Two of the most important questions for all aspiring rock stars are:
- How big do you want to be?
- What are you now doing about it?
"Rock stars" being metaphoric for "be happier." I just didn't want to immediately flip you out.
8.19.2011
8.13.2011
Flank Steak & Cheese Sauce
In July, we went to St. Maarten with my dear college friend, Melissa, and her husband, Mark. We stayed on the Dutch side by Cupecoy, which is very near the French border on the opposite side of the island from the cruise ships (good choice!). On our first full day, we were headed on a drive around the 37-square-mile island when we came to Grand Case, which is supposed to have the best authentic French food on the island. It was just lunch time so we weren't scoping full meals (except James, who is, of course, always hungry) but we scored front-row beach chairs at a nice looking restaurant on the water. It was the perfect place for sun, a dip in the clear blue bay, Carib beer and flank steak.
Wait, flank steak?
Yes. As we're all munching light snacks in the 85+ heat and humidity, James ordered an all-out meal: baguettes, flank steak, noodles, cheese sauce (now that I'm thinking about it, I hope there was a vegetable in there somewhere). To this moment, James will swear it was the best thing he ever ate. He even made us go back another day, but that's another story.
The whole point of all of this is that James has developed an obsession with flank steak and cheese sauce. So one Friday after work, I was feeling adventurous and incredibly nice, so I asked James to join me at Your DeKalb Farmers Market (love!) to pick up the fixings for his favorite meal. I took some creative liberties with the help of Bon Appetit and its Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Sauce, and we had an absolutely phenomenal meal. While it was not authentic to whatever deliciousness we had in St. Maarten, the cheese sauce was to die for. The mushrooms added a little extra flavor and the chipotles gave the tiniest hit of heat at the finish. We rounded out the meal with non-descript grilled asparagus and warm bread, but the star of the sides was a Wild Arugula Salad with Garlic Croutons, Shaved Parmesan and Lemon. Even James thought was delicious, and he normally avoids arugula like the plague. It was light & fresh, and the dressing was the perfect complement to the parmesan. We also snagged a yummy, under-$10 bottle of Mouton Cadet Bordeaux, which we will pick up again. There were even leftovers for the next day, though I will caution that the fat in the cheese sauce nicely separates from the cheese sauce upon reheating, which could be a good or a bad thing.
Overall, it was a wildly successful adventure and it's re-ignited my desire to cook. Watch for more yummy dishes coming soon!
Wait, flank steak?
Yes. As we're all munching light snacks in the 85+ heat and humidity, James ordered an all-out meal: baguettes, flank steak, noodles, cheese sauce (now that I'm thinking about it, I hope there was a vegetable in there somewhere). To this moment, James will swear it was the best thing he ever ate. He even made us go back another day, but that's another story.
The whole point of all of this is that James has developed an obsession with flank steak and cheese sauce. So one Friday after work, I was feeling adventurous and incredibly nice, so I asked James to join me at Your DeKalb Farmers Market (love!) to pick up the fixings for his favorite meal. I took some creative liberties with the help of Bon Appetit and its Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Sauce, and we had an absolutely phenomenal meal. While it was not authentic to whatever deliciousness we had in St. Maarten, the cheese sauce was to die for. The mushrooms added a little extra flavor and the chipotles gave the tiniest hit of heat at the finish. We rounded out the meal with non-descript grilled asparagus and warm bread, but the star of the sides was a Wild Arugula Salad with Garlic Croutons, Shaved Parmesan and Lemon. Even James thought was delicious, and he normally avoids arugula like the plague. It was light & fresh, and the dressing was the perfect complement to the parmesan. We also snagged a yummy, under-$10 bottle of Mouton Cadet Bordeaux, which we will pick up again. There were even leftovers for the next day, though I will caution that the fat in the cheese sauce nicely separates from the cheese sauce upon reheating, which could be a good or a bad thing.
Overall, it was a wildly successful adventure and it's re-ignited my desire to cook. Watch for more yummy dishes coming soon!
8.10.2011
Smelling the Proverbial Roses
Last night, Ryan, James & I were debating the attributes and design of BMWs versus Mercedes - the former being Ryan's mode of transportation and the latter mine. This conversation had followed a discussion of how unfortunate it was that Ryan's parents no longer stock their refrigerator with Dom.
What happened to me?
Once upon a time, I was a small town girl growing up in a family where money was tight. I lived in hand-me-downs, and my dad worked two jobs for most of my childhood so we'd have enough money to do fun things like play softball or take our now infamous educational vacations. We drove modest cars, shopped at discount stores and rarely went out to eat without a coupon. And I didn't have any less happy of a childhood for any of this.
Now I wouldn't buy a house without granite, hardwoods and stainless steel appliances, and I HAD to install crown molding because who the heck built a condo without it? When it came time to replace my car, I didn't look at anything other than Mercedes, and my handbags have to have a designer tag. James & I think it's acceptable to go out for dinners with price tags at which my mother and father balk.
