Another Day at the Coast

I feel like we've been spending a lot of time on the coast lately, but it's been such a great way to get out of the Willamette Valley. We've been looking at wet suits for ourselves and also some beginner foam boards. We've found a great company out of California, Degree 33, and their associates have been walking us through the process. Since our surf lessons, we are anxious to get back out in the water soon. We are looking into fully committing to selections after the spring of 2020.

Jalapeno Poppers

I can't cook. Anyone that's around me for longer than three months knows this. I do try, but I honestly can't stand cooking, so me sharing a recipe is a huge deal. Plus, I'm a picky eater, so the things I eat, that I've cooked are rare. Some of it is a failure, but I am getting better with knowing what I can and can't cook. Here's one of the things I actually enjoy making and cooking. And, plus side, they are easy to do.

Jalapeno Poppers

What you'll need:

1. 20-30 jalapeno/poblano/Anaheim peppers (seeded and cut lengthwise) **use gloves for this**
2. 3-4 (8oz) blocks of cream cheese (room temperature)
3. 1 tablespoon of onion powder
4. 1 teaspoon of pepper
5. 1 teaspoon of salt (to taste)
6. 1 tablespoon of jalapeno juice (this adds some additional spice to the mix)
7. 2-3 jalapeno seeds (if you want it spicier)

Mix together in a bowl and fill each jalapeno shell. Be sure to overfill to your desired amount. Bake for 20-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven, or until the tops are browned. 

*Additionally, you can add bacon bits on top, or shredded cheese in the last two minutes of baking

We Took Surf Lessons

Yep. Just as the title says, we took surfing lessons and let me tell you, you loved it! We have always wanted to take lessons just to see what it's like. We went through a surf shop in Lincoln City and our instructor was amazing. He's name was Declan and he is a world class surfer, so he knew a thing or two. He taught us the basics, how to avoid ocean currents, how to balance, popups, riding small and large waves, and pretty much everything we needed to know to begin. He stayed with us for about three hours making sure we had down the basics to surfing and then allowed us the boards and suits for the remainder of the day, which was about six hours more. We just couldn't get enough of it. Skylar got up on his board about three times and rode in some waves straight away. Jeff and I took some time getting our balance, but once you get up once, it's really a lot easier than you think. We have never had so much fun in the Pacific Ocean before and it is definitely something we will continue doing.

Five Simple Things (January 3)

 Hello.

Wow, new year, new you, right? Well, let's hope so. Making changes for the better in 2020, is where my mind is. Here's to a good, fresh start. Well, I say that every year, but as I get older it seems to ring true. I like to reflect on things I didn't get right in the year before and focus on good changes in the new year. Hope your new year went well, though. Ours was low key, as always, and we like it that way. We used to have friends over or head over to someone else's house. Sit and kind of be miserable to some degree, especially gathers we didn't want to attend. We've all been there. But, the last several years, the low key holidays have really been nice. Not stressing over food, or who's coming, or who will be pleased or unpleased. I prefer quiet anyway, because I have PTSD and noise, especially a lot of noise affects me. The quietness of the holidays and the slow of it all, has helped a great deal. Looking forward to spring, though, for sure and here are five things from this past week.

1. Car Wash.

My car is black and with the winter weather, it was covered in road grit, lava rock dust, and even random bits of mud in places. Running it through the automatic car wash here is fun. They have disco-type lights and colored foam, and even as an adult, I find enjoyment in it.

2. College Life.

Still going strong with college classes. Looking forward to a much-needed break, though. Love having a routine, and it helps keep me from having low days with my mental health issues and anxiety, so it's a win win. I'm not really that open about "selfies," but some days I'm just feeling good and want to record that day, if not for anyone, but myself. This was a good day.

3. Canadian Geese.

This time of year brings more and more Canadian geese around and they seem to only run on flocks of about 10+. A lot of people hate them and the seagulls because they are everywhere, which means they make messes everywhere. I actually like them, but I am more partial to animals than I am people, so it makes sense. This flock was seen in Eugene, when we went there to pick up a part for our bicycles. They stood perfectly still while I shot the picture, too. They wanted to be shown off, I think.

4. These Bracelets. 

I've been slowly adding to my bracelet collection. These two are the newest ones. Rose gold circlet that reminds me that I am loved by my tribe, and "Breathe" to remind me to breathe during times my anxiety is getting heavy. With a panic attack it's hard to breathe a lot of times and you end up holding your breath thinking it will help. It doesn't help, it only makes it worse, so a gently reminder on my wrist helps.

5. Eleven.

We bought a few new blankets for the cold nights here in Oregon and Eleven and Hardy have taken upon themselves to "break" them in for us. She's such a good cat, though, so I don't mind one bit.

Have a nice weekend.