August - Highlights (in no particular order)
Started my Real Food Challenge just in time - it was the perfect scapegoat for what will, unfortunately, likely be labelled as the "controversy" of the year, centered around (of all things) a chicken sandwich. Never been so glad to legitimately say "can't eat that". Instead, I put my money towards feeding hungry kids. That is Jesus, regardless of any opinion I may have about Chick Fil A or gay marriage or anything else.
I take it back. Someone must've informed all local eateries of my challenge and they set out to strengthen my resolve by flooding my inbox/mailbox with offers for free food (CRUEL.)
I made it through a meal at Cracker Barrel without a biscuit. This. Is. Huge.
"Guilt is not Jesus' medium. He is battling
for global redemption right now; His objective hardly includes huddling
in the corner with us, rehashing our shame again. He finished that
discussion on the cross. Plus, there's no time for that"...."Guilt may
be the first chapter, but it makes for a terrible story. Jesus gave us
lots of superior material to work with. If your stuff and spending and
waste and stress are causing you tension like mine is, just do the next
right thing...We're no good to Him stuck in paralysis." - J. Hatmaker, 7
Husband got a job offer! Not the one we were hoping for, but nonetheless, we took it. God must have something good in mind (like teaching me to stop making my own dang plans)
Began listening to Christmas music. DON'T JUDGE ME!
Single-handedly supported Buon Giorno coffee with my frequent trips. Go local! Go caffeine!
Speaking of caffeine, I started weaning myself off of that stuff. Here's a tip: the people who tell you that herbal "coffee" tastes just like regular coffee...here's hoping they have a fire extinguisher handy cause their pants are on FIRE. Bunch of liars. Still, using their non-coffee product to cut down on coffee, within 2 weeks I made it to almost noon without noticing I hadn't had coffee - no headeache, no grumpiness. Success? Yessir.
Took my nephew for the afternoon. We went to Goodwill (his request, God love him), got him a snowcone (which he didn't really eat), built a monster blanket fort, watched a movie (in the fort) and made the best homemade popcorn ever. Love this child so much it hurts.
Made two desserts, which I could not eat, to celebrate Julia Child's birthday: "People who love to eat are always the best people." - Julia Child
Watched the Olympics, which provided temporary fuel to my fire as I began training for my 2nd half-marathon. Said fire was promptly squelched by the deathly Texas heat. Training continues, just not with the fervor I would like.
Had another family bluegrass gig. We still don't have a band name. We still have a ton of fun.
In the same weekend, I threw a baby shower for a sweet preggo friend. Exhausting, as all good parties usually are, but went well! It was also a cheat day, and I felt like a led balloon after all my treats.
Wrestled with God and cried some tears over a personal issue. I'm slowly working up the courage to blog about it. In the meantime, I praise Him for a chest big enough to beat on as I wail, arms big enough to hold me when I collapse from exhaustion, and that voice big enough to speak calm into my tired heart.
I watched SO much 30 Rock. I think these people are my best friends (doesn't help that my actual best friend pretty much is Liz Lemon). I talk about them too often. And I sing Werewolf Bar-Mitzvah way too much.
Family vacation, PTL! It was only for 2 1/2 days, and we were in a semi-cramped, and super hot, condo, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Siblings, nephews, parents, husband and I went down to Schlitterbahn. There was much swimming, much laughing, much baby snuggling, and much Thanksgiving for the countless blessings these people usher into my life.
On our drive down to New Braunfels, Husband got a text message that set off a series of phone calls and, long story super short, led to an interview just one day after his previously-accepted job began. He needs to take & pass a new certification within a very short period to seal the deal, but excitement abounded anyway. The preferred school, the preferred district, and a door flung wide open for future opportunities. Like I said above, God must've had something good in mind.
Wrapped our 30 days of real foods with less bang and more quiet celebration, with a strengthened resolve to continue this quest for less crap, more health. Oh, and we may have eaten Joe T's. (What, we aren't perfect!)
Spent our last weekend in August working our tails off (what's new?), with family, baby snuggles, Hunger Games, a great going away party, and weather far too hot for us to be entering into my all-favorite "-ber" months. Good riddance to your weather, August, but thank you for the memories.
