Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

2/3 cup cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the butter mixture until well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 8 minutes in the preheated oven, or just until set. Cool for one minute on the cookie sheets before removing to cool completely.

I'm not exactly sure where I found this recipe, but kudos to whoever came up with this masterpiece. This is a recipe I'll be enjoying again. Thanks so much for sharing!

Dinner Double Date

David and I hosted a Dinner Double Date last night. Our good friends, Matt and Rachel, came over and we all had so much fun.

Our Menu:

Beef Tenderloin Steaks aka Filet Mignon

Gourmet Mac 'n Cheese (Thank You Trader Joe's)

Green Beans with Bacon Crumbles

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies (recipe in next post)

Yellow-Tail Shiraz (Courtesy of Matt & Rachel)

This was quite a treat to have an evening with such great company and great food.

Rachel and I hang out quite often, but we have a really difficult time trying to organize the four of us to get together. Both of our husbands are in Med School. Matt is a 2nd year student while David is a 3rd year student. They're always stuck studying for another exam, working at the hospital, or in class. That's just the way it goes with these guys. Well, we finally found an evening that both of them had off and we jumped at the opportunity.

Silly me didn't really feel like spending a whole lot of time in the kitchen yesterday, so we made it as easy as possible. David took care of grilling the steaks while I baked the mac 'n cheese and cooked the green beans in the skillet. It was super easy and didn't create much of a mess at all.

If you haven't tried Trader Joe's Mac 'n Cheese.... well, you're missing out! It's not good for you or healthy by any means, but it tastes amazing.

Ooh, and I can't forget to mention that Rachel brought David and me some Cherry Almond Scones to enjoy for breakfast this morning. They were BEAUTIFUL and tasted fabulous. I'm hoping she'll share the recipe... hint, hint. = )

Aren't these gorgeous?!?!?!!

Baby Catcher!

That's right! My Dave was a baby catcher last night!!! He officially delivered a baby while on his OBGYN Clerkship. Isn't that so exciting? I'm so proud of him.

I've had a couple of people ask me if he caught baby fever through this experience. Are you kidding me? David? My David? Hahahahaaaaa......... Hardly! I don't know if he'll ever catch baby fever. Have no fear though, it's happening in 2011 or 2012 whether he likes it or not. I'm getting old, folks!

Another Interview

Last night was my first face-to-face interview with Job #2. I think it went pretty well. Of course, they had to remind me that I'm super over-qualified. Whatever, right? I have bills to pay just like everybody else. I'm not too proud to work at this place either. It may not be a real glamorous job, but I would LOVE to work for this company. I think it would be an absolutely blast!!! While it's not a place I could see myself working at for the next 30 years, it would be good at least the next couple of years.

Interviews

Yes, interviews. It's plural! = )

I had a little phone interview today and just emailed a writing sample (real... not blog style). The position I applied for would be an amazing opportunity for me and definitely help me in the future. I could learn so much. It's so exciting!

While working on my writing sample tonight, I received a phone call and was offered an interview at another place. This would be a pretty fun job too (a different sort of fun) and I'm sure I could transfer to another location if ever needed.

I'm definitely sold on job #1 if it's offered to me, but I know they have many qualified applicants and I shouldn't get my hopes up too high. I just really believe I'm perfect for this position. I would love, love, love this job! The opportunities and experiences are beyond anything I can imagine.

Job #2 would also be fun. It's a position that would always keep me on my toes and I'm sure I'd find a way to enjoy the employee discount.

I'm so thankful for both of these interviews and will be happy wherever God places me. I know God's plans are greater than my plans. Even though I don't always understand those plans, He really does know what's best for me and my family. I pray that I can be patient and put all my trust in Him.

5 down, 8.1 To Go!!!

I completed 5 miles with a run/walk combo yesterday. I'd like to be running the full 5, but I was really set back with my parathyroidectomy and from the rib injury I suffered during my battle with a stomach bug. It seems like there's always something trying to get in my way.

Well, I'm not letting all my "set backs" set me back too much. I'm doing this half marathon whether I run, walk, or crawl. Crossing the finish line will be a huge accomplishment for me and that's my only goal. I must FINISH!

So I'm 5 miles in my training and have 8.1 to go. I'll be running/walking again on Monday and Wednesday this week. Hopefully I'll have the energy to make it to 6 miles. I'd like to be running/walking a solid 6-7 miles by next weekend. I've got to get back on track!

