Jenny from the blog...

The Flash

2012-01-13T11:48:00.003-06:00

My husband is not as he says, "a flashy kind of shoes guy".

And yet...

There are his pair of frog shoes, as I call them:

His lime green could be used to signal in airplane on the runway shoes:

And his most recent pair, the Minimus in highlighter yellow and black:

Should we tell him?

Just keep saying it, I'm not a flashy shoes guy, I'm not a flashy shoes guy, I'm not a flashy shoes guy...

Of Germs & Thieves & Pinky Toes

2012-01-12T21:03:00.005-06:00

Last night was the first night since last Friday that I have gotten a good night's sleep. This is about the time that I managed to get the first sinus infection that I've had a LONG time. I don't know if it was all the holiday travel or the fact that everyone at my office has been sick over the past month, but my normally strong immune system must have fallen pray to a germ sneak attack.

Anyway, all this to say, it's a good thing I was able to rest up because I was woken up super early to Joey telling me that someone had broken into La Fonda the Honda. In our driveway. In Cinco Ranch.

They stole his laptop. Which normally he doesn't leave in his car except that his routine was thrown off yesterday and instead of carrying his briefcase inside with him he brought in his gym bag in first because he went straight from work to the gym which also isn't normally the case. It's a a story of which's and because's and all adds up to something similar to the germ sneak attack.

So today kind of started out tough.

It did get better though! Because it is supposed to super cold tonight, I decided making a soup for dinner was a must. Anything better than chicken and rice soup on a cold night?

An aside: Today I was wearing my Never-Wear-to-the-Grocery-Store heels. Where did I find myself? The grocery store. Soup, remember? Painful trip. Good thing the shopping cart also double as a walker. They should make throw away flip flops similar to those at the salon for such occasions. Check your heels at the door.

Along with suggestions, pimentos should be next to the olives. They're actually IN olives. Peas are next to carrots. It's only logical that pimentos and olives be neighbors on the grocery aisle.That's all I have to say. I may have lost two pinky toes in my condition due to a quest for said pimentos.

In other news, I found out that Joey doesn't like "red things" in soup. He's had a hard day so I made soup sans red things and didn't mention the those pinky who made sacrifices for the other 'tos.

They say you don't need pinky toes anyway.

Moves Like Jogger

2012-01-11T19:00:00.000-06:00

I love the episode of Friends where Phoebe exhibits her running moves. Maybe second to Ross and the leather pants episode as far as favorites go.

One thing I'm trying to work on in 2012 is exercising on a more regular basis. I like to think of original ideas when it comes to New Year's resolutions - you know, really think outside the box. Alright, so along with everyone and their dog I'm trying to get back to the gym. P.S. Please do not bring your dog to the gym - maybe just for a run around the block.

Figuratively, I fell of the treadmill back in October when Joey and I were one weekend of traveling away from being included in the Nomadic people group.

[An aside: In all seriousness though I do know someone who fell off a treadmill and sustained pretty bad injuries. Ouch. This is in fact why I will only run on solid ground and stick to the elliptical at the gym. Treadmill softly my friends. You've been warned.]

I really want to start running, but I have never been a runner. Can't stand it in fact. Before boredom sets in at about minute 6, I'll be doing good thinking - I got this, I can be one of those people - a Runner.

You know, Runners say things like "Oh, I've gotta go get my run in today. Hoping to shave five minutes off my time. Gotta get ready for The Boston coming up in May. Scheduled a few half-marathons in the meantime to keep me on my toes."

OK, I will NEVER be one of those people. Let's be honest. Those people blister and sacrifice toe nails to run. There are a handful of things in this world in which I would sacrifice a toe nail. If being a Runner obligates flesh wounds - I'm out.

Here's the kind of runner I want to be:

Finds running refreshing and clears my mind.
3 days a week
5K wouldn't leave me home bound for the rest of the week
Wears cute running gear. (so important)
A toned one

For inspiration I bought this pair of running shoes for Christmas:

Cute, huh? It's amazing what a new pair of shoes can do for one's mental state. They don't know how much inspirational weight they need to bring to the table. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. Or would I?

Things I've learned so far:

Don't overdress. Particularly fleece.
iPod must be ready and loaded or boredom quickly ensues
One should not run around the neighborhood during dinner time. You just end up hungry. Tacos across the street, Indian at the corner, steak the next block over, etc. On second thought, if I always end at the house with the curry, my appetite will probably be suppressed. Note to self.

If you have any tips to help me get them moves like Jogger, please share!

Sock Monkeying Around

2012-01-10T19:08:00.002-06:00

This is my friend, Lara. We celebrated her birthday on Saturday night at the Cheesecake Factory where I was forced to eat a Southwestern egg roll, bread, garlic noodles, some of my friend's entree, and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake - all washed down with a cafe latte. The sacrifices we make for our friends - what can I say?

You want to know a very important fact about Lara? She does not like sock monkeys. They creep her out. Now, I've never had bad feelings toward sock monkeys; however, after Lara brought this to my attention I am reconsidering the sock monkey.

I did a little research and have found that there are no moderates when it comes to the sock monkey. It seems like folks either love'em or hate'em. Some people have sock monkey-themed nurseries.

And then there's the whole group on Facebook that is devoted to hating sock monkeys. Lara's not alone.

So what is it about sock monkeys that is so creepy?

Are their limbs too long? Mouths to wedge-of-orange wide? Or is it their coal black lifeless eyes that follow you around everywhere you go? Shudder... How did I not see this before?

Next year for Lara's birthday I know exactly what to get her:

Which sock monkey camp are you in: friend or foe?

P.S. Don't even get me started on clowns...or Teddy Ruxpin...

Return of the Blog

2012-01-05T19:57:00.004-06:00

Maybe. One can never tell. I hate to be the bearer of bad excuses, so I'm not going to give you any. I'll just jump right into catching you up on the most important things that have happened over the last few months:

I bought a pair of skinny jeans. This is a real shocker because I swore that I would never buy skinny jeans as I've never found them particularly flattering.

I bought a second pair of skinny jeans. I know. I'm one tightly clad step away from buying pajama jeans.

I went to Vegas for the first time. For work.

I decided that Vegas isn't really my thing. Too many folks hooked on machines that are hooked to breathing machines because they're hooked on cigarettes.

I think I developed asthma in Vegas.

I read the Hunger Games and absolutely love the series. Can't wait for the movies! Now I'm trying to convince everyone to read the Hunger Games. Hey, you should read the Hunger Games. No, really. You should.

I was talked into getting shellac put on my nails. You have to understand, I don't get my nails done. I have emeraphobia - that's a fear of emery boards for the layperson. I went in support of my friend who was getting her nails done in preparation for a potential engagement (P.S. happened the next week! Whew!). Being a newbie, I said "I'll have what she's having. But just as long as it's something that comes off easily and doesn't require maintenance". Result? They coated my nails in Teflon. Nail polish remover does not work. It's been two months. I'm doing the classy thing and letting it chip off. The patterns that are left right now would be suitable for a Rorschach Test. I knew I should have taken Vietnamese instead of Spanish in high school.

After seeing the Emmy nominations, I started watching and have become addicted to Dowton Abbey. Love it. I don't know what to tell you if you missed the first season. It's on PBS and they've just finished re-airing the first season. Season 2 starts this weekend. As far as I can tell it's not on Hulu or Blockbuster/Netflix. It is sooo good. It's Jane Austen meets The Help which then meets Titanic and then they all meet Dallas for tea and drama. Joey is hooked too.

That pretty much sums it up. You know, the important stuff. OK, maybe it's just the small stuff that floated to the top. Skimming the surface will have to do for today.

Happy 2012, everyone!

With love from me to you

2011-11-07T21:51:00.004-06:00

My husband is so precious to me. He's a notes kind of guy. He surprises me with them often. A note on my mirror. Sometimes a note on my windshield. And even the occasional note in the refrigerator in front of the yogurt. Or like the one on my bag this morning.
It made my day. Little Love Notes are the best, no? The sweet husbands that write them are even better.
Check yes or no.

When in Rome vicariously...

2011-08-02T23:00:00.002-05:00

It is taking every fiber of my being to blog right now. Why?

Are you sick?

No.

Are you mad at your blog?

No. That was so last month.

Do you have The Blingers? (debilitating disease affecting the fingers and linked to too much blogging)

No, just fingerpad callouses.

Then what is it?

Drumroll, please....

It's this book series: The Mark of the Lion by Francine Rivers.

Have you read any of these? How have I just discovered these? All the girls in my book club had read them and all loved them. So, Ashley loaned me the first two in the series.

I am addicted. This story has absolutely captivated me.

First of all, the setting is something I have never really read about in any other book. It's set in Rome shortly after Jesus' death and resurrection. It follows the lives of a young Jewish slave named Hadassah, a Germanian gladiator named Atretes and the wealthy and influential Roman family, the Valerians. It's about mistakes, forgiveness, greed, violence, cultural tension, family and it's about love - not just romantic love, but Christ's love. It's a story you have to finish.

I will tell you that at the end of the first book I was lying in bed on Sunday, my eyes glued to the final pages while Joey was sleeping. I was so impacted by the end of story that I started crying hard enough to wake Joey up from his blissful sleep. He thought I was having some sort of mental break down. (I guess he's never watched The Notebook with me)

While comforting his seemingly unstable wife, he said, baby it's just a book. These aren't real people.

But I think that might be why the story has had such an impact on me. People like this were real. Stories like this were lived out by Christians on a daily basis and in many areas, still are.

With tears still in my eyes, I picked up the second book from my nightstand. I had to know what happened next.

So, while I love blogging with you, I am going to be a little bit selfish and bid you goodnight. I've got to finish the rest of the story. What happens to Hadassah, Marcus, Julia and Atretes? If you know, shh...don't tell me yet.

SYTYCD Recap & Lady G

2011-07-28T07:42:00.005-05:00

First off, good morning!

Secondly, did you watch So You Think You Can Dance last night? Lady Gaga was one of the guest judges and let me tell you that was interesting. I'm not really sure what to touch on - the hair, the shoes, the shoulder pads or the slightly critical comments she made about the choreography. All made my look closer and then think on it for a moment. Say whaaa-tt?

She pretty much hinted that she wasn't a fan of a lot of the choreographers' interpretations last night. I wonder if the choreographers are thinking - well, there goes our chances of ever choreographing for Lady Gaga, or if they're thinking oh well, it's Lady Gaga what do you expect? It's not like Michael Jackson saying he wasn't a fan of your moonwalk, but it's still Lady Gaga. That's gotta hurt.

Enough about Gaga! On to the dances! My favorite was Melanie and Sasha's crazy girl robot power dance. Sonia choreographed it so what's not to love? I usually love Sonia and Mandy Moore dances.

Here's a peak. Oh, and you'll also get a quick look at Lady Gaga's outfit and out there-ness.

Melanie is still my favorite. If you're watching, who's your favorite?

P.S. I'm a fan of Cat Deeley and I hope she has a good chance at the Emmy!

Bored Straight

2011-07-26T21:11:00.012-05:00

I have board straight hair. Or bored straight is often what I think of when I look at my hair. Nothing to it. Left to it's own devices, my hair is the Marsha Brady. I know, I know...many pay lots of moola to have their hair straightened, but I just want a little oomph.

It all started when one of my friends said she had no idea that she had curl in her hair until one day when she was in a hurry, she left it damp and just added a friend's curl friendly hair gel. And poof, she now wears her hair curly most of the time.

Well, this little story only fed my dream of having "natural" curls or even just a little wave. Maybe this was what my hair had been waiting for: a ~~miracle~~ product. Maybe, just maybe - I too have an undiscovered Shirley Temple.

And so began the search to find this curly top ~~miracle~~ product.

I scoured shelves of hair products to find anything that said something along the lines of "Your hair may not be curly now and in fact, may be straight after days in rollers, but this product has the ability to change your hair DNA."

Here's how my results measured up in terms of Marsha Brady hair.

After curl enhancing product A:

After magnificent volume and wave product B:

After miraculous if-a-single-curled-hair-were-in a haystack-we-will-find-it product C:

Ahem.

I will not name the products that I tried, but I will say that as I my wavy hair dream disippated so did the amount that I was willing to spend on DNA changing products.

What I have decided is that God must have given me straight hair for a reason. Because of my bored straight hair, the routine takes me 6 minutes max: 4 to dry and 2 to "fix", a.k.a run a brush through and spray. Upon further inspection, considering that curly hair requires more skill and I have trouble mastering the round brush, it is a blessing in disguise - or should I say, in Marsha Brady hair.

Have I given up? Almost. I'm leaving it in the hands of the one who blessed me with this hair DNA. I'm now limiting my quest to prayer.

If the next time you see me and are expecting to see Marsha Brady and get Andi McDowell instead - you know what happened.

A divinely inspired ~~product~~ miracle.

Sockpiling

2011-07-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Along with absolutely wonderful characteristics we discover about our spouses as newlyweds, there are also those little things that we uncover that, well - get under our skin. You know what I'm talking about - The Peeves. Maybe it's leaving the dirty clothes out of the hamper or the toilet seat up, but we all have certain little self-imposed guidelines for the other half's behavior.

For instance, I know a few things that Joey is particular about: wiping down the shower doors, my long hair in his hair brush tickling his face, shirts facing a certain way in his closet, me taking his good pens, etc. I try to do my best in these little areas as he does the same for me.

And then there's losing socks in the dryer.

This has long been a point of contention between us. By long, I mean almost 3 years. And by contention I'm slightly exaggerating, but what's new? Let's just say that it has caused some frustration for my hubs.

Now, my argument was that if one would not leave socks balled up in shoes, kicked under the bed or in exotic locations across the landscape of our house, one would not have this problem.

That was my case.

But then I started noticing that his socks were missing too. I would load everything into the washer, meticulously noting all the socks as they went in. And low and behold, by the time it came to folding they were Sock Singletons!

So, what does a new wife do? She stores all the Sock Singletons in the back of her own sock drawer for safe keeping. Just until they are reunited with their true love of course. No need to stress you know who out about the dwindling sock population in our house. Or confirm his idea that I lose socks for that matter.

And this cycle went on. And on. Wash. Relocate. Dry. Find Sock Singletons. Hide Sock Singletons. File a Missing Sock Report (MSR). And repeat cycle. For one year.

I was perplexed. I mean, I had heard rumors of the Sock Monster, but didn't really believe in it's existence. It's the housewife's Chupacabra or Nessie. But how else do you explain this?

I began to feel bad when putting little sock couples into our washing machine, knowing that the odds weren't in their favor. I gave the Sock Pre-Wash Address to all those about to embark on their first cycle. Look to your left. Now look to your right. Only two of you will make it out. And odds are, both of you will be Sock Singletons.

Laundry Life went on like this for quite some time. Our poor socks were shaking in our boots.

Anytime socks were brought up in conversation, I immediately broke out in a sweat. Did he notice? Thank goodness for replenishment during Christmas from his mom. I mean, at some point you just run out of matched socks.

I can't quite remember if the hubs began to notice that his sock levels were beginning to reach alarmingly low levels or maybe we were just folding laundry, but it finally came up.

He said something about how funny it was that we could never keep matched pairs of socks.

Mmmm hmmm, I said, so funny. Insert nervous laughter. It's over, I thought.

The hubs continued, saying that it had gotten so bad that he had...

This is it. My days of sock trafficking are over. The jig's up.

Wait what did he just say?

He said, it's gotten so bad that he started collecting stray socks and keeping them in the back of his drawer in hopes of coming across their match.

Yes, we were both sockpiling. You just have to laugh.

I immediately started a Match.com for socks. Over 25+ matches made!

Moral of the story? Don't keep secrets from your husband. Even if they're little ones.

Oh, and never dispose of Sock Singletons. You never know when their mate could be one sock drawer over.

2011-07-21T07:28:00.005-05:00

My absolute favorite dance of the season on So You Think You Can Dance last night. I haven't even been a huge Sasha fan so this caught me off guard. Melanie has been my all along favorite. I still loved her dances last night too, but this one, I just loved it. It was just so easy and right!

Enough.

Watch it.

Now, wasn't that good?

I'm going to ask Joey if he wants to learn the choreography with me. I have an idea of his reaction, but I just want to see what he says. C'mon, who wouldn't want to be Twitch?

P.S. You know that the reason I watch SYTYCD is because I can't really dance well, right? I dance vicariously.

Name That Corpse Flower

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Remember the lovely Lois that made the news last year?

If waiting for a flower to bloom with the stench of death isn't cool enough, this year the Houston Museum of Natural Science is making it fun by letting the public vote on the new flower's name. That's nerdy cool if you ask me!

I'm torn between Clark and Hermann.

I guess Clark was suggested because of Lois and Clark. You know, the famous expeditionists? Just kidding. More like Superman. And I just think it's kind of an unexpected name for a corpse flower. Hermann is the second choice as this unnamed beauty will be a resident of Hermann Park.

I just decided that 'Clark' is a little too Rico Suave for a corpse flower. Hermann's more like it.

Meanwhile, I have my own corpse flower situation going on at work. I was hoping that maybe with a change in office, I would also be turning over a new leaf in regards to my skills as a botanist. Let's just say I'm still trying to find my inner George Washington Carver.

It needs to be taken out, but look it still has green leaves at the bottom! I had to hide it under my desk when a visitor came in yesterday. I'm waiting until this weekend to bring it back home to finish out its final days.

I'm no longer naming my plants. It's just too painful.

Meanwhile, go rock the vote!

A Good Morning!

2011-07-19T07:25:00.005-05:00

If I could have an internal alarm clock and pick its "ring tone", this would probably be it: Mandisa's Good Morning.

I am so glad there are not cameras around when this song comes on because I can't help myself!

I wish everyone a GOOD MORNING!

P.S. Doesn't Mandisa look A-Mazing?

A Very Happy Unbirthday

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did I tell you that my husband turned the big 3-0 this month? You know why this is slightly disturbing? Because this means that this very same number is right around the corner for me.

We celebrate for the whole first half of the month. Over the Fourth of July we always go to his parents' lakehouse in Louisiana where we salute all of the July birthdays in the family with a cake from their favorite bakery, Treina's. Joey and his cousin, Maggie, received their own cake as they were turning you know what.

Mr. Petey makes things like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, gumbo and fried fish. He's like the Cajun male version of Paula Deen. And as usual, there's always a lot of this:

And it's delicious.

We had a great 4th of July and had tons of fun with family.

Last weekend we celebrated Joey's birthday officially with friends, Mexican food, golf and Settler's of Catan.

And then there was my Gift Fail. We had agreed that he would pick out his Big Gift and I would get him a Little Gift. Now, before I tell you what I got the guy who has everything, I must say that I had did not pull this gift idea out of thin air. There had been many positive comments made that led me in the direction. At the time, I felt secure in getting it. You're going to think I'm an idiot.

I got him a gift certificate for a pedicure.

Dumb idea. I'm not going to go into why I thought my manly husband would like this, but I promise it was legit. He flat out laughed when he opened it.

Well, that was because it was an empty box. The lady forgot to put the gift certificate in the box.

I told him what it was, then he laughed again!

He's turning it in for a massage.

I know. You don't have to say it. You told me so.

The Piano Sweatshop

2011-07-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

It's 9 o'clock on Saturday
and the regular crowd shuffles in.

A young boy sits at the piano, his legs dangling from the bench. A lamp illuminates the keys in yellow light.

"Have you practiced?" He hesitates. "Um, yes m'am."

She senses weakness, turns and looks at him over the glasses balancing at the end of her nose. "We shall see. Begin with an F# scale in the key of G minor and follow it up with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 15 in B flat."

