New Years

Umm, so my New Year goals and all that jazz will begin next week...  No, I am not a procrastinator, promise.  My sister has been in town since the first and time just functions differently when they are here (not in a bad way).  

So, hopefully next week my hiatus will end and I can begin with one of my goals, blogging more. 

Hope all of you had a wonderful holiday festivus!

Unhealthy Addiction...

I have learned over the past few months that I have an unhealthy addiction to workout videos.  

The two years post college, I lived in an apartment which had a workout facility.  I still had a pretty good metabolism, so the treadmill and small weights were fine with me.  When I moved into my house, I joined a gym.  I was in grad school so I got a student discount which was quite handy and affordable.  I was pretty religious about my routine.  All was well.  

Then, after a year I decided I could save a little money and attempted to have the mindset of "I will become a wonderful runner".  That worked for a while.  I seriously would get up at 4:30, go for a three mile jog, then return home to prepare myself for work.   Where in the world did that motivation go?


As the seasons changed, the warmness of my home became more appealing than putting on twenty layers and hitting the pavement so I fed into the whole P90x craze.  HA!  That lasted for a good 40-45 days.  Despite the results I saw in others, my fatigue and inability to climb the stairs effectively at work won out.


Next came Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  I really did like this.  Laziness won out on this workout, and boredom.  Sorry Jillian.


After Jillian became old to me, I got roped into buying Chalean Extreme.  This one I really did like.  But, I noticed my jeans were becoming tighter in the thigh area.  Not because I was gaining weight, but because my muscles were becoming larger.  While this is a good problem to have, I wasn't justifying in my head going out and buying LARGER clothing items because I was becoming more fit.  Seriously, that was messing with me.  So, I stopped.  Although, I should start it again.  


Now, I am desiring a new workout DVD.  Jillian has enticed me once again with another video.  It is only $10.  And I PROMISE I will run more if I just got some new shoes and some warmer pants.  


Who am I kidding.  I just need to bite the bullet and join a gym.  My husband is somewhat tired of this unhealthy addiction.  Anyone want to buy some workout DVDs? I think I need to purge.

Oh My

 

Out of pure boredness this morning, I looked through some of Chris' old pics on his computer.  Granted, the boy doesn't have many, but I stumbled upon this one.  This was taken at least two years ago.  Don't we look so young?  Boy time does fly.

Well, it's Thanksgiving week.  Time for turkey, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, family, and officially ringing in the Christmas time goodness. 

My sister will be with me for Thanksgiving this year which means one major thing... Black Friday Shopping.  She is totally having a Monica moment and has her plan of action mapped out and ready to go.  I am along for the ride.  However...  I did mention to the good Dr. if I found a good deal on a camera, I might be inclined to grab it out of sheer adrenaline.  After all, I whole heartily believe this particular purchase would greatly improve my blogging. 

Happy Thanksgiving all you fine folk! 

The Good Dr. Boschen

I have the tendency to brag about my sweet husband.  Excuse me, but I highly think that is appropriate and healthy and so yeah, this is a bragging post (fair warning).  

We have been busy, Busy, BUSY over the past several weeks, add stressful day to day stuff to it and life gets the best of you.  The last date we attempted to go on was caught off guard by a car who decided not to start.  This resulted in Chris' dad and Gramps coming to our rescue, getting a battery late in the evening, and a wife who just wanted to go home and forget the day ever happened.  (this en devour later resulted in an alternator being replaced, thank goodness for warranties)  This maddening date occurred well over a month ago.

