May 2013

May was a huge month for me. I completed my college degrees- a bachelor of music in both music therapy and music education. The next day I married the love of my life, Evan. 

After those wonderful events, my husband and I moved to our first home in Norfolk Virginia. 

From there, we began unpacking all the boxes and bins and started to make our house a home. 

We started most of our thrifting adventures this month, and began to cook and budget. 

Six Things About Me!

Nickohl over at Aprons and Anchors tagged me in an about me challenge! I have no one to tag, but I'll do it anyway!!

1.How many countries have you traveled to?  How many of the 50 states? I've been to Scotland, Canada, Grand Cayman, and England. I've been to all the states up and down the east coast. I've also been to Illinois, California, Idaho..and I think that's it.

2. What is your favorite animal and why? I love cats. They purr and cuddle and make all the bad things in the world disappear. So does my pup Trixie. Who happens to be a pit bull. And she makes my heart melt. 

3. What did you want to be when you grew up and what do you do now? I always wanted to be a mom and a teacher. Currently I'm a personal care assistant for a child with exceptional needs. I'd say I hit the nail on the head. 

4. What is the last concert you went to? I suppose that would be a spring concert put on at the school I student taught at. However, for a "real" concert, I went to Opeth for Evan's 20th birthday (over a year and a half ago)

5. What is something not a lot of people would know about you? I have three kidneys!

6. What is a pet peeve of yours? When people gulp water/beverages while drinking. 


Choose 6 questions you'd like:
What is your favorite animal and why?
Would you prefer a city break or a sun, sea, and sand vacation?
If you could travel to one place in the world, where would it be?
How many countries have you traveled to?  How many of the 50 states?
What is your favorite thing about yourself (or quality you like in others if you don't wanna talk about yourself)?
What is the best advice someone has ever given you? 
What did you want to be when you grew up and what do you do now?
What is a pet peeve of yours? 
What is the LAST concert you went to?
What is something not a lot of people would know about you?

Meal Plan for July 31-August 6

Evan and I went to BJ's on Monday and managed to score 7lbs of chicken for $20. So chicken is on the menu. We also had to buy stamps, which cut down on our grocery budget this week. This week's menu is comprised of only the chicken and things we had in the cupboard!

Wednesday- Chicken Pot Pie (frozen)
Thursday- Chicken, Peppers, and Onions. - Our own recipe, posted below
Friday- Cheesy Broccoli Pasta with Chicken- pasta is out of a box mix "Tuna Helper"
Saturday- BBQ Chicken using Sweet Baby Ray's
Sunday- Salsa Chicken- crock pot recipe
Monday- Chicken Salad
Tuesday- Tomato Soup and sandwiches.


Chicken Peppers and Onions
-cut up the peppers and onions
-put a layer into a deep cooking dish
-put chicken on top
-cover the chicken with the rest of the peppers and onions
-bake on 350, until chicken is cooked!

-Mikhala

The meal plans for the week

This week, we're doing some big meals, and some crock-pot meals.

Saturday- Lasagna with homemade sauce
Sunday-Homemade pizza
Monday- Harvest Kielbasa
Tuesday- Tuna noodle casserole
Wednesday- Thai Chicken
Thursday- Leftovers
Friday- Chicken Korma

We did our grocery shopping today, and we only spend $52 for the week! That's including lunches and breakfasts!

Recipes

Thai Chicken
6 Skinless chicken thighs
3/4 cup of salsa your choice
1/4 cup of chunky peanut butter
1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp lime juice
Optional-
1 tsp gingerroot grated
2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
1 Tbsp dry-roasted peanuts, chopped

1. Put chicken in slow cooker
2. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients except cilantro and peanuts
3. Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours
4. Skim off any fat. Move chicken to a platter and top with sauce
5. Serve over cooked rice.

Harvest Kielbasa
2lbs smoked kielbasa
3 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 medium onions, sliced

1. slice kielbasa into 1/4" pieces. Brown in skillet. Drain
2. Combine applesauce and brown sugar
3. Layer kielbasa, onions, and applesauce in slow cooker.
4. Cover. Cook on low 4-8 hours.

That's all, folks

Meal planning.

We have been cooking a lot in our crock pot lately, and here are our tried and true recipes so far!