Sweat begins to bead on his forehead as he brings his trembling little fingers to the keys. And the metronome begins.

Tick...tock...tick...tock...tick...tock.

Alright, you got me. I made this scene up. And I can't resist Billy Joel sometimes. You know I have a vivid imagination and tend to fill in the gaps of a story on my own. But my mind creates this dramatic scene every time I pass a house that is near the entrance to our neighborhood.

This is The Piano Sweatshop. It never fails that each time I pass this house, the front room blinds are pulled all the way up and there is a teacher and a young Asian child at the piano. It doesn't matter the time or the day. Wednesday 5:30 PM, Sunday 9:00 PM , Saturday 8:00 AM - class is ALWAYS in session.

A mini-van or two are usually waiting outside for The Exchange: one picking up and the other dropping off. It's all part of the Piano Mom Cartel. But I'm thinking about putting a sting operation together.

As I drive by at 8:30 on a Friday night and I see those little ones diligently at the piano, it makes me sad. I guess I shouldn't judge, maybe the child loves playing at all hours! But, 9:00 on Sunday night? It reminds me of the Tiger Mom. Have you read about that? Maybe it doesn't fall under child labor laws, but I'm almost positive there is something illegal going on here.

I have a friend who was raised by Tiger type parents and is adamantly opposed to this line of parenting from personal experience. My parents always forced me to try new things even if I was scared to death. Often, after I got over my fear I was grateful that they had pushed. But what is the line? I'm a dog parent, so my experience only involves strenuous hours of practicing fetch.

Will the child grow up to thank their parents for instilling discipline in order to attain a skill? Or will they grow bitter, regretting a childhood lost?

He says son can you play me a memory? I’m not really sure how it goes, but it’s sad and it’s sweet and I knew it complete when I wore a younger man’s clothes.

How To Win Friends & Influence Officemates

2011-07-12T12:00:00.007-05:00

I owe you a big update. I announce a month ago that I have a new job and then the only thing that I post is about vacuum cleaners. Lame, I know.

Sometimes there's just too much to say and too little time to say it. And besides, when I'm stressed I post about random things that don't matter. Like how I love looking at the dirt bin of a vacuum cleaner. It's my comfort post.

Things have been going great at the new job, but very very busy. I am heading up our company's marketing and am, in fact, our only marketing employee. I'm hoping to change that in the future, but for now I'm it!

I've discovered a few universal truths to making friends in any new office environment:

When trying to make friends with other women in the office, bring up the thermostat. Not much in common to talk about? "Geez, it's cold in here. Wish I would've brought my snuggie." Bam and you're in. Women unite around a good complaint about the office temperature.

Chocolate is a universal language. I have strategically placed a bowl of Hershey's chocolate kisses right by the door to my office. They have no choice but to come in and say hello to the new employee. If Pavlov would've used chocolate in his experiments, he would have had faster results. Oh wait, he used dogs. Nevermind then, scratch that - he was using meat.

Drop a few comments about having dogs here and there to see who bites. If there are a few dog lovers in the house, you're automatically cool. At least with the dog people. Note - do not bring up Pavlovian experiments using chocolate. This will not fair well with dog lovers and you will be looked at with a wary eye for the rest of your tenure.

Put a brightly colored exotic plant on your desk. There's a little bit of hummingbird in all of us. People will come by to admire it the first day and as in my case, thereafter, to slowly watch it's demise and offer helpful tips about how to possibly nurse it back to health.

Wear brightly colored clothes. See previous tip regarding hummingbirds.

Now that you have these tips in your back pocket, go make friends with your officemates. I promise the world of successful scissor and hole puncher borrowing will open up to you!

Dust Bunnies, Meet Your Maker

2011-06-12T14:14:00.000-05:00

Have I ever told you that I have a strange affinity for cleaning products? I am a sucker for a good vacuum. I didn’t really mean that as a pun. I’m serious! Some like to go to car shows, others the cleaning gadgets aisle. We’re not judging each other here.

This is why I’m super excited about my new Dyson vac. I was secretly pleased when our previous vacuum bit the dust. Gosh, I really am not trying to be punny here – who knew ‘vacuum’ had so many options!

With each trip to Taret I would always find myself meandering by the vacuums. I’ve been scouting the Dyson for a while, giving it long looks. Hello, Dyson DC33 with Root Technology, fancy meeting you here. I’m sure the Target employees knew me as the Strange Lady Who Stares at the Vacuum Cleaner Display and said to each other on their walkie talkies “She’s baa…ack!” Alas, there wasn’t anything wrong with my current vacuum to make this purchase practical so I settled for these “perchance” meetings.

Until now.

Now, I know what you’re thinking and no, I did not play any role in the demise of my previous vacuum. There were a few nails or screws ever so often that I might have accidently vacuumed over. Just kidding. She went on her own. And God bless her, she was a good vacuum. She’s on garage duty now, which is kind of like the Isle of Misfit Toys for her kind. I’m not planning for the two to meet. It just wouldn’t be right.

Meanwhile, back in the world of Joey, Jenny, Bogart and Gus dust, Joey and I are taking turns vacuuming. Are we weird or what? I think Joey was just excited as I was. When I got home after he had just purchased it, I walked in the door thinking that he had probably already tried it out, but what had my sweet husband done for me? He had it all put together and waiting for me so that I could take it on its virgin tour myself. In my book, that’s love.

I powered that baby up and we went out on our first spin – gliding around the living room carpet, over tiled floors and rugs and of course, using necessary attachments when needed. Dust tumbleweeds cowered in our presence.

Now I don’t know about you, but for me, there is a certain satisfaction that I have at looking at how much dirt was picked up by the vacuum. Whoever decided that the Dyson dirt container should be made of clear plastic gets this. It’s visible success. While it should be disturbing the more dirt there is in the bin, for me, this is the piece de resistance, if you will - the kind of satisfaction that Michelangelo must have felt in looking at the Sistine Chapel. Well done, my friend, well done.

Is it wrong to get so excited about a vacuum? Worse, to write a lengthy post about it? Before you say yes, I’m going to soothe myself and say it’s the little things that count.

Exciting News I Have

2011-05-10T17:48:00.003-05:00

Things I need to say:

I could eat a caprese salad every day of my life. Fresh mozarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar...these are my kind of people. I know I have a German heritage, but is it possible that I was Italian in a past life? Maybe Jenny Boyardee?

Joey and I have now reconciled a terrible grievance that could have wreaked havoc on our marriage. Thank goodness we caught it early. The things that marriage counseling just doesn't cover, sheesh! Yes, he has finally watched the Star Wars' Trilogy. It is a miracle that we are married. What can I say? The Force is with us and it's about time because my random Yoda speak and Wookie jokes fall flat with him. Ready we are.

Things they should tell you when you purchase a yoga mat online: they put some kind of oil on it so that it doesn't stick together when rolled. Apparently you are supposed to wash this off. Again, things they should say before one tries to use it in yoga class. I was so excited to use my new mat, but let's just say that many in class probably thought I was doing the Drunken Downard Dog as my feet and hands would NOT stay put. It was more Downward Dog meets the Scooby Doo run.

Now that we have these important things out of the way, I must tell you something:

I GOT A NEW JOB! Tomorrow is my last day at my current place and I start on Monday! I'll give you more details soon.

P.S. You know that I really don't believe that I was Jenny Boyardee in a past life, right? Nah, it's more like Jenny Ragu. That's amore!

Joy to the World

2011-04-22T05:54:00.000-05:00

Hear the bells ringing
They're singing that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead

It is Good Friday. Early on Good Friday. This song woke me up today. I'll tell you about it later.

But first, a few things I want to share with you about my family.

My Mom and Dad were different. Of course, by default and as a family - we were different. And that meant, that much to my dismay I was different. I mean gosh, we were already a large homeschool family which at the time was the epitome of weird and then you throw in this? It's only inevitabe.

What do I mean by this?

My parents lived by Joshua 24:15, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." That meant that EVERYTHING was different.

The "But" implies the difference. While everyone else lives for that, we're going to live for this.

My parents met in college in the late 70's. The quirky music major fell for the pretty and popular art major. (Mom says she wasn't popular, but I don't think this is true. I've seen her in her yearbooks. And I've seen the other people in mine.) They married in 1979, toward the end of a Christan revival that swept across the nation as part of the counterculture hippie movement and changed the contemporary view of the church. One of the things that came out of this movement was contemporary Christian music. I'll get back to this.

Growing up, my Dad moonlighted as a part-time youth minister at our church and sometimes worship leader.

We were in church A LOT. For many, church may have began and ended on Sunday, but not so for the Hanks' family. Mom and Dad let us know that this was a time for worship, not Jenny's social hour.

They made the at the time unpopular decision to homeschool myself and three younger siblings because they wanted to be able to teach us about Biblical truths.

We prayed together and had evening family devotionals. It was quite normal to find my parents reading their Bibles at the kitchen table. If my sister and I got in a fight Mom would throw out things like Matthew 5:9 in a gentle voice "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Well, great. You can't argue with the Bible. I mean, what do you with that? The funny thing is that she would turn this on my Dad when he was stirring up trouble among us kids. The gentle voice then said "Fathers do not provoke your children to wrath..." Ephesians 6:4. This is really funny to me now. My Mom was wise.

You may think this is crazy, but it's true - I have never heard a curse word come out of my parents' mouths. There were a lot of TV shows we were not allowed to watch, music we couldn't listen to, attitudes we were forbidden to have and skirts I was not allowed to wear. And do not even think about asking to spending the night at a friend's house the night before Sunday. Mute point.

These were things that in the mind of an already awkward teenager, made us weird.

These are the things that to the outside world may seem restrictive. But may I say this? The thing that I remember most from my childhood was joy. My parents had joy. Joy in the hope of Christ.

I also remember music. My Mom and Dad both played guitar and sang worship songs often growing up. Our house was filled with music, but music with a purpose. We listened to KSBJ before it was cool. My parents favorite artists at the time consisted of Keith Green, Second Chapter of Acts, Sandi Patty, Amy Grant and Michael Card. At least that's what I remember. In particular the song that characterizes the memories from my childhood is the Easter Song by Keith Green.

The video below is of Keith Green live, although I encourage you to listen to the actual record track because it's pretty amazing with strings added, I wanted to show you his heart. I would turn over the back cover of my parents' Keith Green record album to read Keith's story. There was a picture of Keith and his family on the back cover. Not too long after this video was made, Keith and two of his children perished in a plane crash. As you listen to Keith, don't be sad because I think he's alright! Death has lost its sting for those who believe. I have to remind myself of that.

Get past the 70's hair and take a listen to the simple lyrics. This is the hope we have in Christ. This is our joy.

This joy is what makes us as Christians different. It is beyond just actions - it is the joy that gives birth to the choices we make.

And as I woke with joy on Good Friday of not only thinking of the cross, but the resurrection that followed, I am so grateful to my parents chose to not live like that, but like this. Isn't great to be set apart for Christ? Isn't it great to be different?

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah

Matted

2011-04-18T21:17:00.000-05:00

Sigh...

The day is almost finished. I'm yoga'd, showered, read and prayed up. And now, I'm feeling reflective and quiet.

And looking at yoga mats to purchase.

I know, I'm really getting into this yoga thing. Maybe it's because I can touch my toes for the first time since 8th grade. I did this accidentally when I was telling Joey how much I was improving. I said look what I can do! And much to my surprise and his, I touch the floor with straight legs. I was quite impressed with myself to be quite honest! Now of course let me add a disclaimer - this was just after yoga class so please know that if you ask me to demonstrate my moves, you may not always get this result.

This is the mat that Melissa, my favorite teacher, recommends:

This is Manduka's eKO Lite Mat. I'm hoping that with this mat I can do this:

But there's a good chance I'll still be doing a lot of this:

Thank goodness for child's pose.

Sister Act, Otherwise Known As Stay Away From My Barbies

2011-04-11T19:50:00.001-05:00

How can anyone in their right mind think that mint and chocolate are not MFEO?

My sister, JoAnna, that's who.

And it makes perfect sense that I love mint and chocolate and she doesn't. And that I love black olives and mushrooms. And she doesn't.

And that she loves Lady Gaga. And I think that wearing dead meat as a dress is grounds for detracting musical points.

If you knew us both, you would know that this makes sense.

She has pretty feet. I have two very crooked toes that make me self-conscious during sandal season.

She has a love for dark poetry that as a pre-teen was slightly alarming, but much to our relief it is just a hobby.

She used to give my Barbies haircuts. That made me mad. Then she decided to cut her own hair. That made my Mom mad.

She loves ecclectic music and may be able to sing the Evita soundtrack from memory.

She carved our brother's name into stuff all the time. Only problem was that was that he wasn't old enough to write. Classic mistake.

I'm jealous of the freckles across her nose.

And the natural honey highlights in her hair.

One thing we both have in common is that we love to write. She has recently been given the privilege of writing articles for the local newspaper and I couldn't be more proud. I just ask that she not mention my crooked toes.

We celebrated my sister this weekend and her birthday. I am so thankful to have her as a sister and a friend. Love you, Jo!

P.S. Mint + chocolate = destiny

Fools Rush In

2011-04-01T12:54:00.000-05:00

Are you as excited about the weekend as I am?

Apparently, my co-workers know how much I am looking forward to this weekend as they played me for the fool this morning. They sent me the most serious email ever explaining that a crazy situation had come up and I would have to make an out-of-town trip to San Antonio for the weekend.

And I completely fell for it. Like a dork.

I wish I could say that I had totally forgoten that it was April Fool's Day, but we had talked about it the day before and then a million times this morning.

April Fool's! Just kidding, I mean who would be so gullible to fall for this joke! A sucka, that's who!

Aww, man...I tried. Just go ahead, pity the fool.

Shake 'n Book

2011-03-29T19:11:00.000-05:00

Last night our little book club met at Steak 'n Shake's in Katy. This was my first time at a Steak 'n Shake and I chose the shake over the steak - the Butterfinger Shake to be specific. It was de-lish! We had a great time over milkshakes and books and I bet we are the first book club to ever meet at a Steak 'n Shake. That's just how we roll.

This month we read The Scent of Rain and Lightening by Nancy Pickard.

It surprised us all by how much we enjoyed it! This is our first mystery as a group and it had all of us stumped until the very end! I felt like I was trying to play Clue - you know, Colonel Mustard with the wrench in The Library? But in a small town in Kansas so it was more like Grocer Billy with the lasso in The Piggly Wiggly. I loved Clue growing up. Sigh.

Next month we are reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand which will be our first non-fiction book.

I know, we're just living life on the edge right? First a mystery, then Steak 'n Shake and now non-fiction.

This is what I would have had to say about last night disregarding books:

Abby has the cutest Kindle cover. And get this, she made it. By hand. These kind of things amaze me. Abby, post a pic if you haven't already. And patent it. Before I learn to thread a needle.

Liz is the most adorable pregnant person ever. Little Matthew is being carried well.

Lynn has the cutest side braids. And discovers great words like 'higherest' (extreme adj., def. higher than high). I love it!

Ashley is the only one of us who doesn't have a blog? C'mon Ashley, everyone in book club's doing it! Now, that's some serious peer pressure.

And finally, I will be revisiting Steak 'n Shake and let me just say that is has nothing to do with books or milkshakes. I'm talking about eating. A burger and Fries. Despite the fact that my tummy was aching from a giant milkshake, those Fries were calling my name! As I believe in God's perfect sovereignty, I know it just wasn't our time. Until then Fries, until then. Tear.

Post-mortem?

2011-03-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

Although this is my longest absence from the blogosphere to date, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive. But surely you know that. Surely, one of my friends would think to have contacted Joey in pure blogger etiquette to put up a post in memoriam - upon which, this blog would become instantaneously famous if my story were tragic enough. What is it about us that we are drawn to such tragedy and violence - shows like CSI and Bones and Law & Order and Criminal Minds and Project Runway?

But alas for you, there will be none of this tragic violence on this blog. At least not for now. I am still alive and kicking - just not blogging much.

In all honesty, I've just needed to be quiet for a while. Unwrap from myself a bit. Do you ever get that way?

I've taken up quiet things like yoga and gardening. And it's taking me places, let me tell you. I torture plants to their deaths with amazing agility and nimbleness.

Anyway, I need to get back to it - blogging, that is (not ninja plant homicide). It's my therapy. People ask bloggers why they blog. Maybe it's to keep up with family, friends, or memories? Because you have a hobby you want to share? We all have our reasons, our therapy. I think I keep this blog in order to make myself laugh or think - and in that rare moment, a combination of the two. It's an amusement, but it's also an exercise. And plus, I'll have a hobby to fall back on if yogardening doesn't work out.

Here's your laugh for the day at my expense:

What I discovered after being at work for almost an hour and only after a co-worker discreetly pointed it out to me. (thank you, Christy)

True love looks at his I-Phone while standing in your closet to find the shoe that matches the picture and then brings said shoe to work for you to save you from further embarassment.

- Anonymous

A Post of Posts

2011-02-04T14:35:00.000-06:00

I know I've been a little MIA lately. Here's what's on mind:

There are just some answers to important questions that you need to have in your back pocket. Just so you know, if I had to choose to come back into this life as a vegetable, it would be as spaghetti squash. Now you know.

I'm getting into yoga. I love it. I started with a very basic intro yoga class that my friend Christy encouraged me to try with her on Friday afternoons. It's a Christ-centered yoga class so I knew it was a little different and it feels more like a support group that stretches, which is just my style and what I need to ease into it. It was quiet and relaxing. People talk in hushed, lilting voices. It's like nap time for adults.

At the very end of class the instructor has you lie down on your back and she rubs lavender on your temples. If you choose to fore go the lavender you are supposed to keep your hands on your abdomen. I thought I would file that little piece of info away as I'm a rule follower by nature. Sure enough, the next week it came in handy as we were working on leg strength and instead of lavender, the instructor said that she would give each person a leg massage. What? I wasn't prepared for this! What happened to the lavender? I panicked! I had had a very rushed few days and had not shaved my legs in two days. Plus my feet had been in work shoes. Thank God for the abdomen rule! I confidently placed my hands on my tummy and breathed a sigh of relief. And guess what? She did it anyway. What part of hands on the abdomen do you not understand?! I'm just hoping I'm not known as Prickly Leg Girl among her and her fellow yogis.

Our pastor and his wife invited us over to watch American Idol. Joey received a text that day from Mitch that literally said "Do y'all watch Idol?" Am I the only one who thinks that this is a hilarious statement coming from a pastor?! We had a great time!

I am so excited about Beth Moore's Bible study on James. This is maybe the fourth or fifth Beth Moore Bible study that I have attended and let me tell you, it's always worth it. That place is packed! There is just something about thousands of women coming together to worship God that just blows me away each time.

I thought I would be going by myself because my usual Beth Moore buddy, Becky, isn't going to be able to make it this semester. But, God placed a few new buddies in my path right when I walked through the front door that I haven't seen in a while! It was a great time to catch up and fellowship together!

I am ready to see what God will reveal to us through James. I've always loved the book of James, but have never done an in depth study on it. Beth explained that James is one of Jesus' brothers and was an unbeliever until after Jesus' resurrection when he appeared to him in the flesh. One thing I always enjoy about Beth Moore's studies is that she asks the same sort of questions that I have running around in my head on a particular text. They are usually the pretty obvious questions, but just not something I would always ask out loud.