How, and when, did I become this way?
I'm still painfully proud of where I came from -- but it wasn't a good enough place to stay. I listen to country music about simple lives in small towns, and while it touches a cord in me, it does not portray who I actually am today. After working so hard to stop being so judgmental and be a better, more genuine person, I think I've lost hold of those attributes. Instead, I feel like I've gotten caught up in the drama, the city, the competitive young professional circuit... and in the process, I'm forgetting the important things in my life.
I've regained my focus on my marriage, which had been suffering until last fall but is now stronger than it's ever been. I should take it as a lesson learned that progress can be made, but it will take time and effort. I want to focus on my friendships, exploring the history & culture of Georgia, going outdoors, reading books and reigniting the passion I used to have about so many things and people in my life. I want to rediscover the hobbies I used to have and find new ones, new interests and new people.
There is so much to love, enjoy and explore as we travel through our lives, and you don’t have to be driving a luxury car to get there.
What happened to me?
Once upon a time, I was a small town girl growing up in a family where money was tight. I lived in hand-me-downs, and my dad worked two jobs for most of my childhood so we'd have enough money to do fun things like play softball or take our now infamous educational vacations. We drove modest cars, shopped at discount stores and rarely went out to eat without a coupon. And I didn't have any less happy of a childhood for any of this.
Now I wouldn't buy a house without granite, hardwoods and stainless steel appliances, and I HAD to install crown molding because who the heck built a condo without it? When it came time to replace my car, I didn't look at anything other than Mercedes, and my handbags have to have a designer tag. James & I think it's acceptable to go out for dinners with price tags at which my mother and father balk.
How, and when, did I become this way?
I'm still painfully proud of where I came from -- but it wasn't a good enough place to stay. I listen to country music about simple lives in small towns, and while it touches a cord in me, it does not portray who I actually am today. After working so hard to stop being so judgmental and be a better, more genuine person, I think I've lost hold of those attributes. Instead, I feel like I've gotten caught up in the drama, the city, the competitive young professional circuit... and in the process, I'm forgetting the important things in my life.
I've regained my focus on my marriage, which had been suffering until last fall but is now stronger than it's ever been. I should take it as a lesson learned that progress can be made, but it will take time and effort. I want to focus on my friendships, exploring the history & culture of Georgia, going outdoors, reading books and reigniting the passion I used to have about so many things and people in my life. I want to rediscover the hobbies I used to have and find new ones, new interests and new people.
There is so much to love, enjoy and explore as we travel through our lives, and you don’t have to be driving a luxury car to get there.
Note From the Universe
Sure, there have been surprises. Some, not so fun. But you have to admit, with hindsight, moving forward was actually easy. Something worth remembering. And there have been surprises that suddenly changed your entire life for the better, and there will be many more.
7.26.2011
6.16.2011
I Call Him Frank
I'm still blogging here, but.... I have started a new project. Mosey on over to I Call Him Frank, will ya?
6.13.2011
Note From the Universe
All that you need to have all that you want will be provided, as if by magic, once you know what you want and do something about it every day.
5.11.2011
Note From the Universe
For the earnest student, taking responsibility means never forgetting to have fun.
Note From the Universe
For the one who continues, failure becomes impossible and winning becomes inevitable.
5.09.2011
Note From the Universe
The reason for all challenges is so that you can finally learn that none are bigger than you.
5.06.2011
For My Momma
My parents married straight out of high school and soon found themselves with two young children and wanting a better life for their family. It was my dad who continued working so my mother could pursue her degree in education. As far back as I can remember, my mom was attending college part-time, which set an early and lasting example of the value of education and the importance of staying dedicated to a task for my sister and me.
I watched my mother start her career in her early 30s, make several tough job decisions and eventually go back to school for her master’s degree before landing her “dream job” at a low-income school – when she was nearly 40 years old. Since then, I have truly seen the amazing woman my mother is. She has become a well-respected leader in her district, a mentor to other teachers and a “mom” to many children without stable parents in their lives. When I see her at work, I am so proud to say that I am Mrs. Schelat’s daughter.
Throughout all of this, my mother also showed me how to be an all-around good person –volunteering in the community, leading my sister’s Girl Scout troop, pushing us to always reach higher, and cheering me on from the sidelines at every game, meet or competition. She is half of a 32-year marriage, an amazingly supportive daughter and is truly one of my dearest friends.
My mom may not have changed the world, but she was shaping mine. Like many others, I see it more now than I ever did when I was growing up, especially as she has now taken in my husband and his sister after they lost their own mother, and she has been just as wonderful to them as she’s been to me. My family is blessed to have her, and I am incredibly grateful every day.