This weekend we had it on the schedule to head up to KC for a baby shower for a dear friend, but after taking a closer glance at upcoming weekends, decided to stay home.  (Don't worry, we have the blessings from the pregnant mom that it's ok.  And Jenny, we promise to bring lots of diapers when we come see the babes)

I've been so caught up in the week's agenda I haven't really given much thought to the weekend.  However, my husband has.  I received this sweet email this morning:

Itinerary: Mrs. Ashley Boschen

Dates: 11/4/11 - 11/5/11

Travel Companion(s): The Dr. Christopher Boschen

 

11-4-11

 

1st Destination

To begin your "stay-cation" you will partake in a delicacy within the world of fine cuisine.  The small eclectic island of Japan lies shrouded in ancient mystery and lore and is responsible for the mouth-watering sushi dishes enjoyed worldwide.  For dinner, your taste buds will embark on a wild exotic adventure that will leave your hunger satisfied, but at the same time longing for more.

 

2nd Destination

The United States neighbor to it's south often evokes thoughts of drugs, poverty, and Co-Ed spring breaks.  In light of this reputation it has blessed the world with a simple and wonderful game...UNO!!  It's name fits it's simplicity and goal, but hidden beneath it's calm exterior lies a cut-throat game that begs to be played over and over.

 

3rd Destination

One sweet and tasty treat traces it's roots back to ancient Rome and Egypt.  Say the word...and you will instantly find yourself walking along narrow stone roads past a corner cafe, or past the Medici court in Florence.  So what is the word we are looking for... you're darn right, the word is GELATO and you (we) are getting some!!

 

4th Destination

Each year the film industries biggest names descend on the French Riviera and flock to a small town named Cannes.  The festivals guests are then given preview to highly acclaimed films of all genres for their viewing delights.  You have been given an all access pass to frolic with Hollywoods elite along the French shore and to escape in to a world or imagination.  As a side note, the Dr. mentioned he wanted to see Bridesmaids again and I highly recommend it for it's quick wit and funny dialogue

 

11-5-11

 

1st Destination

After a morning of leisure and relaxation the days activities will commence.  You will find yourself in a shoppers paradise at just the right time with the holiday season fast approaching.  Picture yourself walking along Michigan Avenue.  A brisk breeze causes you to wrap your coat a little tighter around you and to pull your shopping companion in close.  The buildings rise sharply to either side of the road that is flooded with patrons of all ages, sizes, and shapes.  Take your time, enjoy the season and make a great day of it!! 


How fun is he?!  Once again I am blown away by how lucky I am. 

Exciting Day

Today is monumental people...

I got to help cook dinner.  

I know, I know.  Hold your gasp of bewilderment and confusion.  I love cooking dinner for Chris.  Sure, at times it is a pain in the rear and adding more fuel to the fire is our lack of a dishwasher.  But, overall I really do enjoy it.  Since marrying the guy almost four months ago, I could probably count on two hands the times I have actually been able to prepare a meal for the two of us.  

Today is different.

Today, I got to help.

Now, seeing as how my day will still not end until 7:15ish, Chris still has to do the "cooking" aspect of things.  Here is how my helping plays out:

On the menu tonight is Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup.  So, I wrote out the recipe, set out the dry ingredients and put the chicken in the crock pot.

Next, I cut up all the veggies and set the other ingredients close by.  (just to clarify, Chris could figure out where the heavy whipping cream and milk are located, but it makes me feel more involved)

I set our wonderful soup pot on the stove, ready to go.

Finally, I typed up an email to Chris letting him know everything is ready to go, the time I will be home, when to start the soup, and that there is bread in the freezer.

 

 

 

And there you have it.  I got to help with dinner.  

Oh, and in case you were interested, here is the recipe for this fabulous soup.  I got it from my mother, not sure where she got it from.  It is amazingly wonderful and best of all, not difficult.  Now, if I could just have the Olive Garden salad (I know there is a recipe on Pinterest, wasn't thinking ahead this week) and some bellini tea, I would be set.

Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1/3 c. butter
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 lb chicken--cooked & cubed
1/3 c. flour
1/2 sliced carrots
1 stick sliced celery
1/4 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. fresh spinach torn in pieces
2 c. milk
2 c. heavy cream
3 chicken bullion cubes
Pepper to taste
17.6 oz. of Gnocchi (I rarely use all of it--too much)

On medium heat:
Melt butter in a soup pot, add garlic and saute.
Add chicken and flour.  Mix well until flour is cooked into chicken.
Next add milk and heavy cream.
Add veggies (carrots, celery, onion, spinach)
Add 3 bullion cubes.
Add Gnocchi last--it takes 3-4 minutes to cook throughout. 
Mix ingredients well until soup thickens and stirring occasionally.
Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

(If too thick, add milk to consistency you want.)

Ummm, Hello, My Name is Ashley

I have been asked three times this week alone why I have stopped blogging.  My response is always the same, my life is so not interesting right now.  This lady has been pretty monotonous lately.  But, alas, I will do my best to get back on the blogging wagon.  I think my biggest hindrance is the fact that I take no pictures anymore.  My phone has a pretty good camera on it, but it is a pain in the rear to email myself pics, save them on the computer, then upload them to the el bloggo.  I have misplaced my actual camera, perhaps I should locate that today.  So, forgive me for a pictureless post (again), but here is an update on this Boschen's life as of late:

• Work is picking up and becoming more consistent.  I am not sure I will ever get used to my schedule.  My friend Natalie who works from like 2am to 11am (not to mention her husband gets home from work about the time she is headed to bed) put is perfectly in an email to me however.  We have this "idea" of how we would like our day to day marriage to be and when work forces it to be different, it will always be hard to adjust.
• I got to see two of my favorite people for lunch the other day, Natalie and Haley.  Don't get to see them near enough, but always delightful when I do.
• Due to my work schedule, Chris has picked up the job of cooking.  He does pretty darn well with this.  
• We are becoming more and more aware that we will be replacing one or both cars in the not so distant future.  Praying they last until June or July at least.  Car troubles are the pits, the pits I tell ya.
• We have three weddings to attend over the next month.  All of which are optometry folk and we are so excited to catch up with everyone.
• I miss my teacher friends (notice I didn't say I missed teaching).
• My home does not have a mum or pumpkin in or around its vicinity, this makes me sad.
• I made an MU yarn wreath and listen to Chris talk about MU going to the SEC almost nightly.
• The Cardinals play tonight, hope they win.  When the season is over, talk will switch to what will happen to Albert and if they will fire the manager.  Right now I am enjoying the yelling at the TV, much more entertaining for me.
• Enjoying feeling more connected with my church people.
• Chris made the praise team at church, that will be fun to watch.
• First Thanksgiving and Christmas as a married couple are quickly approaching.  
• We have a white Christmas tree that I look at daily in the garage with great anticipation of decorating.  The possibility of putting it up while Chris is at work has crossed my mind on numerous occasions.  That would be hil-ar-i-ous.

Thank you for allowing me to share the randomness and boringness that is our life right now. I promise (ok so maybe my fingers are crossed right now) that I will check in again sooner than later.  You might just get real lucky with a picture or two.  

Funny Stuff

When you are dating someone seriously, the question is always, "When are you two getting married?"  Once you walk down the isle the question quickly transitions to, "When are you going to have babies?"  One of my dear friends from Texas actually emailed me today with this question, which made me giggle and so I thought I would share a silly story with you.

Since my job change I have been home more.  I get bored easily, so I joke with Chris about having a baby to keep me occupied. (emphasis on joke)  He laughs and banters with me and we go on.  

Last night before going to bed I made the joke again because I didn't have to work until 5 this evening and didn't really have anything planned for the day.  Well, our precious pup got sick last night and woke us up at about 4:45 which resulted in a clean up and having to turn on dreaded light when all should be dark.  He got sick again at 7 when Chris was already up and about and I sat with him and babied him, cause that's what I do.  (Side note to those who might be concerned about Jasper, we gave him his heart worm medicine last night and I think it didn't sit well.  Chris seems to think it was the two grapes I gave him before bed, whatev.)

All that to say after running into each other and being half asleep while cleaning up a mess in the wee hours of the morning, I don't think we are quite there yet =)