Such as, how in the world is it possible for Jesus' own brothers to not believe in him? I have always been disturbed when I read about this in the Gospels. I mean, you LIVED with Jesus and you don't believe in him? If one of my brothers were Jesus, I think I would have figured that out a long time ago. (not to be sacrilegious in saying this, just trying to put in terms of real life)

But that's just it, I'm putting it in terms of my culture and today. Beth explained that the Jewish life during Jesus' time was so filled with religious ritual that many people appeared holy on the outside (enter Saducees, Pharisees, etc.). She gave the example of Paul who said that he knew and followed the law to the letter, but never truly grasped it until God him over the side of the head in the middle of a Damascus road.

Thank you that we have a LIVING GOD that breaks us free of a strictly ritual life!

On a pathetic note, I am no longer on the yeast-free eating program for the month. I know, Arshunda's going to kill me as I was for a brief moment a compadre in the pain of eliminating dairy and grains. BUT WAIT! I have a good excuse, I promise. I volunteered to be a guinea pig for a new type of food allergy testing at work, but I really didn't fully know what I was getting into until the day before (which was two weeks ago now). You can't eat a diet that's different from the norm before testing. AND, the testing goes on every Thursday for four weeks. So, of course I made the sacrifice for the advancement of medicine and stopped the yeast-free diet for the time being.

Don't think I'm getting off easy. Yes, I was dancing around like a little leprechaun when I found out that I had doctor's orders to not be on the eating program for now. But remember that this is because of FOOD ALLERGY testing. Well, guess what? We only got through two "foods" and I'm two for two. Apparently, I'm sensitive to glycerin, which is in EVERYTHING cosmetic. We're talking soap, shampoo, lotion, etc. Lovely. And get this, I'm sensitive to WHEAT/GLUTEN. That's right, I get the free pass on the yeast-free diet only to find out that I should basically be on the yeast-free diet for the rest of my life. The irony. Sigh. So, I need to fore go using bathing products and if the trend continues, not eat. No biggie. Even a caveman can do it. Again, the irony.

I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend! I'll leave you with this pic. Someone was ready for me to get up from a Sunday afternoon nap and play.

De-Hibernating

2011-01-17T20:13:00.000-06:00

Well. Today is day 1. Day 1 of the the yeast-free eating program and Day 1 of getting back into the swing of things at the gym. I am just now starting my resolutions. Too busy from the holidays and I tend to want to hibernate when it's freezing outside. Do you get that way? I seriously don't want to move and could roll up like a doodle bug on the couch when it's cold.

But I've gotta start sometime!

Joey and I do the yeast-free eating program about twice a year. This time we're doing a modified version. I know all of our friends and family think we are totally weird. It's okay, we're used to the funny looks. I would probably look at me funny too. Here's the skinny:

What we can have: meat, veggies, fruit (usually after two weeks on the strict diet, but that's one of our modifications), legumes and nuts.

What we can't have: dairy, sugar, grains, simple carbs, alcohol, vinegar products (another one of our modifications that Joey and I are going to allow).

The goal is at least 30 days following this diet. There are some places that I will be cheating however, such as at book club which is being held at Oh La La. I mean, like that's going to happen. For me, the biggest effect of this eating program is de-puffing. That's the only way I can describe it.

For a day in the life of Joey and I on the diet, we had egg cups for breakfast (yummy, ask me for the recipe), I had a throw together lunch of celery and peanut butter, carrots and hummus, and dark chocolate almonds, and for dinner we had meatloaf with cauliflower and broccoli. Not bad, huh?

Now, on the gym side of things I didn't do so well. I did make it, but it didn't go as planned. But it's not my fault I promise! I can't help it that I'm a sucker for older men.

Here's the deal, the elderly gentleman who checks people in at our gym had my ear. He wanted to talk tonight and I just couldn't say I had to go. So, I missed my class and talked to Bill instead. I settled for a vigorous 30 minutes on the elliptical. Let me tell you, I worked my butt off for those 30 minutes. Or at least that was the goal. I thought I was still feeling the burn when I got in my car, but a block later I realized that I just left my seat warmer on. A girl can hope!

Now, if only the temperatures stay above freezing maybe I can stay motivated!

Houston's Best Culinary Experience: Chateau de Perot

2011-01-14T13:50:00.000-06:00

When you come to dine at Chateau de Perot, you will be served the special cuisine of the house.

If our friend Casey would have stayed for dinner long enough, she would have been able to taste the delicacy herself. She would have also discovered the source of the mysterious smell that permeated the air two hours prior to our enlightenment.

No, it's not dark chocolate brownies.

Or chocolate cake.

Actually, not chocolate at all.

But rather, it is Blackened Jalapeno Cornbread Briquettes, which give off a lovely eau de charcoal aroma. Guests may use leftovers to balance a wobbly table, as a brillo pad, or if skilled in the art of charcoals, a self-portrait maybe done during the meal.

You may want to place your reservations to Chateau de Perot immediately before word of this culinary coup gets around and we apply for a Groupon. Bribes are accepted. I like chocolate.

We may be able to get you a table in the back around mid-April. But don't get your hopes up.

Sunday Drive

2011-01-11T17:44:00.000-06:00

I am wearing Sponge Bob socks. I just thought you would want to know. They have little sponges (is that little Bob's?) at the heels like those strange socks with cotton balls. Except mine are cool. As cool as Sponge Bob socks can be. Nothing screams attractive to my husband more than Sponge Bob footies. He's a lucky man, what can I say? I won't post any pictures because there has been enough of that stuff going around in the media lately and I don't want it to come back to bit me later especially during my political campaign. Oddly enough, this has nothing to do with this post except that I'm looking at my crossed feet from over my laptop screen.

Here is something of slight increased importance:

We sold Joey's truck this weekend. I might have well just said "We sold Joey's only child this weekend." Goodness, he loved that truck!

But it was a wise decision. In June we will have (or would have) both of our vehicles paid off. Ugh! So close! My goal is to not have a car payment and to buy a car with cash. I've had a car payment since I was 17.

Joey's truck was having problems. My car was having problems. Our birds heads are falling off. (Dumb & Dumber reference) All this equals the need to make a vehicular (you know what? I didn't know that was a word, but spell check didn't say anything so if I have just said something lewd, please excuse my ignorance) decision.

(side note, I promise I will not include a parenthetical phrase after every sentence.)

However, we were not quite at the point to buy a car with cash - or at least not one that would get us around the block - so, we made the disciplined decision to finance a small amount and get something practical. Practical ended up being a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which is quite a bit newer than I expected!

Joey seems to have a bit of a grudge toward this poor little car because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of Black Beauty, so naturally I have taken shine to it because I always like an underdog. I think it's a pretty car! So, Joey and I will probably switch. I just need something to get me to where I need to go with air conditioning and preferably no squealing. He'll drive La Fonda the Honda III (my baby) and I will drive Sunday the Hyundai. That's my name for it, I think. I'm still trying it out. I think all cars should have names, don't you?

Ch-ch-ch-anges!

2011-01-10T17:51:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday! How was your day? Bogart and I are just hanging out on the couch waiting for Joey to come home from his new J-O-B!

That's right, that's one of the big changes for 2011. Joey's first day was today or IS today rather, as he is not home yet. He is now officially in commercial insurance. I am so excited for this new opportunity for him! It will come with a few much needed lifestyle adjustments while he gets his footing, but I'm actually excited about them! There is no better time in our lives for taking chances than now, so we are embracing them! God has worked in both of our hearts to make this a smooth and peaceful transition. Thank you, Lord!

Oh, the new employee just walked in. I need to see how it went! As long as I'm not getting any The Firm vibes, we're good to go! ;) I'll check in with you tomorrow!

2011 & Away We GO!

2010-12-31T08:12:00.000-06:00

It's New Year's Eve morning of 2010. What am I doing? Sitting in my jammies and yesterday's hair with Bogart (who I guess is also in his jammies too as he is sleeping). Drinking a big cup of Chic'fil A coffee. I finished the chicken mini's about 1.5 hours ago. Yeah, that's right. I had to get up at 6:10 on my day off to take Joey to work because we've got to get to Kristin's wedding on time and he's working! I've got to pick him up at work on our way out. So me and Bogart are just chilling on the couch. And reflecting.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE this time of year. There is something about starting a new year that is refreshing and invigorating! Don't you agree? I get in a crazy organizing and cleaning out mood. But I also get really reflective. 2010 has been a doozy (sp.?)! Lots of love, laughter, some loss, top of the world moments, in the valley moments, its had it all. Here are a few of the things I'm reflecting on from 2010.

1. Year as Married #3. What a blessing! I love my husband more than I ever knew it was possible to love anyone! I am thankful for his leadership in our family and patience toward me when my strong-willed nature comes out. Not that this happens often, but you know, for those rare moments when I am stubborn and selfish. Ha! I kid. This is pretty much all the time. I'm working on it. God definitely refines within marriage. It's lovely.

2. My changing family. Brothers with girlfriends. Sister with boyfriend. Weddings. Births. I get kind of sentimental. To think of how it must feel for grandparents to see the family that they started grow and compound in love with each addition. I love big families, do you?

3. Changes at work. We lost some wonderful co-worker friends for various reasons. I love them so much and it's been hard to see them go. It's like losing a part of your family. I miss them.

4. Life changes. They're coming. I'll tell you about them next week. And no, we are not expecting, but good try! :P

5. Finding a new church home and family. Making new friends. We love it!

6. My wonderfully free 2010 work calender that contained these beautiful photos below:

Truly, could they have picked a more uninspiring turkey?

And nothing says Christmas like a ravenous bobcat staring down at you while you work.

That's an overview. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us in 2011! Come what may!

Joey and I are setting our 2011 goals personally and for our family. The biggest change I want to make is for 2011 to not be all about me. My goals all too often fall in the self-focused category. Get a hot body, go the gym, eat healthy, travel, save money, etc. All great goals, no question (maybe the get a "hot" body is a little overboard). But again, they're all about me.

My challenge to both you and me is to get out of our "me" resolution boxes. Maybe you are already way of ahead of me on this one! In addition to the self-improvement goals, add this question: how can I make impact in the lives of others?

It's about time that Bo and I get out of our jammies and pack for our trip so I wish you a blessed and impact-filled 2011! Happy New Year!

Christmas time is still here

2010-12-29T12:31:00.000-06:00

Would you believe that we are still Christmasing? Yup! This will make week numero tres. We have my cousin Kristin's wedding on New Year's Eve and then we will be traveling to Crockett, Texas on Saturday to participate in Christmas festivities with my Paw Paw Hanks and family.

This may be a long post because it has been a crazy busy three weeks and I didn't tell you one thing about it. Well, except that we have been doing a lot of traveling. With my moth ball smelling wrapped presents. I don't know what the deal was with my wrapping paper, but it stunk! Literally. You would think I wrapped up an old attic coat and stuck it in a box. Lovely Christmas scent.

The week before last we celebrated Christmas with my Mom's family: the Butler clan. As usual, I forgot my camera. I have actually done this for all Christmas' this year to date. I know, I'm a photographic loser. I did take a few on my phone.

But see how grainy some of it turned out?

Kristin's grandmother Patsy, Kristin and Maw Maw

Kristin's wedding shower was Saturday morning and I was in charge of the cake. That is, completely in charge of making it AND decorating it. Did I tell you I took a cake decorating class in the fall? It was interesting. I'll tell you about it sometime. In hind sight, volunteering to do my first shower cake ever and entering in complexities like transportation and doing much of the work in someone else's kitchen was probably not the most wise idea. I baked the cakes at my house the day before with some issues (another note, one should not try to bake shower cakes that require attention while baking for neighborhood Christmas goodie bags. There are no winners in this arrangement.) Then, I found out the next morning that I left half of my essential ingredients and items in Katy.

So, several trips to Wal-Mart, one gigantic powdered sugar explosion and a few meltdowns later, I did have an iced cake. But no time. There were a few times where I was about to give up and go buy a cake, but I pushed through. I scrapped everything I learned in cake class and just camouflaged all my mistakes with rose petals and sparkly sprinkles. I got there right as the shower began. Everyone said it was a nice cake and the bride wasn't worried about it so that's what mattered. It's one of those things where you know you can do better, but no one else seems to mind but you. :)

Here's a snapshot of my camouflaging:

Ok, ok, I don't mind you seeing it up close:

Let's just say that it's most likely that I will not be the next Ace of Cakes.

We then spent the evening Christmasing with the my Mom's family. The biggest gift hit of the night was when my Aunt Gail (My Grandmother's sister) gave my Mom, two aunts, uncle and grandmother each a big copy paper box to open. As each person took off the top, we saw that the boxes contained linens, photographs and family heirlooms from my Nanny and PoPo, my great grandparents. Needless to say, there were few dry eyes as they pulled out needlework from many generations old. Here are my Aunt Lisa and Uncle David playing a game that they played at Nanny's house when they were little. Nanny's toy room was the stuff of childhood memories.

Aunt Lisa & Uncle David facing off

Next comes Ruston, Jonesboro and Natchitoches, Louisiana. The Perot family Christmases. We had sweet time with Joey's family. Mr. Petey made a huge pot of gumbo which was amazing as usual. Mrs. Kate and I spent time with Grandmama on Christmas Eve while Joey and his dad ran errands. We had a fun time setting the table and getting her house ready for Christmas lunch. Christmas lunch with Grandmama and Uncle Butch in Jonesboro, then off to Christmas dinner in Natchitoches with Mr. Petey's family. Did you know that Natchitoches is where they filmed Steel Magnolias? I got the fifty cent Steel Magnolias' tour from Mr. Petey on this visit. Yes, Mrs. Kate actually took Joey and his brother to audition. Apparently, Joey was too big and his hair was too dark, or something like that. Hmm...what could have been...

I'll have to post the Perot pics when I get them from Mrs. Kate. So more to come.

On our way back to Katy on Sunday, we stopped in Livingston for Christmas with my immediately family.

You want to know something my Dad loves? Bath and Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar Moisturizing Hand Lotion. He orders it online. Isn't that funny? So I figured I would save him the shipping and handling.

Mom and Dad

Jo, angel posing

Joey in his characteristic pose with Mom

And of course, we all participated in Dad's Annual Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Dad has been doing this since we were kids. Growing up, we had to work for our gifts. Dad had us jumping through hoops and running all over the place to find our presents. It could be in the backyard. It could be at the church. It could be at the cemetery. There seem to be no real limits. The first year Joey and I were married, one of the clues for Joey's gift was frozen in a block of ice. He had to wait for it to unthaw before he could read the next clue. This is typical of Dad's scavenger hunts. I think he has the most fun out of all of us!

Our first clues

An example of one of Dad's clues

Loading up

I just thought this one was funny of Tyler and Stephen

Clue hiding place

Dad watching the wheels turn

Another clue found at the old anchor

Loading up again

There was one clue in the middle of these that I did not get a picture of because it was in the Grecian statues outside of our local library and involved hopping a fence. Leave it to Dad. We all felt like we might get pegged as vandals so my picture didn't come out because I was on the lam.

I think this is the final clue

My final prize was an Anthropologie gift card!!

We look forward to Dad's hunts every year!

One of my most favorite gifts this year were three little cardinals that Mrs. Kate passed on to us from Joey's great grandmother. She made each one of the boys hand stitched cardinals every year. I love them!

We have one wedding and one Christmas left before we truly start the New Year and we can't wait!

I hope you and your family had a very merry Christmas!

Getting Our Christmas On...and On...And On...!

2010-12-23T09:08:00.000-06:00

Christmas season absorbed me. That's where I've been. Completely absorbed. Sucked into the Christmas Vortex.

Joey and I began our Christmas travels this past weekend. Here's our itinerary:

Livingston for a wedding shower and our first Christmas.

Then back to Houston for the work week and now it's time to get serious...

Ruston, LA
Jonesboro, LA
Natchitoches, LA
Livingston

Short work week and we're off again...

Livingston for a wedding New Year's Eve.
Crockett for Christmas with Paw Paw Hanks.

Whew!

I'm sitting on the couch with Bogart, drinking coffee and watching Regis and Kelly just to gear up.

By the way, when did Enrique Iglesias make a come back? I must have been in the Christmas Vortex while this was happening. I don't listen to the radio anymore, I guess. And I believe there is something missing from his face, no?

Another by the way, I think Bogart looks like Max.

He's running around like a crazy dog, so excited to be off for Christmas! Just so you know that's not my leg, it's Joey's. Poor Gus, he has to stay here for the holiday because Joey's truck is in the shop and we can't bring him with us. Thank goodness for neighbors!

Now, I have procrastinated long enough and must start packing! Merry Christmas, friends!!

At what point does a healthy snack become unhealthy?

2010-12-08T17:37:00.000-06:00

When you eat an entire container, that's when.

Meet my new favorite snack:

Not to be confused with these:

Tricky, huh? I saw the Emerald Cocoa Roast nuts a while back and got super excited only to read the label and find out they contained sucralose, an artificial sugar. I avoid artificial sugars like poison. Which isn't far from the truth. Anyway, if I'm trying to choose a healthy snack, chemical-covered almonds just doesn't do it for me.

And then I saw Blue Diamond's natural brand Monday night. Flipped the bottle over ready to see a ton of junk despite the natural label and guess what?! It's clean! Well, almost. A little bit of corn maltodextrin, but tiny and it contains the natural sweetner, stevia (rebiana), instead of sucralose!

Talk about negating the benefits, I have eaten almost the entire thing. It's Wednesday. The expiration date says "April 2012". Yeah right. If I'm good, it may last through tomorrow.

Sneak Attack

2010-12-06T19:41:00.000-06:00

You know, Facebook is just downright amazing sometimes. The things you find out.

Take for instance the shoes above.

I lost these shoes about a month ago. They are my go-to pair of sneakers. And no, I don't normally use the term "sneakers". I must confess that it's more so I can use the title "Sneak Attack". I am more of a "tennis shoe" kind of girl. Sneakers is a little Beaver Cleaver. But all is fair in a blog and its title.

At first, I thought I just left them in another room. Joey and I had been going back and forth between the guest bedroom and our bedroom because we were redoing our master bath. I thought the misplaced shoes were just product of the chaos. But I didn't come across them in the guest room. Or our bedroom.

Instead, I put on another pair of shoes.

A few days pass. In need of said sneakers, I thought about the fact that I had been in my car a lot. Maybe I took them off there or in Joey's truck for some reason. No such luck.

I put on another pair of shoes.

Another several days go by. They must be under something. As a general rule of the thumb, items that are missing are usually under something, i.e. my keys were under my coat this morning. I checked under the couches, the beds, the tables and Joey's shoes. Apparently, the rule of thumb, or should I say big toe, has many exceptions, especially in the case of missing shoes.

I again, put on another pair of shoes and began to turn with a suspicious eyes to my cohabitants: Joey and the dogs. Being that Joey wears a size 14, I had my doubts. If a second pair of shoes had been missing, I might have checked my canine friends' closets. Although, I didn't take them off of the list completely, I moved them to the positions of possible accomplices to the crime. After all, spouses, children and dogs are often the vehicle through which things are placed on top of other things. Like keys. Ahem.

I thought to myself, surely I will come across them soon. One day we will be reunited. And I put on another pair of shoes.

When getting ready for Thanksgiving travels, I picked up my sneaker search once again with no luck. I posted my laments on that magical social networking tool they call Facebook.

Status and forthcoming comment from my sister's best friend:

Jenny Hanks Perot washing clothes and packing for Thanksgiving travels! Has anyone seen my white sneakers? I'm going to check Joey's feet when he gets home...
Cyndie Are you talking about the white sneakers with the stretchy elastic across the top instead of laces?

Wait, what? "The white sneakers...with the stretchy elastic across the top...instead of the laces."?! The image is coming to mind...

How the heck does she know what my sneakers look like?!

