School's Out

Wow! It's amazing how much I can accomplish in one day when I'm not in school!! :) I slept in, vacuumed the house, cleaned the kitchen, got my ring re-sized, went grocery shopping, made dinner (I made double so I could take 1/2 to my neighbor who just had a baby boy), did 3 loads of laundry, packed for my trip to CA tomorrow, played with Tyson, bought and sent Mother's Day cards, went to the gym, gave myself a pedicure, studied for the NCLEX, watched American Idol, etc. My life changes when I'm not in school!! :)

Okay, so my mom and sister LOVE to cook...but I don't get it. First of all, it's expensive to eat healthy, it takes a LONG time to prepare everything (maybe I'm just slow) and clean up...and then minutes to eat it. I like to clean up as I cook so there's not a huge mess after, which also takes time. I would SO much rather drive to Costa Vida...order take out...and eat it at home. No prep time, no clean up, and almost just as much money. :) Maybe one day I'll learn to love to cook.

Today I made Mexican Chicken Soup (from Ina Garten) since it's Cinco de Mayo!! :) You can get the recipe at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/mexican-chicken-soup-recipe/index.html. It's REALLY good, but takes some time to roast the chicken, chop up the ingredients, etc. It tastes great topped with sour cream, guacamole, tortilla chips...mmm... I also made two loaves of bread, salad, dressing. I was quite proud of myself if you can't tell. :) I guess home cooked meals have the added benefit of being really tasty!

Roasted chicken

Prep work

Finished product!

Bread raising...

Braided

Finished product!

Yummy salad!