Author: Nikki J.

Last night we had an impromptu candlelit steak dinner with tomato caprese and red wine. Godiva chocolate bars for dessert. I feel like we should have used our nice china! But like I said – it was truly impromptu. The mood was killed when Chuck made me watch Mission Impossible 4 right afterwards anyway šŸ˜‰

Itā€™s Chuckā€™s last weekend before he leaves for 29 Palms for a month, for pre-deployment training. At least I get him for Thanksgiving Day – and he will be back just time for Christmas!

Iā€™m actually so ready to get this deployment on the road! The limbo stage is annoying. I think both of us are readyā€¦

Remember that diversity of thought and ideals (and the freedom to express them without fear of persecution) is what makes this country so great. I think that each of you is intelligent, principled, and patriotic, regardless of who you voted for today.

I honestly believe this, and know that every American has a passion AND logic for what he/she believes more so than in so many parts of the world today. I think itā€™s really sad that regardless of what my vote is, someone close to me on either side will respect my intellect, values, and patriotism less as a resultā€¦

I am embarrassed to say that I did not vote this year. I did order my absentee ballot weeks ago, but it never showed up. Not sure if I did something wrong or if they didā€¦? Regardless, I should have stayed on top of it better. To be honest though, I really had a hard time this year in terms of who to vote for. Thatā€™s why I admire both my Obama supporter friends and my Romney supporter friends, because they are so convicted in what they want for this country. I, on the other hand, am more befuddled than ever! I agree that we are in such a pivotal, volatile time in our history, so I really felt the (hypothetical) power of my vote this year, and it scared me a littleā€¦

Too late now of course, but Iā€™m looking forward to hear what America decides!

Came into work today and the phones, Internet, and central network are down, so now is as good a time as any to update my Tumblr!

This past weekend was not only Veteranā€™s Day weekend, but the 237th Marine Corps birthday. The past three years, we celebrated with one of the elegant balls – Chuck in his dress blues, me in a gown, and a lot of pomp and circumstance to go around. Theyā€™re always lots of fun, but this year – since Chuck is now part of a motley 19-man team rather than a huge battalion – we celebrated with a low key ā€œBallbequeā€ at the Gunniā€™s house.

It was fun, if not a bit chilly for an outdoor party. I enjoyed the bonfire in particular šŸ™‚ I didnā€™t so much enjoy the full roast pig all charred on the grillā€¦ It made me depressed.

Anyway, it was good to meet Chuckā€™s new leaders (I felt like I was at a parent teacher conference sometimes, with very drunk teachers!) It was also good to bond more with the Marines I already knew, and their wives and girlfriends.

We are all just gearing up for this deployment over here – wonā€™t be too much longer now. Then Iā€™ll have a two-time war veteran to be proud of and thankful for!

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First Day!

Today is my first at the new Chamber job, since yesterday I had to drive 2.5 hours northeast to attend my mandatory court hearing for that speeding ticket I got Labor Day weekend (DA reduced it for me with no points and no classes! Still had to pay out the wazoo though, 95% of which was in court fees – stupid government bureaucracy…!)

Anyway… the girl I’m replacing is still here technically, so there isn’t a ton for me to do yet. I did get to go to a ribbon cutting ceremony though. And attend meetings! More importantly, I’m filling out my tax and direct deposit forms so that I can actually make some money too šŸ˜‰

I’m starting to feel like a real professional again!Ā 

I wonder how the poor Bean is doing at home though… all alone, all day long? The president here at the Chamber brings her old poodle with her to work every day, so I wonder if I can arrange some sort of similar deal with Annie?! Wouldn’t that be fun!! Miss her šŸ˜¦

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Culinary Delight #9: Apple Cider Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

These were pretty much to die for. Perfect for fall. Chuck got that eyes-rolled-back-in-the-head look when he tried them. I served them at our Halloween bash in all sorts of cheesy creepy embellishments, so Iā€™m including the internet photo from which I got the recipe. šŸ™‚Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā 

For the cupcakes:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1Ā 2/3 cup flour
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the frosting:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 bag Kraft caramels, melted with 2 tbsp. water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp. milk for thinning, if necessary
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients for the cupcakes together in a large bowl. Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 19 minutes.
For frosting, cream together the butter and shortening. Add the powdered sugar and the caramel alternately (add the salt in with the caramel.) Add milk by the tablespoon as needed for thinning. I pretty much used Chuck as a taste-tester to gauge how much caramel vs. milk vs. powdered sugar I needed. He was happy to oblige!