Ah ha!!! Considering that I have not seen Cyndie since I bought these shoes AND considering she is my sister's best friend AND considering I visited my parents house a month ago...

BUSTED!

It's all coming together now.

Sneaker Snucked on left and the sneaker Sneaker Sneak on the right.

Thus ends the harrowing tale of the Sisterly Sneaker Heist. Thank you to Facebook for bringing my shoes to justice. Who knew. And Cyndie, my sister's best friend for ratting her out. And lastly, to Jo, for fessing up.

He's Got The Whole World in His Hands

2010-11-22T13:32:00.000-06:00

God blessed me with a beautiful picture of childlike faith yesterday.

It was at the end of the church service while the music was being played that I looked over at the most precious young girl. Her mother had her in sitting in her lap and the little girl was looking into the eyes of her mom with such love and trust that it blew me away. Though her lips didn't speak it, that's what she said with her eyes.

What moved me so much was that this little girl has an illness that has given her a limited capacity of understanding and a complete and total reliance on her caregiver. Her parents' lives are built around caring for this little girl and making sure that the days that she has on this earth are filled with as much love, comfort and joy as they can give her.

In watching her look at her mom, I saw a glimpse of what it means to trust fully and the love that comes from it. Her every need must be met through the hands of another. She may not understand the complexities of life, but she understands its simplicity. Is not simplicity the most difficult of all to grasp sometimes?

At least it is for me. I want to understand why things happen. I want God to fill me in. But sometimes my mind just can't handle it. In fact, most of the time. So He asks that I just trust. Have a childlike faith. He says, "Hey, remember? I've got this!"

In a world that esteems the self-made man, how do I shake off the calloused layers of self-reliance and independence that have formed over the years? I don't know and I guess that's the point. It requires undressing the mind and humbling myself completely before Him. Thank you, Lord for the reminder!

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:5

Hello Guv'nor!

2010-11-17T17:42:00.000-06:00

Have you had a most dapper day? I've had a jolly good day, thank you!

I've been speaking in a British accent since this happened:

That would be about a day and a half.

Joey just looks at me funny. By jove, I can't help it, I tell you! My accent tends to be Jane Austen proper meets Harry Potter expressions meets Texas Twang on repeat. Mixed in with a bit'o Irish brogue from time to time just to keep him guessing. Blimey!

I'm feeling a bit peckish. That's hungry for the layperson. Cheerio, old chap!

No Shave November, Remember?

2010-11-11T18:20:00.000-06:00

November

December

March

May

September

October

A few words about No Shave November and my husband.

No Shave November seems to last through June. And the prep work usually begins mid-October.

I have been duped. Ironic considering my profession, it's due to good marketing.

He's been quite wise to continue calling it No Shave November. The entire time we've been married I have been under the guise that my husband has a goatee. That's what I think of as part of his physical identity. But now that I have thoroughly assessed the situation and after looking through several pictures spanning multiple seasons, I have come to realize that I am married to a man with a beard; not a goatee. He shaves it off for only a few short months of the year and then hails in No Shave November as if it wasn't the norm. Clever.

Well played, bearded man.

But I'm on to you.

I have considered instituting my own No Shave November as payback, but cannot bring myself to suffer shame in shorts and a tank top at the gym. I may wear Uggs year round. Joey is not a fan of Uggs.

Hanging Out with the March Girls

2010-11-09T11:12:00.000-06:00

Guess what we're reading for November and December? Little Women! An absolute favorite of mine from childhood. Isn't it perfect for the holiday season? It's one of those books/movies that oddly seems to be a favorite during holidays for no other reason than that it makes you feel all cozy inside. Like the first Harry Potter. Or maybe it's just me, but I like to watch these movies around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I can't tell how comforting it is to get reacquainted with Jo, Meg, Amy, Beth and Marmee. I think I was probably around ten when I first met this cast of characters. Dad took me to the library once a week to pick out a new book and it was always on my favorites list.

Here are a few others that I loved-loved growing up:

Anne of Green Gables ( I also loved the TV series and had a crush on Gilbert. I was slightly jealous of Ann with an 'e')

Nancy Drew (this was only after I read all the Hardy Boys books my Dad passed to me and although I was thoroughly positive that Nancy, being a girl, could not hold a candle to the Hardy Boys' adventures, I read every single Nancy Drew book.)

Little House on the Prairie (and who wouldn't love Half-Pint?)

And others such as Sarah, Plain and Tall, Harriet the Spy, A Wrinkle in Time and the Phantom Tollbooth.

We are planning to watch the movie when we get together to discuss "where we will bear our souls and tell the most appalling of secrets". Ha!

Hands down, the Winona Ryder version is my favorite, but I guess it depends on what you grew up watching. When this movie came out I went to see it at the theater with my Mom, sister, aunts and grandmother which is only fitting for Little Women.

Do you have any childhood favorites that you would read again?

Hullabaloo...

2010-11-08T21:21:00.000-06:00

...caneck caneck!

How was your weekend? Hope it treated you well and was full of relaxation and fun!

Our weekend was full of chili and football! That about sums it up.

Whoop!

We had a tailgait party at our church on Friday night for the Katy football games complete with a chili cook off. I made a ginormous pot of chili. I have not really attempted chili since The Great Cinnamon Chili Debacle of Early 2010. So why I was entering the a pot of chili can only be rounded up to pure obligation. No, I didn't win, but let me say for the record that I was safe in the middle. Not that awesome, but not just plain terrible either. Whew!

Gig'em!

Saturday, Joey and I headed to College Station with friends for the Aggie/ou game. (Did you see that? I just did a very Aggie thing in leaving "ou" in lowercase. It's what we do. It's the ultimate Aggie diss.) This was by far the best post graduation game I've been to. WE WON!!! A&M 33; ou 19!!!! We yelled the entire game. Joey lost his voice. I hugged a lady I didn't know. We were given the stank eye by ou fans for overzealous comments. In short, we had a blast.

Look, sometimes it's tough to be an Aggie. It's been nothing but a roller coaster of inconsistency over the past few years so we've gotta celebrate when we can!!

I'm not wanting to get my hopes up, but guess what's around the Thanksgiving corner? t.u.

P.S. I had a strawberry tart from Cafe Eccell. I'm still thinking about it. It was bliss.

Random Fact #5: Here Comes the Sun...Again

2010-10-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

There was an entire year of my life where I listened to Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles every morning on the way to work.

I think it might be my favorite song. I hear that first little guitar riff and that's it for me. It turns things around.

No matter what kind of day I'm having, it always puts a smile on my face. If you're having a great day, it balloons that feeling. If you're having a bad day, it says just hold on, the sun is coming.

Joey and I planned to walk back up the aisle as a married couple to this favorite from the beginning, but it was even more fitting after the hurricane blew our first wedding to smitherines to finally walk out successfully married to Here Comes the Sun.

So to you from me, a smile in song...

Let The Octobering Begin!

2010-10-27T19:00:00.000-05:00

Or at least the me telling you about it. This month has flown by. Whew!

It's been a crazy busy past couple of weeks! What have the Perot's been up to? See for yourself!

First, was our Butler/Priesmeyer family girl trip to Fredricksburg:

Where we stayed at this little bed and breakfast:

I have never seen more knickknacks in my life! And birdhouses. And decorative pin cushions. And most of them were on the walls.

This was the Seven Dwarves Room and had the most beds. Despite having plenty of room in the rest of the house, we pulled a blow up mattress in the middle of the room so we could fit the most people in slumber party fashion. There were beds lined up on the other side of the room as well. You can see the role reversal: I think the knickknacks were supporting the wall.

And here's me, Mom and Jo.

Cousin Kristin and Jo. (we never called her Cousin Kristin, this is just for descriptive purposes)

It was also Mom's birthday so the band that we listened to on Saturday night made her come up on stage, put on a feather boa and have everyone sing Happy Birthday. She loved it. I'm being sarcastic. No, secretly, I think she probably did love it.

This is Judy, Danielle and Aunt Lisa. Judy and Danielle are my step cousin and aunt, I guess if you want technicalities. Funny story: me, Danielle and my Grandmother were all newlyweds at the same time. My Grandmother married Danielle's Grandfather!

Mom, Gale, Lisa & Amy

More of the gang...

Then there was the Great Pumpkin Carving of 2010. Joey and I, along with our back fence neighbors, hosted a pumpkin carving this past weekend for our neighborhood to get all our neighbors and their kiddos together. It was a huge success! Not only did we get to hang out with the neighbors we already knew, we got to meet neighbors from all over "the hood" as well.

Some neighbors were triple threats: skilled in scooping, carving and painting!

As we didn't have kids, Joey was deemed the neutral judge.

Here are the lucky winners! The Pumpkitty took first place.

This past weekend was also my ten year high school reunion! And it seems that no one took any pictures until after we left. I left my camera at home and planned on using my phone to take pictures, but then nobody took pics! Haven't seen each other in 5+ years, you would think someone would have started it! Oh well, it was great seeing everyone!

Other than events, there's been a little of this....

And a lot of that...

And guess what?

My mum is still with us!!

Keeping Mum

2010-10-21T12:37:00.001-05:00

Dearly Beloved Bloggers, we are gathered here today to say a prayer over the little fall chrysanthemum above.

Oh please, dear one, stay strong. Live in spite of me. Please overlook the horticultural crimes of my past.

I, Jenny Perot, take you, Chrysanthemum, to be my Fall Plant.

I promise to faithfully water you.

But not too much.

I promise I will not forget that you exist.

I will bring you inside in times of frost and out when sunny.

I vow to keep and care for you as long as you continue to bloom.

Amen.

Filling Out My Skinny Genes

2010-10-19T21:53:00.000-05:00

NOTE: this is by no means a Whining or Woe-Is-Me Post. Not one bit. It's more of a Personal Wake Up Post that is the culmination of many things, namely the development of love handles and knee bags.

For 25 years of my life I was able to take advantage of the skinny genes that run in my family. By "take advantage" I mean, eat whatever the heck I wanted without an addition to the bottom line. Boy, did I abuse those genes.

Now, before you think that this means I didn't have self image issues, please also know that there were only about 3 years during which I semi-embraced this state. Most of the time prior to this was spent in a perpetual state of gawkward (gawky + awkward). I mean really, I made a stick figure look voluptuous. I was less D.J. and more Kimmy in appearance, if you know what I mean. You don't get the nickname Olive Oyl based on a shapely figure.

Then I got hips that could be termed 'child-bearing' and upon which you could probably hang your coat.

And that's about where it stopped developmentally. I'm still waiting for puberty to kick in on the upper half, hoping I'm just a late bloomer. Oh well.

Where was I?

Oh right, gawkward, but eating whatever I want. It had it's benefits at times, namely Thanksgiving and Christmas when MawMaw made pot roast. My Mom would always tell me that one day I would be grateful.

And I am.

But here's the thing about skinny genes, they catch up with you. I think the slide began around 25. It's not much that maybe some would notice because my height spreads it out a bit, but my metabolism has definitely changed. My size has changed. My shape has changed. Enough to make me take note at least. And I haven't even had kids yet!

I've outgrown my skinny genes.

People with skinny genes are at a high risk for being incredibly unhealthy. There's such a thing as skinny-fat. I'm serious. I mean, I don't have the science to prove it, but I think you run a higher risk of going through your fitness and health life without understanding the consequences because they're not immediately visible. One day you wake up and you realize that because you were spoiled in this manner, you never cultivated discipline when it came to eating and exercise.

This is where I am and why I started doing Bodypump. I've been doing it for the past couple of months or so faithfully and I'm really noticing a difference! Over the past few years I am thankful that I finally learned how to eat healthy. Do I have a lot of discipline in the area? Nope. Still developing. Do I enjoy Bodypump? Hmm...I think I enjoy knowing that it will help, but that's about it.

I don't really know why I'm writing this post except to state my position at the moment or maybe because I wanted to use the term 'skinny genes'. Again, this isn't intended to be a lament, but more of a coming to terms with where I am. For those of you that have struggled with weight and thought my little diatribe is small potatoes, I get it. I know that I know nothing about truly battling weight issues. And to all those that are perpetually waiting for the metabolic tide to turn on a previously labeled 'skinny' person, here you go. I'll be your whipping post.

So I'm letting out my skinny genes and exchanging for more of a relaxed fit.

Is 29 too old to possibly be a late bloomer? I'm still holding on to that hope no matter what you tell me.

Random Fact #4: More Cheese Please

2010-09-28T17:40:00.000-05:00

I've never met a cheese I didn't like.

I have a relationship with cheese that is borderline co-dependent.

Cheddar, feta, gouda, brie, parmesan, blue cheese. I love it all. I could be a cheeseologist.

In college and for about a year or two thereafter, I embraced the philosophy that "Everything is better with a little cheese on top." Then I started working in the alternative health care industry and realized the error of my ways and the potential inches my obsession would add to my thighs.

After numerous sessions with my Cheese Shrink and much to the chagrin of the Dairy Farmers of America, I have taken our relationship down a notch and only consume mild cheddar occasionally.

My BFFL

2010-09-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

Today is our second wedding anniversary.

Can I just tell you something? I love love being married. To Joey. That's the key for me.

Joey is my best friend.

He's is the most anticipated, yet unexpected blessing I've ever received. Paradox?

Yes.

I had this picture in my mind ever since I was a little girl of the man I would marry. A mental line up of characteristics this guy would have. I think all girls have this idealized perception.

That's the anticipation.

I didn't get "that guy".

And I am so grateful! My husband makes "that guy" pale in comparison.

Sure, a lot of the attributes were on the list, but he made them better. It's funny to think that Joey is the one that I have been praying about since I was a little girl. God provided what I didn't even know that I needed.

The unexpected.

That's just how God rolls. Your plans and dreams are never quite as big as His. And they're certainly not perfect like His.

Is our marriage perfect? Nope. Goodness knows, marriage brings all selfishness to light. Isn't that part of the plan? But it is in those perfect imperfections that we learn what it really means to love. That's God's intention for marriage. A little glimpse into what Love really is.

So I am thanking God tonight for provision, grace and for giving me a picture of His love through my husband, Joey.

Just for memory's sake, Joey played the song below for me a few months after we started dating. While we were on the way to somewhere. I knew he shared it on purpose. Thank God I was in a moving vehicle, because if I could have gotten up and ran, I would have. The thought that the whole thing was for real scared me to death! But I knew he meant it. About six months later we were dancing in the picture above to the same sang. This time I wasn't running.

Two years and counting...

Saturday Morning Post | 29 & Holding

2010-09-25T11:24:00.000-05:00

I know this is out of the norm, posting on a Saturday. But hey, this is my blog party and I can post when I want to.

Really, this is the only "play" time I've had for about two weeks now. OK, slightly dramatic, yes. Things have been busy. Good busy, but all time has been "scheduled". I'll tell you about it later this coming week because I've decided that this is my therapy. I need to blog.

So, I'll probably be playing catch up with you on what we've been up to. Starting with...

Last weekend I turned 29.

That's almost 30.

I don't wanna talk about it.

Just leave it alone.

So let's talk about the shopping that I did instead. Deal?

My present from Joey was a shopping spree. That's what I asked for, although he did get me a few extra surprises such as one Halloween decoration (I would have loved to see him carrying that around Michael's, or him just being inside Michael's would do), a salad spinner and an extra large cutting board. Loved these little surprises!

The two latter gifts he said were items he felt that I needed. The first, he saw at a friend's house and thought that I should have one. Salad envy I guess. Interesting considering THIS character trait. The second, he has watched numerous veggies take the ultimate death leap to the floor because my tiny cutting boards just aren't cutting it. I'm sure all future fruits and vegetables will be grateful to go out with more dignity because of Joey's gifts.

Back to the shopping. I don't know what the heck I wore last fall. Really no clue. Apparently, my wardrobe consisted of an A&M sweatshirt and two long-sleeve t-shirts from Target because those are the only remnants of my fall wardrobe. I don't recall streaking, so I must have worn something.

Scarves, maybe it was scarves. Unless I planned on making a toga out of my scarves, clothing additions were necessary.

I made three stops: The Limited, Ann Taylor Loft (gift card in tow) and Fossil (where I bought three overpriced t-shirts, but I love them and plan on wearing for at least four years. That's what I told Joey. A t-shirt investment.).

Pretty successful shopping trip, I must say.

After shopping, Joey's plan was to take me to my favorite little Italian restaurant in Katy. A nice quiet evening.

Considering my age, my kind of celebration. When we walked in the hostess said that we might want to be seated on the left side of the restaurant as there was a large party on the other side that could get a little loud. Joey said we wouldn't mind. I jumped in and said, actually yes, please seat us opposite of the party. I'm too old for noise.

Joey insisted we sit near the party. Fine, whatever.

I thought I recognized a couple sitting at the back and thought geez, how funny that we would be at the same restaurant!

Duh!

It was my party.

Surprise!!

That little sneaker had all my friends waiting for me!

I really was surprised. And I can't believe I was so dumb! I'm usually the worst at surprises because I sniff them out way too early. This is partially why I don't like surprises: I am never surprised and always have to fake it for the planning party.

And we had a great time! It was still a nice and quiet evening, but full of fun! After all, my friends are almost 29 too.

Random Fact #3: I'm A Dog Liker

2010-09-15T11:44:00.000-05:00

I'm not necessarily a "dog lover".

I'm not one to let dogs just clamor all over me and I hate it when big dogs jump on me.

This may or may not go back to a black poodle with blue-painted toenails biting me as a child.

And yet, I have three dogs living in my home right now.

There's Gus.

There's Bogart.

And now there's Mocha.

Gus and Bogart were planned, so to speak. Mocha was as they say, "a surprise".

I like dogs. I love my dogs. I've been known to put pictures of certain dogs on this blog. Our big dog jumps on me. The irony.

None of my dogs will be allowed to paint their toenails blue.

Going to the Chapel & We Almost Got Married

2010-09-13T12:32:00.001-05:00

Ok, we didn't even make it to the chapel. In fact, the chapel didn't have electricity.

There are many things that come to mind on this day: weddings, hurricanes, and tears.

And then there are trees in houses, no electricity, lost lives and way of life, and picking up sticks, lots of sticks.

All the same, but two separate streams of thought. One selfish and the other humbled.

Oh the trauma that all of this caused. To think of the havoc that it wrecked on our marriage: the glitch in the brain when someone asks you when you got married, "September thir..., umm twenty-seventh!

That's it. That whole big hub bub and that's the only remnant. Well that, and the Ike commemorative coffee table book that Mom bought us for Christmas. Thanks, Mom.

When girls ask me if I could do it all over again, would I rather have a traditional wedding or elope, I just have to say that I'm not the best person to ask.

Now, the marriage? Yes, most certainly. I would always be ready to say yes to that again.

You can read about our wedding crasher HERE and see wedding pictures HERE.

We will be celebrating from today until the official day, September 27th. It's only fitting.

Happy Almost-Anniversary, Baby!

I'm Not Josie Grosie Anymore!

2010-09-02T12:54:00.000-05:00

Guess where we're headed off to this weekend?

Rome?

Paris, maybe?

Sydney?

How about Petal, Mississippi?

Yes, the booming metropolis of Petal is our destination. Why Petal, Mississippi? (by the way, can't type Mississippi to save my life!)

Because that's where Joey spent his high school years. And yes, it's that time: 10 year high school reunion.

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't go back to high school if you paid me a million dollars. I guess it depends on your experience and situation, but that's just my thought. Awkward. Awkward is what comes to mind with high school. I think mine and Joey's experiences were slightly different. I just have this feeling.

This is what I'm thinking his experience might have been akin to...

