Thanks to Holly for sending these pics from our adventures!
Love me some Michelle!
Have I mentioned lately how truly blessed I am
to have these fabulous ladies in my life?
to have these fabulous ladies in my life?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Back to the Future
In the summer of 2009, to the knowledge of only 2 people, I started a 2nd blog. It only contains 5 entries, dated 6/12, 6/18, 6/23, 7/8, and 7/9. Every time I see that blog in my Blogger Dashboard, it hurts my feelings. It was only yesterday that I reread them. And I was astounded at how timely they still are to my feelings. In fact, if I posted them here verbatim, the only clue you would have that they are not current is Elliott's age (well, and one other detail).
Intrigued? More to come...
Intrigued? More to come...
Houston Day 4: The Wrap Up
Monday arrived with packing and getting ready. My overindulgence from those cupcakes the night before was so great that I couldn't even partake of the muffins Erica had bought for us. We just hung around, enjoying the last few hours together before heading off to another Michelle diamond-in-the-rough find. She has a knack for picking really good restaurants...that are in icky strip malls. Yummy Texas BBQ!
Leaving our Holly was sad, but we know that it is almost time for her to come home to MS. Have I mentioned how incredibly proud of her we are? Moving to a new (HUGE!) city by herself, living, driving...amazing. Holly, believe the necklace - it is your time to shine!
And after being chased all around Houston by Presidents Day sales - mattresses, everywhere! - I was excited to see when I got home that our (crappy) tax refund had gone up a smidge more. Just enough to shut Doug up and get a new mattress in the next month.
When I get pictures from the others (AHEM), I'll post them in an epilogue.
As for now, signing off on our "Everything is Bigger in Texas" super fun weekend!
Leaving our Holly was sad, but we know that it is almost time for her to come home to MS. Have I mentioned how incredibly proud of her we are? Moving to a new (HUGE!) city by herself, living, driving...amazing. Holly, believe the necklace - it is your time to shine!
And after being chased all around Houston by Presidents Day sales - mattresses, everywhere! - I was excited to see when I got home that our (crappy) tax refund had gone up a smidge more. Just enough to shut Doug up and get a new mattress in the next month.
When I get pictures from the others (AHEM), I'll post them in an epilogue.
As for now, signing off on our "Everything is Bigger in Texas" super fun weekend!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Houston Day 3: Sunday, Sunday
I was awoken on Sunday morning to the sound of Michelle leaving without me to workout. Her defense when she returned was that I could have gotten ready and come on down. Funny, that never occurred to me.
We headed to Hungrys Cafe for brunch. I love the idea of brunch. It's so Sex and the City-esque. Super yummy food and mimosas. After going back to get ready for the day (backwards much?), we headed to Erica's other homeland - Target. I also love Target; I mean, what's not to love? I finally made my first non-food purchases of the trip! After that we headed over to Central Market, which is like a Whole Foods on steroids. And let me just say it was obvious we weren't from around there. I wish we had a recording of our excited finds: "A whole wall of potatoes!" "Look at all the mushroom varieties!" "Would you look at that meat counter!" It was such a revelation of exactly how bad our supermarket situations are around here. Oh, and did I mention all the yummy samples? ;)
I'll give you 3 guesses as to what we did next....that's right, more shopping. This time off to the Galleria, where I continued my boring purchases at Borders. I find my purchases so funny in retrospect. See, I have this firm philosophy about eating out in new cities. There is no frequenting chains or anything like you can get around here. I truly believe in going to local restaurants and enjoying new things and experiences. Yet in shopping, I'm that girl who wants to eat at Olive Garden in Times Square (or Chipotle - jk, Erica!). Oh well, I think after 31 years of having a non-existent clothes shopping budget it's just too much to break habit. Moving on.
We were struggling with a dinner location when we happened to pull into the parking lot of a strip mall containing Kata Robata. Thinking it was both sushi and hibachi, Erica voted we go on in. I think she ultimately regretted that decision. In reality it was a tapas-style sushi restaurant. Much Googling of menu items later, Erica ended up with this delicious lobster mac & cheese:
Meanwhile, Michelle and I decided to partake of a beverage since the restaurant features a "Mixology Team" - a 5-member team?!? - and it's a good thing because Doug called being stupid about having to (for once) handle homework. Thank you, Cucumber High, for your deliciousness in the face of ridiculousness.
