Misc.

Last night, Mr. P and I went to Il Vicino in Clayton for dinner. I've been trying to get him to go for years now, and he finally gave in :) Nothing overly special, just salad and pizza (decent chardonnay for me, Schlafly Pale Ale for him), but it's just a little different from every other pizza joint (and relatively inexpensive). It's quiet, it's quick, you don't feel bothered, and the pizza's good! A nice change of pace since we haven't gone out to eat in quite some time. Dream job be damned, I just can't afford to go out to eat anymore! I feel like we need an excuse even for last night - we were celebrating Mr. P since he registered for his classes yesterday? Sure, that works...

Anyway, spent some time this morning looking through Schmoogie's photos from Costa Rica. She has this eye that completely amazes me, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites from one of her weekend vacations:

Hammocks in Cahuita y Puerto Viejo

Reef in Cahuita y Puerto Viejo

Boat in Cahuita y Puerto Viejo

Schmoogie:

oops!

The REAL Schmoogie:

Dig it. Hope you don't mind my sharing, Schmoog!

OH! And how can I forget...Big XII Championship tomorrow night in San Antonio. The broke Mizzou folks (like me!) will be at Helen Fitzgerald's on Lindbergh to cheer the Tigers on to victory over Oklahoma! Because really, does anyone even know what a "Sooner" is? Hmmm...some mascot :) Anyway, folks...7:00pm on ABC.

GO TIGERS! M-I-Z-Z-O-U!

Words to Live By...

I need to remember this, and remember to live by it.
That's all I've got today.
Patience.

Dream Job

Sorry in advance to those who are reading this thinking I've landed a new job. Not the case. I don't even know if I want it to be the case. I'm just in dream-mode at the moment, and it feels good. It's been a while since I've been here...

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I'd actually like to do with my life. Unfortunately, I haven't come up with many realistic answers!

I currently work for a small nonprofit, and I have this fear that we won't grow as much as we expect to, and that as a result, I won't get to move up and grow with the company. Stressful, but not earth-shattering, right?

So as a result, I've been thinking about what I WANT to do. I keep dreaming of finding something that allows me to balance my creative side with my desire for structure...but apparently that's not exactly common :)

Mr. P and I have talked before about being food critics. We'd make reservations in my maiden name, and be just about the most unsuspecting customers at any restaurant! Then, we'd publish our commentary under our married name...seems foolproof, right? I know exactly how unassuming we look: young couple, probably not very well off [well, they'd be right about that part]..."crap, they're not even gonna tip us well!" (Little do they know...we probably tip better than most.) Since service means so much to us both, that would be a huge aspect of our critique. But since we both love food, too, that's just as important...hey, isn't that what a food critic is supposed to do? Combine Mr. P's opinions with mine (because no couple completely agrees on everything, and we're both about as stubborn as it gets), add in some of his restaurant expertise and my writing, and I think we've got a plan!

What Mr. P doesn't know yet is that I've decided to expand on this dream. I want to be a food critic and publish my commentary in local papers, etc., but I also want to be a travel critic and be published in national and international publications! I want to travel the world and experience different cultures and places to stay, things to do, etc. I want to get paid to live my dream...and I want to write again...so why not just write about living out my dreams?

(When Mr. P reads this, it wouldn't surprise me if he adds art critic to expand his list.)

I guess what I'm asking is this: who wants to fund my dreams?
Better yet: who's got inside job-landing connections to Frommer's, Fodor's or Conde Nast?

Just a Reminder...

We're Number One!

GO TIGERS!!!

MIZZOU-RAH!

Fight, Tigers, fight for Old Mizzou,

Right behind you, everyone is with you,

Break the line and follow down the field,

And you'll be, on the top, upon the top;

Fight, Tigers, you will always win,

Proudly keep the colors flying skyward,

In the end we'll win the victory,

So Tigers, fight for Old Mizzou!

Wedding Slideshow

A little birdy mentioned that, now that I actually HAVE one, I should put up the link to our wedding slideshow :)

SO, to appease the birds...CLICK HERE.

On another note, why are Mondays after holiday weekends such a bummer? I don't think they could possibly drag on any longer! (Maybe I'm just grumpy because I forgot my lunch at home this morning, and now that it's raining, I don't want to go outside to go get food!)

Good Weekend

Turkey Day was wonderful - Mr. P's turkey was perfect, and now we're stuck with more leftovers than we know what to do with! It was a pretty relaxing day, and I was stoked when Schmoogie called from Costa Rica and we all got a chance to talk to her.

Friday was pretty relaxing, nothing exciting. Saturday, though, was one of the most exciting days I've ever had! Finally, my #4 Mizzou Tigers made it to the Border Showdown against #2 kU (chickenhawks)...and we won! After LSU losing on Friday in triple overtime, the MU/kU game became evem MORE important than before - rivalries aside. Mizzou has never had an 11-1 season in its history, and the fact that last night's win was over kU was just the icing on the cake! GO TIGERS!!!



This morning, I checked the Browers blog, only to find that a photo of Mr. P's wedding ring is up! Hopefully, that means Michael's getting closer to being done with the photos from our big day - we're so stoked to see them!


