Muffins and Turltles.

Greetings from the future! 2014. I feel all futuristic saying it. Man, how time flies when you're having fun! Regarding this blog, I feel as though I got off the hook last quarter when a certain family member was temporarily out of the country... meaning I didn't get, how should I say, harassed every day I didn't blog. But here I am, Grandpa! Back and ready to blog!


I figured I would crank out a little post for you all before I really get into the thick of classes. Today was my first day and you know what that means-midterms are just a few weeks away! Remind me again why I chose the quarter system? Anyways, I do have a "lighter" schedule this go around.  Meaning more time to fulfill all of my resolutions get a job and do homework.

Ahh, New Years Resolutions. The promises humans across the world make to themselves on the 1st, but are rarely still enforcing through the next day. I take a more specific approach to my resolutions in hopes that I may actually take a teeny tiny step towards achieving them. It should come to no surprise to you that the bulk of my resolutions revolve around cooking. The bane of my existence, however something that I am desperately hoping to practice more of. For starters, I want to attempt cooking something new once a week. Be it a particular recipe or simply something like "hard-boil eggs" (yup...still failing at this one). Well folks, I can check this one off the list (for this week, at least). As I type, I have hearty and healthy banana flax seed muffins baking in the oven! Nope, never even made muffins. (Baby steps)

In the same vein, I am also hoping to cook more for others, namely Mr. Eric. My Nani always told me a way to a man's heart is through his stomach...which is why I find it comical that Eric, a food-loving guy, is with this girl. It must be that "Dente Charm" ;) Shocker, everybody; this item has already been put into effect! A few nights ago I acted on my craving for falafals and Greek cole slaw in pita pockets. So, in what must have been a stroke of insanity, I made it! And whats more, I didn't burn the apartment down! Success never tasted so good. Just as I was dusting off my shoulders in pride, I realized in horror that the meal Eric had just consumed contained pine nuts. Which he is deathly allergic to. GIRLFRIEND FAIL. (He is alive and well, everybody. Thank you for your deep concern).

If you've been a long-time reader of mine (grandparents and Andi, I'm talking to you), you'll know that I was on quite the running kick last year. With goals of a 12k I began to even think I was, *gasp* enjoying running? (Emphasis on the question mark). This year I'm taking a different approach to getting back into this activity. No lofty or long-term goals; just a simple commitment to at least one early morning run a week. Oh, how I have always longed to be an individual who jumps out of bed grinning ear to ear, slaps on her tennis shoes and runs to her heart's desire. Those who know me are chuckling to themselves right now, because you and I both know that in the morning, I turn into someone straight from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. Quite pleasant. So that's why once a week. I figure if I can do just that, the number may be able to increase! (Though today will be a night run on the treadmill. I don't have cable, the gym has a TV, and the Bachelor premiere is tonight. 'Nuff said.)

I also must mention to you all perhaps the most exciting thing to happen as of late-I became a parent!! To a Russian Tortoise whom I have named Louie. (Lew-E). He is quite possibly the most adorable creature on God's green earth.  I have wanted a turtle of my own for a while, and Christmas morning there it was, under the tree! (Well not actually. It was just a pamphlet. But still.) The moment I got back to Davis we rushed to Petco and picked him out. I must admit I am a tad terrified to be a first-time pet-owner, but I thought I needed to start small before I moved on to bigger things. Like a little pug. I have already found myself talking and singing to Louie throughout the day and while we eat bananas together at breakfast. I know you all must be dying to meet him but have no fear; they are supposed to live for 50+ years! I think we've got some time. *I am still accepting applications for the role of god parent*

Mufffin Update: I just took them out of the oven and they smell divine. Don't look too bad, either. I'll have to give you my thoughts on the taste next time; but until then, adios! I miss you all and am so grateful for the holly jolly holiday season I had with you!