In preparation for tonight's game, here is a bit of reading for you.
And, yes, that curly, blonde-haired giant is the only thing that stands in the way of pure, domineering evil. But is one man enough? One against three? Only three games will tell. As a Mavs fan, I'm prepared to be disappointed....though a small ray of hope persists in these dark times.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Zucchini Bread
I was all excited last night to try my hand at zucchini bread for the second time. The first time, years ago, was disaster. I followed a low-fat recipe that was utterly horrid.
This time, I followed the first recipe here. It was good. Not great, but a good, solid recipe. It definitely satisfies my zucchini bread cravings.
It was also fun playing with the food processor for the first time. Cooking and baking is so much fun when you like the result and gain a sense of satisfaction.
This time, I followed the first recipe here. It was good. Not great, but a good, solid recipe. It definitely satisfies my zucchini bread cravings.
It was also fun playing with the food processor for the first time. Cooking and baking is so much fun when you like the result and gain a sense of satisfaction.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Baking Inspiration!
First off, a happy, happy birthday to my husband today! He's brought so much joy to my life and I'm so blessed to have found him!
Mr. Higgins' mother is a fabulous cook/baker. I've been looking forward to another Christmas at her house since Jan. 2 of this year! She's inspired me to think outside of my limited baking box which is a lot of fun.
Recently, she forwarded me a link to a baking blog. Oh my goodness! That opened a can of worms! Now I'm obsessed with cooking/baking blogs!! And I really want to do more cooking/baking!! Trying to narrow it down to just one thing to bake is difficult....but not really.
There was a restaurant - a girlie lunch place - that my mom and I frequented in East Texas when I lived there. They had the best zucchini muffins! I'd look forward to that more than anything there! I tried a zucchini bread at the time, trying to replicate the goodness....and it was a failure. The recipe was low-fat....and awful.
Now, armed with a new food processor (wedding gifts are wonderful!), I'm ready to try again. A normal, fatty zucchini bread recipe, that is! I'll let you know how it goes tonight.
I'll probably spend every free moment today browsing food blogs. And, like yesterday, I'll be starving all day long!
Mr. Higgins' mother is a fabulous cook/baker. I've been looking forward to another Christmas at her house since Jan. 2 of this year! She's inspired me to think outside of my limited baking box which is a lot of fun.
Recently, she forwarded me a link to a baking blog. Oh my goodness! That opened a can of worms! Now I'm obsessed with cooking/baking blogs!! And I really want to do more cooking/baking!! Trying to narrow it down to just one thing to bake is difficult....but not really.
There was a restaurant - a girlie lunch place - that my mom and I frequented in East Texas when I lived there. They had the best zucchini muffins! I'd look forward to that more than anything there! I tried a zucchini bread at the time, trying to replicate the goodness....and it was a failure. The recipe was low-fat....and awful.
Now, armed with a new food processor (wedding gifts are wonderful!), I'm ready to try again. A normal, fatty zucchini bread recipe, that is! I'll let you know how it goes tonight.
I'll probably spend every free moment today browsing food blogs. And, like yesterday, I'll be starving all day long!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Game 2, Finals
In case you haven't heard, the Mavs beat the Heat last night, tying the series 1-1.
It hasn't been a pretty two games for Mavs fans. The shots aren't falling, rebounding and turnovers have killed the Mavs. Dirk injured a finger and, though he said it wasn't hurting, his shots were not falling last night.....until it mattered. He went on a shooting spree at the end to tie up the game and then make the game-winning shot.
Go Dirk!
LeBron and Wade had no idea what happened. They were still celebrating their 15-point lead when the buzzer sounded and the Mavs walked away with a victory. Awesome.
Now on home turf, the Mavs are going to have to re-group. Terry really needs to step it up - and make some baskets - and Kidd needs to hold on to the ball a bit better. And GET IN LeBRON'S FACE!! Defense, guys! Don't let your fans - and all the Heat-haters - down. You've got the majority of the country on your side, guys. Make us proud!
