Airport Date

Last night, after dinner, I asked Andrew what time he wanted to leave for the airport to pick up his mom (who was flying in from TX).  It was about 3 hours before she was scheduled to arrive.  He suggested we leave right at that moment and have an airport date at the airport Dunkin Donuts.  So, the highlight of my night was a date at the airport Dunkin Donuts.

Decaf latte and hot chocolate.  I think they go well together.

A boy and his mama.

Enjoy this holiday with your families my friends.
~Angela

The Power of Positive Thinking

I am a believer in the power of positive thinking.  Are you?  I believe that the more positive your thoughts, the more positive your life.  I look at my thoughts/life kind of like a self-fulfilling prophecy: What I think about an event/subject/person/job will most likely become my reality.  For example, August of last year I allowed negativity to take over my life.  It held on for 8 full months.  I sound myself complaining and finding excuses for not being happy on a regular basis.  I felt like I was failing at my job.  Why can't I reach these kids?  I had to reset my thinking, which is exactly what I did over the summer.  I moved to a different state, a different job, a different everything.  This experience could've been a breaking moment for me.  I've never been this far away from my family, my home, or the South.  These are the thoughts that could've taken over:

1. It will be REALLY cold.  I hate being cold.
2. It will be REALLY dangerous to drive in the snow.
3. It will be REALLY expensive to maintain our style of living.
4. Everyone will be REALLY mean.
5. Everyone will HATE my southern drawl.
6. I will not survive without my family being within a day of driving.
7. Everyone drinks Pepsi...boo!
8. I will miss all of my friends, and I will not be able to make new ones.

That's just a start.

Instead of allowing these ideas to become my reality, this is what happened:

1. It is REALLY cold...but put on a coat, scarf, gloves, and a hat and you're perfectly fine!
2. Yes, driving in the snow is dangerous, but everyone goes slow so it's ok.  Oh yeah, and I LOVE SNOW!
3. It is really expensive to live like we did in GA, so we just don't.  And it's fine.
4. I've yet to meet a mean person.
5. People like my southern drawl.  My students think I'm a cowgirl.  I'm way cool.
6. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.  And Skype helps.
7. Most restaurants serve Pepsi, but I should really drink more water anyway.
8. I do miss my friends, but I've made some great friends here too...and one of them has a really warm fireplace (re: #1)

What are your thoughts on positive thinking?  Does it really make a difference?  How has it changed your life?

~Angela

Weak Blogger Organizes Thanksgiving

I just realized that I haven't posted since August 30th.  I mean, I knew it had been awhile...but almost 3 months?  Wow!  I suppose our life here in NY has been quite busy. 

I have been working on prepping for Thanksgiving for about a month now.  By "prepping" I mean creating and modifying a menu, cleaning and decorating our house, and the most recent activity has been buying the groceries.  I am proud to say that I was able to get it all done in two trips!  I am only cooking for three, but you would think my whole family is coming.  My kitchen counters are now perfectly organized with each dish/pan that I will be using.  I lined all of them up according to the time that I will be using them and put the recipe with each one.  If the recipe includes non-perishable ingredients, those are also with the dish/pan (a trick I learned from my mama).

An example...

My mother-in-love will be here tomorrow...let the Southern Thanksgiving begin!

Speaking of Southern Thanksgiving, my NY friends think it's weird that we cook vegetables in bacon drippings.  I think they might feel differently if they tried my Southern Fried Corn...

~Angela

The evolution of a runner.

Since moving to New York, running has reached a whole new level for me.  Let me give you some background first in case you don't know me outside of blogland...

I began running for weight loss purposes in March of 2011.  When I started, I could not run a half mile without stopping to walk.  I set a goal for myself to be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping.  In a few weeks, I was running for 30 minutes without stopping ~3 times per week. 

Shortly after I achieved that goal I decided to train for a marathon...I know...this girl is crazy and obviously doesn't have any concept of gradual short-term goal setting.  I decided that the first step in marathon training would be to pick a marathon and then tell everyone I knew that I was training for it.  So...I picked the Disney Marathon and then proceeded to tell my entire family.  They were very supportive, but I could tell by the tone in their voices that none of them actually thought that I would do it.  I DID do it.  And, along the way, I ran two half marathons on two consecutive weekends.