Soon to come (as soon as I can find a card reader...): A photo dump post! Stay tuned....
Love & Summer's Sun Setting,
K
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Summer Days, Having A Blast (enough to avoid blogging for a month and a half...)
So, Summer. Good Times. Seriously, I love ya. However, my capacity to document your wonders leaves much to be desired. So, in an attempt to salvage the last 4 months of the year, Here's the best summary I can give...
June
Husband applying, applying, applying; interviews, but no jobs
Best Friend, on the other hand: HIRED! Signed on as full-time 9th grade Biology teacher - so proud!
Made my first attempt at a gluten free feast for my dad for Father's Day. Fried Chicken: success! Rolls: yeah....no.
First Father's Day without Husband's dad - tough.
Finished our taxes. Exciting, right?
Played our first bluegrass gig in a quite a few months, and luckily we had a pretty forgiving audience (a good friend's family reunion)
I missed out on Hub's family's camping/river float trip since I had to work at the pie shop. Color me like 23 shades of jealous.
Spent an entire day deep-cleaning the pie shop. Its exactly as much fun as it sounds.
Spent a good amount of time outside, since it wasn't sweltering yet.
Watched Mission Impossible outside in downtown FW, complete with gourmet cupcakes and best friends.
Closed out the month with a big pool party with our fabulous CLC family!
July
Made some awesome-looking (and tasting) patriotic pies for the Shop.
Spent the 4th working a little and playing a lot. Closed out the day at Burleson's annual fireworks show with my lifemates. Best part: the butterscotch cookies we inhaled. Worst part: good seats apparently also put you right in the falling debris field. Nothing like fireworks in your hair!
"Read" (listened to) The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Not all new information, but still eye-opening. Made me want to learn to hunt, actually!
Our pie baby turned 3! We may be a little beat up and bruised, but our friendship and our business is still standing after 3 years, so that's going down as a success in my book!
After our pie shop birthday party, we headed out of town for a little r&r with our business partners/lifemates. We stayed in an RV, which is ideal camping in TX Summer, grilled out, watched movies, played games, ate snowcones, floated the river, got burned, swam some more, and all tried to find excuses for us to stay longer.
Reunited with our Hawaii-TX-Now-NC-bound friends, the Whitakers, who were back on TX soil for a bit before their next adventure
Had a grocery store/cooking double date, on which I ate one of the best burgers I've ever had. So good!
Best friend's turned a year older - we gave her 27th a year a good start with Yoo-Hoo, donuts, flowers and cotton candy
Started a book that would flip my comfy little world upside down: 7, by Jen Hatmaker. More on this later.
Met with a dear, sweet friend of mine, who God has gifted so well as a mentor. Thankful for a meeting of honestly, prayerful advice and shared blessings
Drove out to a cabin in the middle of nowhere to hang out with our favorite Whitakers and the rest of our "second family". We shot some guns, ate good food, and played Nertz until an ungodly morning hour, then attempted to drive home. Short but worth it.(oh, and I ate a salad! And I liked it!)
Spent a rainy Sunday hanging out on the in-laws porch, playing cards, snuggling the baby and loving TX country afternoons
Husband shaved his beard for an important interview. He almost cried. Surprisingly, so did I. (And we didn't get the job)
Took a photography class! Never taken so many photos of an apple in all of my life!
"I am the consumer the poor world and the responsible world and the world itself can't stand or sustain any longer. How will I answer for my choices when God confronts them one day? With this much expendable income funding restaurants, show stores, and movie theaters, I doubt Jesus will accept my excuses for neglecting the poor on account of cash flow." - from 7. OUCH.
Ran a 5k, with water guns. 'Nuff said.
POTTERPALOOZA! 2 days of Harry Potter, 2 days of nonstop eating (including HP themed delicacies!)
After that binge fest, and with much consideration, we embarked on 30 days of Real Food - no sugar, no refined flours or oils, no chemicals or preservatives, etc. Eek!
To be continued...
June
Husband applying, applying, applying; interviews, but no jobs
Best Friend, on the other hand: HIRED! Signed on as full-time 9th grade Biology teacher - so proud!
