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Blog Update:

Have you ever tried to "Follow" my blog by email?  Like, in the area on my blog page that says "Follow by Email"?  And after you typed in your email address, did you NEVER receive an email?

Well, I was just playing around with my site and realized an error with that feature!  If you ever put your email address in there, it was signing you up for another blog that I never post too. 

So, I just fixed it!  If you want to follow my blog by email, go ahead, enter your email address.  I promise it will work this time!

And, I promise to bring more posts on my Italy Trip.  I am just holding off until the New Year!

I hope you all have an amazing New Year!  Don't forget to eat your black eye peas!

Speaking of black eyed peas, every year, I make Black Eyed Pea Salsa.  It's the perfect dish to snack on while you try to cure your hangover.  You can make it a day in advance, so all you have to do on New Year's day is warm it up in the microwave!  I've included the recipe below, so try it out and let me what you think!



Black Eyed Pea Salsa

Ingredients:

·      1 cup rice

·      2 cans black eyed peas (drained)

·      1 can rotel tomatoes

·      1 tsp cumin

·      Cilantro

·      Lime juice

A word to the wise, I've tried making this recipe with spicy rotel, and it was not good......I love love love spicy food, but save yourself the trouble and go with regular rotel!

Directions:

1.      Cook rice according to instructions.  (I use my rice cooker!)

2.      Combine black eyed peas, rotel and cumin with rice in a saucepan and heat throughout.

3.      Add cilantro and lime juice.  Serve warm.

ARE YOU READY?

Hell, yes! Damn Right!
Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty
Who the hell are we, Hey!
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
OLE MISS BY DAMN!

Opps, normally, when we go to an OLE MISS football game, I cheer their school chant as loud as I can.  "Ole Miss by Damn". 

But, this year when we head to Oxford, MS, I will NOT be cheering on Ole Miss.  I'll be YELLING for my Aggies!  You see, A&M left the Big 12 Conference for the SEC, which makes the Hubs and me rivals.  I am super excited for next season and will pray every day until then that the Aggies get it together.

Dear Ags,
Please don't embarrass me this year.  Please beat some SEC teams so that all the "haters in Haterville" (thank you NeNe Leaks for that quote) will stop talking about how we are going to get stomped next year.

Also, I will be at the Bowl Game on Saturday.  Please beat Northwestern.  Pretty Please?!

Love,
Me

2012 Texas A&M Football Schedule
Date	Opponent	Location	Time
Sat, Sep 01	McNeese State	College Station	TBA
Sat, Sep 08	Florida *	College Station	TBA
Sat, Sep 15	SMU	Dallas, TX	TBA
Sat, Sep 22	Either open date or non-conference opponent
Sat, Sep 29	Arkansas *	TBA	TBA
Sat, Oct 06	Ole Miss *	Oxford, MS	TBA
Sat, Oct 13	Either open date or non-conference opponent
Sat, Oct 20	LSU *	College Station	TBA
Sat, Oct 27	Auburn *	Auburn, AL	TBA
Sat, Nov 03	Mississippi State *	Starkville, MS	TBA
Sat, Nov 10	Alabama *	Tuscaloosa, AL	TBA
Sat, Nov 17	Either open date or non-conference opponent
Sat, Nov 24	Missouri *	College Station	TBA
*Conference Games

Italia, The ALPS

So, for the first part of our Italian vacation, we flew from Houston to Newark and then Newark to Munich, Germany.  From there, we rented a van and drove 3 hours South, into the Italian Alps, to San Vigilio for a night's stay at the beautiful Hotel Condor.  You see, my father-in-law's mother (my husband's grandmother "OMA"), was born in this small village and lived there until she married OPA and moved to the USA. 

Because the Alps had not yet received any snow, they were
busy making fake snow in order to be ready for the upcoming ski season.

My FIL's aunts and cousins still live there and own the Hotel Condor, which is a ski lodge.  When we arrived, the hotel had not yet opened for the season, so we were the ONLY ones staying there!  It was super cool and scary all at the same time!  The hallways were all dark and cold, but our room was nice and toasty.  The first thing I did was take a bath--which I needed after our long journey to Italy! 

San Vigilio is an incredibly charming town!  In this village, they speak German, Italian, and Ladinish.  (Ladinish is only spoken by about 30,000 people in just a few Northern Italian villages.)  So, when the hubs and I went to the local pub for a glass of vino, we used a lot of hand signs.

