Looking the Part is Half the Battle

Note to self: do not run diamond engagement ring across pantyhose*. Even an accidental brush will result in you spending the afternoon looking like a 10 cent hooker.

Not exactly the look I was going for as an attorney......

Lesson learned.

You know, I really hate pantyhose. Even cheap ones cost about $8/pair and they last maybe 3 wears before they are full of runs or little nicks. What a waste!

Self-Diagnosis

I have seasonal affective disorder. I just know it! I nearly cried when hearing the prediction for potentially more snow this Saturday. I haven't been able to run outside in well over a week. Heck, I couldn't even drive to the gym the past three days and have had to improvise with Jillian Michaels' DVDs (h-e-double hockey sticks).

Since I can't exactly jet off on a beach vacation, pictures are the next best thing, right?

My cure for S.A.D. would involve:

1. A run through Wildwood Metropark. Toledo has the absolute best park system, complete with very run-able trails. Cincinnati has nothing in comparison. If I weren't getting married in the Outer Banks, I'd be getting married at Wildwood. It's beautiful and a fresh-air run without the need for hats/gloves and running tights would feel amazing.

2. A glass of vinho verde on my parents' deck (or any deck for that matter). Yes please. My favorite wine is my favorite because it screams summer. Light, crisp and uncomplicated. It pairs deliciously with one of my Dad's homegrown tomatoes. Too bad the best brand is nowhere to be found on store shelves until usually May.

3. Reading a good book on the beach while soaking up some sun at the Outer Banks. Oh, I know-the sun is harmful to my skin. Well, the snow is harmful to my soul! (At least I'm not dramatic...) I'll wear sunscreen, I promise.

4. Grilling out on Steve's balcony. Hmm, well Steve would be doing the grilling out while I relax and read a book and sip on some wine! That balcony is one of a kind, and even provides shelter from the hot sun or a summer rain shower. I bet you'll miss it, Steve!

5. A 7 night cruise in the Caribbean. Ok, now I'm getting greedy. But, it's been 7 years since I went on my first cruise. That trip was fantastic. There is something incredibly relaxing about traveling via boat. You unpack once, but you still get to visit several cities. The day at the Bahamas was unreal. It felt completely like paradise.

6. Island hopping in Greece. Fine, if I'm being greedy I might as well go all out. My trip to Greece in 2004 was limited to Athens and Rhodes. To complete a tour of Greece, I believe some island hopping to Mykonos, Santorini, and of course a return to Rhodes would be a must!

7. NO WORK.

Discipline

How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent? How can I rejoice fully in your Resurrection when I have avoided participating in your death? Yes, Lord, I have to die—with you, through you, and in you—and thus become ready to recognize you when you appear to me in your Resurrection. There is so much in me that needs to die: false attachments, greed and anger, impatience and stinginess.... I see clearly now how little I have died with you, really gone your way and been faithful to it. O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.

-Henri Nouwen

I can't believe Lent is already here. Well, tomorrow anyway. Easter is just around the corner (and Spring, yay!). Lent always feels kind of like a "spiritual" new year. It's a chance to reflect on the areas of my life that are focused in the wrong direction and get rid of those things I'm treating like idols.

I often pick something to "fast" from during Lent. And to be honest, this year I was particularly inclined to pick something edible (or drinkable) from which to refrain. But, if I'm honest with myself, the reason behind that isn't so much to engage in sacrifice so I can recall Christ's sacrifice for me as it is to not look like a cow at my wedding in June.

So, this year, my focus during Lent is going to be on discipline, specifically discipline in prayer. I have set aside time to be used solely for prayer or prayer-journaling. It's not that I never pray, but I don't think my relationship with God is going to get stronger and more personal without discipline in this area. It doesn't feel natural to me-I don't like being still, and usually, if I am still-I'm falling asleep! I can't tell you how many times I've fallen asleep after just beginning to pray. Maybe praying with the lights off tucked in my bed isn't the best plan? Plus, I want that prayer time to be deeper-more confession and thanks, rather than feeling like I need to rattle off my list of requests.

Anyway, disciplined prayer-that'll be my focus this Lenten season. I have a feeling I won't regret it.

candy gram

When you were in school, did you have candy grams around Valentine's Day? We had those and also had carnations for sale that you could buy to have delivered to someone. It was always very nerve wracking in homeroom while you waited for your flower. I mean, what if you didn't get one? Total loser, right? Whew...glad those days are over. ;-)

The candy grams always came with candy hearts. I am not a big fan of conversation hearts. They taste like chalk. They are cute, though...

I just wasted 10 minutes making my very own conversation hearts. Fantastic, no?

You can even set it to "goth" mode if you have a negative disposition towards this weekend's holiday. (I have a negative disposition towards winter...so... yeah.)

Snow day pays off!

Usually I'm filled with jealousy when my teacher-roommate has a snow day. But, today I am filled with gratitude! My car was stuck in my snow covered driveway due to the little hill on it, and Jana came to the rescue and drove me to work. Good thing, too, because I was about to try to use a rake to shovel my driveway so I could get out. Maybe a shovel would be a good investment?

