I'm Alive..well, surviving at least.

Sorry about the lack of posts. Once Gregg left, I was sure to keep myself busy, and I think I added a bit too much on my plate.
First off, I survived my very first 17 hour shift with no breaks and no sleep during the 8th grade lock-in at work. I did have fun, don't get me wrong, but I was miserable. I seriously do not know how my husband does 13 hours every day, and I have more respect for him than I ever did before.
Gregg and I are still trying to look into houses, and so far the finding situation is okay. We still have a long time till we actually have to settle on something. On friday, we spent all day looking at different options online over and over again, and by the end of the conversation...my head was spinning.
On Saturday, I had probably the worst day in my entire life...not going to go into details, but just know...I am not a happy person so I will probably be MIA on this blog, facebook, and email for a little bit. Sorry! At work on Saturday, I was able to watch The Blindside, and it happens to be an amazing movie..everyone should see it. Also on Saturday night, two good friends of mine decided to take me out dancing due to my bad day, and I am so thankful to have them.
Now, I am just trying to keep up with school which I am having a hard time getting back into, but I just need to get use to this online system better! I hate it. I sure do miss those face to face classes because the professor always had you interested in the topic by the way they present themselves in class...hopefully soon.

Oh, and diet update: Since I started, I have lost 9 pounds, and I am so proud of myself. I have 13 pounds more to go, and I will be at my goal weight. Hopefully, it won't be too much longer, and I will finally be happy with myself, and back to my old self.

Flashback Friday

My High School Senior Class of 2006. Yes, I went to an all girl's high school and graduated with a class of 52. Don't we just all look uber cute. I do miss my high school days very much, but would not go back...well, maybe I would. I miss days like this where we just have those laid back days of fun! I'm in the front with a black top and white capri's. I am so glad we were able to get this picture taken, and I was able to snag a copy considering I was the school editor for the yearbook. Yes, those were the days, and a great flashback for this friday night.

**Sorry about the lack in posts. I have been super duper stressed lately. I will be sure to post something very soon and update you on how things are going.

Tuesday's List: Go To Dinners

YAY! I am so excited to be able to do Tuesday's List, and I loving the theme for this paticular list. Why you ask? On this paticular Tuesday, we are listing our Go To Dinners. That means...list dinners you always go to when you just can't think of anything else to have or you just don't have any time for any other meal. You need something quick, and something everyone will love. So, back to the question...I am loving this theme because I can get other easy recipe's from fellow readers that will pretty much satisfy anyone. The only problem I am going to have is that my recipe's are the plain jane recipe's. I am still new at this whole cooking thing, so I only explore every once and awhile...it also stinks when you have a picky man to cook for.

Now, I know some of you read my blog religiously and I love every person that does. I also know that more than 95% of you readers do not have a blog that I can find interesting/delicious meals from...So, please feel free to email me some great recipes at amanda.rauwolf@yahoo.com or just leave me a comment here. Preferably healthy ones since I am on a diet, and want to continue it! Gregg will survive...lol. (And a note: If you post anonymously, please leave your name at the end of the comment. Thanks!)

Now, on to the post:

{1} My Tacos/Your Burritos

This title has a funny story to it. When its this meal night..Gregg always asks whats for dinner? And, I always answer Taco's because that is what I am used to saying. And he says "No, I don't like Taco's and you know that"...And, I have to answer back "I mean your style burritos." Gregg hates tacos, but loves burritos...We have this conversation every time. I guess I need to learn to start saying burritos because we do use those huge tortilla shells so you can fold in both sides.

I say this is a Go To Dinner because I always have tortilla shells, ground beef, taco seasoning, and mixings in the fridge. Anytime I make this, I know it is a crowd pleaser and will get eaten everytime. I am really not going to go into much of an explanation on how to make because its pretty common in households. However, I will tell you how we usually top our tacos.

