Yep, I'm gonna be back to working full time again. No sense in not working and making money while I wait around for our IVF to work.....Why not work, make money, save money, save more money and prepare for those lovely little ones when I can? As Ellen Degeneres would say, "Am I right, Ladies?"
So, I start tomorrow as a buyer for insight. It's an entry level position, but one that can really be used as a stepping stone to further a career in the procurement industry. Not so sure if I want to grow my career, but getting back into the working world (and wearing cute shoes and nice new clothes!) is something that i think will help me in dealing with any disappointments in the IVF arena and also helps me feel like I'm contributing a little more than usual at home. It will be 5 years this June since I've worked full time! Wow, time has flown by!
So far the family seems OK with it. Today, I took most of the day to get the house ready for me to not be around all the time! Clean, laundry, straightening up, etc. And, I was able to go out and buy myself an awesome new pair of shoes - well, 2 awesome new pairs...I actually bought 3 pair, but I'm gonna return one of them.....during my lunch hour tomorrow! I will be working less than 1/2 mile from the local mall here, so I can definitely do shopping during a lunch break.
The other great benefit of this Insight location, is that it is less than 5 miles from my home. Isn't that great? I won't have to worry about getting home at a certain time, it's close to schools and grocery stores, etc. I can get a lot done during lunch, so I won't feel too overwhelmed by only having nights and weekends to do chores.
I don't get why I fret so much over getting things done. When I worked full time and had a child in daycare, I was so much more efficient with my time and didn't seem to be too overwhelmed. I mean I was overwhelmed just by life itself at the time, but doing all that needed to be done was easy enough. This should be easy too! Especially with helpful and supportive family this time around!
The only thing I think I will miss, is the fact that I can scrap all day now and I can take pictures all day too! I have been getting together with my Sister and Neice to do shopping or go to places and that will be missed in a BIG way, but we will always have holidays and weekends to do things. I'll get used to everything. And, I'll have more to blog about too!
01 May 2007
29 April 2007
Support the American Cancer Society
I'm feeling like I have to be more pro-active about my volunteering. I have been challenged to consider a charity that I'd like to help out if I should win Queen of the Crop 2007. I chose the American Cancer Society.
Cancer has affected my family in many ways. Personally, I have seen it with friends, co-workers and family members, but it really hurts when you truly lose that person to the disease. Being a survivor is so awesome, I believe that someday we will have survivors of every form of cancer that there is. The only problem is, we need to support the American Cancer Society more so that the research can be done and cures can be found!
With that being said, I'm going to add little tidbits of information from the American Cancer Society's website on a daily basis in hopes that it might help someone one day or spread the word about how important it is that we help out the wonderful American Cancer Society.
Links to their site will always be provided, visit their site, see what you can do. It is only a little time in your life that you have to give....maybe no time at all, just a donation of some kind. Every little thing helps!!
I found this today at the ACS website and wanted to share it!
Try these delicious, healthy recipes to add some spice to your current options. These recipes and many more can be found in the American Cancer Society book, Celebrate! Healthy Entertaining for Any Occasion available by calling 1-800-ACS-2345. Enjoy!Want to get active? Try these simple steps.
Greek Chicken with Tomatoes, Peppers, Olives, FetaLemon, mint, and a garnish of crumbled feta cheese bring the flavors of Greece to this easy chicken dish.
If fresh Roma tomatoes aren't available, canned tomatoes will provide the same cancer-fighting nutrients and vivid color.
To make Greek seasoning salt, combine:2 teaspoons of garlic salt,2 teaspoons of lemon pepper,2 teaspoons of oregano, and2 teaspoons of dried mint.
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces. 1/4 cup flour. 8 teaspoons Greek seasoning salt, divided. 1 teaspoon olive oil. 1 large onion, sliced lengthwise. 1 green pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced lengthwise into strips. 3 Roma tomatoes, cut into eighths. 3 tablespoons Kalamata olives, chopped. 3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled.
Directions: Dredge chicken in flour mixed with 4 teaspoons of Greek seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add chicken, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add onion to skillet and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes. Return chicken to skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes, sprinkling with remaining Greek seasoning. Mix in tomatoes. Remove from heat, transfer to serving dish, and sprinkle with olives and feta cheese.
Serves eight.
Approximate per serving: 210 calories; 9.5 grams of fat
Rice with Orzo and Mint Orzo is tiny rice-shaped pasta that works well with the nutty flavor of the brown rice in this recipe.
Enjoy a cup of this flavorful side dish (cooked), and you'll need only two more servings of whole grain foods to meet American Cancer Society healthy eating guidelines.
