It's Actually Fall In Utah

 In Las Vegas, they keep telling me that fall is going to start. It's going to start to get chilly and I'm going to be able to tell that the season are changing...Well I'm not so sure that I believe them.

 

I have been home now for nearly an entire week, and it is definitely fall here.  For the past week, my whole family has been together under one roof and we've needed some quick and easy meals to throw together that feed lots.  Because it's actually in the 40s and 50s here, I decided to make some Chicken Taco Soup.  I also figured I might do something I have yet to do on the blog: Share a recipe. It's never too late to try something new right?

 

 

This soup is probably the easiest thing I have ever made. 

 

To make it you'll need

 

1 can of pinto beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can black beans

1 can of corn

2 8oz cans tomato sauce

1 can of Rotel or stewed tomatoes

2 limes

1 bunch of cilantro

1 package of taco seasoning

1 rotisserie chicken (pre-cooked by your local grocery store)

 

It almost seems silly to provide you with cooking directions, because it is truly so easy.  Carve rotisserie chicken and chop up into small pieces. I usually end up making it more like a shredded chicken taco soup. Combine all of the canned ingredients and chicken in a large pot. Add water as needed. If you like a little bit thicker soup, add more tomato sauce, less water. Add taco seasoning, cilantro, and limes to taste.

 

Of course, if you'd like, you can take a lot of extra time and soak beans over night, grill chicken, substitute with hamburger, throw together all of your own seasonings and such, but this tastes just as good and takes half as much time.

 

I like to serve this with Spanish rice and tortillas.  I also always top mine off with sour cream, cheese and extra cilantro, because to me, you can never have enough of it! I've made it many times and every time, no matter the size of the pot, every drop is eaten. Give it a shot. You can't go wrong!

Held Together With Tape & Glue

On Sunday I got a phone call from my mother. She explained to me that my grandpa wasn't doing so well. He'd had a stroke and I should be on stand by, ready to leave at a moments notice.

Of course, I couldn't do that. The next day, I packed my bags and showed up at Grandpa's house. I had only told my sister, of course, more people knew by the time I got there...we don't know what secrets are...and I ended up being a bit of a surprise.  I think we all needed a little bit of excitement. It was something that could put a smile on all of the sad faces I saw when I walked in.

The 400 miles I drove to be here with my family was well worth it. I apologize for this minor hiatus I'm taking from the blog.  At times like these, family comes first.  It is so taxing to watch my grandpa live like this. Miserable and needing to let go, but he doesn't...

 I would like to ask everyone to keep us in your prayers. We're held together with tape and glue and I'm hoping deep inside my heart that I can stay strong.  This is going to be an extremely trying time for everyone around here and I could use the good juju. I know I'm not the only one...

It's not easy to lose the people that you love...Grief is a mysterious thing that wrenches each heart in a different way. Here is to hoping and to praying that we can all survive it.

We love you, Grandpa...Hang in there. You're almost home...

The Art of Writing

In my English 101 class, we are required to do a presentation on the art of writing.

 

I really would like to write mine with a blog post or "article" as we are calling it in the class...But here's the thing, I can't find posts on my favorite blogs about the "art of writing."

 

So I'm asking a favor of all you lovelies out there. In the comments leave me links :)

 

I'm looking for blogs that talk about writing. I only need one post, but I would love to read a lot of them. I want to be able to make comparisons and have a really good understanding of how people use their blogs artistically.

 

Of course, any blogs used in this project will be properly cited and I will share the presentation with anyone who would like to see it when it's complete!

 

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help!

 

:)

There Are Fish In The Sea...Just None For Me

Real Talk:

I don't love being single.

Some girls (maybe guys too? I dunno) will read you a list five miles long with all the reasons why being single is so much fun.

Well, personally, I don't think it's the greatest thing in the world.

I did a little bit of research and found out that most people talk about how being single means that you can be yourself when you're single. They go on and on about how you get your bed all to yourself. The articles boast about how you can be spontaneous and have fun. Basically, they make being in a relationship sound like a bad thing. 

Sure, there are fun things about being single. You get to go on dates. Your choices don't tend to have a great affect on another person. You aren't tied down.

