Joy

I know I say this every year, but this was the best Christmas I have ever had. This year was much like the last. Christmas Eve my Grandma, Mom and Dad came over for our traditional dinner of chili and tamales. The hunt was on for one of the best places to buy tamales in Dallas, since Ryan and I are huge connoisseurs. I found an article online that listed what they believed to be the best 5 tamale makers in Dallas. I picked a place called Luna's Tortilla Factory since it was the closest to my office and conveniently on my way home. They were the best tamales I have ever eaten. I highly recommend them!

Also this year we made some wheat pasta to put under the chili since my Grandma isn't a big fan of tamales. She loved it. To be honest, we all did. I think that pasta has officially become a part of the tradition. I also made this cool, cheese ball snowman. It was fairly easy to make and, for once, it actually turned out looking like the picture on the Martha Stewart website. A Christmas miracle indeed!

The family left our house fairly early so that we could all get some rest before Christmas the next day.

This is the second year that I have worked on making my Christmas presents a work of art. I think I outdid myself this year. I used silver, glittery letters to represent each person. I thought this made the packages elegant and refined. I got many compliments and may have found a winner of a way to wrap for many years to come.

Christmas was a lovely day of opening presents with the family, listening to Christmas music, and enjoying some more great food. Although, it isn't really ever about any of this. I am just glad to spend time with the people I love the most in the this world. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so I am always grateful for one more holiday with each of them.

Christmas Cookies

We made christmas cookies. What else is there to say?

Oh yeah.

YUM!

Officially UTSW

It's official. I am a UT Southwestern Medical Center employee. Today was my orientation and first day. I had a great time meeting new people and getting settled in to my new office. Orientation lasted from 8am - 12pm. It was fairly uneventful, but informative. After orientation was over, I headed to lunch with Karen, a woman I met. She playfully calls herself the Bone Collector, and even has it tattooed on her back, as she works to save bone, skin and corneas from donors. I guess that may gross some of you out, but I really enjoyed hearing some of her stories. She also has her mortuary license, so that was neat to talk about as well. Yes, I like hospitals and creepy stories. I guess I've found my perfect home!

After lunch, I headed to the Peds department where I met tons of new folks. I can only say I am glad we all wear badges, because I would never remember all of the names. Everyone I met was really friendly and helpful. I also got to learn more about what I will be doing, and I am more excited than ever. Tomorrow I will get my Children's Medical Center badge and probably head over there for part of the day. I will be working with both hospitals, since I am in the Peds department, so I am really excited about that too. I guess I am just overall ecstatic about my new job!

More stories to come...

Two Years And Counting

Ryan and I decided to take a quick, three day weekend trip to San Antonio for our two year anniversary. We didn't plan too much of the trip and instead just relaxed and played around in town. On Friday, we went to see the River Parade and Lighting at the San Antonio Riverwalk. We had a wonderfully romantic table on the riverwalk at Paesano's restaurant. The food was amazing, we had the perfect view of the parade, and the weather was unbelievably perfect. Usually it is pretty cold this time of year in San Antonio, but not this year. So great! We then came back to the room where Ryan had secretly ordered Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. So sweet!

On Saturday, Ryan took me around town and showed me a ton of places he hung out at when he was younger. Growing up in San Antonio, he was able to show me some neat things. We drove by his high school, childhood home, his old church and more. He told me all about different parts of town and places he hung out as a kid. We then went to the Quarry Market and shopped around a bit. It was a ton of fun.

Saturday night was my favorite. We went to Plaza Club in downtown San Antonio for dinner. While I have been to quite a few Club Corp country clubs to eat, this was by far my favorite! The service was above and beyond and the food was the best I've ever had. The view of the city was also spectacular. A very romantic night indeed! And, yes, we ordered chocolate strawberries again. Yum!!

Sunday we didn't do much. We ran by Fair Oaks Ranch Country Club because we thought about playing golf. Unfortunately it was way too cold and windy. So, we ended up leaving and heading to Jim's for lunch. It is like a local IHOP, but much tastier. We did stop at The Czech Stop on they way home, as always. Happy two year annviersary!!

Thankful

Thanksgiving was pretty darn amazing this year. Ryan started off the day running the Turkey Trot while I headed over to Mom and Dad's.  Once I picked him up at the DART station, it was just us and my Mom and Dad for a little while, which was nice. After about an hour Laurel, Ryan's sister, showed up with her boyfriend, also conveniently named Ryan. It was a real fun day with my husband Ryan, Laurel's boyfriend Ryan and my dad Brian. Whew!

We sat, talked and noshed on our Graves family tradition appetizer lunch. After a couple of hours, my Aunt Mare and her boyfriend Bob came over. So, for an hour or so, it was quite the full house with eight of us. Although I wish they could have all stayed for dinner, Laurel and boyfriend Ryan headed off to her cousin's house and Bob left to visit with his daughter. That left me, Ryan, Mom, Dad and Mare to share a wonderful Thanksgiving meal together.

Almost Turkey Time

So, it's almost Thanksgiving and, although I'm not a big Turkey Day person, it's always great to spend time with family. Thanksgiving isn't really my thing because I am not a big turkey person. Although my husband makes the best turkey I've ever tasted, I really don't like the bird or it's counterpart, gravy.

Anyway, this year we are headed to my parent's house where Ryan will cook all day, filling the house with wonderful, calorie-free smells. We are responsible for the turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans and pumpkin pie. My mom is making sweet potatoes and a pistachio salad. She is also making things to nosh on throughout the day and during the Cowboys game. Of course we will also be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of my favorites, as soon as Ryan gets to the house after he and some friends run the 2011 Turkey Trot in Downtown Dallas.

It's shapping up to be fun holiday. Pictures to follow!