Refined grains, such as white rice, lose much of their vitamins, minerals, and all of their fiber in processing.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup orzo. 1 teaspoon olive oil. 3 cups fat-free chicken broth. 1-1/3 cups uncooked brown rice. 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt. 3 tablespoons fresh mint.
Directions: In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, brown orzo in olive oil, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth and bring to boil. Add rice and garlic salt and return to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh mint.
Serves eight.
Approximate per serving: 149 calories; 2 grams of fat.
Linguine with Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 8 large fresh tomatoes, peeled, chopped, and seeded. 1/4 cup red wine. 1/2 cup chicken broth. 1/4 cup fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil. Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. 1 pound linguine, uncooked. 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated. Fresh ground pepper to taste. Red pepper flakes (optional).
Directions: Cook the garlic slowly in olive oil in a medium skillet. Do not brown. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes, wine, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered 15 -20 minutes until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency. When you're ready to serve, cook the pasta in boiling salted water just until tender. Drain well, and toss with tomato sauce. Serve immediately in heated bowls or plates. Top each serving with Parmesan cheese, fresh ground pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Note: To peel fresh tomatoes, make a small cross slit at the bottom of the tomato. Plunge in boiling water for 5 seconds to loosen the skin.
Makes eight servings.
Each serving is 425 calories, 10 grams fat, 18 grams protein. For an extra 110 calories, add an extra 1/4 cup olive oil and another 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese to the recipe.
Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake with Sliced Strawberries
Ingredients: 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt. 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese. 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese. 1 cup maple syrup. 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. 2 large egg whites. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. 1 teaspoon Kahlua. 1 pint strawberries. Nonfat cooking spray.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350º. Coat an 8 x 8-inch pan with nonfat cooking spray. Puree in blender the yogurt, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, maple syrup, cocoa, egg whites, cinnamon, and Kahlua. Pour in pan. Bake cake for 50 minutes or until done. Let cool and decorate with slices of strawberries.
Makes eight slices.
Approximately 98 calories per serving, and four grams of fat. Makes four servings. Each serving is 300 calories, 20 grams of protein.
ENJOY!
Cancer has affected my family in many ways. Personally, I have seen it with friends, co-workers and family members, but it really hurts when you truly lose that person to the disease. Being a survivor is so awesome, I believe that someday we will have survivors of every form of cancer that there is. The only problem is, we need to support the American Cancer Society more so that the research can be done and cures can be found!
With that being said, I'm going to add little tidbits of information from the American Cancer Society's website on a daily basis in hopes that it might help someone one day or spread the word about how important it is that we help out the wonderful American Cancer Society.
Links to their site will always be provided, visit their site, see what you can do. It is only a little time in your life that you have to give....maybe no time at all, just a donation of some kind. Every little thing helps!!
I found this today at the ACS website and wanted to share it!
Try these delicious, healthy recipes to add some spice to your current options. These recipes and many more can be found in the American Cancer Society book, Celebrate! Healthy Entertaining for Any Occasion available by calling 1-800-ACS-2345. Enjoy!Want to get active? Try these simple steps.
Greek Chicken with Tomatoes, Peppers, Olives, FetaLemon, mint, and a garnish of crumbled feta cheese bring the flavors of Greece to this easy chicken dish.
If fresh Roma tomatoes aren't available, canned tomatoes will provide the same cancer-fighting nutrients and vivid color.
To make Greek seasoning salt, combine:2 teaspoons of garlic salt,2 teaspoons of lemon pepper,2 teaspoons of oregano, and2 teaspoons of dried mint.
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces. 1/4 cup flour. 8 teaspoons Greek seasoning salt, divided. 1 teaspoon olive oil. 1 large onion, sliced lengthwise. 1 green pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced lengthwise into strips. 3 Roma tomatoes, cut into eighths. 3 tablespoons Kalamata olives, chopped. 3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled.
Directions: Dredge chicken in flour mixed with 4 teaspoons of Greek seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add chicken, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add onion to skillet and sauté until tender, about 2 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook another 2 minutes. Return chicken to skillet and cook 1 to 2 minutes, sprinkling with remaining Greek seasoning. Mix in tomatoes. Remove from heat, transfer to serving dish, and sprinkle with olives and feta cheese.
Serves eight.
Approximate per serving: 210 calories; 9.5 grams of fat
Rice with Orzo and Mint Orzo is tiny rice-shaped pasta that works well with the nutty flavor of the brown rice in this recipe.
Enjoy a cup of this flavorful side dish (cooked), and you'll need only two more servings of whole grain foods to meet American Cancer Society healthy eating guidelines.
