Trying not to freak out!

All summer I have been thinking about this upcoming school year, and all of the things that I need to accomplish, but it just never felt real- until this week that is.

This semester I am taking a stats class (definitely not one of my strengths), managing a research project, conducting my own research project, applying for jobs, doing my dissertation proposal, starting my dissertation, and revising a paper I submitted last year that was rejected.

I just kept thinking, once the semester starts I will have to get to work, not really acknowledging how much work that would actually be. In preparation for the semester to start this coming week, I had two meetings, which were very informatative, but also felt quite overwhelming.

I met with a junior faculty member on Tuesday to discuss job applications, where I should be looking, and what I need to start preparing. Then on Wednesday I met with the graduate program coordinator to discuss my credits, and dissertation proposal. On top of all of the new tasks that are on my plate as a result of these meetings, it seems as though with regard to every other project I am working on, Murphy seems to be my new sidekick.

I am trying to stay as positive and productive as possible, but that's not always easy when you are staring into the unknown. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," I just need to remmeber who is truly in control, and remember that I am not alone in this.

Sope de Lima

Well apparently I am on a cooking binge this week. I am blaming it on the fact that school start next week, and I need to get all of my projects out of the way now, since I won't have much time to do them come next week.


This is a a very light soup that is perfect for summer. I have a very low tolerence for spicy food, so I make mine very mild, but you can definitely make adjustments to crank up the heat!


Sopa de Lima


9 cups of chicken broth
2 1/2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 red onion chopped
5 cloves of garlic minced
2 tsp. dried oregano
dash of dried thyme
salt and pepper
vegatable oil
4 green onions chopped
1 chili pepper chopped (I take the seeds out, but you can definitely leave them in, or sub in a different pepper)
2 large tomatos chopped
6 limes


1. In a pot bring the broth, chicken, onion, garlic, oregano, and thyme to a boil. Reduce to a simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.


2. Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the pot, and shred it.


3. In a seperate pan sautee the green onions and tomatoes in the oil for approximately 7 minutes.


4. Return chicken to pot, add green onions and tomatoes, add the juice of the six limes, and allow to heat for approximately 10 more minutes.


5. Salt and pepper to taste.


6. Serve and enjoy!

Haluski

Haluski is a Polish favorite that was served at almost every sporting event, block party and church picnic I attended growing up. I always liked haluski, but was absolutely appalled when I was younger, and asked my mom what was in it, and found out that I was eating onions and cabbage! But even that information couldn't stop me from making it and continuing to eat it. So, don't let the ingredients stop you from trying :).


Haluski:
1 large white onion
1 head of cabbage
3 sticks of butter
1 package egg noodles
1 8oz. can of sauerkraut


1. Chop onions and put in a stock pot over medium heat with butter and sauerkraut. 


2. Chop the cabbage into 1/2 inch strips and add to pot. 


3. Cook the noodles according to package directions. 


4. Drain the noodles and set aside. 


5. Once the cabbage and onion are soft add the noodles to the pot and mix ingredients. Heat for approximately 10 minutes. 


6. Salt and pepper to taste. 


7. Serve and enjoy!

Life's a Beach

Well, apparently I need to become better at this whole blogging thing, since it has been almost a full month since my last post :).


Here is what I have been up to since then:


Mike and I spent the first week of August in Cape May, NJ. I was very excited to be going for an entire week, and to share all of my favorite summer activities with my husband. We also had a pleasant surprise while we were there, as my sister and her family came to visit for the weekend.

We had a lot of fun jumping waves, walking the boardwalk and the mall, riding our bikes, and just relaxing. Though, like most vacations, it ended much too soon.


We came home from Cape May on Wednesday night, and I left for a conference in San Diego on Thursday morning.


San Diego was absolutely gorgeous; 73 and sunny every day! However, I spent most of my time there inside listening to talks.


Now I am back in C'ville working in the advising office and prepping all of my materials for the semester that starts in less than two weeks. Hopefully, now that I am back on a regular schedule I will be better at making posts.