First Air Boat Ride!

Yesterday, our park police took me and my other co-worker out on the air boat we were borrowing from another State Park. I was a bit nervous about it but I enjoyed it! The downside was feeling like a hood ornament afterwards, that's how my co-worker decribed it. She was right. Bugs were all over us and marsh weeds were too! I tried to snap a few photos while trying to hold on for dear life. :-)  I keep telling myself that I am not an out doorsy person. I've never been into the wildlife.  I think TPWD is bringing it out of me! LOL

Voted and Started my WW Journey

Yesterday, I took advantage of my day off to early vote. I feel like its my duty as a citizen to participate. The men and women didn't fight for that right for nothing. Every vote counts. I hope everyone goes to the polls!

Amendment XIX

(The proposed amendment was sent to the states June 4, 1919, by the Sixty-sixth Congress. It was ratified Aug. 18, 1920.) [The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied because of sex.]
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

So, the "skinny me" has started to cry out. I'm on day 2 of my WW journey. I think I am doing good so far. I need to add exercise. And, I need to remember for lunch next time to bring more food! I'm starving right this sec. I had a WW microwave meal with yogurt (6pts). I need some carrots or something!

Until next time...

Battle Scars

Being a domestic diva is hard work! This is from last week when I mis-judged the bread in the oven. I thought I enough space to grab-well, the rack got me. OUCH!

Easy Crockpot French Dip

I never thought I would be the one cooking.  While Robert and I dated he always cooked and I loved it. 
But, being married it's different.  I feel like it's my duty to have meals planned and cooked. The weekends I usually let him do the work, though. We like to grill on the weekends and I don't even know how to turn on the grill. Haha.
Anyway, I wanted to share this super easy French Dip Recipe.
4lbs Chuck Roast or Rump Roast-Chuck roast will shred rather than slice
1 can of beef broth
1 can of condensed french onion soup
1 can/bottle of beer of your choice-We had Miller Lite on hand
Salt/Pepper
French bread/Hoagie sandwhich bread
Provolone Cheese or cheese of your choice

I put a moderate amount of salt/pepper on the chuck roast
Put the chuck roast, beef broth, french onion soup, and beer in the crockpot and let it cook for 7 hours.
After the 7hrs, slice the beef in diagonal pieces.  We had chuck roast and slicing became shredding. Still taste the same.

We used Hoagie sandwhich bread since I couldn't find french bread.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Butter the bread and when oven is ready place on a cookie sheet.  Let bread get warm-a little brown-a little toasty.

When bread is done-you may want to drain some of the meat before putting on your sandwhich.  Too much juice may make your sandwhich soggy.

Time to make your sandwhich! Don't forget to put cheese on it! And, use the juice as your au jus dip. It's really yummy!  Here a some pictures.

TPWD is gonna make me become an outdoorsy person!

I was asked the other day by the park manager and one of the park interpreter's if I would be interested to get certified in angler education and archery.  At first, I didn't know how to respond. I didn't really know what angler education was until I asked. My expression probably gave them the hint that I didn't want to attend. Here's the definition of Angler Education:  Learn how to teach others fishing skills and share this new knowledge with your constituents. Instructional topics include knot tying, casting safely, regulations and ethics, and identifying game fish, baits and lures, as well as fishing holes.  My family thinks its hilarious that I am going to learn how to fish then be able to teach others how to.  I have been once in my 28 years of living and my wonderful Dad did all the work for me. I think I was between 7-10yrs old when we went. I remember we were living in Michigan at the time and Mom and I came across a snake and then we were both done with that adventure. I have a fear of nature. I don't like bugs, reptiles, tall grass or anything to do with nature. I really hope this will help my fear. Robert and I have talked about going fishing for awhile now, and after this course-he will NEVER do the bait or anything that I don't want to do. He's going to expect me to do the baiting and such. This certification will allow me to help with the summer camp we hold annually at the park. I have been wanting to help with the camp since I started to work for TPWD. I just don't want to canoe or come across any reptiles/bugs. Not too much to ask, right?!? So, the more I think about it-I remind myself what a great opportunity this is.  Not only for my personal benefit, but for my TPWD career. The plus side is that I will get to experience a state park that I may never have a chance to visit any time soon. The state park is Prairie Haynes and from what I've been seeing-the landscape is beautiful.  I hope to take lots of pictures while I am there. ANNNNND, its during the week of my birthday-mini vacay! :-)   I'm going to make the best of it.

Robert and I may go fishing this weekend.  I think I need a heads up of what I am getting myself into before I go full force next month. LOL

When it's all said and done, I will be certified in Angler Education and Archery!