Saturday, September 17, 2011

Baking up some Cranberry Orange Loaf

Cranberry Orange Loaf
Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients
2 cups Flour
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking soda
1/2 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Grated Orange zest
1 1/2 cup Fresh cranberries
1/2 cup Pecans, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup Margarine, softened
1 cup White sugar
1 Egg
3/4 cup Orange juice





Notes
  • I usually make a triple batch of the recipe because it is so yummy and because the bag of cranberries usually is enough to make more than one batch.
I also could not find fresh cranberries so I used frozen unsweetened cranberries and found that it worked just like normal.

I can say for making three loafs I usually use about 2-3 oranges per loaf to get enough zest and then I juice the oranges to use in the recipe. I will say that this is a really great arm work out :)






















Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degree
2. Grease and flour 9x5 inch loaf pan
3. First thing I do is zest my oranges.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in orange zest, cranberries, and pecans. Set aside.
5. In a large bowl cream together margarine, sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in orange juice. Beat in flour mixture until just moistened. pour into prepared Pam.
6. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the bread springs back when lightly touched.
7. Let stand 10 minutes, then turn out Ono a wire rack to cool.




I usually don't care about mixing baking items separately (I know I know). However, in this recipe it is rather important to coat the cranberries evenly in flour before the loafs are baked to ensure that they stay properly in the mixture while baking. Also, given what it is being mixed the other components of the liquid mix are easier to mix together before adding to the flour mixture.

RR - Chicken and Corn Soup

Chicken and Corn Soup
Makes: 6 servings
Time: 6 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients
1 lb Yellow Potatoes, peeled and cut
1 lb Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
4 lbs Chicken breasts, skinless and boneless (This was my modification because that's what I have)
4 cups Chicken Broth
4 Scallions, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
3 ears Corn, cut into 3 inch pieces
1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped

Notes / Directions
1. Place the yellow and sweet potatoes into a slow cooker. Add the chicken, broth, scallions and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Add 4 cups water and tuck corn around the chicken. Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and instant read thermometer inserted into a thigh away from the bone registers 165 about 6 hours.

2. Transfer the chicken to a shallow bowl, leaving the slow cooker on.

3. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid. Smash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker. Add the chicken and stir in 1/4 cup cilantro. Top the soup with avocados and sour cream.


My Notes:
  1. This recipe originally called for the use of a chicken (whole or chicken parts I can't actually recall) but I don't keep that in my house on a regular basis so I used chicken breasts which I always have in my house.
  2. I know that this was suppose to be a soup. However, when I took the chicken breasts out of the slow cooker to mash them everything looked rather good on it's own without having to put it back in the broth so we ate them as is - chicken, corn and potatoes.
  3. I had forgotten to pick up scallions for this recipe and I could note that the potatoes and chicken were good but rather one note. I would make sure I either have the scallions next time to increase the flavour OR I would add some diced Onion and Garlic to the mix. Also I would likely add some poultry or italian seasoning to kick up the flavour.
  4. I also didn't have the corn and the chicken completely under water and it definitely affected how they turned out. Next time I would make sure that everything was under the water.
  5. I also found that the pound of each kind of potato was an awful lot (we had left overs for two other meals during the week).
Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures but I will be sure to take a picture next time :)

RR - Rabe and White Bean Stoup

Rabe and White Bean Stoup

Ingredients
Salt and pepper
1 bunch Broccoli rabe, cut into 2-inch pieces **
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 lb Spicy Italian sausage **
1 Onion, finely chopped
4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
4 cups Chicken Broth
1 can (15 oz) Cannellini beans, rinsed **
1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
1 cup Orecchietti pasta **




Notes / Directions
1. In a soup pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil, salt it, add the broccoli rabe cook for 5 minutes. Brain and plunge into a bowl of ice water, drain again.

2. In the pot heat 2 tbsp EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, break up the meat and cook until browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook to softened, 5 minutes bass the stock, cannellini beans, tomatoes and 1 cup water, season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta, lower the heat and simmer until al dente, 8 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the broccoli rabe. Top the Stoup with romano and a drizzle of EVOO.

Notes and Thoughts:
So one thing you should generally know is that I will usually make a recipe according to the directions the first time and thereafter I will make modifications that either are closer with my preferences or deal with availability of products or cost.


