Bathing SUIT UP!

Just thought I'd show you my new bathing suit for the season.  I love the way Old Navy bathing suits fit me, especially the bottoms.  They're not too tight which may create an unfortunate side spillage situation, if you know what I mean.  And I've been sporting the bandeau tops for the past since my junior year of college...thinking tthey were a bit more mature then the tiny triangle tops I used to wear.  Wow...I can't believe its been that long!  I LOVED this paisley pattern on the navy.  Of course they didn't have my sizes so I waited patiently for them to re-stock online.  They did and it came in the mail this week.  With temperatures being in the 80's this coming Saturday and me living close to a beach, I'll be donning my new suit in a few short days.  Not sure I've been doing the Shred enough to sport this little beauty, but hopefully no one will notice...

Eat, Pray, Love

I know I'm a little behind reading this popular book, but I just finished reading it yesterday. 

While Gilbert and I do not agree on theologically, I found the book to be quite the good read.  I love her honesty as she shares life struggles and intimate thoughts with her readers.  And she definitely makes me want to quit my job and travel the globe for a year.  I think my favorite journey was Italy.  Probably because I love to eat and the food sounded so fabulous!  For me, Richard was the best part of India: everyone needs at least one friend that loves you, picks on you, and tells you like it is.  And Bali: it sounds so lucious and enchanting...and her lover doesn't sound too bad either!

If you haven't read it either, I'd recommend it.  I'm excited to see the movie with Julia Roberts this summer!

Later razors

Has anyone out there ever used Veet?  Or am I the only one? 

It all started because I dislike shaving, yet recognize it is a service to myself, others, and society at large to perform this unwanted chore.  It seems as though I've actually gotten worse at it over the years - accidentally missing patches and what not.  However, over the past few months I started cutting myself a lot more than I should.  A two inch chunk of skin being removed from my shin and too much blood for my taste left me considering other options.  I decided that Veet would be my best alternative. 

I've used it a few times and I have to say that I'm liking it.  You just slather it on like lotion, wait 5-10 minutes and its gone!  It doesn't hurt and I'm pretty sure you can't injure yourself in the process. 

Quest for the Weekend

I'll be heading to the hottest place on earth after work today, also known as Columbia: the concrete jungle.  My friend and old roommate Mary is getting married and I'm excited to celebrate her nuptuals.  It will be fun to see lots of friends I don't get to see very often.  Including Cameron!  AND I'll be staying with one of my best Columbia friend's Mary Glenn.  Let's just say we always seem to have a good time...and lots of times that includes stuffing our faces with Blue Cheese Chips and 14's. 

But I'm also on a quest to find a Chicken Man painting for a gift.  He paints these fabulous chickens and other assortment of creatures, and is known all over Columbia.  He travels with all of his paintings in a truck/trailer thing that is completely painted in chickens.  So, its fairly hard to miss him...but I don't know where he's been setting up shop lately.  Have you seen him lately? 

Chicken. Pollo. Poulet.

I didn't grow up in one of those houses that tends to eat chicken every night.  In fact, I only remember eating chicken at home if it was fried, if mom made a whole Greek chicken, or in chicken divan.  But post Presbyterian, I found myself eating chicken.  A lot. 

While there are many things you can do with chicken, I think it's imperative to have juicy, not-too-dry chicken.  My method is pretty fool-proof: marinate or season the boneless, skinless chicken breast to your liking.  Pre-heat the oven to 350 and get an oven-proof skillet HOT on the stove.  Put a drop or so of olive oil in the pan sear the chicken on both sides (so just a smidge on each side), then pop it in the oven for 10-20 minutes depending on the size of the chicken.

BUT once again The Barefoot Contessa has put me to shame.  I love Ina: her food, her house, her table settings, and I find her husband Jeffrey fabulous as well.  Her way to make chicken is by far the juiciest way to eat a chicken breast.  And its cheaper!  Buy bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (alwasy cheaper than boneless, skinless).  Pre-heat the oven to 350, drizzle a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper on the skin.  45 minutes later you can remove the skin* and remove from the bone.  This chicken is perfect in recipes, shreds really well, and can be eaten as is.  If you want more flavor, just add seasoning under the skin.  It's so simple and so delicious.

