30 November 2013
29 November 2013
End of November Letter to the Reader
It's hard to believe that Christmas is only a few weeks away. The leftovers from Thanksgiving are being consumed as we speak. Holiday cheer is sprouting in every corner it can creep its way through. And here I am, only wanting to bake. I don't want to do homework. I don't want to clean. I don't even want to think about presents. I want to bake. Bake anything too. Right now I'm making an Eggnog Rum Bread that I found on someone else's blog (http://kneadtocook.com/eggnog-bread/).
But before I can move on to tell you about the yummy things I've made this week, I want to tell you about my Thanksgiving.
The last three weeks have been rough. I've been moody and tired because of the amount stress I feel like I've succumbed too. And yesterday, on Thanksgiving, it came to a head. I woke up with a horrible headache that quickly turned into a migraine that made it hard to focus. I couldn't just lay down to sleep because I had made plans to do the Pilgrims 5K with one of my closest friends, Ferren.
So here I was, forcing myself to get dressed for a run in the brisk November morning, drinking water like I'm never going to drink it again, and leaving the driveway headed south. Headlights were blinding to my now pounding head, my right eye was struggling to see anything. I thought to myself, I could probably crash right now because of this migraine. I hoped I wouldn't have a seizure from the sunlight peaking over the mountains allowing strobing (what seemed to be, although I'm sure that isn't what it was really doing) effects to occur in my car. I was so relieved when I finally pulled into the parking lot of the race so I could relax for 10 minutes.
I met up with Ferren, Ken, sweet little McKay, and Moniqua, Ferren's cousin. I put on my race day shirt, Ferren put on my timer chip, and we were set. It was cold, but it was bearable.
'What The Fox Says" came on and this was dear Ferren's reaction to it. It was quite funny actually.
After we took a couple of pictures together, we made our way to the start line.
When the gun was fired, as a giant mass of people, we dawdled towards the point of no return. Once we hit that timed mark, we were off.
We ran for probably 600 feet. Actually, I have no idea but it felt like a good distance. I had to walk. My brain was jiggling around in my skull and I was winded. Ferren and her cousin were kind enough to walk with me. Some people are just so patient and it means a lot to me that these two were with me. We did a walk, run, walk, run bit for awhile and then I just wanted to walk. It was hard to run on the path because it was very narrow, packed with people, and was a constant up and down. Moniqua got lost in the crowd, or should I say that I fell behind and Ferren stayed with me.
Ferren and I talked more than anything, which was needed. I don't get to spend time with her as often as I would like, so when we do it's like we have to get everything out to make up for lost time.
We made our way around the last bend of the race and ran like we were first place winners. And then I was a loser. It was pathetic, I was a horrible runner yesterday. I walked. But then we pushed for the end and finished in 50 minutes. HORRIBLE TIME! But I still had a good time.
After the race, we hung around drinking water and eating pumpkin cupcakes waiting for the awards to be announced. One person was able to complete the 3.2 miles in 19 minutes! A woman followed that time at 20 minutes. I can't imagine being able to do that but I guess I better figure out how I'm going to cut my time to under 30 minutes if we're going to do a 10K in the Spring.
This was our punishment for finishing the race in such slow time. It was kind of fun to pose and after the pictures, I realized that Ferren's sunglasses match her shoes.
Tom the Turkey
We meandered over to see Tom, above, and were surprised at the size of the turkey. He was in a large dog breed kennel. He looked kind of sad to me, set on display like a piece of art. But really, I didn't feel bad because I'm a straight up carnivore.
After that, it was time to go. I drove home like a maniac because I just wanted to relax my brain, yes I still had a migraine.
When I got home, I thought, "maybe a cup of coffee will help." I sat at the computer, drank a half cup of coffee and still felt like I couldn't function. I took a shower and laid down for a few hours.
The rest of the day was pretty relaxing, but the headache never left. I had aspirin and water and then I started feeling sick. By the time we made it home from visiting family, I was exhausted. Stick a fork in me, because I was done. I got ready for bed, then laid down. It wasn't long before I was sound asleep.
After a night's rest, I feel better today. I'm thankful I did the 5K and that I didn't eat myself into a daze of sickness and being bloated. Today is productive and I'm feeling rested enough that I can take on the world.
Happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays to all. December is about here and I'm ready to bake everything I can.
24 November 2013
Oh November, You're Zooming By
This month has been very chaotic. I had two nights in a row where I was so exhausted I went to bed well before 9 o'clock.
Somehow though, with as busy as it has been, we've still done quite a bit. Here's a quick run down before my Thanksgiving post.
