Try, Try Again

Here I am.

Yep. I'm back.

Trying once more to get this blog thing back and running.

As a New Years resolution, I have started writing in my journal once a week. No, I did not set a New Years resolution to also blog once a week. Lesbehonest. That would be AWFULLY annoying. But I do think this is yet another fun way to document my life. SO! Let's give it one more shot. And aim for once a month for now. Once a month sounds...manageable.

Where oh where to begin. When I last blogged I wasn't yet a cop. I was just a wee little cadet! Now look at me! I'll grown up with a badge on my chest.

Police work is hard.

It is so hard.

And not even the work. As one of my trainers said, "A chimp could do this job...and some people at the department ARE chimps!" But it's the challenge of becoming a "cop." It's a totally different mindset then I have ever had to use in my whole life. It's mentally exhausting. Do I want to quit?

Absolutely not.

This job is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. I am not going to lie and say I have loved every second of it, because I haven't. There are days that I come home and wonder if I made the right decision. I ugly cry and listen to Taylor Swift and feel sad. But not because I want to quit. I wonder if I made the right decision because I wonder if this is the job for me. Can Katie Dunn...little Katie Dunn...really be that big tough cop.

YES I CAN!!

And I think at this point, I am the one that needs to believe that. I am not exactly in a position I want to be at the police department right now. I won't go in to details. (Sorry for all you curious readers. Call me if you want to.) BUT! I am grateful I have a job. I am grateful every day that I get to learn and grow into this job that I have always dreamed of doing. Sometimes When I put my vest on, pin my badge on my shirt, and put my gun in my holster I go, "holy crap...this is for reals!" I have been involved in some crazy shiz! Crazy scary, crazy fun, crazy crazy, whatever you want to call it, and I love it. But it's hard. Hard seems like a common word in these few paragraphs.

I never thought that it would be as challenging as it is. I thought if I wanted something bad enough, it would come easy. Boy oh boy was I wrong! I want this job SO bad. I want to be the best cop in the whole world. But just because I want it doesn't mean I get it...right away. Work work work. That's what I'm doing. And that's what I'm going to keep doing!

Sometimes I get frustrated. Frustrated because I asked Heavenly Father if I should do this job, and I felt like I should, and then I go and have struggles like nothing I have ever had to struggle though in my life. My heart is so broken because this career is not going like I thought it would. But that's when faith is tested the most. When we are sad and broken. I have prayed, fasted, received blessings, and still, I'm at a point I do not want to be at. But one thing I do know is that Heavenly Father loves me. He got me through that awful academy and all 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 push ups I had to do, and he will get me through this little road bump. We came to this earth knowing we would be tried and tested. This is just a lot more trying and testing then I thought I would get at once.

I've had the following quote up on my wall to remind me of one thing -

"So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then choose to be happy about circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment...We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude."

Thomas S. Monson

That's my feel good quote. My "yes this sucks, but have a good attitude and it will suck less" quote. Attitude changes it all. I don't share my situation for pity. Like I mentioned above, I'm doing this to document my life! This is a time I am sure I will not forget, but just in case, I want to remind myself that so far, I'm getting through it!

In other news...Phil and I are home and dog owners!! We love it. We are so happy with where we are together right now. 

Our two little babies, Koda and Shirley, are the best. Koda came to us through some friends that couldn't keep him anymore. He's psycho. He is absolutely the most psychotic dog I have ever met in my whole life. He loves everyone. We go to the dog park and he is has to greet all the dogs and then go around and greet all the people. And jump on them and lick their faces and sniff their crotch. It's embarrassing. But he's wicked smart and will kiss you into a good mood. Or kiss you into frustration. Either one. This boy could play all day long if we would let him. He is like a baby and once he starts to get tired he just gets more psycho, then he will just crash. He sheds. A lot. It's not fun. But he's cute so I guess it's ok.

Shirley is a rescue dog and we love our Shirley. She is the most shy dog on the planet. She is completely opposite of Koda. We got her as a chew toy for Koda, and we are at a point now that if we had to get rid of one it would be Koda because we love Shirley so much! She is a hound dog so she just sleeps all day, but I can also take her for runs and she does great! She has the cutest little face. She doesn't give kisses, instead she just sniffs your face for a solid 10 seconds. She snores. She has big floppy ears, and she is finally getting house trained. We love her.