Any of you want to join me?

OBGYN - L & D

David is currently in the middle of his OB/GYN Clerkship. Tonight he started the Labor and Delivery part. I'm so nervous for him. The thought of witnessing someone give birth and catching a baby is a bit overwhelming. I'm confident that he'll do well and will learn tons. I'll let you know when he catches his first baby.

Just Pondering

I taught a 5th grade class Wednesday-Friday this past week. It was AWESOME! Either I really like teaching 5th grade or it was just a really good class. Perhaps it was both. = )

There was a Practicum Student (observer) in the classroom with me on Wednesday morning and all day on Friday. We had a good time getting to know each other and working together. I think she'll be a great teacher.

Teaching students always makes me ponder what my future kids will be like. Will they be short or tall? Will they be nerdy, athletic, or musical? Will they be the first ones to finish their work or the last? Will they be teacher's pet or the class clown? Will they love school, hate school, or even be bored with school? Will they be an introvert or an extrovert? Will they participate in Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts? There's just so many things that make me wonder. Spending time with other kids all day just makes me smile when I think of what my future kids will be like. I look forward to meeting them someday.

Stranded

Tuesdays are generally spent at home. We're still down to just having the one car, so I can't drive around town on Tuesdays. It's the one day that David travels between three different places. Yes, three!

Thankfully, my friend, Rachel, usually rescues me on my car-less days. We were going to walk along Grant's Trail today, but the weather was just too cold and gross. So, we went to Crestwood Mall to mall-walk. It's a very low-traffic mall which makes it perfect for walking. Today we went about 3 miles. After our nice walk we went to Starbucks for a good ol' Cup O' Joe. Yummo!

Rachel needed a couple of craft supplies so we decided to head on over to Hobby Lobby. That place is always dangerous for me. I could spend hours in there. I love it like a fat kid loves cake!!! Hobby Lobby is an Oklahoma based company and I'm so thankful they have a location here in St. Louis.

This afternoon I've just been doing some busy work at home. That's the one good thing about being stuck at home.... It's a little harder to avoid doing housework. Hehee....

I called my student loan companies, which always takes up a lot of time with little to show (*rolling eyes*). I also tidied up around here a bit. With the stomach bug I had for a while I never really fully unpacked since our trip to OKC. That's almost embarrassing. I guess I just try to live out of a suitcase while I'm here with the hopes of going home again soon. Ahhhh, I dream of being back in OKC again PERMANENTLY!

Here's a photo of my little boy. I'm so glad he cuddles with me.

An Afternoon at the Gardens

I met my friend, Kara, and Baby H at the Botanical Gardens today. I love how Kara and I can talk about anything and everything. It's fantastic! I always enjoy hanging out with her. I'm going to really miss her when her husband takes her away for Residency next year.

We didn't get the 50 degree weather we were hoping for today, but it was pleasant.

Cookie Time!

If you've talked to me recently (the past year) or have been reading my blog, you're probably aware that I've been EXTREME DIETING. I quit everything that's even remotely bad for me. This included baking.

I've never been a big sweet eater, but who can resist sampling something that's freshly baked? Not me. So, my KitchenAid mixer has been taking a long leave of absence. I haven't baked a single thing in months other than chicken. Boring, I know.

Well, today I had the urge to bake. I haven't had any sweets or carbs in so long that I figured it would be safe. I'm really NOT tempted at all. Stupid me decided to try a new recipe that uses whole wheat flour. I made a batch of Whole Wheat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Of course, I had to sample a freakin' cookie. And honestly, it wasn't that great.... I mean, it tasted good and all, but it wasn't worth it. The thought of it possibly making me sick wasn't real appetizing either. Yes, that's what sugar does to you when you haven't had any in 7 months. It makes you feel like crap! I know from quitting sugar and carbs back in 2004. So, I didn't even finish one small cookie. I had the hubby take care of that for me.

I've discovered that......

Being skinny feels better

than that cookie tastes!!!

I think I may start experimenting in the kitchen with some no sugar baked goods that incorporate protein powder. I've been researching it online for a while and I think I could create something that'll work for me. We'll see.

For those of you who enjoy cookies.... here's some Cookie Porn. = )

A Dangerous Gift

There's probably not a whole lot of things I'd say I'm good at these days. Call me modest, humble, or whatever. Well, I've recently been reminded of how good a shopper I am. Seriously! I have a GIFT for SHOPPING! I find the greatest stuff at the greatest prices. That could be dangerous!

