Goodbye Winter Season

Looks like the end of winter is here. This year is already moving fast. I just finished another semester of school and I'm already on to the next one. Not a whole lot of time on my hands but we recently made it out to New Mexico for a ski/snowboarding trip. We try to do this at least once a year. This year instead of Ruidosa we went to Angel Fire. This was a really good move. I actually don't think we need to look any further. The drive was a little longer but well worth it. The snow was amazing and the sight was just beautiful. This year my parents came along. My mom did not think she would like the whole cold weather and outside activities but she ended up having a blast. My dad was also a major help. He drove the entire 15 hours straight back home. I was really excited about the car ride but somehow I got stuck in the last seat of the car. I couldn't hear any of the conversations or be heard..somehow I think that was the plan. That's okay because I got to read a book that I had not had the time to read. Anyways, so I we took some ski lessons this year. I thought that it would be easier than snowboarding but that wasn't the case. I think they are equally challenging but fun. I actually got sick on the day we purchased our lifts and ski rentals. I was not feeling so well but I hung in there till our time expired. Next year I'll be up to either one. The only thing I like about ski versus snowboard is that I don't have to drag the snowboard to the lift. If I can avoid that part I would love it more than ski. I have to mention to that the elevation was not kind to us. I had such a hard time breathing. It was ridiculous. I have spent some time working on my endurance and hoping that I was up to the snow activities but that elevation crap knocked the air out of me plus I felt like throwing up..which I did but that was part of my sickness...i think.  Louis on the other hand spent a lot of time snowboarding with Aj. He was pretty fearless and went through some pretty crazy slopes in the snowing weather. Next year I hope to keep up with them. Well I'm over this lingering cold weather and looking forward to some spring dresses!

Menudo Peludo

Since I have been off from school for the holidays I have been back in the kitchen. Not to mention my kitchen is finally done being under construction (that's a whole other blog). I didn't do much Christmas shopping this year because as of  lately I have not had any patience for traffic, lines and crowds. My time off is too precious to be all up in that mix. With that said I got around to making some holiday favorites and truly holiday traditions. My honey is from Puerto Rico and he loves pernil. Since he was spending a day golfing I decided to marinate a big fat pernil. You have to understand that he comes from a family of great cooks. So when I create any Puerto Rican dish I have to get it right. My honey loves my food but he will not hesitate to let me know if it does not meet his expectations. After a night of marinating and with a morning of baking which filled my house with a delightful aroma...I created a fabulous dish. I got the stamp of approval from Lou. He liked it so much he ate it 3 days straight.  I must say that I will not crave pernil for awhile. The best thing about learning to make these dishes is making it your own and keeping it  a part of your family tradition.

For Christmas my parents came to town and I had our traditional Tex Mex Christmas plate which consist of tamales (From Tellez/San Antonio's #1) and my homemade beans and rice which really was a hit. Everyone seemed to love the beans so much that they were eating it alone after awhile. By the way I have no urge to ever make tamales from scratch. I will leave that to Tellez.

Now that New Years is a few days away I have attempted to make Menudo today. Menudo is a tradition in my family. My Mom and Dad make it every year around New Years. It is such a big deal and it seems like a lot of work. Since my parents both work and live out of town I thought I may take this off their hands this year. I of course optioned to buy the pre cut meat to save me time. I hope it is as good as it taste and looks. I have the onions diced, lemons sliced and the tortillas warmed. I'm waiting for the hubs to get home from the country land so he can be my taste tester. I am sure he will enjoy a bowl after being out in the cold weather. However, My first and official stamp of approval will be my brother, besides my parents. He has already called me this morning to check on the status of the Menudo. Wish me luck!

Hunger Games Series

My honey bought me the hunger game series after watching the movie. I hadn't had any time to read very much because of my schedule with school, work and life. However, for my holiday break from school I decided that I was going to read all 3 books. Well a week and a half into my holiday break and I am already done with the series..ugh..is there therapy for those dealing with the ending of the Hunger Game series? The book was such a page turner. I could not stop reading the books and there was always something crazy happening. I did not like how it ended. It was rather depressing and the whole love triangle deal just fell apart for me and Prim dying was the whole purpose of surviving. I understand so much greater happened for this Panem place but still..not liking it very much..bittersweet. I have to remind myself this was just a book but it was a great escape from reality. I seriously was having dreams about the book. Not too many people I know have read the series..teen book probably. Oh well no one to discuss it with. By the way I didn't know Gale is engaged to Miley Cyrus..ugh that does not suit me well. I wish I hadn't known that.

New To Blogging

Well I thought I might start blogging for fun since I really like following blogs. Not sure if i'll have time to keep up with posting but here it goes.. No theme...No Agenda.. Just Jess. My name is Jess and I always have a hundred and one things to say...with a big smile :0)