A Saturday Treat

Somehow I became a part of the Tiff's Treats email distribution list. I have only been to Tiff's Treats once with a friend of mine. It was the downtown Dallas location, which may have been the first local one. Anyway, I received an email about their Grand Opening event in Richardson. Since all of the proceeds went to the Make-A-Wish foundation, in particular to a little boy named Jackson, and they were selling a dozen cookies for $3 each, I had to go.

Ryan and I got there about 11:30am. The line wasn't too long, maybe about 30 or so ahead of us. The radio station Mix 102.9 was there and Jimmy John's went along the line and gave out free sandwiches. At around 12pm, we were still in line, and Jackson arrived in a limo with his family. Jackson is a sweet little 7 year old boy who has a brain tumor and his Make-A-Wish is to go on a cruise with his family. He was so incredibly sweet and even helped take cookie orders and deliver them to awaiting hands. Also, Tiff herself was their with her founding partner. It seems they both go to all of the Grand Openings. That was neat and nice of them.

At about 12:30pm we got to the front of the line and decided to order the maximum of 6 dozen cookies, 2 each of Oatmeal Raisin, Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodle. The other neat thing about the event is that they had $6,000 worth of prizes hidden in the boxes. That means that we had six chances to win. They had a table set up when you walked out of the store to check each box for a prize. They checked ours and we won...a pair of Dallas Zoo tickets. Ugh, Ryan and I are both not zoo people. Oh well. It was nice to win.  But wait, once we got out to our car and opened one of the boxes we found we had also won tickets to the Dallas Opera. Yay! Much more our thing! The tickets are worth $143 each and we are excited to go.

So for $20, all of which goes to Jackson's wish, Ryan and I got 6 dozen cookies, two tickets to the Dallas Zoo and two tickets to the Dallas Opera. Not a bad haul for a good cause. We even delivered a box of warm, fresh cookies to my parents, so we spread the wealth.

I will be on the lookout, hoping that Tiff's Treats will have many more grand openings we can attend and both enjoy cookies and support a great cause!

Returning Home

Now, since it's Facebook official and all, I am excited to say that Ryan has been offered a job back at ClubCorp, the company he worked at before Interstate Batteries. He will be their HRIS and Compensation Analyst. He is excited to be back as he really liked working with the staff there. His official start date with CC is November 18. I know he is really excited and even for me, it really does feel like coming back home.

Blue Fish

So this post is to talk about my recent job search. I haven't been working for the past three months, but have instead been looking for a job I will truly love. I was top two for a nonprofit position in Dallas that I really wanted, or at least I thought I did. But then came UT Southwestern. This is my dream place to work!  This is why I went to school and got my MBA and MHSM (Masters in Health Sector Management).

Just yesterday I was offered a position as an Administrative Associate. I was very excited and loved the people whom I interviewed with. The only thing was is that I had also interviewed with another department at UT Southwestern that I liked as well, and they were hiring for a Senior Administrative Associate position. This higher level position paid a bit more and had a increased level of challenge and responsibility. I immediately contacted this department to alert them that I had been offered another position, but would very much like to work for them.  I was so nervous as to what may happen!

Just 24 hours later, I recieved an offer for the Senior Administrative Associate position!  I am so excited! You are looking at the new Sr. Administrative Associate for Pediatric Gastroenterology at UT Southwestern Medical Center!

RFFL

Win or lose, we love our Texas Rangers. RFFL!

Run 1.3

C25K. Today was Week 1, Day 3.

Stats
5 min warm up, 1 min run then 1.5 min walk (8 times), 5 min cool down
2.5 miles in 30:06
12:01/mile
270 calories burned

I had a mishap with the app this time. I had run .51 miles during the warm-up and then the app reset itself somehow. I have been really picky about making sure I follow the app to a tee, so I started all over with the workout when the app reset. Therefore, I did a total of 3.1 (a 5k) official miles in 36:46. That's 2:17 under my lowest 5k time. Perhaps this app is working after all!

Run 1.2

C25K. Today was Week 1, Day 2.

Stats
5 min warm up, 1 min run then 1.5 min walk (8 times), 5 min cool down
2.44 miles in 30:10
12:21/mile
260 calories burned

Run 1.1

I am doing a C25K running program app on the iPhone right now. It is pretty awesome as it really has helped with my pacing. I think that pacing has been my biggest barrier to getting faster 5k times. The program has a run scheduled 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Today was Week 1, Day 1.

Stats
5 min warm up, 1 min run then 1.5 min walk (6 times), 5 min cool down
2 miles in 25:42
12:49/mile
210 calories burned

13.1 A Lot of Fun

Yesterday morning Ryan ran his first half marathon in the Dallas Arts District. My mom and I went and waited near the finish line to cheer him on. He ran it around 2 hours and 7 minutes. He only started training in February of this year, so this was a really big accomplishment for him. I think he will now start training for a marathon. I'm so proud of his hard work and determination!

Restaurant Review: Fat Cow BBQ, Lewisville

Fat Cow BBQ

http://www.fatcowbbq.com
Category: Barbeque
Address: 850 Valley Ridge Parkway, Suite128, Lewisville, Texas 75077
Star Review: 4/5

I must say I am always a bit wary of trying a new BBQ place in Texas. We have so many of them, and sorry to say that a majority aren't that great. Most often the BBQ is bland or tastes like it came from a big vat in the back. Now, let's get to Fat Cow.

I read many great reviews and thought, well it's so close to home I better try it out. Boy am I glad I did. I got the two meat plate which comes with two sides and a roll. I chose Spicy Beef Sausage, Pulled Pork, Mac and Cheese and Potato Salad. The pulled pork was succulent and had a great smoky flavor to it. It was great even without any sauce because it had so much flavor of its own. The sausage was good as well, although it was a bit greasy for my taste. The flavor and spice was good, though. The mac and cheese was good, but had way too much pepper in it. That didn't stop me from eating it all though. The potato salad was to die for! It was creamy, tangy and sweet all rolled into one. Yum! Seeing as how I am quite the bread connoisseur, I can say the roll was excellent as well. The BBQ sauce was a bit too sweet, but still good.

