With the future misses out of the town, the kitchen was all mine on Tuesday night. After a quick run to the store to pick-up the necessaries, I was ready to go where I have gone before: Wiley Joseph Goulash
Ingredients
2 1/4 uncooked rice
1 pound bag of frozen broccoli
1 pound of thawed chicken
1 can of Great Northern beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
2 cans of whole kernel corn
1 can of cream of potato soup (cream of mushroom is a substitute)
Pinch of garlic-optional (if you like garlic, add 2 or 3 pinches)
Hint of chicken chop seasoning
3 drops of grey poupon mustard
2 dabs of Italian dressing
5 squirts of soy sauce
In a pot, (2nd biggest in the kitchen) cook up the rice to the directions on the bag. Process should take around 30 minutes.
In a separate pot, (3 biggest in the kitchen) cook the broccoli as to the directions on its bag. About 15 minutes
In big pot, (biggest one you have), combine all the soups, beans, corn and seasonings. I put a half cup of water into the potato soup can to give the conglomeration a little moisture.
After rice and broccoli finish cooking, add those into the pot with the conglomeration.
In a grill pan, cook up the chicken on medium heat. Flip the chicken a few times. After halfway through cooking, dice the chicken into bite size pieces. After chicken is cooked through, add it to the rest of the ingredients.
Put the goulash on the stove at a shade under medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Mix well during this time.
Serve hot!
Total prep time: About an hour.
Serves 4-8.
Costs around $10.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Egypt experience
I have been reading through the Old Testament for the past two years. I started reading when my small group in Wilmore read through Joshua and I just kept going. So far, I have read 28 of the 39 books.
I am not writing to portray how much I can read of the Bible, but instead what I have taken away from reading. I have been reminded throughout how much Egypt keeps being brought up. The Israelites were led out of Egypt/slavery by God into the land flowing with milk and honey. At times during their trip, the Israelites complained and wanted to go back to Egypt! How often do I see a comparison in my life. So many times I see myself wanting to return to the "Egypt experience" in my life.
As a Christian, I know that God has lead me to where he wants me to be and provided all the necessary things I need to be satisfied. I don't need to be in Egypt to be happy.
I am not writing to portray how much I can read of the Bible, but instead what I have taken away from reading. I have been reminded throughout how much Egypt keeps being brought up. The Israelites were led out of Egypt/slavery by God into the land flowing with milk and honey. At times during their trip, the Israelites complained and wanted to go back to Egypt! How often do I see a comparison in my life. So many times I see myself wanting to return to the "Egypt experience" in my life.
As a Christian, I know that God has lead me to where he wants me to be and provided all the necessary things I need to be satisfied. I don't need to be in Egypt to be happy.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Food City 500 campground
My annual trip down to Bristol, Tenneessee for the Food City 500. It was 13th down to Thunder Valley USA and the trip gets better every year.
I went with family in the 90's but began asking friends to join me and my father. I am always interested to see someone attend their first race and hear their expressions of the race after the smell of the fuel and tires has settled.
In August 2008, I caught the sign of a campground that provides a family-friendly experience without a bunch of booze and drugs. I called and made a reservation for the spring of '09. I got my group together and had a great time. So much so, that I decided to do it again this year.
Eight of the thirteen decided to return with me, leaving five making the trip to Peaceful Valley for the first time. My friend Jeremy allowed us to take him and his 20 by 12 foot canopy tent. It is a massive structure for a small campsite.
We finally got down to the campground on Saturday afternoon after making stops at Wade's Corvair parts, Wal-Mart, Hardees, Chick Fila, and a Sunoco for gas.
Barry led us to section 'G' of the campground and we secured a similar spot to last year, which is fairly close to the church building containing food and restrooms. I asked one in the group to document the trip which he was glad to do with the help from his school's media department.
We ran into a minor burn victim situation last year so fire repelant was on hand this year. The grills fired up and cooked up the burgers and dogs. Fixins made it all very tasty. The sun went down and time passed by.
Countless interviews took place to give the consensus view and the night was fairly young. The camp had a quartet sing for about an hour. NCAA basketball followed on the big projection in the gym.
I only awoke two or three times due to snoring and snoring outside the tent. I used the compressed chest and mouth technique to quell the Gnasty's snoring and a rattle the tent cage technique for those outside. Somewhat effective.
