Hello, blog May 2, 2009

To quote a country song, “hello, darling, it’s been a loooong time…”. I definitely have been out of the blog world for a while. I’d like to say I am back for a while, but I don’t want to make a promise I can’t keep. So, I’ll just say, “let’s see how it goes”. 🙂

Sound off #1 January 7, 2009

Ok, after writing my lessons from 2008 blog, I realized I wanted to expound on a few of the lessons.  (Is expound a word?  I think it is. ) Anyway, let’s start with numbers 3 and 5 because I really like food.  In fact, one of may favorite quotes of all time is from Julia Child.  This is what she says, “The only time for eating diet food is when you are waiting for the steak to cook.”  Amen, sister!  Ok, back to 3 and 5. 

So, I have a lot of friends doing Thrive here in Rome.  For the rest of the world, it is a weight-loss program developed by a guy here in town that is very popular and effective.  It is supposed to go nationwide sometime soon and if it does,  lots of people will be changed by it.  (And, maybe Oprah will come to Rome. ha!)  The Thrive plan is about only eating certain types of food together and having as many peanut butter sandwiches as you want – or something like that.  All I know is double fiber bread is all the rage here in Rome.  So, I thought, why not try it?  I’m already eating wheat bread, what’s that going to hurt.  So, I did and now that is the bread I always buy.  A simple change, but a good one.   A healthy food to eat not just when the steak is cooking.  🙂

Now, this lemon thing.  That is another story.  First of all, I must let you know that I am not a fan the meat and fruit combo.  When I was younger I had a bad experience with lemon chicken (and so did my poor dad) and have never been tempted to try it again.  And, this goes beyond lemon chicken for me – orange chicken, lemon butter shrimp, duck a la orange, whatever – leave the fruit out of the meat, people!  So, what I have noticed is that everyone is putting fruit, citrus especially, in everything.  Yes, I know lemon is a basic cooking ingredient like salt and pepper, but why??  Is lemon zest really necessary in every dressing, cookie and even pasta recipe?  I knew things were bad in the culinary world when it came to citrus used at will in every way, but the crowning moment of overdoing it came for me when I was watching a Food Network holiday special and some lady put lemons in her sweet potato bake.  This was not a fancy gourmet recipe, either.  I mean, layered right there between the yummy sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows were slices of lemon.  This obsession has gone too far.  Food people, for the love, please do not ruin the yumminess of 2009 with lemons!

Lessons from 2008 January 6, 2009

Here are a few things I have learned in the past year:

1. I have gotten really bad at blogging regularly.

2. There really is better shopping in Texas.

3. Double fiber bread really does taste good.

4. Life is about consistency over time, not never failing. (Psalm 37:3)

5. Lemon is a much more popular ingredient than I want it to be.

6. God wants me for who I am, not what I can do. He is not seeking my perfection. He is seeking me. (Isaiah 49)

7. It’s about $100 cheaper to fly from Birmingham instead of Atlanta, at least to Austin.

8. Throwing a pie in your boss’ face is really fun. Even when you have a great boss.

9. God is the health of my countenance, not all the other things that I think determine my happiness and peace of mind. (Psalm 43:5)

10. God works in a lot of weird ways.

11. My front yard floods big time when it rains a lot. Like, you can’t get out of the driveway or see the sidewalk floods.

12. DVR is one of the best inventions ever.

13. I can’t make changes in my life on my own. God’s power daily and an accountability partner are needed.

14. I love West Rome Baptist Church.

15. Following the Spirit of God is not like following a set of rules. Sometimes it will look and feel wrong to me and or others. (check out Elisabeth Elliot’s book The Liberty of Obedience)

16. Jesus does not flee. (John 10:13-14)

17. Facebook is very cool and everyone should use it.

18. I look great in my new jeans. Everyone should get new jeans that they love. Unless you have old jeans that you love. Then you should just love those.