When this cooked, these ingredients are always OFFERED:

Huge Tortilla Shells

Ground Beef cooked with Taco Seasoning

Refried Beans

Lettuce

Tomato

Onion

Cheese

Sour Cream

Salsa

Taco Green Sauce

Gaucamole

Mexican Cheese

I also love this meal because I can use up my vegetables (lettuce, tomato, onion) if they are about to go bad. So, My Tacos/Your Burritos are always a good way to go!

{2} My invention Zucchini and Squash Mixture (No Name Yet)

I like this as a semi healthy way to go...feeds about 2.

Start with a skillet and two turns EVOO on medium heat.

Then cut one zucchini and one squash and add to pan.

Then add one can of diced tomatoes, and cover.

Let it cook until the vegetables are soft..be sure to stir every now and then.

Once its done, spoon mixture on a bed of rice.

{3} Chicken Fried Rice

This is another meal that is always in the kitchen.

Cook instant rice, and while that is being done start your skillet with EVOO.

Add your frozen vegetables, and a can of chicken. When its almost done, add some soy sauce, but not too much. Spoon mixture around the edges, and crack an egg right in the middle and scramble. Once its done, mix everything (vegetables, chicken, egg, and rice) together. Add more soy sauce if needed.

{4} Greggory Rauwolf's Always a Pleaser Spaghetti and Sauce

This meal will never go wrong in my house because Gregg invented the easy spaghetti sauce that just makes spaghetti so much better. Now, I don't know if I am allowed to be spreading the ingredients to his sauce so I am just going to end it here. However, the stuff to make this wonderful meal is ALWAYS on the grocery list. When Gregg was home, I am not going to lie, this meal was definitely eaten twice a month or more.

Well, there you go guys. That is my list of Go To Dinners! Sorry I didn't have any pictures! Can't wait to see your list's/emails/comments! Hope I didn't make anyone hungry either..if I did, Get to Cooking!

Scared of Gypsies

When I came to Italy, I knew there were gypsies and I also knew that they like Amercians because we have nice things, and thats mainly the reason Italians hate us. They hate that we bring more and more gypsies into the city. More and more these days, gypsies are breaking into American homes. I was not too worried until a co-worker's house was targeted. The reason I am now scared of them is because I was told a couple days ago that they apparently watch you for days before they make their move. The gypsies are scrawling chalk symbols outside homes in wealthy areas. Gypsies are alerting fellow criminals about homes to target and ones which have already been raided by using bizarre graffiti.

Gypsies signs usually mean women living alone, good target, wealthy, not worth raiding, already have been raided, or occupant is nervous and afraid. The symbols resemble washing instructions on clothing labels with a series of crossed circles placed in chalk boxes.

So, I have been looking over and over outside of my place for any markings out of chalk. Doesn't that just make you cringe...I know they don't steal tv's, xboxes, and stuff like that; they steal jewelry and diamonds...easier to sell. All my stuff are things Gregg has given me over the years, and now I am holding onto those things closer than ever. Instead of having them in my usual place (a jewelry box), I have moved them into a lot harder place to find. Hopefully, I will not be a victim in this madness that has been going on for centeries...hopefully, Gregg's car was the last thing that happens like that.

How Does A Girl's Night In End At the Club?

Okay, the traveling I have been doing is great, but I needed a break. So, Elena, Nicole, and I decided to just go out to dinner last night and then go home, drink some wine, and fall asleep. But no, of course that didn't happen. We started at Nicole's and we went to dinner as promised, but some how...I don't even remember how, we ended up at this club down the street. All the Italians were dressed up in JUST BLACK. And us three, were in jeans, long sleeve colored shirts, and tennis shoes...We so did not fit in! lol. I think its hilarious how there is not one single hott Italian girl here. I thought I would be a little jealous of some of the women in this country, but no. And, I am happy about that! lol. We had fun dancing the night away...

Of course, I woke up the next day with a headache, and my stomach all bubbly, so I am now paying for this fun night out!

