Good News!

In my last blog I set a goal to try and cook one new recipe a week. Well, I'm happy to say that I did it last week and I have already done it this week (let me remind you that it is only Monday). Last week, I cooked fried rice for the first time. It was an easy recipe rice plus green onions plus scrambled eggs. I bought fried rice seasoning from the grocery store. (Next time I'm going to try the Ramen noodle seasoning packets my friends have suggested...remember I'm a college student on a budget)!! Anyways, I'm so proud of myself for that recipe. (Remember, I'm starting easy!)

Last week, while I was getting ready for class, I saw Emeril cooking "Sauteed Chicken Breasts with Dijon Herb Sauce" on Good Morning America. It looked so good that I went out and bought the extra stuff I needed to make it right away (I know the impulse buying thing is really a weakness of mine). Well, Jesse ended up bringing me home dinner so, I did not cook it. Tonight, though, I was really in the mood to cook (and those of you who know me know that this is not common for me). I cooked this recipe tonight and it was pretty good. It looked just like the picture and I followed the recipe completely so I'm thinking that maybe it was just my taste. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be but, it is a rather healthy dish (290 calories per serving I think) which is definitely an added bonus. Overall I would give it a 4 out of 5. If you think it looks good, try it, and let me know what you think!

You know I had to have something to go with it and what better idea than to try another new recipe. I have recently discovered the Pioneer Woman website (http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/). I cooked her "Homemade Potatoes Au Gratin" and this dish made up for what the chicken dish lacked. Oh my gosh....it was so good!!! I think I outdid myself (if I do say so myself). It reminded me of the wonderful comfort food my Grandmother Murell cooks. I thought all hope was lost for my cooking skills but, I think that I have hope after all.

Maybe blogging about my cooking journey is a good idea after all! Keep following...we will see.

For the Love of Food...

So, one of my goals this year is to improve my cooking skills. I feel like I have done a pretty good job so far but, I feel like I need to be more committed to the process. I have actually cooked more new recipes over the holidays and this new year than I probably ever have. I have found out that I really enjoy cooking and, I am not that bad at it. It is a really great way to save money (if you don't go too extreme with your recipes...which trust me, I don't). One of my best recipes that I have made recently was White Chocolate Oreo Cream Cheese balls. I did these for Jesse's family Christmas gathering and I also made some for gifts for some of my family. They are so easy and are a great holiday treat. I also recently made cupcakes (before you get excited...they were from a box) and, I got some remarks that they looked professional (you can imagine my thrill...they were iced and sprinkled with hearts). In terms of dinner I haven't really tried that many new recipes. I usually stick to easy dinners like tacos, spaghetti, and hot dogs. Honestly, though, Jesse and I are beginning to get REALLY bored with these dinner selections. My problem is that I get really excited about cooking new things and then I overwhelm myself so I don't cook anything at all and then we eat out and spend money that we don't need to spend and you can see how ths vicious cycle begins (and continues). So, I am now trying a new approach...I am shooting for ONE NEW RECIPE A WEEK! Surely, I can manage this. This week, the new recipe I am trying is fried rice! Maybe blogging my committment will actually help me stick to it. I hope so! I'll report back...

Do Unto Others, Karma, What Goes Around Comes Around

I had a unique experience this weekend that I think is worth sharing. As my friends and I were getting out of our car in downtown Hattiesburg a man stopped. He was well spoken, dressed well, and told us a long story about how he locked his keys in his car and the police refused to come and unlock his car. He called roadside assistance and he didn't have enough money to pay them. There's really no way for me to convey the way the guy told this story. He asked for the amount of money that he needed to pay the roadside assistance. I quickly handed over the money. Now, some of you may say that I'm a sucker, push over, or just plain out stupid. I agree, it was not necessarily the most logical decision especially considering that I am completely broke right now. Also, I had absolutely no clue whether or not this guy honestly needed the money. I, however, have this philosophy that if you give to people in good faith then, it will come back around to you. It is also my hope that if I were in a situation like this gentleman described to me that someone would help me out as well. That being said, I gave the guy money, he accepted graciously, and I watched him walk out of sight.

Like I said before, Jesse and I are pretty broke right now...nothing serious just young college students on a very limited income. The next night after I gave this man the money we went out to dinner with some of our friends. One of my friends Mom's was so gracious to pay for both mine and Jesse's dinner. I know this sounds really silly but, it is just proof to me that no good deed goes undone...what goes around comes around...there is karma...and we should "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

I realize that some of you may be reading this thinking that I am really stretching this here and, you are entitled to that. It is, however, my small effort at recognizing the little blessings in this world. I am thankful that I was able to be a part of both the giving and receiving end.