If you are a fan of places like Spring Creek BBQ, don't even bother coming here. This isn't fast food BBQ. This is Texas BBQ. Great food, great price, excellent service. I will definitely be back. Until then, Fat Cow, until then...

Octoberfest

As you can probably tell by the stupid hats, Bavarian Alpine Hats to be exact, Ryan and I had some fun at a local Octoberfest celebration. The celebration was filled with beer, German food and polka music. I had a brat, saurkraut, German potato salad, and black forest cake. Ryan had all of what I had and some purple cabbage and potatoes. The music was a bit hokey, but after a few beers, it got better.

Long live OktoBEERfest!

2011 State Fair Food Challenge

OMG! When Ryan and I go to the Texas State Fair it's pretty much about the food. We always go to try the Fair Food Challenge, which involves eating the top foods that year. This year, we made it all the way through 8 items. The rules are that we can only order one of each thing to split and that we don't deviate from the items except for with beer. Otherwise, we would never be able to finish. So, it's ranking time.

1. Bananarito - Banana coated in cinnamon sugar, wrapped in a flour tortilla, fried with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a cherry
2. Walking Taco - Taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese on top of crunched up nacho cheese Doritos.
3. Hans Kraut Balls - Saurkraut and sausage balled up together and fried, dipped in cranberry jelly
4. Fried Pineapple Upsidedown Cake - Pineapple ring dipped in cake batter then fried and topped with whpped cream and cherries
5. Fried Autumn Pumpkin Pie - Pumpkin cream cheese filling surrounded with dough and fried.
6. Buffalo Chicken in a Flapjack - A buffalo chicken strip coated in flapjack batter and fried, dipped in syrup.
7. Deep Fried Salsa - Salsa balls coated in tortilla chips and fried, dipped in nacho cheese sauce.
1,378,129. Fried Bubblegum - Bubblegum flavored marshmallows fried.

All of the above items were pretty good, except for the Fried bubblegum. It was one of the worst things I have ever tasted. It may have won most creative, but there is no way it would have ever won best taste. I can't wait for next year's Fair Food Challenge!

Like a Kid Again

This Sunday was one of the best date days that Ryan and I have had in a while. We had so much fun!  First, we headed to Brookhaven for brunch. It was excellent, as always. They always have the greatest food. Fruit, oatmeal, grits, muffins, danishes, english muffins, fresh made belgian waffles, fresh made-to-order omlets, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon and more. Yum! Too bad with my healthy eating I cuold only have the fruit and an english muffin. Okay, so I had a danish. Oh and a sausages patty. Oh well!

Next up? A surprise Ryan planned for me. We went to Nickelrama which is a really cool nickel arcade in Garland. It cost $2.95/per person to enter, but then games were on average only 15 cents to play. We only played two types of games the entire time. Pinball, which I enjoy more than I'll ever let on to Ryan, and the Deal or No Deal game. My favorite pinball machine there was the Lord of the Rings pinball machine. Ryan liked the Indiana Jones one the best. It was a lot of fun. I was glad we went early, because towards the end of our time there, the place flooded with children's birthday parties. We will definitely have to go again soon!



Now, for something I have wanted to do for quite some time, a visit to Yogurtland! It is a frozen yogurt place where you can choose any fro yo flavors in any combination and then toppings galore. Then, you place your cup on the scale and pay by the ounce. I got Oatmeal Cookie, Red Velvet Cake and Toasted Coconut. No toppings. Ryan got Toasted Coconut, Pistachio and Madagascar Vanilla Bean. I would say we both enjoyed the Pistachio the most. I would for sure get that one next time. Anyway, YUM!

Here's to a fun, cheep, feel like a kid again date day!

Just Keep Running, Just Keep Running

So I decided to commit to running...again. I've had a love/hate relationship with running for quite some time now. I hated running when I was in high school. I remember that, every trimester, I had to run a mile under 10 minutes to earn a spot on the sports team of the season. I remember hating that day, running my guts out until I threw up, and worse. I was a horrible runner and a bit chunky in high school. I hated running in circles on the track for no reason. Now, put me on a basketball court, and I could run the entire game. (a) It didn't seem like running and (b) there was a point to it all.

When I went to college, it was "cool" to work out, but I never really did. I kick myself now because I didn't take advantage of the awesome "free" gym. I ran here and there. Mostly I played intramural basketball and tennis. Again, running seemed like a horrible past time to me. I have just never been successful at it.

That brings us to now. I am getting older and pounds fall upon me easier than they once did. I have steadily been eating healthier over the past 6 years, but it just wasn't cutting it anymore. so, I made a new promise to myself. No, the promise wasn't to run, per-say. The promise was to set no real specific goals, deadlines and the like. Just to get out and run more often. Not to necessarily be faster, run further, or run more often than the week before. Just to get out there, even if it is just walking for 30 minutes. I find myself jogging about 1.25 miles per day now between 6-7 times per week. My mile time has been decreasing as my stamina goes up. One day I would like to run a 5k in around 30 minutes, but whenever that happens, let it and if it doesn't, that's okay too. I just need to move.

I finally rewarded myself with a new pair of running shoes. Seeing as how I have chondromalacia (Chondromalacia patella is abnormal softening of the cartilage of the under the kneecap. Chondromalacia patella results from degeneration of cartilage due to poor alignment of the kneecap as it slides over the lower end of the thigh bone.) new shoes were probably a must if I was going to continue to run. I did the whole buy shoes at Run On thing, so I didn't so much get to pick the shoes. The staff there picked out 5 pairs that best fit my pronation and preferences when running and I got to choose from those. I ended up with these:

Now I wouldn't have gone straight up to these Emerald City shoes and talked about how awesome they look, but I also decided it wasn't about look it is about comfort and what is best for continued running stress. So, here's to me and my emerald shoes, may they take me where I need to go.

