Saturday

So this week I was struggling with money. In my mind at least. I was very worried about my finances. It's not a huge deal, but I am getting a little raise at work and a small promotion. It helps, and it came at just the right time.

Also, I finally have a running buddy. A consistent running buddy. One of the guys that is running with my group for the 1/2 marathon also lives in the boro and wanted to train together. I am so glad. So we ran 8 miles yesterday, and it felt great.

Things just always work out, they do!

Favorite Wedding Photo

This is by far one of my favorite wedding photos that I have taken. It was at a small stone church is Sparta, TN on a smoldering June day. Laura was the one of the coolest brides and really let me have fun with their photos.

Gnocchi Nada

I made homemade gnocchi this Sunday. It wasn't bad, but it could be better. It ended up more like dumplings, which may be correct. I had never had gnocchi before. Basically, you boil 3-4 potatoes until tender. Drain and mash. Add lots of salt. Add 1 1/4 cup flour and roll into dough. Knead until smooth and in a ball. Separate and roll into 3 1 inch diameter rolls. Cut inch long shapes/cubes. Then drop them into boiling water. Watch them float to the top and you know they're ready. The sauce was heavy cream and Gorgonzola cheese, blue cheese sauce. It was very blue cheesy. It was dense, and bland. Today, however, I ate some leftovers. It was way better, and I added some pepper and mozzarella cheese to tone down the blue cheese. It was tastier. I made this as an entree, but it is definitely a starter or side. If you feel adventurous, go for it. I just wanted to try new food.

Garden Galore

I grew up visiting my grandparents often. My grandfather has always had a garden, even though he is now in his eighties. My grandmother cans all of the veggies that he grows. I remember waking up early with my grandmother and shelling peas, stripping beans, and boiling fruits for jams. My sister has followed in their footsteps, but I am a ways behind. However, I do actually want a garden one day. So since last week I wished for a backyard, this week I will wish for a garden in that backyard. (It better be a big backyard, because I want a pool too, lol) I want to put time into growing the food that I eat. There is something about fresh veggies and fruits from the garden knowing that you put hard work into it.

Travel Tuesday- Seattle

Last April I went to Seattle with a friend. I wanted to go because I was thinking of moving there but wanted to check it out first. Seattle is such a great place. I spent a lot more time in Tacoma which was just as nice. I found that Seattle is a great place to visit. I would love to go back again. I don't want to move there though. Of course, I drank so much Starbucks while I was there that every time I smell Starbucks coffee it makes me a little nostalgic for Seattle. It truly is a beautiful place.

Dawn Treader

I finished The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and it might be one of my favorites in the series. CS Lewis just has a way with words. The book goes deep into the ends of the worlds, and I really felt like I was there. I remember mostly from this book that the characters could see fathoms deep into the ocean. It was crystal clear with cities and majestic sea creatures. From CS Lewis I remember what is like to imagine and how important that is.

Cleaning House (for Sunday)

This is an odd thing to bring me peace or happiness, but a clean house really makes me feel better. I feel much more organized and relaxed. I love having a clean kitchen, which thanks to Zach I have now. My bed is made and things are mostly put away. I love cleaning. I mean, I don't want to do it all the time, but I love getting things organized and spotless. I guess I just feel that if my apartment is clean that my life is less chaotic in some way.