At least this is what I'm imagining. This is what's in my mind for a cute, popular, star football player. Girls following him around and all. He swears this isn't true, but I'm not so sure.

And then there's my experience. Which, was a little different. In fact, if Joey and I would've met in high school it would have been more like this:

I've explained to Joey that this song is us played out in high school. That's me, minus the cute blond look and instead of a clarinet I had a literary criticism book. Oh and it didn't have that story book ending until nine years later.

Needless to say, boys were certainly not following me around in high school.

It's not surprising that Joey is looking forward to his reunion and seeing friends. But I have to say, I'm fighting a slight inferiority complex of hanging out with football players and cheerleaders. I'm wondering, if I'll be outed as the nerd that I am.

I know, this is completely ridiculous, but it sticks with you, ya know? Anyway, thank goodness it's cool to be a nerd these days, no? Or at least when you grown up! :)

September Book: The Life of Pi

2010-09-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

We've chosen our September book of the month! Yann Martel's Life of Pi. Just let me know if you want to join in the discussion. We meet the last Monday of the month.

I'm so excited! I've been wanting to read this one for a while. I generally read two books each month for work, so squeezing in an extra book for pleasure can be a little tough.

If you've read it, leave a comment and let us know what you thought OR hold your peace until we read the book. :)

P.S. This week has been busy so I'm sorry I've left you postless up until now. I promise I will post tomorrow.

Meanwhile, hope your day is on the exponential!

Raisin the Roof

2010-08-24T19:52:00.000-05:00

I do not usually like oatmeal raisin cookies. More specifically raisins. I do not like raisins. Until I met these babies:

Oh. my. goodness. Love these. I could eat the entire batch of these cookies. No kidding. This is why I make them, eat a few, and then take them to work to give away to unsuspecting victims. Yes, they're organic. Freshly picked from oatmeal raisin trees. Okay, okay, what that really means is all natural ingredients. The real stuff.

So delicious. I cannot vouch for the other flavors from the Immaculate Baking Company because I haven't tried any of the other flavors. When I find a good thing, I stick with it. (Joey will like hearing that!)

Anyway, make these cookies. They'll change your life. And quite possibly your waist line.

P.S. Wouldn't cookie trees be wonderful?

Seasonal Impatience

2010-08-23T17:35:00.000-05:00

"Don't you just love...fall? It makes me want to shop for back to
school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." - Kathleen Kelley, You've Got Mail

That is exactly how I feel. That line right there is why I love that movie. And also why I love fall! I am not in school. I am not a teacher. I don't have kids in school. But I'm ready for school! Or just the idea of what it brings I guess, which is fall. I never have hard feelings about summer being on its way out.

I become scholarly and introspective in the fall. I tend to wear my glasses more often. I love to read at all times during the year, but there is nothing like curling up with a good book in the fall. I like watching cozy movies like Little Women, You've Got Mail and Harry Potter. I want to meet in coffee shops and drink pumpkin spice lattes. And oh the scarves we can wear!

Football. I love college football. Joey and I are ready for Aggie football in particular. There is just something comforting about a football game going on in the background. And chili cooking. Mmm-hmm.

Oh, and one of the best things about Fall for me are the coming holidays! Thanksgiving might just be my favorite. I love the fall decorations, smells, football and the anticipation of Christmas. Thanksgiving is relaxed, yet festive. Same great food. Same great family time. BUT, you know you still have more of it to look forward to with Christmas.

I have had to put myself in check several times while at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. I could wipe them out of fall decorations if allowed. This is my mantra: "Jenny, you have plenty of fall decorations already. Remember the after Thanksgiving sale you ravaged last year at Pier One? Put the pumpkin and faux fall leaves down." And repeat.

And one other love: it will be unreasonable to be put in situations requiring a swimsuit for at least another 7 months. Pumpkin pie, don't mind if I do. Can I get an amen?

All this I am perfectly ready and waiting for.

However...

Walk out the door and you are still engulfed in a heat wave. Sigh. I am ready for crisp fall weather. For falling red, orange and gold leaves. Leave it to God to make fading beautiful.

So, what are you looking forward to in fall? Am I the only one who has Fall Fever?

Random Fact #2: Traveling Muse-ician

2010-08-19T11:29:00.000-05:00

Joey is so blessed to get to go on road trips with me for the rest of our lives. Why?

Because I provide running dialogue.

I read every sign we pass. Out loud. "Rhonda's Ric Rac Room." And then I ask a question, not unlike an incessantly inquisitive three year old. "Do you think that Rhonda sells ric rac only?"

This is a common answer to my questions: "I don't know, baby." I'm not really expecting any answers to these sort of questions, just co-musing. But like most guys, he thinks that this requires solving and that I'm really needing to know if Rhonda sells only ric rac.

Muse with me baby, muse.

Stop striving to earn grace. You already have it.

2010-08-18T11:37:00.000-05:00

I needed to hear this today. Maybe you do too.

Vegetables with an Inferiority Complex

2010-08-17T20:22:00.000-05:00

This is what I saw at HEB. I had to show you.

It's hard to tell in this picture, but these are miniature squash and zucchini. To put them into scale, those are mushrooms in the basket above them. Seriously tiny. These would have been perfect in Barbie's kitchen.

I stared at the vegetable babies for several minutes. So long I thought I might as well take a picture. And so I did.

What you also cannot see is behind me: an elderly couple who thought a girl taking a picture with her cell phone of vegetables in HEB must be a lunatic. What's with the kids these days? Don't they know a vegetable when they see one?

Look, I'm from East Texas and we don't have petit squash. In fact, in our neck of the woods the goal is to grow big vegetables. My grandfather would have been embarrassed if these pip squeeks ever showed up in his garden. Thank goodness they were at least separated from their normal sized counterparts.

So now my question is this: what do you do with them? Well, besides stocking Barbie's pantry.

Pulp Fiction

2010-08-09T11:44:00.000-05:00

Me: I have to say, there is one thing I really miss since we've been married.

Joey: What's that?

Me: Medium pulp orange juice.

Joey: But you don't like orange juice with pulp.

Me: What? I buy the pulp-free orange juice because YOU don't like orange juice with pulp.

Joey: I like orange juice with pulp. I only bought the pulp-free orange juice because I thought you liked it.

Silence.

Isn't that about right?

See people, marriage is all about communication. Communication is the key. Think of all the bitterness that could have built up over the years if this hadn't come to the surface. I shudder at the thought.

Communication can help you avoid some major pitfalls in life. Like drinking pulp-free orange juice for 1.8 years.

August Book Club: Water for Elephants

2010-08-04T17:49:00.000-05:00

This month we're reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. We'll be meeting to chit chat about the book at the end of the month. Please let me know if you want to join! We would love to have you! It's just a fun time for girls to get together and talk about our favorite books. Jump in at any time if there's a book we're reading that you might be interested in.

I've actually read Water for Elephants and I LOVED LOVED it. If you don't read it with us, put it on your list at some point.

By the way, my little spiel reminds me of...

Remember those book reviews from Reading Rainbow?

So just go to your local library or bookstore and pick up Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen!

Da-da-dttt!

That's my best attempt.

Random Fact #1: The Procrastinator Reformation

2010-08-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

Alright, so about 5.2 million years ago on a blog not all that far away, Stephanie tagged me to give ten random facts about yours truly.

The first fact is that I can be a procrastinator. I've said it before, if I were Hindu I would put everything off until the next life. Not because I don't want to do it, but I'm just now getting around to it. I'm working on this not so great character trait.

For instance, this list. I tried to start it and failed miserably. Why? Because I'm wordy and one sentence lists aren't my style. I like to use too many amazing adjectives and really fill out the story a bit. I can't just give you ten facts and leave it at that. It's all about the 'why' for me.

So I'm going to sprinkle the other nine facts over the next few weeks.

Or...when I get around to it.

ZooPuttBat Weekend

2010-08-02T18:26:00.000-05:00

That's how I feel, Giraffe. Today was a Monday, let me tell you. I am worn out from the weekend fun and still catching up from being sick. Tonight I should be at Bodypump, but instead I'm recuperating just in case my body starts getting any ideas about being sick again.

This weekend my favorite brother-and-sister-in-law spent the weekend in Katy with us. We went out for Mexican food on Friday night, the zoo Saturday morning, grilled Saturday night, played putt putt golf and watched the boys at the batting cages (our boys of course :P). And of course came back for ice cream.

Just three monkeys hanging out.

Haley & I in the Lion's Den.

Josh waving to the crowd after sinking a putt.

Haley concentrating.

Joey and I knew a little secret about the course. He made me keep quiet about our "trick" and let our competitors go first. Such a wonderful host.

Great weekend! Couldn't be more blessed to have married into a family with these two!

Grant Me Immunity

2010-07-28T15:44:00.000-05:00

Dear Immune System,

We've had such a long run! I mean, what's it been? Several years since coming down with anything semi-serious? You've been faithful throughout the cold seasons and even kept the swine flu at bay. While others were succumbing to temptation, you stayed committed. What happened? I just didn't think tonsillitis was a bridge we would have to cross as you've always been so strong.

Okay, okay, I know I haven't been treating you very well lately. I fell off the healthy eating wagon the last three weeks, have packed my schedule a little too close to the top, haven't gotten much sleep and started my sick vitamins a day late. Maybe it's not you, it's me.

Would ice cream help? No? What about a milkshake? Are you sure? Oh. Green tea or chamomile. Okay. If you say so. What Immune System wants, Immune System gets.

Please just one request: please pull out all your tricks so I don't miss a day of work. I promise I will treat you better in the future.

Yours in sickness and in health,

Jenny

Meet Mocha

2010-07-22T11:59:00.000-05:00

Meet Mocha.

Mocha is the newest addition to our little family until we find him a new home. Note, previously we were a family of people, but when the canines out number the humans, what does that mean? Are we a family of people that have dogs? Or are we a family of dogs that have people?

I digress...back to Mocha.

Sweetest thing. Do not be fooled by the reclined pose above. Mocha is a very energetic and happy dog, hence unblurry photo opps are rare.

Mocha is a 3-4 year old full-bred long-haired miniature daschund. Wow, that was a mouthful. Oh, and despite the slightly effeminate name, Mocha is a boy. Sometimes I call him Mo, just so he doesn't get a complex - like men who are named Sandy or Frances.

Mocha wants nothing more than to be loved. He wants to be held and petted all day. At first, Mocha suffered from a little bit of separation anxiety. You leave him in another room and he would freak out. But kind of like a little kid who isn't used to eating regular meals is frantic to fill up at a real meal, Mocha seems to think that it might very well be the last time you love on him so he really takes it up a notch. Now that he realizes that there will be more attention and love to come, he's relaxed a little.

My family fell in love with him over the weekend:

Jo & Mo

Mom was especially head over heels for Mocha.

As he's only 12 pounds and tiny, she held him like an infant for long periods of time as if Mocha was a pseudograndbaby.

Joey and I really want to keep Mocha. We love him. He is just so precious. However, Mocha is not so loved by the other members of our family: Bogart & Gus.

Bogart sees Mocha as a Usurper of Attention. Mocha has also taken over Bo's kennel while Bo sleeps in his bed (that Mocha chewed on). It doesn't help that Mocha has a physical attraction to Bo. Although I have to say that it is slightly amusing to see a much larger Cairn Terrier running in circles away from a tiny weenie dog. Gus, on the other hand, refuses to leave the garage. He's on strike. No really, he plants his feet and refuses to go outside. I'm expecting picketing signs next.

So as you can see, a third dog has created chaos. And I haven't mentioned it much, but Gus is also getting older and is becoming really snappish especially toward Bogart. This has been happening for some time, but throwing Mocha into the mix isn't a good idea.

Which is why have to give Mocha up. We have a few folks that have shown interest in Mocha, but the timing just isn't right. If you know of a loving home that would like to add little Mocha to the family, please let me know. He really deserves a place where he can be the center of attention.

Just typing this makes me sad that we're going to have to give him up. I'm having second thoughts about posting this, but Joey and I have agreed. So there you are.

P.S. If you're male and your name is Sandy or Frances, I'm sure you are very manly. Nothing against a decision that your mom made. It's not your fault. Promise.

An Entire Weekend of Eating

2010-07-20T19:31:00.000-05:00

Whew! This weekend was busy, but fun! My family was in town. It went a little like this:

After work on Thursday I drove to Humble to meet Dad for the Mom Exchange. Ok, I didn't exchange anything, I just got Mom. We had a great time catching up on the drive and got back just in time to hang out with Joey for a little bit before turning in.

Friday morning as I left for work, Mom was moving back the coffee table to make room for her P90X workout. Yes, my Mom is doing P90X. This is crazy considering that last year my Mom couldn't walk further than more than 50 feet without being in pain. Her joint pain used to be debilitating until she started on our wellness program through my company. The bioidentical hormones have really changed her life. I can't believe she's doing P90X. I'm so proud of her!

We went to my favorite authentic Mexican cafe, grocery shopping and watched this week's So You Think You Can Dance DVR'd shows. My sister, JoAnna, came in on Friday night and we all went out for Mexican. Yum-o. The next morning we made migas together for brunch:

This is Jo makin' migas.

We headed to Katy Mills after the miga fest, where I proceeded to buy a pair of shoes. This is often the result of a mall trip for me, so it really comes as no surprise. My Dad and grandmother joined us Saturday afternoon. I know, the staggering of family members is a little strange. What can I say? We like to spread the love. Did I tell you that my grandmother is really spontaneous? Yup, she just picks up and goes. I'm so glad she came!

And what did we do next? Prepare for the next meal, of course. At my Dad's request, we made a home-cooked meal. Brie-stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer, homemade macaroni and cheese, salad and grilled steaks and chicken. With apple pie and ice cream for dessert. Yum-o.

Here's Mom stuffing those delicious little mushroom babies with brie. To die for.

Look at this deliciousness!

Do you know what this means? I will not be eating for the rest of the month. Ok, that's already not true, but I'm just saying that I can probably put that loaf of bread on my hips. Was it worth it? Heck, yes.

What is the summary of this weekend? My family likes to eat. Correction, LOVES to eat. And I love my family. We love each other and we love to eat. Yes, that about sums it up.

In Love & In Like

2010-07-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

See this guy? I'm in love with him. In fact, I didn't really know that it was possible to love someone so much, but I do. But here's the deal: I also like him a lot too. Someone who is incredibly wise and has had an amazing, long, happy marriage, once told me that "It's important that you love the person you marry, but it's doubly important that you like each other too." I think that's completely true. Joey is my best friend. I like'im A LOT.

Here are a few things I both love and like about my husband. Some of these are more likes than loves, but I'm going to lump them all together.

First and foremost, he's a Godly man. One of my favorite times to catch a glimpse of my husband without him knowing is at night in bed when he's propped himself up on his elbows reading the Bible and taking notes. It's a good feeling to know that the guy who leads our family leads based on God's word.

Secondly, he leads. He makes decisions and doesn't question them. If you know me, this is the perfect complement to me as I am not a fan of making decisions. Although we sometimes disagree, I do trust him completely. I don't care if you think you don't need anyone, security is a nice feeling for any woman. There's just something about being taken care of, it may not be a necessity but it's a luxury.

He's crazy strong and athletic. To me, my husband would fit perfectly into the character of Braveheart or Gladiator. Sometimes it weirds me out that I married this. How is this possible? I walk into the weight room at the gym and see the cute guy who's lifting insane amounts of weight and think, "Wait a minute. That's my husband." Weird. But good. Very very good.

He's a softie. See despite the above, he is tenderhearted and generous. He is loyal to his family and friends and would give his very last dime if any one of them were in trouble. I love this.

He sometimes has OCD tendencies. He only buys one type of pen. In his journal he only writes on one side of the page because he says its more neat. The clothes in his closet must all hang one direction. I've caught him re-tucking the sheets of our bed after I've made it because he likes the corners tucked just so. This all tickles me and makes me love him more. I like knowing these little things.

He's smart. I don't care what he tells you about school not being his forte, the guy is smart. He is incredibly wise when it comes to making financial decisions. He is able to keep on top of all the crazy politics that go on in the world and has the ability to really assess the key issues and cut through the fluff. He could argue his reasons for believing in creation rather than evolution with Stephen Hawking (ok, maybe I embellished, but he could have a serious conversation with the guy on the topic). Oh and he can do lots of math in his head. That for me does it. I always envy folks who can do math in their head.

He likes decorating. I'm not kidding. He actually cares about the color of the curtains, paintings on the wall and such. This can be both a blessing and a curse, in that sometimes we don't agree but I love that he cares.

Lastly, he always lets me know that he loves me. Always. I never have to wonder. This is a gift.

Why am I telling you all this? Because Joey's birthday was on Friday and there was no way I could not do a post about how much I love this guy. So there you are.

Oh, and I successfully made an Italian Cream Cake for Joey. It's his favorite and I was trying to be super wifely. It was successful in that the end product was a success. However, I messed the recipe up twice and had to empty two bowls of batter and start over. That's love, a girl making a cake three times.

Not too shabby if I don't say so myself!

If You Air Condition It, We Will Come

2010-07-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

This was the view from our bed as we woke up Sunday morning. I have never been so glad for a weekend to be over.

Our A/C went out Friday afternoon. Joey called the home warranty people and after accepting our claim, they thanked us for our request and politely replied that they would send someone out promptly on Monday.

MONDAY????? Do you know what this means home warranty lady? Three whole days of no A/C in Houston, Texas. She and I have different concepts of 'promptly'. Because it was already hot as Hades in our house, Joey and I decided to keep what little cool we had left by conserving our anger toward the home warranty people for cooler days. Like Monday.

Ok, so no A/C for a few days. Reminiscent of the Hurricane Days, only there's something about not being in it together with everyone else that makes it just not right. But, we can do this, right? We had a few friends that offered for us to crash at their place, but we thought we could do it. I mean, come on...air conditioning wasn't even invented until the last century. People had obviously made it through it and with layers of more clothing, I might add. Pioneers, shmioneers we could do it.

We got in late on Friday night (Joey's birthday and more on that in a later post) and made it through the night sans cool air.

And then it really hit: the heat wave. Day 1 with no A/C is one thing, but Day 2 is a whole different ball game. The heat has settled in.

With the way our house is situated, it's not very conducive to allowing breezes from outside to circulate through the house. It felt like a mausoleum.

We had to get out of there. We went to the mall. We went to Double Dave's. We looked at lawnmowers. We went to a few shopping centers. We went to Golfsmith. We went to Wal-Mart. We went out for dinner. We went exploring. My Dr. Seuss-like list has one common thread: air conditioning.

I made a few desperation purchases, you know the kind: I'm going without air conditioning so I deserve this. Not good.

But eventually we had to come home.

What were we thinking? We have not been conditioned for this! What was in the Pioneer's genes had probably mutated out by now. About 3AM when I woke up for the third time in sweat, I was wishing we had just gotten a hotel room. On Sunday after my grocery trip, I was beginning to envy the chicken I put in the freezer.

By Sunday night, our survival skills started kicking in. We moved all of the fans into the guest bedroom and slept which is cooler in comparison to our bedroom. And we made it!

Here's to Monday!

There are a few key players I need to thank that made our survival possible:

First, I would like to thank God who makes all things possible.

Thank you to my wonderful husband, who supported me throughout the weekend. You mean the world to me.

To Ice Cubes, thank you for cooling our drinks and our foreheads. Oh, and for sitting on my head so patiently while I experimented with balancing ice on my head.

Lukewarm Shower, you did your best. It's okay if you couldn't get that cold. You at least washed off the sweat.

