Merry Christmas from Us to You!

Winter 2009

Have you noticed how as we get older the year goes by faster and faster? Has it always been this way? When does it end? I feel like once July came the rest of the year was a big blur.

Since it's been a while since my last post here's some quick updates on my life:
- Didn't get to go to Victorian Christmas in Thomasville b/c it rained (it's been the rainiest winter ever!)
- Went to Azu with the Thursday night crew as our "gift" to each other
- Went to the Winter Festival of Lights in downtown Tallahasee (it's our tradition and I L.O.V.E. it!)
- Booked many appointments to meet with vendors and dress shops for when I am down in Miami
- In the midst of Christmas shopping, I actually forgot to shop!
- I'm flying out on the 24th and will be back on the 31st {I can't stay for Jacky's 25th, but I'll make it up- promise!)
- Entered a free wedding photography contest- lost- but am considering using the photographer b/c her photos are amazing.
- Got to pull out my scarfs and winter coats and mittens!
- Oh and how could I forget all the fun cookie parties, birthday parties, dinners, and lunches!

And that's about all I can remember.

See all of you Miami folks in a couple of days!!

The Boy and Me - Winter 2009

Holidays

'Tis the season and with a successful Thanksgiving under my belt the only natural thing to do is prepare for Christmas. Today I put up the tree...multiple times. At first Sonny and I started with a blue and silver theme (he claimed we did it last year, but I was positive we hadn't.) Well halfway through the decorations the impossible came to fruition...he was right! We undid the tree and started all over again...this time with a purple and ivory theme...well as I was putting on the holiday ornaments, I realized we didn't have any purple ornaments and that the gold and ivory balls were washing out the tree that was already decorated in clear and purple lights...so..yep- we stopped. We ran to target and tried looking for some purple ornaments and lets just say that was no happening! So instead I bought a pack of accent balls in red- on sale!

Sonny left for work and here I was by myself so I undid everything we did. Now, our Christmas tree has clear and red lights with gold, ivory and red ornaments. It looks lovely!!!

Now to put presents under it.

Thursday Night Dinner

Last night I took a chance and made dahl (yellow split pea soup) and a curry chicken (sans any sauce.) It actually turned out quite delicious, just a bit on the spicy side, which was really nice since it was really cold! My mom gave me the recipe after I started cooking and I only had 30 mins. to get everything done. It did take a good 45 mins. though before we all could eat. Oh, and did I mention the samosas?

No more NC :(

I was especially looking forward to Thanksgiving this year because I was planning on going to North Carolina. Now that Sonny has a job and things are tight it looks like that is a no go. However, now I am looking at going on FSU's spring break...we'll see ;)

Wedding Planning...

So it's been a couple of weeks since my engagement and Sonny and I have come up with some ideas and things we like:

• Date and Location: October 16, 2010 in Miami


• Color Scheme: claret, ivory and gold (contrary to belief, it is not a homage to FSU- strictly coincidence.)


• Ceremony: we'll be doing a fusion ceremony. We'll take bits and pieces of a traditional indian wedding that we like and build it into the traditional American ceremony
  
  There are some pictures that I have come across that I like and would mind adjusting to meet my own needs, some bridesmaids dresses that are pretty cute and would fit my girls, and some delicious looking cakes- did you know that the new cake topper is the tiara! Gorgeous!!

If you have any ideas I'm open to them!

One time for Donkey Basketball!!

For Halloween my department, OAR, decided to go as a Donkey Basketball team. If you haven't heard about donkey basketball, please youtube it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR6DdcnUBas).

We're Engaged!

For those of you who don't know Sonny and I are recently engaged. (It's only been several years in the making!) We had discussed it, and I knew it was coming, but when he did it was a complete and utter suprise.

The story goes like this:
After having been in Miami for a week with my family, I arrived back in Tallahassee on Wenesday afternoon. That day also happened to be our (Sonny and my) anniversary. When we were seated in the car he reached into the back seat and pulled out a dozen of the most wonderfully colored roses (they are a coral color.)

I did the polite thing and said thank you for my anniversary roses and off we were...to find some food- I was starving! Sonny kept suggesting nice places and I simply wanted food now. So we decided on Moe's.