I watched my mother start her career in her early 30s, make several tough job decisions and eventually go back to school for her master’s degree before landing her “dream job” at a low-income school – when she was nearly 40 years old. Since then, I have truly seen the amazing woman my mother is. She has become a well-respected leader in her district, a mentor to other teachers and a “mom” to many children without stable parents in their lives. When I see her at work, I am so proud to say that I am Mrs. Schelat’s daughter.
Throughout all of this, my mother also showed me how to be an all-around good person –volunteering in the community, leading my sister’s Girl Scout troop, pushing us to always reach higher, and cheering me on from the sidelines at every game, meet or competition. She is half of a 32-year marriage, an amazingly supportive daughter and is truly one of my dearest friends.
My mom may not have changed the world, but she was shaping mine. Like many others, I see it more now than I ever did when I was growing up, especially as she has now taken in my husband and his sister after they lost their own mother, and she has been just as wonderful to them as she’s been to me. My family is blessed to have her, and I am incredibly grateful every day.
4.28.2011
Note from the Universe
In time and space, if you just look for what's right - in others, in relationships, in yourself and your journey - you'll always find it.
Same when looking for what's wrong.
Same when looking for what's wrong.
4.14.2011
Day 17 – A Song That Makes Me Happy
This is a tough one, actually, because a lot of songs to which I feel a strong affinity do not evoke a positive emotion. I know it sounds horrible, but I think that's one of the reasons I listen to country music. For the first few months after I moved to Georgia, I would come home from work crying on a nearly daily basis because I'd heard a sad song on the radio that made me think of home and my parents. Fast-forward 3+ years and I am still listening to country, but now it simply makes me nostalgic for my small town upbringing. Even a lot of rock songs make me feel that way. I guess I'm happy with where I am, but I struggle with the contrast of where I've been.
I don't want to skirt two questions in a row, so I guess I'll have to answer most of the songs from Katy Perry's Teenage Dream CD. I'm not normally into pop music, but her songs are catchy, and they make me want to crank it up and dance... especially Fireworks, Last Friday Night and California Gurls. Maybe it's because I think I'm a California Girl at heart?
I don't want to skirt two questions in a row, so I guess I'll have to answer most of the songs from Katy Perry's Teenage Dream CD. I'm not normally into pop music, but her songs are catchy, and they make me want to crank it up and dance... especially Fireworks, Last Friday Night and California Gurls. Maybe it's because I think I'm a California Girl at heart?
3.18.2011
Amazon
My recommended purchases on Amazon consist of OPI nail polish, Harry Potter paraphernalia, Alton Brown cookbooks + related cooking accessories and fitness DVDs. Am I that predictable?
Day 16 – Your first kiss
I plead the fifth. It wasn't with DH, so I don't care to re-hash.
Instead, I want to say how wonderful my husband is.... I love you, boo!
Instead, I want to say how wonderful my husband is.... I love you, boo!
Georgia Tech Football: Whiteout vs. Miami - September 2009
Oysterfest 2010
Hoover Dam - Feb. 2010
NYC - June 2010
Destin, Fla. - July 2010
August 2010
Auburn beats Alabama - November 2010
Park Tavern - December 2010
First Anniversary, August 2008
Mini-honeymoon, September 2007
August 25, 2007
Georgia Tech - September 2009
3.07.2011
Note from the Universe
Low days exist to remind you that you still have choices. High days exist to remind you of how fast you rebound.
3.03.2011
Day 15 – My Favorite Movie
I don't really watch movies. One of three things happens every time:
a) I fall asleep. There was a point in time where James wouldn't take me to the movies anymore because I fell asleep in three consecutive trips to the theater. First, I fell asleep before The Watchmen even began, then I made it through about 10 minutes of Monsters vs. Aliens and then, ::gasp:: I dozed off in the middle of Harry Potter 6. If you know me, you know this is blasphemy.
2) I get bored. This usually happens when we try to watch something at home. I'm a perpetual multi-tasker, so I cannot bring myself to sit in front of the TV and ONLY watch. I have to be cleaning the house, doing laundry, etc. etc. Inevitably, I will get up in the middle of the movie and go find something else to do.
3) I get agitated. I hate suspenseful movies, and I hate movies when, funny or not, I know some kind of awkward or uncomfortable situation is coming. I get so personally agitated that I have to get up and leave until the situation has passed.
So, clearly, I haven't seen a lot of movies, and those I have are generally old or for children -- do not expect anything too deep or too advanced. For example:
- 10 Things I Hate About You - This movie came out when I was in eighth grade, and not only did I look like the little sister, the movie had a lot of parallels to my life. I wouldn't say I have the same connection to it as I used to, but it's like a long-lost part of my past of which I can't quite let go.
- Boondock Saints - I think half the fun of this movie is the cult following, but I also love the raw, gritty filming style and the storyline that, while in an unconventional way, ultimately teaches good behavior.
