Meet the New Baby!!

No, I didn't have a baby, crazies.  Nor did someone I know.  No, this is not a pet name for a new boyfriend or anything like that.

I crossed something off my resolution list.

That's right....I freakin' finally got a new car!!!

It's a 2011 Mazda3 i Touring. I LOVE it.

Zoom-Zoom

I know, you're not supposed to buy a car "new," but I didn't buy it.  I decided to do a lease...this is going to help me out of a bajillion ways, like leave me room to save more money every month for something "used" after 42 months. It will also reduce stress about not have a $350/mo car payment.  I'll actually get to keep what little bitty savings I do have.  With extra money, I can pay some extra debt off and actually start paying my student loans.  Even better, I no longer have to worry that the Civic is going to shake itself off of the highway any day now. I also don't have to buy new tires ASAP.

The other side.  LOVEloveLOVE.

This process started realistically in October. I test drove the 3 (liked it) and thought it would be too small for me to consider buying for the next 6 to 8 (to 10) years because of that whole "I want to be mommy" hormonal business. Still, I couldn't help but forget that the car was at my price point, fun to drive, very "me"...the 3 was on my mind frequently.  Earlier this week, I realized how serious it was that I get out of my Civic soon...sooner than I could afford a decent down payment; sooner than I would be ready for a $350/mo payment. Then I considered a lease...three and half years is a much more realistic time frame to be without a car seat in the back, so I had zero problem going into this fun and sporty car.

Such a good car for the last 6 years; but let's face it: she had a REALLY rough year in 2010. Two car accidents, enormous alignment issues,  muffler was toast, inaccessible oil tank (I could fill, but not change) & a missing side mirror.

On a lease, you basically pay a low monthly payment that is meant to pay off the most expensive chunk of the car's value. Realistically, you pay 30-40% of the car's value in order to have the rights to drive it for the term. They usually last for 36 months, but Mazda does them for 42. What's left over is called the residual, or the estimated value of the car after depreciation. At the end of the lease, you can either keep the car (pay the residual) or return the car.

Let me be clear: leases are a terrible long-term investment.  However, in the short-run, they are a great, low cost option to get into a car when you can't afford to buy it. This is great for people like me who are recently starting out, trying to save money, don't have savings and who need to get a new car.  It's also an option for those who always want to drive the newest car on the lot.

Now that that's all taken care of, here's the goods.  I got an outstanding, out-of-this-world deal.  If you ask, I'll tell you all the details.  Basically I came in with an ideal scenario...I walked out getting ev-er-y-thing I wanted, then a little extra.  I know I made the right decision for me and I had a really positive buying experience!!

I went to Bob Moore Mazda in north Oklahoma City, and Terry was my salesperson.  Terry was not too pushy, was very kind and did a good understanding my reservations to make a decision that night.  I stepped out a few times to talk to my parents, and they thought I was getting a better deal than they had expected. I also got a great trade-in on the Civic (40% more than I expected great) & a cash rebate back to help me out with paying some (credit card) bills.

My Sales Person, TERRY!!!  I actually drove it home and got everything approved on Friday night, but there was a problem with the leasing document, so I came back first thing on Saturday morning.

The Civic meets her replacement.  This picture does make me kind of sad, though.  Younger, better looking car replaces the loyal original.

I walked (drove) out in a brand new car that I love that has almost everything I could have dreamed for in a new car (minus a sunroof, navigation and keyless driving). BUT I do have the following amazing new features:

• Bluetooth phone systems
• Black exterior/black interior (exactly what I wanted)
• An awesome suspension systems
• Hidden compartment aux plus/phone charger outlet
• A working keyless entry system (I'm easily impressed)
• Power driver's window down AND up (really really easily impressed)
• Optional manual tranmission (this is so cool)
• Telescopic steering
• Thermometer
• Cuteness factor
• She smiles...

How can you not love a car that smiles back at you?

Anyway, I can't wait to drive you in it! I love my new car!!!

Now do I have to name it?

Check out that booty.

I'm calling this my miserable post..."Miserable Post"

Now, before you run away thinking this is just going to be the mopiest entry ever, DON'T! It's not "woe is me and my life is sad and awful." It's more like I'm being pitiful tonight and I find it oddly amusing how pitiful I am.