And lastly to our fans: Wind Machine & Lasko Fan, your brilliancy with circulating air while we were sleeping is second only to the big kahuna A/C itself. We couldn't have done it without the support of our fans.

Thank you to all.

In all seriousness, glorious Air Conditioning, I love you.

Taking A Rain Check

2010-07-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

I have things to say. Lots of things to say. BUT, small problem: I don't have time to say'em this week. So how about we take a rain check until next week. In the meantime, just so you know I'm leaving things unsaid for the following reasons:

I've started a new workout regimen that involves a class. Yes, I'm attending a class. It's the only way I'm going to get my tail to the gym and actually get some work done. More on that later.

Fourth of July travels to Louisiana where we brought back a third dog. I don't know how these things happen - they just do. If you know of anyone who would like a long-haired dachshund, email me. If this is you, email me.

We are renovating our bathroom and getting a new vanity as well as re-tiling the shower.

P.S. I'm starting a book club that will meet at the end of the month. We'll be reading The Jane Austen Book Club. If you're interested and don't mind a trip to Katy, shoot me an email and join us! Oh, and it's girls only.

Did you have a fantastic Fourth? Hope so!

Closeted Comforts

2010-06-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

There is a long standing issue I have with my closet: it's not quite big enough.

There is a long standing issue I have with myself: bouts of chronic disorganization. (is it possible to have bouts and still be chronic? Check WebMD later.)

Both of these long standing issues culminated into one thing: a messy, disorganized, stuffed to the gills closet. Essentially - a sink hole for apparel.

It was becoming a death trap that required a hard hat and steel-toed boots to enter safely. I go into the closet preparing for the worst and come out stumbling and coughing like a miner from a collapsed mine exclaiming "I think she's gonna go - everybody get down!" while holding a pair of red heels.

As I've made it my goal to be strive for organization my first act was to remedy the sink hole that was my closet.

The mission: to find ways to creatively expand my closet and create beauty out of chaos.

Joey installed extra shelves, even one above my door to maximize the space. Shoes and more shoes - mainly black heels as that's may daily work shoe. Clothing that has barely been worn due to falling into the black hole. Drawers filled to the brim with pajamas, sox and the like. Stuff everywear! I had amassed so much that it had become a problem.

And then it hit me.

How many people outside of the United States have this problem? How many kids in the world are cold at night because of inadequate clothing that is their only wardrobe? How many people would be so thankful just to have one good pair of shoes? How many have so much stuff that it is oozing out of their spacious closet, in their comfortable three bedroom house in the suburbs, in the wealthiest country on the planet?

There I was sitting on the floor in my closet - looking at my overabundance of stuff in tears from my selfishness.

Joey and I marked a few trash bags for giveaway, which is no where near enough, but it's a start. Sometimes living in the land of plenty, we forget that we're living in a world where too many in the are suffering from basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter that we take for granted. So now, I'm ready and wondering - what can I do?

How do you snap out of being comfortable with comfortable?

Word To My Brothers' Girlfriends

2010-06-14T13:27:00.001-05:00

Dear Future Girlfriends of My Brothers,

There are many things that I would like to say to you, but I'm about to focus on some the best advice of your life - or at least your life dating one of my brothers. It is small, but very important. There is one thing that you must wear at family functions. It's not a huge deal in the scheme of deals, but it says a lot about you. Or should I say it reveals a lot about you.

It's called 'clothing'.

What does not constitute clothing? That which shows anything of which you have pairs, and I'm not talking limbs or facial features, but rather the stuff in the middle - this is not clothing. If your bra straps become the most visible part of your top - this is not clothing. If a wet suit leaves more to the imagination - this is not clothing. Garments the size of postage stamps - this is not clothing.

Yes, I know you're in your physical prime. Yes, I know my brothers are cute. Yes, I know you want their attention. Yes, I have been in this position. Yes, I know you're a smart girl.

Hence, I know what you're doing. And so does my mother. And my sister. And my grandmother. And even my dad. We're all over it. It's not so subtle.

Sincerely,

A Loving & Very Protective Older Sister

P.S. I am approving that a current GF is wearing actual clothing. This is just an address for all of those in the future based on past experiences.

A Lesson In Oatmeal That Will Save Your LIfe (or at least your cookies)

2010-06-10T17:42:00.000-05:00

I have made an important discovery. Remember this?

Just so you know, this is why:

It's all in the fine print my friend, the fine print. Oh yes, look closer. It's the new versus the old.

I noticed this the last time I went to the grocery store. If only I would have seen "minute oats" in the recipe. You know people, I remember a time when oatmeal was just oatmeal. There was no Easy Mac in those days. We had to boil our noodles, thank you very much. Ok, just kidding on the oatmeal. I really don't remember a time when oatmeal didn't come in individual instant microwave packets.

BUT, I certainly did live through the Pre-Easy Mac Era, for the record.

This is what I get for being old-fashioned I guess: a giant, pan-adhering oatmeal cookie.

Officially Pomped & Circumstanced

2010-06-08T20:54:00.001-05:00

DISCLAIMER: PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE GIRL IN THE EXCESSIVELY RUFFLED GRANDMOTHER DRESS. FOR MY SAKE. PLEASE.

Ok, I know you saw it. It was bad, I know. Let's move past it. Please put all of your attention on the little guy in the middle. That is my baby brother, Stephen. I hate to say it, but I still think of him as being not much older than he was in the picture. But, this is apparently not the case as my BABY brother graduated from high school Saturday!

That's crazy talk! To me at least. But then again apparently he's also cemented in his mind the image of me in the grandmother dress as he thinks I'm ancient. And so not cool. Ahem. Well, back in the day mister...ok, let's not kid ourselves, this has term has never really applied. Reference point: the excessively ruffled grandmother dress.

Anyway, I'm so proud of him! He graduated #8 in his class, the highest of all of us kids. Congrats, Stephen! A whole passel of my cousins graduated alongside him this weekend as well. Congrats to Bryan, Derek and Jonathan!

And there he is, the graduate.

The proud parents of the graduate.

The proud sister of the graduate. (NOTE: sans excessive ruffles)

And the Mom who doesn't want to let him go. You can tell he loves it.

So from the Girl in the Excessively Ruffled Grandmother Dress to her bab...excuse me, to her college bound little (couldn't help it) brother:

Congratulations! I am so proud of you! And I love you!

I'm good enough. I'm smart enough.

2010-06-02T13:00:00.001-05:00

And doggonit, people like me.

Sometimes we all need this reminder...

Oh the places you'll go!

2010-05-28T08:14:00.000-05:00

We are back from our spontaneous vacation. It's kind of nice going just an hour away. We weren't all worn out from traveling to our destination and when we decided to head home, it wasn't a big deal. Pretty relaxing.

Here are a few things of note from our trip:

We stayed in Galveston at the Hotel Galvez.

Joey forgot the most essential piece of beachwear and was forced to purchase lime green plaid swim trunks. Oh yes.

We forgot our camera. This is where spontaneity comes back to bite you and why this post does not contain pictures.

We went to the beach once to walk on the shore which further affirmed our previous decision to hang out at the pool the rest of the time.

I found out that Joey has an intense dislike for sand. See people, this is why you and your spouse just need to get away sometimes. Oh, the important things you learn about each other.

A self-described "very very homosexual" man who had one too many and hung out at the pool the whole day hit on my husband and in short, said that he was quite jealous to be in my position. Back off buddy, this is my lime green plaided husband.

Our favorite dinner was at Gaido's where we had a dinner guest: a gecko. He stuck around for the main course, but was apparently too full to stay for dessert.

Joey almost convinced me to get a tattoo, but I settled for an equally shocking yet less permanent purchase: a hat. I'm still wondering if it was a mistake.

So that was our little getaway in a nutshell. Crazy wild, I know. That's just how we roll.

Destination Unknown

2010-05-21T07:46:00.000-05:00

Guess what I have done. Go ahead, guess. Ok, it's really not guessable and incredibly random so I'll just tell you.

Our vacation time period starts and ends depending on when you started at our company. I thought I had a while. And then I found out my start date was June 6th. To add to this, we used to get paid for the flex time we didn't use, but this policy ended in January. I didn't change my mentality.

Why is this a problem? I didn't take any sick time during the entire year. So I have held onto so many hours that it is imperative that I take a vacation next week or lose it. Geez, why didn't I just get sick this past year! I wouldn't be in this predicament of having to take a vacation. Such cruelty for staying healthy. You know I'm kidding right?

So Joey and I are taking off next week. We don't know where we're going, but we're going somewhere to get away for a few days. Not too far though. Maybe Lake LBJ, maybe Galveston...who knows.

If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment!

Meanwhile, I will be completing 20 hours of Vacation Mismanagement Class before next year.

Multiple Nicknaming Disorder (MND)

2010-05-12T12:49:00.000-05:00

What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.

Juliet got it right, but one can have so much fun with names.

I have this thing with nicknaming the people I love.

I think I might get this from my Dad who has several nicknames for each person in our family.

If you must know, his nickname for me is Kit. Or Kit Kit. Or Kit Whiskers. Don't ask. It doesn't make sense.

Or Olive Oyl. Oh geez, that one sadly made sense and made one tall, gawky, self-conscious teenager mad growing up.

I at least developed hips. Maybe not the upper half of the development, but the hips are there. Sadly.

Anyway...

Dad's nicknames are never a play off of one's real name. Oh no. They're too unique to be an offshoot of a name. Although Kit and Olive Oyl are familiar to the ear, many of his nicknames sound more like a name for a Dr. Seuss creature. For instance, someone in our family was referred to as "Spadook" for at least the first five years of life.

I can probably count on one hand the number of times my Dad called my Mom by her given name. And this was probably in reference to a Census Bureau question or something similar. If Dad calls you by your real name, it's serious business.

And here I am. I do the same thing. My sister's nickname 'Joey' had to be abandoned after I married a real 'Joey'. She is now 'Jo'. I won't list the nicknames for my brothers as I would be excommunicated from their world if I mentioned the embarrassing nicknames I've had for them since they were little. Or my fun nicknames for Joey which are endless and constantly evolving. I won't go there.

But I will give you a little insight with my dogs: Bogart and Gus. Joey has cautioned me in my use of multiple names for our dogs and fully believes that Bogart has no idea what his name is because I never call him the same thing twice in a row.

Here are a few of the most frequently used nicknames (FUN):

Gus: Gustafer, GusGus, Gusser, Gusarooney, Gusaroo, Gustafari, and Gustave (this is when he's being suave).

Bogart: Bo, BoBear, BoBaby, BoBuddy, My Little Bofriend, Bozer, Mr. Bo Jangles, Bomaniac, Boger Bear, Bowie, Bozer Bear and Bogie.

What is it with all the 'bears'? I was recently informed by a co-worker that her childhood nickname was BoBear. So I'm not alone with this little naming convention.

So there you are. If I call you something other than your given name, know that you are loved.

Church Shoppin'

2010-05-10T11:45:00.000-05:00

That's right. Joey and I are church shopping. This is bittersweet. We absolutely love Houston's First Baptist, but we've known for a while that we would have to make the switch to a church nearer to us when we have kids. And this does not mean that the kid factor is upon us, it's just the right timing to make the transition. Don't get any ideas.

So, we've been shopping around. Living in Katy is like being inside the Baskin Robbins of churches. There's one on every corner. So many churches, so little time to try each one.

A church shopper has a lot on the mind. Or at least we do. We usually sit in the back to get the lay of the land. Scan the bulletin. Take in the surroundings.

Here are a few of the major criteria upon which we are basing our decision:

Would we be excommunicated if we wore jeans?

How do the communion wafers compare?

Is the probability of singing When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder greater than .725?

How is the bulletin from a grammatical standpoint?

Pressured to participate in hand motions while singing?

Pressured to keep our hands firmly at our sides while singing?

I've thought of designing a scorecard for Joey and I to take along with us during our visits dividing it up into technical and artistic merit, but haven't come up with an accurate system.

Ok, just kidding...on most things.

Seriously, the elements we are looking for are:

1. Strong Biblical teaching - we want to have to have our Bibles out and be in them.
2. Cohesiveness of the body among all ages
3. Opportunities for fellowship and growth

Oh and I soo want to throw a #4 in there for music, but I'm learning that the possibility of the worship music being like HFBC is kind of a high standard and a long shot.

So this is tough. We've been to a couple that we really like and I think we still have a few more to visit. If you have any suggestions for great churches near the Katy area, please send an email to jennyperot[at]gmail.com with 22 reasons why we should choose your church. Kidding, totally kidding. Please do not stamp me with a big scarlet letter for 'sacrilegious'. I promise we are taking this very seriously.

Lola Update

2010-05-06T13:40:00.000-05:00

I finally talked to Lola. She is just the sweetest thing. I told her that I had received a few of her messages for Ruby and she went on and on about how sorry she was that she had left me all of those messages. There were a lot of 'oh dears'.

I told her that it was perfectly fine and that I didn't mind them. Not one bit. I wanted to add that she didn't have to stop leaving her messages but I just couldn't figure out a way to phrase it where it would make sense.

So there you are. I'm still hoping that maybe Lola might call me by accident again. Just for old time's sake.

The Picking Up of the Shoes

2010-05-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

You may have heard of the Running of the Bulls, but have you ever heard of the Picking Up of the Shoes? If you're married, you may unknowingly be familiar with and/or have participated in this event. For me, the Picking Up of the Shoes occurs weekly.

I clean on Friday afternoons and it is on that day I run the Picking Up of the Shoes. I am the current record holder pending a response from the Guiness Book of World Records. Just so you know.

This event consists of scouring every single room in the house for Joey's shoes. There will be a pair of shoes in each room.

Now, Joey is a relatively clean guy and not too messy, but he has this thing with the shoes! Oh and cabinets, but I'll save that for a later post. One can only take so many of my random musings at a time.

I pick up each pair of shoes and put them in his closet.

Hey baby, have you seen my flip flops? Yeah, I put them in your closet.

Hey baby? Have you seen my bike shoes? Yup. There in your closet.

It goes on like this for several pairs until all are out and ready for the next Picking Up of the Shoes. Kinda like the Circle of Life, but umm...for shoes...being left out. Just go with it.

Me: Hey Baby, have you seen my tennis shoes? Joey: Yeah, I think I saw them in the living room.

Oh.

Oops. Ok, so maybe he's not the lone contributor to the Picking Up of the Shoes. I might toss a pair in here or there, you know...just to keep the Circle of Shoes going.

Here's Lookin' At You Kid

2010-05-03T17:40:00.000-05:00

Guess who just got a haircut today? Mr. Bogart himself. That's right, our very own little junkyard dog. He's kind of like his mom who's apparently on the semi-annual haircut wagon. I dropped him off before work this morning at the vet where he traumatized a teacup yorkie and then peed on my foot in his excitement. Yes, Joey and I have two well-behaved dogs.

Gus says "I don't know who this kid with the girly bandana is, but he's not my brother." He still sniffing him out.

Anyway, I've really been looking forward to this although our time of having a well-groomed and lovely smelling dog are counting down by the second. All Bo has to do is step one paw outside the threshold of the door and he automatically assumes the smell of a vagabond dog. He just can't help it. His little body is so close to the ground and he has such crazy hair that he's like a little canine mop.

So in order to bask in Bo's glory for a while, we had a photoshoot:

Well, after he threw a fit and tried to get the 'clean' off of him.

Give me a far away look. Yes, that's it. Now, how about a profile shot?

Perfect. Way to show off your Hawaii Five-O bandana.

And work it, work it. Very mysterious.

And it's a wrap folks. Model is down for the count. He's had a long day.

While Bo is getting his beauty rest, Joey and I are having dinner with the Owens family. We can't be more excited to see what's going on in their world and welcome the newest addition to their family: Dylan.

Hope everyone has a nice night!

This is Lola. Bye-bye now.

2010-04-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

I have been awaiting a call from my dear friend, Lola, for the past two weeks.

Here's the funny thing: I've never actually met Lola. Or talked to her for that matter. And no, we're not pen pals. In fact, Lola doesn't even know I exist although our relationship has lasted somewhere in the neighborhood of six months.

Before this begins to sound too much like a riddle, allow me to explain.

Lola has been leaving voice mails on my cell phone during the work day. Because I have my cell on silent during the day, I find out that she has called after the fact through these voice mails. Like I said, this has been going on for quite some time now and I get a voice mail once a week or so.

In my head, this is what Lola looks like. Mrs. Threadgood from Fried Green Tomatoes.

She has a slow Southern accent and I think she's in her seventies or eighties.

"Ruby, this is Loh-lah. I just wanted to let you know that Gee-orge's outta the hosp-ital. The doctors say things are lookin' goo-ud. But I just wanted to let you know 'case you try to come by. Bye-bye now."

"Ruby, I was just calling to let you know that I'm coming by later on Sundy afternoon. This is Loh-lah. Bye-bye now."

"Ruby, just calling about Cousin Bill's visiting. Loh-lah. Bye-bye now."

"Ruby, it's Loh-lah. Talk at'chya soon. Bye-bye now."

I've tried to call Lola several times in the evening after she has left her messages, but I can't ever seem to reach her. I often wonder if she ever gets her feelings hurt that Ruby isn't returning her messages. Do she and Ruby discuss how odd it is that these messages get lost? They probably just dismiss it as you can never trust technology. It's hit or miss.

Determined to catch Lola's call during the day, I've had my phone on loud and clear in hopes of meeting Lola. Unfortunately, this has also led me to have conversations with salesmen and as yet, not my friend Lola.

But can I be honest? I'm not sure I want my friendship with Lola to come to an end. How will I know when George gets out of the hospital? Or when Cousin Bill's in town? How will I know how Lola and Ruby are doing? I like her frequent updates and I feel like I know her. I like being a part of Ruby and Lola's circle. Although, Lola probably wouldn't say the same, I feel like we're friends.

So, I'm not sure what I will say, but I wish there was a way I could keep the conversation going. I think I'll miss it.

Bye-Bye now.

Cookie By The Slice

2010-04-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

Alright, so you've learned from the previous post that I've become interested in cooking lately. You've also learned that I'm still learning. Or if you didn't pick that up, the point will be driven home today.

I made oatmeal cookies this weekend or maybe I should say "an oatmeal cookie". In my defense, let the record show that I successfully made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies last week.

However, when the timer went off...

My neat little spoonfuls of cookie dough turned into this:

We had to cut them with a pizza cutter and it wasn't easy. Let's just say you had to work for each piece of cookie. One could throw out their back just chiseling off a piece. They did taste really great. Joey said I should rename them "Oatmeal Crispies" and no one would know the difference, but I'm into honesty here and I wouldn't want to deprive you of a laugh at my expense.

I imagine this is how someone first "discovered" the Cookie Cake. Yeah, yeah...that's right I meant do that. I was making an oatmeal cookie cake. I'm onto you, Cookie Cake Inventor, but the good news is that I can be bribed. I like chocolate.

So It's Not Cool Whip?

2010-04-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

I don’t know what the deal is, but I am suddenly addicted to cooking. I am becoming a Foodie. I have to cook. Which is kind of crazy for me.

I religiously check my favorite food blogs. I try out a new recipe at least a few times each week. I am acquiring more spices than I know what to do with. I have made something that requires making a roux. I actually own a package of cheesecloth and have now used it. I’ve found the occasion to use peppercorns for goodness sake. Peppercorns. Twice!

Often when working out I watch the Food Network on my little personal TV screen at the gym and sweat to Paula making fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I find it ironic that I’m most likely at the gym to work off the very sort of thing that Paula and the Neelys are making. And then I go home and wonder why I want to eat everything delicious under the sun. It’s a vicious cycle, I tell you.