On our wedding day, I forgot something at our apartment. Mr. P ran it by my folks' house while Schmoogie and I were out getting our hair done. We returned home to find a bag full of the missing items and a note from Mr. P telling me how excited he was about the wedding. Michael and Lajuanna jumped on that note and asked if they could photograph it with our wedding rings...seeing how great this shot turned out really makes me smile.

Special thanks to Ammar and Carrie for joining me and Mr. P at my folks' house last night for the Mizzou game. We know how hard it can be to get back to STL, and we're thrilled that you were there with us - hope the "game food" settled alright! Love you guys!

Turkey Day!

Technically, this isn't a food blog. It isn't an anything blog, except mine. BUT, in honor of the greatest gorge-fest of the year, a little note about Turkey Day.

While I'm not really sure I want to "give thanks" for taking over land that belonged to Native Americans and celebrating settlement in America, I'll certainly celebrate big, funny-looking, barely-flying birds...thus, Turkey Day. (I honestly can't remember the last time I used "Thanksgiving" to describe the day.)

My water aerobics class (wow, when did I become an old woman?) last night was spent working out and talking about Turkey Day...can we say cruel and unusual? Everyone talked about their favorites. My friend Beckie chose cranberry sauce, and our instructor actually asked, "the homemade kind or the kind with ridges?" I have to laugh, because the ridged kind is definitely the canned kind, and I prefer it :)

For the past couple of years, Mom has handed over the bird-duties to Mr. P, who has a thorough (albeit somewhat overly-meticulous) bird-cooking process. It starts the Wednesday before Turkey Day (which would be tonight), when he creates a brine for the bird. Then throw in some aromatics - apples, onions, celery, some other stuff (possibly apple cider?) - and soak overnight. On Thursday (the Day of the Turkey), the bird bakes :) I've never had a piece of turkey smell AND taste quite as good. Apparently, neither has Mom, because she's more than happy to let Mr. P continue the process, involved as it may be.

And while the turkey is amazing, it truly doesn't take much to get me going. I'm really a stuffing kind of girl. The basic kind. Mmm, mouth-watering! But I'm also the one who likes the cranberry sauce with ridges ;)

It'll be a small affair this year, just Mom, Dad, Mr. P, and me. I miss the days of the entire family getting together at Bam's place in Indianapolis, but it is nice to not be rushed by travel. Mr. P and I really wanted to get to Memphis or Indy this year, but unfortunately, he's stuck working Black Friday. So it's here in St. Louis for Turkey Day. Hope it's a great one for everyone!

Time Suck

Apparently, we needed a half-hour meeting this afternoon to remind us that our flexible spending accounts will not pay for beer and chocolate.

The Big Cheese will have all of his Valium covered, MB and I can have smoking cessation support (depending on the program we choose), and OTC wart-removal medications are covered, as long as you buy the correct brand.

UGH.

But remember, friends, beer and chocolate are not prescribed medications. Self-medication, possibly, but never doctor-prescribed, and therefore not covered by my FSA.

Flashback: INDY 500

To be fair to the folks whose pictures I will include on the blog over time, I thought I'd get one of me and Mr. P up here. No, it's not a good picture, but the memories of that day - or the ones I like to think actually happened, since I didn't make it much past this picture - will live on. Had lots of fun at our first race ever with Brian, Charles (the French dude), and Dad.



Realization of the moment: I shouldn't wear hats.

Looks Can Be Deceiveing

Well, Mr. P and I decided to step into new territory this weekend. Yesterday began the official house-hunt. We met up with a realtor who has been kind enough to take us on as her most recent challenge based on her company's relationship with my parents. I'm learning that even in real estate, networking is a great way to get ahead. And I'm also learning that looks can be very deceiving.

Our first stop was the house pictured in this post, and WOW. Disappointment is one way to put it. I've been in bathrooms bigger than its bedrooms! We went in with low expectations - we really didn't want to fall in love and not be able to make it work. Our expectations were definitely underwhelmed. But, it was a start, and a great entrance into the challenges that lie ahead of us.

Our second stop, which was actually SMALLER than the first, had a great layout, but just didn't feel quite right. This was more of a viewing just to compare two homes in the same neighborhood - I was amazed to see how open a small home can feel, but I'm keeping our options open.

Today, Mr. P had to work, but I dragged Dad with me to go to a couple of open houses - I feel that as a first-time buyer, it can't do anything but help to have an extra set of eyes with me (and ears for feedback afterward). There were only two possible open houses on the list, so we visited here first:



After yesterday's disappointment, I was even more shocked by this home! Two good-sized bedrooms, nice living room with functional wood-burning fireplace, dining room, porch (future office, perhaps?), kitchen, and a full basement with an additional half bath! The kitchen is rather small, but I'm already reconfiguring it in my head, and it's more than adequate :) It wouldn't take much to finish the basement, and here's another bonus: there's a PERFECT space for Mr. P to start doing his art again, even on top of plenty of storage space in the basement. The home really has everything we've talked about wanting and more - I'm determined to talk to our agent to get in there again this week. It certainly doesn't hurt that the location is ideal for me to get to work, and Mr. P to get to school (his work might be a little tricky, but do-able.)

