Then and Now

It's the end of a year and I was sitting in ze cube thinking about how much things have changed for me since last year at this time.

Last year I was working at a restaurant job that I didn't like (however with several co-workers that I love and still see) while I searched frantically for work back home in Tennessee and locally in PA.

I was pretty unhappy with living here in PA and craved the South so much I couldn't listen to country music without getting teary. How pathetic is that?

My husband and I were both waiting on pins and needles to hear about a possible major job change for him. And we were basically trying to hate everything about where we live because it's not a place we would choose to be. We were desperately clawing to be back where we were comfortable; especially me. I wanted to be back in TN, where I'd had a job that was really challenging, but had a lot of potential. Where I know people and had a lot of friends, where I felt successful. Where my family was closer to me. In short, I was making my and hub's life miserable.

I guess time made things easier for me. We moved to a place that felt more like home than an overpriced, extended stay hotel. The weather warmed, I got a new job with a better schedule, I got out and joined a new yoga studio, we found a church we both like. In short we started actively trying to enjoy ourselves!

Taking a daily walk through the historic downtown area (when weather permitted) was one of my favorite things to do this Summer and it led us to explore our area a bit more. That helped us find some places that would become our favorites. We reached out and made some friends and tried some new things. We did our fair share of travelling (which anyone who knows me knows my destination list is pretty long) and I'm excited for 2010's adventures! I came to see that the job I left behind was not the end-all-be-all of my career and left myself open to big changes in my career. However, I'm being patient about them.

I guess the biggest change of 2009 is that I made the choice not to settle. At the beginning of this year I was applying for every awful job that was open in TN, trying to move back there. And I was mad at my husband for not applying for every job. He said he didn't want to go from a current job he doesn't enjoy to another job he doesn't like. At the time, it felt like he was being selfish, but really he was being mature. And, I'm there now. As much as I want to be back in TN close to my family with all my friends who are still there, I'm not going to settle.

Now is the time to have an adventure. We're young, healthy and have no good reason to turn down a new challenge. I've proven to myself that I can be happy far from home. I can adapt and find the good in any situation and I can do it again if I need to. 2009 has made me stronger, made my marriage stronger and cemented my little family together. We can handle anything; and I am more confident of that now than ever!

So I guess my message to 2010 is "bring it on." I'm ready. I can move anywhere and make it. I've got my goals for myself personally and professionally for this year and I categorically refuse to settle.

Happy New Year people! I'm going home! Nashville here I come! :)

Christmas 2009 - The Highlights

We had a fantastic Christmas and I hope that you did too! We were with my in-laws and spent our long weekend goofing off.


We kicked off the weekend with my husband and his brother comparing their mustaches, which they grew to be judged by the family and friends over Christmas, much to the chagrin of everyone. No one suffered this contest more than my sister-in-law and I though. Someone told my man he looked like a pedophile at a Civil War Re-enactment.


My husband grew the stache and a little spindly chin strap (neither guy can grow much facial hair), while his bro concentrated on the stache only. The results were inconclusive, however I got a priceless shot of the two of them looking tough(to come). We inspired their mean mugs by telling them to channel Steven Segal: Lawman.


There was plenty of snow on the ground from the blizzard two weeks ago, so we spent a good deal of time rolling in the snow, then jumping the in hot tub! I had never done this before and learned that I cannot roll in snow without kicking my feet the entire time I do it! I've got the jimmy legs, what can I say.


We spent our Christmas day opening gifts together and eating, eating, eating. My mother-in-law was a real trooper and cooked the ENTIRE day. She made was a fantastic breakfast, complete with hominy (which is the most delicious thing on the planet). And a fabulous Christmas dinner of turkey, homemade dressing, sauerkraut, fresh cranberry sauce, homemade, hand-mashed potatoes, and so much more! And... sweet tea. Real, authentic, brewed sweet, sweet tea. It was fantastic!