1) Broccoli Rabe -> is used this for the very first time an I actually had to google how to prepare the Broccoli Rabe. It was rather simple - treat it like asparagus, you have to break/cut off the bottom portion of the steam. I found that the steam would naturally break where after the tough part. I also found that generally you need to blanch it as the recipe calls for before using it. I have broccoli in my house routinely (my daughter loves her veggies particularly broccoli - so in the future I would skip buying broccoli rabe and use regular broccoli. This would help reduce the time it took to prep this meal and also on the extra ingredients that I need in my house.

So I would skip the first step of boiling the water and then in the last 5-8 minutes I would throw in the fresh broccoli heads into the stew.

2) This called for spicy sausage however, because I was already buying sweet sausage for another recipe this week I just used a mild Italian sausage for this recipe and I found it was great. I am not sure if I would have liked it with the spicy sausage and I am not sure that the short person would have eating it.

3) Cannellini beans - again I have to send my love to google and wikipedia - this is white kidney beans :) I used the PC Blue menu white kidney beans with no salt and then rinsed them well.

4) Orecchietti past - Apparently ear shaped pasta that I cannot find at my usual store. This is where I departed from my normal sticking to the entire recipe as written and just used the pasta I had at home (PC Blue Menu Whole Wheat Macaroni) and in the future I would only use what I had in the house than buy special pasta. That being said I will look for orecchietti pasta for fun :)

Friday, September 16, 2011

RR - Sausage and Lentil Stew


SAUSAGE AND LENTIL STEW

This takes about a good hour to make which can be intimidating when considering quick meals during the week. However, I would say that the hour for this recipe is well worth it. A good porti
on is just letting the stew cook . This also includes the time it took to prep the ingredients - mean
ing that while I was browning the meat I was able to prep the other parts and have everything together around the same time. I would make some modifications to the recipe which I will indicate below - cheers!



Ingredients
1 large Carrots, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 lb Swe
et Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled8 oz Brown lentils, rinsed (** see note below)
4 cups Chicken Broth
1 tbsp
Rosemary, chopped
1 head Escarole, coarsely chopped (** see no
te below)
Salt and pepper


1. In a large dutch oven, heat the EVOO over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned; transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon.















2. Add the onion and carrot to the pot and cook until slightly softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and rosemary and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the lentils, broth and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.












3. Stir in the escarole and sausage, cover the pot and cook until the escarole is wilted and the sausage is heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.














So here are my thoughts on this globally:

1) I had no idea what Escarole was so I checked Wikipedia and found what it looked like and found that it also belonged to the endive family. I wasn't sure I was going go like the taste of it or now. I would say that I am a fan and would likely use it again in this recipe. However, I had some difficulty finding it at the store and would think that kale would be a good substitute in this case.

2) I could not find brown lentils at all so I got green lentils instead. I don't think that it made that big of difference. However, I have a sprouted bean trio made by Tru Roots and I would think that I would this instead next time because I have it and because that it has more colours to add to the mix.

3) I also found that it was rather soupy rather than stew like and I am not sure if that is because of the lentils I used or just the general recipe. Next time I would leave out the extra water called for and either just use the broth and 1 cup of water and experiment with how much is needed to keep it moist but more stew like.


Meal Planning and School


So the short person started school this month

Which means I am scrambling to control my work life which is massively crazy these days and trying to accommodate the short person's schedule is an interesting feet. This is particularly when you consider the fact that she has activities three nights a week and then has a new activity starting up on the weekend.

This mean that I have implemented a strict schedule and menu planning and so far it has been a success!

This weeks menu included the following:

Monday - Crockpot Chicken and Mushrooms with Quinoa and Lentils with Beans
Tuesday - Left overs

However, things didn't work out exactly as planned because I got home on Sunday and found that the mushrooms were no good :(

So we switched things up a bit but mostly stuck to the menu:
Wednesday - Crockpot Chicken and Mushrooms
Friday - out (only because I got invited to someones birthday)

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

"Question" Task for the Dubious Hausfrau

Ok well my questions is are you game and willing to complete my task list and then write a post telling us all about your adventure?

