Thursday!!!

calindi

We haven't done one of these in awhile, so I figured I'd get the ball rolling this morning...

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?

3) What are you most excited about today?

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.

PaigeMcC

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?

Trying to shove pills down Molly's throat has proved entertaining this week.  FBD says it looks hilarious.

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?

I have been asked to co-chair the Public Affairs committee for a Marathon we have here.  It's the largest Marathon East of Montreal and it's a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.  I've been on the committee for 2 years....but this year I get to co-chair and I'm SO EXCITEDDDDDDDDDDD

3) What are you most excited about today?

A photog friend is going to get me from recs for other photogs in the city.  I have one that I'm meeting with this weekend but I'm excited to see what she can come up with in terms of others.

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?

One of my BM's + her brother and his bf + one of my BFFs are ALL coming to visit on Feb 11.  PUMPED.

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.

I got nothin' today

marleylikeair

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?
The other night, BF tied our cat's catnip mouse to the end of a helium balloon ribbon (I got him the balloon for his birthday). Marlon (the cat) went nuts on it, and the balloon was flying around. A-like so:




(Please excuse the clutter in the background.)

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?
BF and I painted the living room a cool, pale blue. I'd actually never painted walls or trim before. We are slowly going to get rid of the tan walls and brown trim! Woohoo!

3) What are you most excited about today?
Honestly? Starting counseling. Haha--lame.

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?
Valentine's Day!

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.
Red Currant-Glazed Chicken with Spinach:
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/red-currant-glazed-chicken-spinach-00000000041501/index.html
I used Crabapple jelly instead, as that's what I had on hand. It was great.
I love Real Simple's recipes; they're easy, quick, and usually have a flavorful twist to them.

Hazel_B

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?

This is more of a cute funny story. BF had taken our Husky to a dogsledding kennel on Martin Luther King Day and totally tired out the dog. He was passed out sleeping on the floor for the majority of the evening. I give him a liver treat occassionally, which are his favourite, he usually bounds around as soon as he hears the package or smells them and sits really patiently once I take one out. This time he wouldn't move at all, wouldn't even lift his head from the floor. So I laid one by his head and let him be. BF started laughing when Molson, without moving the rest of his body or head, stuck out his little anteater tongue to grab the treat. It was pretty cute!

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?

I'm proud that I'm giving this budget resolution a good shot, it hasn't been easy, but I'm keeping with it.

3) What are you most excited about today?

My friend from HS is in town for a conference, so we have dinner plans tonight.

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?

I'm looking forwarding to tackling some serious house projects over the coming month.

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.

Polenta fries - cut up polenta  like wedge fries, coat in olive oil and desired spices (we like making them southwestern) and bake them until crispy. They are so good for a change in side dish.

calindi

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?
My friend and I went running last night, and she brought her dog.  She told me her dog liked birds, but I had no idea how much.  Every time we saw a bird, he went sprinting after it and she had to yank him back, then he'd jump around us like he was saying, "Please let me get the birdie... PLEASE!".  It was pretty hilarious!

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?
I ran 10 miles on Saturday - that's pretty much the coolest thing I can think of right now!  And something I never really believed possible!

3) What are you most excited about today?
It'll be a quiet day at work.  Most of the office is in NYC from today through Sunday since we have a big awards dinner on Friday night.

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?
My half marathon!  I can't believe it's next month.  Time flies!  But it'll be so much fun to spend 2 days in Disney with my parents.  I'm excited!

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.
BF has been messing with pork tenderloin recently, and has had some amazing results.  Last night he used the food processor to blend several cloves of garlic, fresh ginger, pepper, and olive oil.  Then he rubbed it on the tenderloin before baking.  Amazing!

mana8503

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?

BF's obsession with this couch that I have nicknamed the p0rn0 couch (round, full of pillows.... think Austin Powers...). 

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?

Buying  a house

3) What are you most excited about today?

Going home and taking a bath since my knee is ANGRY from working out.

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?

Making all the fun decisions on the house, carpet, tile, etc.

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.

UnStuffed Green Pepper Soup
CDKitchen http://www.cdkitchen.com
Serves/Makes: 4 | Difficulty Level: 3 | Ready In: 2-5 hrs

Ingredients:
2 cans tomato soup
1 box Spanish rice, prepared
2 green peppers, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
15 ounces diced tomatos, drained

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cover, cook on low for 4-6 hours.

