Unfortunately, I Slept Through Football 101

That has to be the reason that I know NOTHING about football. Right?

I mean... Kev claims that all kids go through a football training class. At least.. that is what I asked him and he responded with a "yes".

So, technically, he made not have even heard me at all.

I specifically love to ask him questions during his watching of SciFi and Top Gear. That is when I get him to agree to the things that I want.

Like hiring a professional photographer to take "romantic" pictures of us in our front yard.

Haha!! That just makes me laugh out loud just thinking about it.

Anyway, my point is that I have absolutely NO understanding of football. And I am way too old to be taught. So, basically, I stare at the corner of the tv and daydream. And try to remember to clap or cheer at all the right times.

(I'm a basketball girl - through and through. Now that is some exciting stuff to watch! Especially back in the day when Michael Jordan used to play. He made the game amazing!)

I get the excitement of tailgating. But only if it is not raining or cold. And I know that sitting in the stadium can be a lot of fun. But don't expect to ever be able to have an intelligent conversation with me about what play was just made. Or which team has got the ball. Or what all those numbers on the field mean.

But I do LOVE me some Friday Night Lights! It is one of my favorite shows of all times.

Does that count for something?

So, anyway. The Super Bowl was last Sunday. And lucky for Kev... I NEVER miss a chance to celebrate. Even if I don't have a clue as to which teams are playing. Or WHO is the half time show.

(Haha... that was a lame joke.)

So, I followed Paula Deen's lead. And made us some Brisket Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

Um... YUM! I made them on fresh Sourdough bread with provolone cheese and horseradish mayo.

But it didn't stop there. Because Pioneer Woman says to never let your left over brisket go to waste.

So, I made Brisket Nachos.

Wow! These were divine! And I even used BAKED tostitos. Just to try and counteract all of the somewhat unhealthy stuff we were eating.

For the guacamole I added in an entire jalapeno pepper to ONE avocado. You know... just to make sure that little beads of sweat would pop out on the top of Kev's head.

( I'm sure that with my passion for hot sauce and hot peppers... my stomach lining is completely burned off. But it is just too good for me to give up!)

We had been eating so healthy for a couple of weeks.... so, this was a nice BUT FILLING treat.

And just in case you were wondering.... I did NOT make the brisket this time. I chose to keep it simple and picked some up from Hudson's BBQ. And it did not disappoint!

Not to mention ... that while I was waiting at the bar to pick up my brisket... I was flirted with. From a guy that was 60 plus and with a couple of other "older" guys. I will call that a simple pleasure. I haven't been flirted with since my boss at Little Caesar's asked me out on a date. So, who cares if the guy was old enough to be my Dad. Or the fact that WHO goes to a family BBQ restaurant in hopes of getting a date.

I have officially decided to stop by there every Friday night. In hopes of a repeat.

I will accept attention from whomever or wherever I can.

Practice Makes Perfect

We (me and Kev) have discovered our new calling as it pertains to quality entertainment.





And have decided to replicate these amazing and talented performers at our next family gathering. ( Including the vests and hair. Especially the hair.)





http://www.hulu.com/watch/126482/saturday-night-live-update-garth-and-kat








I predict us winning the top honors at family skit night. And wowing those in attendance at Dave's wedding.





We live to entertain you.





And now... if we can just get through the first three words without breaking down in extreme laughter. Laughter so hard that we cry. And have to separate ourselves from each other.





It will be brilliant.

From Hawaii To Cuba To Maryland

Talk about weather extremes....

For the couple that has lived for YEARS in tropical hot weather... they sure have received quite the cold weather welcome in their new location....

These pics should teach me not to complain about 40 degree weather. Except for that they won't. Because I like to complain. And am so ready for Spring.

Holly and Kris... we are sending warm thoughts your way......

The Butter To My Bread

Or more like the "low calorie light olive oil spread" to my bread.

Because he is so fit and trim and healthy.

And the "he" I'm referring to is: Kev.

Because he just gets me. He knows me so well.

And once again surprised me with an incredible evening.

It all started with this......

I came home to a fireplace FULL of fire wood. I have been wanting to build a fire in my fire place since the day I was born. And yes, I said THE.DAY.I.WAS.BORN. Because that is how much I love fires - (in a warm, cozy, ambiance kind of way... and not a psychotic way)- and I have been patiently waiting for the day that all my dreams would come true.

You see... along with a multitude of things that needed to be upgraded and fixed ... the fire place was one of them. In addition to the fact that we had an entire aviary living in the chimney that made our house sound like a Disney movie on surround sound speakers every morning... and the little issue we had with bird "waste" covering our fire wood.... we weren't sure if the fireplace even worked properly.


So, long story longer.... we needed to get everything checked out/cleaned out before it was safe to use.