So, January of this year marked my marathon completion date.  I ran it with my step-mom-in-law, Marcia.  She was incredibly encouraging the entire time I was training and is one of the many reasons I was able to make it through.  After the marathon was over, I went through a major slump.  It took me a long time to recover from the marathon and by the time I actually felt like running again, I had gained a few pounds and felt like I was starting over from scratch again.

Since moving to New York, I joined a running club that has been so supportive, encouraging, and challenging.  I've regained my fitness and am starting to hone my sport.  I've become faster, leaner, and I feel more in shape now than when I left Georgia (still not where I was at the end of marathon training, but getting there.)

After breakfast this morning, Andrew and I were discussing fitness and nutrition (a common morning conversation for us...I don't know why) and I realized that my running has gone through many stages and I realized that all runners evolve in some way over time.

For me, I started running as a weight loss effort.  I then transitioned to marathon training.  After training, I was running more for leisure than anything else, and now I've evolved into running more as an athletic endeavor.  When I started, I never thought of doing speed workouts or hill repeats, but now I do these things at least once per week in addition to my regular running. 

Running with other people has been very beneficial for me.  Have you ever heard of "Cat Runners" and "Dog Runners?"  Well, cat runners are runners who like to run by themselves, in their own head, with no noise around them.  Dog runners like to run with other people around.  I used to think I was a cat runner, but since moving to NY I realized that I am definitely a dog runner.  Having the encouragement of others will keep you running when you REALLY want to stop.  It will also make you run faster to keep up with people who know where they're going so you don't get lost in the city you just moved to.  :)

Anyway, I know this was just a rambling post.  I hope it encouraged someone to go out for a run today...I promise you won't regret it!

~Angela

I'm Back!

Wow!  I know it's been a long time since I've posted, but my life has been crazy!  Since the last time I posted, Andrew and I have packed up our life in Georgia and moved 947 miles north to upstate New York.  We've lived here for about 20 days now and we love it!  The weather is great (for now), and there are a ton of outdoor activities to do.  We've made a few friends from the running club, bought Andrew's books, and visited his campus.  We are in the process of making a video of our life in Albany so all of you can see where we live, but for now I thought I'd just update you on how we're doing.  Right now, Andrew is just gearing up for the start of his classes and research job next week.  I've been working on getting a job for this year.  I have secured my name on 19 different substitute lists, so I'm sure I'll have no shortage of work!  Also, I'm busy training for a half marathon that I am running in October.  We've purchased plane tickets to visit Georgia in December for the holidays.  The funny thing is, we only bought one way tickets because the particular day we wanted to fly to Atlanta was on sale, but the day we wanted to return was not.  We're waiting for the departing day to go on sale to buy the other tickets.  Anyway, I'll have a post coming up about DIY Mercury Glass.  Stay tuned!

~Angela

Book Review: Eat & Run

For a long while now, I have been looking for a good book about runner nutrition.  Nutrition is very important to me, and it is also a very difficult road to navigate.  I stumbled upon this book by the famous Scott Jurek last week.  While it didn't really teach me anything I didn't already know about nutrition, it did inspire me as a runner on a different level than any other running book I've read in the past. 

Scott Jurek runs distances that I don't even dream of running.  I can't imagine running more than the 26.2 miles I ran at the beginning of this year, but Scott Jurek races in ultramarathons (any race of more than 26.2 miles).  In the book, he details his experiences training for these outrageous distances (some 135 miles) as well as racing (and many times winning) these ultramarathons.  He doesn't only write about running.  This book is largely about life.

If you're looking for an inspiring book and have a love of running, this book is for you!

 

Angela_Gibson's photostream

Angela_Gibson's photostream on Flickr.

Weekend

 Even though is was hotter than Hades (108 F to be exact), Andrew and I decided to take a trip to North Campus for some photos.  Here are two of my favorites.

