Build a Bridge.

Well folks, you're in for a treat. I've got another rant coming for you! Sorry in advance if I offend anyone but wow, I need to get a load of my chest.

Now before I begin on this particular rant, don't misunderstand me. EVERYONE has bad days, bad weeks, bad months...hell, I'll even go as far as to say bad years. I get it. I've had them, we've all had them. It's just part of life. What I can't stand are those people who won't accept support, encouragement, or advice when they're feeling down. Those people who just seem to downright refuse to be happy. Those that mope around all day, or spout complaints to anyone who will listen, and then when someone asks how they are (which is what they're wanting in the first place) they either say "oh nothing" or they go on and on about how much they're life sucks, when in reality, they're 72% of the time, the root of the problem. And when you try and cheer them up, nothing, NOT ONE THING, can make them see the proverbial silver lining.

Honestly, life is not that bad. And if you need a reminder of that, turn on the news for just 10 minutes out of the day and you can be hit in the face with that fact. Abductions. Senseless killings. Unemployment. Homelessness. Gigantic natural disasters that destroy entire countries.

NOW THOSE ARE REAL PROBLEMS. And it's truly all a matter of perspective.

Like I said, don't get me wrong, I have my momentary pity parties, where I seek advice and counsel from my close friends. I shed some tears even every now and then. But I eventually build a bridge and get the hell over it pretty dang fast. You can either waste your time being unhappy and in the process bringing everyone else down along with you OR you can re-evaluate the importance of the situation at hand, and figure out if in the scheme of things..OF ALL THINGS...if its really that important. Chances are, if you've still got a roof over your head, food to eat, and someone who cares about you, then it's just not that bad.

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Eight Things I Couldn't Live Without...

#1 God. I know it's cliche-ish, but for me its really true. Without His comfort and love I'd be curled up in a ball rocking myself like a crazy person. He truly is my first "Dad," and everything I have is because He gave it to me!

#2 Obviously my family. My parents, sisters, my babe, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...the whole shebang. I also consider a few of my great friends my family. You all fit into this category! I'd be nothing without you.

#3 My pets...I truly am the biggest animal lover. I cry during the ASPCA Sarah McLachlan commercials..EVERYT TIME. I can't really visit animal shelters or I wind up taking somebody home..which is how I got my two great gals Lexi and Jugee (don't ask about the name, I can't explain lol). No matter how bad my day is, the fact that they are ALWAYS happy to see me can't help but brighten my day!

#4 Mapquest. I think you can figure that one out.

#5 My running shoes.

#6 My Canon T1i...ahhh, I'm not so secretly in love with it and its magnificent pictures.

#7 Diet Soda...I've tried, oh how I've tried to give you up you filthy habit, but you keep sucking me back in.

#8 My Ipod (nicknamed the Baddest IPOD alive) and for damn good reason. If you're interested I'll let you have a listen.

And that's pretty much it! Those are the essentials. To be honest, it was really difficult thinking about actual items that I couldn't live without...all of the "things" I listed I could truly give up and be ok, as long as I have God, friends and family, and of course...my pets lol.

What are some things you guys couldn't live without?? Inquiring minds want to know :-)

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Day Two

Okay so nine things people may not know about me...here goes nothing haha.

1. I cannot stand the sound of silverware clinking against ANYTHING metallic or teeth or plates for that matter. The simple thought of it is driving me nuts right now. It's almost a panic that washes over me when I hear that noise.

2. Same goes for fingernails scraping against paper of any sort. Omg, I have the chills right now and must immediately move on from this topic.

3. I used to have THE BIGGESET gap between my two front teeth known to mankind. I could pose as a fountain and spit water out of it, and nobody would know the difference. But then I got it fixed and now my teeth are perfect, all without the aid of braces :)

4. I used to raise goats. Lots of them. I was like a goat lady or something.

5. I like to think I have a semi web toe, though nobody agrees with me.

6. I was the valedictorian of my high school class, and graduated undergrad with a 4.0.

7. I once came toe to toe with a car thief trying to jack my car, and 30 minutes later after having a nice conversation with him, convinced him not to steal my car. He walked quietly away into the woods.