19. The beach is a great place to spend Thanksgiving. Especially when you go with the right people. 🙂

Best Ways to Fall in Rome October 25, 2008

Now, I know a few people are thinking I am going to blog about my infamous tumble down my porch steps the eve of the Chili Cook-off a few years back, but you are going to have to read about that on a previous blog. This one is about all the fun stuff you can do in the Fall in Rome. Now, you have already missed some of them, so don’t slack off and miss those that are still coming up:

• The Chili Cook-off – Held every October at Ridge Ferry Park and is sponsored by Trout Unlimited, so your entry fee helps local wildlife and wild lands. Hundreds of chilis to sample, live music and always a big crowd. A fun way to get outdoors, be with friends and eat lunch all for $5. Too late for this year, but make plans for 09 because the WRBC booth is always great thanks to Ronnie and Janice Stokes and their friends.
• Coosa Valley Fair – Can something that has been happening for 60 years be wrong? Not when it is the fair! Corn dogs, rides, animals, caramel apples, TURKEY LEGS, exhibits and carnies – everything you could ask for in a fair is on hand the first week in October at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds. $5 per person or $5 a carload on the first night is a steal, but the rides are pretty price. Better go on $20 armband night if you (or your kids) want to ride all the rides. I was pumped because my mom and sister got to go with me this year. A little tip – the homemade tacos near the boiled peanut booth are VERY good.
• Chiaha – Going on this weekend, so head over after church tomorrow. The Hallo-weenie dog costume contest is on Sunday from 2:45-3:30PM and it is a site to see! Hundreds of artists and craftsmen sell their work and some even show you how it is done right at their booths. Great food – kettle corn, free apple cider, yummy chicken salad from some church ladies and my own personal favorite – a fudge covered apple. I accidentally bought it my first year thinking it was caramel. I have gotten one every year since! Again, only $5 to get in. There is live music, activities for the kids and more, too!
• Haunted Walking Tour of Rome – Now, I missed this last weekend because I was out of town, but some friends said it was really cool. Get to know downtown Rome and the “spooky” legends that go along with it on a Saturday evening in October. Definitely making plans for this next year!
• Heritage Holidays – Tons of different events throughout the month of October that shows off Rome’s talent, sights and benefits our community. Check out this year’s events calendar online. The covered wagon and horse parade on Broad is one of my favorites.
• Festival 31 – Candy, kids and the best Halloween alternative Rome has to offer is at West Rome Baptist Church. Friday, October 31 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm bring the family to ride ponies, climb the rock wall, get a balloon animal, go through the obstacle course or play the carnival games. A Little Tykes area and inflatables for the little ones means the whole family can have a great time. There is candy at every booth and door prizes, too. ALL FOR FREE!!! The concession stand has the usual fare of hot dogs, popcorn, pizza, pretzels, chips and drinks for minimal cost. If you are a West Rome member, make sure you’ve brought your bags of candy and have your volunteer spot all ready to go.

I know there are events I have missed, but these are my favorites! Mark them for next year if you missed them and MAKE SURE you make it to Festival 31 next week. Things to do during the holiday season will be coming soon! I love fall in Rome!

Off road July 23, 2008

Here is the link to my muddin’ video. Wow, that was fun! But I am not so sure I am ready to do it again soon. 🙂 You have got to check out the “Life Off Road” series at XL – Sunday nights at 6PM, 3006 Martha Berry Hwy. Everyone’s life has gone “off road” at some point or another – the job didn’t work out as you planned, that girlfriend was not “the one”, the deal that was supposed to go through didn’t, the healing you prayed for never came. Life goes off road. Why not find out what to do when that happens? Check out the first night of the series here.

