Yum food. And more food.

Wow. It's been a while since I last blogged. Student teaching has taken up A LOT of my time, so that's my excuse. It's Memorial Day, and I would like to say thank you to all army members currently serving, retired, or passed away. You have sacrificed your lives for our freedom, and for that, we can never thank you enough. Second, I am home for the weekend (home-home), and it's been a busy weekend. Friday, I got home late and had business to take care of. Saturday, I didn't really do much....... :/ Sunday was the big Cleveland Great American Rib Cook-off. This is the 2nd year my family has gone to this, and the first year I've gone. I am not a fan of ribs, so when I heard the name, I wasn't thrilled, but boy oh boy, what a surprise. The day was (supposed to be) extremely hot, but thanks to a storm brewing and winds picking up, it was actually chilly. As the storm blew over, we walked in. This is a very expensive event, but so worth it--especially since it only happens once a year! You pay to get in, then you pay to buy tickets to get food (food is bought with cash or tickets). This rib cook-off had ribs. But it also had more! The first thing that hit me was the wafting of sweet roasted corn, corn dogs, lemonade, french fries, and funnel cakes. There was also ice cream, waffle fries, beer, pop, and water. YUMCARNIVALJUNKFOOD. Along the side wall, childrens' groups were performing. One was a hip-hop dance group, another was "School of Rock." No lie. Young students playing instruments and singing. Along the back wall was the main attraction: a wall lined with different rib places selling all kinds of meals. Dad and I stopped at "Pigfoot". He got a rib sampler (3 ribs) and I got a pulled pork sandwich and smothered it in sweet BBQ sauce. It was SO. GOOD!!!!!!! I wanted another, but these cost 8 tickets (around $20!). Bro went to "Carolina Rib King" because he has tried that and loves it. I tried his, but it was spicy for me. Mom got an ear of sweet roasted corn (which I also don't really like). On the way out, I got a bottle of Coke and a funnel cake COVERED in powdered sugar that I DEVOURED! It was such a good, yummy food filled day. Here are some pictures:

This is where Dad and I went, and Bro's stop is right beside it.

Mom's ear of sweet roast corn. Not my cup of tea. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of my DEELISH funnel cake, as I ate it before I could even find my camera. Whoops. Today, I made "Eton's Mess Cupcakes". These cupcakes are Yellow Cake with Cream, Meringue, and Strawberries. YUM. These rock. I found these on a website from StumbleUpon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2YACg2/mingmakescupcakes.yolasite.com All of the cupcakes I have tried from this website are delicious, and I'm glad I found it! Try some. Which cupcake is your favorite or looks the best?

Sunday...I love these days

Ahhhhh... My favorite day of the week, currently. But before I get into WHY I love Sundays, my goal of the week: Give yourself some slack. *sigh* I can do this one. ;) If you are stressed about preparing healthy meals every day, use what some experts call the "80/20" rule in your eating. If 80% of what you eat is healthy, then allow yourself to take it a little easier for the remaining 20%. You and your diet will survive. OK, now onto my favorite part of Sundays--my mornings. Saturdays, I sleep in, usually until 8-9. Sundays, however, I get up around 6, and get ready to go. I go to Panera in Hyde Park, and enjoy some alone time, time just for me to relax, catch my breath, and prepare for the coming week. After Panera, I go to the Kroger in Hyde Park, and shop for the week of groceries. I look forward to this all week: time to relax and slow down in my life. Alone, with no one bothering me or hanging around. This is usually the time I call my parents to talk, although they go to church right as I get to Panera. This happening occurs most Sundays. Sometimes, I go to church, sometimes I catch breakfast with a friend, but usually I just want the "me time". I <3 today. What do you do in your free time to relax or catch your breath from a busy week?

I love "hump day"--the middle of the week. Especially this week. This week, I have only had to teach 3 classes a day instead of my usual 5, because it is middle school festival time. While I miss teaching the chorus kids, it is always nice to get a break. Since I have oh so much free time on my hands (TOTAL SARCASM), I have been looking for a job. With all that free time (again, sarcasm), I have not been able to keep up with my portfolio. I feel like I'm the only one who apparently can't manage her time well. Agh! I've found 2 jobs in KY that look promising, one 5 1/2 hrs away from home, one 7 1/2. There's also one in IN just calling my name. I would love to apply right now to those jobs. However, I am so embarrassed that I have mere scraps of a portfolio to give them. Unfortunately, until I can get 10 minutes of free time, nothing is going to change. So, job prospects are not looking up...crud. I could just go home and live with my parents until I am done with my work and THEN apply. I love my family dearly, and while I would LOVE to go home and live there for as long as I'd like, I need a job! I need money! And it's time for me, as a 39-days away college grad, to move out and learn to fly all by myself. 30 minutes, that's all I need! 30 minutes to update things on my portfolio!!! I swear, I WILL find it.