I spend way too much time in the grocery store looking for items that I didn’t know existed before seeing them on an ingredient list.

I usually am reduced to finding an elderly woman who looks like she knows what she’s doing what’s up in the kitchen to ask my dumb questions. She just looks at me with pity, calls me ‘sweetie’ and pats my hand while directing me to the appropriate product. It’s OK, I don’t mind.

What the heck is it with ‘whipped’ cream and ‘whipping’ cream. They shouldn’t use this terminology. For the love of everything holy, if it’s whipped cream just call it Cool Whip to differentiate it from whipping cream.

Joey has both benefited and suffered from my latest addiction. I have to say, for the most part things have turned out well taste-wise. And by that, I mean I haven’t burnt anything beyond recognition.

However, I have a serious problem with timing.

My timing issues usually belong in one of two camps

1. I make a lot of mistakes and have to redo stuff
2. I’ve forgotten all metric conversion rates that I learned in elementary school and constantly have to Google them.

I’ll tell Joey, “It’ll be ready in about 30 minutes.” and thirty minutes later...”oops I forgot to get this thing going, it’s going to be another 15 minutes.”. And then an hour later when we have filled up on snacks that were originally to tide us over until dinner, we sit down to eat at eight or nine. Like I said, my timing’s not the best but at least it’s almost worth the wait.

My favorite food blog is www.thepioneerwoman.com. I have made numerous recipes from her site and they’ve all been really good. Plus, she includes step by step pictures which is helpful for beginners like myself. I could seriously cook everything on her site.

All this to say, you may see more food on this blog in the future. Just because it’s on my mind lately.

Picture Perfect Finish

2010-04-19T13:11:00.000-05:00

So...how are you? I hope you had a nice, relaxing weekend! Ours was pretty great.

On Sunday Joey completed his third MS150! That's a 180 (don't know why thy call it MS150) mile bike ride to benefit multiple sclerosis research. Yay, Joey! Where are the pictures? Well, gosh - why'd you have to go and bring that sore subject up? Geez...

Alright, well here it is:

I missed it. Joey crossing the finish line. I missed it. I left in plenty of time to get to Austin and then got stuck in standstill traffic from an accident for about 30 minutes, forced to drive 50 miles/hr. due to rain, searched for parking for another 30 minutes and then combine all that with the fact that Joey finished early and you got it: I missed it.

He called me when he was about half a mile from the Capitol waiting on his team and I was searching for parking. I thought I was going to make it. I ran to the finish line passing several bikers on the way (ok, I wasn't that fast), got out my Flip waiting for the moment to see him pass by and...and...my phone rang. It was Joey. I had just missed the entire team go through the line. I felt like I had missed my child's graduation. Joey's didn't care that I had missed his finish, but still...I wanted to be there.

Anyway, that was a bummer. But, Joey did great! He made great time despite having three flats. I am so proud of him!

Funny side note: Joey left his flip flops in La Grange by mistake so he didn't have shoes to wear for the rest of the day. One of his team buddies let him borrow his flip flops for the day. You have to understand - Joey wears a size 14 shoe and this guy was probably one of the smallest in stature on the team. It was funny watching Joey walk around with half of his foot coming over the heel.

I promise to put pictures up as soon as I have them. Thankfully, there were plenty of people snapping pictures of the finish.

Way to go, Joey!!

The Sound of Music

2010-04-08T11:37:00.000-05:00

I have to share this story with you. It's personal. Have you ever had a particular prayer that you're fully aware that you may be praying for the rest of your life? This story has dipped down into my prayers.

It's a conversation that my Mom had with my Dad last week. She shared it with me after the fact.

But first, to understand this story you must understand a little about my Dad. To understand someone, you have to find out their loves. What gives them joy?

For Dad, it's always been music. I've never seen him more at ease than when he's listening to his music.

Dad is music for me. Music is a part of his identity and he's the reason why I love it so much. It's Dad. He majored in Voice in college and music was always in our house growing up. Both Mom and Dad sang, played both the piano and guitar and Dad a few additional instruments such as the bass.

Dad had a gift. He had a knack with any instrument he picked up (except the drums, I'm guessing for the same reason he's not a dancer) and could play or sing anything if heard once. I'm not claiming he was Mozart, but God gave him an ear. I remember once, Dad trying to explain the beauty of music to me. He said it's math you can listen to.

As math has never been my forte, it's a miracle I didn't stop listening at the sound of that word. Dad's passion rubbed off on each one of us kids. My favorite was when Dad and I would drive to Huntsville for pitching practice. It wasn't the practice I liked - it was the ride with Dad.

On our way home, he would roll down the windows and I would drink my Sonic-sized cherry limeade while Dad provided commentary for every song that came on the oldies or classic rock station.

Have you ever met someone who was so excited about something that it was just downright contagious? That's how it is when Dad talks about music.

He even has a favorite chord. It's in the song, Green-Eyed Lady. He would play it on the "piano" that was either an empty seat or the lucky individual's thigh who sat next to him in the car for surprise effect. This was just part of a road trip with Dad.

To this day, I know some of the most random facts about old music such as that the singer of "96 Tears" officially changed his name to "?" and that "Yesterday" was originally titled "Scrambled Eggs". Because of Dad I know at what point the Beach Boys came in too early when recording "Good Vibrations". These will all come in handy one day in a game of Trivial Pursuit, but more importantly, they've become musical memories attached to my Dad.

Then Dad lost his hearing. Meningitis leaves many victims completely deaf. We don't know how much of it was the illness and how much of it was just plain old hearing loss that comes with age - but Dad is mostly deaf. I'm not using the term 'deaf' loosely. He really can't hear. He's lived the past couple of years in an almost completely muffled world. He's tried a few hearing aids here and there, but they haven't really been able to help.

He can't hear the music like he used to. It's like a painter who loses his sight. I think this is why he still loves the classics - he has memorized their sound in his mind so he can fill in the gaps with his memory. He doesn't need to listen to them to hear them, if that makes sense.

There was one night when I was in high school that Dad's hearing miraculously returned. Mom was asleep and Dad was at the computer. Tears were streaming down his face and he told me it was crazy - but his ears had opened up.

He was listening to music. Dad and I stayed up until two in the morning looking up every song he could think of. He wanted to get it all in. I can still see his face glinting with tears looking at the screen with the biggest smile of joy on his face. It was his music.

The next morning his hearing was gone again. From that day on, I prayed that God would give Dad another miracle and restore his hearing.

I haven't heard my Dad sing, and I mean really sing, in more than 13 years.

I've related this just so you can understand my Dad. Now to the conversation I wanted to share.

When Dad came home from work last week, Mom noticed that there was something about his voice that didn't sound right. So she asked about his day. Dad said "I had a great day!"

"Well, are you feeling ok?" - "Yeah, I feel great!"

"You sound different." -"Well, my throat's a little a sore."

"Maybe you're getting sick." - "Oh no, I'm not getting sick. I know what it's from."

"Well, what's it from?" - "Singing."

And that's when Dad told Mom that he sang for two hours straight in his truck with the windows rolled down.

This was the day Dad was able to wear his brand new hearing aids. And get this, they actually work. I can't tell you how much joy this story brought to my heart.

Dad has his music back. And that's music to my ears.

You Ain't Woman Enough To Take My Man. Literally.

2010-04-02T10:15:00.000-05:00

Reflect on this chorus for a moment if you will...

Sing it, Loretta! Now, while I'm not exactly in Loretta's position I can't help but get a little territorial when other girls take a second look at my husband. I get what she's saying. I think I'll hold that hand a little tighter, don't mind if I do. I'm not worried about him looking at all (thank you Lord for my husband!), but for her sake - you know, just to send the right message that he's off limits. After all, I wouldn't want her to waste all that energy. So I'm just doing her a favor by setting the picture straight.

Now why this song has been in mind is because of a little drama below:

Joey and I were sitting on the couch some time last week checking our Facebooks and catching up on the day. Joey said "That's weird. This little high school girl from the gym just friend requested me."

My ears perked up. I think my eyes might have narrowed at the same time. A fist might have clenched as well. "Let me see that." Sure enough - there she was - friend requesting my husband.

Turns out she works at the front desk of the gym. The only time she ever talks to Joey and his gym buddy is when they check in at the front.

Me: "I think she has a crush on you."

Joey: "Oh, she's a harmless high school girl. I'm sure she's to young to think any thing of it."

"Joey, do you remember high school girls? I think you're confusing them with preschoolers. Besides, this means that you popped up in her mind somewhere other than the gym. She had this thought outside of work 'Hey, I wonder if that guy is on Facebook.' She probably looks forward to you coming to the gym. She's got motives. Trust me, I know these things - I was a high school girl once."

Joey: "I don't want to hurt her feelings and I think she's just really naive. She probably just doesn't know. I wouldn't be concerned about it. Obviously, I'm not interested either way."

Fine then. But my radar was up. I was on the lookout for this girl at the gym. Maybe she is just really really naive. But honestly, who does that? Someone who's interested - that's who.

Then, the next day she emailed him! He didn't respond. Now he was concerned too.

I knew it!!! High school girl my big toe! I see right through this whole innocent thing. Mmm...hmm...that's right. I know what she's up to.

Despite the absence of a response, she emailed him again and asked him when he and his gym buddy would be at the pool (they swim laps every now and then). He's a little panicked at this point and of course, still doesn't respond.

And finally, the other night she tries to chat with him on Facebook. He ignored her, but I had half a mind to take that computer and write her back: "Hi. I'm Joey's wife. I'm on to you. I know where you work. Keep one eye open."

At this point, I'm ready to go the gym and wait for her shift. I think we should meet formally. And honestly, it would be for her good as well. You just don't do this. What if Joey were a crazy person?

Joey mentioned it to her supervisor because of the latter. Her supervisor said that her behavior is a little surprising. What do you think? Is she just super naive or does she have motives?

Anyway, I agree with Loretta. It'll be over my dead body.

Bed Head

2010-03-24T18:07:00.000-05:00

This is Bogart waking up from a nap in his kennel. Joey and I think his hair looks an old man's hair when he wakes up. He's not real happy that I'm documenting his morning routine.

Bogart gets up very slowly. You would think that he had been sleeping for years...

No pictures before the Beauty Queen has properly awoken please.

He places one paw out in slow motion at a time & gives us a side shot of that gorgeous mane.

Really really slowly. I think he wants to make me wait on him. A Power Play. I think he has control issues.

And he's finally up.

And that's the last time you can catch a picture of him. He's an ADD blur of fur the rest of the day. I guess it's his time to be a little Diva Dog.

Cultivating Weeds

2010-03-15T21:12:00.000-05:00

Joey and I are working on our backyard. He has drawn a very precise schematic diagram fleshing out exactly where each bush, stone and blade of monkey grass will be placed. Have I told you that Joey is precise? He's precise. Maybe not with socks or used towels - but in yard work, he's precise.

In the meantime, I'm weeding. Hoeing. Weeding. Hoeing. Weeding. There is something about weeding that I like. Well, once I get past the backbreaking labor of it all. The smell of the dirt. The feel of the roots slowly loosening their grip on the soil. The fact that I'm removing things that don't belong to make room for something beautiful.

The weeds I am pulling are the weedy grassy kind. A poor man's grass. The kind that look so small on the top, but has an intricate root system below. The kind that if you're not careful to pull up slowly will come back to bite you as a Triffid next year. The funny thing about these guys was that they looked so small on the surface. Who would know that the roots could go so deep and spread so far?

When you're pulling weeds for hours on end, you're left alone with your thoughts. Just you and the weeds. So being a deep thinker prone to think about the meaning of life, I let my imagination run wild and think about...weeds.

No really, how did they got such a bad rap? I mean, who was it that designated them the "undesirable" plants?

The reason lies in the fact that weeds overtake the garden and choke out the other plants. By definition, a weed is one that is usually not valued where it's growing and grows vigorously.

It made me think about weeds in my life. Anything that God doesn't want in my life is basically just like those weeds. What do I need to get rid of that is actively choking qualities that God wants me to cultivate?

"As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word,
but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the world, and
it proves unfruitful."
Mt. 13:22

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took
and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has
grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the
birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
Mt. 13:31
Am I cultivating weeds when I could be cultivating the Fruits of the Spirit?

Sister Time

2010-03-12T18:37:00.000-06:00

My sister, Jo, and I went to the David Gray concert last night at Verizon Wireless. We had so much fun! Much needed sister time.

Breese: Breast Milk Cheese

2010-03-10T13:36:00.000-06:00

Have leftover breast milk? Feeling guilty that it's going to waste? Here's the perfect at home business for nursing moms who want to earn a little cash on the side. Turn it into cheese!

Ew. Eww. Ewww. And more ew. I mean, it's good to not be wasteful, but there's a line. Be grossed out with me and watch the video.

Ew again. Would you try this stuff? I like how he said that he realized it was like "liquid gold". Maybe he should have done a little market research first.

Ew.

Outbreak

2010-03-08T12:47:00.000-06:00

Oh dear. I have caught It. Baby Fever.

This weekend I got to hold a baby. And not just any baby, but the son of a very dear friend which makes it all the more special. A friend with whom I have walked in tandem from singlehood, then dating, and finally into marriedhood (If this isn't a word yet, I've got dibs on it - let the record show...).

She's basically traveled with me through all the hoods, and has just recently ventured into the newest and most challenging hood of all: motherhood.

I just figured I would let her scope it out first. She'll learn the ropes and then I'll follow later. The timing is to be determined as I wait for the Clif Notes from my scout, although Joey swears that he sees babies in my pupils since we held the baby. I can't lie. You just can't help but think about babies when you hold a newborn.

Baby Fever is catching. It kind of blurs your vision and cloudies up all practical thought. When holding a baby, it's all you can do to not say "I want one of these. Ok! All plans out the window! It's a good thing that it takes two to have a baby as you need one to always keep the other rationale in case of a sudden outbreak of Baby Fever.

I think that God gave babies special gifts that make them absolutely irresistable and therefore perfect for making everyone else want to have babies. Their smell, their adorableness, their absolute faith in you and the way their tiny fingers latch around your one finger. You can't help but be sucked in and absolutely smitten.

BUT, I'm just thinking about it, I promise. I'm not acting upon it, just mulling it over a little. I'm a muller so these things take time. In the meantime, I'll concentrate on learning how to keep my potted plants around for more than a week or two. Here's to Spring and Babies!

8 Reasons Why We Should Memorize Scripture

2010-03-03T17:34:00.000-06:00

Scripture memory. I'm hit or miss with this. Sadly, it's most often miss. I've set little goals to memorize a verse here or there and I let it fall to the wayside. Man, this week I have been convicted about my lack of Scripture memory. I listened to a John Piper podcast and there was just no getting around it: as Christians we need to be memorizing Scripture. And then Beth Moore reminded me again on Tuesday. I think the Lord is trying to tell me something.

Now, the last time that I was really good about faithfully memorizing verses was in Pioneer Club. Pioneer Club was like AWANAs, GAs, or Sunbeams if you grew up being a card carrying member of one of those clubs. And if you've never heard of these, no, they're not rival gangs (although Sunbeams would be a cool gang name). They're kind of like vacation Bible school but year-round. They're all similar and we got points and badges for memorizing Bible verses each week. I think vests were involved, but I may have blurred that from my memory. I've never liked wearing a vest. Or shoulder pads. Or stirrup pants for that matter. Sorry, vests make me think of these items. You see how the memory verse work could've fallen to the wayside? I get sidetracked really easy.

When I think about Muslims memorizing pages of Koran and in comparison most Christians know John 3:16 and maybe a few other verses, wow. I'm way guilty on this one. I always have the thought that oh, I can look it up when I need it or I have the gist of verses in my mind. What if you don't have time to look it up? I ran across that in my conversation with Darwin, an athiest. Darwin knew just enough Scripture to distort it for his needs.

No, our faith does not rest upon Scripture memory as our salvation is not based on works, but how much could our faith and intimacy with Christ be furthered with Scripture memory?

John Piper lists 8 reasons why Christians need to memorize Scripture:

1. Memorizing Scripture makes meditation possible when you can't be reading the Bible and meditation is the pathway to understand.

2. Memorizing Scripture strengthens my faith because faith comes from hearing and hearing by hearing the Word of God that happens when I am hearing in my head.

3. Memorizing Scripture shapes the way I view the world by conforming my mind to God's viewpoint.

4. Memorizing Scripture makes God's Word more readily accessible to overcoming temptation that leads to sin because warnings and promises are the way we conquer the deceitful lies of Satan.

5. Memorizing Scripture guards my mind making it easier to detect error and the world is filled with error because the god of this world is a liar.

6. Memorizing Scripture enables me to hit the Devil in the face with a force he can't resist to protect myself and my family from his assaults.

7. Memorizing Scripture provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to others in need.

8. Memorizing Scripture provides the matrix for fellowship with Jesus and he talks to us through his Word.

John Piper pointed out that Satan also has Scripture memorized as he quoted it in the Garden of Gethsemane to Jesus. I don't know about you, but that is a weird thought to me. Satan knows Scripture better than Christians. He knows it inside and out making him an expert at changing up one little thing to change the meaning of God's Word. These days so many take just the few parts of Scripture that they would like to live by and ignore the rest OR they twist it to make their own meaning.

This is why it's incredibly important that we can discern the Truth.

I am going to add the portion of Scripture that I am meditating on and add on to the passage as I have each verse successfully memorized. You all will be my accountability. And you are welcome to join me too!

Check out John Piper's Sermon HERE.

Layla Grace

2010-03-01T17:41:00.000-06:00

While I have been blogging about mundane things like the weather and downright ridiculous topics like being a snuggleupagus, there are people who are facing possibly the worst day of their lives. I'm not meaning to be a downer or to make you sad, but we all need a reality check sometimes as to how blessed we actually are.

I've been hit with this thought in the opposite position before. When I was 15 my Dad had unexpected health problems that rocked my family to the core. I always wonder what life would have been like had that never happened. Where would we be today? That day there was a change in course for each member of our family.

There was an entire summer where we didn't know if Dad would make it and though thankfully I still have my sweet Dad as you know, life was never the same. It was a new reality. It woke me up.

I remember during that summer being on the way to Hermann hospital to see Dad in the NICU with my Grandmother and looking over at a car with kids that looked to be about my age. They were smiling and laughing as if they didn't have a care in the world.

How could they laugh and smile? Didn't they know the world was falling apart? At least for me.

And I thought, I want to go back to That. To Before.

That instance has always been a reminder that while today I may be at the top of the mountain, there are others feeling it crumble beneath them.

But I forget so often. I am that kid in the car laughing, not a care in the world. Which is good sometimes to be able to put circumstances behind us. At first I felt guilty about my trivial bloggings, but am reminded that humor and laughter is a joy that should be shared.

But today all laughter aside, sometimes we need to feel others' pain. And on that note, with empathy - not sympathy.

The devastation in Haiti and Chili have already impacted me so much I haven't even been able to touch on them in this blog. It's just too much for words sometimes.

This week I have been reminded of these thoughts by a precious little girl's fight for life. By what Layla Grace's family is going through. My problems are so small. I am abundantly blessed. Please take a moment to visit her blog. Pray for Layla Grace and her family and squeeze your family tight tonight.

Toto We're Not in Texas Anymore!

2010-02-24T13:34:00.000-06:00

Or at least it feels like it. What the heck is up with this weather? It has snowed twice in 2010 so far. That's right, snowed.

In Houston.

And the first time was real snow. The kind that gives snowmen job security for at least a day. So last night we had just a few flurries, but it was unmistakably snow. Normally, snow for us is "Oh, if you focus your eyes on that black car over there you might see it!"