I cannot wait for spring.

I am so over this snow.

I'm LOST

LOST is the perfect name for the show because I feel completely lost once I'm done watching an episode. But, it's so exciting...and also confusing.

I found myself liking Sawyer better than Jack, what could that possibly mean?! (Except for his sick long hair, of course.)

Best line of the night: "I'm sorry you had to see me like that."

What'd you think? Sometimes I think I have a love/hate relationship with LOST. If only Penny and Desmond were back...

I'll take two please

Seriously, how cute are these? They are laptop covers that look like books! Not only are they super protective, but they would be so adorable on your nightstand, right? Of course, I'd choose the vibrant red! And it has the cutest name, the "BookBook."

Love it. Want it.

Too bad it is nearly $80. :-(

Tuesday.

I am not loving the return of winter. Last week's 50 degree Saturday was fabulous. Is it too early to start a countdown to vacation? I'm ready for some sunshine, some waves, and some sand in my toes.

Jimmy Buffet's "I gotta go where it's warm" is playing on repeat in my office today. Ok, it's not really because it's not really appropriate for a law office, but it's definitely on repeat in my mind.

Ah well. We've got a ways to go before it's warm here in Ohio! In the meantime, why don't you enjoy these pictures of me and my sister back in the old days? Lovely, no? To this day I wonder why our mailman used to call us boys...oh wait. Pretty sure I am rocking a sweet mullet in that first pic. And, yes, those sunglasses made the outfit. Duh.Here we are in 1992 at the beach!!! Once again, hair is amazing-including my mother's. Seriously, who cut our hair? Yikes.

Amen.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.
-Irish proverb

Is it bad that I look forward to crawling into bed each night? I absolutely adore those moments before I fall asleep, reading a book...looking through a magazine...all comfy with Fi* curled up next to me.

It's no wonder I go to bed so early!

*It should be noted that said canine almost lost her life at the hands of her master this morning after I had to carry her back to the house in the pouring down rain. Apparently, "the princess" (as she will now be known) detests going #2 in the rain, and once she has (after being walked all the way up the street) refuses to walk back to the house and must be carried there!

Sunday is for Soup

I love my crock pot. I use it all the time. Yesterday, I decided to make some soup to have for lunches this week and came up with this recipe. Super easy. Nutritious and very filling!

Vegetable Tortellini Soup

Ingredients
1 Green Pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 Cup (2 stalks) celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 Cup frozen green beans
1 can diced tomatoes w/ basil and oregano
1 can canellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 palmful dried basil
2 cans fat free, reduced sodium chicken broth (14 oz cans, each)
9 oz. package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Directions
Heat olive oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium high heat. Add green pepper, onion, celery and garlic and saute until onions are translucent-about 5 minutes. Add mixture to crock pot. Add remaining ingredients, except the tortellini. Cook on LOW for 7 hours. When cooking is complete, add in tortellini and heat on low for 20-25 minutes, until tortellini is tender.

Top with some Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

The name game.

I haven't decided whether to change my name after Steve and I get married in June. I know, I'm terrible, right? While I wouldn't go as far as this author and say my name is my identity, it is rather strange to think of myself as no longer Liz B. I mean, this is the name I've had for nearly 30 years. I have a smattering of published case opinions with this name. More importantly, there's that 4x800 meter relay junior varsity league record still lingering out there from my freshman year in high school...

I kid. But, I kind of don't. I just don't know. I'm leaning towards changing it. I mean, it makes sense. We will be joined together as one (that phrase kind of makes me nauseous). We will be a new "family" for all intents and purposes. It's easier when dealing with joint accounts and things of that nature.

But, does it really mean I'm less of a wife if I don't take my husband's name? Everybody seems to have an opinion on it. My mother just assumed I'd change my name and when I mentioned I wasn't sure, she seemed thrilled. (Remember-my mother is a big feminist!). And then I have friends who seemed shocked that I'd even consider not taking Steve's name. At work it's a much higher percentage of women who keep their name professionally. So, I don't know what to do.

Either way I go, I'll tell you this much-it is just a name. Whether I'm Elizabeth Brashear or Elizabeth Fuller, come June, I'll still be me.

And it must be nice to be a man and never even have to consider this type of dilemma!

Grey.

It's so grey outside. These next few months are so hard, right? There's little to get excited about with all the lack of sunshine, frigid temperatures, end of football, and long string of 5-day work weeks ahead.

BUT...there's some things to be cheery about...

1. LOST returns Feb. 2 and I could not be more excited. I hope Penny and Desmond make a big return-they are my favorites.

2. Girl Scout cookies. Yes. I placed my order yesterday and come mid-February I will have 2 boxes of thin mints, a box of Samoas (aka caramel delites) and a box of shortbread (aka trefoil). Delightful. And they will come at just the time I am tired of trying to "eat healthy". He he.

