Book Report: Kabul Beauty School

Summer is almost here, which is my favorite time of year for two reasons: sunshine and summer reads! I just cannot wait for summer to officially begin, so I decided to commence with the reading bit a little ahead of schedule. :D My selection: Kabul Beauty School, which was lent to me by my mother-in-law, Karen. (I love that we have such similar taste in books!)

Kabul Beauty School follows the story (albeit scatteredly) of Deborah Rodriguez, a new divorce who goes to Afghanistan to work with an NGO in the wake of insurgent attacks and *SPOILER ALERT* ends up starting a beauty school in Kabul. Upon arrival, Deborah quickly realizes that her skill set is not, well...as useful as she had thought. All the others with her aid group are doctors, nurses, and engineers. She, however, is a hairstylist. But she soon learns that hers is a very valuable skill – diplomats, aid workers, and travelers begin seeking her out in droves to get a decent haircut. Eventually she gets the idea to start a beauty school to help Afghani women earn a decent living and support their families.

As she embeds herself in the Afghani culture, Deborah learns the plight of women in Kabul and their very limited options for survival. The political turmoil makes it even more difficult for women to support their families. It was absolutely fascinating to me to learn about the cultural expectations of women and the consequences for going against the grain. I knew about the practice of wearing burquas and that the Middle East is a very male-dominant, patriarchal society. But some of the “taboos” she mentioned – like single females living alone – were so completely foreign to me (not that I know what it’s like to wear a burqua, but you get the idea)! Reading this book has definitely made me thankful for the freedoms I’m allowed here in the States.

It also made me aware of some scary similarities too, like stereotyping a person because of their race or social class. Even victim blaming, the practice of placing fault on the victim of sexual or domestic abuse, is something that is done in America too.

My main criticism of the book would be its scatteredness – Deborah barely finishes her sentence before jumping into a new thought! There are many wonderful and poignant anecdotes, but they probably could have been organized a little better.

I love books that stretch my thinking and challenge me to look at the world in a different way. Kabul Beauty School definitely did just that. I would most definitely recommend this book, especially if you like a little adventure. :D

Next on the list: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. And yes, I am intimidated.

Let me know your favorite summer reads – I’m always up for something new!

Weekly Wows!

I'm a little confused here - am I in Houston? I mean seriously. It is much too hot and sticky to be Fort Worth! This may also be attributed to the fact that we have not re-installed the window unit in our living room, which means our house can be like a sauna at times. Fingers crossed we can put it in this weekend!

100% Cran-Grape Juice has returned to Target! For the past few months (which have seemed like an eternity), I have gone to my neighborhood Target in search of some cranberry-grape juice. But alas - there was none to be found! No name brand, no off brand, no nothing. Every other cranberry juice blend? Yes. I was seriously beginning to think it was some kind of conspiracy (or maybe the grapes went on strike?) and then I turned onto the juice aisle yesterday and there it was! I almost did a happy dance...okay, maybe I actually did.

I have the sweetest husband in the world. In an earlier post, I mentioned a photography book by Audrey Heller (whom we saw at the Main Street Arts Festival) that I really wanted. I had already used up my spending budget for the month on the photography class and did not want to go overboard by purchasing this book. But dear, sweet Clay ordered it on the stealth and surprised me with it yesterday!

BUNCO! Some girls and I are getting together for a rousing game tonight. Nothing like food, friends, and fun to brighten your day. :D

My schedule for the past few weeks has been a little off-kilter, so I haven't been making it to the gym as much as I usually do. This week things have magically cleared up and I've gone to some pretty intense exercise classes the past two days. I did not know it was humanly possible to be this sore! No pain, no gain, right? Let's just say I am really looking forward to yoga today.

Now tell me about what's wow-ing you this week!

Photography Class

For a long time, I have wanted to get more familiar with our Nikon D70S but the instruction manual just wasn't doing it for me. The past two weeks I have been taking a digital photography class for beginners through TCU's Extended Education Program. I have learned SO much through this short course - but I still have so far to go!

I thought I would share a few of the fun photos I took while practicing some techniques for class. :D (Keep in mind, this was a beginner's class.)

A little blur action, playing with the shutter speed. Clay was such a doll and kept spinning in the chair even though he had a belly full of Uncle Julio's fajitas.

My favorite: stop action. Or, Clay practicing his Jedi skills. :D

Another blur action shot using extended exposure. Clay surprised me with this sweet little message!

Look forward to improved pictures in the coming posts. :D

Something's Fishy

I LOVE fish tacos. Love, love, love. So when I ran across a recipe for grilled halibut soft tacos with orange salsa, I knew I had to try it.

We had them for dinner on Thursday night and the results were great - even Clay gave them a thumbs-up!

For the fish:

Combine 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp chile powder, 1 tsp lime juice, salt and pepper with four 4- to 6-ounce halibut fillets in a Ziploc bag and shake to coat. Place the fillets in a preheated skillet, skin side down, and cook until fish is white and flakes easily with a fork.

Meanwhile, for the salsa:

Peel 2 oranges and 2 limes, then remove the membranes and chop finely. Also dice one medium serrano pepper. Combine with 1 tsp chopped cilantro, 1 tsp minced garlic, 2 tsp rice vinegar, 1 Tbsp olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Divide cooked fish equally among 8 6-in corn tortillas and top with orange salsa and feta cheese.


If you're feeling a little fishy this week, these should definitely fit the gill. :D

To Market, To Market, Jiggity Jig

Last Saturday my sister and I took a trip to the Dallas Farmers Market. It was so good to have some girl time and get to visit a little on the drive there and back.

Talk about a feast for the eyes - not to mention the stomach! Many of the vendors were happy to share samples of their produce, and I definitely took advantage of that. :D

There was also quite a bit of space dedicated to flowers and bushes, or landscapery as I like to call it.

Thanks, Rachel, for suggesting this little day trip to to the market!

Yummy In My Tummy

I eat a LOT of different kinds of salads. You might even call me a salad nut. All the more reason for you to try my most recent salad discovery - Avocado Mango Salad. It is some kind of yummy in my tummy. :D

And here's the great news: you CAN try this at home!

All you need is...