Saturday, we made a plan. Shopping in the morning to cash in on the sales on Christmas cards, gift wrap, etc. My mother-in-law and hubby's aunt got some great deals, but everything I looked at made me think, "I will be packing this when I move." And I know myself well-enough to say that it wouldn't have made it. Into the recycling bin in would have gone.

After our shopping adventure we hit Jack Brown's. It's officially my favorite place in Harrisonburg for the fact that it does one thing, and does it well - burgers. They take American Kobe beef, stick it on a bun, top it with cheese and send it out into the world.

This is what Jack Brown's looks like. It's a tiny little place with a nice selection of beverages, burger, cheeseburgers and we cannot forget the DEEPFRIED OREOS. I thought this delicacy was only available at the local Fair, but I was wrong. This is the icing on top of the already perfect Jack Brown's cupcake. A warm, melty oreo surrounded by what taste like funnel cake. It's outrageous!

This is Aaron Ludwig, one of the people we have to credit for giving us JB's, which is now such a staple of the JMU student body that getting a seat after 7 pm is virtually impossible. We met and chatted with Aaron on our first visit to JB's and he's an awesome guy with a vast knowledge of beer who was picking out my hub's beers for him by the time we left. He's got a good thing going at this place and we will be back!

Sunday was a quiet day of church and time with family before we headed back to PA and for me, back to ze cube. But, fear not, I am a mere three days away from take off for Nashville, TN, to spend New Year celebrating Christmas with my side of the fam and the hubs.

I am looking forward to seeing my friends and enjoying some of Nashville's best! I've got my eye on Bosco's (a staple), Pizza Perfect (my first job!), maybe that soul food restaurant in the Factory? What was that place called? And Krispy Kreme.... And J. Alexander's.... And Calypso Cafe....

Why do I write so much about food?? Gotta quit doing this on my lunch hour!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday! Have a wonderful celebration with family and friends. Eat, drink and be merry! I'm off to Shenandoah Valley, VA!

States of Happiness

The Center for Disease Control recently released a study of the happiest states in the US and I found the results to be very interesting. The top 5 states were as follows:

1. Louisiana

2. Hawaii (duh)

3. Florida

4. Tennessee (holla!)

5. Arizona

Louisiana ranked number 1 on the list? After all the state has been through in the past few years, all the adversity and pain, the residents of Louisiana believe themselves to be satisfied and happy with their lives.

Researchers found some patterns in the results as well. Sunny states ranked higher than those with little sunshine. States with warmer climates, lower crime rates and better air quality also affected the rankings.

What I found interesting is that after a weekend of being regailed with all the many, many fabulous aspects of the state of Colorado (and it is a great state, don't get me wrong) that it ranked at #23. Despite it being the most educated state per capita, the city of Denver having an average of 300 sunny days per year!

Hawaii being #2 is a no-brainer. Why wouldn't you be happy living there?

Florida I can also understand. It's sunny, beachy, lots of outdoor activity and they boast several cities whose median income is among the highest in the country.

Then comes my little ole' state of Tennessee. We're happy people! Just like the folks in Louisiana, we are not among the richest, the most educated, our states certainly have their issues; but by golly, we're happy. I love this! I've always said that rednecks from the South are more jolly than the Northern country folk. Now I have proof!

I also thought that Arizona was an unlikely winner. But the striking desert landscape, warm sunshine and low cost of living in AZ apparently make its residents very satisfied with their lives. I've been there a few times and I really like it too!

Also intriguing were the states that ranked at the bottom of the list. New York state was dead last. Researchers attribute this to stress, cost living, weather and city congestion, among many other factors.

And California ranked 46th! The Governator has straight up lied to us all! Cali is a stressful place to be! They apparently don't surf all day or lounge on the beach for a living. What a shock! As Chelsea Lately said last night "California, why you so sad girl?"

I think that this study confirms some things that I already knew. A simple life is in many ways a good life. The ability to breathe fresh air, walk out into wild, open spaces, and warm your face in the sunshine really does feed satisfaction into our lives.