Our house is great. We are in a nice, quiet neighborhood in West Jordan. It's just down the street from my old middle school! It's kind of strange to be back in my "stomping grounds," but when we prayed about moving here we felt that it was right, and now that we are here we know this is exactly where we are supposed to be! We love it. Except the ugly box pond that the previous owners have in the back. I hate that. It's going away this summer.

Phil is working hard at his company and also is the head coach for Herriman lacrosse. He also is in a country band! Look at my stud muffin of a guy! He is amazing and supportive and puts up with me and my two crazy pups, so he's worth keeping around!

Life is good my friends. It's hard, but it's good. I am grateful for trials. I am grateful for all my blessings. Keep on keepin' on. Until next time...

-KTD

So close...so scared...

I graduate in 4 weeks. I'm not ready for this! Part of me is so done with the academy, and the other part of me feels like I haven't learned a thing and I still need another year in the academy. It's just such mixed emotions going on! Despite the fears that seem to be pulsing through my veins, I am very, very excited to get out on the streets are start being a cop! It's (almost) a dream come true!

Exciting events have transpired since my last post. I qualified in shooting, which basically means I can hit the target. Firearms ended up being pretty darn fun! And cold. We spent a lot of time at Camp Williams...in the snow...shooting guns...ya, not on my list of favorite things, but it's not the worst thing I've done. It was fun seeing myself and the other cadets progress and become good shooters! We had a good time. Everyone wanted to borrow my big, pink ear covers. Or my owl mittens that are actually the best mittens ever because they are big enough to put hand warmers in. Do you know how hard it is to load a magazine with freezing fingers? Near darn impossible. One of the instructors said my mittens were almost as cute as my ear covers. I have to kind of feel like a girl while I carry a gun, wear pants that do nothing for my backside, and march around in black combat looking boots.

I also can officially chase someone in a high speed pursuit. Not that I would ever want to after all the videos they showed us of officers killing people while going through a traffic light at 100 MPH, but I could do it! I really enjoyed the driving at the academy. It was really fun to drive fast and be running lights and sirens and talking on the radio and just having a good time! Despite the fact that I really struggled with backing up through the cones, I enjoyed myself. And we didn't have to start till 10 AM on driving days. I got to sleep in till 8. It's a miracle. Truly a miracle.

I have discovered my calling in life. Accident investigation. Ya, of all the different areas of police work I could desire to work in, I choose one of like two areas in police work that requires math.

Katie + math = kasdjf;anei;touairu092384

Ya...it's about like that.

But I love accident investigation! I loved that someone can go to a crash, look at the vehicles, draw a picture, take down some measurements, look at some tire skids, do some math, and BAM! Here's how fast they were going when they hit, what directions they came from...blah blah blah. I love it. SO MUCH. Again, just following in my dad's footsteps. He was an accident investigator for a long time. It must be hereditary.

With every positive comes a negative. I never want to be on SWAT. I do not enjoy hunting bad guys. Especially hunting bad guys in dark rooms that are waiting to shoot you with rubber bullets. They can see you but you can't see them! And it's awful. And scary. I went full on "code black." AKA - I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE **** TO DO SOME I'M JUST GOING TO HIDE BEHIND MY PARTNER AND DRAG US BOTH OUT OF HERE!!!!!! Scary stuff going down.

So life is good! Phil's cute as ever. I love him a lot. We have fun together. I can still throw him down like a boss. And ya, that's the update for now! Until next time...

KTD

He got me Alfie Boe tickets for Valentine's. He loves me.

THIS GUY! I love him!

Pink muffs. 'Nuff said.

I seriously love these kids. They make my life happy.

It's seriously been since July?

I thought I was so up to date on my blogging, but considering I just checked and I have not blogged since July, I should probably pick up the slack! Sheesh! I suppose I'll just start with some highlights as to not make this post 100000000 pages long with all the excitement going on in our lives!