* I can never bear to throw away all the skin and find myself eating at least 1/2 of it.  It just tastes SO good!Don't judge.

To Jort or Not to Jort?

...that is NOT the question.  I decided about two months ago, that I should get a pair of jorts (yes, I can't believe it either!). But the question is:

Rolled up jorts?

or

Cut off jorts?

What you YOU think?  There is a poll to the right where you can vote!

One Crazy Saturday: Part 2

I still had more things on my to-do list for the day so we headed to Northwoods Mall (its like going to a different country), where mom looked for some things and I exchanged my Proactiv. This is a funny story as well, but should be saved for another day.

I talk mom into hitting up Best Buy with me to help me look for a TV before she heads home. They had a 26" Dynex for $300, which is the BB brand, but I didn't feel quite enough comfortable to buy it. Oh well. I decide to go to HHGregg on my way home, but mom is all tuckered out and decides to head on back to good ole Mt. P. I walk into HHGregg and what do you know? They have a 32" Samsung for $350! A bigger TV and better TV for $42 more than I was planning to spend way back when in Wal-Mart. I call mom and she turns around because she, too, was looking for a TV. A nice chat with our sales guy later, mom and I each bought a TV.

I swung by Barberitos for a burrito to go and walked in the door of my house at 8:00 pm. Yes, that's 10 hours after I met mom! I took a well needed shower and then headed to meet Shannon (Who was in town...yay!) and AV out. I'm not sure the following words will do this story justice but I'm really hoping they do!

Upon walking into Locals in Mount Pleasant, I didn't know what to expect. After just a few minutes, I quickly realized it was the most similar thing to the Alpha Sig frat house at Presbyterian College I have ever seen. Down to the DJ, light show, and the dancing...oh the dancing. Now, I'm not one to shy away from a dance floor, but this evening it was much more fun to watch. To say there was grinding may be putting it mildly. There were lots of characters, including, in no particular order, a man that resembled Hagrid from Harry Potter, surfer-like-guidos, and some outfits that should have been left hanging in the closet. Older folks may have been to shy or not quite enough nimble for the dance floor had no qualms about grinding with their partner in their chairs. I'm not going to lie, there were many, many times I found myself laughing.

And what evening would be complete without playing a few rounds of flip cup? On the bar. In (plastic) shot glasses with beer and water (I was the DD). With a new-found friend. Yet nothing could have prepared me for the highlight of the evening. There was a mid-to-heavyset man in his 50's wearing jeans and a red golf shirt. Towards the end of our stint there he starts lifting up his shirt and rubbing his belly. (Are you visualizing? No, it was no appropriate!) Then he just took the shirt off completely. Wow. The next thing I know home skillet has unzipped and pulled his jeans down. They are down around his ankles. HE IS STANDING IN A BAR, DANCING AROUND, IN NOTHING BUT HIS TIGHTY WHITIES!!! Oh, how I wish this could be on YouTube for the hilarity.

All in all, our time at Locals was time well spent. The bartenders were excellent, quick to serve, and super friendly. And while the kitchen was closed by the time we were hungry, I hear they have fabulous food and some say they serve the best sushi in Charleston.*

Being the hungry ladies that we were, we headed off to Huddle House. Now, to say I am a fan of the Waffle House is an understatement. But this was my first time eating at a Huddle House and I was quite pleased. Our waitress was great and I got biscuits and gravy. (1) they were delicious (2) last time I checked, these are not on the WaHo menu. As we were enjoying our meal, our waitress brought over a side of sausage, "Courtesy of the gentlemen at the table behind you." What?!?! Now, getting a drink in a bar is one thing, but getting meat -- that's my kind of gift! Now, this was not your ordinary breakfast sausage, this was like grilled summer sausage and it was fabulous!

Since we were out in Mt. Pleasant and my small group started at 9 the next morning in Mt. Pleasant, I decided to stay at mom and dad's house. Good thing! Since our evening wrapped up a bit after 2 am. It was a long and jam-packed day, but all in all, quite a fabulous day!