Here's some recent purchases that totally fit the Med Wife budget.... errr, Christmas money:

Old Navy Tanks.... $1.49! They'll be perfect to wear while working out or running and to bed. Pretty sure I purchased 10 of them. I now have something to wear when the warm weather hits. Hopefully they'll still fit.

Heels... $12.??! I found them at White House Black Market (my NEW FAVORITE place to shop) and they're super cute. The regular price was $88.00. Umm, last I checked, Walmart didn't even offer heels for 12 bucks. I did GOOD!

You know you're old when.....

- You don't want to be out past dark.

- You turn down hanging out some of your best friends because you're too tired.

- You're tired at 7pm.

- You're wearing your pajamas at 8pm.

- You constantly have a heating pad turned "on" to soothe your back and keep you warm.

- You stay at home on a Friday AND Saturday night.

What a Week...

I don't even want to count up all the hours David put in at the hospital this past week. It was crazy! Let's just say that on Thursday I dropped him off at 5:30am and didn't pick him up until 7pm. We'd be doing pretty well if he were getting paid for all of those working hours, right?

Ethan and I have been resting at the apartment most of the week. I filled out several job applications (yes, I'm on the search again), but I don't know if I'll hear anything. My timing isn't so great right now. Everybody just got rid of all their Holiday help. I'm not getting enough hours doing what I'm currently doing and that's why I'm on the lookout again. I REALLY want something that can guarantee more hours. Maybe what I need is just a second job and not a replacement. Who knows.... Only time will tell.

I got to hang out with my dear friend, Rachel, on Tuesday and today. Did I mention that we hung out last weekend too? We have so much fun together. I'm so thankful I have such a good friend here that's so wonderful. I could go on and on about why she's so awesome, but I'll save that for another post.

Rachel and I hit the jack-pot at Old Navy today. They had all of their clearance marked an additional 50% off. I bought several tanks for only $1.49 each. They'll be fantastic to wear when I'm working out/running and to bed. I don't have any warm weather pajamas, so I think I'll be sleeping in some of these this summer. I also purchased some running shorts this week (Crazy, I know!!!). I haven't worn shorts in about 12 years. I'm pretty nervous, but they are only to wear while running. It's just gonna be too hot out there this summer to wear long pants. Hopefully my oddly shaped white legs won't scare anyone too badly.

It's been a pretty emotional week with lots of ups and downs for me. I always get really down when I return to STL after a nice time with family and friends in OKC. It takes me a while to get out of my funk and function normally again. I've been crawling out of my hermit shell a bit this past week (thanks to Rachel). Some days are good and some days just aren't. Being a Wife of a Medical Student is hard...... really hard. I'm ready for the part of this journey to be over. Graduation and Residency is lookin' really good right now. Hopefully we'll get the Residency we're praying for.

Ethan vs Santa Doggy

Ethan WINS!

Ethan got this great little Santa Doggy

from his Uncle Jason this Christmas.

He obviously tough on toys.

Bone

Ethan got a couple giant Chew-Lotta "chicken bones" from his Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas. They absolutely love to spoil him. It's great!

He's very protective of this bone and I think I understand why. For being a dog treat, the thing smells fantastic! It really smells like a bowl of chicken soup. When I smell it I think of chicken broth. No wonder the lil' guy likes it so much.

He'll tote this thing around for hours and will even bring it to bed with him. He's been working on it for a week and you can see how much progress he's made.... not much. He loves to lick it as if it were a ice cream cone or something. It's quite amusing to watch him enjoy his bone.

Great job, Grandma & Grandpa for such an awesome find. Ethan loves it!

Bangs

Ethan is stylin' some bangs.

It's the new "do" for dogs.

Words with Friends

My husband, the med student, went to bed at 7:45pm tonight after a long day of saving the lives of two robots in the simulator lab through CPR, defibrillator, intubation, etc.
So.... This is how I'm spending my evening.

My life is obviously the more exciting one.

the Plague?

Warning: This one is gross! Not for those with a sensitive stomach.

No.... Not the plague, but it sure felt like it at the time.