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 mangos, cubed
2 avocados, cubed
1/4 small red onion, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a large serving bowl, whisk together vinegar, lime juice, salt and pepper to taste. Slowly whisk in oil. Toss in mangoes, avocado and red onion to coat. Then put all that yummy in your tummy!

Weekly Wow!

So I was just perusing my usual blogs this evening when I stumbled across a post on the Bakerella blog - with 5,827 comments! Granted, she was doing a giveaway (for which I registered - and you should too if you can make it before 5pm ET tomorrow!). But still, I cannot even FATHOM having more than ten comments on one blog post! WOW!!!

Maybe someday... :D

Field Trip

So Clay and I decided to take a field trip to the ER yesterday. I had never been and Clay thought he would show me around.

Actually...we went so that Clay could receive medical treatment. You see, my dear, sweet husband was out in the yard trimming our shrubbery with the electric hedge trimmer when somehow his right pinky finger got in the way. I quickly realized this wound was beyond my first-aid skills, so we headed to the ER.

An x-ray, tetanus shot, and seven stitches later...

Poor Clay, all laid up in his hospital bed, happy on pain meds and with a great view of the TV while I had to crane my neck and sign all the papers for him. (I'm not bitter.)

Needless to say, I am very glad that everything turned out okay (no lost appendages!). However, Clay spent most of this afternoon taking it easy on the couch. As we speak, he is enjoying the Spurs/ Mavs game - and milking his finger for all that it's worth. See what I mean?

So, lessons we've learned this weekend:

1.) Keep your fingers (and any other body parts, for that matter) VERY far away from electric hedge trimmers, even if the blade is slowing down.
2.) The Game Show Network has some interesting TV shows. We were able to watch two episodes of Baggage during our wait. It is a dating show hosted by Jerry Springer - need I say more??!!
3.) Clay makes an irresistible puppy dog face. And I am such a sucker! :)

Hopefully your weekend has been free of any "field trips!"

Rich-Craft: Another Update (So Soon?!?!!)

I just don't know what got into me, but I'm on a crafty streak or something. :D

Last night I decided to finally fill the three frames hanging above our bed. (Previously they have merely showcased the paper inserts that came with them. I was holding out for some wedding photos... but *sigh* finally gave up.)

Materials: Laptop with printer, scrapbook paper, scissors, picture frames. Oh, and a little creative placement.

Results: Simply. Amazing.

SO much better than before! And at least now I won't get confused looks as visitors ask us who those pictures are of and why there are three of them. :D

Doraphobia (Which Isn't Fear of Dora the Explorer)

Despite my father's best efforts to impart his love of God's green earth and all its inhabitants, I still managed to maintain some of my skittishness when it comes to the furrier creatures. Actually, I wouldn't call it skittishness - it's downright doraphobia (for all you hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobes out there, that's fear of fur).

You might imagine, then, that as I pulled into my driveway this evening and noticed a GIANT FURRY THING scurry down the trunk of a tree in our front yard, I was somewhat alarmed - okay, really alarmed. As the form stepped into clarity under the front porch light, I realized my furry friend was a very healthy racoon. (He must've been eating all the cat food that the lady next door sets out for the neighborhood strays. That would explain why the cats are all so skinny - and this racoon was so freakin' big!)

I thought surely he would scamper off into the night at the sound of my vehicle on the gravel driveway (it works well for the feral cats) - but no. This racoon was defiant. He sat down on the porch.

Don't get scared now, I thought to myself. After all, I'm the one in the 2000-pound vehicle.

I pulled into the garage, my mind rapidly flashing scenes of a crazed (and rabid) racoon destroying our house after scampering in while I checked the mailbox. Quickly I checked the rearview mirror to see if he had come around the corner of the house. (I needed to be prepared, okay?) The coast was clear, but my hands began to shake as I gathered my things. I cursed the now oversized gym bag and heavy stack of travel books - items definitely not facilitating a quick getaway, should the furry mongrel charge at me.

As I looked up, I saw a shadowy figure creep around the house and along the flagstone path. The racoon was coming after me! He must have sensed my fear, I thought. Summoning my courage, I stomped the ground (a method I also find successful in scaring off stray cats). But the racoon just picked up speed!

I fumbled to close the gate behind me, realizing my feeble attempt at protection. This would provide no obstacle for the enormity of this racoon, no doubt he would clear the chain-link easily. With trembling hands, I grasped desperately for my house key. Looking over my shoulder, I saw a flash of fur on the other side of the fence.

The garage! I thought. I had forgotten to close it. Now the racoon will destroy all of Clay's tools instead of our house! Sheer terror began to set in.

I struggled to unlock the back door, finally pushing it open as the furry goblin hopped over the fence. I watched him cautiously through the screen door, and for a minute our eyes met. (That gleaming thing is really creepy.) Then the little furball scampered off into the darkness, and I quickly locked the deadbolt.

Of course, I realize that this story further illuminates my irrational doraphobia. (Don't judge me.) I am okay with this character flaw, especially now that I am safe and sound inside my furless house.

Rich-Craft: An Update

So I have finished the canvases to hang over our dining room table! Of the three craft projects I have planned, it was the easiest to knock out. :)

A little contact paper, some paint, and 8 hours later...

TA DA!

Now on to more challenging "feets" - like making shoes! :)

Dear Summer Vacation, Will You Get Here Already?!!

Days like today make me long for the carefree and lazy days of summer - days spent lounging poolside with a tall glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade in hand (or other adult beverage :)). Not that I actually get to do that much during the summertime, being a working gal and all. But I can dream, right?

And dream I am, especially when I have a place like this to look forward to:

That's right, ladies and gentlemen - you can just insert me in the above photo in August! My husband and I are taking a long-awaited vacation to Greece, Turkey, and eastern Europe. I am saving up all my vacation time (and I mean all) between now and then, so let's just say I am counting the days.

Dear Summer Vacation, will you get here already?!! This working girl is in need of a break.

Tell me about your summer plans and we can commiserate. :)

Weekly Wows!

I have survived the past two weeks! Yesterday was the 14th Annual Victory Over Violence Walk/ Run at Trinity Park, an event I help coordinate as part of my job. The past few weeks have been crazy - long hours, lots of details and last-minute changes to get ready for this day. But it all paid off and we had a great event! Over 2500 people registered to participate and help support the anti-violence programs of The Women's Center.