* As it turns out, my dad ate there a few weeks ago and raved about the sushi and pork sandwich sliders.

One Crazy Saturday: Part 1

The day started out when I met mom in West Ashley at 10:00 am. I had a bunch of errands to run and invited her to come along. I also owed her lunch for doing my taxes and Saturday was the dat to pay (a great deal for me!). After perusing Stein Mart (where we met up), we headed to GDC Home and picked up some fabric for my HLP. We then hit up one mall and proceeded on to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, where I needed to pick up several wedding and shower gifts. Next on our list was Sams and Wal-Mart...because I was finally ready to make the big girl purchase of a TV! Wal-Mart had a 26" Vizio for $308 and I was sold. Of course they were out of stock, but the lovely sales girl called another store and told us they had two.

So Rivers Avenue (North Charleston) would be our next area of errands. But not before lunch at a mutual favorite Zaxby's. Can't beat the Big Zack Snack Pack! Yum!

You may remember that one of my dear friends, Jenn, is getting MARRIED! She's been letting me help work on some of the wedding details and it has been so fun! I was looking for some of the items we'd been discussing, so a trip to AC Moore was in store. Mom and I were pretty much hilarious (if you have met my mother, this is not hard to imagine) making up a mock table-scape (anyone else think of Sandra Lee? ) for the reception. Mom made a friend and insisted on getting her opinion as well. Mom tends to make friends wherever she goes and Saturday was no exception. We got out of AC Moore with the items we'd set out to purchase (mom even got Jenn 30% on some items just because she's a smooth talker with sales folks).

We head out to the car to load up all the items before hitting up Wal-Mart to pick up my TV. As I'm putting lots of wedding goodies in my trunk, I'm shuffling around all the gifts I'd purchased earlier. Somehow my keys were dropped and then before realizing it my truck was slammed shut. THEN I realize it. Mom, we may have a problem -- keys in the trunk. For the next little bit Mom and I tried all of our options:

1. Pop the trunk open. This, of course, is broken. I never use it anymore and only use my key to get into the trunk. Dad realized it when he and I were washing my car last month, but I didn't get it fixed. Nor did I/do I plan to...but clearly mom disagreed there.
2. I happen to keep my spare clicker in the car for when I used to go walking, etc. around Clemson. My clicker does not have a trunk button. Awesome.
3. Fold down the backseats in my car to get to the trunk. I can't make the button press down to pull the seat down. Neither can mom. Neither can the huge man in the truck watching us act a fool. Turns out there is a safety mechanism and something inside the trunk is locked hence we cannot fold the seats down.
4. Mom asks if I have one of those hidden spare keys things on my car.  I do not because they always fell off my old car...I went through several before giving up.  Of course mom and dad use them and they don't fall off their cars.
5. Dad is fishing an hour north of Mt. Pleasant so he's pretty much out of pocket. Great.
6. Call AAA to have them send a locksmith. Mom called them and they tell her they can't open a trunk, but only car doors because they go in through the window.
7. Mom refuses to call a friend and ask them to drive all the way out to North Charleston and help us get back to her car in West Ashley.
8. One of my roommates is out of town. The other was in a bar.

We decide to cool off in the Wal-Mart and I can at least buy/put my TV on hold. Wait, they don't have any in the store. In fact they tell me they're not selling this TV anymore. They realize I'm in a bit of a tizzy (read steps 1-7) and are super sweet. They called the James Island, both Mt. Pleasant, and Goose Creek (like I know where that is) stores to check for me. Nope. None of them carry this TV. And, no, there is not a comparable one in there.

Around this time mom gets the brilliant idea of calling a cab. So we do. Mom asks how much cash I have.  Answering $0 was icing on her cake.  He showed up and offered a flat rate (which turned out to be cheaper). $24 later mom and I were at her car in West Ashley. We then drove to my house in James Island, got our spare key, and retrieved my spare car key. Then we made the treck back to North Charleston...and mom stopped by the liquor store on the way to replenish her supply of Kaluah...because she would be needing a drink when she finally made it home. The keys were found and all was settled. Please note that it took around 3 hours from the time I realized my mishap until we the keys were back in my hand.