Wordless Wednesday

The Bachelor

Everyone knows that being in Italy causes me to behind with everything that happens in the states. When you guys watch Amercian Idol on Tuesday and Wednesday, I watch it on Wednesday and Thursday. When you guys watch The Bachelor on Monday, I watch it on Tuesday. Same with Oprah, Dr. Phil, Entertainment Tonight, and more. This post is about the Bachelor. I started watching this show the second season it aired, and I got my whole family hooked. I remember the nights we would all pile in the living room with our ice cream, and argue on which girl is better for The Bachelor. Sometimes we agreed, and other time we completely disagreed. Anyways, after watching tonight's episode, I definitely know who my favorite are, and who I strongly dislike. This season is a bit crazy, and I don't understand why these girls argue all the time. Mind your own business, and just do what you came to do...to "find love." I have put pictures up on this post on who I think should be there until the end. And yes, they are in order from most favorite to okay...

Tenley is my number one favorite girl on the bachelor. She is super cute, honest, and not caught up in all the drama in the house. I can't wait for her to have a one on one date with Jake. I really hope she is there until the end. Personality wise, they are perfect.

Second favorite is Ella. I did not have Ella in my group of favorites until tonight. She really didn't stand out until she went on the one on one date with Jake. She is so genuine, and a gorgeous southern girl. I didn't think Jake would be okay with accepting a kid into a marriage, but he was so comfortable with her son. Ella and Jake would seem to be the fun loving family everyone dreams to have.

Now, Ali..hmmm...I loved Ali from the first day, but she is slowly disappearing from my list. She is cute, but needs to really get her nose out of all that drama. I think her arguing with other girls is really going to end up hurting her in the end with Jake. I hope she turns her attitude around because she has potential. Like I said, she is cute, and how a lot to offer, but girl, zip your lips!

So, there you have it...my favorites. I don't have too many which is sad because we are still pretty much in the beginning of the season. Who are yalls favorites, and why?

I Got Some Love From Texas!

Thanks to Jessica from Love From Texas, I got nominated for two awards, and it difintely brightened my day to see that I was thought about. I will go over each of them so you can understand the concept of the awards.

So, I know you can read that this is the "Beautiful Blogger Award." Every girl would love to be nominated for this award because who doesn't want to be told they are beautiful. I know my cheeks get a little rosy when I get that comment. I have not gotten a beautiful comment in many years though so it was nice to have that said. Thanks Jessica for nominating me for this award. You truely are amazing! There is a game that goes a long with this award and here are the rules.

Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award. (Check!)

2. Copy the award and place it on your blog. (Check!)

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award. (Check!)

4. List 7 interesting things about yourself.

5. Nominate 7 bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 bloggers you nominate.

{1} I got to move to Italy with my husband due to his job.

Being in the Army does have its benefits, but it is also very miserable at the same time. Horrible, like my husband has deployments where we miss a year together every now and then, and a lot of times he has to work a 13 hour day or more which causes a very grumpy tired husband. However, being in the military with my husband, I got to come to Italy and experience a whole different lifestyle.

{2} I danced for 15 years and loved it.

Yes, I did. I danced for fifteen years, and I loved every minute of it. I would definitely say I miss it, and would go back to it in a heart beat if I had the opportunity. However, I would only go back if my old studio reopenned or a past teacher/dancer openned another studio. M dance studying consisted of tap, jazz, and ballet.

{3} My pinky toe is abnormally small.

I guess this an interesting fact about me considering that my husband likes to tell me this every now and then. I think my toes look just fine considering my foot is a size 6. Gregg thinks my pinky toe is way too small, and kind of creepy.

{4} I have a strong obsession with the colors gray and dark purple.

My wedding registry consisted of all gray pretty much, and I really don't understand why I like it so much. As I started to decorate even more, deep purple has ventured its way into the house. So now, I am concentrating on my bedroom colors to be gray and deep purple. I love it!