After bunco, one of my manager's went on a cruise and will be gone for 3 weeks total. As happy as I am for her because she definitely deserves the vacation, it has put a lot of stress on me at work. I don't think it would have been so bad if there weren't over 15 people moving desks/offices. That has been a very stressful project to shepherd along besides having my other duties to take care of.
Rob and I went to see Ender's Game with Ken and Ferren. I was so happy to see them and the movie was good too. I wish I got to spend more time with them but it's hard with work and school ... life in general gets in the way. I was so glad that they invited us for a date night too. I think Rob and I needed that time together, outside of home, for a change.
I also had my cousin come for dinner one night, which was really nice. He just moved here to go to school and I'm very excited about this change for him. It's going to be a good thing for his future, no matter how much it might suck for him now.
I went to Natalie's mom's house to do crafts one day. That was tons of fun; it was just nice to get out of the house and spend time with another one of my favorite friends. I made a gigantic wreath for my door (which I'm not sure if I want to add to it or not), and Natalie and her mom made Christmas presents. I need to get on that. After Thanksgiving, Christmas just comes upon us toooooo freakin' fast. .
Ferren invited me to do the Pilgrim 5K at Thanksgiving Point and of course I said "YES!" I mean, look at the rad ass shirts! I'm kind of wishing though I would've been running since she asked me. This might be a really difficult 5K for me. At least I can walk like no one's business. I'm hoping that it's not 30 degrees that morning, but if it is, Ferren, I think we should wear masks over our faces so we don't die of cold on our noses and lungs. Bueno?
Besides all these things going on, I was able to cook quite a few meals. YAY, FOOD! I love you! I have posted 3 new recipes that I loved from the meals that I made that I think you should try. Let me know what you think.
XOXO for now!
09 November 2013
Bunco is Back
Last month, my bunco girls decided we would start playing bunco again. YAY!
Here is the story of the Friday Night Bunco Bitches Group.
A long time ago, 12 women got together to talk about doing something once a month to give them a break from their normal lives. And so it was done, these 12 women were going to play bunco (a dice game) one Friday a month.
They played for many years before inviting me to their group. I found what I needed emotionally from the group at the time that I started playing. But, catty attitudes and girl drama caused 5 of them to drop out suddenly.
We were left staggering with thoughts of frustration and feeling abandoned at the card table. A new player was introduced and we prevailed, although we were a smaller group.
For several more years, a few players came and went, but the core 6 players continued on with their traditional bunco ladies night. But then, a career changed the way the game was played. One player moved far, far away and we were left with only 7 players.
More cattiness and girl drama took place, leading another player to quit.
We were down to 5 players before we knew it, not really enough to fill the tables and play the game. It was then we knew that it was time to quit playing.
We tried to continue with ladies night by doing a recipe club. It was quite apparent though that the recipe club did not hold the same thrill and commitment that bunco did for each player.
The struggle to get together once a month lasted a year and it was clear what the outcome of recipe club was going to be. Starting bunco again had to be done if we wanted to continue getting together.
We rolled the dice, asked a few people to play, and had our first game in a year last night.
Only one new player joined the group, leaving us to play with a ghost every time. It's nice to be playing again regardless of the small group and nontraditional way of playing bunco. It was fun to be back at the table yelling at dice, screaming bunco, and just generally being obnoxious again.
I won the boobie prize last night, which
was an awesome prize BTW! See picture at the end of the post.
Our host picked out some great Christmas
decorations which made me realize that I have two weeks before Thanksgiving and
only a few more weeks after that is Christmas. I gotta get my Christmas
shopping done. But I digress.
Bunco was fun and it is nice to get back to the original ladies night!
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| Bunco Boobie Prize |
06 November 2013
Posting Recipes
Check out my new pages on the sidebar! I'm going to start posting recipes I make. CIAO!
04 November 2013
Visiting Dad
This July, Rob and I flew down to Texas to spend a few days with my dad. I wish I could have stayed longer and yet I was so relieved to come home. That trip was so hard on me. I love my dad and I've stood by him through so much but seeing my dad is hard. I can read how he is feeling even if he isn't saying much. It's like his emotions vibrate off of him and I happen to be on the same wavelength they are on and pick them up. It kind of sucks because I can't pretend that I don't know, I do know. I hope that I do get to visit with him again this year, just maybe not in Texas in the middle of summer. That was just too warm for me.