This was the 2nd leg of my adventurous eating journey as this time we had carpaccio. Unfortunately all those tiny servings left us a bit unsatisfied, but it was nothing that a cupcake shop couldn't fix!
We headed back to the apartment and laughed our hineys off at Sinbad's comedy show. Is there anything better than hanging out with best friends? Maybe hanging out with best friends, laughing, and eating cupcakes. :)
We headed to Hungrys Cafe for brunch. I love the idea of brunch. It's so Sex and the City-esque. Super yummy food and mimosas. After going back to get ready for the day (backwards much?), we headed to Erica's other homeland - Target. I also love Target; I mean, what's not to love? I finally made my first non-food purchases of the trip! After that we headed over to Central Market, which is like a Whole Foods on steroids. And let me just say it was obvious we weren't from around there. I wish we had a recording of our excited finds: "A whole wall of potatoes!" "Look at all the mushroom varieties!" "Would you look at that meat counter!" It was such a revelation of exactly how bad our supermarket situations are around here. Oh, and did I mention all the yummy samples? ;)
Endive...it's like a small lettuce and celery had a baby.
I'll give you 3 guesses as to what we did next....that's right, more shopping. This time off to the Galleria, where I continued my boring purchases at Borders. I find my purchases so funny in retrospect. See, I have this firm philosophy about eating out in new cities. There is no frequenting chains or anything like you can get around here. I truly believe in going to local restaurants and enjoying new things and experiences. Yet in shopping, I'm that girl who wants to eat at Olive Garden in Times Square (or Chipotle - jk, Erica!). Oh well, I think after 31 years of having a non-existent clothes shopping budget it's just too much to break habit. Moving on.
We were struggling with a dinner location when we happened to pull into the parking lot of a strip mall containing Kata Robata. Thinking it was both sushi and hibachi, Erica voted we go on in. I think she ultimately regretted that decision. In reality it was a tapas-style sushi restaurant. Much Googling of menu items later, Erica ended up with this delicious lobster mac & cheese:
Meanwhile, Michelle and I decided to partake of a beverage since the restaurant features a "Mixology Team" - a 5-member team?!? - and it's a good thing because Doug called being stupid about having to (for once) handle homework. Thank you, Cucumber High, for your deliciousness in the face of ridiculousness.
This was the 2nd leg of my adventurous eating journey as this time we had carpaccio. Unfortunately all those tiny servings left us a bit unsatisfied, but it was nothing that a cupcake shop couldn't fix!
We headed back to the apartment and laughed our hineys off at Sinbad's comedy show. Is there anything better than hanging out with best friends? Maybe hanging out with best friends, laughing, and eating cupcakes. :)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Houston Day 2: Curly Hair in a Straight-Hair World
I began Saturday completely out of character: I tagged along with Michelle to workout and then resisted the amazing Randazzo king cake in lieu of a 90-calorie granola bar. (No worries, I consumed my fair share of that wonderful cake during the rest of the weekend.) Then we headed to Erica's homeland: Sephora. Y-A-W-N. But I was a good sport; no complaining here. After what seemed like eternity, we headed to eat Mexican food for lunch. Sorry, Meal-Finding-Wonder-Girl, but that food was no better than what I eat in Point City. At least it was cheap!
Holly took us on a driving tour of the amazing Houston medical conglomerate. We kept our eyes peeled for a Jen sighting (from The Little Couple), but no dice. We also saw the rehab facility where Gabby Giffords is being treated. So sad; hoping her road to recovery is an amazing one!
Next up, more shopping. All I remember is that by the time we were done my legs were very tired. When we returned to the apartment, I laid out on the floor in the corpse pose forever. Luckily our nighttime activity, previously a surprise, was a paint-your-own-palette class at Pinot's Palette (and a birthday present to Erica and me!). I was very nervous because I'm not known to be the most creative or crafty girl. However, open a bottle of wine and give me step-by-step instructions, and away we go!
After three hours, I was all, "Feed me, Seymour!" We headed to Little Bigs, also co-owned by Caswell. However, let the record show that it was not me who made this suggestion. :) It was muy delicioso!
That night, on the comfort of the sofa bed, Holly and I indulged in a walk down memory lane with the best giggle fest I've had in a long time. It fed my soul.
