This Unfamiliar Road

January 31, 2011

Wow January!

So, remember my post about my plans for the upcoming year? Well, I have been busy busy making it happen...and it's not even February yet!

Could spring be around the corner?!

Getting in Shape- Well, let's say I have at least started this process. I had a lot of success with Weight Watchers at one point in my life and have decided to follow the program again. I started about a week ago. Go me. I like this program because it really makes me think about everything that I eat. I wish I had the self discipline to just "eat healthy" but I don't. I need a structured program to help me keep up with it. As for the exercising...well, I am still trying to figure out a routine that works with my night schedule. It's difficult to figure that out. But, with this gorgeous spring-like weather we have had lately, I am finding myself outside and more active!

Similar to the house we found

House Hunting- Although we still have not begun the financial process of owning a home (which is the biggest headache!), Ben and I went house hunting yesterday just for the fun of it. We found one that we really liked, and as we stood in the living room planning where our furniture would go, I saw the wheels spinning in his head. We are ready to start the process and start the saving!

Maybe Get a Dog- Well, that trial basis for Rowen has turned into a 3 week stay and a perfect blend into our family. She is still somewhat restless at times, probably because she is accustomed to 2 other dogs and a large backyard. But, she is settling in nicely. We spent all weekend at the dog park, where she met some new friends and had a great time!

Rowen as a puppy!

Rowen in the snow(en)

Taking a nap

With her brother Jack

After her eye surgery

So you can see that January has been quite a month so far! It was so nice actually having a weekend off, but it's back to work tonight! : /

# Pets

January 16, 2011

Isn't that cute?

Andrea 12:28 PM 2 Comments

{warning: random post}

I have developed an unhealthy obsession with Mustang. Every time I see her, I can't help but tell her how freakin' cute she is.

All wrapped up when our heat was out

She wants to go out and play in the snow

Now, she has a little competition. Rowen (Mom's dog) has been visiting a lot lately...and she's pretty cute too. My Mom is currently trying to find a home for her. Ben is calling this a 'test drive'. We will see

The standoff

She is so affectionate and loves to cuddle

On another random note (don't say I didn't warn you), I got my FIRST blog award from my friend Ingrid at Hakuna Matata. I always enjoy keeping up with her through her blog.

It's nice to have an award-it means folks are reading. I do work hard to think of interesting things to write about (although this post, ironically, is an exception). I spent an hour yesterday trying to figure out how to get better font for my posts and and add a cute post divider...until I started trying to write code in html format and completely gave up. It's cute enough for now, I think. Maybe I will try again someday.

I will pass this award on to:

My buddy Jill who has been blogging about her recent move to NYC and the culture shock of it all! It's so entertaining.

Also, Shannon's posts always make me laugh. I think it's so cool that we both went to the same elementary school in Memphis (but didn't know each other), then I moved to Alpharetta in 5th grade. Shannon and I both ended up at UT in the same sorority. Weird.

Anyway, that's all the randomness I have for now.

# Random

January 12, 2011

Brrrrr!!

Andrea 1:03 PM 0 Comments

Are you guys as cold as I am? Wow, I have never in my life experienced snow like this!

I had to work last Sunday night, so I packed a bag for our "Code White"- a term the hospital uses when we have inclement weather. Basically, we are expected to be at work no matter what, so many of my coworkers have been sleeping at the hospital day & night. I can't imagine. The snow started falling Sunday night and didn't stop. I actually saw a snow plow in the hospital parking lot! By Monday morning, I was so ready to go home. I had packed a bag just in case I got completely stuck at work, but intended to at least try to go home. As I listened to weather reports, it seemed that it would only get worse. What was now powdery white stuff would soon be covered with layers of ice. Hmm...I opted to drive in the powdery white stuff. It took me an hour to get home (a commute that normally takes 20 minutes) but I slid (literally) into my driveway and up to bed! And the snow kept falling, then turned to ice. Booo. I have to work again tonight and tomorrow night-the drive to work should be interesting!
As cool as it is that we actually have snow in Georgia, I am over it. I'm ready for warmer weather (can you tell by my blog background?!) and an uneventful drive to work.
It is pretty though!

Our backyard

Patio Table

Oops! Where did my feet go?

Measures at 6-7"

McFarland Road= my road to work : (

Back of our house

Neighborhood streets

Neighborhood snowman

And another

Video of Ben "playing" with the snow. Not exactly powdery & soft...

Stay warm, my friends!

Granny's Mexican Chicken Casserole

Andrea 12:26 PM 1 Comments

I have made my Granny's Mexican Chicken Casserole for several potluck functions. Each time, people beg me for the recipe and I hesitate. Since Granny isn't here to give her permission, I feel like it's not my recipe to share.
However, I remember Granny as a giving person- never selfish. She would want me to share!
This recipe is my Dad's favorite meal, and when I made it last night, Ben announced it was now his favorite too! It's a winner. Of course, I have modified (as I do all of my recipes) but the original is so tasty!

Granny's Mexican Chicken Casserole

Granny Cariota; serves 4

Ingredients:

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts

1 packet taco seasoning

1 onion, chopped

1 can cream of mushroom

1 can cream of chicken

1 can Rotel OR 1/2 C milk

Tortilla chips

1 large bag cheddar cheese

1/2 stick butter (ish)

1. Boil chicken breasts in pan on stovetop until cooked thoroughly (add enough water to cover chicken). Transfer chicken to cutting board and shred.