3. Triple pay. I get paid 3 times in January since I get paid every other Friday. Sweeeeeeet. (Although I think there is some big upcoming event where most of that money is going...)

4. 12 whole hours of vacation to use before May when they expire. What to do, what to do! I'm thinking 1/2 day on Good Friday and the Friday before President's Day to give my self a 4 day weekend. That'd be nice in February!

5. My new steam mop. Yes, one of my favorite presents this Christmas is a cleaning device! I haven't tried it out yet and I think this weekend will be a perfect time to debut this fancy new toy.

Hmm. That's all I've got. Spring will be here before we know it, right?

Let's hope.

Did you know...

The average wedding costs $27,800-not counting the honeymoon or engagement ring!? (Source: the knot)

That made me laugh (read: choke) a little while I was eating my lunch and browsing the "budget" section on the knot's website. They categorize "budget" weddings as anything less than $20,000. Ummmm, right.

Weddings are funny. Attach the word "wedding" to any service or product and all of a sudden there's a huge mark up in cost. "Wedding" cakes are way more expensive than a custom birthday cake, for example.

And, of course, wedding dresses. Fun to look at and try on, but scary to look at the price! I'm already quite anxious about going to a bridal store to try on dresses and having to tell the consultant my budget is actually not 4 (or 5) figures. (I tried going the JCrew route with my wedding dress and avoiding the bridal boutiques all together, but the dress I ordered proved to be a bit "brides gone wild" as it was completely see through. Not exactly the theme I had in mind...)

It is fun, though... :) And, there's hope-this lovely ensemble is in my price range (hat-veil included)! Yes!

Blog Neglect

Woops. I haven't blogged in eleven days! And so much excitement has happened.

The rumors are true, I got UGGS for Christmas!

Oh, and I also got engaged. ;-)

More to come. Instead, I will use the holidays and my return to work post-Christmas as my excuse for failing to blog.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We'll be celebrating the best way I can think of-with friends, at home, with games and lots of delicious bacon-based food dishes, complimented by Steve's fudge. Yay.

Yum.

May I recommend these cookies for your Christmas cookie baking? They are absolutely delicious and look beautiful on a cookie tray because they are all white-you don't use any brown sugar. So, they look very wintery. Oh, and they taste incredible. This is my Aunt Liz's recipe...she is very particular about her ingredients, but it makes a difference.

White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. sour cream

1/4 c. butter, softened

1/4 c. shortening (I use butter flavor Crisco)

1 t. vanilla (I use only the best Mexican vanilla such as Azteca)

1 egg

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/4 t. salt

1 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli)

1 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Beat sugar, sour cream, butter, shortening, vanilla, and egg in large bowl.  Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.  Stir in chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.

 

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until set and just beginning to brown.  Cool 1 to 2 minutes;  remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

MORE IMPORTANTLY...Congratulations Jana and Justin! Thank you for letting us all celebrate with you on Friday night.

 

It takes a real man...

to go see The Nutcracker ballet with his girlfriend and not complain and gripe the entire time, or fall asleep.

Steve is a real man-not one complaint, and he even made me dinner beforehand. The Nutcracker was absolutely beautiful. Loved it.

Fi and the Tree

The first year I had Fi, we took a picture together in front of the fire and I actually used it in my Christmas card! Ha! It was hilarious. None of that this year, but I put on Fi's pretty Christmas bandana and thought she might like a little photo shoot in front of the tree. (Ok, truth be told, I was looking for ANYTHING to do but clean my bathroom...) 

Enjoy! You can click on the picture to enlarge.

*Note, clearly I am not a photographer and I am unable how to figure out how to photograph a Christmas tree without the subject in front being completely black!

More weird dreams.

Nothing too much new here. I had one more dream with Brandon in it. Then, last night, I had a dream that I gave birth to a dog. I mean, what? I didn't dream the actual "birth," but I had a dog that was like my child. I feel like I may need to schedule a mental check-up. Sometimes I go weeks at a time without remembering dreams and then WOW I'll have some real crazy ones.

Fiona was also having some crazy dreams. She woke me up at 3AM last night with muffled barks-I leaned over to tell her to shut her yap and saw she was sleeping. Interesting...

At about the same time, I checked my phone to learn the outcome of the Steelers' game. I then proceeded to lie awake for a half hour asking God "WHY?" I really felt sick about it. Hopefully 9 months will give the Steelers some time to get healed up from all the injuries. In the interim, I'm sure I will suffer all sorts of jabs and nasty remarks from "friends" and my boyfriend. Yay. GO VIKINGS!

What's in a dream?

The past two nights I've dreamt that I am in an episode of Beverly Hills 90210 and I am Brandon's girlfriend.

Does this mean I've been watching too many reruns after work in the evenings?

*I ALWAYS would pick Brandon over Dylan! I never understood why girls had crushes on Dylan. His life was a mess!

Check it out.

Have you seen this website? www.givesmehope.com

Read it. You will love it.