We had a barbecue one of the nights we were there. At this barbecue we did not eat your regular, old food. Instead my cousin Tyler and my dad's friend Toni had a seasoning contest for the alligator we were going to eat. Tyler has his own style of Cajun but Toni is from Louisiana and whipped up some outstanding Cajun flavoring for her alligator. Either way, both were fantastic in their own way.
We also had frog legs that were good, but chewy and tasted very fishy. I don't know that I would ever order these or eat them again.
Besides alligator and frog legs, we had bacon wrapped asparagus and stuffed jalapenos which I could eat that stuff every day. Yum yum in my tum tum!
Frog Legs
Tyler's Seasoned Alligator Strips
Toni's Traditional Cajun Spiced Alligator Strips
Stuffed Jalapenos and Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
We also went around downtown Galveston to check stuff out. We went to The Elissa and toured that boat.
Here's a link to Wikipedia about the ship:
The museum next to the ship was nice, but that was because it was air conditioned. It was just too hot, we were soaked with sweat after taking the quick tour of the ship.
We also walked all around downtown, which I had talked about previously. Let me just post some pictures and then I'll wrap this post up.
Streets of Galveston, Texas
Sidewalk Chess Game in Action
Sidewalk Chess Board Up Close
Inside the Pirate Museum
Pirates!
A Clothing Store and Bar Combined. What the...???
Inside the Moody Mansion
Inside Bishop's Palace
Bishop's Palace
My Dad's Dog - Konk!
This last picture I'm posting is one that I will have to keep forever. It's my dad and I at the beach looking happy. I think this was a bittersweet moment for us. We both know how much things have changed, and yet we are both still trying so hard to be strong for each other. I've tried to stay strong for my dad, to be his support system when it seemed like he had no one to lean on. He's still trying to be the strong dad for me. I think we are forgetting to just let things be and let go of the things that have hurt us. They will only keep hurting us if we continue letting them.
One thing though, we both loved the beach that day and it was hard to leave.
Rob and I came home that the next morning feeling completely exhausted. The trip had highs and lows and it's always hard to say goodbye to your parents. I hope that I can see my dad again soon and hope that he will be feeling better too.
02 November 2013
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
I just wanted to post really fast about the pumpkin decorating contest that the University Credit Union hosted.
A colleague and I joined the contest in hopes of winning the $100 grand prize. We were sad to find out that we were sweeping the ballot box until the last day of voting. Another competitor had all their friends at PCMC stuff the ballot box with votes for their pumpkin. Not that their pumpkin wasn't cute, but it wasn't as elaborate and halloweenish as ours. We were slightly disappointed.
We did win 1st in the scariest pumpkin category and 3rd in the most creative category. We can feel good about this because these were honest votes, no one stuffed the ballot box on our behalf.
Here is the pumpkin before taking it down to the credit union.
Here is the baby that we used it's arms for the pumpkin's arms.
Amber and I posing with our pumpkin as WINNERS!
And then I put the baby's arms back on because a lot of people said the armless baby was creepy. I'm saving this for next year as a decorative item.
That was the highlight of Halloween at work this year. We are already brainstorming what we're going to do for next year's pumpkin contest. If you have ideas, let me know!
Virginia Trip
This year Rob and I went to Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia to watch a rocket launch to the space station. This is one of those things that is a once in a life time experience. I've attached a link that will give you more information about the rocket if you're interested.
The reason why we were invited by Orbital to attend this history making event is because Rob happens to be an engineer on the Antares rocket motor at his work, ATK. He didn't specifically work on the stage 2 motor of the rocket that launched in September but he has been working on the motor that will launch in December. This rocket is a cargo rocket that takes supplies to the space station and it is the first time in the history of NASA that they would pay an outside company to do this. It was truly and incredible experience to watch this launch.
So to our trip....
It was a long day of flying to get to Norfolk, Virginia but once we got there it was pretty nice. We picked up our rental car then headed to Chincoteague Island where we stayed for several days, hoping that the rocket launch would take place.
We drove through a modern marvel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge / Tunnel. I did a Google search for some pictures to show you. I highly recommend doing a search yourself.
But before we got to the bridge, I have to tell you this. We just left the toll gate, it was dark already and I wasn't paying attention. All of a sudden Rob swerved our car to the right. I seriously thought we were going to crash, but then he swerved back straight. Apparently we hit a possum or a raccoon. Whatever it was, it went right underneath the tire. I didn't see it, I didn't feel it, and I didn't hear it. The car handled like a champion. Rob said he heard it and felt it. Either I need glasses, a hearing aid, some new nerves, or the Nissan we were in is built to be like a luxury car. I will add that some of the people on the trip with us saw the dead animal lying on the side of the road after they went through the toll gate.
