32 things

So today is John's birthday, but we had a little fight the other day and I wasn't sure I was going to do anything for him. He hates his birthday and his family doesn't have a huge family party for every birthday like we do in my family. Anyway, birthdays and holidays and gift giving are always kind of a sensitive subject between me and him, so this year I told him all he was getting was my love, and that he was pretty lucky to be getting that. So yes, we made up after our fight and I think things will be fine, like they always are (we have had maybe 3 fights in the nearly 5 years I have known him, besides the "big" fight that led us to not speaking for a few months...but I digress).

Anyway, I did this for him last year when we had just been "dating" for a month or so and I was working on focusing on the things I appreciate about him. So this year, in the spirit of forgiveness, I am doing it again, but this time for all the blogging world to read. For those of you who actually know John and our history, maybe it will help you understand why he is in my life, why he is my best friend, and why I will probably always give him a second chance to make things better. I guess I just have a forgiving heart.

32 things I love and appreciate about John on his 32nd birthday (in no particular order):

I love and appreciate...

1. the way he can always make me laugh
2. how he can sense my mood without me saying anything
3. that he gets me a breakfast burrito when I'm too busy at work to leave
4. that he feeds my cats when I am gone for the weekend...even without me asking
5. how he "gets" me like nobody else does
6. that we can talk about anything, no subject is off limits
7. that he always tries to be honest with me...even if it's not what I want to hear
8. when he lets me borrow his truck whenever I ask
9. he takes the time to explain things (like with computers) when I don't understand
10. he is always so enthusiastic when he tells me about a new project he is working on
11. he helps me move..and I move a lot...one time even to CA (he had to drive home alone)
12. he knows the right things to say to encourage me...and knows when not to say anything at all
13. he is so cute with his nieces and nephews and his family is important to him
14. that he brought me some bling bling from his last trip (to D.C. and I was so jealous)
15. he encourages me to achieve my goals
16. he is passionate
17. he is so smart and I learn so much from him
18. he's not afraid to admit his weaknesses
19. he is the best cuddler ever. the best.
20. he is very patient with me
21. he puts up with my cheesiness
22. he always fixes my computer
23. he is driven and wants to be successful
24. he is a fraternity man and a great leader
25. he isn't afraid to be himself, no matter what other people think
26. he appreciates the simple things in life
27. he looks hot in shorts and flip-flops
28. he is shy about holding hand in public
29. but he is sweet and affectionate at random moments
30. he brings out the best in me
31. he plays with my cats when I sometimes just don't have the energy
32. he is a constant support in my sometimes spontaneous and unpredictable life

Happy birthday baby!

Last summer...in all our cheesiness :-)

busy busy

So life is crazy. I'm just kind of getting used to it. The last couple of weeks have been especially crazy, so I find myself super tired when I'm home at night. I do enjoy reading everyone's blogs and getting caught up on all of your lives, but then I never feel like updating my own blog.

Anyway, I thought I would give a little update for anyones who might be interested. Spring break for me was really busy at work because most of the students were gone the whole week. It was nice not to have to go to class though, and I didn't have any homework either, so that was a relief. I finished one of my major projects of the semester right before spring break. I had to teach my class which involved a big presentation and I was really, really nervous. Things went well and I got 94 on my presentation and then 92 on the paper I had to turn in with it. So that is a huge relief to have that done, and now I have turned my focus to my LAST major project of my undergraduate career. It is a business plan for my Commercial Recreation class and I am very stressed about it because business in not my strong area. I have a great business partner, Nikki, who is good at motivating me to keep going even though I have major senioritis.

Although she is in my class, I didn't really get to know Nikki until last week when I attended the Utah Recreation and Parks Association (URPA) conference in St. George. Besides a little snow on the way down, the weather was good and it was nice to get away for a few days, even if our schedule was jam packed. It was cool to learn more about the industry and meet people from all over UT who have jobs I may want some day.

I came back to lots to catch up on at work, laundry, homework, and a being very much overwhelmed with everything I have to do in the coming weeks. For those of you who may not know, I am moving to Lake Powell on May 10th to start my job at Bullfrog marina for the summer. I'm trying hard to juggle work, school, getting ready to graduate, family responsibilities, packing, cleaning, and getting ready to move.

It was exciting today to buy my tassel at the graduation fair. I'm going to try to borrow my brother in law's cap and gown, which will be interesting because he's a lot taller than me, but I did get my own tassel. I just need to order some grad announcements and pass my classes and then I'll be all set. :-)

my first recipe post

So the last couple of weeks have been crazy and busy and I need to update my blog. Instead, I am tired and am going to bed. I got home from a conference in St. George today, but more about that later. I did want to post one thing before I forgot though.

The other night (I think Saturday), I had the most amazing dinner with John. His sister gave him a recipe for sweet pork, which is very similar to what they have at Cafe Rio/Costa Vida. The pork cooked in the crock pot all day and then that night after a trip to the store to pick up lettuce, pico, tortilla strips, etc. we put our salads together and they were so delicious! It was the best idea ever and much more affordable than going out. I was sad that I left for St. George the next day so I didn't get to enjoy the leftovers, but it was still the best dinner I had in a long time.

If anyone is interested, the recipe is:

Shredded Sweet Pork
6 - 7 pound pork tenderloin (I cut off as much of the fat as I could from the tenderloin)
Sauce:
3 - 8 oz can tomato sauce
2 - 8 oz can El Pato sauce (spicy)
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup water

Combine pork and sauce in crockpot on low for 8 hours until tender enough to fork apart. Let sit in sauce and serve.
The portions here makes a ton. I used 2.5 pound pork, 4 oz tom sauce, 1 oz El Pato, 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup water and cooked it for 6 hours on low.

The bottom note is from John's sister, I think, but we still changed it a little for our tastes. John used a little less hot sauce (because he knows I don't like really spicy anything) and then after he pulled the pork apart, he let it cook for about another hour and we added some more brown sugar because it still turned out quite spicy. Anyway, basically you can add hot/sweet depending on what you like.

We had it with black beans and some spanish rice along with shredded romaine lettuce, pico, guacamole, and some tortilla strips. I even took a picture for your viewing pleasure:

New Job!

So I'm taking the Lake Powell job! I'm excited and nervous at the same time. It is definitely bitter sweet because I do like my job and really love my apartment and will be sad to leave. On the other hand, I am excited to start a new adventure and I know this one is going to be really fun.

So if any of you know someone who needs a great studio apartment in Logan, please send them my way. I need to find someone willing to sign at least a six month lease, because that's what I will have left on mine. It's the greatest apartment ever, it's roomy and has tons of storage space. It's a studio, but there is a full-size kitchen and full bathroom. There is plenty of room for 2 people, so even if you know a couple that needs a place, that would work too. Email me if you know someone and I can give you more details.

My big focus now is obviously graduating, which I am also really excited about. It's going to be a busy few weeks and I know it's going to fly by.

I will probably be having a graduation/going away party in Salt Lake on May 3, so mark it on your calendars now if you want to come celebrate with me but I will keep you all posted. You should all also start planning your trip to Lake Powell to visit me. :-)