During this crazy period at work, I have less time (and energy) to pack a lunch and dinner so I often resort to frozen meals which I really prefer not to do. However, I love Amy's Organics products - specifically her Black Bean Tamale Verde dinner. When I'm harried and could easily head towards the vending machine, I know I have a wholesome meal to heat up in 5 minutes!

In the midst of all that craziness, I got to spend some time with my sister-in-law Julie. She came into town for Tara's baby shower and we got to hang out a little today before taking her to the airport.

We stopped by the Main Street Arts Festival in Fort Worth this afternoon. This is an event that Clay and I love to visit every year, mostly to browse though we have found some nice things to purchase. :) In fact, this year we bought a print from Audrey Heller Photography. She takes the most fun and whimsical pictures, and we just had to have this one. She even has a book of all her photos, which I am definitely getting. I love her photos because they encourage me to look at the world in a little different way.

Now tell me about your weekly wows! (And this time someone should seriously comment. :))

Happy Easter!

Today my sister came over for lunch and afterwards we dyed Easter eggs. That's right - three adults dyeing eggs. No children anywhere. It was lots of fun!

Here are a few snapshots of our creativity, thanks to photographer Clay...

What a fun afternoon. Happy Easter, everyone!

It's Raining Babies!

Okay...not really. But why do they call it a "baby shower" if no infants are falling from the sky? :)

Some friends and I hosted a baby shower for my sister-in-law Tara and her son Jaxon (due in May) this afternoon. Here are a few photos of our fun:

Tara's mom Denise pins on the corsage - made by Stephanie!

Look at all those gifts! That baby will be well taken care of. :)

One of the elders' wives graciously let us hold the shower in her home AND she made her signature mocha punch - yummy! Thank you, Starlyn!

Linsdey did a great job on this cute little banner for Jaxon.










Wouldn't be complete without a diaper cake.

The "Poopy Diaper" Game always gets the best reactions. :)

The lovely hostesses.



















What fun to shower Tara and Jaxon with blessings. :)

It's Rich-Craft: An Update

I have finally finished the burp cloths - and not a minute too soon! We are having a baby shower for my sister-in-law on Sunday. Nothing like cutting it close. :)

Aren't they snazzy? Let's hope baby Jaxon doesn't want to spit up on them because he thinks they're too cute to mess up. (Who am I kidding?!)

And already, I have a few other projects lined up...

Snappy Onesies - with interchangeable felt creatures like this:

Cute little baby shoes - I ordered the pattern from Sweet Pea Patterns on etsy.com!

Set of three canvases to hang over the kitchen table. My inspiration: a photo my mother-in-law sent to me of a shower her friend Mary Kay hosted. (She is one creative lady - and apparently puts out quite a spread!)

More Rich-Craft to come!

Snap! Crackle! Pop!

When I get bored, I bake. When I get stressed, I bake. When I am missing my husband who is working out of town, I bake.

So when I discovered half a bag of brown rice cereal and two partial bags of marshmallows in the pantry, I knew what I had to do. And in the process, I discovered a recipe for the best Rice Krispies Treats. Ever.

I headed over to a blog I occasionally peruse called Smitten Kitchen. The author has a tiny kitchen (it even makes ours look big – though you do have to consider ours is a kitchen/ dining room/ laundry room combined) from which she whips up some amazing food. After a quick search, I pulled up this recipe:

Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats

1 stick unsalted butter
1 10-oz bag marshmallows (or two half bags, as the case may be )
Heaping ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
6 cups rice cereal (about ½ a box)

Coat an 8” square cake pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. The butter should melt, foam, then turn clear and golden, and finally turn brown and smell nutty. Stir frequently through this process, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Be careful as the period between the time the butter starts browning and the time it burns is very short – less than a minute!

As soon as the butter takes on a nutty smell, turn the heat off and stir in the marshmallows. If needed, you can place the pot back on the eye on low until the marshmallows are smooth.

Remove the pot from the stove and stir in the salt and cereal. Quickly spread into the prepared cake pan. Use a piece of waxed paper sprayed lightly with nonstick spray to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the edges and corners. Allow to cool, then cut into squares and serve.

Now, usually I am not a huge Rice Krispies Treats fan. I mean, if I’m going to consume the calories, I want it to be coated in chocolate and involve some sort of cream and maybe sprinkles. The treats I’ve had in the past have fallen somewhere in the range of a Styrofoam block. But these – these treats will knock your socks off!

Give ‘em a whirl and let me know what you think.

Book Report: The Help

Some books are just so good you have to stay up reading until 2:00am - on a work night! - to find out what happens next. I can't even remember the last time I did that (Nancy Drew in 5th grade?)!

The Help by Kathyrn Stockett just happens to be one of those page-turners, but not in the creepy murder-mystery sort of way.

It tells the stories of three women living in Jackson, Mississipi, during the 1960s and the rise of the civil rights movement. Stockett beautifully weaves together the stories of three women: Aibileen, an African-American servant helping to raise her seventeenth white child; Minny, another servant and Aibileen's best friend who has often been fired because of her sass-mouthing; and Skeeter, the daughter of a wealthy white cotton farmer who is torn between her Junior League friends and her desire to become a journalist. Each tells the story in her own unique voice, each chapter more beautiful than the last. And although Help uncovers some very unsavory parts of American history, it ends with a hopeful outlook for the future - a future which I think has come to pass in many ways, but towards which we still have quite the journey ahead of us.

If you are in search of a great read, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. You will laugh. You will cry. You will swoon. You will swear. You will stare at the page with gaping mouth. Have I convinced you to go out and buy a copy yet?

If you're not on your way to the bookstore by now, GET MOVING! You won't regret it.

Weekly Wow!

Some people have "Favorite Things Friday" or "Thankful Thursdays" or "Tea Party Tuesdays" - okay, maybe not that last one, but they should. :)

I have the "Weekly Wow." A little explanation...

There are SO MANY things that happen during my weeks that make me say, "Wow." The great thing about the word "wow" is its versatility; you can say wow to mean "Wow, I can't believe you just did that," or to mean "Wow! That's fantastic!" So my wows will vary each week - but they will always be there!