While we were driving he was holding my hand and had complimented me on how lovely my nails looked. (For those of you who don't know, I have stubs. And when I do have nails they are gone within a week.) But this time my nails really did look halfway decent!

So we were driving along and all the while he was holding my hand. We came to the stop sign at Mahan and Capital Cirle and on the right hand side there was a car in the car wash. (Two bits of information: 1. It was a cool car and 2. I am weirdly intrigued with drive through car washes.)

While I was caught up in the car wash Sonny managed to stealthily get the box out of the drink cubby, open it and put it on his lap- then he says: "Your hands are nice, but it would look better with this on it." At that point, I turned my head and caught sight of my FABULOUS ring and then started bumbling! Most people go speechless, and I go the opposite!!! The only three words I remember saying were "What" "Wait" "Genius" in various combinations.

We started hugging and kissing and then he slipped it on my finger and then we resumed the hugging and kissing. Finally my brain came back on and I was able to form a semi-coherent sentence that pretty much resulted me in asking Sonny why now (keep in mind the light is still red.) To which he replied "it just felt like the right moment."

And that's the story...but wait!

After we ate and got home we realized that in the rush and excitement of it all, he never actually asked me. So as we relaxed on the bed, Sonny said some lovely words and then asked me to marry him, and then put my ring on my finger again.

And that is the story of how we first got engaged!

The second story will be written on Sunday. Yes, there will be a second story and the reason is this: Growing up most girls envision how they want to be proposed to. For most it's in some romantic gesture, for others it's something more spontaneous. Well, I want both, and since I already got my spontaneous proposal (and because he loves me THAT much) Sonny will indulge me with a romantic proposal sometime this weekend. So expect another story sometime soon.

Proposal Part II:
Since Sonny had to go to school on Wednesday night we said we would celebrate our anniversary on Friday. So on Friday we went to Japanica- a nice hibachi restaurant- and enjoyed a delicious meal with a great chef. I had a Laughing Budha (drink) and by the end of the night I had figured out why Budha was laughing!

After dinner we came back home and we had candles lit all over and a perfect playlist of my favorite slow songs ;) (I guess I should mention that after we came home and got into more comfortable clothes I took my ring off.)

So we danced and chatted and danced some more and after a twirl, Sonny twirled me again and as I came out of my twirl he dropped down to one knee and said the most lovely things to me and asked me to marry him.

Now, since I already received it, I didn't think I was going to get all misty eyed or anything, but it was just so romantic that I couldn't help it. So with my eyes glazed over I said "yes."

And that is how I got my romantic proposal. I love that he loves me enough to have indulged me with both. And both were fantastic!!!!

Background on Sonny and I:
We started dating in senior year of high school- went off to college- experienced growing pains- went our seperate ways- found our way back to one another- went to Europe for a couple weeks and decided that this is it for us (thanks to a drive from Italy through the Swiss Alps en route to Switzerland)- and here we are. Our timing has never been perfect, but then, what is perfect anyway? We certainly aren't, but now definitely feels like the best time possible. We are both at very good places in our life and are excited about what the future holds.

It's been long enough...

I have been M.I.A. for a few reasons: 1. We just finsihed one of our biannual Board meetings at work. 2. Prior to that I was prepping for it. 3. Afterwards I was recovering from it.

Now, here I sit in my old bedroom at my parents house- wide awake and functioning at 8:15 a.m.. This is a much needed vacation, seeing how my brain was really fried!

I'm sure this has happened to many people, but my parents took it to a whole 'nother level. I moved out of their house when I was 18 to go to college in Tallahassee. When I graduated I was fortunate enough to get a job right away in Tally. Over the past 7 years I travel back home periodically and each time my "room" gets smaller and smaller.

It began with them taking over my closet. Granted that was hidden so i didn't really mind- sure go ahead, use the closet! But then the computer came into my room, then my mom's work stuff, then her exercise balls, and then the laundry, and now...their furniture!

So try to visualize that- a queen size bed with posts, 2 very large exercise balls, the large clothes chest, the computer desk, a closet that belongs to my dad and then my suitcase- not a whole lot of room!

