Changes

I've said before that I like change. And...my life is about to change dramatically. I have made the decision to return to teaching and beginning Tuesday, I will be a 6th grade math teacher in Mansfield ISD!! I can't wait to be back in the classroom and be on the same schedule as Donny. That being said, I am really excited about this opportunity. However, I am sad to leave all of my friends at Northwestern Mutual.

If you think about it, please say an extra prayer for me as one chapter of my life closes and another begins.

Water Update

Thank you for all of your suggestions and encouragement on my water challenge. I haven't gotten off to a very good start. As a reminder, my goal was to drink 4-20 oz bottles of water per day for a month. So far, here are my totals:

Day 1 - 5 bottles (not too shabby) +1 for my goal
Day 2 - 0 bottles (terrible) -3 for my goal
Day 3 - 1 bottle (still terrible) -6 for my goal
Day 4 - 1/2 bottle (you guessed it...terrible) -9.5 for my goal
Day 5 - 1 bottle (haven't given up yet) -12.5 for my goal

Today is Day 6. I am determined to drink at least 4 bottles before I leave work. Hopefully I can start chipping away at the 12.5 bottles I'm behind as well.

Hi, My name is Carissa...

and I hate drinking water. Really...any liquids for that matter. As a result, I need some accountability. My skin is incredibly dry and it's amazing I'm not dehydrated to the point of needing to go to the hospital. Before today, I couldn't tell you the last time I drank water. It has probably been months and that's not an exaggeration.

So...I'm going to set a goal of drinking at least 4, 20 oz bottles of water a day for a month. The one pictured below is in my office and I am planning on washing and refilling it each day. I'm going to report my results as often as possible. Wish me luck!!

Do You Hate Junk Mail?

If so, check out this website. By clicking on the icon below and filling in a few pieces of information, a document will be created. The document requests your removal from 9 different junk-mail lists. I'm going to try it, if for no other reason than to help save a few trees.

Camp Wolfgang - Urgent Request

A German Shepherd rescue group called Camp Wolfgang , in Ennis, Texas is closing down on October 31st. They have nearly 200 dogs that must find a foster home or be adopted before then or they will have no choice but to euthanize them all. All the dogs are vetted, spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, well cared-for and many have training. If you cannot help by fostering or adopting...YOU CAN STILL HELP!!!

Please forward this information to everyone you know! They do not need or want donations, they simply MUST place all of the dogs. Adoption fees are $75.00, free to verifiable rescue groups.

Current dogs: (approximation) 120 German Shepherds; 2 Akitas; 1 Anatolian/Great Pyrenees; 4 Purebred Rottweilers; 1 Great Dane/Lab; 1 Boxer/Mastiff; 1 St. Bernard/Akita; 1 WolfDog; 45 Other mixed breeds.

Time is of the essence!! If you know anyone who can adopt, accept a dog into their rescue, or help in any way, contact Neisha Livengood, Kennel Master at Camp Wolfgang .

Neisha Livengood
windigo1966@yahoo.com
wally@campwolfgang.com
campwolfgang@yahoo.com
phone: 214-755-1627

Camp Wolfgang
6234 FM 879
Ennis, Texas 75119
www.campwolfgang.petfinder.com

Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad

I made Neiman Marcus' Chicken Salad for a shower I helped host this weekend. This was my first time to make it and I must say, it was delicious. I followed the recipe below, however, I used Tyson's White Canned Chicken instead of chicken breasts. I also added more almonds than the reciped required and less celery and grapes. Enjoy!

2 1/4 diced cold white meat chicken (approx. 4 breasts)
1 c. finely chopped celery1 c. halved green seedless grapes
1/2 c. slivered toasted almonds
2 tbsp. parsley
1 tsp. salt, optional
1 c. mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
1/2 c. whipping cream (whipped stiff)

Combine all ingredients and serve. Serves 6-8.

Monkey Bread

Shared by Natalie Wier

For as long as I can remember, Monkey Bread was present at Wier sleepovers. Thanks to Natalie, I finally have the recipe.

It is designed to be made in a bundt pan. In the picture, however, it was made in an angel food pan because that was all my grandmother had. Forgive the powdered sugar blobs. I took the picture before I smoothed them. Enjoy!

3 cans cheap biscuits
1 stick margaine
2 T. cinnamon
1/4c. sugar
3/4c. sugar
1/2 box powdered sugar ( or 2c)
1t. vanilla
milk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix cinnamon and 1.4c sugar together in bowl.
2. Open biscuits, separate, and cut into fourths. Roll biscuits in cinnamon and sugar. Place in a greased bundt pan.
3. Melt butter.
4. Add extra sugar to remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture until you have 3/4c of mixture.
5. Pour melted butter over mixture.
6. Stir and pour over biscuits.
7. Bake at 350 for 30 min.

As soon as its ready, flip it over and add glaze.

For Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar and vanilla together. Add just enough milk to make it thick. Spoon glaze over top.

Baked Spaghetti


Thanks to a recipe on this blog I made Baked Spaghetti last night. It was delicious if I may say so myself and also really easy to make. I took pictures, however my camera isn't working properly.


BAKED SPAGHETTI


16 oz spaghetti
26 oz spaghetti sauce
1 ½ lbs. ground beef
1 egg
8 oz sour cream
1 stick margarine/butter
2-3 cups grated cheddar cheese


DIRECTIONS: While spaghetti is cooking, brown ground beef, drain excess fat and add the sauce. Drain pasta and add the sour cream and margarine. When the pasta has cooled a bit, add the egg. Place pasta mixture in the bottom of a greased 13x9 casserole dish. Top pasta with the ground beef mixture. Then cover with cheddar. Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.