Take Me Out

Saturday was the Interstate Batteries day at the Ranger's game and family was allowed to come! Interstate allowed employees to sign up for tickets. We got free tickets that were shaded seats, free all you could eat food (hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and sodas), and a parking pass and $5 to spend. It was awesome! Ryan and I each had two hot dogs and soda, shared nachos and popcorn, and he had peanuts. I used my $5 to get a small scoop of ice cream and Ryan got a beer. What a deal!  Even though the Rangers lost, just barely, to the A's, it was really a fun baseball Saturday!

Restaurant Week 2011

Restaurant Week, or restaurant couple of weeks, extended from the end of August to the first week of September this year. Ryan and I were able to go to our choice of restaurants for two of the three weekends it ran. The first week we were in Colorado so we weren't able to go anywhere.

Two weeks ago we went to Pappa's Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas. We had been there once before, although it has been about three years back. The service was excellent, but the restaurant was packed, so it was a bit noisy. I had the cesar salad, fillet and key lime pie. Ryan had the house salad, fillet and  chocolate peanut butter cake. We both had a glass of wine and Ryan ordered a desert wine. The desert wine was supposed to taste a lot like grape jelly which should, of course, go well with a peanut butter cake. It was simply disgusting. It tasted like cough syrup laden with granulated sugar. All in all, though, the food was 9/10, the service was 10/10 and the ambiance was 6/10. Last time, when it wasn't crazy busy Restaurant Week, Pappas would have gotten a 9/10 ambiance.

Yesterday, Ryan and I went to The Oceanaire, a seafood restaurant located in the Westin Hotel at the Galleria Mall. Neither of us had been before, but we were both impressed from start to finish. I had the Texas bibb salad, lemon butter sole and bread pudding. Ryan had the clam chowder, black and bleu redfish and bananas foster split. We also each had an oyster as an appetizer just to try. I had never had oysters before, so it was quite the experience for me. I like the oyster okay, but I guess I don't really get what all the hubbub is about. They also brought complimentary sourdough bread and fresh pickled veggies that included pickles, radishes, carrots, cucumbers, black olives, celery and banana peppers. I tried all of the veggies except for the peppers. Ryan said they were fairly spicy, so I wasn't interested. Overall it was one of my favorite restaurants I have been to in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The food was a 10/10, the service was an 10/10 and the ambiance was a 9/10. The only reason ambiance didn't get a 10/10 was because of a slightly annoying family next to us that acted as though they had never been to a restaurant before. They spoke very loudly and constantly took pictures. Anyway, The Oceanaire is a place I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a great seafood restaurant.

As you can see, we had a nice time in a cozy, romantic booth at The Oceanaire. We can't wait for Restaurant Week 2012!

Restaurant Review: Stan's Grill on the Parkway, Plano

Stan's Grill on the Parkway
http://stansontheparkway.com/
Category: American (New)
Address: 3645 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75093
Star Review: 4/5

My family and I went to Stan's a few weeks back. The atmosphere was nice, open dining room, nice bar, TVs all around. The service was above average. The waiters were attentive and the owner came around a few times to check on us. At one point some red wine got spilled and our waitress was quick grab us a glass of club soda and a towel from the kitchen to see if it would help.

The food was definitely above average. We ordered guacamole dip and chips for an appetizer. They were great! Then at the table we had a burger, pulled pork sandwich, salad and a chicken and pasta dish. My husband said it was the best pasta and sauce he had ever had. The burger was one of the best I have ever had. The BBQ sauce was to die for. The salad looked okay, but was a little underwhelming. Overall the food was pretty good and the beer on tap was cold.

I would definitely visit Stan's again, if we were nearby.

He's Here!

Meet my new best friend! Isn't he the cutest darn baby you have ever seen? Meet baby Benjamin Lucas. This is my best friend Kelsey and her husband Adam's baby. He was born yesterday, September 1, 2011. He was born at 5:15pm, weighing 9 lbs, 5 oz and measuring 21 inches long. I am already in love and I haven't even gotten to meet him yet. He has tons of aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins to welcome him to a very large family. What a lucky little guy! I only pray I get to be a part of this little one's life for a very long time. Love you baby Ben!

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 30

Day 30: A letter to yourself, tell yourself everything you love about yourself.

Let me start off by saying I watched a news story just this week that talked about how women are groomed to not accept compliments from anyone, especially compliments about physical traits. I guess they didn't say that it was hard for women to compliment themselves, but I can only imagine this would be even harder. Where do you start when complimenting yourself? You have pretty eyes, Charlotte. I love that about you! Wierd! I guess it could go soemthing like this...

Dearest Me,

I love...

Who am I kidding? This isn't me at all. I like myself. I like who I am. I love my life with my family and friends. There are things I do well and thinks I don't do so well. All of them add up to make me. There isn't much more to say than that.

Oh, and I guess I love that I don't have to stay inside the lines when answering questions such as this one. Yeah, I love that about myself.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 29

Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why?

I can be horrible about admitting fault. This flaw doesn't seem to ever rear its head in a professional work environment, but I often find it difficult to admit fault to my family. I think it is an issue that is born from (a) not wanting to be wrong and (b) the desire to be loved despite my many mistakes and faults. I sometimes don't know how to fix an argument, especially if I let it go on too long. There are plenty of times where I just want to scream "I'm sorry" but am terrified that it won't be received with acceptance. If I was sure that every apology I made, thus admitting fault, would be positively received, I feel I would be much more likely to admit and apologize. I know I need to change, we'll see if I can with time.