In case I haven't mentioned it, I'm running a ton! I could almost classify as training because I have goals in mind.  I've got distance goals and endurance goals and race goals and speed goals and definitely some interval goals.  I'm totally enjoying running this much. It's something I've always wanted to achieve -er status at...not to say "I run" but that "I am a runn-ER." It's a process, but I'm well on my way.

The problem with me running is this: I have a bad knee that only ever shows when I march (marching band) and when I run. It's called Runner's Knee, or patellofemeral pain. In high school marching, I did an about-face and my ankle gave out. My right knee buckled and I felt a big POP (then me, my butt & my big 'ole drum were on the ground). A little ice and all seemed to be as good as new, but over time I had growing pain in my knee.  It got so bad freshman year of college that I could not walk up a flight of stairs. I'm not exaggerating. My chiropractor did some alignment work on it, after figuring out that I had misaligned some cartlidge and I've been trouble free since then.  Until now.  Can't walk without pain. Can't dance. Sure can't run.  Lots and lots of pain.


HOWEVER, I'm still doing all of those things and it hurts. I've been icing, but it still hurts.

Which brings me to tonight and why I'm so pitiful.

I went to the Home & Garden Expo show at the fair with my friend Tasha (after dancing all last night then running this morning) and did my fair share of walking.  I knew I would need to ice, but then I tripped on a pillow (it's a big pillow).

Big Pillow = easily tripped on.

I also slept on Bailey's couch last night and my back is sooooo tense, so I knew I needed either a $60 massage or some heat. Heating pad it is!!

But, I'm feeling pitiful and exhausted and my knee hurts and my back hurts and I'm just so darn sleepy. I feel...OLD.  So, (instead of anti-inflammatory pain reliever) I wanted some alcohol.  It would help with the pain and stop the moping. MMmmm wine.

But, all my wine that I currently have is unchilled and white (unacceptable)! I wasn't in the mood for beer, but beer's what I had and I don't drink hard liquor alone.  #justsaying.

BL Lime.

So, here I am in bed at 10:00 on a Saturday night. I'm mopey and miserable about feeling old and creaky with ice on my knee and heat on my back drinking beer and not wine in bed. Alone.

Not wearing any pants.

At least I have my teal slipper-sock things to cheer me up.


So here's the point.  I DON'T LIKE FEELING OLDER. I'm done complaining.  The end.

Project 365: Days 276 - 295

I'm trying so hard to catch up!! (It feels impossible...)

November 24, 2010

Day 276: Look what I found while out shopping for Christmas!! #cougartown.

November 25, 2010

Day 277: Thanksgiving Day with the family in Abilene, TX!!

November 26, 2010

Day 278: Thanks mom and dad!!! I new necklace for my office Christmas party!

November 27, 2010

Day 279: Started the Christmas decorations in the office while watching Bedlam!

November 28, 2010

Day 280: I successfully and deliciously made eggs benedict all by myself!! Oh...my...goodness. SOOO good.  I'm awesome.

November 29, 2010

Day 281: 

The gingerbread house at one of my clients' offices.  EVERYTHING was made of food :o)

November 30, 2010

Day 282: My new earrings that go PERFECTLY with my new necklace :o)

December 1, 2010

Day 283: The danger zone of our office reno...

December 2, 2010

Day 284: 

Mileage is gettin' up there...

December 3, 2010

Day 285:OOSI Office Christmas party!!

December 4, 2010

Day 286: My Christmas tree...it's soooo full! I'm going to have to upgrade next year (also the tree was falling apart!).

December 5, 2010

Day 287: The wreath I made!

December 6, 2010

Day 289: The last part of the Christmas puzzle...my "mantle" since I don't have a fireplace!

December 7, 2010

Day 290: Sonic made sure to give me a free mint with my BLT. Thanks.

December 8, 2010

Day 291: My first attempt at delicious corn chowder.  This was A-MAZ-ING!

December 9, 2010

Day 292: This could possibly be the best part of my day! MMMmmm Schlotzsky's.

December 10, 2010

Day 293: My Daddy was in town (for the second week in a row...).  We went to Elephant Bar and had some wonderful quality time together! Love him!!

December 11, 2010

Day 294: After a really tough day, Kirsten and I went ice skating at the Devon Ice Rink by the Civic Center downtown!!

December 12, 2010

Day 295: WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN THIS BEFORE?!?! I worked on blogging basically all day long, including a new layout.

January Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Soup

For January's new recipe, I decided to make Julia Child's Cream of Mushroom Soup.  I was pretty nervous about this one because mushrooms can be weird, but they are my favorite fungus and probably in my top 10 of favorite items in the produce section.