{5} I went to an all girl Catholic High School and graduated with a class of 52.

For some reason, everyone finds this fact very interesting. I loved it though and would not change it...Well, maybe 1% of me would have changed it because I hated the administration starting my sophomore year. I loved not having to get up early to get all fancy, and I loved the close friendships I created. I was also able to hold a lot of leadership positions since I was in a small school.

{6} I won Miss IC at my senior prom.

I never thought in a million years I would actually be holding this honor for my senior class, but I am very happy and blessed to have it. I am not going to lie, I secretly wanted it, but when they called my name, I was shocked. I am so thankful to have peers from all classes back me up in helping out the school in so many ways.

{7} I am a big wine-o.

Being in Italy, my job is to try as many different wines as possible. I have come to love dry and sweet wine. My top favorite list consists of 5 wines and the list just keeps getting longer. I also try and keep as many corks from the wine bottles as possible. I have a bowl filled with them in there and they make for a great decoration filler.

Jessica from Love From Texas also nominated me for this award and I am thankful once again. The Happy 101 award is to thank the wonderful bloggers that make you happy! The game that goes along with this award is something I have done before, so I am just going to recycle from an old post.

Here are the rules:
List 10 things that make you happy.

(try to do one of those things TODAY!)

Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day.

Make sure to link back to the person that tagged you!

{1} Greggory Ryan Rauwolf

He is my best friend and the love of my life. Gregg is always behind me pushing me to do my best, and I look upto him because he has accomplished so much in life. I love when I come home from work, and he greets me with the biggest smile, and says, "Hey Babe! How was your day?" It just makes all the bad things that happened that day go away, and I am left happy.

Gregg and I on 4th of July 2009

{2} Jack

I am always happy when my puppy Jack crawls into bed and snuggles with me after Gregg leaves in the morning for work.

Jack and I at Lake Garda

{3}Curling up on the couch with my pajamas AND fuzzy socks on, and watching a movie.

{4}Finding a REALLY GOOD book to read.
I am always so happy when I find a book that I can not put down. Its funny sometimes, I stop reading, get in the bed with the lights off, and then find myself ten minutes later turning back on the lights and openning the book only to read more.

{5} Being able to dress up!
Yes, I do love it every once in awhile. I would not be happy if my job required me to wear dress pants/skirts everyday. However, I do get happy when I have the chance to do it every once in awhile.

Gregg and I at the Batallion Ball this year.

{6} Being able to experience different cultures.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE being in Italy. Gregg could tell you differently, but I am happier here. It is so much more quiet. I always want to try different cities. I am happy to wake up in my tiny Italian apartment, and look out seeing my old neighbors walk or ride their bike to the super market just down the street.

In downtown Vicenza, Italy

{7} Getting Mail.
Yes, sad I know. However, I do get happy when I see something in my mailbox. Don't tell my husband, but sometimes I order small things on Amazon just to have something show up in my mailbox, so I can get the giddy feeling inside (Next is, The movie Because I Said So...only $4). So, send on the letters, cards, packages, etc....It really does make me happy! : )

{8} Buying candles to fit the holiday season.
Yep, this has become a favorite of mine. So far I have Sweet Pea Garden for Easter Time, Pumpkin Spice for Fall/Thanksgiving, and Mistle Toe for Christmas Time. I get happy when I can come into a room and feel the holiday season in my house.

{9}10 Second Kisses
Oh yes, these are a must to make me HAPPY! I love when my hubby comes over and just lays one of those REAL kisses on me out of the blue. I get those butterfly giddy lovey dovey feelings!

{10} Taking Vacations
I always feel spontaneous when I go on vacations because I feel like you should not be having that much fun. You should be in an office working...But yes, I love that guilty feeling of having fun...its like the evil happy coming out...lol.