The kicker- my dad wakes up really early and leaves for work at 6- so what seemed like as soon as I closed my eyes, my dad turned the overhead light on so he could grab his clothes from the closet- really! C'mon, have some respect for the sleeping child in the bed! And then...my mom and dad were getting ready for work-agh! The bathroom lights, the water running, the toothbrushes, them talking to one another. Yes, I am a very light sleeper- I can hear my neighbor through my wall when he has lady friends over and that wake me from my dead sleep- but still, make an effort to keep it down.

But that's my family. I love them. And only 6 more days of them!...no seriously I do love them- in moderation.

Speaking of families- I do just have to make a note of this just b/c it was super funny and I think that with enough intoxication it could have easily have been my family.

A co-worker/friend of mine, Emily, and her family had a little throwdown at last weeks tailgate at the Palace. Although I could never recap the story as great as she has, just know that the family that lives together, will fight and next time possibly go to jail together!

Thanksgiving Road-Trip

My good friends Heather and Jeanette live in North Carolina and (Heather at least) has been there for over a year. I have never made it up there to see them or NC- I have driven through, but never stopped to actually see what the state has to offer.



So Thanksgiving presented the perfect opportunity for Sonny and I to go. I love cold weather and am secretly hoping for a freakish snow storm to come through over Thanksgiving weekend.
Here are out tentative plans:

Nov. 25- Leave Tally for Raleigh

Nov. 26- Thanksgiving in Raleigh with everyone

Nov. 27- Some site seeing in Raleigh and possibly Black Friday Shopping.
Nov 28- I have been DYING To go to the Biltmore Estate. It's absolutely gorgeous! So I'd like to spend Saturday in Asheville, NC.
Nov. 29- Head to Savannah to check out Paula Deen's restaurant, Lady & Sons and maybe see Sonny's family. and then afterwards continue on home since Sonny has school and I have work.

If you've been to any of the places I've mentioned give me some advice!

Happy Birthday Jeremy & Jason

Thursday dinner was great last night- from the salad to the Mexican lasagna to the birthday cake!

Aren't these the CUTEST!

While shopping one day, Sonny and I decided to browse their Halloween section and we came across the cutest little kids costumes- enough so that I turned to him and said "I want one!" lol! Ofcourse I am only joking... for now at least.

Pictures from Labor Day and Yummy Dessert from last Thursday's Dinner

What a Weekend...and then work happens...

This past weekend was awesome! I took Friday off to prepare my body and mind, not to mention the apartment, for everyone and everything thta was planned for this past weekend. I managed to clean everything to the T. Sonny was an incredible help. On Saturday we had everyone over to our place. At one point in time there was probably 16 people in the living/dining room. Sure that doesn't sound like a lot, but i live in an apartment! It was still comfortable though. Almost all of the food got finished which was great- for a short period of time i thought that there wouldn't be enough. Afterwards we headed to Bulls. Oh Bulls...

After getting home and passing out from tiredness I slept a solid, uninterrupted 8 hours! Sunday Jacky had a bbq- Chucky made awesome burgers. The pool was a bit discolored and my theory goes as follow: I believe that the discoloration of the pool water is due to the lack of people who made it to a shower after partying the night before. It was hot but fun:) Jacky's UM friends were all there and they all seemed really nice.

Unfortunately I couldn't make it out that night with Jacky. My body was just fighting me too much. On Monday though the regular Thursday nighters and some got together and tailgated before the game. Thanks to my coworker, Marybeth and her husband, we found the best spot ever to tailgate :) Everyone was thoroughly impressed.

I rounded out Monday by coming home and watching the game with Sonny in the comfort of my home. It was a great game. Both teams played well, and both improved drastically from last year!

What did you do? (oh and I'll put photos up later)

Playing Around with Photoscape

So I just downloaded this new photo software. It's pretty cool; definitely something new to me that is going to take some time getting used to. It's fun though and I enjoy it. Below is just some photos I was playing around with. Will be doing and sharing more in the coming days.

All Cleaned Out

I couln't clean anymore even if I tried to. The fridge is clean. The dishes are clean and put away. The stove is clean. The laundry is clean. The guest bathroom is clean. The living room is clean. All that I have left is my bedroom/bathroom and the guest bedroom. Thanks to Sonny for helping.