According to the last blog post, I had just tested with Sandy City Police Department. That was the first time I tested! I tested again in October, again, for the experience of testing so I could go to other agencies and test. But...good things happen, Heavenly Father knows what's best, and I still have a hard time believing it, but I was hired! I know, I know, you're all thinking, "Well your dad is the chief, of course you got hired!" But the nice thing about police testing, is it's just that...TESTING! I had to earn my spot by passing a physical test, a psychological test, a background, and interviews. The one thing I know my dad and I both agree on is that I had to earn my spot. I would not be rewarded for being his daughter, (Even though being his daughter is a great reward! Oh gag me cute!) so I know that I deserved being hired. Anyways! Rant over for that one.

So I started the police academy in January. I won't lie, that first week sucked. I hated getting up at 5 am, I hated the fact that my uniform shirts were about 15 sizes too big, I hated being there for 11 hours a day, and I hated the instructors. But after a couple weeks of adjusting to that schedule I have come to enjoy it! The physical training is hard. I attempted keeping track of how many push ups we were doing, but the one day we did 300 I just gave up on keeping track. I'm getting swol. The classroom work was pretty brutal because most days it was 10 hours a day of law classes. Which the law is important, don't get me wrong! I mean...I am a LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER! But 10 hours a day of search and seizure was just....blah. Then throw beastiality, the 10 Amendments, and object rape into the blender and you just have a smoothie full of fun! Defensive tactics is a good time...until you get partnered up with guy who goes all out, 100% and slams you into the ground to the point that you can't breathe...and then it's not fun anymore. (I never partnered with him again.) Phil is hating it because I come home and practice all sorts of fun wrist locks and take downs on him. It's awesome being able to throw him around!

I am now in the second block, which is the official law enforcement officer block. We start firearms on Monday. I'm nervous. SO SO NERVOUS! Growing up my dad always said, "Don't play with guns! Don't touch guns! EVER!" And then we would see pictures of people with their heads blown off and I knew never to touch guns. Now I'm not only touching them, but I am carrying one on my hip! And have the possibility of using it! After practice I know I will be more comfortable with it. It's like...hmmm...what is it like? Maybe like the first time girls wear a bra. It is terribly uncomfortable at first, but after awhile you stop noticing...and eventually don't want to go anywhere without it! But I know at the end of a long work day, I won't mind taking it off. ;)

Going through the academy has really helped me gain more of an appreciation for law enforcement. Growing up with a dad in law enforcement, I thought I knew what I was getting into. But now going through the training, watching videos of officers getting killed, and seeing the dangers that are really out there, I am grateful for all those who decide to serve our communities. It truly is an admirable profession, but I don't consider myself "admirable" by any means. I just didn't want a job where I had to sit at a desk all day! I am grateful for the opportunity I have to serve and protect my community.

In other news, Phil is still an accountant, being smart as ever and working his bum off. He coaches UVU lacrosse in the evenings and is now a Sunday school teacher for the youth in our ward. He's such a stud muffin! We don't see each other a whole lot, as I am gone by 6:15 every morning and in bed asleep by the time he gets home at night, but I am grateful for our hectic schedules because it means we are working hard to become successful. I am very grateful for a husband who let's me follow this crazy dream of mine and become a cop! He was very excited the other day when I brought my gun home. Now all the sudden I am real cool! :)

Life is good. Throughout this journey of the academy I have become so much closer to my Heavenly Father. This life can be so hard. We have experiences that make us want to quit. Then the little miracles come that remind us that someone else is in charge and knows what we are going through and not only knows it, but allows it, and will comfort us through it if we ask. I have been amazed by the tender mercies I have noticed. Anything from a text from my Grandma saying she is praying for me to getting a good nights sleep when I was beyond stressed. A goal I set at the beginning of this year is to spread more good on social media. So I think I will link a conference talk at the end of each of my posts. Read it! This talk is one I listened to the other morning while I was getting ready. Elder Nelson is a stud.

That's all for now!

KTD

We went to Reno in...well honestly I don't remember when. Maybe October? So here are some photos from that trip! And just a few other shenanigans.

I can never think of a good title...

Summer time is fun. And hot. I can't decide if I like it or not! Just when I think I do, I walk outside and immediately start sweating and it's gross. I can only take off so many layers of clothing to cool off! I would say I'm having the time of my life working outside, but alas, I do such a good job inside that I have only worked outside about 3 times. Oh well. Gotta celebrate the little wins - like when I get to go outside to pick up the employee log for the day.