Made my first attempt at a gluten free feast for my dad for Father's Day. Fried Chicken: success! Rolls: yeah....no.
First Father's Day without Husband's dad - tough.
Finished our taxes. Exciting, right?
Played our first bluegrass gig in a quite a few months, and luckily we had a pretty forgiving audience (a good friend's family reunion)
I missed out on Hub's family's camping/river float trip since I had to work at the pie shop. Color me like 23 shades of jealous.
Spent an entire day deep-cleaning the pie shop. Its exactly as much fun as it sounds.
Spent a good amount of time outside, since it wasn't sweltering yet.
Watched Mission Impossible outside in downtown FW, complete with gourmet cupcakes and best friends.
Closed out the month with a big pool party with our fabulous CLC family!
July
Made some awesome-looking (and tasting) patriotic pies for the Shop.
Spent the 4th working a little and playing a lot. Closed out the day at Burleson's annual fireworks show with my lifemates. Best part: the butterscotch cookies we inhaled. Worst part: good seats apparently also put you right in the falling debris field. Nothing like fireworks in your hair!
"Read" (listened to) The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Not all new information, but still eye-opening. Made me want to learn to hunt, actually!
Our pie baby turned 3! We may be a little beat up and bruised, but our friendship and our business is still standing after 3 years, so that's going down as a success in my book!
After our pie shop birthday party, we headed out of town for a little r&r with our business partners/lifemates. We stayed in an RV, which is ideal camping in TX Summer, grilled out, watched movies, played games, ate snowcones, floated the river, got burned, swam some more, and all tried to find excuses for us to stay longer.
Reunited with our Hawaii-TX-Now-NC-bound friends, the Whitakers, who were back on TX soil for a bit before their next adventure
Had a grocery store/cooking double date, on which I ate one of the best burgers I've ever had. So good!
Best friend's turned a year older - we gave her 27th a year a good start with Yoo-Hoo, donuts, flowers and cotton candy
Started a book that would flip my comfy little world upside down: 7, by Jen Hatmaker. More on this later.
Met with a dear, sweet friend of mine, who God has gifted so well as a mentor. Thankful for a meeting of honestly, prayerful advice and shared blessings
Drove out to a cabin in the middle of nowhere to hang out with our favorite Whitakers and the rest of our "second family". We shot some guns, ate good food, and played Nertz until an ungodly morning hour, then attempted to drive home. Short but worth it.(oh, and I ate a salad! And I liked it!)
Spent a rainy Sunday hanging out on the in-laws porch, playing cards, snuggling the baby and loving TX country afternoons
Husband shaved his beard for an important interview. He almost cried. Surprisingly, so did I. (And we didn't get the job)
Took a photography class! Never taken so many photos of an apple in all of my life!
"I am the consumer the poor world and the responsible world and the world itself can't stand or sustain any longer. How will I answer for my choices when God confronts them one day? With this much expendable income funding restaurants, show stores, and movie theaters, I doubt Jesus will accept my excuses for neglecting the poor on account of cash flow." - from 7. OUCH.
Ran a 5k, with water guns. 'Nuff said.
POTTERPALOOZA! 2 days of Harry Potter, 2 days of nonstop eating (including HP themed delicacies!)
After that binge fest, and with much consideration, we embarked on 30 days of Real Food - no sugar, no refined flours or oils, no chemicals or preservatives, etc. Eek!
To be continued...
Friday, July 6, 2012
June 3 - The Day We Got Our First Mini Harvest
In recent weeks and months, Sundays seem to have become synonymous with gardening, or at least admiring my garden. Those quiet morning moments are becoming increasingly cherished. Today in particular as we got our first decent harvest from the garden! One squash, one zucchini and a big handful of green beans! It isn't much, but it was one of my proudest moments. I'm beginning to understand the inherent reward in growing your own sustenance. More, more! :)
After our weekly gathering with our CLC family, we hunkered down at home. Armed with a stack of Harry Potter DVDs, we set to work on our least favorite task: cleaning our room. Somehow, husband and I missed the step where you are supposed to outgrow this hatred after adolescence. The rest of our house usually retains some semblance of order, but our room...well, the clothes overtake us. I hate it, and have worked in the past to defeat it, but it is a task that must be managed daily, and I cannot always summon the discipline to do so. Despite the hours it took, the room looks beautiful and it turned out to be some very quality time.