I am hoping to head out to Kirkland's soon after Katrina comes to borrow the air mattress. They are having an additional 25% off their green line items, plus i have a 20% off coupon. Perhaps I can find some stuff to do up the guest bedroom a bit better. I have been trying to make it more masculine for Sonny since he spends a lot of time in there studying and playing his video games.

Labor Day weekend is here. We'll have people over on Saturday night and then probably head out to Bullwinkles. I'm all prepared with my mini-hand sanitizers. Don't want to catch swine, and with up to 20% of the student body poised to get it, I am not taking chances!

If you are in town and want to come hang out give me a call or email.

Hurricane Jacky is on it's WAY!!!!!!

One of my greatest friends, Jacky, is making a trip up to Tally for the FSU v. UM/Labor Day weekend. I haven't seen her...well I guess I saw her in June, but it feels longer. I miss having her here a bunch and wish she would move back up...but I understand :(


Anyway, she'll be up Saturday morning- like morning, morning- we are talking 2 or 3 AM morning! It'll be great haning out with her and everyone else!


10 Reasons why Jacky ROCKS:

1. She is crazy and loud and is just a firecracker in a tiny person.
2. She can almost always be talked into doing something stupid or crazy with me.
3. She loves to travel- our European and NYC excusions were incredible!
4. She encourages me to pee in stairwells, under trees - geeze Jacky, ever hear of a toilet!?
5. She's a reliable DD.
6. She's a good tennis partner.
7. You just never really know what she'll say sometimes.
8. She let's me drink while on a Z-Pack.
9. Nobody loves E!News of celebrity gossip as much as she does.
10. And beause I said so :)

What a Wonderful Weekend!

I can't remember the last time I truly enjoyed my weekend. It was sheer relaxation, and fun, and love. Saw G.I. Joe on Sunday morning (10:30 a.m.!) and am still amazed that we were actually up and out before 10! Bought a new laptop- great deal and had everything I needed. Didn't really cook anything fantastic- it was leftovers, but we did get a chance to eat out on Sunday afternoon. We grabbed 1StirFry. We haven't been there in months, especially since we discovered Samurai, but it was still just as good!

Watched Step Up2, with no complaints from Sonny (which I still can't believe!) Playing games and going to the gym pretty much rounded out my peaceful weekend. I needed that. Plus, Sonny was a perfect boyfriend ALL weekend. I could not ask for more :)

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Since Sonny has class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. I have found my self staying at work until he is done. It's a blessing and not so much.

It's good because I get to get ahead in some work that has been piling up, but it's bad because, well because I have been here since 8 a.m.!

I normally get really tired and crabby, and I am hoping that the weather continues to cool off some, because then instead of staying at work I can head out to the track and walk/jog.

Diwali Celebrations

My cousin Diveena in DC is planning on coming to visit my family in Miami with her husband to celebrate Diwali. Little does she know, but my parents don't celebrate anything anymore. Not because they don't want to, they just don't have the time.

With my cousin coming down, she plans on showing us a proper Diwali celebration. It will be my first and most likely my last.

There will be all sorts of yummies and fireworks, and she mentioned stuff about lights hung around the house. I don't know how that will work though, since Florida doesn't allow fireworks and I doubt my parents are going to put up lights on the house for just one day.

I've been looking at airfare to get home and OMG! Why is it so expensive?

Normally I would use studentuniverse.com and capitalize on my .fsu.edu account, but even they were pricey. After some quick googling (p.s. I love how that has become an acceptable verb!) I found another student website (statravel.com) that offered a cheaper flight. So check it out for future travels.

All in all, I am looking forward to October.

While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".- courtesy of Wiki.

Southwestern Eggrolls (homemade) and The Little Mermaid: What more can I ask for?

It's Saturday night, and since I have given up the strip (Tallahassee strip full of bars) for a more tame lifestyle, I decided to try making Chili's southwestern eggrolls since they are absolutely fabulous! The way I did it is a lot healthier (no deep frying) and it's actually not too bad for you.