This week's "wows":

Spring weather! Yesterday I got to take a day off and opened all the windows to let the incredible spring breeze blow through my house (never mind all that pollen it brought with it). It is one of my absolute favorite things to hear the sweet melodies of songbirds - and an occasional rooster - and feel the warmth of the cheery spring sun brightening the house.

A visit from my parents, which also coincided with my day off. We got to spend the afternoon together, just talking and hanging out. My mom and I got to take a walk and enjoy the sunny day, then we put our heads together on some craft projects I've been working on. My sister came over for dinner and the four of us played ImaginIFF. It was so good to see them and laugh with them! It makes me wish Florida weren't so far away.

Bubbies Frozen Mochi Desserts. I had read about mochi several months ago on a blog and have been looking for it ever since. Tonight at the grocery store, I found these little frozen treats. They are made of this rice flour coating flavored like chocolate that surrounds a little pocket of ice cream. The texture is very chewy - and very good!

I have four followers on my blog! Each week I get a report from Sitemeter that tells me how many people have visited my blog. For the past few months, it has been a page full of zeroes. :( But now there are a few followers - and a few less zeroes on that report!

Today is Thursday, which means tomorrow is Friday. (It's about time!) Tomorrow is a jeans day at work AND my husband comes home from his business trip. What could be better?!!

Now, tell me about your weekly wows!

I Can't Believe It's Not Bacon

Recently Oprah featured several health food gurus on her show, one of which was Alicia Silverstone. (I was surprised too.) Apparently Alicia has a cookbook out called The Kind Diet - and I was intrigued (who doesn't want to be kind?) so I headed to the local library to check it out.

In this cookbook, Alicia talks about the vegan lifestyle and why everyone should make that choice too...and once you make it through two chapters of proselytizing then FINALLY she gets to the recipes. I am up for trying anything once (case in point: kumquats), so I picked a few recipes for a test-run.

The first recipe I tried was the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

I mean, who doesn't like chocolate and peanut butter? An instant success - and no leftovers after the Super Bowl party!

In addition to recipes, the book listed several swaps you can make for your everyday grocery items, such as vegan bacon for regular bacon. I know, I know - vegan bacon is a total oxymoron. Nevertheless, I added it to the grocery list. And I came home with a box.

Surprisingly, my husband actually ate it (although he indicated he would prefer not to do so again)! So, there I was, left with 3/4 a box of vegan bacon. I tried to think of some way to eat it all...and so I proceeded to have BLTs for the next week - and in the process discovered my new favorite sandwich:

Two slices of whole grain toast, a slathering of vegan mayonaise (better than the real stuff - promise), two thick pieces of tomato, a leaf of crisp lettuce, and a few slices of vegan bacon. YUM.

I probably won't be jumping on the vegan bandwagon any time soon. But for now, I will just dabble. And enjoy. :)

Quote of the Day

"I have you bookmarked in my Blackberry - and my heart."

     -- My husband Clay, trying to downplay his affinity for his phone. What a cutie!

Search for the Perfect Hairstylist

I have been searching for the perfect stylist for three years now. Three years. I feel like I should have found someone already. Does this neverending quest mean I'm too picky? Does it mean I am unable to sustain that kind of a relationship?

When my husband and I moved to Fort Worth, I was so focused on adjusting to the newlywed life that I didn't get my hair cut regularly. (Not that I had adhered to a haircutting regimen while on my college student budget.) Then I got a job in the stockroom where no one cared what my hair looked like; I pulled it into a ponytail most days for practicality's sake.

Not long afterwards I began my current job and discovered a lovely little Aveda salon about 8 minutes from where I work. It was new, and right next door to a little bakery/ cafe I frequent. The smell inside was so refreshing (bamboo and eucalyptus!), and they offered you water with cucumber while you waited (never long) for your stylist. I saw the same stylist for three haircuts, and when I called to schedule #4 I discovered that she was no longer an employee. So...I switched to another stylist, whom I came to love. I loved the free bang trims in between appointments. I loved the peppermint scalp massage. I loved the hand massages while in the stylist's chair. I loved the occasional make-up touch-ups. I loved that I could get my hair cut and be back to the office in about 45 minutes. She even cut my hair when I wanted to donate ten inches to Locks of Love.

I saw her for over a year, though our relationship had its less-than-perfect moments. (The receptionist failed to tell me that my stylist had been promoted to the next level - which would cost me an extra 10 bucks. And then there was the time she had pneumonia and they called me 30 minutes before the appointment to let me know I should probably reschedule.) It was a bit more than I wanted to pay - just under $60 with tip for a simple shampoo, cut and style. But it was worth it...right? And then suddenly, last October, I called to schedule a bang trim and discovered that my stylist was no longer working there! No notice, no phone call, no conversation about the break up. And so it ended just like that - without a reason.
 
The stand-in stylist did a decent job on my bang trim, but she was not a very good conversationalist. And she left those pesky little hairs on my nose (my old stylist would never have done that). So I resumed my aimless search...
 
A friend had recommended her stylist to me, saying she was fabulous and so reasonable ($25 for a haircut!) and she had the same name as me. Surely all good omens. The only problem was that her salon was 30 minutes away from me - and that's not considering traffic. But I thought for $25, I'd give it a shot. Our first meeting was great, and my hair looked fantastic. On top of that, when I walked out the door there wasn't a hole in my wallet where my money used to be! But then the second appointment had to be rescheduled and I had to settle for a less-than-ideal time. When I showed up for my appointment, I noticed someone else sitting in her chair. She had a blow-dryer out, so I assumed she was putting the finishing touches on this client's 'do. But then she picked up a piece of foil and began painting on highlights - right in front of me! I was so taken aback by this brazen act of infidelity that I got up and walked right out the door. "I don't have time for this," I thought.

That was the final straw. All hope I ever had in the haircutting profession was now gone, and I vowed never to set foot in a salon again.
Well, the "I'm growing out my hair" excuse only worked for so long. I almost couldn't stand to look at myself in the mirror. So I Googled area hairstylists and came up with a place I thought I might try that was close to work. The first haircut went well - until it came time to pay. It was almost as expensive as the Aveda salon AND I didn't get any of the perks! But they did give me a bunch of coupons...so I went back there to get my haircut yesterday. (Even with the coupon, it was still too much.)