8. I secretly wish I could be a professional photographer.

9. I'm addicted to watching HGTV. I'm watching HGTV right now.

So there they are! I'm kinda lame, so now you officially know how lame I am! :-)

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Day One

Ok, so I'm bored and incredibly impatient and antsy, so I'm starting my first of the ten days of blogging tonight! I'm just to exciteeedd to sleeeeeepppp!

So the topic for Day One is "Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now."

Ronnie and Sammy: You guys are horrible together. Ron, you're incredible...incredibly jealous and controlling that is. Sammy, I think you like this about him? I just don't get it. Every time I'm "forced" to watch Jersey Shore by my sister, I get progressively more annoyed. Hallelujah for season finales.

Elizabeth Taylor: I loved you in National Velvet. You remind me of my memaw. I'm sad you're gone. :-/

Sam (sister): So happy for you and all of the adventures you have ahead of you! Can't wait to be your wedding planner. But deep down inside I'm so sad to know that my best friend will be leaving me soon to start her new life! I'll miss you lots!

Heather: Again, I'm super thrilled for you and Casey to be moving back to San Antonio to be together and be with your family....I'm gonna miss you guys so much though, you don't even know! It's been a great year getting to have my best friend in the same town, and the door is always open when you come back to visit! Looking forward to New Orleans :-)

Meg: It's about damn time that boy put a ring on it! So happy for you and Joe getting engaged! I knew he would get some sense knocked into him soon and realize that you're the best damn thing that's ever happened to him! Can't wait to see the pics of the new house and hear all about your new adventures. :-)

Steve Carrell: Why are you leaving the office? Seriously. Why? This has been haunting me all season long, and I'm not ok with it.

Jugee (my cat): Why why why whyyyyyyy do you wait until right before I have to walk out the door (usually running late) and then dash into my room, directly under my bed, and refuse to come out?? You know I can't leave the door open in my room while I'm gone, and you know I can't lock you in there all day, so why do you do it? Why do you force me to drag you out of there by the tail? I just don't get it.

Jeff: I'm super proud of you and how far you've come. So looking forward to seeing where this whole thing takes us :-) Also, I wish you were home right now so we could eat lots of bad food and watch Californication. :-/

Mom: Get excited old lady! It's almost your fiftieth birthday! Prepare yourself for what's in store, and that's all I'm gonna say. ;-)

JMU Peeps: I can't wait for New Orleans this summer! It's gonna be a blast and reunion of epic proportions!

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On the first day of blogging my true love gave to me..

Just random photos of the kiddos :)

Doesn't it suck when life gets in the way of having fun? That's essentially what I feel has been happening to me lately! My life has been consumed with school, work, homework, sleep, shower, and repeat. No time for creativity and blogging and all of the things that bring joy to my life...which is a terrible thing for my mojo :) Sooooooooo....

I've decided to take on this fun little blogland activity titled the very catchy, "TEN DAYS OF BLOGGING". Not catchy at all, lol, but nevertheless, very inspiring. Most nights, after work, I find it hard to bring myself to even bathe or brush my teeth, let alone write a funny and thought provoking blurb that people actually want to read, so this blog series is essentially ten days of writing about prompted subjects that you guys may or may not care to know, but will get me back in the groove again!

Here's what the ten day schedule looks like:

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now.

Day Two: Nine things about yourself that most people don't know.

Day Three: Eight things you couldn't live without.

Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot.

Day Five: Six things you wish you could change or you wish you’d never done.

Day Six: Five people who mean a lot to you.

Day Seven: Four turn offs.

Day Eight: Three turn ons.

Day Nine: Two words that describe your life right now.

Day Ten: One confession.

So that's the plan! Feel free to leave comments, play along, give me your own thoughts or whatever else tickles your fancy. Let's have some fun!

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I'm on the pursuit of happiness.

Wow, I am so full. Full of food. Full of life. Full of happiness, and all of the great things that come along with that. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is from Psalms 23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” My cup runneth over…to me that is the epitome of my life today. My proverbial cup is overflowing with all of the good things that life has been sending my way as of late, and I just cannot gush enough about them! First of all, lets just get a brief recap of the past week so you can all get a handle on what’s been going on at Casa de Johnson (Yohnson if we’re being lingually correct).