It hasn't been a pretty two games for Mavs fans. The shots aren't falling, rebounding and turnovers have killed the Mavs. Dirk injured a finger and, though he said it wasn't hurting, his shots were not falling last night.....until it mattered. He went on a shooting spree at the end to tie up the game and then make the game-winning shot.
Go Dirk!
LeBron and Wade had no idea what happened. They were still celebrating their 15-point lead when the buzzer sounded and the Mavs walked away with a victory. Awesome.
Now on home turf, the Mavs are going to have to re-group. Terry really needs to step it up - and make some baskets - and Kidd needs to hold on to the ball a bit better. And GET IN LeBRON'S FACE!! Defense, guys! Don't let your fans - and all the Heat-haters - down. You've got the majority of the country on your side, guys. Make us proud!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Flowers
A few pictures from the wedding.
As you may recall, I was having serious problems with the florist that was included in our wedding package. So, I went and found my own florist. It was a bit difficult doing this long distance - all by phone and email - but they flowers turned out great!
Yellow calla lillies, white hydrangeas, and white ranunculuses. I loved them!
Really, everything with the wedding went so smoothly and perfectly....like a dream!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Dieting....Or Not
Mr. Higgins and I had a full three-day weekend! And it got us thinking....three-day weekends really should be the norm! Ha!
One of Mr. Higgins' best friends is moving in mid-June. It's got us all really down. We're trying to make the most of the time we have left with him, though, by visiting all his favorite restaurants and doing all his favorite things around town. Add Mr. Higgin's birthday into the mix next week and we're eating out a lot - and having a lot of desserts. As a result, my post-wedding diet is suffering. Ah, well. You only live once, right?
Perhaps in July I'll finally get to settle down and work on that wedding scrapbook. And knit. And make cards. And catch up on movies and such.
One of Mr. Higgins' best friends is moving in mid-June. It's got us all really down. We're trying to make the most of the time we have left with him, though, by visiting all his favorite restaurants and doing all his favorite things around town. Add Mr. Higgin's birthday into the mix next week and we're eating out a lot - and having a lot of desserts. As a result, my post-wedding diet is suffering. Ah, well. You only live once, right?
Perhaps in July I'll finally get to settle down and work on that wedding scrapbook. And knit. And make cards. And catch up on movies and such.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Deja Vu
The Mavs have won the Western Conference. I can hardly believe it! But I'm super happy!
The Finals match-up brings a hiccup to every Mavs' fan, however: the Heat will most likely win the East. Every Mavs fan is scarred by the finals in 2006 when the Mavs collapsed in Miami and lost the series, the championship that was within their grasp. Now they're headed back to Miami, to a Heat team with new players: LeBron and Chis Bosh.
This does not make me happy; it's terrifying! This Mavs team beat Kobe, though, and if they can beat LeBron's stuck-up arse, then I will be ecstatic. It will serve LeBron right.
Only time will tell if these Mavs can stand up to the Heat.
The Finals match-up brings a hiccup to every Mavs' fan, however: the Heat will most likely win the East. Every Mavs fan is scarred by the finals in 2006 when the Mavs collapsed in Miami and lost the series, the championship that was within their grasp. Now they're headed back to Miami, to a Heat team with new players: LeBron and Chis Bosh.
This does not make me happy; it's terrifying! This Mavs team beat Kobe, though, and if they can beat LeBron's stuck-up arse, then I will be ecstatic. It will serve LeBron right.
Only time will tell if these Mavs can stand up to the Heat.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Hail!
We've had two days of crazy weather here in north Texas.
-On Monday, around 10am, the skies darkened and, if one hadn't known better, it looked like it was 8:30pm! Soon, dime-size hail rained down for a good ten minutes. I was, of course, at work, and feared for my car in the open parking lot. There was no big damage, but I know of at least one dent on the roof of my car.
-Last night, as Oklahoma City was dealing with mega tornadoes, we had our own scare. Around 7:45, after only a few rain drops, hail the size of ping-pong balls fell for a good ten minutes, hitting the windows with such force that I was sure they would shatter. Finally, it stopped and we went outside. The wind was crazy! For the next hour, we watched, transfixed on the back porch, as two storms went by, skirting our house....with swirling clouds. I've never seen anything like it. The clouds in the upper atmosphere were billowing upward while the ones below swirled closer to the ground. We didn't see any funnels but I've never seen anything closer to a funnel.
