Fall Break Rocks

I get a long weekend for Fall Break, but it is totally better than nothing. My goal on Friday evening was to finish at least one non-school related book during the break. Last night, I did it! Yay! I finally found time to finish The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.

If you haven't read it, I would recommend it. Some people find themselves scared of books written before the last decade. There really is no need for that. The House of Mirth was published in 1905 and deals with a socialite in the late 19th century. Lily Bart is one of those characters that you identify with and find yourself pulling for. The messes she finds herself in could easily happen today. Of course, we would use different language to speak of them, but still it could happen. From the beginning, it was pretty obvious to me how this one was going to end up but I enjoyed the read anyways. It really is an easy read. It just took me forever to read because I didn't have enough time.

I'm so excited to have finished the novel. Now the hard question...What to read next?! Oh how I love Fall Break!!

Midterm Sucks

This past week has been draining. Midterm just sucks the life out of you. I wrote two papers and took two midterms this week. (I didn't sleep much.) Anyways, enough with my excuses. In order to make up for my extended absence this week, I am finally giving you that recipe that I promised here and here.

Creamy Mexican Chicken and Rice in the Crock Pot

3-4 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut in half or thirds (depending on the size)
1 can rotele
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 cup Minute rice

Place the chicken pieces in a gallon size bag and add the rotele. Marinate in the fridge overnight. (You can skip this, but you will lose out on a little flavor.)

Add the soups and rice to the crock pot. Then add the chicken and rotele. Give it a quick stir to cover the chicken and stir in the rotele. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Yep, it's that simple! Hope you and your family enjoy it!

This, That and The Other

I'm sorry, my dear followers, that I haven't been around much this week. I'm in the middle of midterms and two major papers. Plus the kiddos are on fall break. It has been quite a hectic week around our house. As soon as I get the chaos reigned back in, I've got a few posts up my sleeve. I'll catch up soon, I promise :)

On another note, I'm a bit sad this afternoon. My parents called me with the news that my 17 year old cat who has been living with them (because our frequent moves would just be too much for a cat that old) passed away this afternoon. I know he had a great long life and was a little bit spoiled, but I'm still bummed. We got him when I was in the 4th grade, so I was around 9 years old. It's always hard when something like that happens, but I am very thankful that in he didn't suffer.

Tough Guys Wear Pink

If you are a football fan like me (or just live with a football fanatic), you might have noticed during today's games that they guys are sporting some unusual colors. The NFL is taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness month by having players wear pink. They've gone all out with it too. The guys are wearing pink gloves, pink cleats, pink-billed hats and pink wristbands. Many of the team captains have pink patches. Additionally, many of the players have placed the traditional pink ribbon on their helmets. See, tough guys do wear pink!

I love that the NFL has embraced this cause. It makes me even more proud to be a football fan! (Now, if only I could convince the hubby that it's CowBOYS not the Cowgirls...dang Vikings fan!)


*I found the really awesome NFL logo at the official NFL website. Go visit them to learn more about the various teams' efforts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The Eternal Question

Every parent who has more than one child has asked it. To my knowledge it has never been answered. I'm not sure the most brilliant minds in the world could come together and answer this eternal question. It's a tough one! What is it, you ask? Well, are you ready for it? Here it is...

Why, why oh god, must my children fight constantly??

Seriously! They're best buddies one minute. Then suddenly, they are trying to rip each other's head off. It makes me crazy and explains why I'm partially bald (well, not really, but you know what I mean). I love them, but if the circus comes by and offers me money for them it'll be really tempting!

Busy Weekend Ahead

Wow, I have a super busy weekend ahead of me! Luckily, I do well when I have a lot to do. For some reason, when I only have one or two things to do, my tendency to procrastinate presents itself in full force. I think it's because the more I have to do, the less time I have to even think about procrastinating. Anyhoo, here's what I have to do this weekend:

• 5 page paper on the poetry of William Blake...I know, you are totally jealous...
• 7 page paper in which I have to apply one of about 4 schools of literary criticism to "Trifles" by Susan Glaspell...I'm kind of looking forward to this one because it is such an interesting little play. It is only one act and packed full of things that a literary critic can pick up on and run with. Glaspell actually wrote a short story called "A Jury of Her Peers" based on the play as well. Both texts are widely available in their entirety online. If you have a few minutes and are looking for something new to read, I'd recommend them.
• 2 midterms to study for...one in World History and one in my course on Blake...hate prepping for tests...
• Short presentation on the text of the last 6 poems of "Songs of Experience" by William Blake...yuck...
• Develop magical powers that allow me to clean my house with the wave of my hand.
• Keep up with 3 kids and the hubby...no telling what they'll get themselves into...
• Find time to go grocery shopping because for some reason the aforementioned children and hubby think they need to eat on a daily basis.
• Sleep...yeah, this one isn't seeming to likely at this point...

Well, that's what my weekend looks like...Hope your's is less hectic and more relaxing than mine!

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I could pelt you with a bunch of statistics about breast cancer, but the subject is so close to my heart that simply throwing a bunch of statistics out just doesn't cut it. Eighteen months ago, my grandmother passed away as a result of breast cancer. It was her second bout with the disease. She had been experiencing symptoms for about two months before she went into the hospital on Christmas night and was diagnosed. I firmly believe that she knew what she had and just feared the confirmation. Very early on Easter morning in 2008, she passed away. I was very close to her. The loss still hurts. My daughter is named after her. To this day, I still catch myself picking up the phone to call her. But, I can't; she is gone. My other grandmother has beaten breast cancer twice now. However, she had to have a mastectomy. My hubby's grandmother just beat breast cancer as well. As you can tell, my life has been greatly impacted by this horrible disease.

Early detection is one of the best measures you can take in fighting breast cancer. Get checked and do it often. Be vigilant about monthly self-exams and report any changes to your doctor immediately. I know that it can be scary. If you are in a position to make donations to organizations that support breast cancer research, that is wonderful. We make a small monthly donation which is deducted from the hubby's paycheck. However, I firmly believe that one of the best things you can do is encourage all the women in your life to always be watchful of their breast health. Don't put it off ladies!! Also, don't forget to practice what you preach!