See it's a question really :)

1. Find where Toblerone is made and take a picture of the factory;
2. Take a picture of the 11 fountains that Bern is know and you must be in every picture;
3. Visit Gruyeres and indulge in some local cheese (picture also required)
4. Find the Zytglogge and take a picture (try this endeavour with out the use of google);
5. Find and visit Albert Einstein's apartment and take a picture of you at the location (again try sans the use of google);
6. Visit the Swiss National Library and inquire about getting a library card then if possible borrow one book that you have never read before (by now you should just assume that pictures are required);
7. Make plans to visit the Zibelemärit and take pictures when the event happens :) ;
8. Randomly take the train/public transportation for the day - you must take a minimum of 10 different routes/buses etc. and take pictures during the trip;
9. Visit the Münster of Bern for a tour;
10. Visit the mansion district and explain what it is and what your favourite part of it is.


Ready? Set? Doesn't really matter - go!

I would hope that you would have a post about each one completed by the end of November :)

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

This is a year ago (almost) I absolutely HATE this picture for many reasons but it serves as a good reminder of where I was.

This is a picture I took just for this post (actually I took about 100 and this is the only one that I like)




Monday, September 5, 2011

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

I am doing the 30 day challenge to keep myself focused on what my goal is and keep as a reminder of what I need to be doing.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Day 26- What you think about your friends?

I have some of the best friends in the world. Those that are close to me remain my friends no matter what and I know that I can call them at any time and for anything. I have friends who will do anything and everything for me - including jumping out of a plane with me so that I can celebrate my 30th birthday, take my child for a day because I don't have daycare.

Yup I generally would say that I have some of the best friends around!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Day 25- What I would find in your bag?

In my bag I will always have blistex, a couple of miscellaneous pens, a small pad of paper, a hair brush, hair elastics, my wallet, often and empty business card holder, tooth brush and tooth paste.

I generally have a general pharmacy in my purse (Tylenol, Advil etc.)

Friday, September 2, 2011

Day 24- A letter to your parents.

Mom and Dad

We may have had our disagreements growing up about what I wanted and what you wanted. I appreciate that you often let me find my own path and follow my heart.

You may not have always agreed with my decisions and choices but you have always supported me once i made my decisions. The thing I appreciate now more than ever is the help and support you give me in raising my daughter while at the same time supporting me in my career. I often do know if it would be possible with out your encouragement and support.

Thank you for everything that you have given up and sacrificed to allow me to peruse my dreams and hopes.

Love your daughter
Me.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot.

Something I crave a lot ... I am going to take this to mean a food item. I often crave a mix of sweet and salty items but the actual item varies from time to time. I really enjoy kettle corn because it is the perfect mix of sweet and salty. That being said I occasionally have cravings for the usual chocolate. The most interesting thing is that my cravings are often influenced by the time of year. For example, right now with fall approaching I have cravings for all things pumpkin - pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie ice cream.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else?

I have no idea honestly.

I think some things include the fact that I will pick my own path for many things. For instance, entering university I choose to do something I loved versus something that I had done before (e.g., political science and computer science vs. calculus and chemistry), then I decided to go to law school one day after watching legally blonde (nope that is not a joke) then deciding to have a child while I was in law school because I thought it would be easier than having a baby while being a lawyer.


I also tend to do random things for people just to be nice but it is often misunderstood.

For example:

I was on my way back to the office yesterday and looking at something on my phone when a lady asked where Scott street was and I didn't know but looked it up using my iPhone. I then realized I knew the street because I have to drive down it to get to my office every day *I am so smrt S M R T* I asked the lady if she was driving or walking and she said walking. I offered to explain it to her but said that it was a long walk (probably 30 minutes) and the directions aren't that easy because you have to walk to a bridge and then over the river. So I insisted on driving her.

I have also driven down the street and encounter someones poor kitty which was hit by a car and it a bad place in danger of continuing to be hit and run over by cars. So I went to my friends places just down the road and made her give me a towel and come with me so I could move the cat off the street. (FYI the scariest in terms of maybe it's still alive and will attack me type moment of my life)

I also just am going to put the following out there until the secret is revealed... Canada Post number EE094691245CA

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy.

A completely unexpected dolphin ride

Enjoying a view of the fish and her version of snorkeling


The first and only sea horse I have ever encountered snorkeling - just amazing!

My favorite place to be (notice how these all relate to the same idea..)

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them?

I actually don't have many nicknames - and in fact I only have one that anyone calls me by and it has been a long time since anyone has actually used it. The nickname is Candy - I wanted something short while I is high school but did not want to use a shortened version of my name so one night we came up with this.

Don't have any other nicknames that I can think of - other than Bird which only my dad uses.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have?


