Christmas Break Goal: Cooking

Well, Merry Christmas! So far this Christmas break, I have really enjoyed being able to cook for my family. In fact, cooking is one of the items on my list of things to do during this break. Let me share some of my victories with you...

• I made "surprise" taco soup for my family! I use a taco soup recipe my grandma, mom, and I have perfected in the last couple of years. However, this last time I made the soup, I used ground turkey instead of ground beef and no one knew the difference! Organic turkey is so much better than beef, and I was really excited to try it out in an old favorite. My family's recipe to come soon.
• Applesauce Muffins: the Apple Barn, a family-owned restaurant, store, and cider mill in Tennessee, makes wonderful apple-based foods all year round. The last time my grandmother took us to the Apple Barn, I bought some recipe cards, one of which featured applesauce muffins. These turned out great, since I made them completely from scratch with all natural applesauce!
• Today, while trying to figure out what to eat among the miles of leftovers in our house, my mom and I whipped up a Holiday Leftover Pork Stir Fry. Google and the random stuff in our fridge helped make lunch much more tastier than dinner last night... Don't tell whoever catered our dinner. :)

More Updates to Come!

Check, check, check...

And with that, we can cross off number 5! Sorry, no pictures for this one (ahem), but I got an early Christmas present and I crossed off another item on my list!

P.S. If you're looking for a great place to get fitted, Dillard's has trained representatives - and they aren't trying to sell you things you don't need yet. :)

Saving Lives and Taking Names

You may be wondering why in the world I was awake before noon on the first day of the Fall Break. This is why:

So, I've successfully completed number four on the list! Waking up early and not realizing there was a "secret" back entrance to the Red Cross in my area is worth it now that I am prepared in case an emergency happens. Find your local Red Cross here.

On the Day I Voted Absentee

When I left my apartment-dorm and walked down the stairs to the building where my first class is held today, I noticed that the clouds were misty over the mountains. Now, the skies are beautiful blue, the breeze is cool, and the sunshine is warm. I know it sounds more like Spring than Fall, but I promise, this is a lovely Autumn day in Northeast Georgia.

It is also the day I mailed in my absentee ballot. Oh yes, I'm a real adult now. This has been a pretty neat experience! I mean, who would have thought that there is an "straight party" voting option? I knew there are two main parties and usually a third candidate, but what's up with having six options? And, for those of you voting in my home state, the question about governors and lieutenant governors at the end has more dependent clauses than a bad high school English paper.

But all of that aside, I'm so glad I got to vote in this election. Because I have to vote absentee, I also get to cross off half of number 26. It is an exciting experience to have a say in what goes on in our country, and I am thankful for governmental system we have here, even if it is flawed.

Mailing in my ballot!

 And no, I won't tell you who I voted for. :)

 Happy "Firsts..."

-- First time making  my own bulletin board! Used the Ellison die-cute machine and everything.

-- First time watching football on tv because I wanted to. And I enjoyed it!
-- First time voting in the presidential election!

-- First time having a published author sign a book for me.