Bluejay Basketball

Creighton v. Depaul 1/7

Although it's been a bit challenging transitioning back to work after a long (and much appreciated) break, there was no better way to end my first day back to "the real world" than being part of the crowd in the picture above. I got to cheer on my alma mater against Depaul in good ol' Illinois. It was great to reunite with sorority sisters, upperclass students that I always admired, and fellow Creighton alumni and  friends of alumni who share the same love for the Bluejays as I do. Thankfully Creighton, once again, showed Depaul what Bluejay basketball is all about and pulled off the W!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

If I were a betting woman, I think it would be safe to assume that a lot of people in the midwest are currently scheming about their escape plan to the west coast or down south. If you haven't heard... baby it's cold outside! It's the kind of cold that makes your bones hurt and pledge to never want to go outside again. It's the kind of cold that hurts your heart because you can't help but think about all those who don't have heat or shelter at this time. You can read about how severe the weather is by visiting the following website.

Thankfully, I was able to work from home today but will need to build up some courage because my colleagues and I are expected to return to work tomorrow despite the weather(wo)men's strong encouragement to stay inside. Until then, I am going to be thankful for my heated apartment and mean Crock-Pot 3 Bean Turkey Chili inspired by this Gina Skinnytaste recipe.

Love waking up to the smell of my chili brewing in the crock-pot!

Gina really outdid herself with this recipe because it's Weight Watcher friendly and allows 12 servings for only 206 calories. In addition to what the recipe calls for, I spice it up by making sure that I use grass-fed ground turkey (click here to see why), a can of corn, and 1 tbsp of cumin and garlic salt. If you are vegetarian or like to participate in "Meatless Mondays," feel free to  cut out your grass-fed ground turkey or swap it with something else that makes sense to you. As the Burger King saying goes, you can have it your way! Share your altered recipes with me because I am sure it will be a winter treat.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Just wanted to stop by to say....

HAPPY NEW YEAR, my friends! Cheers to getting everything you want and deserve out of your beautiful life. How did you ring in the new year? I was lucky to help cheer on my favorite Creighton Bluejays basketball team.

Creighton v. Marquette, 12/31

This game got a lot of hype because it was the Big East opener for my good ol' alma mater. Additionally, just like Creighton, Marquette is a Jesuit school that many people in Omaha attended or are affiliated with so some may say that game was "personal."I tend to really get invested in sports, especially college basketball and football, so I made a pact to myself that I'd remember the "good sportsmanship" rules I learned in grade school. For example, check out this picture of one of my closest friends from high school that went to Marquette and me.

Friends divided for a night- my girl, ET, and me before the game

Sorry, ET and all Marquette fans, but I am THRILLED that Creighton pulled off the W- talk about starting off the new year on a high! Hopefully this will be the first of many wins for my Jays. Although I could have spent the rest of the night/morning celebrating the game and the new year, I decided to keep it low key, hang out with good friends, and call it an early night. Some people may call this decision "weak" or "responsible" (it's all about perspective), but I couldn't have been more happy with the way my night turned out. I hope that y'all were also pleased with your night or at least have a funny story to share! Regardless if this post finds you trying to recover from last night's events, reflecting on your resolutions, or soaking up the last few minutes before you have to return to work, sleep well tonight because as I mentioned in a previous post- 2014 will be your best year yet!