A Thankful Heart

Tomorrow will be one month since I last blogged. I love blogging but, I am not that great at keeping up with it yet. (Maybe a New Year's Resolution...among others). In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I decided it would be a good idea to reflect on what I am thankful for in my life. As I am getting older, I realize all the small and great things I am so very thankful for in my life. In no particular order...here are just a few of the things I am thankful for:

-Salvation through Jesus Christ

-Family, who each in their own way has helped make me who I am today

-Our troops...fighting everyday to protect mine and everyone else's freedom

-Good health

-The chance to get an education

-Housing

-Friends, near and far

-Jesse, my love

-Music, without it my life would be so very different

-God's work on Earth...rain storms, sunrises, sunsets, beaches, mountains, leaves & trees

In all these ways AND MORE my life has been blessed beyond measure. May God Bless all my friends and family members...Happy Thanksgiving!

Playing Catch Up...

-I'm sitting down today to try and update my blog. This school year has gotten off to such a busy start and here we are at the end of October...just crazy! My school year is going great so far. Graduate school is very challenging but, I love every second of it. I am so thankful for the opportunity and I think that the program is really preparing me to make a difference in the lives of the people that I work with.
-I've been moved to one of the 2-year old classes at work (for my assistantship) and I actually really like it. I did not think that I would work well with kids that were so young but, I have really learned a lot and am loving them. Kids are amazing...they are so smart to have such little life experience. They are quick learners and the 2-year olds I work with repeat EVERYTHING! They are so cute.
-Jesse has recently gotten a new job with our apartment complex. He is working full time here andwe are able to spend a lot more time together instead of him working so many long nights. We are both very excited about that!
-I was able to go home (to GA) during my Fall Break for the first time in ten months. My family had visited me but, I had not been home since Christmas. It was wonderful. I was so glad to see everyone and just be school free for a few days. I got to go watch my little cousin (not so little anymore) play football for his senior night at high school. It seriously brought tears to my eyes to see how much he had grown and to see the polite young man he is becoming. My other cousin (also not so little anymore - 15 yrs old) surprised me by riding with my aunt and Granny to come get me in Hattiesburg so, I got to spend time and catch up with her, too. I also saw my brother who now towers over me (although I realize that doesn't take much) and is Mr. Indepenent 18-year old. I remember that stage of my life. I thought I knew everything and did not need to listen to anyone...boy was I wrong! Needless to say, I can't wait to go back home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
-I still have a lot to do in between now and the end of the semester but for now, those are the upates.

Football Frenzy!

There is just nothing like football here in the South. This week/weekend was the official start of football season. Honestly, if you don't live in the South it is hard to understand the obsession with football (and I do mean OBSESSION)! I attended my first Southern Miss game this Saturday. It was a blow out with a final score of 52-0 vs. Alcorn State. There are some things that the football atmosphere brings that you just can't get anywhere else.If you're a football fan, you know what I mean, you gotta love...tailgating...the entrance of the team into the stadium...the sound of the band...the game day cheers...and especially taking home a win.
There are three teams I am especially following this season.
-Troy Trojans (my alma mater)
-Southern Miss Golden Eagles (my current school)
-The University of Alabama (well, need I say more)

So...GO Trojans! Go Eagles! and ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

So here's to a great 2009 football season!

My Family Came to Hattiesburg....

To Do's....

Recently I have noticed that I am creating quite a few "To Do" lists around my apartment. I have always been one for lists and I had kind of gotten out of the habit since I graduated. However, I have been so much more productiv these last few weeks since I have started making my lists and sticking to them like I used to. So, seeing as how I wanted to blog tonight but am very tired I thought that I would briefly blog about some of my long term "To Do's" (not sure if there is supposed to be an apostrophe in there or not but it looks funny without one). Lately, here are some of the things I have been trying to cross off of my long term "To Do" list.

1. Workout - I have really been trying to get in shape lately. Man, it is really hard since I haven't worked out in a long time. I am already seeing (or should we say feeling) the rewards though so, I hope I can build myself up to doing more. We will see.

