Maneuvering around 'adult terrain' hasn't been the easiest of things to do. I've grown so used to living on my own that I fairly chafed at the idea of living at home for a prolonged period. My wings have stretched, so to speak, and they weren't ready to be tucked in. Well those sort of concerns were somewhat unfounded. I'm slowly learning that asserting independence means waiting; parents usually mean well with their restrictions but they too are learning to be comfortable with how things need to change. I've been told numerous times that I am an adult. What does this mean exactly?

It means cooking dinners. Being present. Staying focused on what I need to do so I can make my own life for myself. None of that sounds taxing. Yes, maybe I long for periods of me-time, but it's a small sacrifice. Anyway, I don't want to go on about being an adult and the changes that means for my situation; I just want to jump straight into the fun!

I had Ben come over to the house (he's visited pretty regularly to get to know my parents) and surprise, surprise, he was allowed to sleepover upstairs. The only condition was 'no hanky-panky' (haha) which was no obstacle. It was a win-win for both of us because not only did he get to spend time with me, he also got to shave off an hour and a half for his trip to Dallas for his dad's birthday. I would've liked to come along but the main reasons why I didn't (couldn't?) was that (1) I needed to get my parents accustomed to the idea and (2) I still need to study my butt off for the GRE.

Most of our hangouts/dates involve hitting the shops, trying cupcakes, or going somewhere (like the aquarium two weeks ago!), but this time we only stopped by the GAP. We had coupons for 40% off so we snapped up some items. I got a snazzy gray cardigan with brown patches on the elbow and simple black loafers (had to return the ones from Urban Outfitters because they were too snug; did exchange them for a pair of pointed gray flats which I'm wearing in the pictures below).

I was super tempted on purchasing these gray skinny jeans (you can see them in the first picture, thrown over my arm) but my budget didn't cover that... guess I could settle for a cheaper pair from Forever 21?? We went back to my house and I cooked a dinner for Ben and my parents. I followed a recipe for Ga Kho (Vietnamese Caramelized Spicy Chicken) but without any of the Thai chilies. The ingredient list was perfect because all I needed was the chicken and green onions:

Ingredients:

* 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken (thighs preferred, but breast also works)
* 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-inch piece peeled fresh ginger, grated
* 3 Tablespoons fish sauce
* 2 Tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar
* 1 Tablespoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup water
* 6-8 green onions, sliced on the diagonal into approx 2-inch lengths

My parents seemed to like it (they wanted a larger portion haha) so it was a success. Also threw in some ready-made chocolate walnut cookies in the oven for Ben since I didn't bake him any last time he came over. We were stuffed afterwards so I couldn't make the midnight snack plans—pretzel bites!

All I needed was the Rhodes Frozen roll dough! Depending on what kind of pretzel I wanted to make, I used either (1) coarse salt, Parmesan, and garlic OR (2) cinnamon & sugar. It was one of the easiest recipes I've ever tried. After thawing the dough (just stuck it in the fridge over night), I cut into it horizontally and vertically to make 4. They rise a bit while you cut which is what you want! Shocked them in boiling water for about 45 seconds before plopping them into the oven for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Brush with melted butter and toss with whatever mixture you want (Parmesan/garlic or cinnamon sugar!). TADA! Made 48 pretzel bites with just one bag of frozen bread dough.

I ended up making them the next day and they were so good!!! About thirty Parmesan garlic pretzel bites and maybe 12 cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. I will definitely be making more in the future. I miss all the potlucks from college; I think this one would've been fun to bring!