But if you can't be yourself in your relationship, you shouldn't have been in it anyway...I love to share my bed with someone that I love. And, really, who doesn't like to be spontaneous and have fun with the person they care about most?

But anyway, the point I'm getting at, is they glorify the single life to make it sound like it's so fun.

It's not.

Dating is hard. Meeting new people whose company you truly enjoy is not easy. Kissing a bunch of frogs...It's not sunshine and gerber daisies.

So there you have it. Being single. Not a parade plus a party with fireworks at the end...

It's lonely.

via

There are fish in the sea...just none for me...

BUT

with that being said, I'm not all woe is me and, crying in my pillow every night that I'm not cuddling with some dude... I just don't love being single. You get me?  

Hide Yo Crazy

 

 

I don't have much for you today.. Just this.

 

Watch it. Love it.

 

And remember, when you go through a break up, fix your make up, hide your crazy, and start acting like a lady.

 

:D

J-O-B

It has come time for another installation of

 

Join Ashley and me in our quest to save some money!

 

Sadly, this weekend really hurt my budget. I didn't spend any money besides gas money, but I is just so dang expenseive.

I suppose I am succeeding at this "No Spend" thing, but I don't know how much it's really helping. If I had another job or a different job altogether, I might actually be getting something out of this month of not spending any unnecessary money.

 

And now, I'm...

 

I have been for a while actually. I just haven't really known what I'm looking for. I also really need to re-write my resume. I'm basically a whole new person since my last resume refresher.

 

Right now, I have a few plans. I'm going to drive around and go to some dance studios.

Drop a dance resume off.

 

I can see the confusion on some of your faces. Yes. I have been dancing for about 12 years...

 

 

Yes, that is me. My senior year of high school I danced on the Hillcrest Drill team. I wouldn't say I'm the greatest dancer in the world, but I've got good legs, good arms, and solid technique. All the things I need to be able to teach some dance to some children.

 

So there is an option.

 

I'm also thinking I need to try something...conventional. Right now, I work in a call center that refuses to give me the hours I need to make a solid income that I can live off of, so I'm thinking I might try something like waitressing, or retail. It wouldn't be my favorite thing in the world, I'm sure, but it would give me more work experience, more hours, and hopefully more money...

 

What do you guys think? How where should I job hunt?!

 

An 800 Mile Weekend

 I accomplished a lot of big things this past weekend. On Thursday, I drove home to Salt Lake. That's about 400 miles from my dorm in Las Vegas.

I went and played warrior for a few days. I qualified on the rifle range, got a new team leader, learned a few new things about how to be a good soldier, ate some tasty MREs, shot in the pouring rain...Let me tell ya, it was a pretty eventful weekend. 

As you can see, I didn't do an amazing job on that qualifying thing...but! I qualified and that is what matters. It doesn't help that I got saddled with a weapon witha grenade launcher attachment. It made my M16 about 3 or 4 lbs heavier causing my unsupported positons to be a bit more unstable...but, I shan't blame the weapon. I will simply do better next time!

After my ever so exciting weekend of shooting and running around with eye-pro and kevlars I got to jump in the car again and drive back to my new home and return to "real life." I packed up the last of my things (including my insturments...I was going crazy without them) and I headed down the road. I drove 300 miles before I stopped for gas...300 miles in the car without stopping is kind of a lot, in case you were wondering.

I also got quite lucky. I got to drive through the Virgin River Gorge (you know the part of I-15 that runs through Arizona?) in a lightening storm complete with sheets of rain and crazy semi-truck drivers...I also got to experience high winds through the Moapa valley nearly blowing me off the road. It was just great.....

Okay maybe not, but I made it safe and sound, and that is all that really matter. We'll just chalk it up to better luck.

Of course, this morning, after that exhausting drive...I woke up at 6:26 and I'm all like...uuuuggghhh... and this became my reality.

Yep. That sums up my morning. Jogged to my car in the parking lot drove like a bat out of hell, and of course, I still make it to work with time to spare like always...but oh man..You should see my hiar.

No. I'm not going to show it to you. It's too awful.

But, the important thing is, I made it to work.

Now, I'm back to reality. Working hard, thinking about finding myself a new job..Now that I have my mandolin and guitar back with me, maybe I'll just start playing on the street until people give me enough money to afford my college education. That would be pretty nice...

