The Nerliens: January 2009

1.23.2009

It's hard to believe that it is already the 23rd of January - time sure does fly by the older you get I guess. Nothing new here - just trying to eat healthier and go to the gym at least 5 times a week. The other day I made a weight watcher recipe called 'Cola Chicken.' It was super easy and delicious - it is supposed to taste like BBQ chicken. I'll post the recipe at the end of this blog.

Sometime this spring we are going to put in new floor and countertops in our kitchen, so we have been busy looking at home department websites for some ideas. We're also going to paint the upstairs hallway and bedrooms. We've been living in our house now for 7 months, so I suppose its time to start doing something! ;)

I'm finally subbing again - after all of that nasty cold weather! Yesterday was 35 - 40 degrees and sunny - the kids thought it was 'hot' outside and wanted to take their coats off! I also had a kindergartner tell me yesterday during center time that 'putting together puzzles is just like doing yoga, you have to breathe and relax.' I don't know where kids come up with this stuff, but its pretty funny! I was also informed yesterday that I may have a long-term subbing opportunity this spring in 4th grade. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Here's the 'Cola Chicken' Recipe - I cut everything in half since I was just cooking for 2

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 cup ketchup
1 (12 ounce) can diet cola

Put chicken in nonstick skillet. Pour ketchup and diet cola over the top. Bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook for 45 minutes.Uncover, turn up the heat and continue to cook until the sauce becomes thick and adheres to the chicken.

4 servings - 4 points each

1.18.2009

You Get What You Pay For

On Saturday night, Adam and I went on a date, which only happens every 4 to 6 weeks because he usually works weekends. We ate at a little authentic Mexican restaurant here in Clarion, then went to see 'Yes Man' over in Belmond. You can't beat seeing a newly released movie for $2! It sure beats paying $7-9 at a newer theater and then spending another $5-10 at the concession stand! In Belmond, popcorn ranges from 75 cents for a small, up to a whopping $2 for a large! So anyways, we thought we were going to have an inexpensive, enjoyable evening, but we thought wrong. I guess the one down-side of having a theater in a small town is that EVERY kid goes to the movies too. I felt like a grumpy old lady as I left, complaining about the rude kids up front, but I wasn't the only one. Several people throughout the movie asked them to be quiet/shut up, but nothing worked...I wish they would've got kicked out. O'well - the movie was still hilarious and we enjoyed the time spent with each other. Next time we are going to attempt the late movie, with hopes that the kiddos won't be there because it may interfere with their curfews :) Maybe paying $9 for a movie is worth it after all.....

1.13.2009

What Would You Do?

Last night I watched 'Primetime: What Would You Do' on ABC. In case you haven't watched the show, it puts strangers in random scenarios to observe their reactions. For example, last night's scenarios included: a date-rape drug being slipped into a woman's drink, a man stealing gas from another gas-station customer while the customer was inside, and shoppers with loaded carts trying to cut into a supermarket express check-out line. ABC hires actors carry out these scenarios while hidden cameras catch the reactions, both good and bad.

I was disgusted with how some people react to a negative situation! Instead of speaking up for what was right, people would often ignore the situation to avoid conflict. I would often try to put myself in the situation, and imagined myself doing the right thing. In today's society, it is hard to find a Good Samaritan. So here's my point, you should live your life by the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. (Matthew 7:120)

In other news..o'wait, there is no news! Things have been pretty quiet around here. We both are working a lot (when school ISN'T cancelled), going back to the gym, and catching up on our Netflix! We hope everyone is enjoying the new year so far!

1.07.2009

The Slanket

I'm sure you've seen the infomercial on TV advertising 'The Slanket' - which is basically a blanket with two sleeves in it. I laughed the first time I saw the commercial, thinking that there are morons out there that would actually buy this product, which is essentially just a blanket. Well, I received one as a Christmas gift from my mom! I wasn't thrilled with it at first (sorry mom) and couldn't believe that my mom actually took part in this marketing scam. But much to 'The Slanket's' defense, it is awesome! It really is a genius ideas for those of you that like to curl up on the couch with a blanket and watch TV, read, work on your laptop, etc. Usually, your upper body gets cold when you do any activity that requires you to take your arms out of the blanket. But with the 'Slanket,' your arms and upper body remain covered the entire time. A little FYI: The Slanket was invented by a college student who decided to tear a hole in his sleeping bag so he could keep his upper body warm as he channel surfed during the commercials during the winter.

1.03.2009

Vegas Vacation

Happy New Year to you all! Hope you had a safe and fun holiday! Adam and I had a blast in Vegas over NYE. It was so nice to get away for a few days and enjoy some warmer temperatures. Vegas was absolutely PACKED with people while we were there - which was to be expected. We definitely didn't come home any richer - however we were up about $300 on our first night - must have been beginners luck! We did A LOT of walking around - both of our legs were sore the entire trip - maybe it helped keep some pounds off from our food and drinks! We met up with Ashley and Ryan one night and ate ate "Dicks Last Resort," where the waiters are purposefully rude to you and make you hats to wear with very inappropriate sayings! On New Years Eve we joined 300,000 other people on the strip and counted down the new year and watched the fireworks. We also ate at Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar." The food was delicious and drinks were served in a mason jar - just like the song! On our last night, we saw the "Blue Man Group" - it was awesome! We also walked around some more and saw a few free shows. We had planned on visiting Freemont Street - but there was so many people that we decided not to - traffic was terrible and it would've cost a fortune to take a taxi. We definitely want to go back when it's not as busy. Next time we want to see more shows, eat at fancier restaurants, and hit up a popular nightclub.

On our way to the airport - Adam is already ready to party!