How to Cut an Onion Like Chef Ramsay

For now, I have decided to update this blog just once a week (since Dan and I aren't up to much right now). When we get busier things might change. Also, Dan has added some comments in green. So, the recap from this past week:

Sunday: Dan and I went to church. The ward is pretty big with 200 active members and 800 members total! That is a lot. I also got my visit teaching (VT) route and met my VT companion, Shari. Later that day we visited 2 out of our 5 sisters. Shari and I clicked instantly. She's very organized and on-time (something I need a little improvement in - Yes, that is true!) so I'm looking forward to serving with her. We also share a hobby: SHOPPING!! We're planning on going to the nearby malls sometime soon - as in 20 years from now when we have money.

Monday: I woke up early which for us right now is 8:45am he he... (more like 8:45 Mountain daylight time) Dan and I use the excuse that we're still "adjusting" to East Coast time, but really, we stay up too late every night. Anyway, I woke up early because I had much to do at this place:

The campus is smaller than OSU and it's right in the middle of downtown, but you can drive right through the campus (something technically not allowed at my former college - but, something technically allowed for the English). After getting my student ID card, getting an override on a communications course, and figuring out financial aid I went to the Food and Nutrition department to meet my program director, Dr. Sue Leson. I've been nervous about starting this internship, but as soon as I met her I felt reassured that this was a good fit for me. She was extremely nice and very helpful regarding information about Youngstown and the surrounding area. She showed me around the department and made sure I was all set for my classes. One of my classes involves doing rotations at a hospital. So twice a week I will work in a hospital for 2 hours.

When I returned from campus Dan showed me a card that was on our door step this morning:

 Later, Alicia, our mystery note-deliverer, came over and we played:

Guess who won? Alicia beat Dan and I by a few hundred thousand dollars! Later Dan came up with the sweetest idea to make Alicia a card and give her a coupon for one free movie night at our place...This is what we came up with:

 Tuesday: Alicia received the card and we watched Flushed Away. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a must. Tuesday night was also Enrichment WHOOPS I mean "Tuesday night Relief Society monthly meeting...." My new bff Shari picked me up and we had dinner, learned how to do CPR, and cut hair. The turn out that night was sad compared to the numbers I saw Sunday, but I was happy to be there. 

Wednesday: Went to get the brakes done on my (Mom's) car. Fortunately Donald, the husband of Val who I visit taught on Sunday, works here as a mechanic. $300 and one hour later I was leaving! Oh to have connections in the right places :-)

This is the day that relates to the title of today's blog. Sometimes I like to be a creeper and browse other people's blogs and I came upon a video of Chef Ramsay giving a tutorial on how to cut an onion. Since I'm into food and nutrition I was naturally interested in perfecting it. Luckily, our dinner of Chicken Parmesan included an onion. Unfortunately, mine didn't turn out as nice and pretty. He only has a few more years experience than me anyway (yes, he's old - at least in his late 20's).

 Here's the end result:

Sorry about the mediocre lighting (and grotesque misshapen foot). I'm still practicing with my new camera!

Thursday: Dan and I went to see the movie Inception. It was AMAZING! I highly recommend seeing it in theaters. Do not wait! (Obey me or be annihilated!) It's a thinker and I love movies that make you think. JUST DO IT (insert Nike swoosh here).

Friday: Job searched. Applied to Sears and got applications as a server for Olive Garden and Red Lobster. Tomorrow (Monday), I'm turning in the applications and also going to a few other restaurants. I also worked on some Medical Terminology for my online course. It's pretty boring and sometimes hard. For instance, there's several variations of the suffix "pertaining to." The three I remember are -al, -acal, -iac. It was pretty confusing trying to put the correct suffix to certain prefixes. 
Almost every night Dan and I watch a movie and tonight our pick was The Dark Knight.

Saturday: We are currently without a washer and dryer so we (Queen's English for Dan and some quarters) went to a nearby laundromat. My VT companion had surgery Wednesday so I made some lasagna and took it to her place. Dan and I watched The DaVinci Code. We then had a good conversation about some of the themes of the movie and how they related to the gospel.

Sunday: Went to church. Got my church calling: Compassionate Service Committee. I don't have the details on the responsibilities. Dan and I both felt it was fitting. Quick jump back to Wednesday night  Dan and I met with our Bishop just to get acquainted. He was very blunt and straight forward in describing the Girard Ward. He said that this ward will challenge and stretch us. We will be asked to serve in callings that will put us out of our comfort zone and require us to be on our knees daily. At first, I was scared, but after today I felt that this is what Dan and I need. I know that if we do what is right we will grow closer to each other and closer to God.

I am happy to report that we are still alive and we've even made friends in the ward! Tuesday we're going to Val and Donald's for dinner. Expect pictures! I'm in charge of dessert. I was thinking something with fruit that's in season. Any ideas? (Clay Aiken).