Nepal

Fun Facts:
-80% of Nepalese follow Hinduism, making it the most Hinduic nation in the world
-The official language of Nepal is Nepali
-Nepal sits at the base of the Himalayas and is bordered by India and Tibet
-It is the 12th poorest country in the world
-A typical Nepalese meal consists of rice, vegetables, and dal (a leguminous crop that is high in protein)

About a week ago I decided that I want to go to Nepal. I know, it sounds crazy, but for some reason the idea entered my head and my heart, and now I can't stop thinking about it. I told my parents and they were just like, "Oh really, that's great Kels." I don't think they quite understand my newfound passion for this country. While I understand that this idea may seem a little grandiose, that does not stop me. The title of my blog is "Daring to Dream" and that is exactly what I am doing. I am daring to pursue something that others may question, and yet that opposition does not hinder me. Whether or not I end up accomplishing this goal next year or sometime down the road, I will continue to dream because that is who I am...

Oh, How I Love Fall!

Have I ever mentioned that fall is my favorite time of year? Well, it is! I think it begins to hit me right around the beginning of October when the weather finally cools down, the leaves change colors, pumpkins start to appear on the doorsteps of many homes, and piles of candy are the first thing you see when you walk into the grocery store! Yep, I love this time of year! And do you know what the best part is? After Halloween passes and the pumpkins disappear and the trees are bare, I get to look forward to Thanksgiving! I get to anticipate being surrounded by the people I love, eating mounds of tremendous food, and having a full week off of school! But wait, it gets even better! After Thanksgiving when the leftovers are all gone, I have something else to be excited for...Christmas! I just love celebrating the birth of Christ with Christmas music, twinkling lights, big green trees, cups of hot cocoa, and family! Now don't you see why I love this season so much? It is just non-stop excitement and good times all the way to January (well, actually February when my new niece or nephew is going to be born!). I hope you all take a moment to step on a crunchy leaf and inhale the fresh scent of fall!

If you want to see some cute pictures of my nephew at the pumpkin patch, click here.

Tortellini Stew!

Today was a VERY big day for me! The reason, you ask? Well, I used my new crockpot for the very first time today to make Tortellini Stew. Actually, my crockpot isn't new anymore (I got it for my birthday in June), but this is the first time I have used it (I had to take it out of the box and everything)! For those of you who know me, you know that I can't cook, or rather that I DON'T cook! Well, this recipe was just so easy I couldn't resist! All I had to do was measure out a few ingredients, pour a couple of containers of canned goods, and chop up an onion and zucchini. Then I threw them all into the crockpot and let them sit for four hours...yep, FOUR HOURS! After that, I added the tortellini and...PRESTO! The best part about my day was sitting down at my dining room table with candles and soft lamp light, listening to my sister's wedding cd, and enjoying a meal that I prepared. Mmm, yes indeed, today was just splendid!

Football + Family = Good Times

This past week has been absolutely hectic! I was so looking forward to this weekend, not just because I wanted to relax, but also because my family came down for Cougar Football on Saturday! I know I have already posted about how much I love being a Coug and how fun the football games are, but I just can't help doing it one more time! We played nationally ranked USC yesterday and almost won (the score was 22-28 and I am pretty darn sure that if the refs hadn't left their glasses at home and laid off the bottle then we would of had it for sure -- sorry, I get a little riled up sometimes!). The energy in Martin Stadium was unbelievable and the sound of over 35,000 fans holding their breath in the final seconds of the game as a beautiful fall day came to a close was spectacular. And the best part about the day...I got to share that experience with my family! Whether we won or lost, I was thrilled because I was surrounded by the most beautiful, loving people! My nephew Parker was decked out in his Cougar hat and face tattoo (which, by the way, was too cute), and he even yelled "Go Cougs!" I am totally not exaggerating, Parker would throw his fist into the air and squeal with enthusiasm! Ahh, there is nothing like family and football...