The sun arose around 7:30 and it was time to do the necessary camp morning routine of raising the flag and racing to the mess hall. I opted for a bagel with strawberry cream cheese, made by my lovely fiance, and some cereal to compliment my grapes, orange, and apple.
The camp provided a church service at 9 and a minister from Racing Outreach. He shared a powerful messsage. The prayer requests were read aloud and one mentioned the hope that the health care reform would not pass. However, about 12 hours later, it did just that.
At 11, it was time to buy the tickets. My favorite time of the day. A lady drove up in a white Mercedes with tickets flaling out the passenger window. She said $5! Then the driver said $25 each with three total. I pulled out $15 and put it in her lap and took the tickets. She was driving away from the track so I didn't worry too much. She probably would have taken a lot less.
The next 10 tickets came at an average of $16 a piece so we all got in for good and cheap.
The lunch brought about a polish off of most of the remaining food and with the start of the race coming at 1:15 P.M. Overcast skies led to intermittent rain throughout the day but never stopped the race.
Pit road speeding, a big wreck caused by a faulty radio, and the same ole winner winning again took the headlines.
Bristol in the Fall? We'll see!
I went with family in the 90's but began asking friends to join me and my father. I am always interested to see someone attend their first race and hear their expressions of the race after the smell of the fuel and tires has settled.
In August 2008, I caught the sign of a campground that provides a family-friendly experience without a bunch of booze and drugs. I called and made a reservation for the spring of '09. I got my group together and had a great time. So much so, that I decided to do it again this year.
Eight of the thirteen decided to return with me, leaving five making the trip to Peaceful Valley for the first time. My friend Jeremy allowed us to take him and his 20 by 12 foot canopy tent. It is a massive structure for a small campsite.
We finally got down to the campground on Saturday afternoon after making stops at Wade's Corvair parts, Wal-Mart, Hardees, Chick Fila, and a Sunoco for gas.
Barry led us to section 'G' of the campground and we secured a similar spot to last year, which is fairly close to the church building containing food and restrooms. I asked one in the group to document the trip which he was glad to do with the help from his school's media department.
We ran into a minor burn victim situation last year so fire repelant was on hand this year. The grills fired up and cooked up the burgers and dogs. Fixins made it all very tasty. The sun went down and time passed by.
Countless interviews took place to give the consensus view and the night was fairly young. The camp had a quartet sing for about an hour. NCAA basketball followed on the big projection in the gym.
I only awoke two or three times due to snoring and snoring outside the tent. I used the compressed chest and mouth technique to quell the Gnasty's snoring and a rattle the tent cage technique for those outside. Somewhat effective.
The sun arose around 7:30 and it was time to do the necessary camp morning routine of raising the flag and racing to the mess hall. I opted for a bagel with strawberry cream cheese, made by my lovely fiance, and some cereal to compliment my grapes, orange, and apple.
The camp provided a church service at 9 and a minister from Racing Outreach. He shared a powerful messsage. The prayer requests were read aloud and one mentioned the hope that the health care reform would not pass. However, about 12 hours later, it did just that.
At 11, it was time to buy the tickets. My favorite time of the day. A lady drove up in a white Mercedes with tickets flaling out the passenger window. She said $5! Then the driver said $25 each with three total. I pulled out $15 and put it in her lap and took the tickets. She was driving away from the track so I didn't worry too much. She probably would have taken a lot less.
The next 10 tickets came at an average of $16 a piece so we all got in for good and cheap.
The lunch brought about a polish off of most of the remaining food and with the start of the race coming at 1:15 P.M. Overcast skies led to intermittent rain throughout the day but never stopped the race.
Pit road speeding, a big wreck caused by a faulty radio, and the same ole winner winning again took the headlines.
Bristol in the Fall? We'll see!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Six games in, .500 in the spring
Even though I only read Mark Sheldon tweets, the Reds box scores, and a trusty source, I could sense the tension for Joey Votto as he took an 0 for 9 skid into his game yesterday against the Brew Crew. Joey was swinging the bat but just not getting the hits to drop.
Until yesterday. He drove a ball off of Chris Capuano to break a 1-1 tie and propel the Reds to their third win of the spring.
