A New Year... times of transition and rejuvenation

A new year is starting in just a few days and it's an exciting (and maybe a bit anxiety filled as well) time for me. I FINALLY graduated from college! After a 6 1/2 year journey, I'm done. At least for a little while. So now it's time to look for jobs and start a life on my own! When I started this journey of going back to school, I was living with 5 girls and was newly unemployed. I decided a career in healthcare was the best option for me. I had been laid off 3 times in less than 2 years and my career choice just wasn't panning out. Event management is so fickle. I love it but whenever companies start to have troubles, the 5 and 6 figure events are the first thing on the chopping block. I didn't like the outlook on my career life. Constantly looking for new work is tough!

So, I thought the sciences were the best way to go. I was sure I would never struggle to find work with a science degree, especially as a woman. There's just not that many of us. Looking back on it, I'm not sure it was the greatest idea on my part. It's been a tough journey for me. It's just not a strong suit of mine, especially the chemistry that I was required to do. I'm much more creative minded instead of logical. But I made it. I'm alive, although there were definitely moments of doubt and many nights of tears and anxiety.

I think God really protected me this last semester. Last spring, I was suffering from debilitating migraines and even landed myself in the hospital when my arm went numb and they thought I was having a stroke. I was falling further and further behind and to be honest, I wasn't even sure if I would pass the semester. But my professors were so understanding and they got me caught up and on track to graduate. This fall semester, I got a wonderful new job that allowed me to do homework and thanks to a combination of medication and diet, my migraines have almost disappeared! So even though I actually increased my school load to 8 classes (a total of 19 credits. I actually needed to get special permission to take that many) and work hours, I finished with a better GPA and a healthier body and mind. I know many of you were praying for me this past semester and I just wanted to say thank you and your prayers were felt!

So, in conclusion, here's a new recipe or two for you. Because that is what I blog about! I got a bunch of new kitchen/household items for Christmas this year as I venture out on my own and these recipes allowed me to use 4 of my new gadgets :) Thanks mom and Jeremy! Enjoy!

Chicken Mulligatawny Soup

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup carrot, chopped

2 bay leaves 

2 Tbsp curry powder

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 cups chicken stock (homemade is best!)

2 cups water

1 Tbsp sea salt

1/3 cup green apple, diced

1/4 cup basmati rice (or substitute 1 cup chopped cauliflower)

1/4 cup coconut cream (I used Trader Joe's)

1. Saute onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent. Add curry and bay leaf and stir to coat.

2, Add chicken thighs, stock, salt, and water. Simmer for 45 minutes until thighs are tender. 

3. Remove thighs onto a cutting board and chop or shred into small pieces. Add back to soup.

4. Add rice and apples to pot. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender. 

5. Stir in coconut cream. Serve hot!

Cilantro-Lime Dressing

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup water

2 tsp lime juice

1 Tbsp honey

Salt and Pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in a tall blender bottle or glass measuring cup. Blend together with an immersion blender or regular blender. Pour over salad. We serve this over a mandarin orange salad. Very yummy!