We lost power and had no internet for the duration of the storms. It was pretty scary.
An hour after the hail, when the creepy clouds had passed by, the tornado sirens finally went off for the first time. We had clear skies. This doesn't give me any confidence in our local emergency personnel.
-On Monday, around 10am, the skies darkened and, if one hadn't known better, it looked like it was 8:30pm! Soon, dime-size hail rained down for a good ten minutes. I was, of course, at work, and feared for my car in the open parking lot. There was no big damage, but I know of at least one dent on the roof of my car.
-Last night, as Oklahoma City was dealing with mega tornadoes, we had our own scare. Around 7:45, after only a few rain drops, hail the size of ping-pong balls fell for a good ten minutes, hitting the windows with such force that I was sure they would shatter. Finally, it stopped and we went outside. The wind was crazy! For the next hour, we watched, transfixed on the back porch, as two storms went by, skirting our house....with swirling clouds. I've never seen anything like it. The clouds in the upper atmosphere were billowing upward while the ones below swirled closer to the ground. We didn't see any funnels but I've never seen anything closer to a funnel.
We lost power and had no internet for the duration of the storms. It was pretty scary.
An hour after the hail, when the creepy clouds had passed by, the tornado sirens finally went off for the first time. We had clear skies. This doesn't give me any confidence in our local emergency personnel.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Settling Down
After a month of craziness, things are now - thankfully! - settling down.
The house is empty. The bags are unpacked. The wedding decorations are stored. All is quiet. Except when there's a Mavs game on! (GO MAVS!) It's a welcome relief. After the weekend, I finally feel rested and back to normal. I'd forgotten what this feels like!
I had such an amazing time the past few weeks.... And now, I can't wait to scrapbook it all! I've already started going through pictures, tagging those I want to print to include in the book. There are so many pictures....and so many wedding events. I'm probably going to have two albums chronicling all the happenings since the engagement.
It's going to be a lot of fun!
The house is empty. The bags are unpacked. The wedding decorations are stored. All is quiet. Except when there's a Mavs game on! (GO MAVS!) It's a welcome relief. After the weekend, I finally feel rested and back to normal. I'd forgotten what this feels like!
I had such an amazing time the past few weeks.... And now, I can't wait to scrapbook it all! I've already started going through pictures, tagging those I want to print to include in the book. There are so many pictures....and so many wedding events. I'm probably going to have two albums chronicling all the happenings since the engagement.
It's going to be a lot of fun!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Biking on Jekyll
On the Friday before the wedding, my two girlfriends and I ventured out on our tour of Jekyll Island - on bikes. It turned out to be a great day - one away from wedding planning and pressure...just what I needed!
It was so much fun getting on a bike again! I felt like a kid again! Of course, I wore long sleeves and tons of sunscreen to prevent any unattractive red lines in my wedding dress!
The trails took us beneath towering oaks filled with Spanish moss....
...and to the beach: Driftwood Beach. This was a really neat place: a beach littered with old oaks.
Here, you can see the pier and then, further in the distance, the bridge to Brunswick. Driftwood Beach was definitely a sight to see and very unique!
I had so much fun with my two girlfriends this day! I'll treasure these memories for years to come! And I can't wait to get back to Jekyll to bike around the other half of the island! The girls and I did half the island which ended up being 8 miles. And it was great!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
All in a Name....
My project for next month is a daunting one: changing my name.
I had never really given it much thought seeing as how I never really thought I'd ever get married. There was a mental block there, for some reason. When I was in the wedding planning process, I printed off a checklist, of sorts, on how to get it all done. Then I put it out of my mind until someone brought it up during the wedding festivities.
The first time I wrote my new name was on the place card for our reception at home on Saturday. It felt weird. I'd never written it before! Now I'm wishing I'd been one of those girlie girls who sat around doodling, writing my new name over and over again. I need practice, after all!
