#2. Complete my CDFM.

I know I've been a little distance from you... Mr. Blog... but for GREAT reason!

During the week of 26-30 April I attended the EDFMT course at Hill.  Awesome idea!  Not only did I get to spend the week with the lovely Bambrough family and catch up with Ariel, I also got to visit with many of my other good friends (Winnie - if you are reading - I loved dinner together and miss you dearly!).

The best part about traveling to Utah and taking the course was that Ariel and I became great study partners.  Not only did we force each other to study, motivate one another to stay focused, and push each other to do better - but we both agreed to a testing schedule.  When it's your BFF that you pinky promised with - kind of hard to go back on the plan!

Within three weeks from the course end date, Ariel and I scheduled all three of our CDFM module tests as closely to one another as possible, taking Module 1 at the exact same time.  The amazing thing, both of us passed all three!

Becoming a Certified Defense Financial Manager is the DoD equivalent of a CPA.  Most people achieve this accomplishment later in their careers.  I will now be one of 9 CDFM Awarded in the Black Hills American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) chapter... several of the 9 have already retired.  So... if you haven't caught on yet, what I am trying to say is that this is a huge accomplishment!  One of the 101 that I thought would come later in the game... but now can proudly mark off the list!

I'm almost lost now that I have all this time on my hands that used to be dedicated to studying!  HELLO BLOG!

#99. Host a Pampered Chef Party and finally make my kitchen a force to be reckoned with.

Enough said?

I am hooked!  Pampered Chef and I have a long long love affair ahead of us.  If anyone out there is a late starter on these wonderful products, as I was, just book a party and get it over with!  You won't regret it.

I am now the proud owner of REAL knives.  I also purchased their garlic press, citrus press, adjustable measuring cups, adjustable measuring spoons, pizza cutter, pizza stoneware, trifle bowl, tiered plates, mix n' chop, mixing spoons, etc. etc. etc.  It just never ends, and probably never will!!

Need an amazing new recipe?  Try their Zesty Ravioli!

1⁄3 cup (75 mL) heavy whipping cream 

4 cups (1 L) loosely packed fresh baby spinach leaves 

6 oz (175 g) Provolone cheese, grated 

1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil 

1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded 

3 garlic cloves, pressed 

2 cans (14.5 oz/398 mL each) diced tomatoes with onions, undrained 

1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) salt 

1⁄2 tsp (2 mL) coarsely ground black pepper 

1 pkg (24 oz/700 g) small frozen cheese ravioli (about 65) 

 Halved grape tomatoes (optional) 

Measure cream using 1. Easy Read Measuring Cup. Wash spinach in large Stainless Mesh 

Colander; drain. Grate cheese using Ultimate Mandoline fitted with grating blade. Set aside 

cream, spinach and cheese. 

Add oil to 2. (12-in./30-cm) Skillet; heat over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. 

Finely chop jalapeño with Food Chopper. Add jalapeño to Skillet; cook and stir 1 minute or 

until crisp-tender. Press garlic into Skillet with Garlic Press; cook and stir 15-20 seconds or until 

fragrant. 

Add tomatoes, salt and black pepper to Skillet; cook and stir with 3. Bamboo Spatula 1-2 minutes 

or until simmering. Add ravioli; stir to coat. Cook, uncovered, 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir 

cream into Skillet. Cook, uncovered, 1-2 minutes or until simmering. Sprinkle spinach over 

ravioli; cook, covered, 1 minute or until spinach starts to wilt. 

Remove Skillet from heat. Top with cheese; cover Skillet and let stand 1-2 minutes or until 4. 

cheese is melted. Garnish with grape tomatoes, if desired.

... going with your gut ...

Trust your instinct to the end, though you can render no reason. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A friend of mine recently posted this quote on her FB status.  Well Mr. Emerson, you were genius.  How often do I tell myself to listen to... myself?  (rhetorical).  I could kick myself time and time again for being friendly with an individual who I knew had "something" I just couldn't put my finger on.  Trust your instinct Lisa.  At 28, it's time to accept that some individuals are just CRAZIES.  

...Danica&Silica...

Have you ever had one of those days when a series of unfortunate events unfolds quicker than the blink of an eye? I picked up my munchkins today, only minutes after receiving a courtesy call from the CDC. Danica had fallen on the playground, busting her poor little nose. We arrived home, and in an attempt to cheer her up I allowed her to open the Easter box from Grandma in TX. The kids had a blast! UT Hook 'em horns shirts, cowboy/girl hats, fun fun. I begin cooking dinner and the phone rings. Best Buy. Somehow we owe $140 instead of the usual/set $19. Jacob arrives home with my younger brother Lee, hand him the phone, still haven't bothered inquiring on how that one ended! So I am cooking, Owen is hovering by the bedroom door waiting for Jacob to finish the Best Buy debate so he can show off his cowboy belt, Lee hops in the shower... and then there was Danica. Unsure where she found the Silica packet in the big Easter box, or how long she munched on the little rocky treats. Suddenly Uncle Lee, ha ing finished his shower yells from the guest room. "LISA! DANICA IS EATING SILICA". In a whirlwind of charcoal, water, laptops, iPhones, and a poison control representative later... sweat, tears, spilled water, and adrenaline all a waste. Turns out the Silica urban legend got the best of us! Minus chipping teeth and possible choking... Silica is a little treat of moisture fighting rocks. YUMMO!

#8. Become a recycling family.

Well, it has been a while since I last posted, and my 101 in 1001 has been slowly under way.  My husband just being a wonderful man, and not because he was eager to cross off the first item in a list of many, stopped by Lowe's one day and came out with three blue recycling bins.  I love him!  I'v been eagerly awaiting our first trip to the drop off on base (i.e. the "dump", which just didn't sound fitting).  However, it's taking much longer than expected.  I thought for sure we consumed more than we actually do!  So, no picture of my bins full to the brim and ready to go... but I can proudly say that we are now a happy recycling family! whoop whoop!!

...101 in 1001 update...

I've made a list, I've checked it twice.

GAME ON!

To check out my 101 in 1001

CLICK HERE

I will post my updates on my blog.  

Thank you Winnie for the inspiration!

... 101 in 1001 ...

It's been over a month!  While my New Year's resolutions were disrupted by my every annoying "back pain" surfacing it's ugly little face early January... I've been inspired by my great friend Winnie.  Over the next couple days I am going to create my list of 101 goals that I will accomplish in 1001 days.  eek!  I'm already going through a few in my head as I type.