Let's Try Again

It's time to bring back the blog.

I walked away for a while, trying to figure out who I am and how to make my life work, for lack of a better term.  I'm not going to lie, the last few months have been incredibly difficult for me.  I struggled.  I didn't know who I wanted to become anymore, and the things I wanted seemed out of my reach--scholastically, physically, and mentally.

I'm in a much better place.  I'm healthier.  I've got a little more figured out.  I am excited for what my future holds.

When I started this blog, it didn't truly represent who I am.  I thought I could become some wonderful blogger, who could share delicious, healthy recipes accompanied by pristine photographs regularly.  I was meant to be a star in Bloggerdom.  That was unrealistic.  I am a college student, for crying out loud!  That's why I have changed the name from Cookin' College Girl to Simply Sammi.  Because I want this to be a place where I can be real.  Where I can share with you whatever I want to share, and not feel pigeonholed.

Here we go.

Food for Thought (and your belly!)

Hey y'all.  So life has been a little crazy since the two trips--I'm trying to catch up in all of my classes and make sure I'm prepared for finals. Not to mention keeping up with ward activities and other parties. Oh and trying to get in enough sleep. And working out! Whew! The other day I was talking to a professor, who mentioned that the unofficial university policy is that for every one hour you spend in class, you should be spending two hours outside of class studying/doing homework. I know this is what is supposed to happen, but I always find that rule excessive. So, being the math head I am, decided to crunch some numbers and figure out just what it would take to get everything done.

For five days out of the week I factored in...

40 hours of sleep (8 per day)

15 classroom hours

30 homework hours

20 hours of work

5 hours of exercising

3 hours of travel time (getting to and from campus, etc)

total: 113 hours.

total hours in 5 days: 120 hours.

yeah, that leaves us with 1.4 hours of free time a day...and when I say free time, I mean time to cook, clean, get ready from school, take care of ward calling responsibilities, etc. And then try and squeeze and episode of Alias in there. It's crazy! But hey, I only have 7 days left and then I get a glorious break. :)

Speaking of which, the other day in fast and testimony meeting, someone was talking about how grateful she was for friends who really probe past the "how are you doing?" "I'm good." answers. I didn't really pay much attention to her after that (I know, I'm pathetic) but lately I've been thinking about "I'm good". I say it every time someone asks me how I'm doing. But really, I'm always "doing good". No matter what went wrong or how difficult my day is, when I reflect back on it I always seem to remember the positive things that happened. Yesterday I spent five hours studying linear algebra. It was exhausting. But everything is starting to click. I have to work extra hours this week, but at least I'm making more money than usual. I'm working my tail off right now, but then I get a break. My favorite break of the year because all I get to do is be with my family and celebrate my Savior's birth. Yes, life is good.

I am so blessed. 

Now who wants a recipe?

Rustic Vegetable Soup

I made this soup the other day, and totally fell in love. Its easily one of my favorite recipes of the semester!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup kale, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• salt
• pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil. While it is heating, chop your vegetables (don't forget to rinse the kale!). Toss in onion and saute until softened. Salt and pepper heavily. 2. While onion is cooking, microwave potatoes for 1-2 minutes to soften. Toss potatoes and carrots into the pot. Saute for another 3-5 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth. I make my own chicken broth using bouillon cubes, and to make it more flavorful I use a 2:3 ratio cups of water to bouillon cubes. Bring soup to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then add in green beans (I like to use fresh). 4. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then add in kale, one can of diced tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until potatoes are soft and kale is cooked down. Season to taste.

Servings: 6

Calories: 162
Protein: 7.5g

P.S.--I'm sorry this post is so long!

Love Your Body

Every year the Women's Resources program at my school puts on a challenge called "Recapturing Beauty". It is a campaign designed to help women to reshape their attitudes and opinions of their own beauty, physically and spiritually. It is designed to help women learn to "develop a greater love and appreciation for who they are as divine beings". I didn't hear about the campaign this year until the last day, so I was unable to participate in the 10 Day Challenge (or receive a free t-shirt, dang it!).

October 19th was also NOW's National Love your Body day, so I guess I've been a little bombarded this week with reasons to love myself and my new body. I'm not gonna lie, its been difficult to transition my mindset from a "fat" girl to a healthy girl. I still look in the mirror and see "fat Sammi" some days. But I have also learned to appreciate myself in a new light. And I want to share that with you.

**All photos courtesy of Tilt Photography**

 I love my smile. Its not perfect, its not even "real", but I love it nonetheless.

 I like my eyes. I like the way they change colors depending on what I'm wearing. Some days, they are a rich green. Others, a murky green blue. And once in a while, they almost look grey.

 My legs are strong. I have thunder thighs and I'm not afraid to admit it. I thought that once I lost weight, I would automatically have small legs. But I don't, and I like them this way. I have muscle definition. I can run 10 miles. Who doesn't want to be able to say that?

 I like my small waist and big hips. I'm curvy and I always will be (once again, another trait that I though would go away but didn't). But I rock my curves. And apparently boys find curvy girls more attractive...and that's always a good thing. ;)

I like my feet. This sounds weird, but hear me out. I used to have really nice looking feet. Now my feet are calloused and "veiny". My mom's feet have always been like this, and now I know why: we are runners. I have runner's feet (although hopefully I will never get runner's toe...). They aren't pretty, but they define who I am and what I do. I couldn't do any of the activities I love if I didn't have strong, calloused feet.

I like my laugh. I sound weird, my nose crinkles, and sometimes I squeak. But it means that I'm happy.

I still have fat days. I sometimes doubt myself. But I'm getting better. We are all amazing people, regardless of our physically condition, because we are made in the image of a God who loves us tremendously. We have been blessed with strong bodies and minds, and hopefully y'all can realize how amazing this is.

Have a great weekend!

Healthy.

Sometimes people frustrate me. They tell me I exercise to much or that I eat weird vegetables. They think I'm trying to hard to be skinny and that I should stop dieting. But those that say that to me just don't understand. I'm not dieting. I'm appreciating the beautiful body my Heavenly Father gave me by taking care of it. By filling it with good foods and pushing it through exercise. And I feel better than I have in years. I'm not the skinniest girl on the block, nor will I ever be. But that's ok. I am healthy and happy.

Source: foreverfit.tumblr.com via Sammi on Pinterest