Yes, I'm a KC Chiefs Fan!

I've been asked a lot lately why am I a Kansas City Chiefs fan and the answer is simple; I support what my love supports. I wasn't really a big football fan (basketball is another thing), I watched football (mostly college) and occasionally watched some Cowboys game (one of the things you can't avoid living in Texas :) but I was never really a fan of a particular team until I met Vince. Funnily enough, when we first met, I was sporting a Cowboys beanie that was given to me and he was of course wearing a Chiefs beanie (picture on the left - yes that was the day we met) - we totally messed with each other saying the one team is better than the other. The joke went on for a while, when we got together he would watch it and sport all sorts of chiefs gear and it didn't bother me at all.


I am as big of a fan of the Dallas Mavericks as he is with the Chiefs. He was never really into basketball until I came along. He watched basketball with me, went to the Mavs game and ultimately became a fan. I used to sit there and watch (well sorta) the Chiefs game with him but I was never really into it; mainly because I didn't entirely understand the game. I knew about the touchdown and all that but the rules, penalties and all that I didn't really know. This year I decided to learn the game and try a little harder in liking football more...and oh boy do I like it. I can actually say I LOVE football and this year with the season that the Chiefs had made for a really exciting year to learn and love this game.

I didn't know enough about the other teams to become a fan of a particular one so I support the team that Vince loves. It's the least I can do for supporting the team that I love. That's what we do. People can't believe I'm a Chiefs fan (they're all about their Cowboys here)! "You do know they suck right?" is what I get all the time. To be honest I don't really care if they suck. To me, you don't become a fan of a team all JUST because they're good. Sometimes you become a fan of something because you went to games with your dad when you were little, you grew up watching that team, you had the greatest times watching that team with your friends or loved ones, or you support that team simply because the one you love supports that team and you support what they support. :)

I know that I'm going to be a Chiefs fan for life. Our kids one day will be Chiefs and Mavs fans for life - they better be or else I'll disown them...okay maybe not, I'll probably just won't give them food for a couple of days...okay maybe just for one day. Lol. I kid!

This year the Chiefs had one hell of a season and hopefully they'll just improve from here; I'd hate to see them go back to 2-3 game wins a year! GO CHIEFS!!!

Now that football is over (well not quite) I can give my full attention to basketball. GO MAVS!!!

Well-Stocked Pantry

Vince and I had a very productive weekend. We finally finished unpacking from our vacation, took down Christmas decorations (how come it's not as fun as putting it up??), laundry, cleaning and I managed to reorganize our fridge and pantry and immediately thought about writing a blog about a well-stocked pantry.

People always ask me what do I have in my pantry. It's a long list. I found that some people don't stock their pantry well because they think it's expensive. It could be but you'll find that once you get in the habit of keeping a stocked pantry, you will find your grocery bill decrease. With a well stocked pantry, you'll end up buying less and paying less. We buy a lot of stuff in bulk and in season, this way you're paying less. I also like keep non perishable items that work well together and could be turn into a simple dish. Having a well stocked pantry is a blessing. Not having to run to the store every time you make want to make something is great. When I plan out our meals for the week, I always go to my pantry first to see what I can make with what I have and not spend more money than I need to.

So here's my list: (I apologize in advance because I think it's going to be a lengthy one)

Canned tomatoes - (diced, stewed, whole, fire roasted, paste & sauce)
Pasta (long and shells - regular and whole wheat)
Tuna Packets
Capers
Vinegar (Apple Cider, white, balsamic, rice wine, red wine)
Condiments (mustards, ketchup, mayo, soy sauce, fish sauce)
Marinades & Seasoning
Flour (Cake, All-Purpose, Wheat)
Baking Stuff (Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Sugars, Vanilla Extract)
Canned/Single serve fruits & Dried Cranberries and Raisins
Of course Rice (jasmine, brown, wild and arborio)
Oils (EVOO, canola, peanut & vegetable)
Stocks (vegetable, chicken & beef)
I also like to stock up on my filipino food mixes such as sinigang mix, palabok & kare kare

I always have a stock of aromatics (onions (white, yellow & red), garlic and lemons on the counter)

In the freezer - we buy in bulk - boneless, skinless chicken breast & whole chicken (not only it's good for roasting - you can save the carcass and make your own chicken stock.
I also like to buy frozen veggies especially the ones that aren't in season. I prefer frozen over canned.
I also like to have bell peppers, celery and carrots in my fridge as much as possible.

To top this of course the herbs and spices every kitchen should have (there are a lot to list - get them all if possible!)

Okay the list is not as long as I expected. Of course every pantry will be different. Your pantry will be stocked based on the flavors you like to cook with and the kind of dishes you cooked often. Either way a well stocked pantry is a great pantry!

What a Year!

It seems like I say "What A Year!" every year and I guess that's not at all a bad thing. This year came and went. Time seems to be moving faster than what I had anticipated. I did a lot this year! Started my photography business this year and I'm very fortunate to say that it's doing way better than what I expected. I also lost some of my "love weight" this year (not that I'm no longer in love but I found myself not fitting in my clothes and it was cheaper to lose weight than buy new ones :)) although I've gained some weight since Thanksgiving - I'll say because of the Holidays but I've only got myself to blame but hey! gotta live a little right? Vince and I will definitely push ourselves to staying fit comes the new year! I've also been a bit more actively involved this year. Rock climbed, flag football, weight lifting, volleyball, 5ks and did the MudRun. That was a lot of fun and looking forward to doing more of that this coming new year! My goal is to run a half marathon next year and possibly do a marathon before the end of the year. We'll see how that goes!

For the past three years, Vince and I have had two Christmases (how lucky are we??!!) - one in Texas and one in Kansas City. During our Texas dinner, we we went around the table and said what we were thankful for. I was looking at every single one of those people at the table and I knew that I was one of the luckiest and blessed people in the world. Our family is not perfect but when we are together, all is well in the world. When it was my turn to say something, I kept it sincere, short and simple although I could probably fill an entire notebook if I wrote down all the things I was thankful for. So I thought I'd take the time to say SOME of that stuff here.

First of all I've thankful for my mother. Her incredible strength and resilience is unparralleled. That woman is amazing. I don't know how she manage to do what she does. The sacrifices she's made and continually makes for her children. She has always been there for me, supporting me in whatever I choose to do in life. She's such a great sport when we pick on her during our get togethers. Most of all, I'm thankful that her bottomless well of unconditional love.

For my friends who are always there for me no matter what. The line between friends and family is completely gone. My friends are the best anyone could ask for. I'm very lucky to be able to say that I have such great support system. They're my biggest fans in whatever adventure I choose to take and hell most of them are even in for the ride! They continue to inspire, support and love me for all that I am and want to be.

Of course, I thank God everyday for giving me the most wonderful gift of all, my ever loving boyfriend Vince. It's safe to say he is the love of my life ;)! Words can't begin to describe how loved he makes me feel every single day. He keeps me insane when things get a little crazy. He's my number one supporter in everything I want to try. He never missed any of my practices and games. He's my rock. He's my best friend. He never fails to tell me and show me that he loves me. I love his thoughtfulness. The little things he does to make me feel the most beautiful and the most loved girl in this world. No one ever have and could possibly love me as much as he does. Thank you my love.

Looking forward to an adventure-filled 2011! :)