Since we landed in San Vigilio on Saturday night, we were able to go to Mass Sunday morning.  I was in awe of the beauty of the town's Chapel.  The service was delivered in Ladinish, so us Americans just spend our time trying not to look lost or fall asleep.  I wish I'd taken pictures of the church, but I decided against it....out of respect for God I guess.

After church, we went back to the Hotel Condor and enjoyed amazing lasagna while we visited with the family.  The family spoke in German (my FIL would translate for us), so I spent a lot of time drinking my wine and talking to the Hubs....and trying to figure out what everyone else was talking about.  I could say I spend 95% of the time doing this since English isn't widely spoken where we were.

My FIL and his cousin Conrad.
Conrad owns the Hotel Condor and will probably
answer the phone when you call!

After church and a quick lunch, we set off on our adventure to TUSCANY!  (Tomorrow, I will tell you all about our drive....it's quite the story!)

Out Sick

I had every intention of beginning to share my Italy trip with you today, but currently, I lool like this:

And I feel like I should be doing this:



But I'm at work, running some essential reports.  As soon as I'm done with these puppies, I plan on leaving and going home, to do this:

All I Want for Christmas

So, the Hubs keeps asking me what I want for Christmas.  Up until today, I didn't really have a list.  But in an effort to give the Mister a break and some solid direction, I've compiled a few of my wants this year! 

1. An Hermes Blanket, because I'm always cold.

2. Tory Burch brown riding boots, because I already have a black pair.

3. A Shoshanna Dress, because I love Shoshanna, it's be perfect for work, and it's on sale! (size 4)

4. A Spoon holder, because I'm tired of having to wipe food off the stove top.

5. A day at the Riviera Spa, because I could use a nice, relaxing break.  (Riviera Spa Escape Package)

6. This fabulous Coat from Cole Hahn, because I've had my eye on it forever--and it's on sale! (size small)

Dear Santa, I promise I've been EXTRA good this year!

Happy Happy Birthday Sky!

Today is my sister Sky's 8th birthday!  I remember the day you were born--you were my little monkey! 

You are beautiful, talented, and intelligent!  My favorite memory of you was the year you were a leopard for Halloween. You were only 2 and you'd run around going "Rahhhh" to everyone....even after Halloween was over.  And, I'll never forget that you are a "life-time member of the TIME OUT club". 

My Little K

Since I'm on the topic of birthdays, I want to say Happy Happy Birthday to my youngest sister, K!  1 week ago, she turned 6, and since I was in Italy, I was unable to blog.

This little girl brings so much joy to my life.  She's funny, smart, and a hoot to be around. One of my favorite memories of her was the first time she met my dog.  She looked at me and said, "What's your puppy's name?" to which I replied, "Sweden".  Then she said, "Oh, then I will call her Sweetie Pie."

Happy Birthday BFF

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Two days ago, my best friend turned 26.  Sorry for being a bad friend and not blogging on your actual day!  We've been friends for a very long time, and as I reflect on all the memories made, I must say that I'm so glad you are my friend!  20 years is a long time to know someone. 

We've done a lot of stupid things (remember when we ditched our frat dates on Bourbon Street, or the time we agreed to be on that tv show, or the time the cops showed up to that party and we all just turned out the lights and stood there still while they banged on the door, our fakes from Arkansas), had a lot of great times (hello Tabb, San Francisco Rose, Wing Dingers, and that time we ditched our frat dates on Bourbon Street), and have done a lot of living!

Summer time at the Rose

"Sarah, if you don't make this throw, we are no
longer friends."  She made it!

Before FIGI Island at UT

 

The Loon

My MOH--at the Rehersal Dinner

I'm so glad to call you my BFF.  Here's to another 20 + years!

Catching UP

Ciao Sweet Friends!  I am so sorry I've not blogged lately.  I've actually just returned from a 2 week trip in the Tuscany region of Italy!

It was wonderful and beautiful!  I can't wait to share all about it with you. 

This weekend, while the Hubs is on a Quail Hunt with the guys, I plan on decorating for Christmas. (That means I'll spend a large amount of time in Michaels buying more decor!)  Have you already decorated?  I feel like I'm a week behind!

While I catch up on work (and sleep and decorating), I wanted to leave you with these amazing images to help you get through the day! 

Source: google.com via Sharon on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Brandi on Pinterest

Source: camillaathome.blogspot.com via Lorinda on Pinterest

Source: luxeandlillies.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Happy Friday and Happy Holidays! 