It shouldn't be this hard. You see, I am the world's easiest haircut. I always bring a picture. I have naturally straight chestnut strands that do not tangle easily and generally do what I want them to (except curl, but that's another story). I sit still in the chair, never crossing my legs or chewing gum. I can hold up my end of the conversation, but I'm okay if you need to work in silence. I do not have dandruff or any other unpronouncable scalp conditions. I do not color, highlight, straighten, gloss, or perm my hair - which means that a haircut generally takes about 30 minutes.

In exchange for all that, I just want an experienced and reasonably-priced hairstylist at a clean salon that is no more than 15 minutes' drive from my house. Is that too much to ask?

Vote for #3!

So I am an ee photography groupie. I find a way to enter almost every contest she hosts in order to win a fabulous photo shoot with her. Case in point: The Awkward Family Photo Contest.

Please follow this link and vote for photo #3! Although I think #2 is going to give me a run for my money...

Even if you don't vote, it's worth a good chuckle. :)

The Fruit of the Spirit's Not a Kumquat

Today I tasted my first kumquat. And I'm not so sure I want to rush out and do it again.

You see, kumquats are these cute little miniature oranges - think grape-size. The magnetic pull from their bin on the citrus display at Central Market was just too strong.

See what I mean?

These little guys are adorable orange "grapes," perfect for popping into your mouth. With the peel still on.

(Just so you know, if you are ever at a party where they serve you kumquats, the proper way to eat them is to put the whole thing in your mouth and chew. Then swallow - quickly.)

I am not usually one to turn up my nose at foods. But this? Eating orange peel (for that is what it really is; there is not much pulp to a kumquat) is something I just cannot stomach. That and eating beets.

Perhaps it makes more sense when we consider that kumquats originated in east Asia - the same region of the world which gave us edible seaweed and sushi (the raw fish, not the roll).

Have you ever tried a kumquat? If not, I dare you!

It's Rich-Craft!

Bad joke, I know. But being couped up indoors because of the snow has made me a little crazy! I mean, just look at it all:

So, I decided to do what any average working woman without work would do: I got crafty!

A while back, I picked up this book at Barnes & Noble: Simple Sewing for Baby by Lotta Jansdotter. I have been dying to try it out ever since! I mean, just look how cute the cover is.

There are twenty-four simple sewing projects detailed inside, each one cuter than the last! There were bib-kercheifs and cute little pants, simple bloomers and tag blankies, a super-cute diaper bag and bookend buddies. Will there be enough time to make it all? I wondered.

(Keep in mind that I do not have children, nor am I expecting. Apparently I am experiencing what is commonly known as "baby fever." My excuse is that my sister-in-law and a good friend are both pregnant and I need some baby shower gifts.)

I thought I'd try my hand at the stenciled clothing and the burp rags. Simple enough.

That was before I learned I'd have to make bias tape.

I had the fabric...I just thought it magically made itself into perfectly pressed little strips. (You mean it doesn't?!) After a little Google search, I figured out what I needed to do.

A few hours later...

this

became this!

Bias tape is a booger to make, but these will be the CUTEST BURP CLOTHS EVER! (That is, when they are not covered in spit up.)

I also tried out my stenciling technique, which resulted in the following:

Look at the cute little heart on the bum!













And the adorable alligator. So. Cute.

More of this 'Rich-Craft" to come!

Why Didn't I Think of That?!!

I generally feel like I am a creative person. I come up with great ideas. All. The. Time. (Sort of.) Below are a few great ideas that I was a little slow in presenting to the world...so someone else beat me to it.

1.) The Julie/ Julia Project Blog. It's a ready-made recipe for success! (And book deals...and movie deals...)

2.) The Snuggie. Backwards bathrobe, anyone?

3.) Porcelain coffee mugs that look like the disposable cups you get from Starbucks.

4.) Emoticons. I am constantly amazed what a little tilt of the head will reveal.

5.) i-Clips magnetic bookmarks. These are so much cuter than the envelope for last month's water bill.

6.) Old Navy's Jacket in a Packet. Cute name and even cuter jacket, which I will need with this week's forecast.

7.) Ugly Dolls. Anything but ugly! I am in love.

Don't worry: the wheels are still turning. You never know what silly little idea might make me a millionaire. :)

Quote of the Day

This afternoon I went by the local GameStop to return some used games donated to the holiday program run by the nonprofit where I work. The obviously smitten teenage boy who waited on me couldn't suppress his giggles as he input the information from my driver's license. "I just can't stop laughing," he said, "because I keep thinking how Jessica Rich is helping the poor."

Definitely greeting card-worthy, don't you think?

Apparently...

AND He allows poorly punctuated t-shirts.

And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon

So my husband and I are living in antiquity: we have no dishwasher.

Clay likes to correct me and say that, no, we actually have four dishwashers (our hands). I am generally not amused with his attempts at levity, especially when the pile of dirty dishes looks like this:





















You may be asking yourself, "How can two people soil so many dishes?" But alas...these have accumulated over the entire week. (Just so you know, it could be much worse. Clay's later work schedule means no formal dinners at home and therefore drastically fewer dishes.)

For those of you well-acquainted with my clean-freakish tendencies, this may be a fact that surprises you. Under normal circumstances, I would happily tie on my apron and strap on the rubber gloves before diving into the food encrusted mess. The soiled mountain would be sparkling clean and back in the cabinet in no time. But when faced with a mountain of dishes at the end of a long day of work - and a very persuasive husband who doesn't want to wash them either (after all, The Office is about to start) - it is a task that can be easily put off.

Maybe there is a little part of me that hopes this mountain of dirties will wash itself. Or even better, a dish (or two or three) might run away with the spoon!

Wanted: Green Thumb

Are paperwhites supposed to look like this? I didn't think so.

Note to self: Add "learn to garden" to new year's resolutions. Boy, this list is getting long!

New Year, New Post

With the beginning of a new year and my new resolutions, I have decided to start blogging more. (This should be easy as I did not blog at all in 2008 or 2009!)