Dreams and Goals:

  1. Witness something truly amazing and a miracle;
  2. Run a half and full marathon;
  3. Loose 100 lbs and keep it off;
  4. Get certified for scuba diving and then dive some of the best sites in the world;
  5. Travel around the world some day on an around the world ticket;
  6. Take my daughter to see as many different places in the world as possible;
  7. Visit the seven wonders of the world (many of the different lists):
  • Sleep and travel the Great Wall of China
  • Petra
  • Christ the Redeemer (there are actually three - one in Brazil the most famous, one in Havana, Cuba and one in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and I have visited two of them thus far so I need to hit up Brazil)
  • Machu Picchu
  • Chichen Itza (done)
  • Colosseum
  • Taj Mahal
  • Great Pyramid of Giza
I also want to include natural wonders; ancient world (the ones that are actually around; Medieval world; and modern
  • Natural
  • Grand Canyon
  • Great Barrier REef
  • Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
  • Mount Everest
  • Aurora (we see these sometimes at home but I would like to travel further north to seem them in their true brilliance)
  • Paicutin Volcano
  • Victoria falls

  • Ancient World
  • Great Pyramid of Giza
  • Hanging Gardens of Babylon
  • Statue of Zeus at Olympia
  • Temple of Aremis at Ephesus
  • Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus
  • Colossus of Rhodes
  • Lighthouse of Alexandria

  • Medieval World
  • Stonehenge
  • Colosseum
  • Catacoms of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Great Wall of China
  • Porcelain tower of Nanjing
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa

  • Modern
  • Channel Tunnel
  • CN Tower (check)
  • Empire State Building (check)
  • Golden Gate Bridge (check)
  • Itaipu Dam
  • Delta Works
  • Panama Canal

Friday, August 26, 2011

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.

This is one is actually very difficult. But I think for one day I would want to switch places with either President Obama or Richard Branson.

I pick Obama because I would like to have his job just for one day to try and reform some of the US policy that I find contrary to the interests and the values that the country hold. The country professes so many things and then has policies that work contrary to those polices.

I picked Branson because of the resources he has at his disposable and I would find it interesting to try some of his toys.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play.

These are from my Kick A$$ playlist - which I usually listen to
  1. Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of your life)
  2. Coldplay - Clocks
  3. Priscilla Ahn - Dream
  4. Pitbull - Give me Everything
  5. Divine Brown - Lay it on the line
  6. Nickelback - burn it to the ground
  7. Usher - DJ got Us Fallin' in Love
  8. OneRepublic - Apologize
  9. Tom Cochrane - Life is a highway
  10. Collective Soul - Needs
These are taken from all songs on my iPhone ( 1027 Songs in total)
  1. Jock Jams - Cotton Eye Joe
  2. DJ Khaled - All I do is Win
  3. S Club 7 - Never had a dream come true
  4. Sarah McLachlan - City of Angels
  5. K'naan - Wavin' Flag
  6. Frank Sinatra - The way you look tonight
  7. Celine Dion - A new day has come
  8. Michael Jackson - Beat It
  9. Simple Plan - Can't keep my hands off of you
  10. U2 - I Still haven't found what I'm looking for
  11. Katy Perry - Firework
  12. Faith Hill - This Kiss
  13. Norah Jones - Turn Me ON
  14. Celine Dion - O Come all ye faithful
  15. Land of 1000 Distances (Forest Gump Soundtrack)
  16. Counting Crows - Accidentally in Love
  17. Dave Barnes - Very Merry Christmas
  18. Spice Girls - Mama
  19. Kenny G - Santa Claus is coming to town
  20. Marilyn Manson - Beautiful People

Very interesting that out of that many songs 3 of the 20 were Christmas songs (although not at all surprising given the large amount of Christmas music I have and LOVE to start listening to in the fall!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Day 14- A picture of you and your family.


Well it's not a really good picture and it's from last halloween but the problem with photo lovers like my mom and I is that we are usually behind the camera. Although, I am sure that there are more pictures that my mom has. Anyways - this is Boo at the Zoo from last year (hence the animal hats for my parents - my devil horns well those are an everyday accessory for me :) )


This is one of my last pictures with lil C before she took off for her summer adventures.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

Dear you,

I don't even think you realize that you hurt me and that you continue to do it. I wish I had the strength to break away from you entirely to stop the hurt but I don't. I know that you are using me to fill a part of your life and soon that will come to an end. I feel utterly disposable in your life. You turn to me when you need an opinion, a thought or someone just to listen to you, which is fine I need that in my life too and I turn to you for the same reason and I turn to my true friends for the same thing. Heck, one of my friends I value the most I haven't spoken to in a month because I've been so busy and she's been busy. The difference is that I know that at any moment when we need the other person we will be there.