1. My littlest sister Alex (aka Karate Kid) has spent the entire week of spring break with me. That in and of itself has kind of thrown off my normal routine, but it truly has been a great experience. Every once in a while, its necessary for us creatures of habit to be thrown out of our every day normalcy and be challenged to adapt. This week has been exactly that. From shopping, to movies, to eating out, to the beach and the pool, we’ve truly lived it up. Watch out, you may be seeing us on Girls Gone Wild SB2K11 Edition! (Just kidding mom, we were always fully clothed…except for that one time…but they promised us beads, so its ok).

2. My middle little sister Sam has been gone most of the week to New York to visit her boyfriend, now FIANCE in New York. Yep, that’s right, she’s getting hitched! Her and her long time boyfriend got engaged on her trip, and she couldn’t be happier. So this means, we both get to live our lifelong dreams of planning a wedding (her for real, ,me, vicariously through her lol) and we can now rest easy knowing that all of our lonely nights of David Tutera and TLC weren’t for naught!

3. My wonderful boyfriend Jeff, has been on a work related hiatus from our crazy household for the past year or so (he probably calls it his vacation from estrogen overload), and he is now officially back in CC for a wonderful new opportunity :) And all of us girls (cats and dogs included) just couldn’t be happier! We’re all looking forward to what’s in store for us next.

4. I finally tackled a bucket list item, and came away victorious!! That’s right folks, you heard me, BUCKET LIST ALERT!! I’ve successfully tackled one of Julia Child’s most difficult recipes, Beef Bourgouignon, and nobody’s thrown up yet! That, in itself, is a triumph for all. For all mankind. Well, for all womankind who envision themselves amateur foodies that is, lol. It can be done! If I can do it, so can you! Be on the lookout, I’m putting together a separate post with pictures and an epic description of the 6 hour debaucle that was the tackling of this particular girl’s Mount Everest.

So sit back, and enjoy a few pictures from this weeks happenings, and prepare yourself to be wowed in the very near future by my FOOD PORNO MONTAGE. All PG of course.

As for me, I’m just going to sit back, pick the Beef outta my teeth, and try not to let my cup of Black Bottom Cupcake Ice Cream Overload runneth over too much.

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Design Dilemma

If you had to choose, which duvet cover would you go with? I'm looking for something cheap, and in line with my current color palette, so I can reuse most of my current bedding! I have chocolate brown and greyish/bluish/silverish and paleyellow accent tones throughout my room! What's the consensus??

West Elm (59.99 duvet only, not including shipping)

Ikea via Ebay (35.00 includes duvet and two shams AND Shipping included!)

West Elm (59.99 duvet only, shipping not included)

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It's the end of the world as we know it..

Ok, I'm officially freaked the F#$% out. If you know me at all, you're probably well aware of my somewhat irrational fear and slight obsession with the end of the world. Now don't get me wrong, I don't know if I believe all the mumbo jumbo about 2012 or aliens or all that jazz, but the fact is I'm consumed with being afraid of it. I mean, I get legitimately panicky when I think about it, and I, for one, blame the media.

Movies like 2012, The Day After Tomorrow, and Knowing have affected me in a very personal way. I'm a scientific creature by nature. I need facts. I need evidence in order for me to usually be persuaded, and these movies all focus on the end of days as a result of science (in however vague a way). Uncontrollable shifts in weather, climate, cosmic occurences...these movies use those ideas in order to dictate how the end will all play out as a result of freak climactic changes. To me, this is a very plausible hypothesis of things that could very well occur at any time in our future.

As I hear more and more about the devastating natural disasters that occur around the globe (and whose influence reaches far and wide), I become exceedingly anxious about what this means. Flooding and Cyclones in Australia? Massive earthquakes and tsunamis around the world? Predictions of solar flares? Shifts in the earth's pole? New suns affecting climate? The alignment of the cosmos in such a way that the Earth will inevitably be affected? I mean, honestly, to me, its heartbreaking to see a culture or a country be so completely crushed by nature that their infrastructure and way of life may never be the same. To put it in perspective, its like seeing the United States without California attached anymore (which according to scientists is not altogether implausible). To me, it's inconceivable.

Now, don't get me wrong I'm not obsessed in that weird way. The kind where I have a giant clock counting down the days left. I haven't yet cashed in all my assets and built a bomb shelter. But I think the main thing that scares me is the idea that IF scientists, or the Mayans, or whoever, are correct in their assumptions, then what's the point? Why I am I going back to school? Why do I worry about bills, or the future, or anything having to do with adhering to societal expectations? If the world is going to end, shouldn't I just have fun, look after myself, and live life to the fullest? And the answer is, I don't know.