We got home from OKC late on Saturday night. Sunday was spent going to the mall to get my watch adjusted at the COACH store and to Sams for some staple items. My stomach was very uneasy on Sunday and I was having some issues. Later that night while I was sleeping I felt as though I was going to be sick.... really sick. I went to the kitchen for a bowl and made my way back to the bathroom. As I entered the bathroom and reached for the light........ BOOM! I passed out! I was completely delirious and somehow fell next to the tub/shower area. That's not where I needed to be so I tried to get up to turn the light on and get to the John that was the opposite direction. And I passed out again! I was a fighter and finally made it to the porcelain throne. I was sick in every which way..... if you know what I mean.

Once that battle was over I made my way back to the bed. David looked me over and checked me out for dehydration. I was getting pretty dehydrated with all the sickness during the last 8 hours so he made me some diluted white grape Crystal Light with some added salt. It tasted horrible, but I knew I couldn't tolerate any Pedialyte or Gatorade even if we had some because of all the sugar. Well, what do ya know??? Up came the Crystal Light! While the Crystal Light was being rejected by my body my sweet husband was putting my hair in a ponytail for me. Now that's LOVE!!!

It was such a rough night. Luckily I had some Phenegran (Promethazine) left from the last time I was sick with this same sort of thing a year ago while visiting my BFF in Vermont. Sometimes it does payoff to be a pack-rat!

I still had some troubles all day on Monday. Tuesday was pretty good, but I had some problems again on Wednesday. It was so bad that I had to text David asking him to rescue me with some Immodium AD when he got home. You better believe I popped in two of those pills real quick.

Now I'm just left with bumps, bruises, and pain. It hurts to sneeze, cough, roll-over in bed, etc. I really did a number on myself. My right hip and right elbow have some nice shiners. I know I didn't break a rib, but I sure pulled some muscles in there. And to top it off my back hurts and is really sensitive. I'm just sore all over. It stinks!

My neighbor stopped by Tuesday night to see if he had some sort of wrench he could borrow. Well, David was still at the hospital and I don't know where he keeps any of that stuff. He moves it all time time. Anyways... back to my point. My neighbor asked if I was feeling better and I said no. I asked him if he heard a boom the other night and they did. I woke up both him and his wife. Oops! Sorry about that. If I had my choice I would rather have had a restful and uneventful nights sleep in my bed.

What did I have? Did I catch a bug? Was it food poisoning? I highly doubt it was food poisoning, but your guess is as good as mine.

So, for now I'm just recovering and hoping to can get back to my 100% again. I'm getting stir crazy and miss my workouts!

Family Photos

Thank goodness for self-timers and tripods....

Christmas Day 2009

The Family

All of us with the Best Grandmother in the World!!!

Me, my Bro, and our Grandma

My Bro and his Fiance

Me and my Bro

Me with my soon-to-be Sister

Christmas Candid Shots

Grandma opening a gift from Jason & Kim

Mom is super happy about her unexpected gifts.

Dad was very impressed with his

colossal olives from Trader Joe's.

Turns out....

he already put 5 jars on his Christmas list

for next year. I'm GOOD! Hehee...

Dad LOVED his John Deere Garage Stool that Mom got for him.

I always get my Bro something cop themed.

The happily engaged couple opening their gifts from me and Dave.

Ethan was all tuckered out.

He loved his chew-lotta chicken bone

from Grandma and Grandpa.

OK Blizzard 2009

The Proposal

No.... not my proposal. = )

Our good friend, Randy, invited us to be part of a very special occasion. December 21, 2009 was the night Randy proposed to Jen. YAY!!!

This was also the 6 month anniversary of Jen's horrible accident with a drunk driver. She thought we were just getting together to celebrate her 2nd chance at life and amazing recovery. She had absolutely no idea what the evening had in store for her. I LOVE surprises!

FYI- Randy asked me to photograph the event. I took many photos during the evening so Jen wouldn't think anything of me having my camera out at just the right time. I'm sneaky!

Here are some photos from our memorable evening.

Me and Dave at my folks place before heading

out for an exciting night.

Aren't we cute?

Dinner at Abuelo's in Bricktown.

David was very happy to get to indulge in a delicious Mexican meal.

David was excited about his chocolate cream pie from Nonna's Purple Bar.

Randy asked Jen to sit by him for a "couples photo op".... he's good!

She had NO idea he was about to propose.

PRICELESS!!!

They were both so excited!

The Happy Couple outside Nonna's after the Proposal.