Christmas gifting... You'll get what you get and you'll like it!

I've reached an unpleasant place in my Christmas shopping. It's that place where I am done. No more shopping. No more crowds. I will give people stuff out of my closet or make something from pipe cleaners before I brave another store this close to the big day.

I'll get my merry Christmas cheer back shortly. When I am in route to celebrate with my in-laws and all the wrapping and cooking and preparing is finished and the celebration is here! I am usually a pretty jolly person this time of year. But I am temporarily devoid of joy.

I was almost hit by a car today! I ordered my lunch and a tray of goodies for my co-workers from a deli near my office. I had parked my car and was walking across the parking lot (in a crosswalk) towards the deli. A crazed woman on her cell phone, holding a coffee cup and wielding her Ford Taurus like a deadly weapon, nearly took me out! She never acknowledged that I was there and came within about two feet of me. Had I not stopped and been aware of her, she would've flattened me like a pancake!

I am taking deep breaths and staying away from shopping areas of all kinds until this madness is over.

The Turkducken... Mission Accomplished

The Turducken was no sweat. It was easy, mostly because it came ready to pop in the oven. However, I am a little disappointed with the overall consistency, the chicken seemed to be MIA. But, for the most part the Turkducken was good and was stuffed with some fantastic cornbread stuffing! Can't complain about that!



So here it is.... the finished product. Sliced and served with 4-cheese spicy mac and cheese with cajun sausage, red beans and rice, a fresh salad and wine. Eaten with good friends and family during our first real snow of the year. It was a pretty great Saturday!

The Turducken has landed!!

I.AM.EXCITED! According to FedEx, my turducken was delivered today, at 12:24 pm. I'm planning on cooking it on Saturday for a late lunch/early dinner feast and I am pumped! And I am officially a food-geek. Alas...

Are we so weak?

I recently saw a story on the news about a woman is Seattle who is participating in a "no-heat" challenge this Winter. She is keeping her theromostat set at 55 during the day and 50 at night in an effort to save some money and be more environmentally conscious. Some of the people taking part in the challenge with her had vowed to keep their heat turned off all together through the Winter months!



This got me thinking, "Are we so weak that we can't turn our thermostat down a few degrees?" The benefits are two-fold. We save money and use less of the petroleum heating oil (yuck) that our old furnace requires.

I was feeling great about this! We'd bundle up, dress in layers, wear socks and a robe in the house. Afterall, the centrally heated house is a modern convenience. I grew up in a house that was heated for several Winters on a wood-burning stove alone! So Monday night, I turned the thermostat down to approximately 64 and left it there (which in our house means the house will stay at about 62 or 60).



All in all, we're doing pretty well with it. The heat is running signifigantly less, which is a good thing! Though my husband acts as though we're suffering a pain worse than death every morning when he gets out of bed. There is moaning, growling, running for the bathroom to get the shower started, it's a pretty great show.



I haven't been as affected by the little change as hubby. Although I have resorted to putting our dog in the bed, under the covers and snuggling up to him for warmth. I did this for an entire Winter in college when the house I lived in stayed between 55-60 degrees ALL the time because it was 100 years old and had no insulation. He's like a furry heater, who doesn't love to sleep with that?



Being a little chilly in the mornings and evening makes you appreciate your cup of coffee or tea. A warm shower is the most fabulous treat around, and it puts your blanket collection back in steady use! And we're in Pennsylvania! It's not the arctic circle! We can tough this one out!



I know that hubby is going to reach a breaking point in being cold and unhappy and turn up the heat to 72, which is his optimal temp for our house. But, I plan on being sneaky and turning it right back down and continually bribing him with warm food for dinner.



I'll keep you posted on any change we see in our energy bills.



Are you willing to take a challenge like this? If so, would you turn the thermostat down a few degress or off all together?

Sonic is coming to town!