I tested with the Sandy Police Department! What a fun experience! I was really worried about the physical test, but I won't lie...I kicked it in the trash!! The oral interview was a good learning experience, and it was nice having my dad that could talk to the people I interviewed with to find out ways I could improve. I did good, but not quite good enough to move on to the next phase of testing. That's ok! I'm proud of how I did, and I'm excited to apply at other agencies now that I know I won't pee my pants when I have to jump 15 inches off the ground. (Among other bodily functions that happen when I exercise. That's enough.)

We tried a DELICIOUS new recipe. It was one that when I took a bite I said, "Wow Katie, you have outdone yourself!!" Oh nom nom. Bacon and cheese manicotti? Ok. If I have to.

Look at that cheesy deliciousness. And it is so easy!! Thank you Giada! (The recipe can be found HERE!

While I was waiting for the manicotti to bake, I cleaned my EVOO holders. (That would be EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL. Rachael Ray reference.) Rub a dub dub, EVOO holders in the tub! They were so cute in there.

When I just uploaded this pictures, I realized I didn't upload a few from our last trip to Disneyland. have a glance!

I think these are two of my favorite boys. Hyrum LOVES Phil!! They are two peas in a pod! And I think they ate half that bowl of grapes that night.

Selfie with Jessie!!

Lily's face...Classic.

Hyrum had a major creepy eye going on!! I wish this picture did it justice.

This is the precise moment their lives were forever scarred. 

These kids were too fun!!

We went to the David Cook concert on Saturday. Here's a fact about my relationship with my husband. I like to leave certain passions of mine out of our relationship until the last possible minute. I don't want to scare him off with how much I love certain things! For example, dogs. I. LOVE. DOGS. So much. The more dog kisses, the better! I read a book about dogs like I read the scriptures. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because the dog show is on. I mean...it's bad. Anyways. David Cook happens to be one of these obsessions of mine. I have loved him ever since he was on American Idol and sang "Always be my Baby." Youtube it. It will change your life, I promise. Who knew a Mariah Carey song could be so good!? I LOVE HIM!!! And apparently the fact that I knew the words to every song and what CD it was off of just made me an ultimate nerd! I just like to call myself a fan, but whatevs. I've been to three of his concerts now, and he never disappoints!

Can you say cutie patootie!? I can. Cutie patootie!!

 Dave, (Yes, we are on a nickname basis.) kept talking about "Archie" and how he needs to come entertain the crowd, and WA BAM!! Out comes David Archuleta and serenades us! Dave even sang backup! Seriously...it was a moment. I think I cried. Actually, I know I cried.

Look how cute they are together!! They should tour together. I've never really been a big Archuleta fan, but he actually really impressed me!! That kid can SING!! I don't think he has ever sung a bad note in his life. Very, very talented. I bet he prays before he sings. 

Funny story. The last David Cook concert I went to, I met President Uchtdorf. Yes. The Silver Fox. I was really torn because as I was waiting for President Uchtdorf, I was standing about 10 feet from cute David's dressing room door. I felt like Olaf on Frozen. "Just knock...knock...why isn't she knocking?" WHY WASN'T I KNOCKING!?! I asked the little security lady if I could, and she said, "Would you rather meet a Prophet of God, or a singer?" Really lady? You can't ask me that question when both are in the same area!! Not fair! I HIGHLY recommend everyone go to a David Cook concert. It might have been on of the best concerts I have been to! Some singers come to perform and they end up talking half the time! Which is great if you're funny like Dave Matthews or David Cook, (even though he didn't talk half the time) but I bought tickets to listen to the MUSIC!! SO PLAY IT!! And really sing. Don't lip sync. That's garbage. Why are you famous if you can't really sing? (COUGH..TAYLOR SWIFT...COUGH!!) Sorry. Sorry. I'm done. Rant over. David Cook is hot. Oh...did I just say that?

Look how cute we are? I love him. Even more than dogs and David Cook. I hope that makes him feel special. :)

That's all for now. Until next time.

-KTD-

You and Me, We's like Peas and Carrots

I just like when Phil says that to me in his Forest Gump voice. He is so dang cute! Tonight we went and got Arctic Circle shakes. They're out of peach. :( I guess raspberry will have to do!