Holly took us on a driving tour of the amazing Houston medical conglomerate. We kept our eyes peeled for a Jen sighting (from The Little Couple), but no dice. We also saw the rehab facility where Gabby Giffords is being treated. So sad; hoping her road to recovery is an amazing one!
Next up, more shopping. All I remember is that by the time we were done my legs were very tired. When we returned to the apartment, I laid out on the floor in the corpse pose forever. Luckily our nighttime activity, previously a surprise, was a paint-your-own-palette class at Pinot's Palette (and a birthday present to Erica and me!). I was very nervous because I'm not known to be the most creative or crafty girl. However, open a bottle of wine and give me step-by-step instructions, and away we go!
Getting started:
Type A instruction follower:
[I made sure and left my mark on the apron - right on the boob.]
First 4 done:
First 4 done:
Check out Michelle in the background being very contemplative:
The entire class, with me not even a tiny bit visible:
My final product!
After three hours, I was all, "Feed me, Seymour!" We headed to Little Bigs, also co-owned by Caswell. However, let the record show that it was not me who made this suggestion. :) It was muy delicioso!
That night, on the comfort of the sofa bed, Holly and I indulged in a walk down memory lane with the best giggle fest I've had in a long time. It fed my soul.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Houston Day 1: My Date with Destiny
We've been unofficially planning our trip to Houston ever since Holly went there in July. So when I fell in "love" with Chef Bryan Caswell on The Next Iron Chef, I made my desire to eat at Reef known early on. Now prepare yourself because you are going to have contact embarrassment from this story.
[P.S. Erica says he looks like Doug, to which I replied, "A big Doug!" So it's ok that I'm mesmerized with him since he reminds me of Doug, right? ;)]
Anyhoo, Erica, Michelle and I flew without incident into Houston Friday evening. After sprucing up at Holly's, Reef was our first stop on the Houston fun train. I had been talking big talk for weeks about how I would be inquiring if the Chef was there and that his biggest fan had arrived. In reality, I acted like a complete moron. The restaurant has an open kitchen, so I spotted him on the way to our table. I can't be completely sure, but I think I did a little dance while "whispering" I SEE HIM! I SEE HIM! I'm so cool. Then I sat staring directly into the kitchen all night. I watched his every move. I'm pretty sure I didn't hold up my end of that night's conversation.
In news other than I-am-obsessed-with-Caswell, I did keep my promise to myself to try ceviche on this trip - AMAZING!
But back to the important stuff. At one point HE CAME OUT OF THE KITCHEN! And he visited two big groups. Erica, the great friend that she is, kept trying to come up with plans that involved me getting within 20 feet of him. But I was completely freaked out with the reality of him! I snapped these terrible pics on my phone while he was visiting said tables. See that giant in the orange hat? Sigh...
We are actually closer to him than these pictures indicate. So close, and yet, so far away.
Meanwhile, for those not losing their minds over the chef, Holly and Erica were treated to the most disgusting make-out display ever. Seriously, those people should be ashamed!
[P.S. Erica says he looks like Doug, to which I replied, "A big Doug!" So it's ok that I'm mesmerized with him since he reminds me of Doug, right? ;)]
Anyhoo, Erica, Michelle and I flew without incident into Houston Friday evening. After sprucing up at Holly's, Reef was our first stop on the Houston fun train. I had been talking big talk for weeks about how I would be inquiring if the Chef was there and that his biggest fan had arrived. In reality, I acted like a complete moron. The restaurant has an open kitchen, so I spotted him on the way to our table. I can't be completely sure, but I think I did a little dance while "whispering" I SEE HIM! I SEE HIM! I'm so cool. Then I sat staring directly into the kitchen all night. I watched his every move. I'm pretty sure I didn't hold up my end of that night's conversation.
In news other than I-am-obsessed-with-Caswell, I did keep my promise to myself to try ceviche on this trip - AMAZING!
But back to the important stuff. At one point HE CAME OUT OF THE KITCHEN! And he visited two big groups. Erica, the great friend that she is, kept trying to come up with plans that involved me getting within 20 feet of him. But I was completely freaked out with the reality of him! I snapped these terrible pics on my phone while he was visiting said tables. See that giant in the orange hat? Sigh...
We are actually closer to him than these pictures indicate. So close, and yet, so far away.
