the day was our phone call with the Bunns & Ludingtons! It wasn't the same as being together, but we got to pass the phone around and I think the only person I didn't get to talk to was Aaron. I don't know how we missed each other among all of the phone passing, but if you read this Aaron, I'm sorry and I love you too!!!! I even got to talk to sweet little TJ and although he didn't say much, it brought such a smile to my face just to hear his voice.

We will miss Nicole terribly and can't wait to see her again in May, but we cherished every moment with her and are so grateful for even the shortest visits. It's not enough to sustain us until the next time, but we can cling to the memories until next time.

Fiesta Shrimp Creole

I made this tonight and it was delish!

Source: www.kraftfoods.com
Servings: 6
7 Points

2 Tbl oil (I used Canola)
2 Tbl flour
1 small green pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 or 4...)
1 jar (16 oz.) Taco Bell Home Originals Thick N' Chunky Salsa
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 1/2 lb cleaned shrimp
4 cups hot cooked rice

Mix oil and flour in large saucepan. Cook on medium heat 6-8 minutes or until browned, stirring constantly.

Add green pepper, celery and garlic; cook and stir 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in salsa and tomato cause; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in shrimp; cook an additional 6-8 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through. Serve over rice.

Updated Shepherd's Pie

I made this last night and the family loved it!

Source: www.kraftfoods.com
Servings: 6 (about 1.5 cups each)
Points: 6

1 1/4 lb red potatoes, cut into chunks (skin on)
3 large cloves garlic, peeled
3/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
1/2 cup 2% milk shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 lb extra lean ground beef (I used the 94% lean)
2 Tbl flour
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (I used corn, carrots and peas)
3/4 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
2 Tbl ketchup

I also added 1 Tbl of worcestershire sauce

Place potatoes and garlic in a large saucepan; add enough water to cover. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Drain; return to saucepan. Add sour cream; mash potatoes until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cheese. (I omitted this last step and put all of the cheese on top at the end).

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brown meat in large nonstick skillet. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute. Add vegetables, broth and ketchup; cook 5 minutes. Spoon into 8-inch square baking dish; cover with potatoes.

Bake 18 minutes; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Perfect Scripture for Me Today

Today was a particularly challenging day at work for me. There is one individual in the office who expects nothing less than perfection. I am trying to keep things in perspective, but still find myself discouraged at the end of the day. There is such a tremendous amount of information being transferred to me on a daily basis and I find myself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated that I can't remember every detail. The phone is extremely busy, I have several projects to juggle, I'm being trained on new procedures on a daily basis, and meanwhile I still have all of the daily tasks to keep up with (preparing the conference room for meetings, ordering lunches, keeping the coffee pots filled, preparing Fedex and mail packages, scheduling appointments, scanning and uploading documents, printing out calendars, etc. I am good at multi-tasking, but the challenge comes when all of the information is new and I'm interrupted by the phone every time I start to delve into something. Tonight I felt totally beaten down and inadequate. Jay and Kendall offer so much encouragement and it really helps to come home to loving arms and the words that I need to hear like, "You are very capable, don't be so hard on yourself. We believe in you!" But, once you start that downward spiral it's hard to get out of it. I keep reminding myself that it will get easier. Things will come together and I only have to be at the front desk for a couple of months and once tax season is over, things will calm down and I can focus on the task at hand without having everyone coming at me at once.

I was checking my email tonight and was reading my weekly Scrappers Guide newsletter (messages from God can come from the most unexpected of places!) and Linda, the editor of the newsletter included a link to her story of the heart attack she experienced at the ripe young age of 51 and she listed a scripture that she was mediating on shortly before her heart attack and it was exactly what I needed to meditate on right now, so I thought I would post it here to share with others that may be experiencing a time of trial.

The scripture is from James 1

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

That's exactly what I need to do right now - let patience have its perfect work. I don't need to focus on having patience with the one individual who is expecting perfection from me, I need to have patience with myself and allow the positive comments that come my way to permiate my heart rather than spending all of my energy focusing on my inadequacies. We all have them! I know that things will get easier. I know that I can do this job! I know that God put me here and He will see me through. I just need to give myself a break. It's so much harder to do than it is to say, but I will meditate on the message that God brought me to night and I hope that through my openness, I can help others with the same struggles.

My friends, please pray for me during this time.

Asparagus, Chicken and Penne Pasta

Source: www.prevention.com
Servings: 8
Points: 6

Ingredients:
1 (16 ounce) package dry penne pasta
2 TBL olive oil, divided
3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cut into bite-size pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
Red pepper flakes (in directions, but not in ingredients, I would estimate 1 tsp)

Items added by Shannon (not in original recipe)
Fresh squeezed lemon juice
Halved cherry tomatoes (add at the very end)
Chicken broth
Fresh chopped basil

Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until firm and lightly browned; remove from pan. Add the reamining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Cook and stir garlic, asparagus, and red pepper flakes in oil until asparagus is tender. Stir in chicken, and cook for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss pasta with chicken and asparagus mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Two weeks down....

Well, I finished week #2 of the new job. I am feeling more confident now and although I know I still have an overwhelming amount to learn, at least things are starting to come together and make more sense now. There are so many procedures and it's something I'm not used to. At Surfware we had procedures, but they changed constantly. Since we're accountable to the IRS at C & D, We have to stick with procedures and every piece of paper has a process that it goes through from checks and balances to signatures to scanning to mailing out via certified mail to filing and even the status (do we need to keep the paperwork permanently, or for 7 years or 10 years???? So far, I'm just learning the procedures for the front desk and have had some exposure to a little of the work that our Word Processor does. I have the phones down now and have even been told by clients that I am sounding more confident now than I did on my first day. We have clients that call so often that even after 2 weeks, they are warm and friendly and treat me like I have been on the job for months. It's a good feeling and I like feeling that comfort level with people. I had grown accustomed to that with the dealers and really miss that level of intimacy. Tax season will be in full swing soon, so things are only going to get busier. This week I'll be working 8-5 and then Saturday I will start my Saturday shifts (every other Saturday from 9-3) and then Monday the 28th I start working 8-5:30 through the end of tax season. Then, on April 16th the office is closed and we all take a breather! The Partners have all been very supportive and have encouraged me and reassure me that I am doing a great job and that this is a really tough time to be learning on the job. I'm grateful that they have invested in having the existing Office Manager stay on to make sure that I am completely trained before she leaves. She's very patient and I really enjoy working with her. I enjoy working with her so much, in fact, that I will be very sad when she leaves! Although, if she wasn't leaving I wouldn't have a job, so I definitely have mixed feelings on the matter.

Overall, I think things are going really well and I'm really happy to be working with a team of such professional, talented people. I am sure I'll be an old pro there before too long at all...at least I hope so!