2. Cook - Jesse's Mom gave me a really nice set of kitchen utensils, pots and pans, and bowls for my birthday in an effort to try and help me learn to cook. I am really guilty of eating out a lot and I have GOT to start cooking more. I rather enjoy it when I do it however, it is just the fact of getting up and doing it. I recently saw the movie "Julie and Julia" this weekend which was so cute and it really made me want to go out and buy a cook book and cook one recipe a day from it. I'm not sure that I would start with Julia Child's French Cooking (probably something way simpler) but, I just might do that. It might get me more motivated about cooking.

3. Save Money - Jesse and I are both on a quest to save money. I have a feeling we are not alone in that quest either! ha! So, I feel that if I could learn and enjoy cooking that would really help on the saving money thing. We are both working so, that is a blessing in itself. I am about to start school but will continue working. We just have to really use our will power and I know we will have money saved up in no time. Thanks to Dave Ramsey's book for inspiring both of us to save, save, save...we both know it will be rewarding in the end.

Well, those are the BIG "To Do's" for the present. Honestly, if I could conquer those then I would be A-OK! One day at a time, though!

Life Lately

Well, it has been several weeks since I blogged last. Since I last blogged A LOT of wonderful things have happened. Jesse and I are, of course, still in Hattiesburg; things are, however, really looking up for us.

#1 - JESSE GOT A JOB!!!!
We have been hoping and praying for this to happen and for the right opportunity to open up for him and, IT DID! He is now a server at Chili's! The job market is REALLY competitive right now so, we are very thankful that he was able to find something so quickly after we JUST moved here. We will see what the future holds for him but, for now, we are grateful for this opportunity

#2 - I HAD A BIRTHDAY!!!
My family came to visit the week before my birthday. They stayed for about four days and spoiled the heck out of both me and Jesse! :) I got to do A LOT of shopping which was tons of fun for me. I think I wore everyone out! We went to eat at Outback for my birthday dinner and it was delicious. I was sad to see them leave because, I know it might be awhile before I see them again. I am really thankful that they came, though!

#3 - We found a GREAT church!
While my family was here we visited a new church called "The Grove". It was exactly what Jesse and I were looking for. They had a very contemporary service and music, and they were extremely hospitable. They have just started in this area and it will be a great opportunity for Jesse and I to meet new people and get involved. We are so excited about it and can't wait to go back!

#4 I've been keeping BUSY!
While I am waiting anxiously for school to start...I have taken on a temp position at the apartments here. It has been really hectic because, I have been helping with what they call "turn". It is where leases end and a bunch of people move out and then new people move back in. It is much like some of the duties I had as an RA, however, it is a little more intense. It is good, though. It keeps me busy and I get paid for it. I'm still helping with marketing events and such but, that effort has slowed down a bit. I finally got my class schedule for my first semester in grad school. I am soooooo incredibly excited and I can't wait.

The Lord is really blessing us here in Hattiesburg! I am ever so grateful. We are having so much fun! I'm ready for all the things to come!

Reflecting and Refreshing...

I have not blogged in a few days and I have been thinking about whether or not I really have anything significant to blog about. As I sit here tonight, I realize just how much my life needs some refreshing. I am so thankful that when I feel low and like I need some inspiration I have God's love and guidance. It makes realize how much I need God for direction in my life. Tonight, I am reminded that I am a child of God and that he has me in his care at all times. Moving to Hattiesburg is a BIG change in my life. However, I know that this is where God wants me to be and the fact that he has really blessed me to be here confirms that for me. It has been a difficult change but, I try to keep concentrating on God's plan for me here. In reflection, I am realizing that maybe God wanted to challenge me because, I feel certain that he has plans for my future here (Jeremiah 29:11). I am trying to open my mind and heart to what God has in store for me here. I have so much to be thankful for in my life and really should remember not to underestimate the power God and the scriptures. Sometimes it just takes me sitting down, being still and quiet, to realize the unmeasurable love and power of God (Psalms 46:10).

These are just some of my reflections tonight. These verses are helping me to call upon God for my strength and to feel his presence in my life where I am right now.

