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KCJ

Happy New Year!

It has been a minute since I've posted something on the blog.  But, I'm back now and I just want to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Although only 10 days into 2012, it has been great thus far. 

KCJ

23

My birthday is officially 6 days away and I will be 23 years old!  Sometimes I can't believe how fast time flies.  So, I wanted to blog briefly about what turning 23 means to me.

23 Means:
- Finally catching up to my friends in age
- Only 17 more years until I'm 40 *gahh*
- Two more years until I can rent a car without paying an extra fee
- Three more years until I have to get my own health insurance
- Graduating with a master's in Social Work
- No longer being in school
- Potentially becoming a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps
- Taking in all the world has to offer

To the future *cheers*

KCJ

Oh the Waittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not the most patient person.  Now, that's not for everything.  When it comes to my work and schooling I can be pretty patient (I mean, to be a social worker patience is a virtue).  However, for things like WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THE PEACE CORPS is wracking my brain!  I have officially reached the 99.9% positivity of joining the Peace Corps...if they accept me that is.  I just don't like waiting because the longer I have to wait the more I feel like they're tearing my application into tiny little pieces.  Oh well, what can I do but to just

breathe....

KCJ

Books, Books, and more Books!

Something people should know about me...I love to read! Last year I decided that I wouldn't let my school work hinder my chances to free read. I like all kinds of books and here are 10 good reads (although there are more):

1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
2. Still Alice by Lisa Genova
3. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
4. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
5. Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
6. The Sun also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
7. What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell
8. An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison
9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
10. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

Read until you're tired!

KCJ

The Older You Get...

This being my last year in social work school, I have had to think about what kind of work I want to do after I graduate.  I have always worked with kids and I love it, but I wanted to go to the opposite end of the spectrum and work with older adults (afterall, we are all getting older with each passing year).  For one, they can be hilarious.  Two, they are full of wisdom.  And three, they tell the best stories.  This year I am working with older adults and after my home visit today I am feeling pretty optimistic about this possible career change!!

As Rose from "The Golden Girls" said, "the older you get the better you get...unless you're a banana!"

KCJ

A Recipe for You!

In an effort to lose 20 pounds I have been trying out new and healthier recipes! I originally found it on Food Network's website, but this is my modified version to cut even more fat and calories!

Cajun Shrimp and Rice
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 lemon, squeezed
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and cut into pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
2 roma tomatoes diced and seeded
1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
1/4 cup water
3 cups cooked Jasmine rice

Best to cook Jasmine rice first.
Heat butter, olive oil, garlic, and onion in medium/large skillet. Add the cajun seasoning and shrimp and cook until shrimp start to turn pink (1-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes and lemon juice to the skillet and cook, stirring about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked rice and 1/4 cup water and continue to cook until the rice is warmed through and the shrimp are opaque (3-4 more minutes).  Serves 4 people.

Bon appetit!

KCJ

* pictures from 21food.com and thereformedbroker.com