(Even though the idea of FREE roasted bird made my heart flutter)

I kid. (You shouldn't take me so seriously)

Then apparently my husband added "chimney sweep" to his long list of things he excels in. And preceded to make our fireplace a dream come true. Complete with dancing and singing on all of the rooftops in Gaston. Just like you would imagine.

If you are a Mary Poppins fan ... that is. Those of you who are not probably are just imaging a hard days work.

And I'm sorry for your imagination.

Now... not only was my fireplace full of wood. But then I looked outside and saw this.....


An entire truck load full. Which he unloaded by himself in the freezing cold... while I sat in my jammies, wrapped up in a blanket eagerly anticipating the warmth of the fire. And I may or may not have gotten a couple of wire hangers ready for marshmallow roasting.

Even though messy food eating and cooking is forbidden in my "favorite room of the house".

And then..... The first Snyder fire EVER was lit. Kev did it all by himself and without any of my prior Girl Scout advice - which was clearly for the best.

The sound of the fire crackling was music to my ears.....

And it filled up the room with the smell of roasted hot dogs. With a hint of bird.

My beautiful fire at night......

But folks. This was not the end of my incredibly thoughtful evening. No sir-ree.

Kev then put in this movie....

A movie that I had been dying to see. It had received very mixed reviews... and I had planned on eventually watching it. Probably by myself. But I should have known that the man of my dreams would sacrifice his evening to watch it with me and enjoy the fire.

Will someone please tell me what I did to deserve him?

I LOVED this movie. LOVED IT! But let me just explain that I also love food, and cooking, and baking ( sometimes), and blogging. Almost too much. So, it was right up my alley. And even though I have definitely not mastered the art of French cooking.... I fell in love with Julia Child. I fell in love with her passion and determination and humor and positive outlook and her relationship with her husband. And I've decided that she is my new best friend.

And as for Julie. I liked her too. We share the same meltdowns when something doesn't turn out. And the same stress level to prepare the perfect meal. And the same incredibly supportive, loving, motivating husband. That ALWAYS looks on the bright side. Even when you don't want him to. Even when you just want him to feel sorry for you. And that is definitely something I have taken for granted - which I have now learned to appreciate and cherish.

So, if you just LOVE cooking like I do. If you love to grocery shop for the perfect ingredients. Or get excited over a new zester or knife or spice. Or you understand that food brings people together and makes them happy.

Then watch this movie!

But just know that I do draw the line on some cooking necessities. Like de-boning a duck. Ewww! I can't even pull the meat off of the roasted whole chickens from the deli. Kev has to do that while I put a paper bag over my head. And I also will NOT cook a calf's leg for a gelatin dessert. ICK!

But anything else. I will do! It is all done for LOVE you know. That is why I cook.

Oh... except for cleaning my own fish. GROSS!

There is a reason that I love the Fresh Market so much. They do all of those things for me. In addition to giving all of my senses a sensational delight.

Kev said the movie was "cute". And he kept the fire going for most of the night. And he truly makes me so happy. And is too good to me. And I love him for it.

And he will forever be "the butter to my bread".

The Most Comfortable Seat In The House

We have been diligently working on our home for three years and a couple of months. And up to this point, we mainly have been living out of three rooms. Our bedroom, the Gamecock/Entertainment room, and the kitchen.



Oh... and the weight room. If you are asking Kev.



Now.. don't get me wrong. We definitely utilize the other rooms. But only when company is over or if we are playing hide and seek.



You are never too old to play hide and seek.



So, New Year's resolution # 136 is to get quality use out of ALL the rooms. And to get the most enjoyment possible out of this house that we have worked so hard to turn in to a home.



It is about reading a book on the window seat of the Charleston room. Or having lunch in the Sun Room while watching the birds. Or playing Twister in the Dining Room.



With or without clothes on. I do have curtains in there... you know.



But ultimately the Lodge room was my first love. The reason I had to have this house. The reason I cried, threw fits, screamed, and begged during the process of waiting to close on the house.



The reason I acted a fool. And ashamed myself for my behavior.



So, all the more reason to spend more time in it. To show it some love. Because it is the reason that my whole head is gray. And that Kev received one tiny, unable to be seen by the naked eye, wrinkle.



And so that is what I have been doing for the past two weeks. Finding my most comfortable position.



And I think I found it.....

It is in a chair in the corner of the room. Close to the fire place. Directly across from the window.



The window provides all the light that I need in the day time. To read. To blog. To write lists. To nap.



It is comforting. And relaxing. And peaceful.



And if you are patient enough.... you can look out the window and see the squirrels chasing each other on the branches. Or watch the birds fly by.



Or witness the turkeys performing a puppet show.



The wildlife out here is incredible. And entertaining.





And some times at night.... Your husband may or may not try to scare you by shining flashlights in to the window while you are watching tv. But then you just plug your ears, close your eyes, and rock back and forth in your chair while chanting " It is only Kev and not a monster" over and over. Until you hear a familiar laugh and know that Kev has gotten you again.