** I don't precook the rice, and let it soak in the juices so it's more of a casserole then soup.  I also do ground turkey and not beef

bourgehm

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?
Well last night Jeff and I went to bargo (bingo in a bar) with a couple friends and his brother. We go every wednesday night when I am home. There are also lots of other regulars, and this one certain group of about 15 girls. That REALLY lowers our chances of winning. Anyways, one of them said "bargo!" and went up front to get her prize and she didn't realize we weren't playing the regular five in a row bargo, but the postage stamp round. It was embarassing for her but hilarious for us because they're our rivals. 

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?
I'm really proud of FI and I because we are not getting in so many arguments as we have in the last month or so. We're finally starting to communicate again after this stressful month.

3) What are you most excited about today?
I get to spend time with my friends again after I get all of my stuff moved into the apartment! I've been missing them SO much.

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?
Not classes. I have too many credits, and I may not survive. Hmmm... I am looking forward to valentines day since that will probably be the next time I see FI.  Also, I always feel like February is closer to the end of winter and it starts staying light longer. I'm excited for that!

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.
Apple Bread. It's sooooooo good. Seriously, make it.  I've perfected it by adding 1/4 cup of oil and only half of the called for butter, and shredding the two apples, and chopping up a third, and instead of all white sugar, make half of the white sugar brown sugar. It's delicious.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Breakfast-Bread/Detail.aspx

Wrkn925

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?
BF and I spent Tuesday night helping a friend clean up from a burst pipe.  Her main concern?  Her like 15 pair of suede boots.  So, funny was watching her freak with an armful of boots.

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?
I'm going to a home ownership class Saturday.  I'll be proud if I can sit through that 8 hours.

3) What are you most excited about today?
It's almost Friday.

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?
Valentine's Day and giving BF his watch.

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.

Spicy White Chicken Chili
In a crockpot:
3-4 boiled chicken breasts, cut up
1 cans of Ro-Tel
2 Cans White Northern Beans w/liquid
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
Block of Pepperjack cheese
1 Jar of Medium Salsa

I usually put in northern beans and cheese until it melts, then add everything else.
Cook until chicken falls apart and beans are thoroughly cooked. 
If too thick, add can of chicken broth.

I put a dallop of sour cream on top of the bowl and serve with tortilla chips. 

MLekathLEEN

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?
I fell in a snowbank and FI laughed at me.

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?
I figured out that I only have 5 more classes and I can take three of them online!

3) What are you most excited about today?
I'm excited for a weekend with my puppies

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?
Hopefully getting the bone spur on my toe removed. Stupid me has been watching videos on it and now I'm freaking out and just want it over with!

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.
I have none, sorry.

bsidebella

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?
I got nothing. This week has been one big stressball.

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?
I kicked ass in a really big interview (still waiting to hear from them...)

3) What are you most excited about today?
New episode of "Big Bang Theory"?

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?
Oh my God ... St. Lucia in 28 days and seeing a SOLD OUT Panic at the Disco concert in 12 days!

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.
Chicken Tikka Masala
2 tbsp butter
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes, undraind
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried minced garlic
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

1. Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add the chicken, onion and lemon juice; cook and stir 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Add all the spices except the red pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute.

2. Stir in tomatoes until well mixed. Stir cream into cornstarch and salt until smooth. Gradually stir into skillet.

3. Stir in red pepper to taste, if desired. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; stirring frequently. Simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.

4. Serve with rice or Naan bread.

calindi

eKath, yay for almost being done with school!  That rocks!

Paige, that's SO COOL about being co-chair!  You'll have to send me info for this marathon - if it's not too cold then, and if the flights aren't too expensive, maybe BF and I will come run it!!! (I'm hooked on this running stuff now).

Hazel_B

Paige - That's great about the co-chair.

Bside - Are you talking about the roadtrip one? I'm excited to see it too!

bsidebella

Hazel - LOL yup! I love Amy Farrah Fowler, she's a great character.

Beads921

1) What's one funny thing that has happened to you this week?

Hmm...I'm not sure. It hasn't been a particularly funny week. And I also fail at remembering these kinds of things. I snuck up on BF the other night and bear hugged him (it was an on-going joke, he wasn't feeling huggy), which was pretty funny at the time, but not so funny to tell.

2) What's one thing you're really proud of from this month?

Getting back into the swing of classes. It's been tough after being out for so long.

3) What are you most excited about today?

Training for a group I'm leading in February and March starts tonight. I'm super excited!

4) What is one thing you're most looking forward to next month (yep, January is almost over)?

Reading week! Hah.

5) Give us a new recipe that you really like.

Umm...I really don't have one. I love making stuffed peppers lately, but I don't have a real recipe for them.