I love my job! I started teaching swim lessons again and the kids are just hilarious! Since I got released from primary I have missed spending (a little bit) of quality time with littles. I have one little boy in one of my classes and I think I need to take him home with me! His name is Jay and he is 4. Jay can do everything because, "Katie, I'm 4, and I can do it myself because I'm brave." It's a motto I think I will start to live by. I can do anything, "because I'm brave." Then he wanted to back flips off my stomach. No big deal.

I am testing with my first police agency in two weeks! I'm kinda freaking out, but it will be fun! The physical test is not as hard as I thought it would be, but it never hurts to over-prepare. I'm trying to bulk up, and it's just not working! It's like eating is a chore! I don't want to eat all the tuna and chicken and protein bars I should eat, but...if I want to look like I might be able to hold my own out there, I better just suck it up and keep eating. Blah...

I'm finally getting summer time tan lines. Flip flop, swim suit, guard shorts, sunglasses. It is AWESOME.

We made chicken and teriyaki stir fry for dinner. I wish I would have taken a picture because it was absolutely beautiful! And healthy! Gotta love when veggies and chicken go on sale.

I think that's all my excitement for the week. I have just been working and trying to keep my grades up! Life is good folks.

-KTD-

I think I need a garden.

I love vegetables. And herbs. They are probably two of my most favorite things on this planet. But one thing I do not love about vegetables and herbs is their PRICE! I will go to the grocery store and just when I think I spent under my budget, the cashier will ring up all my produce. Ouch...

So I've decided that I need a garden! And it would not even have to be that full! My main requirements would be bell peppers, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, perhaps carrots, and I'll say it, tomatoes. For my herb garden I would want basil, cilantro and Italian parsley. I thought I would try growing herbs on my window sill, then I remembered we live in a basement where the sun only shines 10 minutes out of the day. So until we have a home, my garden dream will just have to wait.

On a happy note, I made my first ever homemade spaghetti sauce. Holy crap it was good! Roasted garlic, tomato and pepper sauce! It made the house smell like heaven and...bonus...it was healthy! All vegetables blended up and served over whole wheat pasta? Ok, if I have to. I gotta give props to Rachael Ray. I feel like we are pasta sisters. The recipe can be found here! It sounds kind of intimidating at first, but it actually was really easy, so don't be scared. Trust me. Try new things.

A few other random thoughts.

*I took the entrance exam for the police academy! Is this real life!? I might actually really be a cop one day! I am slightly concerned for the physical test. I am a tad bit short on my verticle jump! So I've been gettin' my legs swol. No failure here!!

*Can you believe this weather!? I LOVE IT!! I've never been a HUGE fan of summer. I enjoy aspects of it, but in the end when it's hot outside you can only take off so many layers of clothes!

*I miss my Indian kids. And the teens. And YMAD. And Lisa, Tracey, Raj, Natalie, Tim, Chad, Daniel...EVERYONE! I just miss it all. Including eating messy dumplings.

*I have forgotten how hard it is being a full time student. I haven't been full time in almost two years! I feel like all my classes end up mushing together and my brain gets confused. Luckily 3 of them are criminal justice classes so it's ok if the information mushes. But I love going to school! Yay!

That is all for now! (At least I posted sooner than 3 months later, right??)

-KTD-

The most pucking awesome time of the year!

I know what you're thinking.."This will be the only blog post for another 6 months until she decides to blog again." False, I am going to try and keep this up. Hopefully once a week. It's a goal to work towards.

I love this time of year for multiple reasons.

*SUMMER IS HERE!! I love summer. Not as much as winter, but I love it! Sometimes I wonder why I am 21 and still work at a swimming pool. But then summer comes around and I remember. I get to sit in a chair in the sun for hours a day! AND GET PAID FOR IT! I love love love summer at the outdoor pool. Now...I've yet to actually work a shift out there this year, but I am sure once it comes it will be great!

*School is out! But I really can't say much considering I am going full time this semester. It's lovely having a husband who now has a full time job and can pay for my education. Love you dear!

*Hockey. Folks, it is the STANLEY CUP FINALS. As I type this, I am hoping that the LA Kings take home The Cup tonight. And by The Cup, I mean Lord Stanley's Cup. No whiners, no stopping for minutes at a time, just pure live action!! Thank you dad for teaching me the value of hockey. It is up there with faith, hope, charity, etc. 

