Sharing..

Yesterday on Facebook was an event called Sharing the Gospel through social media. What a great opportunity to share the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I know there are people out there in cyberspace that peek in on my blog, which I am more than ok with. For those of you that have a religion, or no religion at all..I share with you my Testimony. With all of my Heart, Might and Mind, I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ. I know that he loves me and that no one understands my trials, tribulations and successes more than he does. This gives me an eternal peace. I know that families can be together forever through ordinances in the Temple. I know that all four of the Standard Works are true, The Bible. The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet and Thomas S. Monson is our Prophet today. I know that if we have any problem, no matter how great or small, if we go to the Lord in prayer, our prayers can and will be answered. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Visit www.mormon.org  if you would like to know more about how to attain happiness in your life.

Here is a video classic, but it kind of goes along with this...

Reflections.

Hi. I have been up  for over 24 hrs now. Now, anyone in their right mind would tell me..."Go to sleep woman!" Believe you me, I want to. But I'm too excited, for what I'm not sure. I am excited that I am off tonight, thats for sure. I might go catch the movie 17 Miracles, which I am excited to see. Since I have become a believer in writing things down, so I don't forget them...well here I am. As I sit here eating my muffin with the nooks and crannies, and some questionable lunch meat..because I was too lazy to go grocery shopping, i'm here.  It may be funny, at least it is to me. Its for me and its for you. Here goes...

So, last night I was playing the clock game..what I like to call when I'm running late for work, don't worry I was right on time. Anywhoo..have you ever looked at something in life, whether on a drive or whatever..and it triggers a memory? It happened to me last night. I'll explain.

First I saw this on my way to the Hospital.

This is the new VW bus. Kinda cute..but it triggered a memory of my Dad.
He drove this gem...

It looked like this except maybe a navy blue. I was little and I remembered this. But this was a long line of cars my parents owned. My dad loved to buy used, and then every few years or so trade them in for something else. Do you know people that do this? I tend to drive my cars until the wheels off. ;)

One I remembered was this one, which I affectionately called "The Ratz"

And lastly among the pleuthra of other cars was this gem...

And, it was this color green...no joke. Not so much the color of Kermit, but the green around him.

But wait...there's more.  There these two huge celebrities painted on the side of this van..

Oh my. Can you imagine being a fourth grader and having your parents dropping you off in this? My dad thought it was really cool. I was SO embarassed. But as an adult I can appreciate that now, although I would probably still be mortified. The inside was pretty cool though, it had shag carpenting throughout..a lovely shade of yellow. A table in the back that turned down into a bed, and a sink and fridge that didn't work. I also remember riding with my dad and grandma one Saturday after we had taken her grocery shopping..we had a blowout as we were turning the corner in the neighborhood..and my neighbors thought it was a driveby. :) I also remember as a little girl watching Star Wars faithfully every day with my neighborhood friends and eating Ritz sandwiches with the cheese in the film, along with Annie..but now I don't remember the original Star Wars..I need to watch that again. Just some reflections...

Things About Dad

My Mom and Dad, Fred and Helen.

Things about DadShare

How Well Do You Know Dad?

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
Mash or the History channel, he loved documentaries.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Bleu Cheese or roquefort

3. What is one food he doesn't like?
Pineapple on pizza

4. What is his favorite drink?
Diet Pepsi

5. Where did he go to high school?
West High School in Denver Colorado, Class of 1955

6. What size shoe does he wear?
I think a 7 or 8, I was so jealous of his small feet!

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
He had quite a collection of tools, a lot of tools. He also had quite a collection of car manual books and computer mags.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?
Roast Beef

9. What would he eat every day if he could?
Hamburgers from IN&OUT , the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

10. What is his favorite cereal?
I'm not sure..but I remember he ate Shredded Wheat.

11. What would he never wear?
The shirts my mom bought him, LOL.

12. What are his favorite sports teams?
He didn't really watch sports, he did watch UNLV when they were good ;)

13. Who did he vote for
????

14. Who is his best friend?
My mom and me!

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
Probably not keeping things orderly, still working on that.

16. What is his heritage?
Hispanic/ Basque

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
Me bake a cake? HA HA HA HA :D

18. Does he play any sports?
No, but we did go to the gym...that counts, I think. He would attempt to play tennis with me, I need to play again. Oh he liked to swim.

19. What could he spend hours doing?
Puttering around the backyard. Fixing the car, playing on the computer..this was way before the internet exploded. :D

20. What is a unique talent he has?
I remember that my Dad could fix anything. He was amazing. Sometimes he didn't have patience with something, but eventually he worked it out. My Dad taught me how to cook. Its funny how he didn't have patience with some things but he always had patience with me in the kitchen, my mom told me to shoo :) My Dad will have been gone 12 years on April 23. And I still miss him. But there are things that my dad and mom did or enjoyed that I still do. Love you Dad and Mom!

*This is a Facebook Note from a couple of years ago. But, I thought I would share since Father's Day is today. Happy Father's Day Dad...not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I love you!

What Will Matter.