Meanwhile, for those not losing their minds over the chef, Holly and Erica were treated to the most disgusting make-out display ever. Seriously, those people should be ashamed!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A Few Stats
2010 - 150 posts
2009 - 149 posts
2008 - 77 posts
I find it very interesting that my total posts for 2010 and 2009 are only 1 different. And 2008 only encompassed 6 months, so 77 makes perfect sense since that is just over 50% of 150.
That means I post every ~2.5 days. And if you take out weekends (shame on me for almost entirely blogging during the week), that ups it to ~1.75 days.
Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. I'll be interested to see 2011's stats.
2009 - 149 posts
2008 - 77 posts
I find it very interesting that my total posts for 2010 and 2009 are only 1 different. And 2008 only encompassed 6 months, so 77 makes perfect sense since that is just over 50% of 150.
That means I post every ~2.5 days. And if you take out weekends (shame on me for almost entirely blogging during the week), that ups it to ~1.75 days.
Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. I'll be interested to see 2011's stats.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
It's Burning!
THS and I were having a discussion about friend support this morning. And have you ever been a cheerleader for a friend during a rant only to find out that was the WRONG response? I get that. Not to be a Negative Nancy, but sometimes you need your friends to be all, "Hell yeah, that is messed up!" versus "Keep your chin up!" So, I had an epiphany. The standard Emily response for all expected pep talks following a friend rant will now be...
In sorta related news (related if you have a brain like mine), I just read Dooce's blog entry about her husband having to go to the ER. And since that is (way too) familiar territory with me, you know I was engrossed. And I was delighted to see that she too deals with the scary by making irreverent jokes while there. Which brought a smile to my face thinking about Doug and I's last trip to the ER in December, where we laughed so hard we cried. This transcript will not do the funny justice, but I will try.
Cue hysterical laughter and tears...Good times.
...do you want me to throw FUEL or WATER on this fire?
:)
In sorta related news (related if you have a brain like mine), I just read Dooce's blog entry about her husband having to go to the ER. And since that is (way too) familiar territory with me, you know I was engrossed. And I was delighted to see that she too deals with the scary by making irreverent jokes while there. Which brought a smile to my face thinking about Doug and I's last trip to the ER in December, where we laughed so hard we cried. This transcript will not do the funny justice, but I will try.
Nurse, likely to an elderly, hard-of-hearing patient:
Now you just let me know if that starts burning.
Me, sleep-deprived logic (and with hand motions): Is something going to catch on fire in there, or does she mean like a salve?
Doug, in best redneck voice:
This shit's hot!
Cue hysterical laughter and tears...Good times.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs?
I'm having a weird start to 2011. For every positive sign that I've thought I've encountered there seems to be twice as many negative hurdles during the first 38 days of this new year.
I'm not getting it - the message is surely getting lost in translation. I told Doug that it felt like the harder we work, the harder we get kicked in the shins. Sorry for the Debbie Downer today, guys, but maybe my secret decoder ring will show up in the mail soon. Hopefully it will reveal more than, "Drink more Ovaltine."
I'm not getting it - the message is surely getting lost in translation. I told Doug that it felt like the harder we work, the harder we get kicked in the shins. Sorry for the Debbie Downer today, guys, but maybe my secret decoder ring will show up in the mail soon. Hopefully it will reveal more than, "Drink more Ovaltine."
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Pick up the phone! It's me calling!
My new sister-in-law's married name bears a shocking resemblance to my name as it was pre-marriage. So when I put it in my phone, I made sure to add her maiden name also so it wouldn't look so odd to me. You know, in case the phone should ring and I think my 1999 self were calling. So in the "If I could write a letter to myself" style, what would my 1999 self be calling to say? A few thoughts:
Editor's note:
Leigh-Ann, my NABWW (New Age Barren Work Wife) says the following were missing:
Wow, why are you so fat and out of shape?
What do you mean you have credit card debt?
YOU NO LONGER DRINK DR. PEPPER?!?
I see your housekeeping prowess hasn't improved.
Wait, you drive WHAT? (Contributed by Sara)
It is time to fully embrace reality.What would YOUR 1999 self say to you?
Editor's note:
Leigh-Ann, my NABWW (New Age Barren Work Wife) says the following were missing:
How awesome is it to still be with the man you love?
How does it feel to finally be a mom?
Do you enjoy being a homeowner?
Did you know you would love a work wife so much? ;)Hmm, an optimist amongst us.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
First Day of February
I'm feeling a tad off kilter. Nothing bad, nothing melodramatic, just off kilter.
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