- Breakfast at Tiffany's - I am not even sure when I first watched this, but I instantly fell in love. I knew what she meant the first time I walked into Tiffany. I decorated my first guest room with BaT, and my guest bath is currently Tiffany blue. I love this movie for all that is is, and for all that Tiffany is.
- Elf - I could quote this entire movie, and it never gets old.
- Elizabethtown - My college roommate got me hooked on this movie. I think the music caught me first, and the road trips solidified it. I'd give anything to drive all over all the roads this country has to offer and see the sights that time and interstates have left behind. Kirstin Dunst's carefree nature seals the deal.
- Forest Gump - I love, love, love Tom Hanks. In fact, I'd add many of his other movies to my list of favorites, such as Philadelphia, Big, The DaVinci Code, Road to Perdition, Saving Private Ryan, The Green Mile... the list goes on. Essentially, he's fabulous. This movie also provides a wonderful look at American history and how even the most average person can experience and influence so much. It has a rockin' soundtrack, too.
- Harry Potter - Do I really have to explain?
- A League of Their Own - Tom Hanks! Baseball! WWII-era! All of my favorite things. :)
- Lord of the Rings - My uncle actually bought me the first two extended editions of the movies, thinking I liked them, before I ever watched either of them. James made me watch the first two and then then see the third when it was in theaters, all within two days. By the end of The Return of the King, I was crying. This is one of the few true epic stories that I've ever seen, and it has every element that a great storyline demands. The effects are spot on, the actors are phenomenal. All around a great film.
- Talladega Nights - In my defense, I first watched and loved this movie long before I ever became a NASCAR fan. It's funny and lighthearted, and I loved cars. Now that I am slightly obsessed with NASCAR, my driver is Jamie McMurray (Losing is never fun, but here's something to keep your spirits up. It's real nice. I got it at Target. It was on sale.), AND I've been to 'dega, it's even better.
- Two Weeks Notice - Hands down, one of the funniest movies ever. I share Lucy's sarcastic sense of humor and love Hugh's accent (who doesn't?). This is a go-to for me, any time.
a) I fall asleep. There was a point in time where James wouldn't take me to the movies anymore because I fell asleep in three consecutive trips to the theater. First, I fell asleep before The Watchmen even began, then I made it through about 10 minutes of Monsters vs. Aliens and then, ::gasp:: I dozed off in the middle of Harry Potter 6. If you know me, you know this is blasphemy.
2) I get bored. This usually happens when we try to watch something at home. I'm a perpetual multi-tasker, so I cannot bring myself to sit in front of the TV and ONLY watch. I have to be cleaning the house, doing laundry, etc. etc. Inevitably, I will get up in the middle of the movie and go find something else to do.
3) I get agitated. I hate suspenseful movies, and I hate movies when, funny or not, I know some kind of awkward or uncomfortable situation is coming. I get so personally agitated that I have to get up and leave until the situation has passed.
So, clearly, I haven't seen a lot of movies, and those I have are generally old or for children -- do not expect anything too deep or too advanced. For example:
- Boondock Saints - I think half the fun of this movie is the cult following, but I also love the raw, gritty filming style and the storyline that, while in an unconventional way, ultimately teaches good behavior.
- Breakfast at Tiffany's - I am not even sure when I first watched this, but I instantly fell in love. I knew what she meant the first time I walked into Tiffany. I decorated my first guest room with BaT, and my guest bath is currently Tiffany blue. I love this movie for all that is is, and for all that Tiffany is.
- Elizabethtown - My college roommate got me hooked on this movie. I think the music caught me first, and the road trips solidified it. I'd give anything to drive all over all the roads this country has to offer and see the sights that time and interstates have left behind. Kirstin Dunst's carefree nature seals the deal.
- Forest Gump - I love, love, love Tom Hanks. In fact, I'd add many of his other movies to my list of favorites, such as Philadelphia, Big, The DaVinci Code, Road to Perdition, Saving Private Ryan, The Green Mile... the list goes on. Essentially, he's fabulous. This movie also provides a wonderful look at American history and how even the most average person can experience and influence so much. It has a rockin' soundtrack, too.
- A League of Their Own - Tom Hanks! Baseball! WWII-era! All of my favorite things. :)
- Lord of the Rings - My uncle actually bought me the first two extended editions of the movies, thinking I liked them, before I ever watched either of them. James made me watch the first two and then then see the third when it was in theaters, all within two days. By the end of The Return of the King, I was crying. This is one of the few true epic stories that I've ever seen, and it has every element that a great storyline demands. The effects are spot on, the actors are phenomenal. All around a great film.
- Two Weeks Notice - Hands down, one of the funniest movies ever. I share Lucy's sarcastic sense of humor and love Hugh's accent (who doesn't?). This is a go-to for me, any time.
2.26.2011
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