But how am I going to break the habit of writing the name I've had for almost thirty years? I only know myself by that name. Talk about an identity crisis!
At least my new name is a good name. It's not weird or long or hard to pronounce, like my given name. And I like it. I'll adapt, I'm sure, though it will take a while.
Off to doodle now....
I had never really given it much thought seeing as how I never really thought I'd ever get married. There was a mental block there, for some reason. When I was in the wedding planning process, I printed off a checklist, of sorts, on how to get it all done. Then I put it out of my mind until someone brought it up during the wedding festivities.
The first time I wrote my new name was on the place card for our reception at home on Saturday. It felt weird. I'd never written it before! Now I'm wishing I'd been one of those girlie girls who sat around doodling, writing my new name over and over again. I need practice, after all!
But how am I going to break the habit of writing the name I've had for almost thirty years? I only know myself by that name. Talk about an identity crisis!
At least my new name is a good name. It's not weird or long or hard to pronounce, like my given name. And I like it. I'll adapt, I'm sure, though it will take a while.
Off to doodle now....
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Go Dirk!
The NBA playoffs are upon us and the Dallas Mavericks are in the Western Finals. It's an awesome time for a Mavs fan. We got to watch our team take down Kobe Bryant and the cocky Lakers. It doesn't get much better than that.
The first game of the Western Finals - against Oklahoma City - is over and the Mavs persevered once more, thanks to Dirk.
This article explains why I'll always be a fan of Dirk Nowitzki.
The first game of the Western Finals - against Oklahoma City - is over and the Mavs persevered once more, thanks to Dirk.
This article explains why I'll always be a fan of Dirk Nowitzki.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Jekyll Island Club
It's been two weeks since the wedding and all the festivities are now at an end. It was all wonderful and now it's time to pass along a few pictures. These two show you where the important events happened. Up top is the Jekyll Island Club on Jekyll Island, Georgia. The island was built up by millionaires at the turn of the century: Morgan, Rockefeller, and Pulitzer to name a few. Now the island is a state park and the Club sits in the historic district.
Also on the grounds of the historic district - and a stone's throw from the Club - is Faith Chapel, the oldest church on the island. It was the perfect setting for our small wedding especially since guests could walk to the reception at the Club (and stay at the Club!).
I can't say enough about the Club and those who helped make our wedding special. Everyone was so nice! The grounds - filled with flowers and huge oak trees - were gorgeous! And the hotel buildings were charming - old and beautiful.
I look forward to spending many anniversaries at the Club.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Newlywed Glow
Someone mentioned "newlywed glow" the other day and I laughed. Here's how much glow we have....
We came home to find the cats had made some serious messes in the house. Spent three hours cleaning that up and finally got to bed at 3am.
The next morning we awoke to find a water leak outside. Water is turned off for most of the day.
We have a reception at home to get ready for on Saturday and a house to make spotless before guests arrive on Friday. There's a mound of mud in our front flower bed where the plumber had to dig down to the pipes. Oh and the lawn can't be mowed due to crazy rains.
There has been no time to sit down and have a quiet moment together between cleaning and back-to-work stress.
Glow? More like newlywed circles under my eyes and frazzled nerves. I was really trying to stay positive but that ended this morning. There's no way to keep from being overwhelmed.
So, it looks like pictures will have to wait until next week. But I promise to get some up then!
We came home to find the cats had made some serious messes in the house. Spent three hours cleaning that up and finally got to bed at 3am.
The next morning we awoke to find a water leak outside. Water is turned off for most of the day.
We have a reception at home to get ready for on Saturday and a house to make spotless before guests arrive on Friday. There's a mound of mud in our front flower bed where the plumber had to dig down to the pipes. Oh and the lawn can't be mowed due to crazy rains.
There has been no time to sit down and have a quiet moment together between cleaning and back-to-work stress.
Glow? More like newlywed circles under my eyes and frazzled nerves. I was really trying to stay positive but that ended this morning. There's no way to keep from being overwhelmed.
So, it looks like pictures will have to wait until next week. But I promise to get some up then!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Home Again!
I'm back!!!!!!