Lastly, joined our best friends and 48 or so other married couples for an evening of marriage celebration, sponsored by our church (and there was Joe Ts!). It was a beautiful night, but a nagging thought kept at me: the focus on repairing marriages in honorable, and certainly needed. But equally necessary in today's society is some serious spotlighting on pre-marital relationship health. Often times I see couples attempting to mend what they have torn apart, when it is possible that it never should have been stitched in the first place. I'm not advocating divorce AT ALL, but rather highlighting the sheer lack of long-term consideration and introspection that needs to take place before you make that promise. How to remedy this? I don't have that answer. Pray and ponder...
Highlights:
1) I am beyond blessed to be married to my best friend. Some days the weight of this hits me harder than others.
2) We played a scavenger hunt at the Marriage Dinner that required you to go around the room and find people who have done certain things in their life. Though it was meant to be lighthearted, it did two things for me: 1)reinforced my desire to complete my 30 by 30 list, and 2) sparked a moment of accomplishment and thankfulness- I really have done a lot in my 27 years!
3) I cannot be trusted with Joe T's tacos. That is all.
Love &...well, Love,
K
After our weekly gathering with our CLC family, we hunkered down at home. Armed with a stack of Harry Potter DVDs, we set to work on our least favorite task: cleaning our room. Somehow, husband and I missed the step where you are supposed to outgrow this hatred after adolescence. The rest of our house usually retains some semblance of order, but our room...well, the clothes overtake us. I hate it, and have worked in the past to defeat it, but it is a task that must be managed daily, and I cannot always summon the discipline to do so. Despite the hours it took, the room looks beautiful and it turned out to be some very quality time.
Lastly, joined our best friends and 48 or so other married couples for an evening of marriage celebration, sponsored by our church (and there was Joe Ts!). It was a beautiful night, but a nagging thought kept at me: the focus on repairing marriages in honorable, and certainly needed. But equally necessary in today's society is some serious spotlighting on pre-marital relationship health. Often times I see couples attempting to mend what they have torn apart, when it is possible that it never should have been stitched in the first place. I'm not advocating divorce AT ALL, but rather highlighting the sheer lack of long-term consideration and introspection that needs to take place before you make that promise. How to remedy this? I don't have that answer. Pray and ponder...
Highlights:
1) I am beyond blessed to be married to my best friend. Some days the weight of this hits me harder than others.
2) We played a scavenger hunt at the Marriage Dinner that required you to go around the room and find people who have done certain things in their life. Though it was meant to be lighthearted, it did two things for me: 1)reinforced my desire to complete my 30 by 30 list, and 2) sparked a moment of accomplishment and thankfulness- I really have done a lot in my 27 years!
3) I cannot be trusted with Joe T's tacos. That is all.
Love &...well, Love,
K
June 2 - The Day I Started with Farmers and Ended with Tacos
*sidenote* Going to be honest. Feel like giving up! Quite discouraged at my lack of follow-through. Each lag day leads to another. Boo. Alas, we forge ahead.
I don't remember much about this day, except how long it lasted and how badly my feet hurt. I squeezed in a trip to the Farmer's Market to scope out the locally grown goodness. Each week the selection improves, accompanied by my increasing taste for food adventure. I feel sort of like I'm on Iron Chef, buying unfamiliar seasonal veggies only to figure out how to prepare them later (Shout out Pinterest and my cookbook addiction for your combined indelible contributions to these food forays).
We had a very long day at the pie shop, culminating in a catered baby shower that evening. I took the reigns for the party, a task which carries equal amounts of stress and excitement. I may be royally exhausted at the days end, but knowing that I helped coordinate and make food for a successful soiree leaves me with a smile on my face. Not smiling, however, were my two feet. Regrettably, and against my usually prudent judgement, I opted for cute over comfy when it came to my footwear for the day. 13 hours later...ouch.
