Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Family updates
Our little family has two professional-related updates.
1. I received my LPC in North Carolina. Yay! Licensure was a huge professional goal of mine and really means a lot to me.
(Yes, this may seem strange given that I no longer live in NC, but it will make licensure easier here in Texas and now I will be all set when we move back to NC sometime in the future - see below.)
2. The husband got a new job within his company that opens up more opportunities for him both on a day-to-day basis and in the future. I'm super proud of him (and maybe a little annoyed that part of his new job duties involve playing golf during the work day - yep, he's one of those guys now).
Combined, these two changes mean that we will be in Texas for at least 2 more years and that I can now more easily pursue clinical work. Although being in Texas isn't ideal, its nice to know that we are both making headway in our professional goals and now have many more exciting opportunities. Plus, Houston is growing on me (a little), so I'm not terribly opposed to spending a little more time here.
Now, just ONE more big goal for me and then maybe, just maybe, I'll feel like a normal person again. :)
1. I received my LPC in North Carolina. Yay! Licensure was a huge professional goal of mine and really means a lot to me.
(Yes, this may seem strange given that I no longer live in NC, but it will make licensure easier here in Texas and now I will be all set when we move back to NC sometime in the future - see below.)
2. The husband got a new job within his company that opens up more opportunities for him both on a day-to-day basis and in the future. I'm super proud of him (and maybe a little annoyed that part of his new job duties involve playing golf during the work day - yep, he's one of those guys now).
Combined, these two changes mean that we will be in Texas for at least 2 more years and that I can now more easily pursue clinical work. Although being in Texas isn't ideal, its nice to know that we are both making headway in our professional goals and now have many more exciting opportunities. Plus, Houston is growing on me (a little), so I'm not terribly opposed to spending a little more time here.
Now, just ONE more big goal for me and then maybe, just maybe, I'll feel like a normal person again. :)
Monday, October 24, 2011
California - last one!
Our last day in California was a pleasant mix of relaxation and fun. We began the day with a trip to the Marin County Farmer's market. One of the things I miss the most from living in NC was the access we had to great farmer's markets so visiting one that was truly amazing was both fun and refreshing.
After a bit of a break at the house, we headed out to the beach, another vineyard, and a brewing company.
We ended the day by enjoying a home cooked meal using items we bought earlier from the farmer's market and celebrating an early Christmas with stockings. The husband and I won't be there over the holidays so this was a nice way to celebrate with everyone.
After a bit of a break at the house, we headed out to the beach, another vineyard, and a brewing company.
We ended the day by enjoying a home cooked meal using items we bought earlier from the farmer's market and celebrating an early Christmas with stockings. The husband and I won't be there over the holidays so this was a nice way to celebrate with everyone.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Fear
I'm not usually one to live life based on fear but there are a few (irrational) beliefs (fears) that do regulate some of my life decisions.
For example, I do not walk on grates because I do not know what's under them. Simply put I like to know what could jump up and grab me before I put myself in harm's way!
A similar fear relates to toilets. Clearly toilets have holes and there may or may not be a chance that something could come out of the toilet and get you. And for the most part, this thought crosses my mind EVERY time I use the restroom. I did mention it was irrational, right?
Well, my fear was somewhat validated yesterday in my own home. What did I see in my toilet?? Not one but two spiders hanging out in there. I mean, seriously? I spent the next few seconds pondering the possibility of never using the restroom again. Alas, nature (and maybe my less irrational side) won out.
(I apologize for the restroom-related story.)
For example, I do not walk on grates because I do not know what's under them. Simply put I like to know what could jump up and grab me before I put myself in harm's way!
A similar fear relates to toilets. Clearly toilets have holes and there may or may not be a chance that something could come out of the toilet and get you. And for the most part, this thought crosses my mind EVERY time I use the restroom. I did mention it was irrational, right?
Well, my fear was somewhat validated yesterday in my own home. What did I see in my toilet?? Not one but two spiders hanging out in there. I mean, seriously? I spent the next few seconds pondering the possibility of never using the restroom again. Alas, nature (and maybe my less irrational side) won out.
(I apologize for the restroom-related story.)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
California part 2
It looks like this is growing from two to three posts. Oh well. Here's part 2 of our California trip.
Saturday evening we met up with the husband's cousin who is a current student at the Culinary Institute of America, took a short tour and ate dinner at the CIA's restaurant. I cannot describe to you how envy-invoking this experience was as a whole.
First - their gardens are AMAZING - the institute grows everything they need veggie and herb wise - so jealous. I think I'm going to tear out our entire backyard and replant it with only herbs and veggies. :)
Second, their cooking areas are PHENOMENAL. Anything remotely like this would be amazing.
Saturday evening we met up with the husband's cousin who is a current student at the Culinary Institute of America, took a short tour and ate dinner at the CIA's restaurant. I cannot describe to you how envy-invoking this experience was as a whole.
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| Everything along the rows is edible, and the trees are fruit trees. |
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| Bay laurel trees - you know, so you can go out and pick fresh bay leaves! |
Second, their cooking areas are PHENOMENAL. Anything remotely like this would be amazing.
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| Kitchen 1 |
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| Kitchen 2 |
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| I'll take one please! |
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| The desserts for the celebration |
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Traveling
The husband and I took a brief break from the world of home improvement, etc and flew to California this past weekend to celebrate his parent's 40th anniversary. We had a great time in Sonoma and Napa with his parents, sisters, and brother-in-law. We took tons of pictures so I'm going to separate them into two posts.