I keep plugging away, planning for a future on this planet, with the people I love, because to be honest you just never know. Nobody does. Not the scientists with their unfathomable equations. Not the Mayans. Not Hollywood. Now this might not sit well with everyone, (and if it doesn't, well then just don't read my blog, I could care less) but I believe in something bigger than us all. Call it God, or whatever you'd like, but I truly believe that nobody can know the end except Him. And He instructs us to live our lives so that in the end, we will all go where we belong. Some people call religion "the opiate of the masses", and they may be right, but I know for a fact I'd rather embrace this idea and take comfort in it all of my life and be wrong in the end, then the opposite.

WHEW! I got off on a little tangent there. I told you guys not all my posts would be lighthearted, and food related, didn't I?? There are deep things up here in this head of mine, and from time to time I may let some of those ideas out, just so you don't become fully convinced that all I care about is clothes, or eating, or running. There's a little bit more to me than that! Just to reiterate, I'm not crazy lol. I'm not convinced that the end of the world is iminent. Not at all. I'm just by nature, a worrier. I worry that I'm not living up to my potential, and that I'm not fulfilling my calling. But doesn't everyone from time to time?

In the meantime, as the Earth keeps on spinning, the sun continues to rise in the east and set in the west, and the stars come out each night, I'll gently remind myself to "Keep Calm and Carry On." It's not the end of the world as we know it....yet.

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Amber is the color of your energy...whooaaa

So I'll start off by saying I have no idea as to why I chose this title for my random blurb, all I can say is this song is in my head, its my vibe for the day. :-) Does that ever happen to anyone? You hear a song on the radio or wake up singing a particular line and that song just kind of guides your mojo for the rest of the day?

Well it dang sure happens to me on a regular basis. But anywho, I digress. I've been trapped inside my little cubicle of studying and anti-fun for the last week and a half and now that I've finished all my tests and labs (with all A's I might add) I'm free!!! FREE AT LAST!! And just dying to be creative and positive and fun and all amber colored energy and whatnot haha.

I must confess that while I was "supposed to be studying" all day every day this week, I did in fact have time to sneak a few peeks at my favorite design websites, and catch up on my must-read DIY blog designistas...I mean all work and NO PLAY makes Jess a dull girl! And I am now officially totally obsessed with becoming a DIYer (or do it yourselfer for you non-acronymical followers out there). Last week I spent literal hours scouring thrift, craft, and discount stores for pieces and ideas for my own little projects a-brewin'.

The biggest project and undertaking that I want to do is to design and make a tufted headboard for my queen sized bed. I've researched a TON of how to videos and sites, and apparently, what would seem to be a big task, is actually relatively "easy". Maybe for normal people, with tools, and handiness, but for me...it'll probably be mechanically impossible, but I'm not discouraged yet! (isn't it easy to be optimistic, sitting at home...on the couch..thinking about how wonderful your new handmade goodies are gonna look? Then you get out and start making them...wamp wamp wamp...) Anywho, I found a look that I wanna go for, and possibly a few fabrics to consider for my new headboard...take a look!

A nice textured fabric, this one has a hint of blue in it (Sale, Joann's Fabrics)

Another textured fabric, this one is a more neutral oatmeal hue (Sale, Joann's Fabrics)

And if I could just have everything in this bedroom

INCLUDING the upholstered headboard, that would be great, thanks.

Ok, so I also have this incurable need to create a space in my bedroom that I have deigned, THE READING NOOK. Basically, what I envision is a cozy, plush, warm space just for me. To read, to blog, to nap, to daydream about my future endeavors...you get the picture. So the pivotal piece for the start of this space is the chair. Which I've got. FOR FREE!!! Some great friends of mine, were trying to get rid of some items after making a big move, and lucky little ol' me got this sweet chair from IKEA complete with white slipcover! Now, I've been trying to get this chair in my hot little hands for over a year, and I just so happened to be in Austin for my race last month, and finally got her and brought her home where she belongs. :-) So right now, this is what I'm working with:

All Chair. No Nook. No Jess-ness.

So this weekend I scoured the stores, and found a great little storage ottoman, with a decent print on it for $20 at Ross that I just have to have!