Cliff Diving in Croatia
Here go my tags!:

Childhood friend/classmate Jessica at Love From Texas

Army wife friend Dana at Here Comes The Sun

Army Wife friend Kristin at Our Little Miracle

Aunt Kelly at SouthernBelle (update your blog)

Friend/Mentor Jana at Two Y's and a X

Childhood friend/classmate Jennifer at The Marsh Family [to be]

okay, thats enough..I am tired and I don't have that many blogger friends. But one last thanks to Jessica for nominating me for these two awards!

Flashback Friday

This is Gregg and myself at a friends house in October 2007. We look so different now then we did back a couple of years ago, and I find it so crazy. Look how skinny we both look....oh I wish it was still the same. I never realized how skinny I was until I look back on old photos. I also find it funny that Gregg has those same clothes and still wears them today, and I don't have those jeans or hoodie, and thank goodness for it. If I remember correctly, that night, we grilled with friends, and then we all got on Dylan's boat and went out on the lake for a few hours. To be home again...

McDonalds

Alright, I did it. I forgot to tell you guys that two weeks ago, I experienced my very first meal at McDonald's in Europe. My friends and I stopped at the Mcdonald's in Austria on our way to Germany. It was way better than the McDonald's in the states. It sure is more crowded, but that didn't bother me one bit. When you first walk in, you feel like you should be in a formal gown and the guy's in tuxes. All the employees know different languages so I was finally able to order outside of my house in English. The employees also had very nice polos on and jeans with the McDonald's M print on the back pockets. They were all dressed very neatly. A lot of the food was the same, but they also had some different options that the states does not. At every McDonald's in Europe, you are able to order beer as your drink, but I decided to stick with my traditonal CoCa Cola Light. Here are a few pictures marking the moment...

The outside of McDonald's

The counter where you order and pick up your food
The counter where you order coffee or dessert

The view outside from my seat

View again

My fries, definitely made fresh here in Italy...

little known fact, in Europe, they make these fries and curly Q fries

The sucky part, was that you had to may for your dippage..so 50 cents went to my ketchup

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to McDonald's and will be visiting again. Its sad it took me a whole year to make my way in. Oh, and this post is dedicated to Daddy, Sarah, Katie, Melissa, and Elena for making my last night home worth remembering. I love you guys!

A Good Day Gone Sucky

This post is more of a therapuetic post than anything else, so it is probably not going to be interesting. You can either stay and listen to me go on about things fluttering around in my head, or turn around and check back later when something fun and new has arrived.

Today started off great, I actually got up and went to my very first Yoga class. I was nervous about going, but proud of my self determination to enter the room, pull out my mat, and start. The main reason I went is because a co-worker teaches the class, and she pretty much talked me into the idea. I took a yoga class in high school, but when I compare it to today's, it has nothing on it. Today's Yoga Class was comforting, challenging, and fulfilling all in one. I also came to find that my flexibility I use to have when I danced does not house itself in my body anymore...which stinks horribly. Thats alright though, I just need to set some time every other night to give my self a good stretch. I can't wait until the next class to challenge my body to go a little further. So, I am totally welcoming this new hobby in with welcome arms...And, who knows, I might just try out Zumba and Body Pump while I am at it!

After going through my Class, I was able to grab a cappuccino/orange juice with a friend and it was so nice to be able to sit and chat for about 45 minutes and enjoy the Italian view. I seriously would love to stay in Italy or move to Germany forever. A lot of people hate it because there is no convenience, but I absolutely love it because it lets me appreciate life more and more. I will honestly say, I will be very sad when Gregg and my orders over here end.

So, I went to work feeling like I have accomplished a lot in my morning when really I didn't. I was just able to welcome the day a lot easier than normal. Work was great too, I played some Rock Band, taught a few kids how to make 7 Layer Dip, and played ping pong and Dance Dance Revolution. I also had another co-worker/friend come back from the states and it was so nice catching up with her and listening to what she did while she was home. I can't wait to go home and get a little bit of love from my family. But back to work...All in all, it was a great work day, and it went by very fast which I loved!!!

