Volunteer Hours Complete!

In November 2010, I began volunteering as a student through the UCO Volunteer and Service Learning Center. I did this because I signed up to be a “Student in Service” volunteer which is national program sponsored through Americorps. I had one year to complete 300 volunteer hours and at the end of that year, I would receive scholarship money. Around $1200 to be exact.

So, even though I already had plenty on my plate, I took on the task. I began volunteering after work and on weekends. I am proud to say that I served in many different organizations including: The American Cancer Society, Yukon Parks and Recreation Department, Yukon Spirit League Baseball, the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, Yukon Christmas in the Park Lights Display, Taste of Yukon Annual Event, the Phil Harmonic Christmas Show, the Gracemont Lions Booster Club, and many more! These experiences allowed me to see things in a whole different light. It made me appreciate all that I have and I really gained a sense of pride in volunteering.

I just wrapped up my 300 hours and although difficult to fit in with work, school and other obligations, it was definitely worth it. I will be receiving my scholarship money in the next few weeks which will allow me to pay off my remaining student loans and gradute debt free. I am very thankful for that! Volunteering helps others and can make a big impact on your life as well.

Fall Fitness Challenge is Definitely Challenging!

For the past two weeks, SandRidge employees have been competing in the 2011 Fall Fitness Challenge. Each team is made up of 3 team members. Teams complete challenges along the way which can include running, biking, Zumba, stair climbing and rowing. My team ended up doing a marathon (26.2 miles combined among the three of us) as our first challenge. And then, bam, we had to do it again with an unlucky “U-TURN” draw! We then were required to climb stairs (102 floors total). It was then on to Zumba classes. Zumba is not my thing but I did get a kick out of watching the men of the company shake their hips. Big security guys trying to Salsa is just hilarious.

Teams also get points for going to the gym everyday. 100 points everyday during the week, 200 points on Saturdays. I usually do not come downtown on Saturdays but during the challenge, I have been making myself! It’s a drive down but it earns us 200 points!

We also did the Race For the Cure 5K in October which was awesome and we competed in an obstacle course. It is a race to the finish and we still have three weeks left in the challenge. I have been working out six days a week! Whew! I’m just hoping my body is showing some of the results.

Tortilla Soup Recipe

Many have asked for my recipe, so here it is!

soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 boneless skinless chicken breast

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 can chicken broth

1 can cream of mushroom

fresh mushrooms (about 6, diced)

shredded cheese

Tostito chips

avacado (optional)

Boil chicken until cooked. Set aside. Add all cans into water. Do not drain any of the cans! Cut chicken into pieces and add to the pot. Add diced mushrooms to the pot. Add some salt, pepper and garlic salt. Boil on medium heat for about 30 mns. Add some shredded cheese, avacado and chips to the top. Enjoy! You can also make this in the crock pot. Delicious!

Deer Season is Here. Bye, Bye, Husband.

Well, it’s that time again. Deer season. In my life, deer season means that we will be spending every weekend at my parents so that my husband can go hunting. My parents will no doubt enjoy this! Being a hunter’s wife is kind of like being a coach’s wife in that for 2-3 months, you know that your husband will be absent on Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday and Sunday early mornings. I have learned to accept it, just as coach’s wives must do. I feel for the coach’s wives who must endure this for much longer than 2-3 months. In many cases, it is more like 6-8 months of the year! Bless you.

I go with the hubby sometimes and sit in the deer stand. He gets aggervated with me though, just as my brother used to, for reading a book and being loud when turning the pages. This year, problem solved! I got a Kindle so there will be no more loud page turning. This should make him happy. 😉 However, I am not good at being still and quiet for 3 hours. A little ADD kicks in and I feel like I need to move or stretch or whisper. Needless to say, I’m not the best hunting partner. It is really neat to watch nature as you sit in a deerstand. You get to see coyotes, squirrels, raccoons, and heck, maybe even a deer if you’re lucky! Usually it is a bunch of doe grazing in the field but sometimes there will be a buck in the mix. That’s when the “buck fever” kicks in. 😉 It is also very cold on November-December mornings and let me tell you, the cold is not for me. I am convinced that no amount of clothes can keep you warm when you are sitting in a tree with no movement for 3 hours. I would rather run a 5k in a blizzard (which I have done) than sit in a tree freezing and not being able to move.

I have used deer season as a way to spend more time with my family and hang out with my parents. I also get things done which I do not get to work on during other times of the year. Ialso like to cook breakfast and supper for my Bronson and his dad (when he hunts with him) so that it is ready when they get back from hunting. It makes them think they are at deer camp without having to freeze in a tent at night.

I’m lucky because since Bronson hunts at my parents, I still get to spend time with him each weeekend. I see him on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and he still gets to go to church on Sunday mornings since he is usually done by 10 a.m. My favorite part of his deer hunting has to be…..the deer jerky he makes after getting some meat! I think that alone is worth all of his time spent in the stand. Good luck to my hubby, little brother and all the other hunters out there! Oh yeah, and to the wives of those hunters.