Cooling Off in Evergreen, CO

Last weekend Ryan and I finally got the chance to visit his parents in their new home in Evergreen, Colorado. His parents moved out the Colorado a little over a year ago and had been looking for a permanent house ever since their first day there. They started off by living at a rental property in Evergreen and finally, just about three months ago, found the house of their dreams that they wanted to retire in. My mother-in-law is still working for Chuck E Cheese and my father-in-law took a job with Einstein Brothers Bagels, but both plan on retiring in the not too distant future.

My favorite room of their house, if I was forced to pick, would be their beautiful kitchen. It was a dream kitchen!

You should have seen this space before the renovation. It was a disaster!  This is the perfect addition to their lovely home.

Anyway, we flew out of Dallas late Thursday and got into the Denver Airport at around 8pm. Their house is about an hour away from the airport up into the mountains. When we got into the car, it was in the low 80s, but by the time we reached their home, it was in the upper 60s. It was the best weather ever! We stayed up talking for a bit, but then headed to bed in preparation for a fun filled Friday!

We all got up early on Friday so that we could head out for some time together in Downtown Denver. First up was a tour of the Denver Mint. We got to see the production machines and learn about how coinage is made. It was a neat little 30 minute tour. After that, we walked all around, and I do mean all around Denver. We primarily stayed on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, as there was plenty to see. Once we made it from one end to the other, we stopped for lunch and had some of the best food ever. It was a little place called Tokyo Joe's. I think of TJ's as a Genghis Grill with much better food with a better atmosphere and better service. I wish they would come to Texas. I would eat there every day.

Next up we did a bit more walking and headed to the REI store. It was HUGE! We then quickly headed off for the next activity, the Denver Microbrew Tour.

All I can say is the Microbrew Tour was one of the neatest things I have ever gotten to do! The tour consisted of visiting four local brewpubs to taste test a variety of beers, ten in all. We also learned some about the history of Denver. We went to Rock Bottom, Wynkoop, Falling Rock and Breckenridge.

1. Hefeweizen - 3/5
2. IPA - 1/5

1. Patty's Chile Beer 5/5 - A light German-style beer made with Anaheim chiles and smoked Ancho peppers. A 2006 Great American Beer Festival Bronze Medal Winner in the Fruit and Vegetable Beer category and a Wynkoop specialty.
2. B3K Schwarzbier 2/5 - This German-style black lager has a deep color and gently roasted flavors balanced by an understated hoppiness. A thirst-quenching version of dark beer. A 2008 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal Winner in the German Schwarzbier category.

1. Avery White Rascal 4/5
2. Odell 90 Shilling 2/5
3. Dry Dock Double IPA 0/5

1. Agave Wheat 5/5 - This true American-style unfiltered wheat has something a little special – the nectar of the great Salmiana Agave. Agave complements the refreshingly light quality of our wheat and adds a subtle note of flavor that expands this beer’s uplifting taste profile. It is familiar, yet creative.

2. Lucky U IPA 2/5 - We like to think this is an ale for everyone who believes you make your own luck. We sure did. And the result is a well-balanced, soulful IPA with just the right amount of hoppiness. An even keeled ale that goes down clean and refreshing, but still lets you know it’s been doted on by the Brewmaster. It's true to it’s IPA heritage, but also highly drinkable. Lucky U. And we seriously mean that.

3. Vanilla Porter 3/5 - Who would have thought deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea and Madagascar grew the perfect ingredient to build an extraordinary Porter in Colorado? An ale that has all the chocolate and roasted nut flavor of a classic Porter, with an enigmatic surprise thrown in for good measure, real vanilla bean. Breckenridge Brewery’s Vanilla Porter. A vanilla kiss in a rich, dark sea.

Here's Ryan and me at the Falling Rock Brewery. As you can see we had a great time!

After the Microbrewery Tour? More walking around downtown. We must have walked over 4 miles! We walked past Coors Field and took some pictures, then we walked around and looked at a few more downtown buildings before jumping back into the car and heading to dinner Keys on the Green, the restaurant at the local Evergreen golf course.

After dinner, we headed home and went to bed. We were all exhausted!

On Saturday, we woke up early. Ryan and Wayne went running and cycling respectively.

Then, when they got home, the whole family went golfing at Evergreen Municipal Golf Course. It was a difficult course for me, but Wayne and Ryan played a great game. Wayne had the lowest score overall.

After a long, five hour round of golf, we went home, sat on my in-law's porch and had a beer and a home cooked meal of grilled lemon BBQ chicken and corn. A great end to the day!

Sunday we didn't have anything planned. So we woke up and, on a whim, decided to head to Golden, Colorado for the Golden Arts festival that happened to be going on. We walked around for a bit and looked at a few of the booths, but soon decided it was way too hot for us. So we decided to head to cooler ground at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. There, we looked out on multiple mountain peaks from Panoramic Point and then had a lovely picnic lunch in the woods.

After the picnic lunch, we headed to my in-law's favorite local brewery, Golden Brewing Company. I had the best Hefeweizen beer ever from this dinky home grown pub, if you can even call it a pub. It is pretty much drinking beer in this guy's bak yard. Amazing beer though!

Monday was our final day in Colorado. My mother-in-law was packing up to head to their condo in Durango, Colorado, so that left Ryan, my father-in-law and me to find something to do. We decided to pick up Ryan's grandfather for lunch at Breckenridge Brewery. It was great to see Ryan's grandfather as he is so sweet and I really feel he genuinely likes spending time with us. After lunch it was off to the airport. We had a fantastic vacation and we can't wait to head back again soon!

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 28

Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

I would be happy if I were pregnant, because it would mean that it is what God intended. I do have to say that I am not ready to have a child right now. Ryan and I have a few more things we'd like to shore up in our lives before we even think about having children. But it is a great feeling knowing that would could, both emotionally and monetarily, support a child at any time.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 27

Day 27: What's the best thing going for you right now?