I must be honest, though... I actually forgot my sign-in and password, it had been that long since I blogged! So, you know, that took me a good six months to figure out. And then another six or so to get motivated to post again. Now here we are!

Get ready for some crazy stories; I have a feeling 2010 will be a wild ride! :)

100 Things

In an attempt to please my readers (all three of them who are left by now, I suppose), I have decided to finally post on my blog again. And although it is rather a trite thing to blog about - I mean, who isn't posting "100 Things" about themselves? - I have decided to divulge a few of my deepest darkest secrets. Or at least that's what I want you to think...

1. I am a Halloween baby. (Hint hint: My birthday is coming up soon, so you better start shopping.)
2. My husband and I wear the same size shoe. This, of course, means one of two things: that I am a hefty woman or that he is a petite man. Take your pick.
3. Sunflowers absolutely always make me happy.
4. I LOVE to cook. A lot.
5. Sometimes when I'm nervous, I bite my nails. This is why on the rare occasion that my nail reaches the end of my fingertip it is cause for celebration.
6. My handwriting looks like a font.
7. I have not had a haircut in almost a year (this not including bang trims). Hopefully in a few more months I will have enough to donate to Locks of Love again.
8. I have been a regular member at Curves for Women for almost four years now. There's just something about exercising with old ladies!
9. When I read a book, I'm usually reading three other ones at the same time. Currently on the list are: For One More Day by Mitch Albom, Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, and Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes.
10. I'm gonna have to stop writing so much or I'm not going to make it to 100.
11. I got my first bloody nose last year while playing catcher in a CPA softball tournament. This experience has further convinced me that accountants should stick to the numbers, not sports.
12. For twelve years of my life, I was involved in Girl Scouts. I even received the Gold Award (for those of you not familiar with this great organization, the Gold Award is the equivalent of an Eagle Scout).
13. My favorite color is red - no, green. Maybe yellow? Or purple. Okay, so I like a lot of different colors.
14. I'm an Oklaridexan.
15. I absolutely LOATHE cats. In fact, I accidentally punched through a window when trying to knock on it and scare the yeowling cats on the other side.
16. If I could live anywhere in the world, I would probably live in Italy. Granted, there are still lots of places I've never been to, but Italy is bellissimo!
17. My favorite book is The God of Small Things by Arundati Roy.
18. I will almost never turn down a bowl ice cream, especially if it's homemade vanilla bean.
19. I have recently developed an affinity for black licorice, specifically Oatfield licorice toffee. Yum!
20. For some odd reason, I never learned to snap or whistle. Pathetic, isn't it?
21. The TV show I enjoy the most is probably Gilmore Girls. Nothing like a bit of wit, eh?
22. The smell of peonies is absolutely heavenly to me.
23. I want to be like Martha Stewart - uh, I mean, Jesus.
24. My husband and I are involved in a ministry to residents of a low-income apartment complex, and we absolutely love it!
25. I can bowl a better game with the Nintendo Wii than I can in real life.
26. My husband thinks I should write the next Great American Novel so that we can retire early. "Keep dreaming," I tell him.
27. I think NPR is great, especially "Cartalk" or "Wait, Wait; Don't Tell Me."
28. The worst job I ever had was at Braum's when I was in high school. The reason it was so bad was because I always had to work when all my other non-working and extremely spoiled friends would come in for ice cream. Also, the uniforms were atrocious.
29. If you challenge me to a game of Boggle, I will always take you up on it.
30. Under the Tuscan Sun is my favorite movie ever. (White Christmas comes a close second.)
31. You will never EVER hear me listening to country music.
32. I have never been skydiving, but someday I hope to.
33. I am a PADI certified scuba diver.
34. Yo hablo un pequito espanol.
35. I don't care how much you paid me, I would not watch a scary movie.
36. When I was in high school, I went on a mission trip to Africa with my dad and a group of people from Abilene, Texas. It was probably one of the best experiences of my life, and I think about it often.
37. For the longest time, I was convinced that I would be the first woman President of the United States. Looks like Hilary's going to beat me to it.
38. I think DVD players in the backs of cars are ridiculous.
39. I was a nominee for ACU Homecoming Queen. I got to ride in Jack Griggs' Z3 in the homecoming parade and wave at people. It was fun.
40. I think that my dad gives the best hugs.
41. Someday I want to own a Golden Retriever and name him Louie.
42. My first experience with Defensive Driving has convinced me that I should never get another ticket because I do NOT want to suffer through that again.
43. I made the Oklahoma All-State Choir my senior year in high school. During our performance (which my parents have preserved on VHS for all posterity), a girl in the middle of the risers locked her knees and passed out, but we just kept right on singing!
44. I always cry at baptisms.
45. Unless it is an absolute emergency, I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart. If you would like my thesis on why no one should patronize this awful corporate giant, I will be more than happy to share.
46. My grandmother is really good at crossword puzzles, and I hope to reach her skill level one day.
47. Clay, my dear husband, was my first boyfriend and my first kiss.
48. I think it would be really fun to take a belly dancing class.
49. Chai tea lattes are probably my absolute favorite drink on a brisk autumn day.
50. I have never ridden in a limousine.
51. Our backyard neighbors have four or five roosters, and I think it's sort of nice to wake up to their cock-a-doodling in the morning. It's like I live on a farm or something.
52. I do not own a sewing machine.
53. Additionally, I do not own a dishwasher. (My husband is a really great substitute.)
54. I am an organizing fanatic.
55. Basketball is probably my favorite sport to watch -- because I actually understand what's going on.
56. Pottery Barn is my furniture store of choice.
57. There's this little Italian place down the street from our house called Mamma Mia's, and it has the BEST pizza I've ever eaten - except for that in Napoli.
58. I have seen six musicals in my life: Les Miserables, The Lion King, Wicked, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I really hope to see more!
59. On a trip to the Vatican, I took a picture of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Two days later I lost my camera in Florence. Don't you think this to be a strange coincidence?
60. My family's nickname for me is "JB" - which stands for Jessica Brooke. Sometimes when they're silly, they'll call me "JB Baby." Don't ask me why.
61. I have not read the Harry Potter books - but it's not because I don't want to, I just haven't had the time.
62. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition always makes me cry.
63. I think it would be SO fun to ride in a hot air balloon.
64. I still have the scar on my chin from the time I decided to jump off the side of the pool backwards when I was five years old. Let's just say I learned pretty quickly that's not such a great idea.
65. My other grandmother is really spunky. I hope I'm that spunky when I'm 89, too.
66. We do not have a mantle in our cute little house...so where to hang the stockings at Christmas?
67. I want to adopt children.
68. I have never broken a bone in my body.
69. From the time I was in junior high until I graduated high school, my family used to take dove hunting trips over Labor Day weekend. I was a pretty good shot, I must say.
70. I do not own anything glittery or sequined. Too much sparkle - ech.
71. I think it's pretty stupid when grown-ups talk to babies in that goofy little baby talk voice. I plan to speak to my children intelligently.
72. I record the gas mileage for my car on an Excel spreadsheet.
73. If my memory serves me correctly, I lost every single student government election I ran for throughout middle and high school. (The grand total comes to about 14 different offices no one wanted me to hold.)
74. My typical order at Starbucks: iced grande nonfat latte.
75. Real Simple magazine is just the bee's knees.
76. Put on a little Ella Fitzgerald and all is right with the world.
77. I will never EVER, as long as I live, eat at McDonald's. It's just overprocessed and gross.
78. I will, however, eat a half order of Nachos Locos from Mi Cocina. So yummy!
79. Swedish fish are probably one of my favorite candies.
80. I used to send pages of the JCrew catalogs to my friends with little messages written as if from the model on the page. It was sort of funny. I don't know why I ever stopped...
81. My husband and I toasted with Fufu Berry Jones Soda at our wedding.
82. All the nail polish I own is pale pink, with the exception of one fiery red bottle.
83. I want my "mom car" to be a Mazda CX-9.
84. I have climbed two 14'ers in my life: Handies Peak and Mt. Sherman, both in Colorado.
85. My bottom two wisdom teeth do not exist. Lucky me.
86. I have a dental implant on the back bottom left (sorry I don't know the tooth code). Too bad it doesn't pick up radio signals.
87. My husband and I have decided to run in the Cowtown 5K next February. Wish me luck!
88. My Chacos are my favoritest shoes - ever.
89. I really like modern art museums.
90. I wore braces for five years - two years in elementary school and three years in junior high. Seems like my orthodontist would have consolidated my brace face time.
91. I sleep better during rainstorms.
92. Someday I hope to have a vegetable garden. And an herb garden. And maybe some flowers too.
93. It would be my dream to study linguistics. Doesn't that sound like fun?
94. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Because we all need a little more thankfulness in our lives!
95. I have never - and probably will never - go bungee jumping.
96. When I drive, my hands are at ten and two almost always. Unless I'm car dancing.
97. I have a cute little blue Sears & Roebuck bicycle with a wicker basket on the front and a cheery little bell. And two flat tires that need to be fixed soon.
98. I love snuggling with my husband.
99. Insalata caprese is, in my opinion, a food to the gods.
100! I can't believe I finished this!

