Number Four

My dear, sweet husband and I celebrated our 4th anniversary this weekend. We alternate who plans the anniversary festivities, and this year it was my turn to spoil Clay. I mean, he doesn't get to have all the fun. ;)

He requested a nice dinner at home rather than going out to eat (can't fault him for loving my cooking!). I made pasta and meatballs, tossed salad, and homemade breadsticks for dinner on Friday night. After clearing the dishes, we headed over to get our 1 1/2-hour massages. 1 1/2 hours, people! Absolute heaven.

I decided to extend the celebration into Saturday (why not?!). We began with cinnamon rolls and the Saturday paper, two of Clay's favorite things.

Then we headed over to the newly remodeled Museum of Science and History. The two of us felt like little kids looking at all of the neat exhibits!

After that, a quick picnic lunch - and a Jones Soda toast (just like our wedding day toast!). Then we went to see Van Gogh: Brush with Genius at the IMAX Theater. What a HUGE screen!

It is hard to believe that four years ago we were standing under a sunset sky at Erinshire Gardens, hands clasped and hearts beating as we said our "I dos." The time since then has certainly flown past, but each day I love my husband more and more. God has truly blessed me with an amazing man who teaches me so much and who constantly makes me laugh.

I cannot imagine anyone else I would rather have my adventures with than you, Clay. I love you!

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!