Moving on. The pictures below are from the Google search I did. I will not take any credit for them as I have copied them from the internet. The first once has some interesting facts about the bridge and the second picture is a sky view of part of the bridge/tunnel. I was not able to take any of our own pictures because the first time over it was dark, and the second time over we were in a rush to get to the airport.
It was a really neat drive and I'm thankful I got to experience it. It is an amazing bridge/tunnel, a true engineering marvel that gets your brain turning, asking questions you don't normally think about.
After we got over the bridge, we drove for probably another hour, maybe longer to get to Chincoteague Island. It is very remote on the eastern shore of Virginia; I'm talking 2 radio stations that definitely do not play any music anyone would ever like and there were a ton of gas stations. It looked almost creepy driving through at night with nothing but trees and highway. Chincoteague Island is very cute though. Again, here is a picture from Google so you can see just where this island is.
Once we got checked into the hotel, we were starving. We went to our room, called for pizza (but it was closed), then lounged around for a second trying to decide what to do. We opened the balcony door and there was a band playing at the bar right next to the hotel. We were literally on the water and it was so nice to sit there for 5 minutes enjoying the peacefulness of the ocean as well as the live music that was entertaining several people. But food is important, so we went on the hunt. It was late and just about everything but the bar was closed. We drove around and found a gas station that also had a little deli. That was authentic Italian food, I can say that honestly because I've been to Italy, I know. It was damn good! After that, it was bed time.
Here is a morning view from our hotel room.
Here are the ducks coming to get food from me. They were on a mission!
The next morning we went to a meeting about the rocket. The majority of the people at this meeting were people who had worked on the motor and were familiar with it, but I found it really interesting because I knew nothing about the motor and honestly didn't know that much about Rob's job. He doesn't really talk about work at home. After the meeting, Rob went on a tour of the flight facility and I stayed in the room doing homework. That evening we had a nice dinner with the ATK people.
The day after that was about as eventful. Actually it was really eventful. Rob went to a meeting in the morning while I slept in. He picked me up around lunch and we went to get our visitor passes for the launch. We did a little shopping and went to the NASA museum. After that, we met up with everyone at the hotel to go on a tour of the Orbital hangar bay and go take pictures with the rocket (from a distance of course).
Going into the giant Orbital hangar bay was incredible! It was fascinating to see an entire rocket laid out before they put it together. We were able to see the stage 1 rocket which was built by a Russian facility. It was the size of a bus, maybe bigger. Then we saw the stage 2, which is the one Rob's work does. And then we saw the cargo case that Orbital makes. The engineering is outstanding to me and it really is inspiring. To see something like this that men think up and then build is what makes me feel ambitious to do something great with my life. I love science!
We all loaded back into the shuttle and went as close as we were allowed to take pictures with the rocket. I zoomed in a bit with my camera and snapped this. The rocket is gigantic!
We skipped the fancy reception that night and went to a nice restaurant on the shore. We had the best seafood and nice conversation with some of the other engineers. East coast seafood is the best!
The following day was launch day. We were all so relieved that the launch was going to happen and the weather was behaving to make this possible. We packed our stuff and checked out of the hotel because right after the launch we would have to book it to the airport so we wouldn't miss our flight. We all met at the Chincoteague Community Center and loaded the buses to Wallops Flight Facility. Once we got off the bus, we walked over to the tents to grab snacks, use the "facilities," and spray on bug spray. I took some pictures while we waited for the launch. The energy in this area is pretty easy to explain. The anticipation of the launch was high as well as the worry that there is always a possibility that something could go wrong. After the launch, the tension and relief that it was a success could be felt vibrating through the crowd.
Here we are in front of the countdown clock.
One of the many televisions under the tent.
Rob looking good in his NASA shirt.
Here is the YouTube link to watch the launch. OPEN IT ALREADY!
And now the launch.
After the launch, everyone migrated under the tent to share a champagne toast and cake pops in celebration of the successful launch. A few people spoke and the general air of excitement was not dissipating at all. Shortly after though, we all loaded the buses and headed back to the community center. Rob and I hopped in the car and drove back to the airport in Norfolk. The highway was not as scary in the daylight and seeing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the daylight was beautiful.
The launch was AWESOME! I'm so glad I was there to experience this. The sound, vibration, the power of watching this man-made marvel was fantastic and I hope that we are invited to see another one in our lifetime again. I'm so proud of Rob and feel very lucky to be married to someone who enjoys science the way I do. It always leaves room for a good conversation. I hope you enjoyed the post and I'll post again soon.
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