Sonic is America's Drive-In. It's also the place where delicious burgers, fries, chili-cheese coneys and frito pies stick directly to my thighs and butt. When I moved from TN to PA, one thing I could mark off my list of temptations was Sonic. There was not Sonic within approximately 40 miles of where I live. It was a curse at times when I could've killed for a cherry limeade, but also a blessing.

I couldn't treat myself to Sonic secretly and tell people I had a salad for lunch. No sneaking tater tots, no dipping chicken fingers in mystery gravy on the sly. There was no Monday night Brown Bag special available. Now all this has changed. Sonic is opening less 1 mile from my office. Less than 1 mile! I am excited, but also terrified of my lack of self-control.

Text message conversation between me and my husband from this morning:

Me: Sonic is going in right down the street from my work!! (hints of elation and panic)

Him: Hahaha - Watch yourself big girl.

That says it all.

Lunch hour confessions.

So today is Monday. I find myself thinking of lines from "Office Space" that apply directly my workplace. Everyone who has done work in an office for a company has experienced the "Office Space" effect too. We all have our own version of the TPS Report and things about our office and co-workers that drive us nuts.

All in all, my current workplace is good! A small company full of interesting characters that certainly keep things interesting. My own axe to grind has to do with lunch and our breakroom/kitchen where folks eat.

Axe 1: The hot pocket. I often bring my lunch to work and try to always (with one marked fishy exception) be concious of the way what I bring will smell like after being heated. Not everyone in my office remains aware of this.

Take the hot pocket lady. She brings a hot pocket or lean pocket to eat every single day she's in the office. First of all, that is disgusting. In the words of Dane Cook, "I have never eaten a hot pocket and afterwards looked back on it and thought 'that was a great decision.'" She heats up that chamber of processed meat goo and cheese yuck and eats it. And it always stinks in a way that permeates the office for an hour at minimum. The smell makes me think that someone's kid has come to visit and brought nasty "kid food" with them. Ok, I feel better. Moving on.

While in this vein, one more thing! Then I promise I will make a list of all the things I have to thankful for and quit complaining:

Axe 2: The loud phone talker. My office sells products directly to consumers, so we have a sales staff. Some of our sales staff are very loud and boisterous and talk on the phone in a manner where everyone can hear them. Every word, every call.

"Hey... how ya doin? Bobby Salesguy here. I was just thinking about your TPS report and I wanted to call and shoot you straight on this and that and the other....Right back atcha big guy!" This goes on all day and at volume that can be heard by anyone who cares to listen. While this seems like no big deal, lighten up and join the Bobby Salesguy party; it becomes grating. This person also has the habit of announcing their inner monologue of thoughts, songs, limericks, jokes, sayings, etc out loud.

But I am no different from anyone else at work today in their office/cubicle/workspace. Every co-worker has their qualities that seem unbearable, but the same person can really cheer you up on a day when you're more in the right frame of mind to laugh along.

As for the hot pocket - it will take me longer to come up something that redeems this habit. Maybe I'll just bring in an extra sandwich and leave in the refrigerator with this person's name on it.

This is how I've felt all day.

This is my dog Mick in his natural habitat - my old futon. It's been sleeting and raining basically all day and we've barely budged from this spot.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring better weather and a little more motivation to get in gear!

PS - The movie, "The Last Mimzy" is sort of freaky, but really enjoyable. I may post more on this later, but right now I am wrapt in the suspense of a movie geared to small children.

Pictures from last weekend's trip to Hauser Estate Winery

Hauser Estate was so beautiful and watching the snow fall from high on a hill in Biglerville, PA was a pretty romantic Saturday afternoon.

I wonder if we will have another snowy Saturday?










Looking at these pictures makes me cold!!

Friday in Mechanicsburg, PA

Today I took my car in for service, so I was on foot all day. Honestly, I don't mind walking places rather than driving and would really love to work within walking/biking distance from my house. That also requires you to be in a town that actually planned its growth in some way.

