oakland madness

Bobby and I did something we've never done before this past weekend... we went to an NFL football game!! and let me tell ya, it was quite the experience. Oh, did I mention it was a Raiders game? yea, we didn't really think that one through. The reason we went was because they played the Jets and the quarterback, Mark Sanchez, was a friend of ours from high school and we have always wanted to watch him play. Seeing him play was awesome (even though they lost...boo) but being in the mix of Raiders fans was out of control. Let me just say, I'm SO GLAD we didn't wear any green or other clothing that associated us with the Jets. Every time a person wearing a green jersey walked through the sea of black Raiders fans, they would get booed and people would yell "break his leg!", "get outta here!", and other not-so-nice phrases mixed in with a slew of cuss words to top it off. Bobby and I slid under the radar, wearing black (Roxy and Quiksilver shirts) and slyly giving each other a fist pump when the Jets did something good. Yes, I did feel kind of like a traitor, but we didn't want to cause any problems. I have never seen any fans more dedicated and die-hard than Raiders fans, and not gonna lie, it was intense! Bobby and I left the game a few minutes early hoping to beat out everyone else and it literally felt like we were running from a stampede of black. Yes, we are wimpy but we stood out like a sore thumb against the hardcoreness (word?) of Oakland.

    I set my camera to only show 'green' and notice the only green is the field.

 Sanchez #6

Overall, we had a blast! Granted it'd be more fun if we could have jumped and cheered for the Jets, but you gotta watch your back in Raider Country.

I think we will stick to watching football on our comfy couch from now on :)

fall is here!

Fall is such a wonderful time of year. Leaves changing color, crisp air, and pumpkin spice lattes (my fav!) just to name a few highlights. Another thing that I love about fall in SLO is all the local apple orchards are open. My mom and sister were up to visit recently and went to See Canyon Fruit Ranch and picked some apples for us. Here's a tip: Ask for "seconds". These are apples that may be bruised or "not pretty" but are awesome for baking, juicing, etc. and are half price!

We decided to make a batch of homemade applesauce. So easy. All you do is peel and cut apples into chunks, throw into a large pot, add about a 1/8-1/4 cup of water and cook on the stove over medium-high heat. Stir and mash in the pot until you have the desired consistency. I like mine chunky and unsweetened but you could add cinnamon or sugar if desired. We canned it in mason jars and it makes the perfect snack!

I was trying to think of something creative to do with some of the left over applesauce and I found a recipe online for applesauce muffins and decided to make them. They turned out so fresh and delicious and very moist. Bobby even ventured to say, "This could be the best muffin I've ever had! Seriously!". He's a keeper, right? Here's the recipe for this perfect fall treat:

Applesauce Muffins: Makes 1 dozen

6 tbsp butter

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (can use all-purpose if desired)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cups chunky applesauce (homemade is the best!)

Preheat oven to 375. Grease or line a muffin tin.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in bowl. Set aside.

In another bowl, mix eggs and brown sugar. Melt butter in microwave and stir in. Add applesauce to mixture.

Pour applesauce mixture over flour mixture and mix with wooden spoon.

Spoon into muffin tin.

Bake 20 minutes. (This is what the recipe calls for but I baked mine for about 16 min and they were perfect)

This is the first of many fall recipes I'll be making this year and I'll be sure to share. 

Do you have a favorite fall recipe??

Happy Fall everyone! :)

deborah

Today is a sad day. One of my greatest friends and mentor Deborah is moving away from SLO. Her and I have had a great run together for the past 6 years as we were one of the first people each other met moving to SLO. She was (still is) on staff with the Navigators and I was a lonely freshman and despite not wanting to meet each other (funny story) it turned out to be a day that forever changed both of our lives. She has taught me what it looks like to be a real, genuine woman of God and what it looks like to serve others and still have fun in the process. She has taught me how to study the Word and how to share the good news with others. She had perhaps the greatest influence on my college life as she was a constant source of encouragement and support to me no matter what. Her contagious laugh and incredible dance moves will forever be ingrained in my brain and for that, I am thankful. SLO will be a different place without her but I know that our friendship will not stop here. I'm so lucky to have her as a friend and can't wait for the fun times that have yet to be had. I love you Deb & good luck on all your new adventures!!!

 Freshman year at Cal Poly. 2005

 Malibu. 2006.

American Idol. 2007

Dinner Date. 2008

Cal Poly Graduation. 2009

Maid of Honor. June 2010

Baptism. November 2010.

last night in SLO before the move. September 2011


see you soon Deb!!

volleyball season has begun!

I just started coaching girls volleyball at Morro Bay High School this season and it has been a blast!! Being in the gym around the girls and the games brings back a lot of good memories from my days playing high school volleyball. Teaching them rotations, hitting, blocking, and passing techniques allows me to keep up on my skills and pass my knowledge down to them. It's also fun because we have 4 coaches that cover the 3 teams at the high school and after practice & home games the 4 of us play doubles so we can get our fix playing! Love it!! So just for fun, I thought I would post some pictures of the days I was playing volleyball in high school to share with you all :)

 senior year mugshot.

Needless to say, I love volleyball and I'm so thankful that it has found it's way back into my life. I'll hopefully have some team photos to share as the season progresses.
Go Pirates!!