There are more reasons, such as Arctic Circle shakes (always peach), birds singing in the morning, flip flop tan lines, sleeping with the windows open, wearing shorts, and BBQs. If I don't stop now, this entire post will be about the things I love about summer. Which isn't bad, but it might get a little boring.

So I went to India! As I sat on the last flight before we landed in Delhi, I thought to myself, "Why the h*** am I putting myself through this again?!" That plane ride is awful. It didn't matter how many times I told myself "oh it won't be that bad!" It truly was awful. My feet were swollen, I was tired, stinky, sore, and hungry for a salad. But as soon as we got on the bus to up to our village I remembered why I was there. The smells, the sights, the sounds. It's just beautiful India! While we were driving, one of our leaders said, "Do you remember this Katie!?" Oh did I remember. I love it! The kids we worked with were as beautiful as ever. Full of love, kindness, and a sliver of evil as they would laugh when you couldn't hike the trails like they could, or when you tried to say something in Hindi that never came out like it was supposed to. I love those little stinkers. 

 Godavari and Urmrilla. I love them. They could have snuck home in my suitcase and I wouldn't have been the least bit upset. 

 They were so sassy I couldn't handle it. This was not an uncommon face.

Dimple. He wasn't a real student in our school, but he would come by every day and play games with us. His smile needs to be put on a poster and displayed for all the world to see. He would bring peace to all nations!

 We did finger nails and made duck faces. They're practically American!

I cannot wait for the opportunity I have to go back. This trip was amazing. It was very rewarding being in a different position than I was the first time I went. I was able to watch our teens fall in love with these kids! Those teens should all win awards. They were positive and hardworking the whole entire trip. I feel bad I wasn't able to get to know them better, but I loved watching them interact with the children in India. 

Not a bad looking group!

A few fun highlights. Seeing the Taj Majal. Riding elephants at the Amber Fort. And freaking playing with little Indian children! Namaste!

Can I go back now?? 

Sorry for the long blog post. But I just have so much to talk about! A week after I went to India, I came home, aced my art final, and then went to Disneyland! By the way, I think I am the first YMAD intern to get straight A's the semester I went to India. Just saying. :) Anyways! Disneyland! We went with my brother and his cute family. Phil and I LOVE Disneyland. Corn dogs, dole whip, peanut butter sandwiches, Splash Mountain, New Orleans Square, oh the list goes on! Sadly for Phil, Pirates of the Caribbean was closed. Don't bring it up to him. He was almost in tears. But we still had tons of fun! 

Being with kids at Disneyland was awesome! My niece Lily really loved the characters! She needed to get everyone's autograph in her book and didn't mind pictures with them. Jack on the other hand...he needed some persuading to get his picture taken. Usually a nice big Disneyland lollipop did the trick! We also went to the beach. It was my first time ever!! It was lovely. Until I got home and understood the extent of my mistake to not wear sunscreen for 4 hours while I laid in the sun. The pain was just a reminder why we wear sunscreen! (And I'm sure the skin cancer I just gave myself will also remind me of the importance of sunscreen.) 

 Can this kid please not be so cute!? 

That should be enough for now. I have a hockey game to watch. Until next time!

-KTD-

Setting Goals

I feel like I repeat myself over and over on my blog. I WILL BE BETTER!! It's true though. I set a New Year's Resolution to better document my life - whether that be in a journal or on my blog! Let's start with a few thoughts I have had lately.

*The Olympics. My favorite two weeks every two years. I watch them and I am just amazed by what humans can do!! We sure are amazing creations!! The ski jumping really gets me! Those people FLY!!! And the new slope-style snowboarding is SO RAD! My favorite event has always been the skeleton. Phil told me he would sign me up for skeleton lessons at the Olympic park in Park City! I cannot begin to express what a dream come true this is!! I have wanted to try the skeleton since they introduced it in the Salt Lake Olympics! I'm almost in tears as I write this. Seriously.

*On the topic of the Olympics. Bob Costas is the bomb, and I feel bad that his eyes look like he has had a little too much "fun" up there in Sochi.

*So I go to India in two months. TWO MONTHS. I almost can't handle my excitement! The 48 hours of traveling, germs, dirt, no showers, freaking stupid curry, no toilet paper, no cellphone, boogers, bottled water, no sleep, another 48 hours back. Who wouldn't be excited!? I also get to see the most amazing children on the face of this planet. I am very excited to breathe in that sweet...dirty...Indian air, and wrap my arms around the children who change our lives just as much as we change theirs. Boom.