I ended the day in complete contradiction to its beginning: a plate of greasy fast food tacos. Because sometimes, you just need FasTaco.
Highlights:
1) The random veggie of choice: Pattypan squash. Its cuteness practically screamed "buy me!".
2) Began working out the plans to actually start my 10 Days of Real Food pledge. Oh if I only knew the change to come...
3) My hubs got to escape the long work day by hanging out with our favorite teenagers. Told him he owes me one! Honestly, though, I'm glad for his willingness to do so, and proud of how much they look up to him. :)
Love & Tired Dogs,
K
I don't remember much about this day, except how long it lasted and how badly my feet hurt. I squeezed in a trip to the Farmer's Market to scope out the locally grown goodness. Each week the selection improves, accompanied by my increasing taste for food adventure. I feel sort of like I'm on Iron Chef, buying unfamiliar seasonal veggies only to figure out how to prepare them later (Shout out Pinterest and my cookbook addiction for your combined indelible contributions to these food forays).
We had a very long day at the pie shop, culminating in a catered baby shower that evening. I took the reigns for the party, a task which carries equal amounts of stress and excitement. I may be royally exhausted at the days end, but knowing that I helped coordinate and make food for a successful soiree leaves me with a smile on my face. Not smiling, however, were my two feet. Regrettably, and against my usually prudent judgement, I opted for cute over comfy when it came to my footwear for the day. 13 hours later...ouch.
I ended the day in complete contradiction to its beginning: a plate of greasy fast food tacos. Because sometimes, you just need FasTaco.
Highlights:
1) The random veggie of choice: Pattypan squash. Its cuteness practically screamed "buy me!".
2) Began working out the plans to actually start my 10 Days of Real Food pledge. Oh if I only knew the change to come...
3) My hubs got to escape the long work day by hanging out with our favorite teenagers. Told him he owes me one! Honestly, though, I'm glad for his willingness to do so, and proud of how much they look up to him. :)
Love & Tired Dogs,
K
Monday, July 2, 2012
June 1 - The Day I Grazed
Employee Snack Day, noun: An 8-9 hour event, occurring in ones place of employment, in which participants exchange homemade or store-bought goods, particularly salt and/or sugar-laden, for group consumption. Traditional mealtimes and biological signs of fullness are disregarded as participants eat continually for the duration of the event. Food is assorted, and may be themed, but donuts are always included regardless of their degree of relation to said theme. See also: Grazing; Overweight Americans
That sort of sums up my first Friday in June. Despite my mocking tone, I am total nut for snack days. I even helped choose the theme for this one: Brunch! There were scones (made by yours truly, but more on that later), iced coffee, sausage, casseroles, cake, chicken salad...*burp*
After such a trying day-long experience for my tummy, I treated it to a snow cone. (you know, ice for the swelling...is that not how it works?) And then to coffee (consider it like Icy Hot - cold to dull the pain, heat to relax it away). I'm such a good trainer.
Speaking of coffee, I met two of my longtime loves for coffee at a local place in Fort Worth. For all its charm, I cannot believe that FW doesn't have more local gems like Buon Giorno. Great atmosphere, better good coffee, and even better company (and I met a new friend. Tried to help him name his band by finding words on sugar packets, but he just wouldn't go for). Delightful {decaf} coffee with a side of wonderful friends = the kind of evening where time just gets lost in the laughter.
Highlights:
1) Scones - I made bacon, cheddar & chive scones. I don't even know what to say. Just so stinkin' good! Will try again with turkey bacon so the hubs can share in the goodness.
2) Got lost getting to the coffee shop...this should not be a highlight as it happens so regularly, but on an up note, did a little downtown FW exploring.
3) The last of my snow cone Fridays with best friend. She's done with her teaching now! We have proposed moving on to craft Fridays, for the benefit of our craft lists and our over-sugared tummies.
Love & Grazing Days,
K
That sort of sums up my first Friday in June. Despite my mocking tone, I am total nut for snack days. I even helped choose the theme for this one: Brunch! There were scones (made by yours truly, but more on that later), iced coffee, sausage, casseroles, cake, chicken salad...*burp*
After such a trying day-long experience for my tummy, I treated it to a snow cone. (you know, ice for the swelling...is that not how it works?) And then to coffee (consider it like Icy Hot - cold to dull the pain, heat to relax it away). I'm such a good trainer.