Chicken soft tacos-
1-11/2 lbs of frozen boneless, skinless chicken
14 1/2 oz can low sodium diced tomatoes with green chiles (or without)
1 envelope taco seasoning
1. Place chicken in slow cooker
2. Mix tomatoes and taco seasoning Pour over Chicken
3. Cover. Cook on low 6-8 hours
4. Serve in soft tortillas

Beef Stroganoff
1.5 lbs lean beef stewing meat
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lb fresh mushrooms
10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup water
1 cup sour cream
1. combine all ingredients except sour cream in slow cooker.
2. cook on low 6-8 hours
3. stir in sour cream
4. cook on high to heat up sour cream
then make your noodles and pour it over




Macaroni and Velveeta Cheese
1.5 cups macaroni dry
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 lb velveeta cheese slices
1 qt fat free milk
1. combine macaroni, butter, and salt
2. layer cheese over top
3. pour in milk
4. cover cook on high 2-3 hours or until macaroni are soft




Salsa chicken
4-6 boneless chicken breast halves
16 oz chunky salsa
2 cups shredded cheese
1. place chicken in pot. Pour salsa over chicken
2. Cover and cook on low 5-8 hours
3. top servings with cheese.
4. serve over rice or in a wrap

What is a mother?

My mother came to visit us for a week, beginning July 7, and culminating on July 12.

I had missed her so much.

I still miss her now.

So who is my mother? She's the woman who gave birth to me. She is a daughter, a sister, a wife. She is a teacher, a friend, a role model. She is a woman of God, a care-taker, a life-giver. She is a runner. She is a biker. She is a work out fiend. She is an inspiration. She is Tina..


She nourished me in her womb for months, helping me grow. She is the one who brought me into this world. She counted my fingers and toes. She wrapped me tight so I was as snug as a bug in a rug. She sang to me. She rocked me, bathed me, dressed me, cuddled me. She watched me sleep, offered her body as food. She taught me my ABC's and 1,2,3's. She showed me how to walk. She (maybe reluctantly) taught me how to talk. She kissed my boo-boos. She did my hair. As the years passed, she continued to help me grow. She stood by me through the first day of school, from school yard bullies, friends with pretty pink unicorn lunchboxes, friends who became enemies...She helped me learn, encouraging me to try my best in everything I did. She nurtured my mind.

She guided me through middle and high school. Through the rejections, struggles with weight, self-confidence, inner peace. She saw my first heart-ache. She held me as I cried, and listened as I babbled with "young love". She made fun of my now husband, thinking he was a girl from behind. She teased, politely, as we grew closer. She supported our decisions together. She accepted him into her family long before it became "official". She helped me shop for prom dresses, did my hair, endured melt-downs. She went to my show choir and drama productions. She supported me in growing. She nurtured my heart. She nurtured my talents.

She encouraged me to become a helper. She encouraged my dreams of music therapy and music education, helping through college with tuition, books, room and board, gas... She was there to listen to rants and raves through the phone. She picked me up when I was sick, and came to everything I invited her to. She was there the day I entered, and the day I left AMC. She was there when I hated my internship, and doubted my calling. She was there through Evan's enlistment, and cried with (and for) me. She helped me see him more than once. She nurtured my dreams and my soul.

She was there for my wedding. From picking out the venue, to dress shopping, to the wedding day, my mother never left my side. She opened her nest so I could spread my wings and fly.

She proudly welcomed a new son into our family.

She visited us. She watched us as a couple. As an established family of our own. I'm sure it is not easy to see your daughter be grown, and yet she watched with a smile and a chuckle as we showed her our life together.

My mother is a hero. She is a role model. She shows me every day how to love, be loved, and to love myself.

I miss her so much, but I know that she misses me too. We are always connected, through our many bonds. We are never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart..