The irony of baseball allowed for Jared Burton to come in in the fifth inning and blow the save, then pick up the win all in one inning of work. Burton is still trying to prove to the staff that he belongs in the pen and can be a set-up for Masset or Rhodes on their way to Cordero.
The Reds got smoked by the D-backs on Tuesday, but battled back with a win on Wednesday against the Angels.
Until yesterday. He drove a ball off of Chris Capuano to break a 1-1 tie and propel the Reds to their third win of the spring.
The irony of baseball allowed for Jared Burton to come in in the fifth inning and blow the save, then pick up the win all in one inning of work. Burton is still trying to prove to the staff that he belongs in the pen and can be a set-up for Masset or Rhodes on their way to Cordero.
The Reds got smoked by the D-backs on Tuesday, but battled back with a win on Wednesday against the Angels.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Chapman impressed in debut
Aroldis Chapman saw the mound for the first time as a Red in game situations on Monday afternoon. He gave a hit and a walk, but settled in to strikeout three in two innings of work.
What caught my eye was the 100 MPH fastball that was clocked on one of the radar guns. Coming from a tall left-handed pitcher, the batters have less time to react to this than the typical right-hand hurler or even Milton-esque speed.
The Reds offense also showed up in charge for the first time this spring by pounding out 13 hits and 14 runs.
Votto is still looking for his first hit in Goodyear but that is one of the beauties of spring training, stats don't matter. It's all about getting ready for opening day.
My tickets arrived yesterday so I am all set!
What caught my eye was the 100 MPH fastball that was clocked on one of the radar guns. Coming from a tall left-handed pitcher, the batters have less time to react to this than the typical right-hand hurler or even Milton-esque speed.
The Reds offense also showed up in charge for the first time this spring by pounding out 13 hits and 14 runs.
Votto is still looking for his first hit in Goodyear but that is one of the beauties of spring training, stats don't matter. It's all about getting ready for opening day.
My tickets arrived yesterday so I am all set!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March 3rd or February 31st depending on how you look at it
With Wednesday here on the ranch, we sit only two days away from the spring training opener of the year against Cleveland. Mike Lincoln is going to get the ball for the boys as he tries to win the fifth spot in the rotation.
I am not sure of Mike's stuff, but 2010 is a new season and he may be one of the surprises coming out of Goodyear, along with Dickerson and Heisey. Dickerson and Heisey both have legitimate opportunities to start in the outfield this year for the Reds. Even though Heisey hasn't played in the show yet, he will. Give it time. And Dickerson had the gumption last week to claim center field an open race, not just settling into Stubbs.
The game will be on Fox Sports Ohio at 3 P.M. Hopefully the DVR will do its job and give me a look at this year's team. I do want to take a moment to remember George Grande in the booth. Grande retired last year and will be filling his time at the pond fishing and with loved ones. Hey, how 'bout that! I liked Grande and felt he brought a little something to the broadcast. He will be missed.
Chapman is slated to throw in a intra-squad scrimmage tomorrow and many heads will be watching his outing. He will throw 25-30 pitches against some hungry, yet rusty hitters as they prepare for Friday. The matchup I would love to see would be Votto stepping into the box against Chapman. Joey would go to left field with his double and leave the Cuban shaking his head!
59 are on the roster as of today. Do some push-ups and sit-ups guys, only 33 days til Opening Day!
I am not sure of Mike's stuff, but 2010 is a new season and he may be one of the surprises coming out of Goodyear, along with Dickerson and Heisey. Dickerson and Heisey both have legitimate opportunities to start in the outfield this year for the Reds. Even though Heisey hasn't played in the show yet, he will. Give it time. And Dickerson had the gumption last week to claim center field an open race, not just settling into Stubbs.
The game will be on Fox Sports Ohio at 3 P.M. Hopefully the DVR will do its job and give me a look at this year's team. I do want to take a moment to remember George Grande in the booth. Grande retired last year and will be filling his time at the pond fishing and with loved ones. Hey, how 'bout that! I liked Grande and felt he brought a little something to the broadcast. He will be missed.
Chapman is slated to throw in a intra-squad scrimmage tomorrow and many heads will be watching his outing. He will throw 25-30 pitches against some hungry, yet rusty hitters as they prepare for Friday. The matchup I would love to see would be Votto stepping into the box against Chapman. Joey would go to left field with his double and leave the Cuban shaking his head!