You as a friend act differently and I know that soon this friendship will come to an end and you don't even seem to see or understand why. The worst part of this is that you continually try to change who you are to "reinvent" yourself to find something that you think will fulfill you rather than looking to your own life to see what you do have and how full your life already is.

I am frustrated and hurt and what's worse is I don't even think you know.

I hope that one day you realize this and I hope that you will find what you are looking for.

me.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Day 12- How you found out about blogging and why you made one.

Day 12- How you found out about blogging and why you made one.

I don't remember how I first learned about blogging. However, one thing that I can remember about blogs and my thoughts was after hearing about the Julie/Julia Project

I know that a few members of a message board that I used to belong to also had blogs and I is one of their blogs that inspired me to start trying my own blog.

I started writing because I wanted to keep track of my new years resolutions. That project failed horribly (I am not so good with new years resolutions). The it became to track and be publicly accountable for my weight loss and exercise journal. The main reason why I continue to blog is to keep track of some of my thoughts, my journey through weight loss and also my cooking (because I would LOVE to be a full time chef).

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends.


I choose this picture only because it was on the way to skydiving and Meredith and I haven friends since grade 1 or 2.

Friday, August 19, 2011

New Song that will be on my list - Saint Kris No Stress

Heard this on the radio this morning and fell in love with the song and the words.

Enjoy!


Saint Kris - No Stress from Youth Music Movement on Vimeo.


He's a local from Winnipeg

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad.

hum.. songs I like this topic!

Happy,
Green Day - Good Riddance

Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop us now


Let's GO Higher - Jonny Reid


Lady Gaga - Edge of Reason



Sad,


Family Name - Peter Bradley Adams

Better - Matthew Mayfield

Wait til you see my smile - Alicia Keys

Needs - Collective Soul

Coming Home




Adele - Make you Feel my love


Adele - Someone like you



Hyped,
P!nk - Raise your


LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem


Mad

NickelBack - Burn it to the Ground


I'll add a few more:

U2 - With or Without you

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days.

I am proud that I have recognized that I am off course on my plan for eating and exercising and that I cannot continue to the use excuse just a couple more days then I will get full back on the program.

I should know from last time that doesn't work. Just because I am to crazy right now to get back on full monitoring and tracking of my food (weighing it etc) does not mean that I can go nuts. I should have a basic concept of healthy foods and amounts to get back on course. Thus last night I made the decision to make my quick thai salad and then this morning I threw together a veggie tray for lunch. Sure I don't know exactly how many calories but I also know that it's not crazy and have a basic concept.

I am also proud that I went home last night and made the decision NOT to go the gym because I was zonked! But what makes me proud was the decision and sticking to the decision to go home play one game of Towers of Madness then go to bed - no TV or movies. I mean I have my iPad2 which I load my shows on to if I am going to watch them then stick to watching them while working out!

"If you don't have enough time. Stop watching TV"

"Stop Over Analyzing life is SIMPLE"

I am proud that I am starting to tackle some stuff at work that is scaring me and not letting the fear of it stop me from going forward.

Yea me! and tonight I will be heading to the gym because I want to!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why.

My short term goal this month surrounds the number 21 times!

I need to get back to the gym and my goal this month is 21 times which is very easy only 5 days a week which is completely doable.

I need to get back on track I am almost a year from where I started and I am still in a better position then I was last year but I have been sliding backwards on my goal so back to the gym it is.

OH and I will also be adding to this my need to eat only healthy, low fat high fiber foods yippy! but more on that later!

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

I choose to do both!

The first is a picture of my skydiving adventure! This has had a large impact on my life and much more than I could have originally thought. I am scared of many thin
gs in life and nothing was more scary than looking at my feet 9,000' above the earth thinking I am about to fall out of plane strapped to a person I've known existed for maybe a few hours and have spent only ab
out 30 minutes talking/sitting with on the ride up. The last thing I was asked before the door was opened is "Do you trust me?" and I had no choice to say "Yes" and just go with it. Now nothing is every as scary as that moment and to do know that I did it something so scary I just did it is empowering beyond words.

The next is probably pretty obvious - lil C - she is just so amazing.
