Speaking of coffee, I met two of my longtime loves for coffee at a local place in Fort Worth. For all its charm, I cannot believe that FW doesn't have more local gems like Buon Giorno. Great atmosphere, better good coffee, and even better company (and I met a new friend. Tried to help him name his band by finding words on sugar packets, but he just wouldn't go for). Delightful {decaf} coffee with a side of wonderful friends = the kind of evening where time just gets lost in the laughter.
Highlights:
1) Scones - I made bacon, cheddar & chive scones. I don't even know what to say. Just so stinkin' good! Will try again with turkey bacon so the hubs can share in the goodness.
2) Got lost getting to the coffee shop...this should not be a highlight as it happens so regularly, but on an up note, did a little downtown FW exploring.
3) The last of my snow cone Fridays with best friend. She's done with her teaching now! We have proposed moving on to craft Fridays, for the benefit of our craft lists and our over-sugared tummies.
Love & Grazing Days,
K
Sunday, July 1, 2012
May 31 - The Day I Storm Day-Dreamed
Here's my usual, albeit odd, train of thought when it comes to rainy weather: "Oh, it's raining. Looks dark outside. When it looks dark like this, it seems like it should be cold. Man I wish it was fall. Know what goes good with fall and stormy weather? Harry Potter. I should be at home watching Harry Potter. Mmm Pumpkin Juice. Make that a Pumpkin Latte. WHY DO I NOT LIVE AT HOGWARTS?"
Or something like that. Alas, I was stuck at my desk, watching the deceptively cold-looking dark clouds roll in, leaving my to day dream at my desk, no HP or Pumpkin Spice Latte to soothe my fall longings. I settled for a lunchtime reading break, curled up in a recliner in our company's "Library", which should certainly be renamed "The Room of Nooks and Naps". There are only 4 recliners, and you have to beat out the nappers with their giant afghan blankets and occasional snores, or fight for a spot from the digital readers. I'm afraid I'll never be in that latter crowd; I love the smell and weight of a book in my hands that no fancy digital reader could ever replace.
All in all, a rather uneventful day, but I didn't mind. After all, who needs adventure when you've got Hogwarts day dreams :)
Highlights:
1) I am re-reading one of my favorite books, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It is just as beautiful and inviting as I remember, and each time I close the cover, I'm left thinking two things: 1) I hope I'm like Elizabeth McKenna when I grow up, and 2) Why the heck am I not on a plane to the Channel Islands?!
2) Went to the store to prepare for snack day. Normally, this would be fine. Except I skipped my snack and went in with a growing tummy. Daft or dangerous, its a toss up really (bonus points if you catch the reference in that last sentence). Either way, I made it out without doing TOO much damage.
3) My house is old, and it has the odd knack for trapping smells for what seems like hours. I don't know if these two are related, but all I'm saying is, if I cook bacon, you could probably come over like 2 days later and know without me telling you. Now, seeing as how the hubs hates bacon, you can imagine his delight when I have to cook pans full for a work day function. How did I end up with the only guy who wouldn't find this appeasing?
Love & Rainy Weather Dreams,
K
Or something like that. Alas, I was stuck at my desk, watching the deceptively cold-looking dark clouds roll in, leaving my to day dream at my desk, no HP or Pumpkin Spice Latte to soothe my fall longings. I settled for a lunchtime reading break, curled up in a recliner in our company's "Library", which should certainly be renamed "The Room of Nooks and Naps". There are only 4 recliners, and you have to beat out the nappers with their giant afghan blankets and occasional snores, or fight for a spot from the digital readers. I'm afraid I'll never be in that latter crowd; I love the smell and weight of a book in my hands that no fancy digital reader could ever replace.
All in all, a rather uneventful day, but I didn't mind. After all, who needs adventure when you've got Hogwarts day dreams :)
Highlights:
1) I am re-reading one of my favorite books, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It is just as beautiful and inviting as I remember, and each time I close the cover, I'm left thinking two things: 1) I hope I'm like Elizabeth McKenna when I grow up, and 2) Why the heck am I not on a plane to the Channel Islands?!