I love my life. I can't even pick one thing that is the best thing going for me. I love my husband. I love spending time with him and my family. I love being able to live in a nice house. I love being able to afford all of the bills and a few extra fun things. I have most everything going now for me. I have a beautiful life. Of course, there are a few pieces I am waiting to fall into place, but the great thing is that I am, for once, confident that they will fall into place. One of the most important things I need to do in my life is be more grateful. While it is good to always strive and want more, I need to learn to be more thankful for how great I really do have it. I have to say, my life is the best thing that I have going for me right now.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 26

Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Never. I have always had too much to live for. Family and friends. Schooling and education. Hopes and dreams. While I can't even begin to understand the thoughts that go through someone's mind as they decide to give up on life, I could never do it. I have always had way to much going on in my life, even if it's been nothing more than unfinished business.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 25

Day 25: The reason you believe your still alive today.

I'm guessing it's because I'm only 27 years old. Just a thought...

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 24

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

1. Jealous Guy ~ John Lennon ... The first song you sang me

2. Brian Wilson ~ Barenaked Ladies ... The first song we connected over

3. Why Don't You & I ~ Carlos Santana Ft. Chad Kroeger ... The song that brought us back together

4. Something ~ The Beatles ... The song that brings back memories

5. The Luckiest ~ Ben Folds ... The song we first danced to as husband and wife

6. Christmas On The Line ~ Michael Martin Murphey ... The song that brings smiles on Christmas

7. Where My Heart Will Take Me ~ Russell Watson ... The song that keeps us going

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 23

Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.

I wish I'd studied abroad in college. When I was in college, I had a boyfriend the entire time and I had a job. The combination of these two things led me to choose to not visit another country to study. At the time I thought I was in love and couldn't bear to be separated from him. I was blind. I also had a job as a youth minister which meant a lot to me, at the time. Looking back, I shouldn't have let either thing keep me from studying abroad. It was an opportunity I missed out on that I can never get back.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 22

Day 22: Something you wish you hadn't done in your life.

Unfortunately, I would have to go with the somewhat obvious answer and say nothing. Every thing that has happened in my life has helped to form me into the person I am today. Some may wish they hadn't dated a certain person, for example, because the relationship was toxic. The reason that isn't my answer is that it is a toxic relationship experience that makes me realize how lucky I am to be with my husband. Some may wish they hadn't treated a person in a certain way. To that I would have to somewhat agree, but true friends and family will always find their way back, even from a negative situation. Finally, some may say that they wished they hadn't let something or someone go. I am fortunate enough to not have that regret in my life.

So for now, there is nothing in my life that I wish I hadn't done. I may not be proud of everything I have done, but all actions and reactions have turned me in to the person I am today.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 21

Day 21: Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got in a fight an hour before. What do you do?

This is a pretty juvenile question. My friends and I don't get into fights. I guess if we did it wouldn't matter and I would be there for him/her as needed. Some things, in fact most things, are more important that a silly spat.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 20

Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Drugs - Against. Although, I believe that marijuana is vilified unnecessarily.

Alcohol - For. Although it can be used to excess, in moderation, its fine. Alcohol is a drug too, though, which I think some people forget. Drink responsibly.  

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 19

Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Religion - For. I believe in God. You can believe in what you believe in. At the end of the day I believe religion encourages ethical and moral behavior.

Politics - Against, in it's current state. In its purest sense politics is good. It helps to structure society. Unfortunately politics have turned into name calling, pork barrel spending and even worse. Let's replace today's "politics" with caring, compassionate and intelligent community leadership.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 18

Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.

Let them marry. What difference could it possibly make to me? No one was allowed to tell me I couldn't get married. I think that any couple, gay or straight, should be afforded the rights and responsibilities granted by the institution of marriage. I think its sad that two people committed to one another, no matter their sex, might not be able to make medical decisions for one another. I think its sad that gay people are not allowed to express their devotion in a legal manner. I think its sad that marriage is seen as a privilege instead of a right. I can promise you that one day we will look back and the ban on gay marriage and be ashamed of ourselves, much as we are now for segregation. It will, one day, seem ludicrous that we ever felt men didn't have the right to marry men and women didn't have the right to marry women.

What this gets down to for a lot of people is one simple question. Is being gay a choice or is it innate in any given person. My answer to this question is that it is innate. Being gay is who people are just as much as their gender or skin color. I don't feel that being gay is a choice. Why would anyone chose to be gay knowing they will be maligned, made fun of and lose specific government given rights? No one chooses to be something that they know will cause such maltreatment and hate. It is who some people are just as much as being heterosexual is who I am.

Some will argue that allowing gay people to marry ruins the sanctity of marriage. I would have to tell them that divorce also ruins the sanctity of marriage, but we allow that. All in all, let people who love one another legally be together. End of story.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 17

Day 17: A book you've read that changed your views on something.

The most recent example that I can think of is a book called Strengths Finder 2.0. It is a business/self discovery book in which you take an online test to determine your strength areas. Once you take the online test, about 135 questions, you find out your top five personality traits. The main idea behind the book is a good one. It is all about how you and your employer should focus on your top strengths instead of spending time trying to correct weaknesses. My top five strengths were identified as: Relator, Learner, Belief, Analytical, Responsibility. I felt that the test was pretty accurate in determining who I am as a worker and a person. Relators are people persons. Learners are always seeking knowledge. Belief means that, as a person, I follow a certain set of personal guidelines and shape my life around them. Analytical means that I like to think, question and analyze situations. Responsibility means that I take pride in what I do and want to be the best.

I highly recommend this test to anyone who hasn't taken it. The book only cost about $18 and the insights it gave me were well worth it!

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 16

Day 16: Someone or something you definitely couldn't live without.

Is there anyone who would answer this question differently than I am about to? I can't live without my family. Mom, Dad and Ryan. They are my support and my inspiration. I am lucky to live close enough to my parents to be able to go to dinner with them about once per week. I really am glad I get to spend so much time with them and my husband. I definitely couldn't live without my family.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 15

Day 15: Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without it.