I guess liking it this much is faster than expected, but I should have more realistic expectations when I've been online house-hunting for three years now ;)

OH! I dragged Dad by the second open house on my list - and we only managed a drive-by. Pictures are worth a thousand words, but they can also lie like dogs :( I'm getting a much better feel for what I will/will not compromise on, and although I'm willing to do quite a bit of manual labor, rehabbing the entire outside of a home is just not an option. 'Nuf said.

Please keep Mr. P and me in your thoughts! It's been an exciting weekend, and I'm glad to get the ball rolling. I have built up much more knowledge and skill than I ever realized from my years-long "sorta" hunt - it's kinda cool to see what's really out there! While we both know that our "dream home" is years away, we're anxious to get into our "perfect for now" home and take that next step together.

Sorry I'm so wordy today - blame the excitement. I also want to give a special thank you to Dad (not to be confused with the thanks I already owe him for everything else). Thanks for letting me drag you along, thanks for being my sounding board, thanks for responding so positively, and most importantly, Thanks for always putting up with my shit, Dad.

YES!

I don't think I've ever been happier for Mr. P than I am this morning. I'm very proud of him for continuing to push to get where he wants to be in life, and can't wait to see where our life together ultimately leads.

Congrats on your acceptance to UMSL, hubby! I'm proud of you and excited about what's to come. While there was never any doubt in my mind (or the minds of those who love you and know you best), it's still a great feeling!



Victory belongs to the most persevering.
- Napoleon

Lucky Woman

Sometimes I forget how lucky I am.

Mr. P made stew last night, but when it wasn't ready at 9pm, he got me Steak'n'Shake instead because he knows how much I hate eating that late. I certainly didn't need the grease, but every now and then, it's a necessary indulgence.

Tonight, we had the beef stew. It was a combination of two different recipes, and I'm still not sure they go together, but definitely a valiant effort. (And honestly, much better than the chicken and rice I would have made.) I'm not sure any quick-meal woman could have it better than a husband who enjoys cooking and is good at it! Score another one for me!

Mr. P knew that today had been rough on me. Work's kicking into prime-season, life's hectic, and we all know I'm a little crazy anyway :) Nothing makes frustrations subside quite like chocolate chip cookies (thanks Nestle) and a cold glass of milk. He also knows that cookies make me think of my sister in Costa Rica, whom I miss dearly. (She's been known to come over with a tube of dough "just because" she thought I might need a cookie - and every shower/wedding gift from her was cookie or baking-related.) So in trying to cheer me up, Mr. P brought a little bit of her to me here in St. Louis.

Schmoogie, Mr. P and I miss you very much and are looking forward to your return home. You and I have a cookie-making date soon.



I really am lucky to have amazing people in my life. I adore my husband and couldn't be happier - I guess more than anything, I'm lucky he stuck around! His drive and determination is inspiring, and even though there are obstacles at every turn in the road, he's always made me proud. And I couldn't have gotten luckier with such a loving sister. We haven't always had it easy, but as we continue to grow up (I'm sure someday we'll want to reverse that process), she amazes me by everything she does. There are so many more people who make me incredibly lucky, but at the moment, these two are the best that could have happened to me.

xoxo

Oh and PS: Update to yesterday - yes, the jewelry's still there :)

Homeowner Envy

At what point do you give in and just say "I have GOT to get into a house" and really do it? Last night's conversation with my wonderful husband:

Mr. P: You came home for lunch yesterday, right?

Me: No, I was going to, but it was pouring so I decided to stay at work.

Mr. P: So you didn't lock the deadbolt?

Me: Nope. Why, was it locked?

Mr. P: um, yeah...will you go check to make sure your jewelry is still there?

Apparently, someone was in our apartment - our home - yesterday. After a phone call to the landlord this morning to determine that no, there was no work order, and there was no reason for someone to have been there, I'm livid. I want a place where my husband and I are the only ones with keys! (except, of course, for the one trusted neighbor or friend for the inevitable lockout)

With that said, I'm starting to look a little harder than before. Still just looking (perhaps?), but the dream of owning is becoming so much harder to ignore.

Welcome to Eggs Over Medium

WHY? That's the question I keep trying to answer. It's pretty broad, so it works for a lot of the detail questions as well as the all-encompassing.

Let's start with WHY I'm writing a blog. We all have so many things we want to say and share, but let's face it: I can only say the same thing to so many people so many times. I've gotten exceedingly bad about keeping in touch with those who matter most to me, and even though I'm making a concerted effort to be better, I know I'm just not there yet. Hopefully, blogging will help.

WHY "Eggs Over Medium?" Well, because it just fits. There's no meal I'd rather enjoy with those closest to me than breakfast. Saturday or Sunday mornings at the Boardwalk Cafe, or the always-fun breakfast for dinner. Tempt me with the perfect piece of bacon, and I'm yours. Add in French toast and I'm good to go!