2) Went to the store to prepare for snack day. Normally, this would be fine. Except I skipped my snack and went in with a growing tummy. Daft or dangerous, its a toss up really (bonus points if you catch the reference in that last sentence). Either way, I made it out without doing TOO much damage.
3) My house is old, and it has the odd knack for trapping smells for what seems like hours. I don't know if these two are related, but all I'm saying is, if I cook bacon, you could probably come over like 2 days later and know without me telling you. Now, seeing as how the hubs hates bacon, you can imagine his delight when I have to cook pans full for a work day function. How did I end up with the only guy who wouldn't find this appeasing?
Love & Rainy Weather Dreams,
K
Friday, June 22, 2012
May 30 - The Day I Earned My Dessert
I love bootcamp. I love bootcamp. I love bootcamp. This is what I have to tell myself over and over to get myself into the gym and working up a sweat. But, just like running, once it is over, I never regret it! Especially when I know there is delicious Italian food on the horizon.
Now, I'm a distinct proponent of patronizing local businesses vs chains (being a small business owner, this should be a big "DUH"). However, there is one particular chain restaurant that has my heart, in all it's Americanized Italian glory: Carrabba's. I can't help it! The chicken soup does me in every stinkin' time. Recently, we have discovered what feels like a little inside secret (and naturally, I can't share it), and this secret seems to always result in free dessert. So yes, I indulged in dessert. And pasta. And bread. And soup. (Can you feel your arteries clogging yet?) But, I also worked my tail off, which made me dessert that much sweeter.
Highlights:
1) The morning weather was deliciously cool & breezy. Maybe God indulged my autumnal longings with a nod of cooler temps. Whatever it was, I was thankful and simultaneously bitter that bootcamp couldn't be held in the morning instead of the 90+ degree afternoon.
2) The job battle continues. This is where I have to fight the urge to be that crazy overbearing wife, and believe me it is a battle. Its in my nature to want to fix things, to want take control. I'm beginning to think this job search has very little to do with Jon and a whole lot to do with God teaching me another chapter in the ongoing lesson of relinquishing control.
3) We mapped out a few long-term savings goals. Do #s 2 and 3 strike you as ironic? Its ok to say yes, I see it too. I am fighting to let go of the reigns yet making my own plans for the future. But, I really feel like we aren't so much planning as discussing. His will wins in the end, so you might as well find the joy in the surrender, right? I'm working on it, God.
Love & Chain Restaurants,
K
Now, I'm a distinct proponent of patronizing local businesses vs chains (being a small business owner, this should be a big "DUH"). However, there is one particular chain restaurant that has my heart, in all it's Americanized Italian glory: Carrabba's. I can't help it! The chicken soup does me in every stinkin' time. Recently, we have discovered what feels like a little inside secret (and naturally, I can't share it), and this secret seems to always result in free dessert. So yes, I indulged in dessert. And pasta. And bread. And soup. (Can you feel your arteries clogging yet?) But, I also worked my tail off, which made me dessert that much sweeter.
Highlights:
1) The morning weather was deliciously cool & breezy. Maybe God indulged my autumnal longings with a nod of cooler temps. Whatever it was, I was thankful and simultaneously bitter that bootcamp couldn't be held in the morning instead of the 90+ degree afternoon.
2) The job battle continues. This is where I have to fight the urge to be that crazy overbearing wife, and believe me it is a battle. Its in my nature to want to fix things, to want take control. I'm beginning to think this job search has very little to do with Jon and a whole lot to do with God teaching me another chapter in the ongoing lesson of relinquishing control.
3) We mapped out a few long-term savings goals. Do #s 2 and 3 strike you as ironic? Its ok to say yes, I see it too. I am fighting to let go of the reigns yet making my own plans for the future. But, I really feel like we aren't so much planning as discussing. His will wins in the end, so you might as well find the joy in the surrender, right? I'm working on it, God.
Love & Chain Restaurants,
K
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