Below is the recipe along with pictures. We also had some of the mixture leftover and no more tortillas, so I cut an eggmuffin (not sure of the right name- but it's the tag line with "all the nooks and crannie," and spread the mixture on. And baked it at 400 for about 10 minutes. Turned out delicious! We also topped dinner with some shrimp. And the best part of the whole evening: I got to watch THE LITTLE MERMAID!

It reminded me of all the wonderfulness of old school disney (pre- full on digital animation). I remember the first time I saw it. I was in kindergarten or first grade and I went with my best friend at the time, Catherine, and we sat somewhere towards the front. I remember looking up at the huge screen and watching the waves splash on screen and the boat passed by (opening scene.) Oh the memories! And then it also reminded me of my parents buying me the movie. I still remember: It was a Sunday and we lived in an apartment in Kendall (Miami). I was in first grade and I was drawing on the floor. My mom was posted on the couch reading the Sunday paper and she told me to go look in the tv draw. It's amazing how we remember those things!

Ok, anyway, here is how i did my SWeggrolls. Oh and for desert I made chocolate cake in the microwave. It reminded me of those children's frozen dinners with the brownie in it. lol! Oh me...

SW eggrolls:

Get a pack of 8 or 10 tortillas

1 red pepper

1 jalapeno

1/2 an onion

pack of spinach (frozen)

black beans

corn

2 chicken breasts

salt

pepper

cumin

chili powder

garlic powder

paprika

parsley flakes

1. Dice your red pepper, jalapeno pepper and onion.

2. While doing that have your chicken (lightly salt and pepper it) grilling on the stove top.

3. One the chicken is done remove it from the pan, spray some Pam down, and throw in your diced stuff.

4. Saute for a bit. Then add your spinach.

5. While that is sauteing (sp?) take your chicken and dice it up. This can be really difficulty so I just ripped it apart first and then took a knife and choppped away.

6. Add the chopped up chicken to the pan with everything else.

7. Drain and rinse your black beans (1 can) and add them.

8. Add you corn (to your liking)

9. Add in a couple of shakes of your seasoning. To kick up the spice add more chili powder. Don't pinch on the cumin- that's what really accents the flavor.

10. Continue to stir for a bit. All this should be done on medium heat.

11. Remove the mixture from heat and add on cheese (use whatever grated cheese you want- I had mexican cheese lying around so that is what I used) You don't need a lot of cheese, so I would say coat the entire mixture lightly. (Yay for me since I am semi-lactose)

12. Stir mixture well.

13. Take a moist papertowl and wrap a couple of tortilla at a time and microwave them for about 1 min. Careful- they will be hot when the are done.

14. Open the tortilla up and scoop some mixture onto it. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then wrap. To help hold it's shape I stuck a toothpick through it and put the fold facedown.

15. When you are done put it in a container and freeze it. After an hour or so feel free to cook it.

16. Spray a baking pan with Pam.

17. Place eggrolls on baking sheet

18. Spray Pam over eggrolls

19. Bake for about 20 mins at 400. For serving purpose, you can cut them at a diagonal, just like at Chili's. There is a avocado dip that you can serve with it- but I am not a fan of it. Enjoy the pics. (Oh and the chocolate cake in the microwave post will be coming soon- once Kim uploads pics.)

Why?

Why must life be so difficult sometimes? I mean really! I try to live a karmically balanced life. I do good deeds; I am honest; I treat others they way I want to be treated- but yet I still have those difficult times.

And I know people say that it makes you stronger, but jeeze, c'mon already!

It's one of those weekend/days that I just need my own Genie,

What a nice boyfriend!

So yesterday I ended up working a bit late and it was such a nice suprise to come home and have dinner being plated. Sonny made up some thin steak fillets with mixed veggies and potatoes. Although the steak was a little tough and the potatoes were a bit bland, I loved the gesture so much! It was nice not to be asked, "So what's for dinner?" or "What do you want me to make?"

And the best part is, I think this act is going to become a repeat offender!

Yesterday was also Heather's birthday! And Jeanette moved to Raleigh this past weekend. Oh the stories that are sure to ensue. Just look at the picture below, and that should give you some indication!