Lose the Snooze

My husband and I have a recently-developed debate about the snooze button: he is in support of its liberal use while I think the function should be completely obliterated from alarm clocks everywhere. It is strange that this debate has only surfaced within the past few days as I have always fostered such loathing for the snooze button.

But then again, I am "one of those" who suffers in silence, who harbors those feelings of angst and frustration only to let them fly free after considerable buildup. I'm sure that if you asked one of my roommates in college if they knew this fact, they would probably shake their head in confusion. They, of course, were not excessive snoozers so I never had enough frustration to merit a discussion of the matter. My husband, however, is just such a snoozer.

Now don't get me wrong: I'm all for a few minutes of extra sleep. But I'm the kind of person who is realistic when setting her alarm. I consider exactly what I want to accomplish before I leave the house and set my clock accordingly. The fact that I have a pretty consistent schedule also adds to the ease with which I rise, thus eliminating the need for nine plus minutes of half-sleep. This is why it baffles me so that someone would choose to get an extra 18 minutes of sleep which does not really contribute much to their restedness and which actually makes them more tired when they finally do stumble out of bed. Why not go to bed 18 minutes earlier the night before? My huband insists that he can return to a deeper state of sleep immediately after flailing in the direction of the alarm clock, but I, for one, only lay in bed anticipating the sound of the snooze and do not get any more sleep. It's about quality, not quantity of sleep. And if I'm going to make the effort to hit the snooze button, I might as well turn off the alarm and get on with my life.

This problem, I believe, has only come about because my husband has been on vacation the past two weeks in order to work on our bathroom renovation. The first week of his vacation, I would wake up for work, quietly get dressed, then kiss him on the cheek before heading out the door. Two hours later, my husband would roll out of bed and proceed with his daily to-dos. This past week, he has tried to get back to more of a "schedule" before he returns to the working world on Monday. By this I mean setting the alarm for 7:30 when I get up and snoozing until 8 or 8:15. It's one thing when you're trying to sleep in the bed next to a snoozer -- I can usually sleep through that. But when you're trying to be quiet so they can keep sleeping, only to have the silence pierced by "BEEEP-beep-BEEEP-beeep," it is slightly aggravating. I never know if I should be loud after the snooze because he really wants to get up and will do so momentarily, or if I should keep quiet because he wants to sleep for another nine minutes. I just can't live my life like this.

To further complicate things is the fact that we share an alarm clock, and it resides on the (only) bedside table on his side of the bed. If I were to set my own alarm on my own clock on my own table on my own side of the bed, then perhaps we could have averted this crisis.

Or perhaps I'll just wait until he returns to his old routine next week -- without the snooze button.

Who's Your Idol?

I must admit I never really knew what all that American Idol hubub was about. Sure, I heard in roundabout ways who was bound for stardom, but I never followed the show with any dedication. After all, I had better things to do with my time. Every time I heard Carrie Underwood's 'Jesus Take The Wheel' on the radio, I would cringe and reach for the scan button, although no station was safe. So why exactly would I want to watch an entire show of whiney vocalists singing about people with wierd theological issues? I asked myself. In fact, I had never even seen the show until almost a month ago when its sixth season began. And until that chilly Tuesday evening when my husband coerced me onto the sofa, I had no clue what I'd been missing.