Why don't you Pray about it?

A good friend of mine posted a quote on Facebook yesterday that stopped me in my tracks.

Source: spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com via Kati on Pinterest

Wow.  I was so convicted when I saw this! 

Let me preface this by saying that I love my family more than anything--blood is thicker than water.  And I am VERY protective of my family.  Even when we rarely fight, we always make up and love each other more than we did before.

But, something recently happened in my family that has really affected me.  (It doesn't even involve me directly.  But it's hurt someone I love so much that I've taken my stance and have drawn a line in the sand...and it's a FIRM, clear line, like the gold line in front of the Alamo that William B. Travis drew.)  This issue bothers me to no end and I just can't seem to get past it.  First, I was completely shocked--utterly shocked, then I was disgusted, then I was really sad, and now, I'm just hurt and angry.  It is insane how much the selfish actions of 1 person has hurt me.  I know, I know, forgive and move on, but I just can't get past this.

My girlfriends have spent hours talking about this with me and giving me advice on how to handle the situation, and for that, I'm extremely grateful.  But when I saw this quote, I realized I hadn't prayed about the issue as much as I probably should have.  To be honest, I bet if I had prayed about this enough, I'd probably be over it by now.  (Wishful thinking...)

So, thanks "C. Jojola" for sharing this quote with everyone--I really needed to be reminded that I can't handle things on my own.  (This is very hard for a TYPE A personality to admit.) 

So, it's back to the good Lord I go:

"Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done."        Philippians 4:6

Who Doesn't Love a Little GaGa

Have you heard about Barney's New York "Gaga's Workshop"?  Barney's has worked closely with Lady Gaga to design a range of exclusive, speical edition items which will be available for a limited time only at their "Gaga Workshop".  The workshop opens in 6 days, and for each of the 12 days leading up to the opening, Barney's has released (and will continue to release) a special "Gaga" product.

It's official, I'm "GaGa" for this "Diamond Teacup"!  But, at $65, I'll have to add it to my Christmas List and hope that Santa brings it! 

This teacup, with a "diamond" inside, honors the interview in which Gaga dropped a diamond-like rock into her cup and pulled it from her lips when she polished off her drink.

 I mean really, isn't it fabulous!  And what a conversation starter!  And technically, isn't it a piece of art?!  And since I want to begin to collect art, I need it!

Santa, (or anyone else who loves me and wants me to be happy), if you'd like to purchase this for me, just click right here!

Birthday Celebration

So, a few weeks ago, we celebrated my mom's 50th birthday!  I'd say it was quite a success! 

First, we ran a 5k at my elementary school.  Here we are waiting to receive our medals!  The hubs won 2nd place and I won 3rd place!

Then, all the siblings and I raced home to start preparing for brunch.  We had 50 helium balloons (one for each year of Mom's life) floating around the table!  I also made huge pink pompoms and hung them over the buffet!  My mom LOVED the decor when she walked in!

     

I also made little pompoms to act as napkin rings.  It was a painful process making all of them, but they looked great!



Speaking of painful processes--apparently I couldn't stop tourchouring!  I made these 2 poster boards with pictures of my mom over the years in the shape of her age- 50!  In order to get all of those pictures, I had to sneak over to my mom's house and practically steal all of the family photo albums.  Then, after sorting through the thousands of pictures and picking out the best ones, I went to Kinkos on my lunch break to copy them and then cut them to size.  I'm actually really glad I took the time to do this--my mom loved these boards more than anything.

 

Of couse, after brunch, we had cupcakes from the Cupcakery! 

Then, we watched as Mom opened our presents.  Paul and I got her the black Frye riding boots she'd been wanting for ever!  Best. Gift. Ever!

Later that evening, we'd made dinner reservations at Mom's favorite restaurant, Hatties!  Originally, I told her we couldn't get in--they were full.  So, she was soooooooooooo excited when we pulled up!  We all splurged and got martinis with the appetizers.  (My favorite martini at Hatties is the Sweet Iced Tea one.) 

Then, to close the evening, we went to the Belmont and enjoyed the fantastic view of downtown Dallas.  It was a long day, but it was sooooooo worth it. 

I'm glad 50 only comes around once!

Around My 'Hood - Cheers

So, remember watching episodes of "Cheers" and thinking "Man, when I get older, I hope there's a bar I can go to where everybody knows my name?"  Well, my friends, I am now proud to say that I've found that bar.  And no, it's not because I am at the bar a lot.  Everyone knows my name because it's in my 'hood---the 'hood I grew up in--so naturally, everyone I grew up frequents it. 

