Dec 30

The year of 2008.

I traveled more than I’ve ever traveled in the past.
I bite my nails lesser than last year. That’s pretty amazing.
I worked at the best ad agency in Tulsa with the most fantastic group of people.
I planned my wedding with my now-husband.
My knowledge about the wedding world and “DIY” increased rapidly.
I got my first french nails.
I got married! The season changed. I entered the marriage life.
I changed my name. I’m now a proud Brata.
I thank God that He blessed me with such a great and loving in-laws.
I moved to the Big D. And (never thought this before, but) I’m lovin’t it!
I developed new friendships.
I’m a tidier person because of my new roommate a.k.a my husband.
I baked my first made-from-scratch cake.
I cooked a lot. Hmmm… A LOT.
I stepped my feet into the freelance designer world.
The first time in 5 years I had to go to Kinko’s for my printing needs! Yuck.
I lost the first 11 pounds out of the 30 I have to lose. I should’ve reached halfway if not because of the holiday delicacies!
I regained my interest of exercising and fitness.
I found a new hobby that I can share with my husband: fishing.
I caught my first fish! And second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh. Small ones

I developed a love relationship with the color yellow.
I tried to limit consuming eggs (-> my most favorite food of all things in the world). It’s been so hard but pretty successful!
I survived the first half-year of marriage. Happily.
I never miss my family as bad as I do this year.
I never want to go home to Indonesia as bad as I do this year.
I learned how to submit to my husband. And still learning.
I learned to better control my self and my emotion. And still learning.
I learned (again) that God plans everything for a reason that we probably wouldn’t find out shortly.
I learned (more) not to judge people by what we see because we never know.
I learned (even more) that it’s all about our relationship with God.
I learned to understand the “true” meaning of serving God.
I believe I’m a more mature person than ever before.

“For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” Psalm 90:4

This will be my last post in 2008. I know I don’t blog that much this year, but certainly more than last year, no? I hope to blog more in the new year, i really do! Goodbye 2008!

Nov 12

Spaghetti & Meatball

Beef, Kitchen Escapade, Rice & Noodles 4 Comments »

Last night, I was craving for Italian food. I wanted something creamy like alfredo but David is not a big fan of that. The only Italian meal he could stand is probably the Spaghetti & Meatball just because of the meatball So I made Spaghetti with Real Meatballs, instead of with the cooked meatball package that I usually did.

I used Ina Garten’s recipe for that and modified it to my taste just a little. I used no ground veal on the meatball because I don’t really have access to buy them. For the fresh white bread crumbs, I used whole wheat bread because that’s what I had on hand. I also added more sugar and chunks of mushroom to the spaghetti sauce to suit my taste.

What I post below is Ina’s recipe without any modification. Oh, and also, her Garlic Bread recipe is also worth trying. Ina’s recipes are definitely my favorites amongst the other Food Network chefs. It suites my taste very well.