As much as I'm liking the whole snow anomaly thing, I'm ready for spring to get here. I'm more of an "in-between" seasons kind of a person and enjoy spring and fall but not so much the extremes. We should well be on our way by now into some spring-like weather and here we are having snow storms.

I like cold weather for a short period of time and only because it makes certain things possible; like scarves, coats, a lit fireplace, hot chocolate and snuggling (see previous post). I'm not the girl who wears her Uggs when it hits a degree below 70, but you get the picture. (By the way, I think I might be the only girl who doesn't have a pair of Uggs) If I had known that we were going to have a true Winter, I would have expanded my winter wardrobe a little.

So, come on Spring! I know you can do it! I'm running out of clothes to wear! Get some gumption (fun word)! Just push Old Man Winter out of the way! This may be how they do it up North, but has he ever heard of 'when in Rome'? We're in Texas for goodness' sake!

Scarves, coats, and hot chocolate aside, to everything there is a season, turn, turn...now. Please.

Are You A Snuggleupagus?

2010-02-22T11:47:00.000-06:00

Are you a snuggler? Do you have a propensity to snuggle?

Do you gravitate toward body heat?

If you're in bed do you tend to roll to the middle toward your spouse or a pillow?

If given the choice, would you rather share a couch or have one to yourself?

If you answered each of these questions in a positive fashion toward snuggling, you are most likely a Snuggleupagus. Snuggleupaguses or Snuggleupagi, take advantage of any opportunity to snuggle, cuddle, or be close to loved ones. Personal space between spouses, in the physical sense, would be virtually non-existent if left up to a Snuggleupagus.

This is not just heresay, this is coming directly from a Snuggleupagus: me. All of the aforementioned traits fit me to a tee. Ok, so it's not surprising since I came up with the Snuggleupagus Testing Standards, but I'm just saying I'm guilty.

There are three camps that are reading this blog:

1. Fellow Snuggleupaguses that can relate
2. Snuggleupagus cynics
3. Those that cringe just thinking about their personal space being invaded

Regarding the last two, please refer to the FAQ below:

Snuggleupagus FAQ

Have you always been a Snuggleupagus? No, before I met Joey this was too ooey gooey for me. I was a cynic and laughed at people like me.

What led you to becoming a Snuggleupagus? Falling in love.

Is Snuggleupagusing the same as being clingy? No. One needs it the other just likes it.

Do many people know you're a Snuggleupagus? No, only Joey and my family know this about me. I'm not even the type that greets with a hug.

Does your Snuggleupagusness invade others' personal space? First, my snuggle tendencies only apply to Joey and immediate family. Secondly, I know my limits.

Does Snuggleupagusness ever become a problem? Well, at the beginning of our marriage Joey and I had to get our sleeping styles down. Apparently some people can't sleep with others glued to them. I can't imagine why this is a problem. I just gravitate to body heat, what can I say? Joey's a snuggler too but not while he sleeps because he wakes up too easy and I'm kind of a wiggle worm. Also, I tend to have unreasonably high body heat so he gets hot. So umm, yes I guess it has caused problems but they were small and are now resolved.

Does being a Snuggleupagus ever get old? Apparently when I'm dead asleep. Lately, Joey has asked me in the middle of the night if I want to come closer to him because he knows I love to snuggle and I just flat out tell him "No." I am not responsible for the things I do in my sleep. As I've said and done some pretty weird stuff in my sleep, he's trying not to take the rejection too seriously. A Snuggleupagus never turns down snuggling in her right mind.

What is a Snuggleupagus' love language? Touch, of course.

Playing Froger

2010-02-15T12:10:00.000-06:00

My husband has a personal vendetta against a store we'll just refer to in this post as "Froger". The seed of his intense dislike goes all the way back to Hurricane Ike.

Oh yes, Hurricane Ike did more than just wreck our wedding - it left Joey cursing Froger in Scarlett O'Hara fashion. "With God as my witness, if I have lie, steal, cheat or kill - I will NOT buy anything from Froger!"

Ok, maybe that's a little dramatic and Scarlett's probably not someone Joey would like to be compared with; so instead, please replace the hoop-skirted Scarlett image in your mind with Rhett and insert the "Frankly my dear" part in its place. There. All better. An aside, can you tell that Gone with the Wind is one of my favorites?

Back to the thought behind this post...

See, right after Ike things were a little crazy. People were a little crazy. You would hear stuff like "Well, at the Shell on the corner of Street 1 and Street 2, they have gas-o-line!" "I heard So-and-So is having their power lines worked on today. Might have 'lectricity in couple of days." Rumors of gas and electricity spread like wildfire and companies that could meet the demand would take full advantage of the hysteria.

It was at this point in the Ike Aftermath that Joey ventured out to Froger to get "supplies". He picked up several items including what would become the notorious 12 Pack of Water. The Deal Breaker.

At checkout the cashier asked if Joey had a Froger card. Nope, wasn't one of the Froger card-carrying elite. We had just bought our house in this area of town, so we hadn't formed grocery alliances yet. Anyway, he was in a hurry and didn't get the Froger card.

When he got home he realized that they had overcharged him about $10 for water. Joey went back to alert them to the error. Froger's response: you didn't have a Froger card. The price listed was if you had a Froger card. If you didn't, Froger was going to make you pay and even better, if you didn't look at your receipt - you wouldn't even know. Majorly taking advantage of Ike-Panicked People sans Froger Cards.

Joey hates the idea of getting a Froger card to pay a price that is still more expensive than "R-EB". He also had one other issue there and I can't remember what exactly happened, but bottomline: Froger messed with the wrong guy.

Joey, the Champion of Consumers, has developed a plan to get back at Froger. I became aware of the plan when I noticed a pile of Froger cards on the kitchen counter. A pile.

As I shop at R-EB and knew Joey had a problem with Froger, this just didn't make sense. So I asked the Champion of Consumers. He said that whenever we needed something that he had to get quickly (Froger is SUPER close to us) he would go to Froger and get a new Froger card every time.

I can just imagine the scene 50 years from now: One day, a Froger executive is lamenting on the downfall of Froger. "What happened?" he asks his team of accountants. "Well sir, looks like there was an overabundance of Froger cards being given out at the Froger in Katy, Texas."

I'm not sure how this is going to play out, but slowly the Champion of Consumers will continue to tick away at Froger, one ten cent Froger card at a time.

Until then, shhh - I got a Froger card.

Let's Get LOST

2010-02-11T19:23:00.000-06:00

Today I am sick. I think it's food poisoning. I even left work early. This is a big deal in my world: to be sick. The last time I remember truly being sick was when I had my wisdom teeth pulled three years ago and that was of course, expected. So needless to say, I'm spoiled with good health and when I get sick, even the slightest bit of sick - it rocks my world. Anyway, enough of my whining and on to what I was wanting to tell you.

First, Joey and I have signed up for Blockbuster's Netflix. I know, I know...those are two separate things, but I'm not sure what the program is called, monthly autoship program for DVDs? Who knows. We signed up for Blockbuster's version of Netflix. After comparing the two, I think it's the best choice for us and there's no extra charge for Blu-Ray. I am super excited. I tend to like old movies and things that aren't at our local Blockbuster so it's nice that I can just order it online.

I am pumped. Our first two DVDs came in the mail: Season 1 of Lost. I watched Lost when it first started and was really into it. Then I moved into another apartment and never hooked up the TV. Like all good relationships that cease communication, my relationship with Lost was well, lost. Sorry for the pun, you know it had to come up sometime.

During the holidays my parents rented the DVDs and were I think, on Season 3. I caught a few with them and got sucked right back in. I have been trying since that time to convince Joey that we need to watch Lost. You'll love it, I tell him. And he says, it looks weird - I know I wouldn't like it. Ugghh! I KNOW you would LOVE it! Everyone loves it! "But I hate sci-fi." Which in my opinion is pretty much saying you hate imagination - at least to make a blanket statement like that. (and no, I am not into Battlestar Gallactica or anything like that - probably even got the name wrong, but I have been known to down a few Harry Potter books and Lord of the Rings) Anyhow, I get that - I really do. This is the same guy who has never seen Star Wars. I know - can you believe it? He has no interest in STAR WARS? Alas, my Wookie jokes are lost on him. Oh well, they're not very good anyway. So back to Lost: I tried and tried to convince to him to watch but to no avail.

Until yesterday. Lost came in the mail and let me tell you, he has been sucked in. As I have said, I'm sick and reduced to spending time on the couch, so tonight's the perfect night for continuing to feed what I am just so positive will become Joey's addiction. That was one of the first things he said when he brought me 7Up and crackers, that since I was sick maybe we could just lay on the couch and watch Lost.

Hmm...time for a little imagination building.

Update:

By the way, as I speak...Joey just sat down to eat a sandwich and we came to the end of Disc 1. I told him the second disc is probably in our mailbox. I can't believe it. He has put down his sandwich and gone out in the pouring rain to get the second DVD. If that's not hooked, I don't know what is. A man rarely walks away from his sandwich.

He just walked in with the DVD, but has to dry off first. I'm really tickled at this.

My First Valentine

2010-02-10T12:13:00.001-06:00

Valentine's Day makes me reminiscent. I celebrated Single Awareness Day for 25 years of my life and have only embraced true Valentine's Day for the past three years. That's right, Joey was my very first Valentine. Well, except for my Dad.

Not a super outwardly affectionate guy, my Dad has always been really good at Valentine's Day. Call him St. Valentine - it's his holiday to shine. Since I was a little girl, Dad has always gotten Mom, my sister and I flowers, chocolate and a card. The card has a theme: cats. Cats holding Valentines, real cats, cartoon cats, cats saying 'I love you'. Cats. It's been Dad's theme for at least the 20 years I remember. I guess nothing says I love you like a Valentine's Day Cat Card. These cards followed me into college and came to my house with strange return addresses such as "Merlin B. Snickleman Esquire" or something equally bizarre. That was my Dad's calling card - weird, impossible-to-be-real names.

I may not have ever gotten flowers from anyone else, but Dad always came through to make me feel special and loved. I really appreciate that now.

See, I was a Valentine's Day Cynic. I had two choices: I could pine away on the idea of not having anyone to share the holiday with OR I could try to detest Valentine's Day to the nth degree. Always the mature one, I chose the latter. Oh yes, I dreaded Valentine's Day. All the sappy cards, commercials, etc. I was the ultimate Valentine's Day Hater.

Despite my cynicism, I always looked forward to Valentines from my Dad. There is something foundational about a little girl knowing that she is loved by her father. Something that makes her feel secure. It sticks with her through broken relationships or in the absence of them. It's never been a void left to fill and I have Dad to thank for that. Dad wasn't just giving a Valentine, he was giving me stability and a sense of security.

The day that I realized how much I loved getting Valentine's flowers from my Dad was the day they stopped coming. That was last year, mine and Joey's first Valentine's Day as a married couple. I guess Dad figured that he had passed the baton and now it was my husband's chance to step in.

I absolutely LOVE Joey and love that I get to share these moments with him now. But, I do have to say that he has some pretty big Valentine shoes to fill. After all, how can you top Valentine's Cat Cards?

An American in Paris

2010-02-08T12:27:00.000-06:00

Did you watch the Super Bowl? Were you cool with the outcome? I am happy the Saints won because they're the Underdogs. I always go for the Underdogs unless the Cowboys or Texans are playing. I love Petyon Manning, but he's the guy who always wins this sort of thing. So Saints it was for me last night.

But I have to say, I felt pretty bad for Peyton. Especially when he threw the game-sealing interception. I asked Joey, "Don't you feel bad for Peyton Manning? One bad pass after a zillion successful ones and it's over." His answer: "No, he shouldn't have made that pass. That's sports." Well, humph. What is it with boys, empathy and sports? It's non-existent.

Anyway, on to one of my favorite things about the Super Bowl. The half-time show and the commercials. Don't get me wrong, I love football but it wasn't like I had been following these teams all season.

The Who. Joey and I almost had a Who's On First moment when I told him Who was playing the half-time show especially when I said that sometimes I get confused between The Who and The Guess Who. If you're a classic rock fan this will make sense, if not - just gloss over this paragraph. My thoughts on their performance: not too bad musically for men in their late sixties and too much tummy from one of them. Reminiscent of a wardrobe malfunction, but I think it was intentional. Might have been ok when you were 20, but at sixty-something - just button up.

My absolute favorite commercial was Google's Parisian Love. Brilliantly creative all the while telling a story. My favorite combination. Let's relive it:

Don't you just love it? Maybe it's just me, but I get a little teary-eyed after watching it. I have an active imagination and I can see it playing out in reel life, but geez it's good. I told Joey as much right after we watched it. I knew it would be my favorite.

Dress Dreaming

2010-02-05T14:01:00.000-06:00

Meet my latest crushes:

Don't they just make you want to jump into spring? They remind me of the dress that Liesl wore in the scene I Am Sixteen Going on Seventeen from the Sound of Music. I always wanted to be Liesl when I was little because she was so beautiful and grown up. Now I want to be her because she was beautiful and so young! Ah, perspective!

These will remain pure crushes unless noted otherwise - meaning, a massive sale at Anthropologie. I will continue to stalk just in case.

The Truth Will Set You Pesticide Free... & Buying Organic

2010-02-04T18:26:00.000-06:00

I'm weird. Have I told you this before? It's been a process, but the further I get into this health stuff, the more strange I become. Ok, if you've known me for a while maybe you've always thought I was a bit off. Whatever. I'm just telling you it has progressed further.

I am that person that buys mostly organic, lip-bitingly analyzes food and cosmetics labels for toxins and worst of all, offers health advice when you haven't asked for it. Pour Splenda around me and expect to get a lecture. I can't help it. I try to bite my tongue but, it has become a reflex. If I do this, you know that it is because you are loved by me. I just want to make sure you know, then you can decide for yourself.

This is what happens when you work in the world of alternative health care. Four years ago, when I would hear people say "Don't eat that - it causes cancer.", I was always the cynic that would say under my breath "Yeah, yeah, everything causes cancer." But now I see it. Every day, in fact. Because it's part of my job, I see the news, the studies, the science and I can't ignore it anymore. The Me of four years ago would have thought the Me of today is REALLY strange.

At first, I became paranoid. I felt like I couldn't win. Too much to change requiring WAY too much effort. Where do I start? Should I begin growing my own food? Hmm...on second thought, with my reverse green thumb I would probably starve. Amish. I can become Amish! I can't cook, sew, garden, and look really bad in a kerchief so that's out. So I gave up for a while. Can I please go back to a simpler time before I knew about all this stuff? But over time I began to slowly make a few changes.

The result is mostly organic, little packaged food, natural cleaning products, natural cosmetics, shampoo, soap, etc. What I discovered is that it's all about having the knowledge to make informed decisions. Am I always going to choose the right one? Heck no. Recovering sugar addicts don't change over night. It gives me the power to say, yeah I know that this Twinkie is loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup but I'm going to enjoy it! Ok, so I don't like Twinkies - that's why I used the example, but you get the point.

I recently saw "Me" if I continue in this same direction over the next few years. She was in the shopping line ahead of me. You know you can tell a lot about folks by what they buy at the grocery store. I surveyed the goods. It was all organic : the cleaning products, foods, deodorant (I haven't gone there yet) etc. She had "weird" items like apple cider vinegar and Amy's organic products. Oh a kindred spirit! Then I looked at her and my enthusiasm waned. She was wearing what looked like all natural clothing, shoes made out of grass and her hair was in dreads. Whoa.

And that's my line. I'm not going there. Actually, I'll probably be a few lines up from that. I'm just letting you know. Unfortunately, my vanity keeps me in check on that one.

What I have learned is it's true that ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power. My mindset has changed a little at a time. An organic apple here and vitamin there and before you know it here I am: a full-fledged weirdo. One of those people. I just thought it was about time let you know.

Me Want Cookies!!

2010-01-29T18:22:00.000-06:00

"C is for cookie and that's good enough for me!" - Cookie Monster

No, this is not me dreaming of delicious cookies that I can't have. This, believe it or not, is a yeast-free peanut butter cookie and on a scale of 1 to 10 normal peanut butter cookies, I would say it's probably a good 6-7. Actually, the longer on yeast-free I am, the higher that number goes. Your tastes become accustomed to less sugar so that any trace of sweetness is pure bliss. In fact, the first time I bite into a real piece of chocolate which will probably be on Valentine's Day, it might just knock me out.

You should see Joey and I eating fruit, which we added to the eating program this past week. We bought $30 of fruit on the first day we were able to add it. And we ate every bit of it within a few days. Pineapple and strawberries taste like heaven. I am absolutely positive that pineapple and strawberries were cavemen's candy. Instead of "honey pie" and "sugar baby" I'm thinking they probably used terms like "honey pie-neapple" and "berry baby". I haven't studied the caveman language, but this is just my guess of course. Anyway, I don't think we truly get the flavor of fruit and its natural deliciousness in today's world. We eat too many sweets, yours truly included, that we are dulled to their natural sweetness.

I am also planning on making yeast-free cinnamon scones and coconut macaroons this weekend. Can you tell that I'm missing baked goods? We'll see how that goes. Oh and I forgot to tell you that I added apple butter into thumbprint peanut butter cookies and they taste just like PB&J. What can I say, peanut butter is becoming my medium.

These Boots Are Made For Walking

2010-01-28T11:46:00.000-06:00

Last night my husband came home with a huge box and a grin about the same size. The outside of the box was covered in a western cowboy scene and low and behold, inside that box was a pair of size 14 cowboy boots. Fancy cowboy boots. Note, these are not the boots above, but just an image for your mind. He and a friend had been shopping for a pair about a month and now the blessed day had finally arrived when they were delivered.

He watched me as I took the boots in. I could tell it was a crucial moment so I tried to remain neutral and nod like these were the best pair of boots I'd ever laid eyes on. It didn't work and Joey saw through my sham. Dang it, why do I have to be so expressive?!

And then it came. "Do you like them?" Oh dear. Caught between lying and bursting his bubble, I proceeded with caution. "Well, you've been looking for a pair of boots and these look like they'll fit the bill!" "But do you like them?" Umm, well, errr, you see I'm not the best judge because I'm not the biggest fan of cowboy boots unless you are in full out cowboy gear."

This didn't go over well. "So, you're saying you don't like them." And then it just came out: "They look like Herman Munster shoes." There. I said it. The cat was out of the bag. And so was Joey. He immediately started packing the boots up in all their western glory. "No, no, wait! If you like them then that's what matters!" Too late. I had officially hurt his feelings.

To make matters worse, he said "I'm going to take them with me to the gym when I meet So-and-So tonight and see what he thinks about them." The Ultimate Shame. See, So-and-So is this new guy that Joey has been what I like to call "Man Dating". It started with working out and bike riding together. Then it was a few shopping trips to Bike Barn. Shopping for boots. Watching football. And my favorite, a movie. Now, I will say that there was a third guy at the movie. I wonder if he felt like a third wheel?

Anyway, I felt like I was reliving a scene from a nineties movie where there was That Guy who was dating the Mean Girlfriend who tells him how to dress all the time and disapproves of everything he does. And all the while there's this Other Not So Popular Girl who really likes him and loves everything that he does so he ends up going back to her for encouragement. In truth, I'm usually the Other Not So Popular type, but in this instance I was The Mean Girlfriend. This was a long run-on paragraph, but are you tracking with me at all? I can't believe I was the Mean Girlfriend! I always loathe that character!

My question is: what is the line to being honest? How do you know when someone wants the truth or when you should be an encourager?