The water was great May 31, 2008

That is the only positive thing I can say about Antonino’s Italian Grotto in Cartersville. Gretchen and I were in Cartersville today and decided to eat dinner there. Since the Appalachian Grill was packed, we headed to the Grotto because it was nearby. We got an upfront parking space and a table right away at 7PM. We should have know. Here is a list of questions/statements from our waitress that sum up the experience:

• Did you notice anything funny about your coke? (it was completely flat)
• Would you like something else to drink? Maybe alcohol? (alcohol was like a 5 syllable word when she said it like I was 9 and she was asking me if I wanted to play with matches since my parents were gone)
• The good news is if you like flat coke it is free tonight!
• Are you, like, on call and just got a call and you have to go? (when we asked for the check after eating only 2 bites of dinner. we said no)
• Are you full already? (when the on call answer was no)
• Do you have a dog? (she thought we could take the leftovers home to the dog)

We were laughing so hard by the end of the night because it just kept getting worse! The salad was brown and wet, the coke was flat, the Ranch dressing was lumpy and the lasagna tasted like it was made by a famous chef: Boy-ar-dee! The waitress was super nice. She gave us free cheesecake to make up for the bad experience. We didn’t have the heart to tell her it was awful, too, and ended up hiding it in the lasagna so we did not have to explain why we didn’t eat it! Oh, it was SO funny!!!!

Sunshine in My Day 2 May 23, 2008

• I went to the lake today!
• The sky was blue and the sunshine was out.
• God is teaching me how much He really loves me. Not just teaching me, but showing me and loving me in ways that are so very cool.
• I ran into a good friend in the Wal-Mart parking lot and she encouraged me so much today.
• I had one of my favorite summertime snacks for lunch – summer sausage, colby jack cheese and crackers. Yum!
• Mickey and Kristie’s baby, Kendall Page, arrived early but safe and healthy this week. She is beautiful and blessed with some of the best parents around. I got to spend about an hour holding that sweet baby last night!
• My tax incentive came in and I am going shopping!!!!
• Did I mention the lake? I love the lake!!!!!
• My parents made it back safely from their trip to Louisiana. Not sure if my mom has any money left, but she is at least home and not losing anymore! :):):)
• David Cook won American Idol. I was not an avid watcher this season, but he was a favorite of mine from the start. Yay!
• I cooked dinner tonight.  It’s been almost 2 weeks since I’ve done that.  So nice!
• My friend Mere and I had a great laugh together today.
• I have a great roommate.

Ok, your turn! May 14, 2008

I was talking with my roommate tonight and she reminded me of something I really needed to hear: happiness is not something you get, it is something you choose.  So, here is your turn comes in – what are some ways you choose happiness even when you don’t feel like it?

(In case you are wondering, I could use a few good ideas here and I am shamelessly using my blog to get them! ) 🙂

Is it bigger than a breadbox? April 21, 2008

No, it is a breadbox.  I am looking for a breadbox for the kitchen.  I have found several rolling top kind, but I need one with a flip down front.  I want to set a wicker basket on top of the breadbox so it needs a solid top that does not move when you use the breadbox.  I’ve been to Wal-Mart, Target, SteinMart, Macy’s, Dillard’s and Tuesday Morning so far.  Any suggestions?

New Job, Day one April 15, 2008

Today I ate at the Mexican food place over on Maple Ave.  I don’t know the name, but I may be the last person in Rome who had not been there yet.  Lots of people have told me about it.  Before I give my review, I must give the warning that I enjoy Tex Mex tremendously and usually tolerate the Mexican food found in most of the southeast.  I do like Las Palmas’ chips and salsa, and have found one thing that I order every time.  Venturing away from that has proven unsuccessful.  So, you should just know that I am not a  huge fan of local Mexican food.  

Today I got the steak burrito.  The chips were ok, but the salsa was freshly made.  A big plus there.  They also brought out a bowl of pickled (maybe –  they are at least marinated) carrots, garlic, peppers and onions.  The people at my table who ate them liked them – I was not one of those people.  The burrito was good.  The tortilla was not stale, the lettuce, tomato and sour cream were a nice addition without an additional cost.  The meat was ok – it was not stewed or boiled, so that earns points on the southeast Mexican food scale for me.  Overall, I would go back, but only if I was with friends again and they chose it.