Time for Change

Since moving back to Dallas, things have been a bit crazy.

I moved on Wednesday (March 3rd), had an interview Thursday, had an interview Friday, spent the entire weekend working on a presentation for an interview, had an interview Monday, a very close family friend passed away Tuesday followed by two interviews that afternoon (I usually shut down when someone close passes away, so this was difficult), interview Wednesday followed by a job offer, funeral Friday.

9 days: 6 interviews, 1 job offer, & a funeral in 9 days.  I've been busy.

Obviously, I accepted the job offer.  The company called me after seeing my resume on a job board, but the funny thing was I sent them my resume in December when I decided to move back to Dallas.  I never heard anything, but they had just hired a new recruitment staffer the week before! Lucky me :)

The company I accepted the offer from is a lot like my previous employer in OKC.  Same job, same product lines, same concept...but I really think this will be a better fit for me as far as how they structure their work. #Winning.

I don't actually start until Monday, but it's been sooooooo nice getting to relax for the last 2 months!

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I've also been enjoying some quality family time....including with the animals.

All aboard!

I finally finished February's Meal-of-the-Month on March 7.  I made Julia Child's Boeuf à la Mode.  Basically, it's a roast braised in wine...AMAZING! That post is coming soon!

My dad got off work on bereavement leave for the funeral, but they pulled him from his entire trip last weekend...tough! I looooved getting to spend 4 whole days with him!

I've also made my room back home feel a lot more like...well...ME! It's made the biggest difference having a space set up that feels like my own with all of my stuff set up semi-permanently the way I like.

The west wall. This is the typical view as I walk in.
Oh, hey Tucker...I've missed you!

Northwest corner. Morning ritual :)

North wall & my Grandad's credenza.  To the left, there is my gettin' ready station.  Filing and sewing machine in the middle, desk stuff to the right.

Northeast corner.

Closet that only holds a 1/4 of my clothes.  I've also taken over the coat closet in the hallway.  The other half is split between storage and my suitcase under the bed.

Some of my shoes with my life-changing shoe boxes.

I could fit a lot more clothes in here without this tower to hold stuff....but it just holds too much stuff. (Bags/purses,  jewelry hanger, more shoes, workout stuff, etc.)

Laundry, which must be kept in the closet with the door closed.  Marley is the family's designated Panty-Snatcher.

East side...

Southeast corner

Better southeast corner

South wall. My nightstand is fully loaded 'cause there's only room for one...plus check out my new rug ($12 @ Hobby Lobby)

Southwest corner. My laptop exactly where it is 90% of the time.

Of course, there are a few things that aren't the way I'd like.   For one, take a look at this pic again.

What's missing?

No curtains, though the curtain posts are already drilled into the wall.  The rod isn't long enough & I need to pick up another one.  So where are the curtains? Domino is keeping them safe.

Alpha cat.

Sick.

Then there's the empty shelf with only one picture on it.  Don't know what to do, if anything, here.

Lonely shelf on the south wall :(

 And of course, there's the pièce de résistance.  My dad was a big pheasant hunter in his twenties & this is his pride & joy.  My mom got it remounted & restored about 5 years ago as a Christmas present.  Dad's worried to put it in storage so it doesn't get hurt, so for now it's above the door.

Birdie.

It's definitely been a big adjustment moving back in a house with 3 1/2 (Ry's girlfriend is here a lot) adults when I've been so used to living alone, but overall it's working out swimmingly! I've also been continuing to run a lot, which is so much more fun with my mom's dog's company everyday.

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I also gave up fast food for Lent.  Three pretty significant reasons why I did this year.

1. I'm trying to save money & eat healthier. Money has obviously been tight given that I haven't had a job. Plus, I'm provided food at home for free (even though I'm the one doing the cooking about half the time.  There's no need to spend the cash on it.  I've also eaten terribly all fall and winter & my jeans could tell. I've really put a lot of effort into cutting out the crud since moving back!
2. I haven't given up anything for Lent since high school.  I grew up in the Methodist church, where giving up something for Lent is encouraged for those who want to do so, but not really pushed for those who decide not to. Originally, I wasn't going to give anything up but I had a change of heart.
3. I have been focusing on my faith a lot lately. I'm usually very private & quiet when it comes to my faith, but it is something I have found is more important to me now than it has been in a long time.  I put so little emphasis on spirituality during college and I have noticed a huge difference in my outlook  & overall happiness since I've been working on my relationship with God. I am happier and my anxiety has been at an all-time low. I am handling adversity & crises better than I have ever been able to. I typically prefer to focus on my faith at home through scripture, prayer & meditation. I've also had a hard time finding a church that I am comfortable in. I felt like giving up something as easy & mindless as grabbing fast food while out running errands would be a great reminder for me to thank God for all of the blessings in my life, especially the people who I love so-so-so much!

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Finally, I decided to make one more big change.

Cut the hairs.