To add dimension and layers of plushness, I found a soft chocolate brown throw for $7 (also at Ross) A geometrical patterned pillow ($6 at Ross), and a silky ivory and ice blue seat cushion for a chair ($5 at Ross) that I will be using as an added cushion on top of the ottoman.

Throw in this sassy little zebra print lampshade ($10 at World Market) on a table-floor lamp combo that I'm still searching for...and can we say Nook??

What do you guys think??

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Bon Voyage and Bon Apetit!

AAHHHHHHH!!!

That was me pulling my hair out and running around the room for one stress-relievin' cotton pickin' minute.

Whew. I feel so much better. Well folks, I have to apologize for the past few days, it seems I've been MIA from the good ol' blog, AND it seems that I will continue to be creative outlet-less for the next week or so as I'm being quickly reminded that school...is...hard.

This week, its two tests and a midterm that have become a giant time suck for my creative juices...(insert frowny face here). Though I must give myself a pat on the back for totally acing my last test and quiz! Woohoo! There's still information up there in that old noggin, and maybe JUST MAYBE 6 years of school hasn't been entirely useless. But just maybe.

Anywho, I'm saying Bon Voyage for the next few days, but leaving you with some fun food pictures of some fanfreakintabulous meals I've made in the past few weeks! I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! Bon Apetit bloggers!

Baked Lemon Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

And Roasted Garlic and Lemon Broccoli!

Quiche Lorraine

Yes, I know my crust was broken, but it was still so tasty!

Served with a simple side salad! ( Note, I did add mushrooms and bell peppers for a little more oomph!)

Chicken Balsamico

Served over pasta with some good white wine!

Pasta topped with chicken and shrimp (my extra addition) cooked in a creamy sauce with tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, mushrooms, bell peppers, and topped with feta cheese..so good.

Creamy sauce a bubblin.

If you're interested in the recipes, I've linked them up to the titles. Try out allrecipes.com, it's where I get all my inspiration, and it has wonderful gadgets for busy cooks!

Til next time friends, eat and be happy :)

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Mid to Late Week Rant.

So I have to have a mid to late week rant. Today I was driving home, listening to the radio, trying to unwind in preparation for a midterm, and an absolute total disgusting monstrosity of a song came on the radio. Now, before I go any further, I'll just say this..I don't mean to offend anyone's taste in music BUT it boggles my mind how a song with the lyrics "Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it...sticks and stones may break my bones but whips and chains excite me" is popular. Seriously? And then let's just title it S&M to make it extra dirty. When you start singing about whips and chains and the smell of sex...you MIGHT be running out of inspiration, and maybe..JUST MAYBE its time to rethink the path your career is taking. To me, its next stop, strip club. Perhaps, porno. I don't know, people. Thoughts? I mean I love a good dance beat just as much as the next person, but even I have limits lol.

So in the spirit of bringing back good music, I'll submit some songs from my playlist and open myself up to musical judgement...hey, I never said I was perfect! But here's what I'm jammin' to today. :)

Random Playlist for the Day:

Citizen Cope "Off the Ground"

Death Cab for Cutie "Grapevine Fires"

Imogen Heap "Hide and Seek"

Iration "Falling"

Kid Cudi "Erase Me"

Randy Rogers Band "Steal You Away"

Mumford and Sons "Little Lion Man"

Check 'em out, you might be surprised....though if whips and chains are your musical "thang", then probably not.

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"Life itself is the proper binge."

Well folks, bucket list alert coming right up! I've been slowly preparing myself mentally and physically to take on a new bucket list challenge, and (surprise surprise) I've chosen one that involves food. Lots of it. However, hard to make and pronounce it may be, haha.

One of the many items on my lifelong "To-Do" list is to attempt to master a Julia Child's recipe, and after much deliberation and opinion-seeking from friends, I've settled on Her Majesty's BOEUF BOURGUIGNON. Which, if you aren't as cultured and classy as me, means braised beef cubes simmered in a red wine sauce with mushrooms, onions, and carrots.

Ok, I lied, I'm not classy...soooo, I basically had to take the recipe and dissect from top to bottom, to figure out exactly what the heck the making of this meal would entail. I really just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to have to stew cow brains, or use a pinch of ground lizard tail or something creepily french and obscure.