I never knew that I'd been missing all of Simon's snide remarks, the really awful singers who (bless their hearts) stood in the hopeful line for hours only to be humiliated on national television, those who thought it wise to dust off that old banana costume or showcase their juggling talents, the kids with potential who you really hoped would make it, and those who actually did but were wiped clean of any personality in order to make a more sellable product to the American public, and the very questionable remarks made by Ryan Seacrest to Simon about his snugly fitting gray v-neck sweaters. And of course, the very strange intro to the show with graphics reminiscent of video games and an absolutely horrendous theme song. It was because of these things that I told myself I would not fall prey to the clutches of this monster, I would not participate in this silly game. That is, until last night.

I'm still not sure if it was boredom setting in, or if my soul has actually been devoured by the American Idol beast, but I actually decided to call in and vote. I was not stirred to tears, nor was I filled with an overwhelming sense of awe at the performances that unfolded before me. There was no passion, no emotion, as I reached for my cell phone and dialed the Idol number. For a moment, I felt as though the Idol gods were controlling my body, temporarily possessing it and using it for their own sinister purposes. What is happening to me? I wondered.

And as if that weren't enough, I called in tonite to cast my vote. Again.

Before I know it, I'll have the Idol number on speed dial and will be rearranging my schedule so I can make it home in time for the show. Then I'll actually go out and purchase the CD (or CDs) of the Idol winner (and runner-up), and learn all the lyrics by heart. And, heaven forbid, I might actually subject myself to the opinions of Simon, Paula, and Randy and audition for this ridiculous show.

Does anyone know if they're holding auditions in the Metroplex next season?

There's a First Time For Everything

As a new year begins and I reflect on the milestones that marked 2006, I have decided to compile a top ten list of firsts in 2006. These are events which I have never experienced before, and many which I hope never to experience again...

10. First urinary tract infection. I'll spare you the painful, disgusting details.
9. First assumption that my nine-year old cousin was my daughter. Never mind that I'm only 23 and would have had to birth her at the age of 14. (Of course, the nice gentleman who asked me if she was my daughter didn't know how old I was, so perhaps I carry myself with maturity of someone seven years my senior. Either that or I need to buy my first jar of wrinkle cream.)
8. First piece of jewelry that I wear on a daily basis. Prior to August 24, 2006, I was a plain and simple kind of gal - the occasional set of studs or simple sports watch might adorn my person, but never any of those trendy Wilma Flinstone necklaces or cocktail rings so many girls can pull off these days. But ever since I received this beautiful piece of craftsmanship from a very special man as he dropped to one knee, I am unable to leave the house without my sparkling Tiffany solitaire and the wedding band which soon followed.
7. First open water scuba dive, where I got to see sharks up close and sea turtles being cleaned by tiny little fish off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii. We swam through tunnels in a reef and crossed a swift current by pulling ourselves along the bottom of the ocean. I was nowhere near as graceful a swimmer as my husband (and my descent needs a little work), but I've been practicing in the bathtub for next Christmas when we'll dive in Maui with the in-laws.
6. First business suit, which was not purchased so that I could work for a business (as in briefcase toting, coffee drinking, conference room chatting, fil-o-faxing business), but rather so I could work at Victoria's Secret. In retrospect, it was a poor wardrobe choice because I only worked there for three months, but at least I've got something to wear should I decide to launch into the corporate world.
5. First addiction to a TV show. It all began when my roommates started watching Sex and The City. Next my then-fiance got me hooked on Desperate Housewives. Then the couples from our small group at church started talking about Grey's Anatomy. And my husband began taping The Office. I would love to say that my social life does not revolve around a TV set (a very snazzy flatscreen with high def, might I add), but alas, how I've regressed.
4. First time to share a bed with a boy (who is my husband - don't worry!). It is certainly an adjustment after four years of sleeping on college-issue excuses for a twin mattress, but I think I've adapted very well to our queen-sized pillow top. Now if only I can get Clay to stop snoring...
3. First fender-bender, which I still maintain was not my fault. A distracted young lady driving a little black coupe did not turn right on a green light but I did...and her bumper sort of got in my way. I am now very wary of the right turn signal at Davis and Keller Parkway - and little black Hondas.
2. First promotion on the job. I went from part-time stockroom help at Williams-Sonoma to coordinator in less than three months, an advance I thought was just so fabulous at the time. But now that I've completed my first holiday season in retail and am making preparations for the upcoming inventory, I'm really questioning my decision. That hefty discount does soften the blow, I suppose.
1. First fixer-upper, which has undergone massive cosmetic reconstruction since we moved in almost six months ago. Several coats of paint (five, to be exact, in our red-walled kitchen), refinished wood floors, and new base boards have taken our little jewel to Martha Stewart Living cover status. Granted, we still have a long way to go on our adorable little two-bed/one-bath, but the new range and new fridge and new rugs and soon new sofa just make it so cozy. (If you can't tell, my nesting instinct is working overtime.)

(And, of course, this, my first blog, was begun in 2006, a blog to which I have neglected to post for several months. Thank you to all who have encouraged me to continue posting - ahem, Clay! It means so much that you think my ramblings are worth your time!)

Here's to 2007 and all the firsts that it will bring...hopefully none of them involving children.

Variety is the Slice of Life

I never thought I would say this, but pizza has become a cornerstone in my life. In fact, I think I've eaten more pizza in these past five and a half months as a newlywed than I ever did in my four years as a college student. Perhaps that is why my most recent pizza discovery (via the portable marquis in front of the strip mall) was so exhilarating:

Little Caesar's Hot-N-Ready pizzas are now available not only in pepperoni, but sausage, too!

Just when I didn't think it possible to improve on an already wonderful thing - a meal and a half for just five dollars and 41 cents, and one which only takes a six minute drive round trip to retrieve - the brains at Little Caesar's go and up the ante. My husband and I were almost beside ourselves with excitement when we brought our first Hot-N-Ready sausage pie to the dinner table. And let me tell you, we were far from disappointed.

But you know what they say: variety is the slice of life (and boy! is it tasty)!