Week 36 Wednesday (9/17/14)

Recipe Review       

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Rib-Eye Steak with Whiskey Cream Sauce

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl     Pages: 166-167       Copyright:  2009  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 542 calories per serving, if 3 thin rib-eye servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

The onions frying up in butter

The steak smothered in the whiskey cream sauce

Mm Mm good!

         I love any type of steak, but rib-eye is so darn good. The whiskey cream sauce makes it so decadent. The sauce is thinner than I expected, but it sure is packed full of flavor. The onions add a lot. I had it for lunch one day at school, and truly enjoyed every bite. Ree makes a mean meat dish every time. She seems to have an innate ability to make the best sauces to make the meal come alive. Thanks Ree!

      

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

         Animals are a huge part of my life. I live with two, and  donate money each month to the Humane Society of the United States. I want to help the animals that are being abused or mistreated. I cannot imagine a life without a pet. They are there to greet me every day and share their love. Animals are the best!

Memory Musings

         After having such a positive student teaching experience, I now needed to find a job. I applied in Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles. My first interview was on a Wednesday at Wasco School in St. Charles, with Bob Graham. The interview went well and I was told that if the numbers came in on Tuesday, I would have a position.

         Two days after the St. Charles meeting, I had an interview in Aurora at Freeman Elementary. The position was for a halftime sixth grade teacher. The interview was great, and then the principal shocked me and told me I was great for the job, but he wanted me to pass on it. I was baffled. He told me that he knew of a full-time fourth grade position at Greenman Elementary that I was perfect for, so he wanted me to go down NOW for an interview with Doug Zolper, the principal. I was overwhelmed, but a little excited.

         Doug was a joy and I left with a really good feeling. Apparently the meeting went well, because I was barely home when I got a call from the Aurora Administration Office and Doug offering me the position. I asked for an hour to think about it, and said I would call them back. I instantly called Charlie and asked him what to do. St. Charles was my first choice, but Aurora wanted an answer that day. Charlie gave me the best possible advice – GO FOR THE SURE THING. I accepted the Aurora job and it was a blessing.

         After having grown up in middle class, white St. Charles, Aurora was an eye-opener. I learned so much at Greenman about accepting and appreciating differences in race and culture. I loved my time there and it definitely made me a better, more well-rounded person. The children from Aurora were wonderful and many are still a part of my life today.