Overall, it was more than a success......it was a TRIUMPH!!! I could not believe how delicious it was. I originally hoped it to be a little thicker, but it tasted perfect.

Massive props to Kirsten for her help in the kitchen, taking pictures and 5-star eating.

Total Cook Time: About an hour and a half, but I could have prepped ahead of time. (See bottom of the post for pre-book prep stuff!).  This takes into account that my first time doing a recipe is usually twice what is normally is

Serves: 6-8 (according to Julia...this must be 8 cups, not bowls, of soup)

Here's all of the stuff you need!!: 1/4 cup minced onions, 6-8 tb butter (I used I Can't Believe...), 3 tb flour,  6 cups chicken stock, 1 lb fresh mushrooms, 1 tsp lemon juice, 2 egg yolks, 1/2-3/4 cup whipping cream, Port Salut cheese (or Gruyere, if you must), garlic salt, salt, pepper.

Equipment: sharp knife, cutting board, wire wisk, large (2 1/2 qt) saucepan, medium sauce pan, 3 quart mixing bowl (or several smaller ones, in my case. Who owns that big of a mixing bowl?!?!), wooden spoon, ladle, strainer

1. Start boiling 6 cups of chicken stock in a medium sized sauce pan. 

 2. In a large saucepan, slowly cook the minced onions in the butter for 8-10 minutes over med-low heat. They should be tender but not brown.

3. Add 3 tb flour & stir 2-3 minutes (without browning).

Note: I would have added a tablespoon of cornstarch at this point had I know it would be so thin in the end.  I also ended up needing to take this off the heat after a minute because it was getting too hot! The mixture is thick, but that's a good thing here.

4. Take the large saucepan off heat & beat in the boiling stock, blending thoroughly with the flour mixture. Season with salt and pepper (maybe a little garlic powder, if you're like me).

Note: A wire wisk would have worked marvelously, but K and I were just having too much fun with my Granny's pre-appliance mixer!

5. Separate the mushroom stems from the cap (if they don't come apart easily, wiggle the stem in circles a little).  Chop the stems into small pieces.  They can be smaller than mine because you will remove them later, which I didn't realize!

5. Stir the chopped mushroom stems into the stock. Simmer partially covered for at least 20 minutes (longer won't hurt), stirring occasionally.

6. Thinly slice the mushroom caps.

7. Melt 2 tb butter in the same medium-sized sauce pan you used earlier.

8. When the butter is foaming, add sliced mushroom caps, 1 tsp lemon juice & 1/4 tsp salt.  Stir well until caps are coated.  Cover & cook slowly over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Note: This is what the 'shrooms look like after they cook...they go down in size quite a bit!

9: When the stock mixture has simmered for 20 minutes or more, strain out the mushroom stems, pressing out their yummy juices into the soup. The soup should be left as liquid only. You can toss the stems at this point, not that you'd want to keep them around.

(mushroom stem curd...gross)

10. Pour the mushroom caps into the strained soup base. Stir well, then simmer for an additional 10 minutes

11. Beat 2 egg yolks with 3/4 cup cream in a large mixing bowl.

Note: This is the biggest mixing bowl I own, so there was some definite transferring of juices going on!

12. Beat in the hot soup by the spoonful until about a cup has been added. Gradually, stir in the rest of the soup. Season with more salt & pepper 'til it tastes yummy. Return to your large saucepan & stir over moderate heat for a minute or two to cook the yolk.  The soup should be very warm, but not yet simmering.

Note: More juice transferring.

13. Take the soup off heat.  By the tablespoonful, add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to the soup

Note: Number 13 was crucial for me, but easy to forget.

 

14: Serve in your favorite soup bowl, garnishing with fresh mushrooms, herbs, or (my preference) Port Salut cheese.

Looking to prep ahead? Chop the mushroom stems and slice the caps the night before, as well as mincing the onion.

Again, this soup was amazing! 1 month down & I already know that 2011 is going to be a very yummy year! I hope you'll give this one a shot.

Just a quick update on meeee

I wish I had a better post for you, but this is all I got. I wanted to give everyone a quick update on how my New Year's Resolutions are going.

1. Run 365 miles: I feel like I'm becoming addicted to running.  So far, I've crammed in 15.5 miles as of January 15 (morning time & haven't even run today), so I'm on track.  I plan to be ahead by the end of this weekend because I usually run a lot over the weekends (even before I set the concrete goal).

