We Finally Own Our Stuff!

Many people has asked me about Dave Ramsey since our big announcement of being Debt Free!!!! Well this is how we did it.

He is on KMJ 105.9 (go to his web to find your local channel) every day he takes callers questions, and his website, has tons of free information. Eventually we signed up for FPU online (Financial Peace University online) which is his seminar and workbooks but online. FPU was very helpful, and helped us get organized a little. 


When we first started out, we used all the info on his website which is all free. Starting with the 7 baby steps, used the free online forms, etc. At first I thought this was for people with money and stuff, but IT WORKS. Some of the callers have amazing stories, and problems. And I kept thinking some of the steps are crazy, like the cash only system. But we did it step by step and it really works.  


We haven't used a credit card for over a year now, and never will again, and look forward to a zero credit score from none use. Its funny now because when a house/car repair or some other mini crisis occurs, we don't panic about which card has enough room on it. We just use our emergency fund, or other savings and pay cash for it.... we have never done this before. 


Instead of living credit-to-credit or check-to-check, we actually have cash leftover at the end of the month. It is very surreal to live this way, and I love it! We are never going back to the other way!

Crabby Patties!

Well getting my daughter to eat fish is not easy, she'll do it but not 2x a week like they suggest!  However I was at the 99¢ store, and found canned Chicken of the Sea crab.  Now I know its not fresh but for this purpose and things like won tons and such, I think it was perfect.  


So I kind of threw some stuff together and fried them up and they were delicious!  Here is the recipe:

the amounts are approximate, I don't really use measurements


2 (6-oz.) drained cans Chicken of the Sea® Crabmeat Pink
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
a couple shakes salt
a couple shakes of pepper
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs


I mixed them all together in order one at a time.  Draining the crabmeat is apparently very important!  Packed them into my hand them formed a tight patty.   I fried them in oil, very hot and not a lot of oil either.  


That's it... nothing major!  Took a total of 15 minutes, and she loved them.  I dabbed one of them with some Thai Red Curry mmmmm!  Thank goodness for spongebob and mr crabs!

Standing Applause for the Standing chicken!

I once made beer can chicken, and it was good.  But though I sprayed it, it was difficult to remove the can. Plus it got me strange looks for my husband, and he put another check-mark on my crazy lady checklist.  

I had a stoneware dish that did the same, but it has disappeared.  I hadn't made a roasted chicken in a very long time, probably years.  I don't like the way it gets mushy on one side so I improvised.  I have this angel food cake pan that has a removable center.  

I popped the center out put it in a big baking dish, and the chicken fit perfectly.  Seasoned it with garlic salt, paprika, and rosemary. cooked it for the first 30 minutes on 500 and then finished it off at 350 for another 35 minutes. 

It is easy to make, and it is really good.  very crispy but the inside is juicy.  Now the downside is no stuffing but still it is pretty good.  I made garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, and green beans to go with it.

Mmmmm doesn't it look yummy, and she sits pretty like a good girl!

University Preparatory High School student art to be featured at Visalia Convention Center April 16 – June 1, 2010 • Artists’ reception May 21, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Visalia Convention Center

University Preparatory High School student art to be featured at Visalia Convention Center April 16 – June 1, 2010 • Artists’ reception May 21, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Visalia Convention Center 

 

Visalia – Select artworks from University Preparatory High School's Art Exploratory class will be featured at the Visalia Convention Center April 16 through June 1, 2010. The class, taught by arts instructor Michelle Bussey, will feature student works inspired by artists such as Paul Cezanne, Georgia O'Keefe, Alberto Giacometti, Judy Chicago, Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo.  

  

An artists’ reception will be held Friday, May 21 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Visalia Convention Center to honor the University Preparatory High School (UPHS) students featured in the exhibition. Students in the UPHS guitar and folkloric dance program will also attend to provide entertainment. The Visalia Convention Center has generously donated the refreshments. The public is welcome to attend.  

 

This year, the Art Exploratory class received a $500 grant from the California Table Grape Commission. The grant has been used to purchase supplies for studies on woodblock printing later  this semester. Ms. Bussey hopes to organize a fall exhibition of the woodblock prints created by the students. Students have also had the opportunity to study ceramics with College of the Sequoias 

(COS) professor Richard Flores. The ceramic studies with Mr. Flores and the artists’ reception on May 21 have been sponsored by the Arts Council of Tulare County. Studies in the Art Exploration class are aligned with the California state standards for visual arts. Students explore basic elements of art, principals of design, imagination, historical connections to the arts and research in art history.  

 

UPHS was created by the Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) – in partnership with the College of the Sequoias – as a high-performance, free, public high school. UPHS welcomes all highly-motivated students looking for an accelerated and rigorous academic program, including students who may be the first in their family to attend college.  

 

UPHS students experience their high school years on the COS campus, participate in college classes and earn college credits. This approach, known as an “early college high school,” is a time-tested method proven to increase academic success and college readiness. In addition to college courses, students may also select from a growing number of fine arts classes, including beginning guitar, 

folkloric dance and art exploration.   For more information on University Preparatory High School, contact Principal John Kelly at (559) 

730-2529.  

And now a word from our "weird files"

Ok so, I like Barbie.  Always have, Always will.  I thought it was a travesty when they gave her a reduction, and changed her face.  But no worries I will be fine.  Now whenever you go to any toy store or department store, you see tons of options of Barbie and Barbie tribute dolls, Hannah, High School Musical,  I Love Lucy (one of my favs), holiday Barbie, beach Barbie, wheel chair Barbie, Veterinarian Barbie, and many many more.

Recently on a trip to Walmart I found the funniest one to date, probably ever...  Barbie Birds, you know from Alfred Hitchcock movie, where everyone was mauled by birds!  It was a movie anniversary tribute doll.  I went into laughing histerics right there in the store.  There was Barbie stuck in a box with a bunch of crows pecking at her.  You have to wonder a little bit what were they thinking!  I bet it is slightly concerning for kids, I mean if birds can attack Barbie, who has everything, and can do anything, then what chance does the rest of us have.

My other thought is how exactly is she keep that calm face, and carry that great purse; and why isn't she running, and why is her hair still in-tack!  Not only does she have a great stylist but, she almost looks as if she is strolling to her corvette, on her way to Barbie Macy's to go shopping, and flicking at them as if they were harmless flies.

The only thought that comes to mind is... Barbie is one tough broad!  I mean think about it, she is being held captive in a box, being attacked by killer birds, and she doesn't look fazed one bit.  Another reason why I want to be Barbie!