Caribbean Grilled Steak

2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. minced onions
1 tsp. oregano leaves
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp. olive oil

Mix it all together.
Brush it all over steak.
Refrigerate for 30+.
Grill it.
SO YUMMY!

Innovation

I have decided that I need to have a theme for my blog...

I kept telling myself that this humble blog was like a journal, but that is false. There are some things that I have not put just because I did not think that they would be appropriate or even too private.

Turning this into a fashion blog would just be a joke. Not that I dress badly but I would not consider myself fashionable. Most of my wardrobe is from Wal-mart or hand me downs. That is the reality of it.

I do not investigate any certain thing to an extreme... music, actors etc. I don't obsess about things in life. I really just try my best to enjoy it.
For example, when it comes to movies, I am not critical. I enjoy quite a few genres of music but I only know a couple songs from each artist. I enjoy all food (Just go try some of my Chicken Fruit Alfredo. I will eat just about anything.)

I guess that just goes to show that I am more of an optimist. Right? Maybe there's a theme. Or motif.
But I am hesitant because I want to be sure that I am not advertising that my life is perfect because it is not. I have days where I feel as if I have stopped living completely.

I think I will try it.
As of now I will focus my optimism on:
Gratitude.
Food (A must).
New song of the day*.
My Movie Reviews (Short and sweet I swear).

My goal would be to maybe help somebody who is having a day of not living to see something to live about. A reason to be happy.
And if there is anything cliche' about this let me know, i.e. my title. I'm still unsure if I like it.


*I believe it is important to listen to a new song every day. A song you have never heard before.

New Dish

So on my walk home I started stewing about what I was going to have for dinner.
You know I could go the boring route and have noodles and marinara or a grilled cheese sandwich but I wanted to see what I could throw together.
I hit my little 2x4x3 pantry to see what my options were.
I wanted something sweet and I wanted to use some of my many spices.
Result:
Chicken Fruit Alfredo
1/2 can of chicken chunks
A handful of almonds
Sprinkles of nutmeg throughout
Almond extract
Milk
Flour
1/4 bag of frozen mixed berries
Noodles of your choice

Boil noodles. Set aside. Fry the chicken and almonds. Sprinkle in some nutmeg. Make creme sauce with the milk and flour and pour over the chicken and almonds. Sprinkle in some nutmeg. Add almond extract to bring out taste of almonds In another frying pan put half of your fruit. Cook on high until the only detectable fruit are the strawberries and then add to your sauce. Your sauce is complete. Mix with your noodles and then put the last of your berries on top as a garnish.

Bon appetite!
It actually wasn't as good as I would have hoped it would be but I think it has potential.
Suggestions?

Hypoglycemia for dummies

I went into the doctors office today for my mission physical. I finally remembered to ask about my shakes (I've been meaning to ask a doctor about this for at least two years). He diagnosed it as hypoglycemia. While there the doctor told me a little bit about it. Of course if I were a responsible person I would make sure that I was completely educated on the matter, so I went home and Googled it.

From what I have gathered Hypoglycemia is when your body does not break down glucose correctly. The pancreas fails to shut off the insulin quickly enough and as a result your blood sugar gets low.
Symptoms I have include(I know it just sounds like I am a normal person who is just not fun to be around):
-Feeling cranky or agressive
-Hunger (I have the appetite of a starving hyena)
-Shaking or Trembling
-Trouble sleeping
-Unclear thinking/Inability to concentrate
-Fatigue
-Migraines

Food to avoid:
Processed foods
Fried foods
MSG
Soft drinks
Artificial sweeteners
Hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats (I find this one strange)

Dealing with Cravings(Their word for my appetite):
Toss it. Any food on the "to avoid" list. If it is more inconvenient to get to you are less likely to eat it.
Breathe. Take deep belly breathes till the cravings go away. Preferably for 5 min.
Bathe. Helps clear stagnant energy.
Drink. Drink water before you eat something. Wait 15 min to see if you still feel hungry.
Meditate. Figure out why you want what you do. Comfort? Love? Security? Fill it in a different form (Call your Mom. Find a time you felt loved and feel it again. Etc.)
Visualize. Imagine yourself healthy and happy-- when you finally have self control.
Pause before Caving. Bargain with yourself. 'I'll wait 10 min and then eat it.' and then follow through.
Switch to something similar. Want sorbet? Make a smoothie.

*Food to avoid and Dealing with Cravings are thanks to Hypoglycemia for dummies.

Pulled Pork and Slaw

So in all reality this sandwich looks slightly disgusting. But don't judge. A lot of the food we eat looks pretty nasty...

I discovered this beauty during winter semester this last year. There is a joint on campus that makes a bunch of unique sandwiches. I had a friend who worked there and in my efforts to visit her while at work I decided to try something new (Doesn't always end with unfavorable results).

They put it on *sourdough bread. Top the pork with some sort of cheese (Swiss, Mozzarella, or Provolone). Toast it and then give you the choice of Thousand Island dressing. Then the coleslaw goes on top.

It's Very delicious! One of those yummy treats that doesn't make you feel like you are eating a sandwich of grease and mayo.

If you ever get the chance to try one, just do it!


*Also good on wheat bread.

Chickburgers

Good news. I found a copy of Catching Fire. I didn't think to ask my little brother's girlfriend... Anyway, I haven't been able to read it as quickly as Hunger Games just because I've had a busy week. I had a realization though about half way through probably chapter 4. This romance is very relatable (new word) to Twilight. A young girl has feelings for two guys. One more than the other. It's safer for her if she chooses the one she is not as in love with... etc. But this series is definitely more entertaining than Twilight.

So for dinner tonight I made some chicken hamburgers. I wasn't sure how well it would turn out... Especially when my patties resembled my dog's barf. I had to try them though and I was pleasantly surprised! Chickburgers are super delicious. I'd show you a picture but you've probably already lost your appetite.