Refined grains, such as white rice, lose much of their vitamins, minerals, and all of their fiber in processing.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup orzo. 1 teaspoon olive oil. 3 cups fat-free chicken broth. 1-1/3 cups uncooked brown rice. 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt. 3 tablespoons fresh mint.
Directions: In a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, brown orzo in olive oil, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken broth and bring to boil. Add rice and garlic salt and return to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh mint.
Serves eight.
Approximate per serving: 149 calories; 2 grams of fat.
Linguine with Fresh Tomato and Basil Sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced. 2 tablespoons olive oil. 8 large fresh tomatoes, peeled, chopped, and seeded. 1/4 cup red wine. 1/2 cup chicken broth. 1/4 cup fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil. Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. 1 pound linguine, uncooked. 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated. Fresh ground pepper to taste. Red pepper flakes (optional).
Directions: Cook the garlic slowly in olive oil in a medium skillet. Do not brown. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes, wine, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer uncovered 15 -20 minutes until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency. When you're ready to serve, cook the pasta in boiling salted water just until tender. Drain well, and toss with tomato sauce. Serve immediately in heated bowls or plates. Top each serving with Parmesan cheese, fresh ground pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Note: To peel fresh tomatoes, make a small cross slit at the bottom of the tomato. Plunge in boiling water for 5 seconds to loosen the skin.
Makes eight servings.
Each serving is 425 calories, 10 grams fat, 18 grams protein. For an extra 110 calories, add an extra 1/4 cup olive oil and another 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese to the recipe.
Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake with Sliced Strawberries
Ingredients: 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt. 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese. 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese. 1 cup maple syrup. 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. 2 large egg whites. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. 1 teaspoon Kahlua. 1 pint strawberries. Nonfat cooking spray.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350º. Coat an 8 x 8-inch pan with nonfat cooking spray. Puree in blender the yogurt, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, maple syrup, cocoa, egg whites, cinnamon, and Kahlua. Pour in pan. Bake cake for 50 minutes or until done. Let cool and decorate with slices of strawberries.
Makes eight slices.
Approximately 98 calories per serving, and four grams of fat. Makes four servings. Each serving is 300 calories, 20 grams of protein.
ENJOY!
28 April 2007
Well, I'm not that great at keeping up my blog, but I'm back and posting some new photos and a layout or two that I've recently done.
Here are some of the latest pictures I've taken. I've also added them to my Flicker page. I'm really starting my photography hobby once again. I'd love to be able to sell my pictures on a freelance basis to small newspapers and maybe some larger ones too.
We saw the Kane County Cougars play Peoria Chiefs last week and the baseball photos below are from the game. I submitted some of them to the Geneva Sun, but received no response. I guess I should put together a portfolio of the different types of photography that I've been doing and see where that will get me.
Tomorrow, I hope to be able to take another couple hundred photos as the weather is supposed to be beautiful! Maybe this week I'll take a small trip to the Chicago Botanical Gardens too, great floral photo opportunities there.
So, that's all for tonight. I'll add some scrapbook layouts at another time, this posting is long enough for today! Thanks for visiting, I hope you come back again and see what else is new!
Here are some of the latest pictures I've taken. I've also added them to my Flicker page. I'm really starting my photography hobby once again. I'd love to be able to sell my pictures on a freelance basis to small newspapers and maybe some larger ones too.
We saw the Kane County Cougars play Peoria Chiefs last week and the baseball photos below are from the game. I submitted some of them to the Geneva Sun, but received no response. I guess I should put together a portfolio of the different types of photography that I've been doing and see where that will get me. Tomorrow, I hope to be able to take another couple hundred photos as the weather is supposed to be beautiful! Maybe this week I'll take a small trip to the Chicago Botanical Gardens too, great floral photo opportunities there.As part of the Queen of the Crop 2007 contest that I'm in at Scrapbookgraphics.com, I have to designate a charity that I would like to donate a winning dollar amount to. I'm a little torn as to what charity would be my first one, but both fall into one category and that is the American Cancer Society.
I lost my Mother to colon cancer last year, my Father suffers from bladder cancer and receives quarterly tests and treatments for it. My Grandfather on my Father's side died of colon cancer. My friend and past boss is a SURVIVOR of breast cancer and I have a family member who now is dealing with breast cancer.
Cancer has definitely affected my family, so if there is anything I can do to help in the fight against cancers or to help in the research for cures, than I need to do it. I'm going to do some serious research to present this charity to the scrappers at the contest and then I'm gonna do more to show that I can offer some of my time to this charity... in addition to monetary assistance, I think I have some time in my life that can be directed to this charity!