 
...to be continued...

Yum!

Yesterday I went home early due to a horrid sinus headache.  After several hours resting on the couch it went away...yet still didn't feel like I was running at full capacity.  I digress...  While I was craving Five Guys (man, they are so good!), I decided to eat in -- using my leftovers and what I had around the pantry -- being thriftier and healthier.  I started by boiling some lentils.  Then I sauteed some garlic in olive oil.  Added the rest of the spinach leaves from my salad diet.  Not having pine nuts, I tossed in some sunflower seeds.  Once the lentils were boiled (around 25 minutes), I drained them and added the spinach mixture, balsamic vinegar, and a good bit of shredded parmesan cheese.  

Overall, I was quite pleased with the way it turned out!  It may look like a hot mess, but it tasted better than it looks.

Rabbit Food

Sometimes after I've been eating too much unhealthy (aka: delicious) food I feel the need to scale back a bit.  This doesn't happen too often...maybe a few times a year.  I call it the "salad diet" and eat a salad for one meal for a week.  If nothing else, it makes me feel better about my food choices.  For that week anyway...

This week is a salad diet week.  And I've actually really enjoyed it!

• Spinach leaves
• Raw broccoli
• Blackened chicken (my version)
• Craisins
• Giant white beans
• Balsamic vinegar

In lou of croutons, I've been eating some whole wheat crackers or flax seed tortilla chips with the salad.  Can't beat it.

Family Photos

Does it get any more awkward than this? 

More?!?!

Earthquakes.  More in Chile! California!

After Turkey, Chile, and who could forget Haiti?!?

I'm not one to think about the end times too much...but it's hard not to wonder when the earth seems to be developing a bad case of the shakes lately.

I'm reminded of Joe Dirt (a shout out to Courtney and our freshman year): Where you want to be when Jesus comes back?

And seriously reminded of scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Here Comes the Sun

As I eagerly await Spring and warm sunny days and beach trips, I am very excited that daylights savings time began this weekend!  I LOVED that it was JUST getting dark when I got home last night a bit before 8:00 pm.  It just feels like you  have more time in the day! 

It is well worth the missed hour of sleep!  Even though it  made it a smidge harder to get out of bed this morning, especially since it was still black outside when I awoke at 6:30...

27! Recap

All in all, I have to say that 27 was a GREAT birthday!

Wednesday night, I had supper with mom and dad to celebrate. On my day of birth, I went out for supper with my friends Lindsey and Jane Harper.  We ate at this down-home Cuban restaurant that has live bluegrass on Thursday nights.  The food was great, the company awesome, and the night was complete when the band sang Happy Birthday to me and another 3.11 birthday patron.  So fun! 

Also, my office usually does dessert for someone's birthday. But I gave desserts up for Lent (that's another post) and so they were so sweet and thoughtful. My boss took Dannon Light & Fit yogurt and put it in a casserole dish with fresh blueberries, strawberries, and blackberies. AND had "Happy Bday" written out in blueberries. So thoughtful! So yummy!

Today I am getting off work early!  And heading to Charlotte to celebrate all of my 27 years AND all of Shannon's 27 years with some of my best lady friends. [Sad you can't make it, Mary Alice!  We'll miss you!] We'll be eating a lot, drinking in moderation, and being oh so very merry!

Just to give you a sample of how much we like food...our Saturday brunch will consist of: rotel cheese grits, bacon, blueberry coffee cake, ham & bacon biscuit things, fruit, and mimosas, of course! We will also be enjoying homemade dinner by the lovely Mary Anne, lots of yummy snacks, and trying out Gatorpagne. In a word, I'm EXCITED!

I'm not sure how powerful "positive thinking" is, but I will say that this was the best birthday I've had in a long time...I just feel good with where I am in life.  And if deciding to be jazzed up about my birthday (way back in December/January) played a role in that, then way to go brain!

27!