I don't want to go with the someone part of this question, although I have an answer for that. I"ll go with the something. Answer? Cell phone. How sad is that? My stupid, iPhone 4. I remember a day when I didn't have a smart phone. Heck, I remember a day when cell phones didn't exist. Just wait until I tell my kids that one!

My cell phone is a part of everything I do in my day. It's my calendar, calculator, weather station and map. It's my entertainment, my connection to others and my timekeeper. Oh yeah, and I can make calls on it too. With all that I use it for, it is always in my hand. I don't know how anyone could live without a smart phone. I guess the way I did before cell phones existed...

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 14

Day 14: A hero that has let you down.

A hero that has let me down? Hmmm... My only heros in life are my parents and husband. None of the three have ever let me down. I have an amazing family, what can I say?

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 13

Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some difficult days.

What a great and difficult question. I would have to say Nichole Nordeman. She has a song called 'Why' that I listen to a lot. It is a song that I first heard during a Lenten Stations of the Cross event. It is over 6 minutes long, but it is very powerful. It is a Christian song that walks the listener through Jesus' walk to Golgatha through the eyes of a small child. It is a song that reminds you of what is really important in life. It also helps you to realize how small your problems truly are in the grand scheme of things. This song has definitely gotten me through some very difficult times.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 12

Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.



This is the weirdest question I have ever heard. How are you even supposed to answer this. There are infinite things I haven't gotten compliments on. Some would be impossible, such as no one has ever compimented me on my advanced proficiency at speaking Russian. Some wouldn't make sense, such as no one has ever said what a great mother I am. All in all, this question has no answer.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 11

Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

I get complimented all the time on my hair. I have the thickest hair of anyone I've known. In fact, most times I can't even get it in a pony tail because it is so heavy that it falls down. I love my hair. Don't get me wrong. But, it does get really annoying that it doesn't do anything. It won't curl. It won't hold dye. It won't do anything. Well, I take that back. It is great at frizzing. It has been doing that a lot in this Texas heat. I have been thinking about getting a wave type perm, just to give it some body, but perms are just a little too permanent for me.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 10

Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know.

There is a woman in my life I wish that I didn't know. Now I have long since let her go, as I never wanted her to be a part of my life, but I really wish I didn't ever know her. It took a long time for me to come to this realization, as she influences many people around me, but I have for sure let her go and wish I had no memory of her. She is an awful person who chooses to be horrible on purpose. She has made many a life miserable and deserves every negative thing that comes her way. She is a whiner and all around negative experience. I have, over the past few years, thought about how I would feel if this person passed away. The sad thing is, that I wouldn't care. In fact, I wish she would just go away. I don't ever use the word hate. It is too strong. I hate nothing. Nothing but one. This one. Sorry.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 9

Day 9: Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.

I don't want to name names here. There is a friend of mine who I miss constantly. This person means the world to me. They are a much different person than they used to be. I always pray that they will become the person they once were again. I love them very much. I hope thry know that.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 8

Day 8: Someone who made your life hell.

This is an easy one! No one. People can only make your life hell if you allow them to. There are plenty of people that have tried to make my life hell. It's like the story my mom always told me when I was a kid. Let's say that someone cuts you off in traffic. You get pissed, curse outloud and continue to scorn them as you drive away. Meanwhile they are ahead of you in traffic and have no idea you are pissed. Therefore, it is their fault, but it ruins your day without them thinking another thing of it. You allow them to make your day hell. I have learned, slowly, that you can't let people make your life hell. Only you can allow it to happen.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 7

Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.

RWA

Restaurant Review: Cappuccino Italian Bistro, Richardson

Cappuccino Italian Bistro
http://www.cappuccinoitalianbistro.com/
Category: Italian

Address: 1310 W Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Star Rating: 4/5

In my opinion, this is the best Italian restaurant that I have eaten at in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. The food is fresh, the staff is courteous and the atmosphere is peaceful. I will say that the service is a little old fashioned. For example, the wait staff bring around a food tray with the specials for the day. It's kind of odd. Having said that, the food is really good. I would go there any day of the week over some of the local Italian chain restaurants. If you are looking for something really delicious, I love their tortellini. It is tender, moist and has the perfect amount of alfredo sauce added to it. Yum!

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 6

Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.

All of the things that come to mind are morbid type things that I'm really uncomfortable thinking about. So, I will quickly answer this question, then I would like to move on. The one thing I hope I never have to do is live a day without Ryan. I can't imagine life without him, nor do I want to.

Now, I'm sure there might come a day, if he were to leave this earth first, that I would have to live without him. All I can say about that is I hope I am ready for that challenge, if and when it happens.

Next question please...

Restaurant Review: Noodle Wave, Richardson

Noodle Wave
http://www.noodlewave.com/

Category: Thai

Address: 1490 W Spring Valley Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Star Rating: 4/5

This is, by far, one of the best Thai food restaurants I have ever been to. I have never had a meal here that wasn't exceptional. One of my favorite dishes is their Ginger Chicken. I also enjoy their corn patties, vegetable spring rolls and, of course, their tempura banana desert. The other great aspect of this restaurant is their friendly service and nice overall atmosphere. I am a fan and will continue to visit Noodle Wave for many years to come.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 5

Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.

There are some very obvious answers here. I hope to have a family. I hope to live a long, happy and healthy life. I hope I never get cancer. I hope for success in my endeavors. But, if I had to pick one thing that I hope for the most, it would have to be that I hope to be in a job I love for a very long time. It doesn't necessarily have to be the same job for years and years, I just hope that from here on out, I'm in a job I love.