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours, or days.

All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame, and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire.

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.


It won’t matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.

It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought but what you built; not what you got but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example.


What will matter is not your competence but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter are not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom, and for what.


Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.

~Michael Joesphson

I am a little sad this week. My heart goes out to my friends that have lost their mother's , and to friends that lost their mother's this week. I found this poem at work It was included in a program of my friend Belen's funeral. To me , the message Mr. Joesphson writes is so true. Nothing will matter, but for the acts we do, the kind of people, good people we are trying to become. The picture of the Easter Lilly has significance to me. It reminds me of the Atonement and Ressurection of our savior Jesus Christ. It is a comfort to know in times of despair, the hope that the Atonement brings. No cute posts this time and no fabulous pictures. But its what I'm feeling. And thats it.  The following is  a small verse from Consider the Lillies of the Field, which was sung at my mother's funeral.

"Consider the lilies of the field,
How they grow, how they grow.

Consider the birds in the sky,
How they fly, how they fly.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky.
And he will feed those who trust him,
And guide them with His eye."

Truffle Shuffle

So this post is about 6 months late, but who's counting?  I am a Goonie kid. Hope that doesn't age me..oh well. When I wrote the title, my mind immeadietly goes back to the boy on the porch shaking all over, if you haven't seen Goonies..I highly reccomend it. I have fond memories of my mom attempting to make candy during the Holidays which included that easy no fail fantasy fudge, oh you know, the one on the back of the marshmallow jar? It never set for her...and me neither. So, when I had the idea of making treats for my friends at christmas which included candy and christmas cookies (GASP!)..I just hoped that these would turn out. The cookies will be in a future post..I'm thinking Christmas in July? Anyway. Back to the Truffles. I thought these would be really hard, but surprisingly not. So here goes...

                                                  You need a package of these

1 8 oz pkg of this...sounds good already.

And lastly...

Place oreos in a ziploc bag, and run the rolling pin over. Its especially nice if you need to pound something, crush into fine crumbs. If you have a processor, good for you. go ahead and push that button. Mix cookies with softened cream cheese, I put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so until its workable. Next, melt your chocolate chips either in your double boiler pan, or place in microwave for about 20 seconds at a time, stirring until melted. Take about  a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and form into a little ball. A mini cookie dough scoop would work great. Dip the ball into melted chocolate and place on a pan lined with waxed  paper. You can decorate with some nuts or sprinkles. Place in freezer until set.  Makes about 2 dozen or so. I made this at Christmas, I don't remember. With this being called the Truffle Shuffle, you can change it up!

Like These?

Or how about these dipped in white chocolate?

Peanut Butter Truffles

prep time 20 min
total time 1 hr 20 min
makes 6 doz. or 18 servings, 4 truffles each

What You Need
1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Make It

MICROWAVE chocolate in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
STIR in peanut butter until well blended. Cool to room temperature. Gently stir in COOL WHIP. Refrigerate 1 hour.
SCOOP peanut butter mixture with melon baller or teaspoon, then shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator. You could roll in powdered sugar, or nuts, sprinkles, or cocoa powder or coconut...yummy!


Well, thats all for now...Enjoy. I went to the gym today, so I don't feel as guilty writing about the Truffle Shuffle.  ;)

Sarcasam. Just a little bit!

                       Oh me, Oh my. This is my boss. "OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!"

Ha Ha.  People sing, people write, People blog. Its good therapy...and if you can't laugh about it, what are you going to do? ;)

Breaking Dawn Teaser!

Yes!!! It's almost time...again. Breaking Dawn is probably my favorite book besides the the original in the Twilight franchise. I can't believe the movies are almost over. Twilight is such a following for me. Yes, in between the movie I read other good books of course. But Twilight has brought my friends together. I know, kinda sappy right? Oh well thats what you get for reading my love post for Breaking Dawn! ;)

 

What was behind the meaning of the cover of Breaking Dawn?  If I remember right, Stephanie had said the chess pieces were representations of Bella's transformation from human life to a vampire, hence the red piece = Human, blood. White piece= immortal, vampire.  I think. Ideas people?

 

Five Question Friday

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

I  know i've concquered my dream of becoming a nurse. That was one...as for my other dreams or wishes, i'm a work in progress. Stay tuned!

2. What is a must have item for summer?

   Air Conditioner. Thats enough... and a Diet Coke! Maybe a walk in freezer? ;)  I miss working at Dairy Queen, LOL.

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during the summer?)

 I think mom and dad would  make me, if it was required. If not, they knew I always had my nose in a book. I wasn't a trouble maker. :)

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

    

 If I buy in excess, like from Costco, I freeze produce if I can. I have attempted to bottle fruit, thats a experience in itself. But its good to do.

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?
    
 No way!  I sleep in as much as I can. If I have somewhere to be..and hopefully on time, I'll usually prepare the day before.

What I learned today.