-"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19

-"I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon th name of the Lord."
Psalms 116:17

-"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

-"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Family Time

One of the sacrifices you make when you move out of your home state is being away from your family. I a so fortunate that Jesse has taken this step in life with me, however, I miss so much being at family events. I miss the Sunday afternoon dinners at Granny and Papa's. I miss hanging out on family birthdays and holidays. I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to relocate in Hattiesburg and attend graduate school in a field that I am truly passionate about; I also believe that Jesse and I living here without the immediate access to our families and friends will really help our relationship grow. However, we both do miss our family A LOT! Since moving to Hattiesburg, we have been fortunate enough to spend several weekends with Jesse's family. I am glad that we got to do this because Jesse has never really lived far away from his family so, I think it really encouraged him to see them. (Then again, Jesse is probably adjusting to this better than I am! Ha ha!). We were able to go back to Jemison for Jesse to go to the Phish concert. Another time, we were able to go back for a family reunion of his (See pictures above). This was really fun (although the drive there and back was not so fun). Recently, we celebrated the 4th of July with his family down at Dauphin Island. I think this was the first time Jesse and I have been to the beach in 2 years. We were so excited and had such a relaxing time. On the other hand, I haven't seen my family (all of them) since I was home last Christmas. It has been TOO LONG! Mom, Granny, and Wayne made several trips to see me in Troy so, I have not been completely neglected but I am really looking forward to, hopefully, seeing them at the end of July or early August for my birthday. The reality that I am getting older starts to set in when I realize that I live two states away from my family and haven't seen them in months. So, needless to say....I am craving some family time. I'm very thankful for all the support of my family and Jesse's family through this move to Hattiesburg. We couldn't be more lucky. Both of us have wonderful, loving, encouraging, and supportive families and despite how far away we are from them they are always in our hearts.

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." -Philippians 1:3

Work, Work, Work

So, Jesse and I have been working at the apartment complex where we live (Boardwalk at Dewberry Landing). We are helping with marketing projects around campus and the city of Hattiesburg. Our titles are Boardwalk-ette and Boardwalk-dude! It's been pretty fun so far and, we have met some new friends. That, to me, is very exciting!! We get paid through discounted rent which is really awesome, too. Jesse is still looking for a more full time position and has some promising offers. We are praying that one of them comes through AND very soon!! I am anxiously awaiting my assignment as a graduate assistant in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Southern Miss. I will be working there part time so, I am really anxious to see what I get to do. Hopefully, we will know in a week or two. Having the job at Boardwalk as a Boardwalk-ette helps keep me busy until school starts so, I am really enjoying it right now. Things are still good in Hattiesburg and I can see

Back to Bama

This past weekend Jesse and I took the Amtrak train to Birmingham. That, in itself, was a really fun experience. Jesse went to the Phish concert in Knoxville, TN with his sister (it was a late birthday prsent). At the end of the week we went to our friends Amy and Ryan's wedding. Since I was a bridesmaid we had a lot of festivities to attend (luncheon, rehearsal and dinner, and of course wedding and reception). It was really fun to se many of my sorority sisters and friends from Troy. We know that we may not get to see them for a very long time so I was really glad to spend some time with them. We would have hung out more with them but you wouldn't believe how much a wedding can wear you out. Jesse and I also spent a lot of quality time with his family. While he went to the Phish concert I helped his Mom babysit his nephew - Jaden - who is so adorable and a great baby. Also, we were able to catch up with his parents (and teach them how to use their new Blackberrys - ha ha). Sunday we headed back to Hattiesburg (on the train again).

It was a great trip and I am so glad we were able to go but, I am glad to be back in Hattiesburg. Surprisingly, it is starting to feel like home after only a few weeks. I can't believe we have adjusted so quickly!

New People, Places, and Things!

Well, about a week and two days ago Jesse and I ventured to Hattiesburg, MS. This was our big move as I am going to graduate school at Southern Miss in the Fall and he is working on finishing his Bachelor's degree. I will be working on my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and I m ecstatic about starting the program. Jesse is considering a degree in a few different areas - he is still trying to decide on one. We were so blessed to have my parents help us move because believe me we could not have done it by ourselves. I am also counting my blessings for the fact that Jesse moved here with me. With my seizures and all, my choice to pursue my education would have been a lot harder. We have enjoyed our new apartments here at the Boardwalk. It has been so incredibly nice to layout by the pool, meet with our roommates, and discover this new town (which might I say is WAY bigger than Troy, AL). I do miss Troy, though, because we have so many friends there. Sunday, we visited Main Street Baptist Church which was a great worship. We are really trying to find the place where God wants us to worship and Hattiesburg offers a lot of options, thankfully. Tomorrow, we head back to Birmingham for a few days. Jesse is going to a Phish concert with his sister and brother-in-law (a late b-day present which he is so excited about). I am going to stay with his Mom while he's gone and then this weekend I am in my previous roommates wedding. So, we have a very exciting week ahead of us and it will be so great to see some family and friends. Even more fun, we are taking the Amtrak to Birmingham which neither of us has ever done before. We are having so much fun and I can'wait to see what else is in store for us!