I really need to apologize for not updating. It has been absolutely insane around here!

Nothing really all that new to report, though. Just busy busy...but it's good. I started at T-Mobile last Monday and it's going pretty well so far. I just don't have time for the stuff I used to do around the house. You know...clean, cook, laundry, etc. But I'll find a balance.

Now we just need to move! :) STAT!

Asian Chicken and Orzo Salad

This is courtesy of Paula Deen. Looks delish, y'all!

Ingredients:

1 (9-ounce) package frozen sugar snap peas
1 (16-ounce) package orzo, cooked and drained
1 cup water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 cups diced cooked chicken
3 green onions, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
1 (2-ounce) package slivered almonds, toasted (1/2 cup)

Directions:

Cook sugar snap peas according to package directions; drain well. In a large bowl, combine sugar snap peas, orzo, water chestnuts, chicken, green onion, and red bell pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Pour over orzo mixture, tossing gently to coat. Stir in toasted almonds. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

This just makes me laugh. Lady Gaga never wears pants. She is usually seen out in what looks like sparkly granny panties or bikini bottoms. The headline on TMZ was like "Breaking News: Lady Gaga wears pants!".

It's the little things...

So, my husband just told me that I HAD to update this immediately, so here I am. We have been working out like maniacs, and I even did this body pump class this morning. The thing is, I am not losing weight. Well, I might be, but the scale doesn't show me. I'm frustrated about that.

I need to get some more RAM for this computer. It is running so SLOW! Ugh...it's kind of upsetting me a bit.

The good thing, though, is that I did get my hair done on Friday and it looks all sexy and stuff. I cut like 2-3 inches off, and it's SOOOO much healthier. I had these funky horrible layers that I had to get rid if. I miss the length, but it will grow back quickly I'm sure.

Off to get some serious stuff done...

Sometimes, I feel like I truly have to talk myself into going to the gym. You know...a pep talk. I have been doing REALLY well with the whole exercise thing. I feel better and I will start seeing the pounds shed and the muscles tone sooner than later I think. I just really have to keep motivated.

I also really need to find some money to get to the store and get some food. I'm only eating one meal a day really, which is bad. BUT...I'll get into a better routine soon and then I won't be eating so poorly. At least I'm not eating a lot of junk!

You absolutely have to try this one! I saw this on Paula's show with my husband and we ran to the store and got the stuff to make it. SO hearty and yummy, y'all!

BEEF STROGANOFF

1 1/2 pounds cubed round steak, cut into thin strips (we have also used ground beef and it was great!)
House Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, sliced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can beef broth
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
Salt and black pepper
1 cup sour cream
Cooked egg noodles

Directions:

Season the steak strips with House Seasoning, then dust with flour. In a large skillet, quickly brown them on both sides in the olive oil and butter.

Remove the steak from the pan. Add the onion slices and mushrooms to the pan drippings. Saute for a few minutes, until the onion is tender.

Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon flour. Put the steak back into the pan with the onion and mushrooms. Add the mushroom soup and beef broth.

Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, covered. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding salt and pepper, as needed. Stir in the sour cream the last few minutes, right before you serve. Serve over cooked noodles.

Happy 2009 everyone! This year will be amazing if that is what you make it. I absolutely plan to make it the best year I possibly can.

Last night, my hubby and I celebrated small just hanging out with a friend. I really wasn't up for the whole drunkenness scene, so this was perfect. Is it weird that I was totally ok with this? I mean...I have always done something a little, well, bigger! Maybe it's a sign that I'm getting old...sheesh.

Bobby and I have been going to the gym SO much trying to get into shape and lose some weight. I have gone everyday this week and we are even going today! I found a few classes I really enjoy and that helps me workout without giving up too early because people are watching me and I don't want to give up and look stupid. I want to try yoga, but I am afraid to. I'm the most inflexible person there is, and it concerns me that I wouldn't be able to do the moves. I may try the ease on in beginners class and see how it works out.

I need to find another awesome recipe to share with you all! I'm going to pick one and post it here in a bit. Have a great New Year's Day!