When I got home, thats when my day decided to turn. As soon as I got home, I heard the show American Idol start its theme sound and my heart just sunk. American Idol is Gregg and I's favorite show as a couple to watch. I usually come home, we both make dinner, and we listen to each singer trying to give our opionions before the judges...We compete to see whose opinions are closest to the judges. Last American Idol, Gregg was all over Adam Lambert and I told him Chris was going to win...And look who was right, the wife! My heart was in pain because Gregg is not able to be here and watch it. If I could go back in time right now, it would be one night when Gregg and I were both sitting on opposite ends of the couch watching American Idol and giving each other foot massages...Well, more me giving the massage. Gregg only rubs mine lightly because it hurts me if he pushes. And, we will play argue on which singer is the best and which ice cream flavor we should pull out of the freezer. Oh, I miss him so much. I still have not even gotten out of the 3 hundreds yet. As of today, we still have 334 days left of this deployment. And, to top it off, my house is a wreck and I am starting to get frustrated by it. I am just not home long enough anymore to keep it clean. I wish Gregg was here to help me. He wasn't the best cleaner, but it would always make it more fun with him following me on my heels tearing paper towel strips for me. So, my days are jam packed, thats not the problem. I just wish I was able to call Gregg up, and tell him about my days. It sucks sometimes coming home and not having anyone to talk to. And, its not the same to talk to my computer or Jack because they can't talk back in a human voice. Anyways, I am going to cut this off now before I go on any longer. I am going to go put in Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler and fall asleep. Hope everyone had a great day! Until next time, later!

2nd Challenge Down...49 More To Go!

Okay, so remember when I told you guys about my friend Dana and my new cooking/baking challenge! Well, we did our second challenge on Sunday night. First we picked our recipe: Rachel Ray's Eggplant Parmesan Bread Pizza..with a few substitutions. We then went to the commissary to gather all of our ingredients..However, being the commissary as it is...They were out of EVERYTHING! Everyone knows not to shop on Sundays. The commissary is always closed on Mondays because it is the restocking day. But we couldn't wait because the only time my schedule allows is to do the cooking on the weekend! So, we had to substitute the tiny tomatoes for big ones, both cheeses for different ones, the bread was different, and we added mushrooms! Well, here are pictures!

We also did another cake, and my self control got a 100% if you were putting a grade on it! We made homemade foundant this time, and even though it was harder to work with, it turned out amazing!! I took pictures of the process, but my camera did a horrible job in capturing the true color of the foundant. The main color is tourqouise, and the accent is deep purple. I think I am also a little crazy for circles...lol. Dana and I are really trying to find some different shape cookie cutters to make different designs...wish us luck in finding them! Anyways, here are the pictures. Enjoy! Oh, and everyone go enjoy some kind of dessert for me! Thanks!

Another Week Down:Time for Update

Today is my co-worker Elena's birthday so I decided to do a little baking project and make her cupcakes! It was really hard not to eat them because they smelled really good. They only thing is...I for sure waited until the cupcakes were completely cooled...like an hour...but I guess my kitchen was still too hot that it started to make the icing run. I was really upset with the outcome, but I am posting them on here anyways so my baker mentor can see my first project alone.

The batter...I wanted it soo bad!

The cupcakes...perfectly golden brown.
I dyed the icing purple because that is her favorite color right now.

The finished project...they are okay.

At work, I have been in a cleaning frenzy! So far, I have organized my desk (below), the art area, and the game cabinet. My nexts tasks are the youth's computer area, and my cabinet. My cabinet has a lot of stuff from the previous co-worker, and I have been wanting to get in there for a very long time. Now, only if I could get this excited to clean my house.

Diet Update: I have really been trying to keep up with working out. I started on the 22nd of December and so far I have lost between 3 to 4 pounds. I really want this to work out for me, but it does get hard seeing all these teens come in with chips, candy, sodas, and more! So, please keep praying that I can accomplish it!

Wordless Wednesday