Well, I suppose that's all I've got for you today. Have a lovely Tuesday everyone :)

So Frugal

That awkward moment when you mean to schedule a post...but you don't then it just sits in you drafts until you realize...hey, that was supose to go live on Wendesday...

Yeah...not my finest moment!

So here's to catching up.

I made myself a budget for this month. My budget consists of my monthly expenses and nothing else. There is no extra spending money for a McDonald's hamburger or a new pair of shoes. It is strict.

So far It has been 5 days and I have spent $2.00And that was to do my laundry and $11.00 on a drip to the Atomic History Museum. Let me tell you, $11.00 well spent. Worth every penny, so I allowed it for myself. Not to mention it's relevent to my classes.

 Today, I have to head home for drill this weekend. I've decided to leave a little bit earlier so I'm going to eat some lunch at school, then leave directly after that. Hopefully that means I won't be hungry on the drive and tempted to stop and buy something to eat.

Not spending money is a whole lot easier than I thought it would be. I am kind of surprised at myself acutally. I have had the urge to buy anything. Usually, I want to get a snack or food or something, but I've been doing a really good job just eating what I've got (crackers and peanuts) and making sure I eat well when I go to the chow hall. It really curbs the cravings and makes not spending money so much easier. 

It's kind of cool that not spending money has also made me healthier! You eat a lot less junk when there is no money to spend on it, that is for sure!

Head on over to Ashley's blog to see how she is doing with her "No Spending" challenge.

Single's Ward?

 Although I'm not a particularly perfect member of the LDS church, I do have quite and interest in it. Honestly, I always have.

There is something that you have to understand about where I grew up everyone is Mormon. I have probably...5 friends that are not LDS that I grew up with. Granted, a lot of them were raised in the church and are no longer active or their whole family is no longer active in the church...there is a large variety of "types" of Mormons.

Well, one of the main things in our church is the strength in families. They have these things called "Young Single Adult" wards. Basically, everyone who attends your service is young and unmarried. The purpose is to help you find your eternal companion.

They show you pictures like this and they tell you that you are in the "magic age" when you turn 18, because you are now, a young single adult.

via

Sounds nice doesn't it?

Well, I'm about to find out, because I'm going to go to one!

Right? I can see the look of shock on all of your faces. Why would this girl want to go to a single's ward?

I don't really know if it will be the right fit for me. Maybe there will be too much marraige talk, maybe it will make me feel guilty. Maybe I will absolutely hate it.

But on the other hand, I could make some good friends, maybe do some fun activities, I might even learn something along the way. So, I've decided to go for it. Who cares about all the what ifs? I'm going to