Monday, August 15, 2011

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why


Actually I have been thinking about this question for a long time and I am not sure who I would pick. After much thought and debate the only one I can come up with is Helen Parr or Elastigirl from the Incredibles.

I love her because she is who I want to be in life.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to.

I couldn't post just one picture so I have four I am going to post

Varadero, Cuba - well an Island near Varadero

San Francisco , CA and the Golden Gate bridge



Times Square, New York City, New York on New Year's Eve


Swimming with massive Turtles in Akumal Bay, Mexico

Chichen Itza, Mexico


Saturday, August 13, 2011

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have

Oh my goodness I am not sure.... I am going to go with where I open and leave my mail but I think I may come back to this.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Day 02- The meaning behind your blog name.

The meaning behind my blog life is very simple:

I don't believe that there is anything particularly special about my life and in fact I think is particularly ordinary so much so that is it extra normal or in other words... Extra Ordinary

hence the name "The Extra Ordinary Life of Me"

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Day 01 of 30



Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

hum. a recent pictures I think I can find...


This is from Hawaii Days at the lake... I am getting my just deserts


Being pulled behind the boat - so much fun!


And 15 interesting facts about me:

1. I have three tattoos and I only love one of them. I am hoping to get the one on my back covered this year.

2. I just learned how to wear make up in the last year and prior to that I have really only ever had my make up done by a professional.

3. I love shoes and probably have about 250 pairs by now :)

4. I love having flowers in my office they make me feel happy despite the depressing work I deal with.

5. I have a dream of going on a reality show (Survivor or Big Brother) and then turning that into a way to become a celebrity chef so I can get on Hell's Kitchen.

6. I love photography and would love to be a professional picture taker one day.

7. I don't think I ever have really decided what I want to do when I grow up (because I don't think I'm actually a grown up yet...)

8. I have a major fear of public speaking or generally doing anything in public (odd I know specially considering my job).

9. I don't like drinking water from a glass because it tastes funny but I think it tastes good from my water bottle or with a straw.

10. I dislike ice or cold things but I also dislike really hot things (it's really fun ordering me a drink at Starbucks :P)

11. The above dislike does not have anything to do with teeth sensitivity despite people's thoughts but rather the inability to quickly indulge in something (hot = burn and cold = brain freeze...)

12. I am terrified of trying new things and usually have to have my hand held or be with someone (I think this is related to my anxiety above)

13. I get anxious when sitting in my car waiting at the border because of crowds but feel completely fine in a major line of shoppers on BlackFriday.... (for those that think I am normal I think I am completely disproving that theory).

14. Despite the fact that I HATE carnations I love pink carnations but only by themselves and with nothing else!

15. My favorite flower would have to be: orchids or purple roses with purple alstroemeria





Dared to blog

In reading a friends blog I saw her accept a "Dare to Blog" and I am in the midst of needing inspiration again. I have fallen off of the wagon again (no not drinking but my food and exercise monitoring and doing have gone out the window) and I can feel my old ways dive bombing back into my life so I need to start again with the thought not that I am still doing this but I need to start over again from scratch and keep the thought 21 times I just need to do this 21 times and then keep with it after that. As such, I though that the 30 day blog challenge would be good to take as it will help me get on here and stay focused on my goals.

I will note that it will take me longer than 30 days to complete the challenge only because I am coming up on some days where I will not have internet access (I know the horror!!) but no excuse not to start now and keep with it!


Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
Day 02- The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to.
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why.
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why.
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days.
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad.
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends.
Day 12- How you found out about blogging and why you made one.
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 14- A picture of you and your family.
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play.
Day 16- Another picture of yourself (baby pic!)
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have?
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them?
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else?
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot.
Day 24- A letter to your parents.
Day 25- What I would find in your bag?
Day 26- What you think about your friends?
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned?
Day 30- Who are you?

Monday, August 8, 2011

My new manifesto
























Credit to Holsetee for their Manifesto which has now become my manifesto

Monday, June 27, 2011

Turning 30


So I just had my 30th birthday and I realized this last September.

Last September I realized that I have been spending my time moving through my life rather than living my life. I have done many amazing things in my life and I can say that I am truly blessed for the opportunities I have had but in all honesty I have not been really trying.

This is what originally started my drive to get back to the gym I wanted to start living my life but because I had let my weight and size spiral out of control I couldn't do a lot of the things I wanted to do.