Today I am 27. I'm officially in my late 20's (27-29). I figured I'd dread this birthday so I decided way back yonder that I'd be excited about it. It's still early, but so far, so good. Another year older, another year wiser? Not sure about the last part... The idea of being in my "late 20's" is hard. Not because I feel different, but because if I stop and think about my life, I start to question it...I'm not where I assumed I'd be by now. And that is better than ok. Because I'm not in control and God's plans far outweigh my own.

Quite frankly I'm enjoying my life right now. Sure, I don't have my dream job right now...but it may come one day and I'm content where I am right now. Sure, I'm not married...but so many times I'm super thankful to be single! The older I get, the more I enjoy being single (and the more I want to be married...ha!). I don't have kids right now...and for that I am glad. I like my freedom too much. So if dream jobs, marriage, and kids are in my future -- bring it on! But today, I'm good with what I have. And that is a GREAT feeling.


And even though I'm 27, the conversation that took place in Wal-Mart with my mom last night is still not ok with me:

EA: I need to buy a personal product and don't want to hear anything from you about it.
Mom: Condoms?
EA: Ah...no. (Walking away...)

Crazy Love

I haven't finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan, but it is so good! I've got about 45 or so more pages to go...it has really challenged me and I think is a book that I'll need/want to read over and over again as the years go by.

A few of my favorite passages:

Don't we live instead as though God is created for us, to do our bidding, to bless us, and to take care of our loved ones? Psalm 115:3 reveals, "Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him." Yet we keep questioning Him: "Why did you make me with this body instead of that one?" "Why are so many people dying of starvation?" ... The answer to each of these questions is simply this: because He's God. He has more of a right to ask us why so many people are starving (33).

Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of whats happening in our lives.
Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, and our tight grip of control.
Basically these two behaviors communicate that its ok to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional (42).

Would you be willing to pray this prayer? God bring me closer to You during this trip, whatever it takes...(133).

There are also these pretty cool videos:
http://www.crazylovebook.com/videos_awe.html
http://www.crazylovebook.com/videos_stop.html

Dust

Now, I'm the first to say that I think some aspects of Christiandom are cheesy.  If you asked me to sit down and watch a Christian video, I'm sure I'd toss some sarcastic remark your way.  However, my sarcastic-laden butt was flipped upside down this past Sunday.  I recently joined a ladies small group -- it is composed of women younger than me, my aged gals, a few ladies in their late 30's/early 40's and one sweet 60 year old female that lives in cottage!  So fun!  Anyway, this past Sunday we watched this Rob Bell video.  It was awesome -- the message, the graphics, the whole thing.

I learned a lot.  Go Rob Bell!  I found the video in two parts on YouTube.  I really encourage you to check it out.



It seems the second part has Portugese subtitles...



So...what did you think?

Bling

One of my dearest friends in the whole world got engaged this past Saturday! There really isn't any way I could be happier for her (and Ryan)!

I (somewhat randomly) moved in with Jenn just out of college. It was a challenging transition period for me...and that may be putting it mildly. I missed college A LOT and spent months adjusting to the real world. Jenn walked me through it and we became close friends. Since then, she's become one of my best friends. She makes me laugh, lets me pick on her, is someone I can call and I know she'll listen to me, she prays for me, she encourages me, she shows me more of who God is. She and I are geared towards different things and it is really fun to learn about the things that she enjoys (yet I don't...or wouldn't naturally).

After a rough season in her life, the Lord brought this guy, Ryan, into her life. They started dating and after a few dates, we had this converation:

Me: Jenn, when am I going to meet him?!?!
Jenn: I guess Mary's wedding? (End of March).
Me: I feel like you might be engaged by then and I HAVE to meet him before you get engaged!
Jenn: Yeah...ok, what about when you have Martin Luther King off?
Me: Perfect.

We met and it was fun. They continued to date...and I figured he'd ask her parents when they were at her parent's house for her birthday. He did. I figured he'd propse the first weekend in March. He did!

What I didn't figure was him letting me be involved...you know, since we don't really know each other that well. To be honest, tears are coming as I write this. I truly felt HONORED to be a part of the engagement planning (even talking on the phone with Ryan and emailing and it was so fun to be a part of!)...AND getting to be their on their special day.

