Changes & Travel*

Egads! I really am the worst blogger. Every time I do a new post, I tell myself "ok, I'm going to write more." And then it never really happens.

But in fairness, this past week has been all kinds of a roller coaster. As previously mentioned, I quit my job a couple of weeks back. Last Friday was my last day. All in all, it was a very bittersweet ending. The company I worked for, I truly LOVED. I loved what we did, I loved the people we served [military soldiers & their families] and I loved what I did. But there was one factor that made my work life non-tolerable & enough was enough. I didn't want to leave, but felt I had no further choice. With that said, I am on a two week hiatus, and really & truly am excited about what's to come with my new job! I think it's a great it, and while it will be challenging for me [WAY smaller company, smaller budget, different tasks, a more rigid work schedule vs come in whenever you feel like - which is what I had for three years! -- etc.] I'm happy about the choice I made. And my true friends, I'll still see them!

In the mean time, I am enjoying my two weeks off. Prior to taking my new job, I had a pre-planned trip to Seattle for various activities [wedding of a parent, wedding of a friend, birth of best friends first baby] so I was very appreciative that they are letting me start when they get back. It's nice having some time to breath. And relax.

And you know, just sort of be lazy in general. Lazy is awesome.

As far as Seattle, I am SO LOOKING FORWARD to being back in the Northwest. I need to recharge. I need to feel a little more like myself again. Seattle just does that for me. My goal is to relax, but I'm sure I will overbook myself as usual. I am looking forward to seeing some friends that I haven't seen in a while, but I am primarily looking forward to just being in an environment that feels like me. The South has never really been my cup of tea, but I tolerate it because, well ... don't really have a choice! The Northwest speaks to my soul! CHEESY! So cheesy. But I only speak the truth!

So my 10 days in the NW will be glorious! The sun! The mountains! The ocean! THE 70 DEGREE WEATHER WITH A LOW OF 50 AT NIGHT! That alone is worth it! [Seriously ... this 100 degree shit has GOT TO STOP.]

First Ultrasound*

I failed to mention a couple of weeks ago that I had my first ultrasound. And if I was motivated at all, I would have scanned a photo of the little bean to post. But honestly, it doesn't look like much :)

I had my first ulstrasound at 7w6d. We were placed in a room with three other ultrasound machines. All were confirmation ultrasounds. All were before us. While my husband was bouncing on the chair with excitement, I was holding back tears and trying not to cry. All i could think of was that something was wrong. We heard three other couples receive good news. We heard three other sets of heartbeats before Dr. P got to our area. And the whole time, I wanted to cry.

I wish every day that my past miscarriage didn't have such an effect on me. But all that was going through my head was that I needed to prepare myself for the worst. I didn't want to go into the ultrasound happy & elated because I didn't want to get my hopes up.

But fortunately ... everything went well. :) I saw the heartbeat on the screen before Dr. P could mention it and instantly burst into tears. It was so fast! The baby was measuring just two days behind where I was, and Dr. P reassured me this was perfectly normal. Heart beat was 162! So strong! All in all, everything looked perfect and Dr. P let me "graduate" to a normal OB.

I'm 9w2d now, so obviously a little late on this update. But so far, everything is going well!

PF Chang Style Lettuce Wraps*

If you've ever been to a PF Changs, you know how freaking awesome their lettuce wraps are. I don't think I've ever been and NOT gotten the lettuce wraps.

Seriously. You are missing out if you have never had them before. So go. RUN to your nearest PF Changs and order up some.

OR .... you can make your own. This recipe was so simple to follow, despite the large ingredients list. It took me less than 30 minutes to cook, from start to finish. There definitely is enough for 2-3 people and we had no leftovers due to my husband chowing down on every last little bit.

I definitely recommend making this as soon as possible. It's extremely tasty! Nom!

Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
1lb ground chicken breast
1/2 medium onion, minced
salt & pepper, a dash of each
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 inch gnob fresh ginger, peeled & minced
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
2 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 Tablespoon water
1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/2 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more if you like it hotter)
dash of fresh pepper
3 green onions, chopped
1/2-8oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained & chopped
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
10-12 large outer lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Directions:
1. Heat a large, non-stick skillet on high. Add chicken, onion, salt & pepper, and cook until chicken is nearly done, stirring often to break up the meat. Add in minced garlic and ginger, and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, water, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce and pepper. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add into the skillet and stir to combine.

3. Add green onion and water chestnuts into the skillet then cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are soft and the water chestnuts are heated through.
4. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, and serve with cold lettuce leaves