"One of the greatest strengths lies in the ability to let go. For in letting go of guilt, you receive hope. In releasing doubt, you discover abundance. In letting go of anger, you realize peace. In releasing time and again needless thoughts of fear, you shall feel, know, and remember that Love reigns supreme. There is nothing to fear. There is only love. You are celebrated, light one! Be strong, let go; you are loved!"- From a blog called Angel's Insight.


I have learned this awhile ago I think.  This quote is so true for me.  No doubt, its probably the hardest thing to do, but once you do its a good feeling. Its good to know that nothing else matters except my own personal relationship with my Father in Heaven. No matter who thinks what or what I think...it doesn't matter and to just let go.

What I learned from Oprah

I know it may sound silly, but in my blog I write things that seem important to me. I feel like Oprah was a close friend. Most of my afternoons were not complete without tuning into the Oprah show. Yes there were some shows that I chose not to watch..but Oprah had enlightened me on some life lessons, and after attending the "Master Class"   also know as the final show, I wanted to take the time to write down my notes to her final show.

1. We all have a calling. The real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it.  Find your passion.  It lights you up. It lets you know you are exactly where you are supposed to be and doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. Live from the heart of yourself.

2. Nobody but you, is responsible for your life.  You are responsible for the energy that you create for yourself and you are responsible for the energy that you bring to others. "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space."- Dr. Julie Taylor
"Everything you done to me,  I already done to you."- Ms. Cilly from The Colored Purple

3. There is a common thread that runs through all of our pain and all of our suffering :Unworthyness.  Not feeling worthy enough to own the life that you were created for. There is a difference between thinking you deserve to be happy and knowing you are worthy of happiness. Your being alive makes worthiness your birthright. You alone, are enough.

4. Validation . Every single person you will ever meet, share that common desire. " Do you see me. Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?"

5. You are not alone.  Listen to the still small voice. God is real. What are the whispers in your life?

Thank You Oprah for giving us 25 years of class. To the aha moments and gratitude journals...to wishing for your favorite things. Thank You

A Promise Kept....Cindy's Kitchen

Do you remember how I promised to give you a recipe? Its payback. I'm sharing with you how I attempted with success the scary eggplant parmesan. I know...take a breath, ok?

                                                      mmm....

It really wasn't that scary, but scary enough for me when I had to attempt to fry..i'm never good at that. But here we go.

Eggplant Parmesan

2 regular sized eggplants, don't slice thin..I think I got 8-10 slices from each.
1 box of italian style panko bread crumbs, or Progresso Bread crumbs would work too.
4-6 eggs (Sorry, this is from memory)with a splash of milk
flour for coating

1 bottle of your favorite spaghetti sauce/ meat optional
2 pkgs shredded mozzarella

For the sauce I just used a bottle of ragu and I mixed with a meat/sausage mixture,  Saute meat with onions and add to sauce with a pinch of sugar, let simmer for 15-20 min...while you're preparing the eggplant.

The recipe on the internet said once you cut  your eggplant slices, you should rinse and soak in water for 2-4 hours, to help with bitterness. I didn't do it  and it was just fine, after I cut the eggplant I rinsed , then patted dry w a paper towel and sprinkled a little sugar over the slices.
                                                                    Breading Station

Now don't be scared...here we go . First plate flour, Second bowl beaten eggs w/ milk. Third panko crubs. Thats it!

Next take a frying pan and fill 1/4" with vegetable oil...just eyeball it like I do.
Start your stations...kids can help w this part. Take your eggplant slice and dredge in flour, then egg, then panko or breadcrumbs...whatever you use just make sure its seasoned.

Then, take the slices and fry for abt 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown. Then drain on paper towels.

After you fried, pat yourself on the back and get your 9x13 pan ready. I used my glass pyrex.
Layer the eggplant slices, sauce and cheese. Bake at 350 for 1/2 hr. It will fill it and your family, Seves 6.

Manga! :)

You Won't Believe Where This One Came From! :)

First of all I stumbled on to this great video on Youtube from a couple of years ago. Its fantastic. It comes from the great hockey movie Miracle. For my personal blogging purposes, I share with you this inspirational speech...NOW TAKE IT!!


"Great moments... are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It's over. I'm sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw 'em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it." -  Herb Brooks coach of the 1980 USA Hockey Team

                                              Aka "Miracle on The Ice"

Isn't that great?  Now watch this little guy named Jacob at the time he was only five years old and could probably barely read, but he memorized this speech, and might I add he looks like a little Herb Brooks.  Now go out there people...and take it. Whatever that may be for you.

Book Club- The Walk

My Good Reads Rating *****

"What would you do if you lost everything-your job, your home and the love of your life in the same day?"  This is the premise to The Walk, which has to be my current favorite book. Any book by Richard Paul Evans usually tugs at my heartstrings and has me reaching for my kleenex box. In this book however, I so closely related to the character of Alan Christoffferson. Basically its about a man's journey to honor his wife's wish- To Live. I personally recommend this book to those that have struggled with grief ...it is so beautifully written. This book is in a series, and I am looking forward to see how this ends. Its not always a happy go lucky book, but its definetly worth reading.