Wedding Playlist

Here's my Wedding Playlist for the Reception:

Introduction Music: The Beatles-With a Little Help From My Friends
First Dance: Jon McLaughlin-A Song You May Hear At a Wedding
Cake Cutting: Plain White T's- 1,2,3,4 (I Love You)
Father-Bride Dance: Shannon Gomez-Dancing on Daddy's Feet
Mother-Groom Dance: Dixie Chicks-Godspeed
Anniversary Dance: Etta James- At Last
Garter Removal: Right Said Fred- I'm Too Sexy
Garter Toss: Queen- Another One Bites the Dust
Bouquet Toss: Beyonce-Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Garter Reapply: Nelly-Hot in Herre
Last Dance: Ben Folds 5: The Luckiest
Last Song: Cascada-Evacuate the Dance Floor

Frustrated

In ma, in order to be a music teacher, you have to take the communication and literacy mtel and the music mtel. We were told throughout our education that MA licensure would be applicable in pretty much every state.  Well it's not true. In Virginia, they require the VCLA and the music content Praxis. 

So this is more money and more testing. So currently I have to study and pay for 2 more tests and a licensure application so I can maybe apply for a teaching job. 

For music therapy, I need to take my MTBC. Also more money and more studying. 

I've applied for numerous sitter/nanny positions, because I don't want another job that I'm not passionate about. 

I'm sick of people suggesting I should get a job. 

I've worked my ass off for the past 21 years. Right now I have some decisions to make. 

Instead of getting a job right now, I may go back to school, either for a third bachelors degree, or for a masters. I've only been graduated for 3 weeks now. I haven't had a real vacation in years. I've just moved away from friends and family into a trance place. I have a lot of stress currently and I'm not willing to take a job that will stress me out more. 

Evan and I can manage our money well and can live off one income if it is necessary. 

I want to have time to breathe. I also want to take a break. I need time to adjust before rushing into another big thing. 

Blog everyday in June catch up

June 4 something/someone that makes you happy

The biggest person who makes me happy is my husband. He's been my best friend since 2007, and I can't imagine life without him. 

June 5: home

My new home is in Norfolk, Va. We're renting a house with Alexis and her husband!

My real home is wherever Evan is. 

June 6: 3 ways to win your heart

I'm not entirely sure. My heart has been won for such a long time, I wouldn't even know where to tell someone to start. 

June 7: if you could have one superpower

If I could have one superpower, I would want the superpower to instantly fix problems. I've always been a fixer, and I would love to help others to fix their problems. Whatever the problems may be.

What you should know about me

When I'm really listening or engaged in a conversation with you, intend to interrupt. A lot. I get too excited about what you said and what it reminds me if, and I forget my manners and interrupt. 

I talk incessantly about Evan. He's been a part of my life since 2007, and its hard to not talk about him!

If I'm angry, frustrated, sad, etc I need to talk, vent,whine about it to work through my emotions. I can't let things roll off my back, I have to talk through them. 

I can get really OCD when I'm upset

I'm currently going through a life crisis. I don't know who I am without the student label. 

Dinner menus

Evan and I have been moved in to our first home together since Wednesday evening, May 22. We've also cooked a meal every day!!

Wednesday May 22- Macaroni and cheese, homemade with cheddar cheese. Yum!
Thursday May 23- leftover Mac and cheese
Friday May 24- fish tacos with tilapia and taco seasoning.
Saturday May 25- tortellini with red sauce
Sunday May 26- homemade pizza with fresh tomatoes.
Monday May 27- Memorial Day cookout! BBQ hotdogs and turkey burgers
Tuesday May 28- cheesy bacon tomato pasta http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-bacon-tomato-112423.aspx
Wednesday May 29- ham steaks with pineapple
Thursday May 30-  Mexican chicken

I'll give you the recipie for today's dinner!

Mexican chicken


Ingrediants-
1 lb boneless chicken breast
2 jars of salsa- we used newmans pineapple
Crockpot
Onion
Pepper

Dump the salsa in the crockpot. Cut up the onion and pepper and put that in the crockpot too. Dice the chicken. Add that in. Put the crockpot on high and leave for 3 or more hours.

Serve over rice or on tortillas.

It was so yummy :)

words can't express

The Reception

A Song You Might Hear in A Wedding

On 05.19.2013, I married my one true love, Evan. He and I have been together for six years, getting married just one day after our sixth anniversary.

Here's me getting ready

My bridesmaids

My bouquet with my memere; and grandparents

Shhh..I'm crying

Rings

Salt Covenant: In a Salt Covenant Ceremony, bride and groom pour salt from their individual pouches to combine into one larger pouch. In Biblical times when two people wanted to enter into a covenant of loyalty, they would recite the terms of the covenant, exchange salt from their pouches and shake them. The symbolism was that the only way for the contract to be broken was for each person to be able to identify and extract their own individual grains of salt from the pouch of the combined salt; of course, this was impossible, thus the covenant could never be broken.

