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I'd appreciate this week being over now.

September 16, 2012
My NCLEX (aka my exam to determine whether I'm a real nurse) is next Monday, so I would really appreciate if this week would hurry by. That being said, the last week has actually been pretty good considering I stayed in my house and studied all day, everyday. I am getting into a pretty good routine with an early morning workout, a quick Starbucks run, and a shower before sitting down to study. Cody has been SUPER busy with work, biking/climbing, and groomsman duties for his friend's upcoming wedding, so we have kind of been like two ships passing in the night. Not the case this weekend though.

Thursday night we went to one of our favorite Tucson restaurants, Vero Amore, which recently switched locations. Per usual, the food was amazing. Friday night, we also went out to dinner, which we don't usually do, but we have some Groupons we needed to use, so out we went! La Fuente is more traditional Mexican cuisine and Cody loved it! Afterward, we met up with some friends to grab drinks and be social. We had so much fun dancing our tails off to a combination of hip hop and alternative music at Skybar. The three girls in the photo are my friends Erin, Betsy, and Christina, and man, did we laugh! Hopefully we'll go out again together soon and I'll have more photos to share.

Saturday was game day! Cody loves antipasto, so I made a platter for him for the game. He killed it and I ended up having to refill it. I also made pumpkin pie dip (which was amazing) which was one of the easiest things ever. Making game day food has to be my favorite part of football season. I've been stalking Pinterest for new recipes, although this coming week we have a wedding, and the next week is a by-week for Michigan, so I'm currently on hold. After watching the Wolverines stomp the Minutemen, we watched a bit of the other games before heading to tailgate/go the bar to watch the Arizona game. We met up with friends and stayed for a bit, but the game was a big blow out, and we left early. Today was super relaxing as I was able to study and get some chores done. I am really enjoying lazy, yet productive Sundays right now.



I am going to Michigan after my exam to spend sometime with my family and friends to just relax after all the work, and I have to say I am counting the minutes. I feel like all I've been doing is taking practice tests that make me feel incompetent and watching videos that review the most basic content that I still can't remember. I'm sure it will all be worth it, but the light at the end of the tunnel right now is a trip to Michigan to soak up some fall, complete with donuts and apple cider. My beloved mitten is calling my name!

I'm determined to chronicle our adventures better, and I think I'm off to a pretty good start! I'll keep working to keep things fresh, although Cody is the better activity planner!

Love,
LB

Snooze-fest

September 12, 2012
Since the last post, I've been trying to come up with some great pictures and stories tell. I've got nada. Cody has been pretty busy with work and activities (biking, climbing, etc.) and I've been studying my little tail off. Hence, no photos. We went to a party at our friends house on Friday night that was fun, but I had to leave early to babysit the next day and Cody came with me.

Saturday football was obviously a great day in our house! Cody and I were both pleased with team 133's performance, and Arizona killed it against OK state! My new roomie Emily went to Notre Dame and they had a good week too! The brother of some friends of mine kicked the winning field goal in that game (shoot out to Kyle Brindza!). So now that Michigan is ranked 17, Notre Dame is ranked 20, and Arizona is ranked 24, the new house is a happy house! We're still getting settled so I'll take some pictures next week.

Saturday night Cody and I did make a super yummy dinner which I'll post the link to at the bottom. We discovered a new appreciation for whole wheat pasta (AKA, it wasn't as dry as we remembered it being). The rest of the week has really consisted of work and studying for us, with some good laughs via Pinterest.


Pasta with Zucchini, Tomatoes and Creamy Lemon-Yogurt Sauce

Serves 4 (calories: 303 per serving)
  • 8 OUNCES WHOLE WHEAT LINGUINE (OR YOUR PASTA OF CHOICE)
  • 1/2 CUP NONFAT PLAIN GREEK YOGURT
  • 1/4 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
  • 1 TEASPOON GRATED LEMON ZEST
  • 1/4 TEASPOON SALT
  • 1/4 TEASPOON GROUND BLACK PEPPER
  • 1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL
  • 3 MEDIUM (8-OUNCE) ZUCCHINI, CUT INTO THIN STRIPS (3 INCHES LONG AND 3/4 INCH WIDE, LIKE A BIG STICK OF GUM)
  • 2 GARLIC CLOVES, THINLY SLICED
  • 1/2 PINT GRAPE OR CHERRY TOMATOES, HALVED LENGTHWISE
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook about 9 minutes, or according to the package directions. Remove 1/4 cup of the cooking water, and set it aside. Drain the pasta. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, Parmesan, lemon zest, and salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, and cook just until wilted, flipping them over occasionally with a spatula. (The zucchini will be soft and somewhat see-through.)
  4. Use a spoon or spatula to push the zucchini aside so a space on the bottom of the pan is clear. Add the garlic, and cook for 15 to 30 seconds, until golden but not really brown.
  5. Mix the garlic into the zucchini.
  6. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
  7. Transfer the zucchini mixture to the yogurt mixture, and stir to combine. Add the drained linguine, and toss gently to combine. Add the reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time, if necessary, to thin it. Divide among four bowls and serve.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving): 303 calories, 7g fat, 14g protein, 49g carbs and 255g sodium.

Until something more exciting happens, 
LB

Forever, Go Blue!

September 5, 2012
Well, that was depressing. This past weekend, Cody and I traveled to Dallas to watch our beloved Wolverines take on Alabama in the Cowboy Classic. The weekend was awesome. The game, not so much. Our first day there we went to Cavander's to get a few of Cody's friends some western wear, and then we went to dinner, and dancing at Cowboy's Red River that night!

Cody and I have gone two-stepping a few times and were able to show our friends a few (limited) moves. The people in that place can DANCE! The next morning we got up early and left to tailgate in the parking lot at Cowboys Stadium. It was boiling out and I was cookin'! We had a blast though, and even met some people that were friends of friends from college! The food and company was well worth the heat. I have to add that a few of the returning Michigan players look pretty great compared to last year. I am super excited to see what the rest of the season holds!

 We came back Sunday and totally crashed after our jam packed weekend! Monday was our third year together and we celebrated by making some crafts! We made a outline of our respective home states using nails and string. They turned out pretty well if I do say so myself!


 The rest of this week is dedicated to work for Cody and studying for me. I take my boards on September 24 so the pressure is on now! Wish me luck!

Love,
LB