Friends, let me introduce you to Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House. 

Source: sidedish.dmagazine.com via Amelia on Pinterest

When I was growing up, this was a bar called the "Texas Trap".  There were no windows, and I'd always see bikers in the parking lot.  Boy what some windows can do for a place!

I find the name fitting because the hubs and I love to meet our good friends up there.  It's local, it's laid back, and it's not pretentious.  At. All.  Come as you are!  Last Sunday, we biked up there (for exercise, duh) and sat all sweaty on their great patio.  It was awesome.  As one of my friends put it, "@ Goodfriend.  Who needs Uptown?"  My thoughts exactly! 

Last night, we made the mistake of going up to Goodfriend just to say hello to one of our favorite couples, and ended up staying way to late.  It was worth it though.

Also, I ran into several friends that I hadn't seen in ages (some that I've grown up with since Kindergaten), so it was great to catch up with them as well.

I highly recommend visiting Goodfriend soon!  It's a great escape from city life!  Sit at the great Horse-shoe shaped bar, try the current beer on tap, and enjoy the company! 

Source: sidedish.dmagazine.com via Amelia on Pinterest

Also, get to know the bartenders!  They are from the area too!

So, if you look close enough, the guy sitting behind Dax's (bartender) right shoulder is kind of a big deal here in Dallas.  That is Tim Rogers, editor for D Magazine. 

Try it out and let me know what you think!  You never know who you'll run into up there.

Struggling with an Injury

So, if you actually *know* me, and I've talked to you in the past 6 months, you've probably hear me talk about not being able to run because my left knee starts hurting at about a mile in.  Sparking any memories of this coming out of my mouth??

My love of running began back when I was a Senior in high school.  On my lunch breaks, I'd go run a mile.  I remember how proud of myself I was once I was able to run 2 miles!  My love of running continued and by my Junior year, I'd run 6 miles 6 days a week, and 8 miles on the other day.....just because.  To be completely honest, while I liked running, I liked the way running made my legs looked more. 

My brother and I before a race. 

About to go for a final run in Sweden
--Junior year of college

Since graduating from college, I will admit that my running has fallen off.  I still loved to go run the lake on Saturday mornings (9 miles), but I wouldn't force myself to go run every day.  I was falling out of love with running.  This made me sad, but I was okay with it. 

When my husband and I bought our house close to the lake, I was so excited to really pick up my running again!  I'd run all over the neighborhood with my Springer Spaniel!  (No kidding, she would smile the whole time.)  One day back in early May, the hubs and I went for a run, just to the lake (probably 3 miles there and back) but once we got to the lake, it was so beautiful, we decided to just continue running around it.  That day, we ran 12 miles---it felt good.  It felt so good, in fact, that I went back to the lake that Wednesday after work to run another 9.  About mile 8, something happened, and I had a horrible pain on the outside of my left leg.  My Springer and I limped back to the car. 

Ever since then, I've not been able to run more than a mile without my leg hurting.  It was quite depressing.  I got angry.  "I'd just fallen back in love with running and now I am dealing with an injury!  No fair!" 

Well, after staying off of it for 6 months, I decided to run in the neighborhood Elementary's 5k.  (I am, afterall, really competitive, and I wanted to run with my husband so bad--and take home a medal!)  So, I ran it.  Fast.  And of course, about mile 1, my leg started to hurt.  But I couldn't stop; little kids were passing me and I didn't want them to think I was a quitter.  So, I kept on and finished (came in 2nd in my age group by the way), but I couldn't walk after that.  I had a horrible pain and I realized I'd done something bad...real bad.

Immediately, I made an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon, and met with him yesterday.  I was preparing myself for the whole "Ma'am, you are never going to be able to run again.  You will only be able to swim for exercise."  But, then, a glimmer of hope came when he told me what was going on.

I am suffering from IT Band Syndrome. 

The IT band runs from the hip to the knee.

I won't go into the nitty-gritty--go here for more info on it--but apparently, a lot of women my age suffer from it. 

I start physical therapy next week for it and I hope and pray that it heals fast.  I'm ready to get back out to the trails.  Please say a little prayer for me as well! 

I just texted my best friend and told her that as soon as I recover from this, I am running a marathon (with the proper trainning of course).

Dear legs and IT band, I promise to not take you for granted ever again.  Just please, please get better.