So let's first take a look at the recipe:

Servings: Serves 6

Ingredients

• 9- to 10-inch, fireproof casserole dish , 3 inches deep
• Slotted spoon

• 6 ounces bacon
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil or cooking oil
• 3 pounds lean stewing beef , cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 sliced carrot
• 1 sliced onion
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 3 cups full-bodied, young red wine , such as a Chianti
• 2 to 3 cups brown beef stock or canned beef bouillon
• 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 cloves mashed garlic
• 1/2 tsp. thyme
• Crumbled bay leaf
• Blanched bacon rind
• 18 to 24 small white onions , brown-braised in stock
• 1 pound quartered fresh mushrooms , sautéed in butter
• Parsley sprigs

Directions

Remove rind from bacon, and cut bacon into lardons (sticks, 1/4 inch thick and 1 1/2 inches long). Simmer rind and bacon for 10 minutes in 1 1/2 quarts of water. Drain and dry.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Sauté the bacon in the oil over moderate heat for 2 to 3 minutes to brown lightly. Remove to a side dish with a slotted spoon. Set casserole aside. Reheat until fat is almost smoking before you sauté the beef.

Dry the stewing beef in paper towels; it will not brown if it is damp. Sauté it, a few pieces at a time, in the hot oil and bacon fat until nicely browned on all sides. Add it to the bacon.

In the same fat, brown the sliced vegetables. Pour out the sautéing fat.

Return the beef and bacon to the casserole and toss with the salt and pepper. Then sprinkle on the flour and toss again to coat the beef lightly with the flour. Set casserole uncovered in middle position of preheated oven for 4 minutes. Toss the meat and return to oven for 4 minutes more. (This browns the flour and covers the meat with a light crust.) Remove casserole, and turn oven down to 325 degrees.

Stir in the wine, and enough stock or bouillon so that the meat is barely covered. Add the tomato paste, garlic, herbs, and bacon rind. Bring to simmer on top of the stove. Then cover the casserole and set in lower third of preheated oven. Regulate heat so liquid simmers
very slowly for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. The meat is done when a fork pierces it easily.

While the beef is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms. Set them aside until needed.

When the melt is tender, pour the contents of the casserole into a sieve set over a saucepan. Wash out the casserole and return the beef and bacon to it. Distribute the cooked onions and mushrooms over the meat.

Skim fat off the sauce. Simmer sauce for a minute or two, skimming off additional fat as it rises. You should have about 2 1/2 cups of sauce thick enough to coat a spoon lightly. If too thin, boil it down rapidly. If too thick, mix in a few tablespoons of stock or canned bouillon. Taste carefully for seasoning. Pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables. Recipe may be completed in advance to this point.

For immediate serving: Cover the casserole and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce several times. Serve in its casserole, or arrange the stew on a platter surrounded with potatoes, noodles, or rice, and decorated with parsley.

For later serving: When cold, cover and refrigerate. About 15 to 20 minutes before serving, bring to the simmer, cover, and simmer very slowly for 10 minutes, occasionally basting the meat and vegetables with the sauce.

Issue #1 I don't have a fireproof casserole dish aka dutch oven. I've located one to borrow as I swiftly discovered that a decent dutch oven costs a pretty penny, which this girl doesn't have! So that's solved :)

Issue #2 I have no idea what bacon rind is. I'm picturing bacon wrapped in a hard green shell, somewhat reminiscent of a watermelon?? Come to find out, bacon rind is just a cut of bacon that has a portion of the skin still on as the outer layer. Sounds fancy, huh? My next step is to find out if our local HEB (the greatest place on Earth) has this type of bacon in stock...Im hoping yes, but I will venture out elsewhere to locate this mythical "rind" if I have to!

Issue #3 Well, I don't really have a specific issue other than...I'm scared. This was actually the EASIEST version of JC's recipe that I could find, and it still seems like a gigantic task to take on! I'm picturing my tiny little hole of a kitchen covered with pots and and pans, and beef stock, and little tiny miniature onions that I've never heard of, and me...sitting there...red wine bottle in hand, slumped against the counter..and crying.

I'm optimistic though! I will keep you all updated on how this process goes, and I should be "attempting" this recipe just as soon as I get my hot little hands on that borrowed dutch oven! Any suggestions/words of encouragements/comments from anyone that's ever attempted this colossal feat would be greatly appreciated!

I leave you all with a quote that I adore by the lovely Miss Julia..."Life itself is the proper binge."

It's deep. Think about it.

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