Class of 2008!

Yesterday Tony graduated! It was really cool to see him all dressed up in his cap and gown. His family came down to celebrate with us. After his convocation, we went to Tucanos (my new favorite!) and pigged out! We really need to take my family there, I think they'd like it a lot. Anyway, here are some pictures of the big day!

Tony in his cap and gown!

Me in my (new) dress!

I know this is kind of bad quality picture, but that is Tony walking across the stage!

After THAT funfilled night we woke up Saturday morning and decided to go to Trafalga for their date special. For 20 bucks we got: go-karts, mini-golf (or as we hoosiers call it, "putt putt"), arcade tokens, batting cages and two LARGE dippin' dots ice creams! What a deal, huh? It was a super fun little date and we even took pictures! (That's a big deal because Tony and Hollie Anderson never take pictures...never. We always forget.)

Tony got a hole in one on this hole!

I really had to focus my swing on this one.

Tony's favorite!

Bulgaria or Bust!

I love my random Bulgaria posts. I have at least one a month it seems like. This one has been inspired by the fact that I got my acceptance letter from the international study abroad program at BYU! I had a feeling I would have no problem getting accepted, but the little voice of doubt in the back of my head had me hesitant to be overly confident so getting this letter was VERY exciting for me! Yay! Now I have to get a bunch of shots...boo.

Another happy thought: school's out! I just have finals to worry about and then I'm done until January! Well, kinda. I just won't have to go to class until then. I'll have an online class while I'm in Bulgaria working with the orphans! Life is good and simple.

Final Happy thought: I have two, count 'em, two job interviews tomorrow! One of which is with a company I really want to work with because of the dates they would need me. Wish me luck!!

Yay for happy thoughts and acceptance letters. We also had chocolate chip cookies tonight, and that's always happy.

Ah, the Joys of Cramming

Yes, I'll admit..I'm a crammer. I've known about a particular four-page essay that's due tomorrow since the first day of class. Have I started? Of course not! Who would? So, here I sit, nearing midnight the night before the paper is due, and I cannot complete it. Why, you ask? Blackboard is down. You see, I need blackboard to access the information I need to write this paper. Lovely, isn't it? This kind of thing has happened to me before but I guess college students never learn. I decided to write a blog while I wait for Blackboard to be up and running again. Perhaps everyone is trying to hurry and finish their last-minute assignments as well, and the overwhelming number of people is causing Blackboard to go on the fritz. Whatever the reason, I'm stuck with nothing to do but listen to the vocal performance grad student that lives above me practice her arias.


Sheesh.

Late Show with Hollie Anderson

Okay, so 11:30 isn't LATE, but it worked well for the title of my blog.

This past week for us has been quite eventful. It all started last Friday evening, shortly after Tony finished his last final exam for college! Yay Tony! We were both feeling kind of lousy, but we had no idea what was in store. Luckily, it was conference weekend, so we could relax a little more than usual. Saturday night, despite my feeling yucky, I went out "Graduation surprise gift" shopping for Tony. I've been pretty sneaky lately and I've got a whopper of a surprise planned for Tony, even though he could probably guess what it was in 3-5 guesses.

I LOVE surprising Tony! Nothing can make me giddy like surprising Tony with something I know he'll like. That is why Tony isn't allowed to guess what I got him because if he guesses correctly, I may break down in tears.

-ANYWAY-
Our sicknesses got worse and now we're left with a blocked ear tube (can't remember the name) for me, and some EAV virus for Tony. Tony went through some pretty horrible stuff today at the Health Center, but luckily they're pretty sure it's this EAV thing..which seems reasonable to handle.

Other than sickness and surprises, we're doing the same ol' routine. Me being bombarded with school project after project (even though I will admit I've been blessed with a couple of pretty generous teachers), and Tony working his tailfeather off. I'm anticipating the end of this semester not only because that is when I will reveal the surprise I have for Tony, but because I need a break! I haven't had a summer break from college since I've been here! Aside from tour...but that's hardly a break.

One rant before I leave you....
Okay, so I'm pretty ticked with my job right now. A month ago, yes a MONTH ago, I talked to my supervisor about switching to full time this summer. She said yes, that was great. On Monday, however, she took back the two extra days and informed me that I couldn't switch to full time! Apparently the woman who is above my supervisor, decided that an intern needed to be there the two days I wanted to be there. Is this okay? No. I felt very hurt by this, not to mention frustrated! Tony and I are saving our booties off to be able to afford Bulgaria and have some money in savings for when we get back. I was counting on working full-time to be able to help our cause. Now all of a sudden, no way Jose! It REALLY ruffles my feathers and needless to say, I'm currently looking for a new job.

Any suggestions?

Monthly Faves

This blog is dedicated to Amy Benion. She has been wanting this particular soup recipe for quite some time, and I've failed to deliver. But never fear! It is here...along with the tasty chocolate easter egg treats I made. Perhaps I'll start doing a monthly favorite recipe. Wouldn't that be fun?

Potato Cheese Soup

• 1/2 cup chopped green onion or 1 tablespoon minced onion (I like the green onions better, but sometimes all you have is regular onions!)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 2 cups diced & peeled potatoes
• 1 1/2 cup half & half
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cup cheese (we use cheddar, but you could have some fun with it and try something new!)

Sautee green onion or minced onion in butter until tender. Add celery, carrots, potatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then cover & simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender

Add flour to 1/2 cup of the half & half, mix well. Add to the potato mixture and stir. Add rest of half & half.

Cook until thick and bubbly. Add cheese and heat until melted

Chocolatey Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

• 1 (16 oz) package confectioner's sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy OR crunchy, both are great!)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 8 (1oz) squares semi-sweet baker's chocolate
• 1 tablespoon shortening

In a mixing bowl, combine confectioner's sugar, peanut butter, butter, and milk (if needed for moisture) until well blended. Shape mixture into eggs and freeze for 1 hour. (I put them on a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet in the freezer, it worked well)

While the eggs are freezing, cut semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place in top of double broiler with shortening. Melt over medium heat stirring frequently wuntil smooth. Stick a long-tinged fork in top of each peanut butter egg, dip it in melted chocolate to cover then drain on wax paper. When the eggs are cooled and set, decorate them to suit your fancy*.

*I took some white chocolate, added some food coloring, put it in a baggie and drizzled it over the eggs...very pretty! I also put the finished product in muffin cups with green-tinted coconut to look like Easter grass!

Hope you all enjoy!