College Bound

Well the month is just about over but Simon and I decided to do something which will benefit us in the end a great deal. We are going back to college. For me, its back to school but for Simon it is the first time he has attended college and especially here in the U.S. Next week is the start of school. We are both excited. I will be doing a Graphic Arts degree and Simon Business Admin. Our first class will be together but of course not all will be. We even get a free laptop to first use during our study and then keep when we graduate- pretty good incentive right? Books are free too which will be nice. I have paid for college books before and it isnt fun but you have no choice. The staff have been amazing, they have really done all the paperwork fast and worked hard to get us all set up. It is a little more pricer, the student loans we will pay off but at the end we will have all we need to get a job wither for ourselves at home or working for someone else. This will be good for Simon, just what he needs- he doesnt want to work at a call center all his life, he wants a proper job- his current job is alright- better than being a cleaner or fast food but still, he doesnt love it. I have worked before but not since my last time at college in 2001. I have been wondering what to do with my life, and this is it. I have wanted to finish the education I started to get. Its different than I choose before but it is something I like and would like to do as a living.
So wish us luck! We are excited!

February Happenings

Well this month Valentines came and went, we didnt have much cash so our Valentines day was very simple. We got each other something we wanted and called it our treat. I also made Simon a handmade card. It wasnt much but its the thought that counts right? My nephew got baptized, first of the boys to be. It was a nice occasion. My cousin will be coming home from S Africa this week. I am sure he will be glad to be home. He gets to be whisked off to Hawaii to spend time with his brother who is already there with his wife. We have gotten alot of snow, it keeps coming down and then dissappearing only to be back again the next week or so. Simon got a new work schedule Horray! He finally gets Sunday's off. This is very nice for us.

February's Recipe

Growing up I wasnt a keen fan of Split pea soup, but over the years I have grown to like it. This recipe I found in Martha Stewart Living.

Split pea soup- Serves 6

8 black peppercorns cracked
3 sprigs of thyme, chopped - with extra for garnish
2 sprigs of flat- leafed parsley " "
1 dried bay leaf
2 tablespoons of safflower oil
2 medium carrots cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 celery stalks cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 tablespoons of minced garlic
1 ham steak cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
1 pound of split peas
8 cups of water

1. Wrap peppercorns,thyme, parsley and bay leaf in a piece of cheesecloth and tie with twine.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat add carrots, onion, celery and cook until onion is translucent (see-through) for about 9 mins, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, ham and salt and cook for 3 mins. Add spices in cheesecloth ( dont untie) , split peas and water.
3, Bring soup to a boil, Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally until peas are tender- 50-55 mins. Take out spices in cheesecloth. Season with a pinch of salt and garish with the fresh herbs.

Serve- this soup will keep in the fridge for 3 days.

Enjoy!