So I made the decision to go back to the gym - something I really didn't think I could do. Then I did it and started doing it well. Then I signed up to run the half marathon on June 19 (Father's Day) but for a variety of reasons I stopped training and basically didn't run in the 5-6 weeks before the date and made the decision to pull for medical reasons and not run the race.

I accept the decision but regret it in ways. I know I could have made the 13.1 miles no problem - the real problem is that I wouldn't have been able to run or jog it and would have likely walked the entire way. I decided that is not what I wanted to do.

The problem is that this left me with lots of inner turmoil about not doing things because I didn't think I could do them - a particular problem because I had signed up to go skydiving with a friend for my birthday (one week after the half marathon).... and as time grew closer it was definitely something I didn't think I could do.

Then part way through the week I realized that I was over the weight restriction for tandem jumping but there was a chance that I would still be able to jump because I am fairly height weight proportionate.

Anyways I will have to come back and write more about that experience later but I did it and all I have to say is that it was the MOST amazing experience ever and I only live with two disappointments from the entire experience and honestly I can say from now it can't be that bad I jumped out of a plane!

Monday, March 7, 2011

ABC's of Cassandra!

I was inspired by a fellow blogger to post this! (Mission to a(nother) Marathon) (<-- a great blog that inspired me to start getting fit and run :) )

Age: 29 (in ~110 days I'll be 30)
Bed size: Queen... I would kill for a King right now!
Chore you hate: Kitty Litter or shoveling snow...
Dogs: Not now. I had one growing up Midnight!! she was the best!
Essential start of your day: My smoothie :)
Fav colour: I would have to say currently pink (which if you know me is very ODD!) a close second and used to be first is Emerald Green


Gold or silver: White Gold (or silver...)
Height: 5'9"
Instruments: Piano, saxophone (well .. I did play for one summer not really good but hey) recorder (yes I know everyone played them in elementary school but I played soprano, alto and tenor and I still have them) and drums (not kit drums but marching drums... oh yeah I'm so cool!)
Job title: Lawyer....

Kids: 1 - lil' C and she's da best!

Live: Manitoba, Canada
Mom’s name: Irene (she'll likely kill me for this picture... good thing she is currently an 8+ hour flight away... and in her defense this was for Halloween with lil 'C)


Nicknames: Candy... but I haven't had anyone call me that since first or second year university.... other than that no one dares call me Cassie
Overnight hospital stays: Yup several :S
Pet peeve: noisy eaters/gum chewers... also people who smoke right out side the door ugh!
Quote from a movie: from How to Train your Dragon:

"Astrid: [Referring to Toothless] I bet he's really frightened right now... what are you gonna do about it?
Hiccup: Ehhh... probably something stupid.
Astrid: Good, but you've already done that.
Hiccup: Then something crazy...!
Astrid: That's more like it! "

R
ight or left handed: Right
Siblings: 1 older bro...

Time you wake up: ugh I would rather not admit that right now :) but I am trying to change it1
Underwear: Of course!
Veg you dislike: Red cabbage ugh - the mere thought of it - gross!
What makes you run late: Let me count the ways....
X-rays you have had done: Ankle and other ankle, wrist, back/neck, teeth.. (I have a tooth laying sideways in my jaw - strange but true), abdomen, chest.... would it be easier to say never my thighs :)
Yummy food you make: everything :)
Zoo, favorite animal: Ground hogs

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Life


By Mother Teresa

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is costly, care for it.

Life is wealth, keep it.

Life is love, enjoy it.

Life is mystery, know it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

Varadero Sunset


Taken with the G10 in manual mode.

Havana


So I am now back from the trip to Cuba... To say that the trip wasn't fun isn't accurate I had some pretty amazing times while away. However, with that being said I can definitely say that I could use another vacation.

As you may know the purpose of the trip was a retirement present for my mother-in-law. The trip has been in the works for nearly two years and we have taken two other trips (one to Mexico and one to Punta Cana) to ensure that the decision to head to Varadero was the best one. The entire reason we decided on Cuba is because my father-in-law does not like beaches or sun. If you have ever heard me talk about previous trips, you would know that sand is the necessary evil between concrete and ocean. So Varadero was chosen for the proximity to Havana and the possibility of taking a day trip to visit the historical city.

Now I will post a full review later of the hotel and airline. But I want want to say this - the private tour into Havana opened my eyes to a reality that I hadn't seen before. Also the staff at the Blau Varadero were beyond amazing and the staff for Sunwing were fantastic!