59 are on the roster as of today. Do some push-ups and sit-ups guys, only 33 days til Opening Day!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Buying with the big boys?
I always like to see the challenge as a lesson in perspective. Do the patrons selling the tickets want to get stuck with the tickets they have and not get any money back for their paid-in investment?
Or would they rather "eat the ticket" than sell it to some obnoxious foozball from Kentucky?
Point #1 No price is ever too small to buy a ticket. The money for the seller is still green so don't feel ashamed for offering someone to pay you to take the ticket off there hands. My father actually had a guy pay him to take UK football tickets off his hands back in the Billy Curry days! Buy some hot chocolate he said!
Point #2 In a buyer's market, the seller is at the mercy of the buyer and thus will already be on edge because of a lack of confidence in getting a good price for his extra tickets. He's thinking, "Why do I buy 8 season tickets when it is just me and Margaret going to these silly races?" Great time to pounce.
Point #3 When buying, pull out the money you want to spend. Show me the money! Give the seller an end result to an already bad financial situation for them. If you give the seller some money for their trouble, they will go away disgusted because they didn't get top dollar but they are still going away with something. A good line is, "Come on, be done with it b/c I don't see too many others out here buying extras!" Always Be Closing....ABC Michael Scott.
Point #4 Using the Blystone/Austin/Rinehart or BAR technique, if negotiating isn't going well, have a buddy come flying in with a lower price. The seller may jump at the original buyer's higher offer. Just make sure you don't end up sitting next to the seller inside the track! Talk about an awkward 500 laps! Point in note: you can always find another place to sit.
Point #5 If negotiating isn't going well, give the seller the ole walk out! Turn your back and walk away. "I'm walking!" "You're going to eat those tickets!" Sellers usually don't like to see money walking away from them. This technique needs to be believable for the seller for it to work. So get your Jack Nicholsen on!
Point #6 I saw this with caution so as not to offend. Look for people with tickets that don't strike you as a hard core sellers. Normally their prices can be negotiated because they probably had a couple of buddies back out as well as not be on the hook for the tickets. Daddy probably came through on those so if you give them $10, they are happy with that. If they really don't care if they sell the ticket or not, a little Lincoln or Hamilton may change there mind.
I value your thoughts, comments, objections, and advice...
Or would they rather "eat the ticket" than sell it to some obnoxious foozball from Kentucky?
Point #1 No price is ever too small to buy a ticket. The money for the seller is still green so don't feel ashamed for offering someone to pay you to take the ticket off there hands. My father actually had a guy pay him to take UK football tickets off his hands back in the Billy Curry days! Buy some hot chocolate he said!
Point #2 In a buyer's market, the seller is at the mercy of the buyer and thus will already be on edge because of a lack of confidence in getting a good price for his extra tickets. He's thinking, "Why do I buy 8 season tickets when it is just me and Margaret going to these silly races?" Great time to pounce.
Point #3 When buying, pull out the money you want to spend. Show me the money! Give the seller an end result to an already bad financial situation for them. If you give the seller some money for their trouble, they will go away disgusted because they didn't get top dollar but they are still going away with something. A good line is, "Come on, be done with it b/c I don't see too many others out here buying extras!" Always Be Closing....ABC Michael Scott.
Point #4 Using the Blystone/Austin/Rinehart or BAR technique, if negotiating isn't going well, have a buddy come flying in with a lower price. The seller may jump at the original buyer's higher offer. Just make sure you don't end up sitting next to the seller inside the track! Talk about an awkward 500 laps! Point in note: you can always find another place to sit.
Point #5 If negotiating isn't going well, give the seller the ole walk out! Turn your back and walk away. "I'm walking!" "You're going to eat those tickets!" Sellers usually don't like to see money walking away from them. This technique needs to be believable for the seller for it to work. So get your Jack Nicholsen on!
Point #6 I saw this with caution so as not to offend. Look for people with tickets that don't strike you as a hard core sellers. Normally their prices can be negotiated because they probably had a couple of buddies back out as well as not be on the hook for the tickets. Daddy probably came through on those so if you give them $10, they are happy with that. If they really don't care if they sell the ticket or not, a little Lincoln or Hamilton may change there mind.
I value your thoughts, comments, objections, and advice...
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