I took some photos while driving from the Sacramento airport to Sonoma - it has been awhile since I've seen such blue skies and water, and mountains!!
On Friday we enjoyed some relaxing time at the house.
Saturday we took a trip over to Napa to visit a few wineries. We ate lunch at the first winery and enjoyed beautiful views of the mountains.
Stay-tuned for more later in the week!
I took some photos while driving from the Sacramento airport to Sonoma - it has been awhile since I've seen such blue skies and water, and mountains!!
On Friday we enjoyed some relaxing time at the house.
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| The view from the house deck. |
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| Another view from the deck. |
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| One of the 5 house animals - 4 cats and a dog! |
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| The deck and vineyard. |
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| The sunset Friday evening. |
Saturday we took a trip over to Napa to visit a few wineries. We ate lunch at the first winery and enjoyed beautiful views of the mountains.
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| The husband's father and brother-in-law. |
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| I had to take a picture of the dog! |
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| Our second stop. |
Stay-tuned for more later in the week!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Office doors
When our realtor took a gander at the house to help us with our home improvement focus, she recommended a local guy who did some work for a few of her friends.
We gave him a call to see what he might say about doors for the office (living room). He came over last week to look over the area and we decided to give it a shot. He and his wife do the work together: they dropped off the supplies and got started this past Thursday, worked through Friday, and finished up Saturday morning.
Before doors:
In progress:
Done!
The doors look great and create a truly functional, yet attractive home office. The husband and I are really happy with them. Now, I wonder what else we can get this husband-wife team to do around the house? Maybe the master bath?!? :)
We gave him a call to see what he might say about doors for the office (living room). He came over last week to look over the area and we decided to give it a shot. He and his wife do the work together: they dropped off the supplies and got started this past Thursday, worked through Friday, and finished up Saturday morning.
Before doors:
In progress:
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| After day 1 - wall built in, molding added, doors put in place |
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| After day 2: wall finished and painted, doors in garage drying |
Done!
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| View from the dining room. |
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| View from front door |
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| View from inside the office |
The doors look great and create a truly functional, yet attractive home office. The husband and I are really happy with them. Now, I wonder what else we can get this husband-wife team to do around the house? Maybe the master bath?!? :)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
One of my therapies
Cooking is one of my go to therapies. I love the energy of it. All of the energy I expend has direct results, that I can enjoy that day or the next (or all week). More than that, for me, cooking is a way of showing care. I love to cook for others. But hey, when its just me, I don't mind cooking either.
Anyways, back to the point - I've been somewhat "holed up" trying to get some things done this past week. I mean, I spent almost every waking moment working on this stuff. Come Sunday I needed a break and so I cooked.
Pinterest will literally suck your life away if you let it but I have found some great recipes (and blogs) through it! I chose three recipes I first saw on pinterest.
Ratatouille - I have always wanted to try this (especially after watching the movie Ratatouille - so cute). Smitten Kitchen is an amazing food blog and his recipe for Ratatouille is easy (if you have a good mandolin) and so very tasty. I would recommend cutting 1/8th inch thick slices instead of 1/16th. I decided to eat it with quinoa and goat cheese (as recommended). Wow and super pretty.
Crockpot French Onion Soup - an adaptation by another great food blogger How Sweet It is. I decided on this soup because, by golly, if everyone else in the US gets to do fall stuff, I will too (even if the highs are still in the upper 80's and even 90's some days). Easy and tasty (if you like onions).
Turkey meat balls - a good source of protein and also pretty easy. I added red pepper flakes, and more onion and garlic b/c the last turkey meatballs (different recipe) I made had NO flavor. These turned out really well and are easy to freeze. I threw together some leftover pureed tomato, onions, etc to make a quick sauce b/c I could not successfully identify any one of the 8 types of red sauce we currently have in the freezer. Reminder to me: label things - it makes life easier.
I have other therapies, but this is probably my favorite! :)
Anyways, back to the point - I've been somewhat "holed up" trying to get some things done this past week. I mean, I spent almost every waking moment working on this stuff. Come Sunday I needed a break and so I cooked.
Pinterest will literally suck your life away if you let it but I have found some great recipes (and blogs) through it! I chose three recipes I first saw on pinterest.
Ratatouille - I have always wanted to try this (especially after watching the movie Ratatouille - so cute). Smitten Kitchen is an amazing food blog and his recipe for Ratatouille is easy (if you have a good mandolin) and so very tasty. I would recommend cutting 1/8th inch thick slices instead of 1/16th. I decided to eat it with quinoa and goat cheese (as recommended). Wow and super pretty.
Crockpot French Onion Soup - an adaptation by another great food blogger How Sweet It is. I decided on this soup because, by golly, if everyone else in the US gets to do fall stuff, I will too (even if the highs are still in the upper 80's and even 90's some days). Easy and tasty (if you like onions).
Turkey meat balls - a good source of protein and also pretty easy. I added red pepper flakes, and more onion and garlic b/c the last turkey meatballs (different recipe) I made had NO flavor. These turned out really well and are easy to freeze. I threw together some leftover pureed tomato, onions, etc to make a quick sauce b/c I could not successfully identify any one of the 8 types of red sauce we currently have in the freezer. Reminder to me: label things - it makes life easier.
I have other therapies, but this is probably my favorite! :)
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