2011 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 14,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 5 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

My Identity

I am a:

Woman
Daughter
Sister
Sister-in-law
Granddaughter
Cousin
Friend
Co-worker
God parent
Soon-to-be Auntie
Roommate
Neighbor
Social Worker
Listener
Giver
Servant
Daughter of the Most High King

I am also:

Loving
Caring
Compassionate
Creative
Outgoing
Sensitive
Loud
Directionally-challenged
Patient (to an extent)
Stubborn
Impulsive
Inquisitive
Determined
Ambitious
Empathetic
Smart
Funny
Sarcastic

I know not everyone can see every aspect of me at all times, but I know that each and every one of these traits comprise some of who I am and my identity. I am the same person, but I can appear different to different people and at different times. But it all makes me …ME.

Who are YOU? How do you see me?

Chicken Breast stuffed with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes

In honor of my 300th post, I thought I would share a favorite recipe that I made last night.

ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 12oz jar of marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained (save the oil), chopped
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• italian seasoning
• 1-2 tablespoons minced garlic

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Mix artichokes, cheese, tomatoes, and basil in medium bowl.
• Using small sharp knife and working with 1 chicken breast at a time, cut 2-inch-long slit horizontally into 1 side of chicken breast. Move knife back and forth in slit to form pocket.
• Divide 1 cup cheese mixture among chicken pockets
• Press edges to seal. **I also secure with 2-3 toothpicks**
• Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and italian seasoning
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato oil in heavy large ovenproof skillet over high heat.
• saute garlic until lightly browned
• Add chicken; cook 3-5 minutes on each side.
• transfer skillet to oven. Bake until cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
• Let sit for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

 

I don’t have a picture, because it was eaten up fast.  Let me know if you make this and what you think 🙂

Weekly Photo Challenge : SELF PORTRAIT

So this is me 🙂   I took this picture in October of this year, when I was in NY visiting family.  It was taken with my cell phone.

Weekly Photo Challenge : CELEBRATION

In keeping with the upcoming holiday, I thought it fitting to post a picture of my Willow Tree nativity set, not because I love it and am so happy to have finally gotten all of the figurines for it and being able to display it in my apartment, BUT because of what it really represents:  the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for whom we CELEBRATE Christmas.

Five Question Friday

Hi everyone….I’m sorry I’ve been away for a bit.  I got hit with some pretty crazy news/stuff to deal with the day I got back from NY that has completely consumed me…and not in a good way.  I haven’t been dealing with it well and just trying to get through each day.  I also sprained my wrist at the airport on my way back, and have been dealing with that as well.   But I wanted to check in and say I have missed you all and hope to be back to my normal self in a few weeks.   Hope this little 5QFriday will help to fill in the gap.

 

1. What’s the last thing you spent too much money on?

I always spend too much money on food.  Looking at my bank statement for the last month, I would say food was the most, then clothes to take to NY, and airfare/baggage fees.

 

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?

Rachel Ray….she is always so fun and makes some great food.

 

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?

The “real deal”.  If people are coming over, they are usually good friends, who love me for me and I want them to know the real me…plus my apartment is pretty clean, so there really isn’t anything to hide anyways.

 

4. Who is your oldest living family member?

I think my great, great uncle Tony, who I got to see last month at my sis’s wedding.  My mom took a pic of us, but she never did send it to me, so I can’t attach it 😦  Just picture a late 80 year old classic Italian looking man and me.

 

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla dr. pepper)?

I don’t go to DQ and never been to Sonic.  But my favorite combo I had today was a chocolate protein shake blended with a banana….mmm 🙂

 

Happy Friday