Here was the game plan: Jenn's Ryan had her friends Ryan & Anna lure them to Charleston, so they could meet her Ryan. They got to Charleston, went to supper, hung out, and spent the night with Ryan & Anna. Then EARLY Saturday morning Ryan woke Jenn up and drove her to the beach.

Per Ryan's request, Nicole and I were hiding and taking pictures of their engagement. It was so fun and so special to be a part of their special day.  Then we surprised Jenn once again by having his and her families at lunch later in the day!  Such a fabulous day.  Loved loved loved it!!

Follow Up

So Tasty Thursday still turned out tasty, but there were a few hiccups along the way!

First off, the James Island Piggly Wiggly is right on my way home, therefore, it is where I buy food. However, it does not have all the things I'd like to purchase. i.e. they were out of brussels sprouts yesterday. So I opted for broccoli and made this:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/parmesan-roasted-broccoli-recipe/index.html

It was, perhaps, the best broccoli I've ever had...if I do say so myself. And the curry chicken tasted great, too! But here's what went down in the kitchen in order to have this good meal.

The broccoli required the oven to be at 425. No big deal...but what is that smoke you wonder? Oh, it is my two cast iron frying pans in the oven (with grease)*. Normally this isn't a problem when you heat the oven to 350, but I guess 425 was too much for these bad boys with nothing in them cooking. Smoke detector going nuts. Turn it off, remove pans, and continue cooking.

The whole grain rice is cooking, the broccoli is in the oven, the onions have been sauteed for the chicken curry. Now I'm sautéing the chicken and I notice the smoke. At first I think it is the smoke from before. I think this for quite a while, actually, until I remove the chicken from the pan and realize the spices have burned on the bottom of the pan. Blerg! Now there is smoke everywhere!  The fire alarm is going off again!

I remove the pan as quickly as possible and try to salvage the non-burned onions. In doing so I put the pan on the butcher block. Then transfer the goodies into another frying pan and continue cooking. I grab the original pan to move to the sink and realize it has left a black burn mark on the butcher block. Don't worry, my roommate that owns the house, yeah, her dad made that block. Praise the Lord it wasn't on her (dad made and gorgeous, yet unfinished) butcher block counters. Such a mess...

A few fans and open doors later and the smoke finally cleared. The meal was completed. And 20 or so minutes later the fiance and the other roommate arrived home. Let's be honest, an ice cold Blue Moon was well deserved! I think that people cook differently in different kitchens, with different pans...after several mishaps in this kitchen, I'm not sure if this one is the best for me.

* I think that all good Southern cooks keep a cast iron skillet or two. The great ones keep bacon grease in theirs. Just another way I am my mother's daughter.

Tasty Thursday

I'm cooking supper tonight for my roommates and Rob (the fiance).  One dish I've made before and one will be a new adventure for me tonight.  I made the chicken curry in Raleigh and it was awesome and easy to make.  I'm branching out for the side dish and making brussels sprouts.  I've never even eaten these before...so not only do I hope they turn out well, I hope that I like them!

Chicken Curry in a Hurry Recipe

http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/005132chicken_curry_in_a_hurry.php 

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp corn, grapeseed, or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1/3 cup golden raisins (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow curry powder, or to taste
• 4 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves (1 to 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 cup sour cream
• Minced fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Method

1. Put the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the onions (and optional raisins), sprinkle with some salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, sprinkle with half of the curry powder, and continue to cook a minute or two.
2. Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle it with the remaining curry powder. Move the onion to one side of the skillet and add the chicken in one layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add the sour cream and stir constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is nice and thick. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple more minutes, or until cooked through, turning once.
4. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with rice. - I use dried cilantro because that's what I have and serve with whole grain rice.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe2/index.html

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• I think I'm going to add a bit of garlic and parm cheese.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut off the brown ends of the Brussels sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves. Mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to brown the sprouts evenly. Sprinkle with more kosher salt ( I like these salty like French fries), and serve immediately.
3. I think I'm going to add parm. cheese to them when they come out of the oven.

Anonymous Quote

Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown.