Husband and Wife!

Mr&Mrs

Bed Head by TIGI Campaign

I'm a bzzagent, and I recently received my first bzz campaign! I was selected to try "On the Rebound" curl reviver, Elasticate shampoo and conditioner, and Recharge shampoo and conditioner.

I LOVE this line. Here's my hair looking stellar with On The Rebound and a diffuser. I loved the way my hair felt. My hair was touchable, smooth, silky, and bouncy. It's hands down the best curl creme I have ever used.

I also used the shampoo and conditioner alone. I love how shiny, smooth, and soft it leaves my hair.
I have no complaints about this at all!

*I received all of these items free as a bzzagent*

<img src="https://img.bzzagent.com/image/tigi.jpg?Type=activity&Activity=7455890443&Campaign=8725355002&Uid=1449808&token=7191681c73cec51da764935abb7ab361" alt=""/>

Conceited, Bragging, Self-Loving Post

In the last four years, I have worked my ass off.

Freshman year, I took 19 credits each semester- 4 Three credit classes, and and 7 one or no credit classes. I made Dean’s list. 

Sophomore year, Fall Semester I took 20 credits- 5 three credit classes, and 6 one or no credit classes. I got a 3.65. Spring Semester I took 19 credits- 4 three credits, 8 one to no credits, and added a 40 hour pre-practicum. I got a 3.68.

Junior Year, Fall Semester I took 21 credits- 5 three credit classes, 5 one-no credit classes, a 40 hour music ed pre-practicum, and a 4 hour a week music therapy practicum. I got a 3.9. Spring Semester I took 22 credits- 5 three credit classes, 5 2 to no credit classes, a 40 hour music ed pre-prac, and a 4 hour a week music therapy practicum. I got a 3.78

Senior year- Fall Semester- I took 18 credits- 5 three credits, and a 40 hour a week internship. I also produced a 20+ page thesis paper. I got a 3.89

Spring semester- 16 credits- one three credit- one twelve credit (student teaching) and a one-credit. My gpa is tba.

Now for you to fully understand here are the descriptions of my majors

Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy

The four and a half year program prepares students for clinical practice as generalists immediately after graduation. In the first two years of the curriculum, students acquire their basic musical skills (theory, ear training, keyboard, guitar, voice, and percussion); learn clinical musicianship through hands-on class work; and begin clinical placements in music therapy. In the junior and senior years, music therapy coursework focuses on techniques, theory, and research.Concurrently, students complete 1,200 hours of supervised clinical practicum and internships in the community working with child, adult, and elderly clients with psychiatric illnesses, cognitive and physical disabilities, and medical conditions.

Bachelor of Music in Music Education (K-12)
The Massachusetts Department of Education requires that candidates for teacher licensure in Music Education prepare for certification at all grade levels (K-12) in Vocal, Instrumental, and General Music.  Students must perform a minimum of 300 hours of student teaching, consisting of 150 hours at two of three levels (elementary, middle, high).

Honors Program

The Honors Program at Anna Maria College was founded in 2007 in order to intellectually challenge highly motivated scholastic achievers. It serves as a “college within a college” providing honors students with specialized learning and community service opportunities on local, national and global levels. The Honors Program is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council [NCHC], the National Association of Honors Programs, and the North East Regional Honors Council [NRHC]. Honors students are welcomed to contribute to all of the majors at the College.

So in short, I am graduating with my class, completing a 4.5 year degree program, a 4 year degree program, fulfilling all Honors program requirements (a study abroad experience and gpa), a member of Delta Epsilon Sigma all in 4 years. To be fair, I did do my internship this summer, making my music therapy degree basically 4.5 years, but I showed initiative and completed my degree by the 4 year mark by sacrificing my time to complete it. 

I am so proud of myself. I have done it! I worked my ass off. I got good grades (for the most part anyway) and completed all my work. 

I always feel bad about bragging, but I’d rather do it on here than in real life. 

Bridal Shower!

I'll give you a peak at how I spent my morning.
I promise to start posting more regularly soon!