Snow and Such

When I decided to begin this blog as part of my New Years Resolutions, I didn't want to commit to posting every day or every week or whatever because I wasn't sure how this was going to work.  Now, I am glad I didn't commit to that because obviously I would be a major failure already. 

Tonight, I don't feel like being significantly deep or thought-provoking so here are just a few random happenings from life lately:

The winter storm that hit the nation this week definitely did not miss Columbia.  Apparently, Columbia does not get snow very often.  If I remember correctly, before last year, there hadn't been snow for 13 years, but since I've been here its an annual occurrence. Here is the view outside my bedroom window Monday morning:

 I think we wound up getting about 4 inches.  The city pretty much shut down on Monday.  I haven't had to go to work yet this week, and my one class of the semester was canceled on Tuesday.  So, have had a lazy few days.  I did manage to get to the gym to run yesterday and did a little cooking today (more on that shortly).

Along with the fun, excitement and beauty of snow comes icy roads and dangerous driving conditions.  All the Columbia news stations kept reporting how many collisions the Highway Patrol was responding to. The number seemed to increase my hundreds every hour.  Unfortunately, last night, one of my friends became a victim to the slick streets:

Thankfully, he is ok just a little sore from the impact.  Last night, for the first time in a while, I was extremely thankful to God to be able to give back to someone, to be there to help someone when they really needed me.  Thankful for the privilege of being a friend.

Since I was going a stir crazy from being in the house so long, I decided to be a little domestic.  For dinner, I cooked chili in the crockpot from a recipe I found on the Food Network.  The chili actually turned out really good.  The cheddar bowls that the chili was supposed to go in - not so much.  I followed the recipe, but they came out so little.  I would've only been able to fit two spoonfuls in each bowl.  Needless to say, we ate out of regular bowls instead. Overall, dinner was a success.  Try it out. 

While the chili was cooking, I did a little baking.  I can't remember the first time I had Holiday Pretzel Treats, but I'm sure they were something Mom made for us one Christmas.  When I got older and started helping with the holiday baking (last year), I realized how easy they are to make.  Because of this, I'm quite confident their assembly will be an annual event.  This year, I decided to make some for my kids at school.  It was a huge success, so much so that they continually ask if I have made anymore.  Tomorrow will be their lucky day.  Don't they look so fun!

Speaking of my kids at school, I haven't seen them in four whole days.  I think I'm going through withdrawal.  Here are a few pictures to celebrate me going back to work tomorrow!

Gucci

My sweet team sweatsuit!!

Eric - my point guard. 2011 Region 2A Player of the Year. Committed to Presbyterian College.

2011 Taco Bell Holiday Classic Champions

Did I mention they are defending state champions as well?!

I think that is enough ramblings for tonight.  I'm not really enjoying the look of this blog so watch out for changes soon.  And I've been listening to some great new music lately that I need to share.