this special 2012 report...

...is brought to you by Midnight in Austenland. You know the whole read 12 books in 2012 thing. Naturally, a book a month is the way stay on top of it and pace myself. So, I finished a book in January. Which means I am totally on schedule. Technically, it was 1am February 1st, but I had yet to sleep so it counts as January. And since I bought the book that day (oops) it totally counts as one of the "read 12 books I own." Yay, two down in January. Go me.

Midnight in Austenland is a fun read. Shannon Hale is witty and clever, and always a good read.



PS. Is it too early to buy Easter Candy? Yes? Well, it is in the store. Tempting me.
PPS. And no more buying books until I read a few of the ones I already own. Promise. Maybe.

oven-baked chicken fajitas

This is one recipe I want to rave about. I love fajitas, but I’ve don’t make them because I was under the impression that they were difficult to make. False. Wrong. Huge misconception. This recipe is E-Z.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 large bell pepper, seeded and sliced (I use half a green and half a red)
• 12 flour tortillas
• Toppings such as cheese, sour cream, and guacamole – if desired

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken strips in a greased 13×9 baking dish.
2. In a small bowl combine the oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt
3. Drizzle the spice mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
4. Next add the tomatoes, chilies, peppers, and onions to the dish and stir to combine.
5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve on tortillas with desired toppings.

I’m serious. De-lish.

PS. Oh yeah and one other thing I decided to do in 2012 is…

16.  Plan 12 parties/get-togethers/fiestas/events. I got started and planned something last Sunday. Check. Eleven more to go.  

as previously mentioned…

…2012 has a lot to live up to. So I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about what I can do to make 2012 a good year. And I finally came up with some things. Here are a few.

1. Visit 12 places I have never visited before. Yes, this is open to anything. In or out of the country. If I make it out of the country, fantastic. But if I don't, due to funding, that is okay. There are plenty of places around here or within 300 miles that I have never been to and would to see. (ie. Bryce Canyon, Cabelas)
2. Make 12 new recipes. I know. Not to difficult for me. But I want a few things that are easily accomplish-able. I will add they have to be recipes that I love and want to rave about.
3. Meet 12 new people.  This shouldn't be too hard.
4. Reconnect with 12 old people. So, if you have a random blast-from-the-past that looks a lot like me, you'll know why.
5. Run 12 miles. All at one time. Maybe more than once. We’ll see.
6. Learn 12 new skills. I didn't say perfect. But I will be learning.
7. Learn 12 new things. Facts, events, cultures, history. The options are endless 
8. Read the Book of Mormon 12 times. I thought of this one today. And felt this was a challenge I really should do. Then I realized I was already 15 days behind. I need to get going. 
9. Read 12 books that I already own. Several times I have told myself that I am not allowed to buy any more books until I have read a few that I already own, but just like a child who goes out to play after hour of being grounded I come home with a new or used book.
10. Read 12 nonfiction books. Double-dipping is completely legal. I own many unread nonfiction.
11. Discover 12 new loves. For example on my mission I discovered I really like cilantro and lime. I always knew I liked football. This last year I realized it was true love. 
12. Learn 12 new pieces on the piano.
13. Finish 12 projects. This can include projects started this year or ones I started five years ago. Twelve will be done by the end of the year.
14. Find 12 names to take to the temple. Yes.  Family history. It’s not just for old people.
15. Look at this list at least 12 times.

There are a few others that were part of the brainstorm that I still trying to decide if I want to include, but this is a good start that covers my intellectual, social, physical, spiritual, emotional, creative, and culinary needs.