Pantry Planning

Andrew's mom and stepdad were in town from Texas so this week has been a bit hectic.  We traveled to the mountains and had some quality time, but now it's back to packing and getting ready for our new life in New York!

In addition to packing, I have been obsessing about some design/organization projects for the new place.  My biggest project is the pantry.

We had an AMAZING pantry in our first apartment.  When we moved to Athens, we moved into a townhouse with almost double the square footage from our apartment, but it has very little storage space.  The thing I have missed most is having a pantry.  In our new place, there is a hall closet right outside of the kitchen that I plan on transforming into a pantry.  I've loved so many of the designs I've seen and I can't wait to get started!

Here is what my pantry will look like when we're all finished.  This seemed to be the design that utilized space most efficiently.

I love love love the over the door shelves!

~Angela

What's Happening in the Gibson Kitchen This Week

First off, sorry this post is so late.  Andrew and I were at the cabin until Sunday afternoon and I spent all day yesterday getting ready for the arrival of my other in-laws from Texas (Andrew's mom and step-dad).  Our house is full of boxes and basically looks like a storage unit so I spent yesterday trying to organize the boxes and make things less claustrophobic-feeling (is that even a word?)

Meal #1: Rotisserie Chicken
We picked up a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket on the way home from the cabin on Sunday.  I paired it with some simple sides (mac and cheese and steamed veggies) and that was all she wrote!

Meal #2: Pan Sauteed Porkchops
Another easy-peasy one, two, threesy recipe.  All I did was sprinkle both sides of a porkchop with salt and pepper.  I melted a few tablespoons of butter in with some olive oil in a large skillet.  I also threw in a few whole cloves of garlic for some extra flavor.  Place the porkchops in the skillet and allow to cook for a few minutes on each side (time will vary depending on the thickness of the chop).  I served it up with some smashed potatoes and whole okra.

Meal #3: Pita Pizzas
Have you discovered this yet?  I used to make them religiously once per week.  I hadn't made them in awhile and then we had them at the cabin this weekend.  I was quickly reminded how quick, yummy, easy, and inexpensive they were so I decided to make them on Tuesday.  We topped ours with turkey pepperoni, basil from the garden, and a leftover orange bell pepper from one of those 3-packs.  If you've never tried these here are the steps:

1. Brush pita with a little bit of olive oil

2. Bake at 375 for about 5 minutes (until pita is flat)

3. Top with sauce and toppings

4. Put back in oven and bake for another 10 minutes or so (until cheese is melted)

Meal #4: Tacos! (no explanation needed although about a year ago I quit buying the seasoning packet and started using my own blend in an effort to cut MSG out of our diet--my stomach can't handle it)

Meal #5: Pasta (ya know, boil the noodles and mix with any sauce ya like)

Meal #6: Pioneer Woman's Lasagna

Ree is my fall back gal.  I.love.her.  Have I ever told you that?  The in-laws are arriving on Friday afternoon and I will be making this for dinner.  

Meal #7: Family cookout

On Saturday we will be spending the day poolside and then grilling some hamburgers.  I plan on serving them with my mom's spaghetti salad (it's like a light, summery, pasta salad), baked beans, and some grilled corn on the cob.  

Happy Cooking!

~Angela

What's Happening In The Gibson Kitchen This Week

Last week's recipes were fabulous!  Pioneer Woman, as always, delivered on the Spicy Pulled Pork!

I also made some great chocolate chip cookies and a blackberry cobbler.

This is a short week for us because we are headed to our most favorite place on the planet for our anniversary.  Nevertheless, I'll be cooking with Ree again this week.  I'm making Pioneer Woman's Vegetable Lasagna.

Photo Courtesy Ree Drummond

Have a great week in the kitchen!