So, that's all for tonight. I'll add some scrapbook layouts at another time, this posting is long enough for today! Thanks for visiting, I hope you come back again and see what else is new!
19 April 2007
Wanna Be A Queen? Queen of the Crop 2007?
The Queen of the Crop is a digital scrapbooking layout competition hosted here at Scrapbookgraphics. Participants who enter the competition will be expected to create 4 layouts that meet our specific criteria. One layout per contestant will be showcased per week on our site to be voted upon by the community. All participants remain in the contest until the end of the four weeks. At that time, votes will be totaled and then ten participants with the highest votes will move on to the final round. Voting will continue on again in the final round, and the votes will be counted and then revealed at the end of that week.
What is the reward? - The artist with the most votes overall will take first place, claiming the title and crown of SBG Queen of the Crop 2007.
1st place
- $1000.00 cash (US funds) to be distributed by PayPal (winner must have PayPal account)- $500.00 donated by us to the winner’s certified charity of choice- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12
Besides this loot, the Queen will have the opportunity to take her rightful place as a VIP representative for Scrapbookgraphics. Throughout the course of her reign, she may be called upon to review products, share tips, tricks, layouts and possibly write articles for our newsletter or blog.
2nd place
- $200 cash (US funds) to be distributed by Paypal (winner must have PayPal account)- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12
Also included is the opportunity to take her rightful place as a VIP representative for Scrapbookgraphics. Throughout the course of her reign, she may be called upon to review products, share tips, tricks, layouts and possibly write articles for our newsletter or blog.
3rd place
- $100 cash (US funds) to be distributed by PayPal (winner must have PayPal account)- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12Also included is the opportunity to take her rightful place as a VIP representative for Scrapbookgraphics. Throughout the course of her reign, she may be called upon to review products, share tips, tricks, layouts and possibly write articles for our newsletter or blog.
7 Runners Up
- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12- each will be invited to join our crew for one month as a Crew Temp
Rules:
- This competition is open to everyone with the exception of Scrapbookgraphics designers or crew members.
- Despite the title, this competition is not gender specific. In fact, if a man enters and wins we will gladly crown him “King” (if that is what he chooses).
- Layouts submitted to the competition should be created primarily with items designed by the Studio Girls at Scrapbookgraphics.Each registered participant will receive a 25% off Discount Card to SBG.
- Layouts must meet the criteria of our challenges and must be submitted by deadlines, no exceptions.
Check it out! Visit Scrapbookgraphics and register now!
The Queen of the Crop is a digital scrapbooking layout competition hosted here at Scrapbookgraphics. Participants who enter the competition will be expected to create 4 layouts that meet our specific criteria. One layout per contestant will be showcased per week on our site to be voted upon by the community. All participants remain in the contest until the end of the four weeks. At that time, votes will be totaled and then ten participants with the highest votes will move on to the final round. Voting will continue on again in the final round, and the votes will be counted and then revealed at the end of that week.
What is the reward? - The artist with the most votes overall will take first place, claiming the title and crown of SBG Queen of the Crop 2007.
1st place
- $1000.00 cash (US funds) to be distributed by PayPal (winner must have PayPal account)- $500.00 donated by us to the winner’s certified charity of choice- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12
Besides this loot, the Queen will have the opportunity to take her rightful place as a VIP representative for Scrapbookgraphics. Throughout the course of her reign, she may be called upon to review products, share tips, tricks, layouts and possibly write articles for our newsletter or blog.
2nd place
- $200 cash (US funds) to be distributed by Paypal (winner must have PayPal account)- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12
Also included is the opportunity to take her rightful place as a VIP representative for Scrapbookgraphics. Throughout the course of her reign, she may be called upon to review products, share tips, tricks, layouts and possibly write articles for our newsletter or blog.
3rd place
- $100 cash (US funds) to be distributed by PayPal (winner must have PayPal account)- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12Also included is the opportunity to take her rightful place as a VIP representative for Scrapbookgraphics. Throughout the course of her reign, she may be called upon to review products, share tips, tricks, layouts and possibly write articles for our newsletter or blog.
7 Runners Up
- 1 Shutterfly Storybook 12 x 12- each will be invited to join our crew for one month as a Crew Temp
Rules:
- This competition is open to everyone with the exception of Scrapbookgraphics designers or crew members.
- Despite the title, this competition is not gender specific. In fact, if a man enters and wins we will gladly crown him “King” (if that is what he chooses).
- Layouts submitted to the competition should be created primarily with items designed by the Studio Girls at Scrapbookgraphics.Each registered participant will receive a 25% off Discount Card to SBG.
- Layouts must meet the criteria of our challenges and must be submitted by deadlines, no exceptions.
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