BYU vs. SDSU

Remember that one time we waited outside in the cold for 2 hours so that we could guarantee ourselves a seat at the BYU vs. SDSU basketball game? Remember how a couple of people tried to create a new line to cut in front of us and Laci wasn't having it...at all?

Remember how we were only 4 among thousands of students who were silly enough to do the same thing?

Remember how TJ Fredette was white, mormon, wearing a blue argyle sweater, AND rapped? We all had a good laugh. It will be a moment hard to forget.

...there were even purple lights. Fancy.

Remember when we watched the Marriott center slowly fill with people until it was full to the bursting?

... and we saw the biggest reproduction of Jimmer's head that has ever existed?

Remember what an awesome game it was and how happy we were that we put up with the whole wristband/waiting in line/stressing so that we could be there?

Remember how the game kept us on the edge of our toes and even though we went into halftime a point behind, we managed to gain a ten point lead in the second half?

Remember how the game ended 71-58 and BYU #9 triumphed over the undefeated SDSU #4?

Remember how BYU fans stormed the court in order to congratulate our victorious BYU cougars?!

Yeah, we were there.

Busy month and a recipe!

Life is crazy right now, that's all there is to it. I'm sure its become evident by my lack of consistent posting this month, but when things do get crazy, the blog suffers. That's just the way it has to be.

This is my final, capstone semester in the nursing program and I could not be more excited/scared to death. The light at the end of the tunnel is finally in sight. It's almost time for me to be a real nurse! When I think about how in just a few short months I will be on my own, the thought seems kind of incomprehensible.

Even though this semester is different than any other and I have more ability to schedule my own clinicals, I had my first real breakdown at the beginning of this week. That's what happens in nursing school... it makes you stronger and I know it will all be worth it. A typical week this semester consists of: class on Thursdays from 8-5, working part time in the records office (15-18 hours a week, depending on the week), one or two 12 hour shifts a week, and then a couple hours a week working in community health nursing. It's definitely been busy.

The hardest part is the exhausted/drained feeling that seems to overwhelm me by the end of the day; it makes it hard to fit in all of the things in my life that ground me and keep me sane. Luckily, I've still been able to exercise 5-6 days a week, but all of the extra things have started to get pushed aside. Blogging, projects, and COOKING... all of the non-essential, fun things.

On Tuesday night, I decided to put everything aside, and make myself something for dinner; something other than a sandwhich, omelette, bowl of cereal, or a can of soup. It was delightful. I found this recipe for Spicy Bean Burritos on Annie's Eats and with the thought of a new package of Tortilla Land raw tortillas, no chicken in the freezer, and that New Years' Resolution to eat more beans in mind, I knew I had to make it. I loved it and Chad said he would definitely eat it again. Score! This recipe comes highly recommended.

Spicy Bean Burritos
Yield: about 6 servings

Ingredients:
For the bean filling:
2 tsp. canola or vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. minced cilantro
1 tsp. ground cumin
¼ tsp. kosher salt
Dash cayenne pepper
1/3 cup water, vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
6 tbsp. fresh salsa

For serving:
6 (9- or 10-inch) flour tortillas, warmed
Shredded cheese
Diced tomatoes
Shredded romaine lettuce
Low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt

Directions:
To make the bean filling, heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, chili powder, chipotle, cumin, salt and cayenne; stir, cooking just until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Add the beans and the water or broth to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the salsa and mash the mixture with a spoon or fork.

Spoon about a third of a cup of the bean mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top each serving with a pinch of shredded cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, green onions and sour cream. Roll the tortilla up tightly, burrito style, and serve immediately.

we like to feed people.

So there's this thing about Chad and I. Could be it's just me, but Chad definitely enjoys it too. We like to feed people. Frequently. That's what happens when you grow up with Ann Myer as your mother I guess.

Last weekend, we had the Saltzmans over for dessert crepes. Chad was so proud of his masterpiece, he wanted me to take a picture. Chad filled his with caramelized bananas, homemade whipped cream, caramel sauce, and chocolate pudding. It was very tasty.
Last Sunday, we had our Laguna Niguel friends and Chad's ex-roommate Kory over for a panini night which is always entertaining. There's nothing like spending a Sunday night hanging out with friends.

A Vegas New Year!

With school starting, my life has all of a sudden gotten kind of crazy and I never had a chance to post pictures of our New Year in Las Vegas! I guess 1/11/11 is almost as good as 1/1/11. After leaving California, we got to go to Las Vegas for a couple of days and hang out with the Bennett side of hte family.

Family Dinner

... followed by our Christmas with the entire family. We got Johnny a Guinness Book of World Records to which he yelled upon opening: "No way! It's a book about the future!"

After celebrating Christmas, we celebrated Courtney's birthday with some delicious birthday cake. The boys were ready to eat before anyone else was even in the kitchen.

Happy Birthday Courtney!

I love this little girl. After finishing her cake, she proceeded to lick every inch of frosting off the plate. A girl after my own heart.

On New Year's Eve we all headed to the strip to see the gardens at the Bellagio. Everything was all decked out in Christmas, it was beautiful.

Kenz liked the polar bear made out of white flowers.

I loved the beautiful, mosaic tiled floor at the Bellagio! I had to get a picture with it.

Luke wanted to climb into the display.

But probably my favorite part of the Bellagio was the ceiling just inside the entrance. I can't imagine how much work it took to make all of these delicate, glass flowers. Amazing.

...although you can't forget their 27 foot chocolate fountain. It was a work of art.

New Year's Eve we hung out with the little kids which meant lots of silly string, poppers, and even going to bed at 9:30! I know, we're so lame, but there was really no point in staying up.

Welcome 2011!!!