I had been thinking about this one for a few weeks.  Since my hair hasn't been growing despite fish oil supplement, biotin & prenatal vitamins (all promote hair growth!) for 12 weeks (including biotin for the last 9 months), I decided it was time for a big BIG change.  I really want my hair to be at the bottom of my shoulder blades ideally...but more importantly I want it to be one length (instead of accidental choppy layers created by damage) & h.e.a.l.t.h.y!


I've also been trying to phase out my bangs, but I love with them at the length they are now! It seems like they belong with the rest of my hair even though they are really long.  Funny thing is, my new stylist (Ludi) didn't touch 'em.

Overall, I'm really happy with my not-so-bobby new bob.  I wanted a mix between Nicole Richie cir. 2008 & Heidi Klum cir. 2011.

I think it was an absolute success!! I'm also really proud of myself for not backing out of a potentially scary situation.  I did have a minor panic attack when Ludi cut 5 1/2 inches of hair off the back of my head, but I calmed down by the time the shears were put down.

LOVE IT!

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I hope you enjoyed all of the changes that have been going on since moving back to the Big D! I miss everyone in Oklahoma & elsewhere in the world, but it has been really nice being back home! LOVE!

I Made the Decision, Just Not the Timeline

This is not my favorite entry ever, but it's one that needs to be made.

In my New Year post, I talked about how I decided to make a big change in 2011. Some of you already know, but about a week before Christmas I got fed up with missing my family and feeling like Oklahoma just isn't working for me anymore.  I decided that within the next six months I wanted to move back to Dallas.

I've been really happy with the decision and was ready to move toward making it happen (finding a job in Dallas before moving, etc.) on my own timeline.

I really didn't want to run away from Oklahoma, though. I loved it here for the last 5 1/2 years.  I gave it a lot of time and nurturing and love and heartbreak.  I gave it more energy than some people thought it deserved.  All the same, I chose to live in Oklahoma throughout college and after, and I'm happy with that decision.  But, it's time to move on. I need a change. I need to be closer to my family (for me and for them). I need someplace better that will treat me well.  Maybe it's not the Great State's fault, but my time in OK over the last 2 years has not been gentle.  I guess I just got to the point where I felt that all of the crap is sign that maybe I don't belong here anymore. Maybe things aren't working out because they're not supposed to work out here.

I decided to wait until I found the RIGHT job in Dallas, not just any job.

Enter Snowpocalypse 2011 (The first one, not the one about to occur in the next 36 hours).

Our office was closed Tuesday with discretionary attendance Wednesday and Thursday.  Imagine my surprise when my manager called me at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to talk about "changing my role in the company." What he meant was either demoting or firing me, depending on the CEO's decision. Immediately, I put the job search into overdrive.  I wanted to plan for the worst or at least have a backup plan to leave as soon as I could.

I was fired on Thursday over the phone (#tacky). If you ask me personally, I'll tell you more details, but not here.  I'm angry and frustrated and maybe a little defeated...but it's giving me a kick in the pants to be where I really want to be. On a side note, I have gotten overwhelming support from my co-workers who have such good friends to me over the past several months. I'm so thankful for them

So, at the end of February, my time in Oklahoma will be up. It's going to be sad, but I'm excited to be moving on to (hopefully) bigger and better things. I have exactly three more weeks left, a lot to get done, a lot of fun to be had, and a whole lot of jobs to apply for.

I'll be moving back into my parents' house (where my brother currently lives....REALITY CHECK!!!) temporarily until a couple of things are secured:

• A new job
• My credit cards are paid off (difficult when you have no new income...)
• My savings are built up a little more
• I find a new place that I both love and can afford (possibly with a roommate to share expenses)

On the short term, I plan to be there 3 months.  In reality (without a job), it's looking like closer to six months. I think the time there will be positive and I'll get to spend some quality time with my mom and help her out. She has fibromyalgia and struggles with most day-to-day exertions. With my dad traveling for work, I'd really like to help her out with the little stuff...picking up prescriptions, going to the store for her, running errands, etc....and continuing to do so after I move out.  This was a big motivation for me moving home in the first place. I'm also looking forward to helping my dad be more active (he keeps mentioning how he would enjoy biking and walking with me instead of alone).

So, yeah, I got fired.  But, everything is going to be just wonderful. I'm in a little bit of a pickle right now, but it's all going to work out just fine! 

She's Got Moves.

For old O'Connell's last night open, a bunch of us went and had a blast of time (minus that one unmentionable part, but it was still overall a solid night).

This lady was having the best night of her life. Shake your groove thing, California Girl.

My camera died before things got interesting, but here's what I took up until then!

Absolutely love this one!

Tracy and the DJ.  Mohawk dude in the background.

Life of the party.

I have no idea how this happened but I LIKE IT!

Last pic before battery death.  Ignore my bra and the ridiculous shadows on my face.

And for the Grand Finale? A peek at Tracy winning the "Ugliest Dance" Contest.

There's nothing about this video that isn't perfect.

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.

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.