I also experienced my first crazed runner idea this  week when I decided to go running at Lake Hefner on Monday (the day it snowed) at sundown (when it got down to 20 F with 20 mph winds and freezing rain). I got in 4.5 miles (then died).

I've also been spending some time on runner's world to try and get all the more into it, and I'm thinking about signing up for a race sometime this summer or fall.

I can tell my endurance has gone up significantly. On days when I'm not feeling too physically beat up, I don't get tired until after 2 miles (which is a pretty big deal for asthmatic me).  Overall, I've been craving running more and more, so I'm excited to see how the next few weeks progresses.

2. 12 books: I've been running during too much of my free time to read....

3. 12 recipes: This week I am making cream of mushroom soup (Julia Child's).  I had the cream of mushroom soup at Paseo Grill, which is fab-u-lous, so I'm hoping it's better than that!!!

4. Spend less time online: I have not been successful. I watch a lot of tv online (esp since I got rid of my cable package, saving me $50/mo) while I'm getting ready, cleaning, etc. and it's just too easy for me to get distracted.

I just found out yesterday that I can watch Instant stuff on Netflix on my iphone while I'm running on the treadmill, so I plan to take advantage of that (I love Dexter) more than a little so I can run on the treadmill and not get bored.

5. Date: I'm sorta talking to someone, but it's not any huge deal (as of right now). I refuse to let dating stress me outt. This is one resolution I don't mind putting at the bottom of the "priority" list and leave it completely omitted from the "things that cause anxiety" list

6. New Car: Still lookin', still savin'

7. I just realized I don't have a 7.

8. Photo blog: Not successful in the slightest. I think I should start taking my camera on runs. Lake Hefner is just gorgeous!!

9. Blog better: I'm blogging aren't I?

10. Better than last year: So far, so great!

Project 365: Days 256 - 275

11/04/2010

Day 256: These cats LOOOOOVE my patio...

11/05/2010

Day 257: A kitten!! But, he's feral and angry.

11/06/2010

Day 258: While I went to O'Connell's to watch the game, this is where I spent the majority of my day.  The SAD majority.

11/07/2010

Day 259:The feral kitten is much nicer with his papa nearby!

11/08/2010

Day 260: My favorite kitty is the siamese, a bit of a loner.  She waits for me outside my door most afternoons.

11/09/2010

Day 261: delish little beauty of an egg...poached!! (I'm so proud of myself...)

11/10/2010

Day 262: Coincidentally left the door open on a cold night when the kitties were on the patio.  Ooops

11/11/2010

Day 263:RSVP to my office's Christmas party...my first big-kid job Christmas party :o)

11/12/2010

Day 264: My nice new neighbors asked me to move my bike (we share a patio)...so here it is.  Doesn't it go so well with my office?!

11/13/2010

Day 265: At Logan's with Kirsten and Ryann after the game :o)

11/14/2010

Day 266: I'm so boring. Such is the life of a grad school student.

11/15/2010

Day 267: For the love of organizational psychology!! MMMMmmm I love grad school (not).

11/16/2010

Day 268: I didn't even mean for this picture to be the picture of the day, but I realized that I spent all...freaking...night (and the last three days) at the library!! This was a really helpful chart that made writing go a TON faster for about half an hour!

11/17/2010

Day 269: My new dress for the office Christmas party!!

11/18/2010

Day 270: While looking for dress patterns in the McCall's book at Hobby Lobby, I came across this delightful number :o).

11/19/2010

Day 271: The office getting pumped to drop a few last-minute pounds overall over the last weekend of the Biggest Loser competition.

11/20/2010

Day 272: Kirsten and Brad came over to watch the game...I had steamed green beans for dinner dipped in a shot glass of Worchestershire sauce!! Yummmm

11/21/2010

Day 273: Check out my new lamp!! I bought it ugly and brassy at a garage sale for only $1, then spent $3 each on a can of spray paint primer (I ran out on my last project) and silver pewter paint...$12 lampshade....$19 lamp!! However, I consider it to be less because I can reuse the paint, I was just out of both :o)

11/22/2010

Day 274: In case I haven't mentioned, I love fall sunsets!!!

11/23/2010

Day 275: I spent a quiet night in.  I left the door open because it was really nice outside and the kitties found their way in. DANGIT.  (I haven't done this since....)