And the World Spins Madly On

As I've come to the end of my visit home, I've realized how much has changed in comparison to July a year ago. A year ago, I was dating my best friend from high school, living at home, unemployed, and excited for college. A year ago I was insecure (well, more so), easily pushed around, and lacking significantly in the self-confidence department. A year ago, my family still had Max and I had only recently met my friend's long distance boyfriend. A year ago, I had no clue what was in store for me.

Now, I'm single and enjoying it. Now, I'm living in Chicago, working for DePaul, and still excited about the college experience. Now, I'm more confident than I have ever been, less naieve, and a little more mature (only a little!). Now, my family is looking to bring a new puppy into the home now that Max has passed from this world and that guy I had met has turned out to be a solid friend.

I like to think that I've grown and learned a lot in the past year. I've changed, though for better or for worse I'm not entirely sure. Life likes to change on you, and it's interesting, sometimes exciting, and sometimes a little sad to see how things have developed.

So much has changed, but I look forward to what the future has in store.

Om nom nom

So, I have weekly dinner dates with a good friend of mine, and we trade off who cooks each week. It was my go this week, and I thought I'd share the recipe with you!

Beef Stroganoff:

1 8oz package of mushrooms
1 medium sized onion
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
1 8oz container of sour cream
1lb of hamburger/ground beef

Slice the mushrooms and chop the onion, sauteing both until soft (5 - 10 minutes). Add in the hamburger and cook through. Add cream of mushroom, sour cream, and 1/2 a cup of water (can be more or less to taste). Stir in about a teaspoon of paprika and let simmer (don't boil!).

Serve over pasta.

If you're a beef stroganoff fan, you'll love this. It's a little taste of home for me, so I hope you enjoy!