We had a perfect wedding - and weekend! - on Jekyll Island, Georgia. It truly was the best that I could have hoped for! Actually, I was afraid to hope for something so perfect! The weather was gorgeous, despite the fact that we, and a lot of family, were on the road - and in Alabama - when the catastrophic tornadoes hit. Two tornadoes even came within ten miles of my parents in East Texas! Despite it all, we got to Georgia and, on the Friday before the wedding, everything started going according to plan.
The honeymoon was wonderful! We had a few unplanned adventures but St. John was perfect. I can't wait to show you the pictures!!
Once we got home, we had a few major problems to deal with that cast an early pall over being home. Hopefully, it will be better today!
We have tons - TONS! - of pictures to go through. And a reception at home to get through on Saturday. I'll try to get some pics together to show you tomorrow. Hopefully!
We had a perfect wedding - and weekend! - on Jekyll Island, Georgia. It truly was the best that I could have hoped for! Actually, I was afraid to hope for something so perfect! The weather was gorgeous, despite the fact that we, and a lot of family, were on the road - and in Alabama - when the catastrophic tornadoes hit. Two tornadoes even came within ten miles of my parents in East Texas! Despite it all, we got to Georgia and, on the Friday before the wedding, everything started going according to plan.
The honeymoon was wonderful! We had a few unplanned adventures but St. John was perfect. I can't wait to show you the pictures!!
Once we got home, we had a few major problems to deal with that cast an early pall over being home. Hopefully, it will be better today!
We have tons - TONS! - of pictures to go through. And a reception at home to get through on Saturday. I'll try to get some pics together to show you tomorrow. Hopefully!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
5 Days
Time is flying by now that we're getting so close. I leave tomorrow morning for a fun-filled family drive to Georgia. Today, it's all about packing the last minute stuff and tying up loose ends.
I don't know how much I'll post after today but I'll be sure to re-join you during the week of May 9....with wedding/honeymoon pictures galore!
I don't know how much I'll post after today but I'll be sure to re-join you during the week of May 9....with wedding/honeymoon pictures galore!
Monday, April 25, 2011
6 Days
I wanted - and we needed - rain. And we got it.
It's stormed for two nights straight, making sleep for extended periods impossible. So, six days out from the wedding, I'm exhausted. Great. I have one more night of possible real sleep before I have to get up at an insanely early hour to start our family road trip east. I really hope the skies calm tonight so sleep is an option!
The weekend was spent packing (I'll be gone for about two weeks!) and finishing up wedding crafts. I accomplished all I wanted to, but Easter came and went with no festivities. Mr. Higgins and I are both trying to keep the weight off before the Big Day, so we've been counting - well, watching - our calories.
The weather forecast for the wedding is in and it looks perfect - high 70s and sunny. Awesome!
Two mornings from now, I'll be on my way. I can't believe it.
It's stormed for two nights straight, making sleep for extended periods impossible. So, six days out from the wedding, I'm exhausted. Great. I have one more night of possible real sleep before I have to get up at an insanely early hour to start our family road trip east. I really hope the skies calm tonight so sleep is an option!
The weekend was spent packing (I'll be gone for about two weeks!) and finishing up wedding crafts. I accomplished all I wanted to, but Easter came and went with no festivities. Mr. Higgins and I are both trying to keep the weight off before the Big Day, so we've been counting - well, watching - our calories.
The weather forecast for the wedding is in and it looks perfect - high 70s and sunny. Awesome!
Two mornings from now, I'll be on my way. I can't believe it.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
10 Days and a Problem
A light came on in my Honda Civic a few weeks ago. An airbag light. I didn't think much of it....but then it stayed on.
I was scheduled to take my car in for some service and asked the guy to check it out. Of course, it costs $100 just to hook it up to the computer to see what's wrong. Arrrrg!
After a few hours, they came back. Something was wrong with the electrical system controlling the airbags. The airbags were not working, as a result. To repair this problem, they have to take the seats out and go under the floor board to repair the problem. The guy said it would cost $900.