I read this quote on page 115 of The Shack. I don't have anything wise or fabulous to say about this quote other than I like it. A lot. And, I think it's so true.

(Last) Friday Funny

Warning: This post is for females and mature males. If you're grossed out, sorry.  But, I warned you.


Thank you, God, for g-chat and the help and humor it provides throughout the day.  A conversation with my good friend Maggie last Friday afternoon:
me: so would you like to hear about an awkward situation?
Maggie: omg I would love to!
me: haha ok
so i work in a house did you know that?
there are 7-8 of us here
and today 3
and the bathrooms/plumbing are old b/c its an old charleston house
Maggie: natch
me: so theres one bathroom that several girls use
men happen to have private bathrooms in their offices
Maggie: wow
fancy pants
me: insert = offices are what used to be bedrooms at one point
haha
so i just used the bathroom and as i was leavng i noticed that my tampon didnt flush. but the toilet paper did. so i flushed again...still didt go down.
awkward
i couldnt stay in ther any longer
and just keep flushing the toilet
but they always go down, maggie
what do you think i should do?
Maggie: ok are there any other females there today
me: email the only other girl thats here? go back in like 45 min?
Maggie: would she typically use that restroom?'
me: yes
Maggie: ok so you've come out obvs
how long has it been?
me: like 5 min
just b/c i chatted you
Maggie: I'd go back
try again
me: well the only reason i dont want to is b/c wayne the male here is right there...
and he always talks to me when i come out
Maggie: omg this is so awkward
does wayne ever get up/
me: the bathroom is right at his office door
Maggie: would you know if he did?
me: yes
i'll listen for that!
ok good...
Maggie: also maybe the next time you go back you could take an out of order sign
just in case
so that way you would't have to go back again
me: haha true
Maggie: if it still doesn't go down
maybe you should email your female coworker and be like hey I was having trouble with the bathroom earlier I'd use a diff one
me: yeah
me: ok i emailed:

Stacy,

I have to be honest with you. As I was leaving the restroom earlier I noticed that my, ahem, feminine product, did not flush. So I waited a minute, flushed again...and still nothing. Damn the old pipes in this house! :) I kind of panicked b/c I didn't want Wayne to think I was creepy or something. So I wanted to give you a heads up to either (a) use another restroom next time you need to go (b) not be shocked. The good thing is that I go to the bathroom a lot (thanks water!) and will most likely rectify this situation before it involves you.

Sorry!
ea

her response:

EA,


OMG...you crack me up! I can' t stop laughing. Fortunately for you, I grew up in a really old house that didn't have adequate water pressure so you never knew what you were going to find in the toilet. I'm sure I can handle it. Thanks for the heads up :)


I'm still laughing.....

Have you read it?!?

I feel as though I’m the last Christian to read this book, even though I know it’s not true. I purchased The Shack in November 2008 with the intention of reading it over my Christmas break (remember when I went to grad school and had a Christmas break again?!?! It was awesome.). I was having a hard time with the Lord and thought reading this book would “fix” that. I remember talking to one of my dearest friends, Leigh Stuckey, about it – sharing my hopes for this book to restore me in my faith. And also sharing with her how I’d read the forward and was not impressed in the least. So I never made it to Chapter 1.

Well I’ve been on a reading kick lately and decided to give it another try. I’d heard it was awesome and that you can “look past the iffy theology”. Having been around conservative, reformed Christians* since my early college years, I was not surprised by this type of comment. However, I was surprised when I devoured The Shack and LOVED it. And honestly, I think I learned more “good theology” from this book than any conservative, reformed, “right” conference or talk or sermon I’ve ever heard. Perhaps that makes me less deep than others, but if this is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

For me, William Young captures the heart of Christianity and humanity and God more than anything else I’ve ever read. Period. He brilliantly tells a tale that made me fall more in love with Jesus. I don’t want to share details, in case you have not read the book, but I would highly encourage you to give it a whirl. It’s not often that I re-read books, but I think I’ll be re-reading this one for years to come.

* I, too, am reformed in my theology and consider myself to be conservative in my theology. Not trying to dog anyone…