*I'm up to about 30 man push-ups...on a good day.

*I'm reading "The Book Thief." Sometimes it just feels good to find a book that you cannot put down! Speaking of books, if any of you readers out there have recommendations for books I could read for my 48 hours of travel to India, please comment below! I'm looking for good ones!

*ha, 48 hours to India. Like a crime scene investigation!

*For one of my classes we have to volunteer with special needs people. I have been volunteering at Westvale Elementary in their resource department. WHY MUST I FALL IN LOVE WITH THOSE CHILDREN!?! They are simply wonderful, and so funny! One little boy walked in the other day and said, "Oh it's HER!!!" It made me laugh really hard. They have such special little spirits that I cannot seem to get enough of.

*TWO KOREANS JUST CRASHED TOGETHER ON SPEED SKATING. If I were them...I would take refuge in Russia...

Ok, onto bigger and better things. A RECIPE!! This week we tried Bruschetta Chicken and boy was it scrumptious! You can find the recipe here - http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/04/bruschetta-chicken/ 

I gotta say...I HATE tomatoes, and I was actually willing to eat this recipe! In fact, we are making it for dinner this Sunday. The best part is the baguette with the melted butter...HOLLLLYYYY CRRRAAAAPPPPP. So good. ANNNNNDDDD....it's super good for you!! So BONUS!! Sorry for my lack of photos. I'll work on that too. :)

All is well at the Dunn's! Until next time!

-KTD

TWO RECIPES!

Hooray for my first post in my new blog! My cooking adventures are off to a great start!

Recipe number 1 - Oven-Fried Chimichangas!
NOM NOM NOM!! That is all I can say about this one! These are very easy to make, and actually pretty healthy! The recipe is really easy!

Mix together 1.5 cups cooked, shredded chicken (I just cooked some breasts in a pan with salt, pepper and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil, and shredded those up!) with 2/3 cup picante salsa, 1 tsp. ground cumin, 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and some green onions (about a 1/4 a cup.) Notice my fine mixing skills below. I also threw in some salt and pepper for taste.

This may blow your mind, but you can TASTE YOUR FOOD WHILE YOU MAKE IT! I took a bite of the mixture and thought it needed a little something more, so I added the S and P! Perfect! It's a standard I live by. Try before you buy. Or...try before you bake...

Next, you put some of the mixture on a flour tortilla. I used whole-wheat to up the nutrition factor. Fold the opposite sides over, and then roll up from the bottom and place seam-down on a baking sheet.

Brush with some melted margarine, and bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

I served ours up with more green onion, salsa, guacamole, cheese, and romaine lettuce. DELISH! They had a nice crunch to them which I really liked. I think Phil ate three!! They would be a really easy dish to double or even triple to make for a big group of people. Yummers!

The next recipe. Tomato Tortellini Soup

Mmmmm....this one warmed my soul right up. And again, it was very easy! I am always up for a one-pot wonder!

Ingredients

1 package (9 oz.) cheese tortellini. I get the kind from the frozen section. It is about 5 bucks cheaper than the refrigerated kind.

2 cans reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup (CAMPBELLS!)

2 cups vegetable broth (I just bought one large can, wasn't exactly two cups, but it did the job.)

2 cups milk (1 or 2%)

2 cups half-and-half cream

1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook the tortellini and drain it. How do you know if tortellini is done? It floats to the top of course! Don't over do it! Or it will get gross and fall apart.

Combine the soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. I added extra of every single seasoning. Again, TASTE AS YOU GO! To me, it still tasted "canned-soupy," so I added more of everything to get rid of the taste. I also added a pinch of pepper. Bring it to a slow boil, stirring frequently. CAREFULLY, and I mean carefully add the tortellini. Don't let it splash up and cause third degree burns. Owchie! Then stir in the cheese. When you serve it, sprinkle some more parm over the top. 

Oh this one was definitely my favorite of the week. I served it a nice sourdough bread and it was just scrumptious! I wish I would have taken a picture of it with the cheese on top, because it was just so pretty! 

Coming up next week - Lemon Dill Chicken! Stay tuned!! 

-KTD-