I have realized that having a job you love is truly a special thing. One, because you spend a majority of your life where you work. There are 168 hours in a week. On average I work around 40-50 hours a week. I spend 5 hours a week getting ready to work and 10 hours a week getting to and from work. I sleep around 60 hours a week. So if you are conservative with this that is 60 hours doing work related tasks and 60 hours sleeping. That leaves a mere 48 hours left for everything else; family time, eating, events, chores, etc. That's 36% of life working, 36% of life sleeping and only 29% of every other part of life. Therefore, mathematically speaking, you can see how important work is and how it can effect every other part of your life.

I hope to love my job so that the 29% I have left with family and friends can be truly enjoyed instead of spent talking about how awful work is or is spent dreading going in the next day. I hope.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 4

Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
This is actually an easier question that I thought it would be when I first read it. I originally thought I would have to mire back through everything bad that someone has done to me in my life. While I think that a lot less bad things have happened to me than most, I didn't want to re-live anything negative. Now, here's where the great news comes in. I don't have to. Reason? Anyone in my life who has done something negative to me or towards me, I've already forgiven them if they deserved forgiveness. I am quick to forgive. I don't like to hold grudges because it just works to continue to make me feel bad, so what is the point? Now, that isn't to say that I have forgiven everyone for everything ever. Some people don't deserve my forgiveness either because they continue to be a problem or because they, by there actions, they don't want forgiveness. Now this doesn't mean I haven't resolved these problems with myself. I have. But there is a difference between letting go and forgiving.

Another Foodie Finds Addition

I stumbled upon another food blog that just had to be added to Foodie Finds. It's called Snappy Gourmet. It was one of their recipes I happened upon that won me over. Get this, this home trained chef has a recipe for Crunchy Chicken Stuffed Waffle Pops & Maple Dijon Dip. OMG! Can it get any better than that. I do have to admit that most of the other recipes she has blogged so far aren't quite as spectacular, but all of them sound really tasty. Check it out!

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 3

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

This is a really hard question that could go in almost limitless directions. I've done plenty wrong in my 27 years that I could forgive myself for. There are plenty of things that, to this day, I haven't forgiven myself for. Some things I probably never will forgive myself for, as I don't deserve the forgiveness. But that isn't what this question asks. I have to pick something I am ready to forgive myself for, something that I have to forgive myself for.

I guess I would have to say I need to forgive myself for not becoming who I thought I would. I was always taught that in order to be successful I had to be the CEO or nothing. Therefore, I spent my entire college careers, both Bachelors and Masters, trying to attain a level of education that would make me the top dog, that would make me a success. I need to forgive myself for not becoming that CEO, for not living up to other's definitions of success. The reason I need to forgive myself is because I was dumb enough to think that someone else could define success for me and 100 others and have the definition be the same. I need to forgive myself for not standing up and saying that their definition wasn't my definition. I need to forgive myself for being too shy or too naive, most likely both, to stand up and say I am okay with not being a high powered executive because that is not my definition of success.

For me success is having a job I enjoy. A job where I help others to be successful as part of the team. I don't have to lead the team to enjoy myself. Success is coming home smiling at the end of the day because I learned something new. Success is having a family I love and get to spend time with.

I have to forgive myself for not standing up and shouting from the rooftops that others can't define was success is for me. Luckily, I am standing up now. I am forgiving myself for not recognizing this very fact sooner. Because of that I am a success, and will continue to be successful one day at a time.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 2

Day 2: Something you love about yourself.

What isn't there to love? Just kidding...

I guess I would have to say it's my giving spirit I love the most about myself. This is true of me in many respects. I am giving to my family. Always there for them to listen. I am giving to my co-workers. Always there to collaborate. I am giving to strangers I meet. Always opening doors, smiling, praying. I am giving to strangers I haven't met. Always donating time, talent and funds.

I love to give. I always have. The perfect way to describe my giving nature starts every year about mid-November. Christmas shopping begins! I love Christmas (a) because I get to spend time with my family but (b) because I get to buy everyone I love things I think they will enjoy. Most kids at Christmas are so excited to open their presents, even waking up at 2am and going to sleep underneath the tree near them. I wasn't so much different as a kid. I liked getting presents. But what I truly got up early and waited for was the looks on the faces of those who I had purchased/made gifts for. I love buying gifts for others way more than I ever will like receiving gifts.

I am a giving person. Not always perfectly, but always striving to be. Giving is what life is all about.

Another 30 Day Challenge: Day 1

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
I have thought long and hard about this question. I wondered if I should answer this question like I would in an interview. Pick something like I hate that I'm so nice, or I hate that I am so trusting of others. You know, some "weakness" that is actually a positive trait. I chose to go with honesty instead of politicizing my answer.

First off, I don't use the word hate. In fact, there is only one thing in my life that I;ve ever used that word for, and it isn't about myself. Anyway, I'll answer the question of one thing that I really dislike about myself. I guess it would have to be my argumentative nature.

I've always loved to debate. I love to have an opinion and put that opinion up against others. Some call it arguing, I call it spirited discourse. Herein is where the problem lies. While I love to challenge others opinions and tell them why I think they are wrong and I am right, not a lot of people love that kind of challenge. Now I don't do this at work, as I usually reserve it for the people I love the most as they are the most intelligent and worthy of such discourse. I know it drives my husband completely nuts. I see it as playful and thoughtful banter, but he really takes it personally. I wish that I either (a) knew how to make my argumentative nature more playful or (b) how to stop it a majority of the time. I guess it's what I dislike most about myself because it would probably be the thing my husband dislikes most about me and I never want to upset him.

Another 30 Days

I’m taking a another blogging challenge. This one seems more for adults than the last one I took. I am excited to do another one of these challenges as I love blogging, but don't always feel that my life is blogworthy.  So, this way I'll get in at least 30 blog posts in August. Here we go again!

Day 01: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02: Something you love about yourself.
Day 03: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08: Someone who made your life hell.
Day 09: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some difficult days.
Day 14: A hero that has let you down.
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself, tell yourself everything you love about yourself