Asian Inspiration

After having a cold this weekend I decided I needed a dinner with some spicy flava! With that in mind I made my favorite (as of now) dish: stir fry. The difference is I modify it to suit my taste. The only downside to my modifications is I don't measure anything- I enjoy a pinch of this and a dash of that. This is by far Sonny's favorite dish and it is so quick and simple. For those who are curious, here is the recipe:

Choose your meat (chicken, beef, or shrimp- or a combination of them)
Brush a large pan (not pot) with oil (as opposed to using the recommended 2 tbsps.)
Stir fry your meat on high.

In a small bowl mix in soy sauce and water (2:1 ratio)
Stir in brown sugar (I suggest about 1 tbsp.)
A dash of paprika, cayenne, black pepper.
A squirt of sirachi sauce (depending on what type of heat you want)
This time I included parsley and teriyaki glaze (which you can do without- just add more sugar then)
A couple of shakes of garlic powder and ginger
And....Wahlah!

After the meat has stir fried (about 2 - 4 mins) mix in the sauce. Stir for a minute.

Add in frozen veggies. (I really like WalMart's frozen stiry fry veggies, I personally think it beats Publix- the snap peas and everything really, are so crisp!)
Reduce the heat to med/low and cover. Let simmer for about 5 mins.

Serve with rice, noodles, or eat just like that. Either way it is sure to please the palate!

Enjoy!

It's NOT just a sore throat.

I should have known better. A sore throat like what I felt yesterday is always a precursor to something much worse...and sure enough I got a fever. Now I don't know what's considered a high temperature, but when I checked this morning it was at 101.4 (and that was when I was feeling better.) After taking some stuff and sleeping until 2p.m. my fever was down to 99.8.

So no party for me :( And I got the cutest dress for her at Old Navy. Why couldn't I get sick during the week! Now I don't get a weekend. Ugh.

Oh Friday!

It's Friday and I am swamped with work! (so why am I blogging you may ask? B/c I need a break!) A co worker is celebrating her daughter's first birthday this weekend, so that will be the highlight of my weekend. I'm looking forward to shopping for a little girl gift. They are sooooo much more fun to shop for. The clothes are cuter, the toys are more abundant...but it's relaly just the clothes!

Speaking of shopping, last night my friend Kim mentioned that Old Navy is having a sale, so as much as I don't need to be shopping, I will go pick up 2 or 3 things for me.

Well, Chucky and Kelly made a delicious dinner yesterday (chicken, plantains, rice, beans, and salad= delicioso!) Thanks guys!

I'm thinking Cajun chicken with some baked mashed potatoes and some steamed veggies for dinner tonight. I also want to try and make some fortune cookies this weekend. Will tell you how it goes- if I make them.

My throat is killing me right now. To describe it the best way I will borrow the words of my co worker Justine- "it's like rocks in my throat." I need a lozenge. Maybe some shopping will make me feel better!

Chucky's Making Dinner

Phrase: Thursday night dinners

Origin: About two years ago a girl named Jacky formed a group of girls who shared a common love of Gray's Anatomy and food. It began as a simple potluck: the host for the week would make the main dish, and the other girls would bring the supporting foods/drinks/flatware. At 9:00 p.m. they all tuned in for a new episode of Gray's. In the event that it was a rerun, talking took its place. Over the course of the last two years the evolution of "Thursday night dinners" have evolved. We have lost one of our founding members (Jacky) and have gained the husbands and boyfriend(s) and friends.

Tonight Chucky, relative of founding member Jacky, has decided to host us all. Can't wait to see what Chucky's got planned!

Nestor, Jacky, Sarishni, & Kim (Katrina missing)

Inspiration

A couple years ago, on the spur of the moment, my really good friend Octavia and I decided to go to Puerto Rico for our Spring Break (this literally was pulled together in a couple of hours.) That was the most thrilling and fun few days of my life because our motto for the trip was "might as well."

Now here I am with a blog dedicated to the mantra that I now use to justify my life. Whenever I am faced with indecision I think about it and say, "You know what? Might as well." So far this saying has not steered me wrong.

A couple of the pictures below are from our spontaneous trip to Puerto Rico. Who knew that a couple of days in this Carribbean paradise would have changed my life forever.

So check back daily, weekly, or even monthly. I can't guarantee that my updates will be that entertaining, fun, or insightful...but it will be about me living the "might as well" life.