just...do me :)

~~~~~~~

This weekend I am going to be tres busy playing Warrior. I will return on Monday with plenty of photos of my exciting weekend in the field shooting M16s and pretneding that I'm an 11BangBang.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

                                                             

Katie Lately

I suppose it has been a while since I have really updated ya'll on me. 

So what's new with me that isn't filled with deep meaning and planning and insanity?

As I have said before, I live in Las Vegas now. That is definitely new!

I cannot stay away from dessert...I never used to like sweets, but all of a sudden? Cheese cake, carrot cake, chocolate cake...it's all I think about.

Now that I have one tattoo, I want 5 or 6 more.

I still really love to work out.  There is an awesome free gym for students with an indoor track...it's amazing.

I'm a Student...Whoa. It's still weird to say that out loud.

I still love nail polish. 

Recently, I have actually really been into the colors pink and purple...I used to really hate pink. 

You know that song, "We Can't Stop"? Well I can't stop....playing it over and over again.

Speaking of music, Spotify? Best thing that ever happened to this universe next to Netflix and Hulu.

I have decided to be an Anthropology Major.

My career goal is to work in a museum. I want to be a curator or something of the sort.

I haven't really made many friends here yet, but I'm not minding just being alone. It's kind of nice.

I feel this insane need for adventure...I have a newfound want for something well new.

I love being and Auntie. So. Much.

I'm missing home and I miss my family but overall, I am so happy to be experiencing a new place and having a whole different lifestyle. I think it's really good for me and for my life in the future to have had many different setting in which I've had to live my life. Something tells me that this is just the beginning...

Big Sister

In my "About Me" page I talked about how my sisters were my first friends.  We have playing together for our entire lives. While we don't always get along perfectly, we know that we will always love each other. No matter what. Thick or thin. Rough or smooth. We are family.

September 3rd is my very first friend's 23rd Birthday. My big sister, Alexis.

 

Big sisters...

 

They're the best. They teach you the most fun games ever.

Alexis's favorite was "Slave".  How this game worked, was she told me what to do and I was the slave, and when it was time to switch...oh wait...we never switched, she was always tired of the game when it got to that point.

 

They are there for all the big moments in your life

 

 

They will yell at you and be really mad for about an hour.

The next thing you know, they're asking you to go with them to Wal Mart.  

 

They understand you and accept you for who you are.

 

They tell you when you're being stupid or if you hair looks dumb.

 

They support you when you want to do something new and scary.

 

They'll pose for random pictures with Yoda on their backs.

 

 

My big sister...I love her to the moon and back.

 

 

Alexis, you have helped to turn me into the woman that I am today and I can't imagine what my life would be like without you. I know that life is hard sometimes, but you need to keep your head up and keep working at it.  Things aren't always going to be this hard.

 

I hope that you have the most fantastic birthday. I'm sorry that I can't be home to celebrate with you. Save me a piece of cheese cake would you?

 

No Spend September

-Unrelated to today's post. Feel like laughing? Check out my post from a couple of days ago.-

 

When I began the process of applying to college and all that good stuff, I became very aware of all of the many expenses I was going to rack up. I knew I had to buy a car and that I wasn't exactly going to be living in the land of milk and honey.

 I have accepted that I am going to be po'.

I have seen a lot of people in the blog-world doing "No-Spend [insert month]" type challenges. I have decided that due to the fact that I am...broke to put it plainly, I ought to give my own version a spin.  In fact, it might be more out of necessity than choice that I have come around to this conclusion.

I have also recently learned that my hours at work are going to be cut from 28 hours a week to 10 Yep. 10. That is bad, bad, bad...This change is definitely going to force me into some brand new spending habits. Or rather lack of spending habits. 

I have been doing some serious research on all of these "No-Spend" challenges and I have come up with my own.  My good bloggy friend Ashley have decided to jump into this together and see how it goes! 

This is how I plan to not only survive my "No-Spend" challenge, but also create good spending habits that will follow me throughout the rest of my life. Hopefully.

1. Stick to the budget. No exceptions. No excuses.

2. Cut bills into halves.

3. Once they are split up, pay them on a designated day. No procrastinating.

4. Do not eat out. 

Already I am living the life of a broke-ass college kid.  I even had to get the cheap shampoo...

Why yes, that is the family size Suave brand :(
But maybe someday, I'll be able to afford things like...Treseme!


And hopefully, this will be me by the time the month is over!



In the spirit of not spending money, all sponsorship opportunities are free. Please contact me to have your button on my sidebar for the month of September :)

 

Can't Not

Now that I live in a place filled with new and interesting attractions, I've decided to make a lil' bit of a list of the things that I just can't not do while I live here. Go ahead, comment on the double negative. I don't really care.

 

I had a little adventure out on the Strip on Saturday and scouted out a few things that I just have to do or see or live or try or you know, whatever :)

 

Saturday's adventure ^

 

Some of these things are on the pricey-er side and may not happen, but they're going on the list anyway. Maybe the list will help to make them happen!

So, in no particular order...things to see, do and otherwise experience whist living in this lovely city of Las Vegas.

Nevada Test Site Atomic Museum

The Fountain Show at the Bellagio

The Conservatory at the Bellagio

M&M's World

Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Palace

The Chocolate Factory

Fremont Street

The Volcano at the Mirage

The Las Vegas sign

The Venetian's Grand Canal

Pin Ball Hall of Fame

Mob Museum

The Roller Coaster at New York New York

Sky Jump Las Vegas

Lake Mead

Mt. Charleston

Hard Rock Hotel (I want to stay there)

Every free art gallery on the strip

Miracle Mile

 

I didn't expect to love it here, but I really do and I can't wait to live this new life.

 

Have you been to/lived in Vegas? What is missing from my list? Help me build upon this!