~Angela

I'm a Little Bit Country

Let me start this post by telling you that I am a country girl.  I did not grow up in the country and I currently do not live in the country but Andrew can tell you that my dream home would be on several acres of land and possibly include a working hen house and cattle ranch.  I used to think I was a city girl.  All of the shopping, nightlife, restaurants...it all fascinated me.  As I've grown older (lol...I'm calling myself "older")  I've realized that being in nature makes me whole.  Although this hike is one I speak of with great disdain in normal conversation, I can honestly say that on that day I was truly living.  I've never had a better sense of who God was than when I was standing on top of that mountain that I had just climbed...5 miles straight up.  I have some of my deepest thoughts, revelations, and prayers when I am running through the woods using every ounce of strength I have to keep going.  Andrew and I have some of our best conversations when we are hiking or paddling or just lying in our tent camping at the local campground.  Nature forces you to let go. 


What forces you to let go?

Catskill Mountains

~Angela

My Place

Next week I will be heading to one of my favorite places on Earth: My in-laws' cabin in the mountains.  It is also one of the places I'm going to miss most when we move to New York.

Ya know those places you can go where the world doesn't matter?  Where everything in your world is perfect and your worries seem to disappear?  The Cabin, (it's actual name is Hide 'n Seek, but Andrew and I just call it The Cabin), is my place.  My place where nothing matters but the time I am spending with my family.

Where is your place?

~Angela

What's Happening in the Gibson Kitchen This Week

The kitchen is truly the heart of our home.  I love everything about cooking.  The pots and pans, the kitchen gadgets, the specialty foods, the smells, the sizzles, the response you get from the people who eat your food, everything.

In the summer, the number of days I cook at home varies, but during the school year I'm typically cooking 7 nights per week.

I thought it'd be fun to share what I'm making this week...maybe it will even give you a few ideas for your own kitchen!

1. Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

There are several variations of this recipe out there. I like this one from Food & Wine Magazine

Italian Sausage Heroes With Peppers and Onions

 2. I love love love Ree Drummond, AKA Pioneer Woman.  I'm making her chicken parmigiana this week.

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Parmigiana

 

3. In the summer, two nights are always taken up by Taco Night and Pasta Night.  Just in case you missed it last week, here is the pasta I make once a week in the summer.  It's the perfect recipe to use with the tomatoes and basil from our garden. 

Ina Garten Summer Garden Pasta 

I actually "invented" this recipe a few years ago on my own and then I saw Ina Garten make it on her show recently...I must've sent her my recipe card ;)

4.  I'll also be making the Laurita family meatballs.  I made a huge batch of these a few weeks ago and have enough left in the freezer for us this week!  

Laurita's Family Meatball Recipe

I serve these as meatball subs with melted mozzarella on top...one of Andrew's favorites!

Have fun cooking this week! 

Oh, and as a teacher, get your kids into the kitchen with you!  There is so much a child can learn from cooking!

~Angela

Andrew's Birthday: Photo Diary Edition

                                      

Simply Amazing

Happy Birthday to the most amazing man I know, my husband.  Thanks for letting me shine 364 days out of the year...today is your day.  Everyday is an adventure with you and I am so excited to see what lies ahead! 

Andrew with his parents on our wedding day 6/16/2007

See what I mean about adventure?

Where's Andrew?  This picture is from one of our most infamous adventures...you can read about it here!

~Angela

Memorial Day Weekend and Cooking

Over Memorial Day weekend, our family headed to the beach to spend some quality time relaxing.  Here's what it looked like:

Citrus tree outside of our condo.

Craig fishing in the lagoon outside the condo.

Family photo time!

Me doing what I do best.

Another angle of me doing what I do best.

Mom.

Grandma and Andrew.

It was fairly crowded!

2 dozen raw oysters.  Yummy?

Beauty.

The Gibsons.

Mom and Me.

Now that we are back home, I am in full on summer cooking mode, which is interfering with my motivation to pack!  Today, I am making this:

This pasta is a staple in our house in the summer.  Tomatoes, basil, and garlic are 3 of Andrew's favorite ingredients! (Photo courtesy of Ina Garten)

I'll also be tackling the Pioneer Woman's Pulled Pork:

Photo courtesy of Ree Drummond.

Then...I will pack.

~Angela