2. Return shredded chicken to pan (with a little water) and add taco seasoning, mix.

3. Meanwhile, in a large pan- sautee 1/2-1 chopped onion in butter. Add both soups and Rotel (or milk if no Rotel used) and simmer. May add a handful of cheddar cheese if desired.

4. Transfer seasoned, shredded chicken to soup mixture in pan. Continue to simmer.

5. Line a 9x13 casserole dish with 2 layers of tortilla chips.

6. Pour soup & chicken mixture over the chips.

7. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and add remaining cheese (enough to cover the top). Return to oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

To Serve: Place casserole over a layer of tortilla chips (from the bag-for an extra crunch) and top with sour cream!

# Food # Recipes

January 07, 2011

What's in a name?

Andrea 12:32 PM 0 Comments

Well, friends...I have finally begun the process of changing my name!
Wow...slacker. Yes, I know it's been 7 months, but I have good excuses (note: I said excuses, not reasons):

1. We didn't take our "real" honeymoon until August. The trip was booked in my [maiden] name. So, really, I couldn't change it until after that.

2. To be honest, it's a sense of loss. I've had this name for 24 years. Ben and I even (playfully) toyed with the idea of combining our names.
Cariota + Furman = Carman
Ben didn't like this idea. "Why would your name get to be first?" Ok then
Cariota + Furman = Furiota? Really Ben?
No, really... even though it feels different, I am completely embracing becoming a Furman.

3. Changing your name is confusing! And quite a process!

4. The social security office is realllly far away! I thought I could do this by mail, but I wanted to be sure. Every time I called, I sat on hold for 15 minutes, then got disconnected. Grrrr

OK, those are my excuses, but.... FINALLY! Today, I got through to the SS office and turns out, I can send it in by mail. Awesome
So here it is folks:

I have been on the lookout for a really cool cursive "F" for my signature. I don't like the typical cursive F-it's ugly. I have googled it without much luck. Any ideas?

January 04, 2011

Don't like Spinach?

Andrea 11:18 AM 0 Comments

If you don't like spinach, or you are just looking for a new (& exciting!) preparation, this is the post for you. Ben is "not a big fan" of this veggie, but had it at my Mom's house years ago and it certainly changed his mind! I decided to attempt last night:

Spinach & Eggs Grisanti

(Elizabeth Cariota) -serves 2

Ingredients:

-1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach

-4 slices bacon (or bacon bits)

-3 T olive oil

-1small garlic clove, minced

-3 T parm cheese

-2 eggs

-salt, pepper

1. Cook spinach according to package directions (microwave is fine). Drain thouroughly. Press out as much liquid as possible. (I use a colander).

2. Saute bacon until crisp, set aside. Drain skillet.

3. Heat olive oil in skillet, add garlic until golden brown.

4. Add the spinach, salt & pepper to taste and mix. Spread the spinach mixture over the bottom of the skillet (try to cover the entire skillet)

5. Mix the eggs, and pour them over the top of the spinach mixture. Be careful not to let the eggs cook in the pan; otherwise, you will end up with scrambled eggs! By pouring them over the spinach, they will cook on top of it, creating a soufle.

6. After eggs are thoroughly cooked, add 1 T of parm cheese & curmbled bacon and mix in the pan.

7. To serve: turn spinach onto a plate & sprinkle with remaining parm cheese.

OK, it seems complicated, but I promise it's not! I would suggest using an 8inch (or smaller) skillet so the spinach mixture can easily cover the bottom without the eggs seeping out around it. I used a 10inch skillet and just had to create a little "spinach mountain" with high edges to pour the eggs on!

Sorry about the quality- it is a phone picture

# Food

January 01, 2011

For Auld Lang Syne

Andrea 4:29 PM 0 Comments

I'm actually kind of sad to say goodbye to 2010. It has been an amazing year, and will be difficult to top.

I passed boards and became a Registered Nurse!

I started work as a mother/baby nurse

(ok-old pic...but I realized I don't take pictures of me in scrubs very often!)

Lots and lots of wedding planning!

Kept me VERY busy!

Attended my bridal showers

Love my friends & family

We found our "married couple" house

We got MARRIED!!!

What an amazing day

Went on our "mini-moon staycation"

The Varsity for our wedding night dinner : )

We went on our real Honeymoon

Snorkeling in Grand Cayman

Hosted lots of parties at our place!

Watched my hubby graduate from KSU

Had a wonderful Holiday season

I feel incredibly blessed to have experienced all of this in only one year! I hope 2011 will bring just as many exciting things. I have a few wishes for the New Year:

-Get in shape. blah blah blah- I know. It's everyone's New Year Resolution. I don't know what it is about marriage that made me lose my waistline. But I need to find it!

-Begin saving for a down payment on a house. I hope that by this time next year, we will be on our way to buying our first home!

-Maybe get a dog. If Ben is reading this, he is super excited. They are expensive, and a lot of work...I just hope that life becomes a little more calm to be able to commit to a new family member.

-Look into going back to school. I have been toying with this idea for a few months, but it's time to start putting things in order and looking at my options.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

# Goals

This Unfamiliar Road

January 31, 2011

Wow January!

January 16, 2011

Isn't that cute?

January 12, 2011

Brrrrr!!

Granny's Mexican Chicken Casserole

January 07, 2011

What's in a name?

January 04, 2011

Don't like Spinach?

January 01, 2011

For Auld Lang Syne

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