I was stunned, as you can imagine. I didn't think this was a real problem. The guy said I should contact Honda because the airbags should not have problems on such a relatively young car. Then he said, he'd talk to Honda for me. He came back and said Honda would cover all but $250 of the repair. Looking at a wedding and honeymoon on the horizon, this was still a lot of money for me, not to mention the money spent on service that day.
Still stunned, I went home. I asked my dad what he thought. My dad is a car guy but isn't really a safety guy; he could care less. But even he thought it was prudent to get it fixed. In the end, I agreed. Fate does funny things and I could see getting hit by a drunk driver, two weeks after my wedding, when I have no airbags.
So, on top of everything else, ten days before my wedding, my car is getting taken apart and put back together - well, the inside of it, at least. Great. As if I need more stresses at the moment!
I was scheduled to take my car in for some service and asked the guy to check it out. Of course, it costs $100 just to hook it up to the computer to see what's wrong. Arrrrg!
After a few hours, they came back. Something was wrong with the electrical system controlling the airbags. The airbags were not working, as a result. To repair this problem, they have to take the seats out and go under the floor board to repair the problem. The guy said it would cost $900.
I was stunned, as you can imagine. I didn't think this was a real problem. The guy said I should contact Honda because the airbags should not have problems on such a relatively young car. Then he said, he'd talk to Honda for me. He came back and said Honda would cover all but $250 of the repair. Looking at a wedding and honeymoon on the horizon, this was still a lot of money for me, not to mention the money spent on service that day.
Still stunned, I went home. I asked my dad what he thought. My dad is a car guy but isn't really a safety guy; he could care less. But even he thought it was prudent to get it fixed. In the end, I agreed. Fate does funny things and I could see getting hit by a drunk driver, two weeks after my wedding, when I have no airbags.
So, on top of everything else, ten days before my wedding, my car is getting taken apart and put back together - well, the inside of it, at least. Great. As if I need more stresses at the moment!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
11 Days
A week from today, I'll be leaving for Georgia and the wedding. Whoa. 11 days until the wedding.
My check-list is getting smaller but my packing list is getting longer! There are just so many details involved in a destination wedding! And then a honeymoon!
In other wedding news, my bridal portraits are up for proofing. I haven't received my disc of all the images or I would post a few teasers here. They're really good. I'm amazed at how well they turned out. Anyone who can make me look pretty deserves a medal! The photographer is a guy I knew in high school who does this kind of stuff on the side. I'm already trying to angle to get family portraits done with him next year!
And that's all I've got today.
My check-list is getting smaller but my packing list is getting longer! There are just so many details involved in a destination wedding! And then a honeymoon!
In other wedding news, my bridal portraits are up for proofing. I haven't received my disc of all the images or I would post a few teasers here. They're really good. I'm amazed at how well they turned out. Anyone who can make me look pretty deserves a medal! The photographer is a guy I knew in high school who does this kind of stuff on the side. I'm already trying to angle to get family portraits done with him next year!
And that's all I've got today.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A Good-Bye
As if life wasn't busy enough....
We had two retirement celebrations for my boss yesterday, both of which I had to help with. It made for a long day, after a very long weekend, and I'm tired.
This retirement, and the festivities, came as no surprise but I still found myself tearing up last night at the dinner. It didn't help that my boss was visibly moved by the toasts in his honor. I guess, as with so many other things, I take him for granted. But he's been a mentor, a friend, an unfailing advocate....and he'll perform my wedding ceremony (in less than two weeks!).
The next year at work will be one of transition. Thankfully, my boss will still be around, in an unofficial capacity. That should help ease both of us into a daily life without each other.
We had two retirement celebrations for my boss yesterday, both of which I had to help with. It made for a long day, after a very long weekend, and I'm tired.
This retirement, and the festivities, came as no surprise but I still found myself tearing up last night at the dinner. It didn't help that my boss was visibly moved by the toasts in his honor. I guess, as with so many other things, I take him for granted. But he's been a mentor, a friend, an unfailing advocate....and he'll perform my wedding ceremony (in less than two weeks!).
The next year at work will be one of transition. Thankfully, my boss will still be around, in an unofficial capacity. That should help ease both of us into a daily life without each other.
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