~Adventures in art, life, family, friends and love ~
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Sunday, February 7

Superbowl Sunday!

It is snowing lightly here and so a yummy, homemade tortilla soup was in order.  It was well received by my sweetie and daughter #2. I thought I would share my recipe.  I never can create the same thing twice, however, this time, I wrote it down...  enjoy!

Kathleen's Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 smoked jalapenos in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 (15 ounce) can rotel tomatoes
  • 3 boxes organic chicken broth, I get it from Costco
  • 1 cup whole corn kernels, frozen works well
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 boneless chicken breast halves, frozen
  • crushed tortilla chips
  • sliced avocado
  • shredded sharp cheddar or jack cheese
  • chopped green onions
  • fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic and smoked jalapenos in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Stir in frozen chicken breasts, corn, beans and cilantro. Simmer for 1-1/2 hours.
  3. Chicken will cook and then you can shred it.  Add water if needed.
  4. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, cheese, cilantro and chopped green onion.




Friday, February 5

Fabulous Friday find of the week....

Friday morning... 

a day to collect my thoughts.  I don't have classes on Friday, so it's my day to get some other things done.  Lately, it's the day of the week for my body to recoup.  I am finding that either I'm not used to this type of lifestyle (having to focus on something in which I have to be graded on), or the silent illnesses I have are really taking a toll on my.  When you have Fibromyalgia and CFS, among other things, you body is really affected by more than just the physical things you do, it's also affected by the mental things you do which truly affects one's body.  I am definitely more stressed, yet again, going back to school as I juggle single parenting and running a household, etc.  The role I played at home is still there.  My older daughter tries to compare me to her when I say, "well, I have homework to do" and she jumps in to say," now you know what I feel like".  Yeah, I don't think my daughter's college life is like mine at 47.  I can't sleep past 7 a.m. as I have her sister to get out the door, dogs to feed and a house to clean, etc.  I have to really laugh as she doesn't get that my travels to help her this week, twice, driving an hour each way to help her pick up and move some furniture for her house is tough on me.  Oh well, I love having the girls in my life... but, a little help and understanding would be sweet.

Today, I have the joy of the dentist.  I have put off this visit for about a year due to the cost.  But, this week, my jaw has been in such pain.  I have a cracked tooth that needs attention sooner than later to prevent further damage.  Also, due to stress, the dentist said I need a mouth guard so I don't continue to harm more teeth.  I am clenching my teeth in my sleep from stress causing TMJ and my teeth to crack.  That must be some intense clenching.  No wonder I wake up feeling like I have been hit by a truck!  So, a good $500 bucks spent on my mouth.  Ouch, that just made me clench my teeth!  LOL!

Fridays, a day for me to get my treasures listed on Etsy.com or eBay.com.  I picked up some fabulous finds at the thrift store near school.  Some vintage earrings, corningware, a Pashmina (cashmere) shawl and some other goodies that I am sure will easily find a good home.

Today, I also need to get started on packing!!!!  Yep, packing!  My sweetie was rewarded at work with a free trip to Mexico.  Until last week, we weren't sure if we could go as he's swamped at work.  Fortunately, we can go.  Tuesday, we are headed off to the south of Cancun!  I sure hope the weather is wonderful.  I would love to get out in the ocean and do some snorkling.  It's an all inclusive resort that we are going to... never been on such a trip.  That will be fun!  I will be missing some classes, but I think it will be okay.  I will do some homework today and turn it in on Monday (early) and then, go in early on Monday to my ceramics class to work on my assignment that is due on the 17th.  A critique.

Vacations are wonderful, but there's always so much to do as soon as you return. Parent teacher conferences are right when we return and I start another new class.  Actually, three, but two start a couple of weeks after I return.  Phew... there goes the clenching of the teeth!  hee, hee...

So... deep breath... 

I hope to also use Fridays to start creating.  I haven't been able to get that sewing machine going yet.  I think I am six weeks behind that goal, aren't I???  Oh well... can't do it all, can I?

As I leave you to think about what your Fabulous Friday will entail... enjoy.... 

Vintage crystal earrings...

Monday, January 18

Merry Monday!


It's Monday, again!! 

Where are the weeks going? I'm not any further ahead in my to-do list and tomorrow, I start classes! Hopefully, I will implement those long lost time management strategies that I had prior to... Hmmm... It's been so long that my schedule was on my own terms! I am nervous about having to be at school since my daughter doesn't really have a ride from school as her friends are back to sports and practices after school. My daughter will have to be patient and flexibl. She told me she can hang at school and do homework. So, she'll be safe.

I have five classes! Wow! It's been 30 years since I've been in school! I'm sure I'll be the oldest in class - maybe not! Lol!

I am working on a few creative things to list on etsy.com along with some cool vintage items I picked up recently. It's hard to part with so many of the goodies I have found. However, I am sure I'll find more treasures to play with!

So, what are you doing this merry Monday?

Wednesday, January 13