But, my walk produced some nice pictures of Main Street Mechanicsburg that I am going to use to make a photobook for Christmas for my grandmother. I am the grandchild who lives the farthest from home and I think that to my grandmother, Pennsylvania might has well be Egypt. Hopefully she'll like seeing where we live and what our lives are like and maybe we won't feel so far away.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Remember that book "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" with the "horrible Herdmans" making the director of the community Christmas Pageant crazy, but it all comes together to make an awesome show in the end? They made a movie version of this in 1986 and I remember loving it as a kid. I wonder if it was ever put out on DVD, because my VCR has long been put out to pasture.



Wait, thsi news is even better! The Chambersburg Community Theatre is doing this show, this weekend! I hope that they cast a few Herdmans of their own to keep this interesting!
Now to figure out who to con into going with me...

Chris Thile and his Bluegrass Opus

As an avid fan of Nickel Creek, (I actually saw their last show EVER at the Ryman Auditorium) it almost pains me to say how great Chris Thile's venture with the Punch Brothers really is. While I really wish that he would reunite with Nickel Creek and create more of that great bluegrass/alt-country stuff I love so much, I can't deny that he has created something awesome.

This album came out last year, but it has taken me this long to really appreciate what he did. Maybe I was a little miffed at Chris for tearing apart one of my favorite Bluegrass groups ever...maybe. But, like many great artists, Chris felt a need to venture away from his original, comfortable Bluegrass style and embark on something new and different. And it's easy to see why a lifelong Bluegrass performer like Thile might feel this way. I love Bluegrass. It is truly the music of my family. However, it's hard to deny that it follows a fairly narrow set of musical pathways.

Thile however, has taken his roots and applied them to a classical form of composition. But, despite the more "formal" way the music was created, the album never loses it's sense of playfulness and even manages to throw in some light notes of experimental jazz in the occasional dissidence and free-moving melodic transition. And the Spanish guitar solos performed by the masterful Chris Eldridge are truly beautiful. All in all "Punch" by the Punch Brothers is a great accomplishment of a gifted musical collaboration. Thile along with some other truly remarkable musicians has created something very special.

I found that listening through the four movements of the "The Blind Leading the Blind" was moving, entertaining and compelling. I ended the album feeling excited for what experiment Thile might take on next! Will he meld Bluegrass into jazz or Broadway or something so far-fetched I can't even imagine?

"Punch" by the Punch Brother is an album I'll be recommending for a longtime to come for any bluegrass, classical, or just great music fans. Chris Thile is truly an amazing talent.


You can find it on amazon.com

Taking inspiration from Justin Wilson

This blog is to be a collection of favorite things/place/happenings/etc. It's going to be broad and random and hopefully enjoyable to someone other than me. Today, with the snow about to fall in Central PA, I am thinking of warm Cajun food. And who better to guide you into the Cajun universe than the legend, Justin Wilson.

I have very fond memories of Sunday afternoons, watching Nashville's PBS station and enjoying Julia Child and Justin Wilson with my dad. He usually slept through Julia (who I now adore), but came to for Justin's weekly offering.

This year I am calling on Justin's help in taking on a true Cajun challenge - the Turkducken. In case you are unfamiliar, the Turkducken is a huge turkey, stuffed with an XL chicken, stuffed with a big duck. Then it is sometimes stuffed with cornbread stuffing or even seafood jambalaya. A full-sized Turkducken can feed nearly 40 people, so I ordered the Turkducken roll for our Christmas dinner from Cajun grocer. The roll will feed approximately 5-7 people (so my husband plus 3) and comes stuffed with cornbread stuffing. Needless to say, we're pretty psyched!

But what to pair with our feast? Here comes Justin to the rescue again (insert "ayeee" soundbite). Checking out his site at www.justinwilson.com, I have decided on Corn Maque Chou, Boiled Okra and I might even throw in some Seafood Etoufee!

Any other menu suggestions?