Kev's simple pleasures = scaring me. But by accident.. of course. (???)




And in case you have ever wondered where I got my extremely horrific posture from...... it is from carrying around all of these things wherever I go in the house......




Lap top. Cell phone. Home phone. My current favorite cookbooks. Notebooks. Pens. Magazines. Camera. and not pictured..... my glass of tea and/or bottled water. oh... and my favorite blanket.



I'm ridiculous.

Simple Pleasures

I read a great post the other day from my "friend" Kelly at Kelly's Korner. It was about life's simple pleasures.



The little things that make you so happy. That can brighten your day. That don't take much effort or money.



I LIVE for these things.



So, I thought I would share them with you... and get you to think about your "simple pleasures"...



1. Kev grilling out. There is nothing like making a meal together. Kev grilling the meat. Me making the sides. It just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. And is probably my favorite part of the Summer. Or Fall.... or even winter as shown in the picture below.





2. Having a "date night". They don't happen very often. But any adventure where we get to leave the house together in the same car....I consider a date. Even if it is just to ride up to Lowe's to pick out some plants and exterior caulk.



3. A good night sleep.



4. Being "tucked in" and "swaddled" to ensure a good night sleep. Kev will try ANYTHING to get me to sleep and it has been working lately.



5. The sound of ocean waves crashing on the beach.



6. A Venti iced caramel macchiato. TO.DIE.FOR.



7. Finding a new scent of Febreze.... and/or spraying Febreze all throughout the house.




8. Finding new recipes. Especially when they come from friends. And getting a "this is definitely a do-again" from Kev.



9. Planning a week's worth of menus.



10. Trying something new regarding food. A new technique. A new vegetable. A new spice.



11. Reading cookbooks, magazines and cooking blogs.



12. Having a meal that just consists of appetizers.



13. Eating breakfast for dinner.



14. Cupcakes. Making them and eating them. You just can't help but be happy when you are around a cupcake.



15. Baking something that turns out perfectly - (doesn't happen often)



16. Watching the hundreds of birds eat from our bird feeder.


17. Wearing an outfit that doesn't require Spanx.



18. Listening to 80's music. But not just anything.... Having D.J. Kev play 80's music on the very RARE days that we both have the day off.



19. Walking down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. It just transports me to an incredibly magical place.



20. Grating cheese in my food processor. It is money saving and probably the most exciting thing that happens in my kitchen.



21. Finding something PERFECT for the house. That is a bargain (free). And that completes a room.



22. Bubble baths.



23. Tea parties. Or just tea in general. I can't live without it.



24. LAUGHING.



25. Looking through old pictures and reminiscing. I could do this every day, every hour, every minute.



26. Fresh clean sheets.



27. Getting a thoughtful surprise gift. For no reason at all. From someone that just "gets" you.



28. Watching Kev break dance.



29. Sitting in our special tv viewing spot. Every night. And just hanging out together.


(Notice the tablet of paper and pen next to the remote. In case I need to make a list for something!) This simple pleasure was at the top of BOTH of our lists. I thought it was so sweet. And we each have our laptops ready ... just in case... the other person doesn't like what we are watching. It is about enjoying each other's company and simply being together. Awwwww.



And I will go ahead and do #30 because it was the only one on Kev's list that I didn't have. And this blog is about the both of us.....



30. Working out.



That one used to be at the top of my list. Back in the day. And it will be on my list once again. But just not today - because EVERY single muscle in my body aches after working out yesterday.

*EDITED TO ADD* That I have officially changed my mind since first typing this post. I have worked out FOUR days in a row now. And the feeling you get when you are finished is DEFINITELY a simple pleasure.

My list could go on and on. Because there are really so many simple things that make me happy. My New Year's Resolution #27 is to savor them. To enjoy them more. To not take them for granted.

"The man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest" ~ Henry David Thoreau

LOST

Did you know that it is the final season?

THE.FINAL.SEASON.OF.LOST....


What are we ever going to do without it?

The endless hours spent researching, speculating, discussing. Ok- maybe it is just me doing all of that. But let me just tell you that Kev loves it as much as I do.

And it will all end this year. At least we will finally get some answers. And I will be able to sleep a little better at night because I won't be trying to figure everything out.

Or will I? Because Kev has predicted that it may end with all sorts of unanswered questions. Which may or may not leave me in a state of bewilderment.

A state that I visit often.

But for now.... I will savor every minute of the last season. I will watch it with full attention. I will hope for the best for all of my "friends" stranded on that island.

And Sawyer, if you are reading this.... and you are looking for a job.... you are welcome to move in with me and become my pool boy. Kev could use the help. Not only with cleaning the pool but having to re-enact your "coming up out of the ocean with no shirt on" "while calling me a funny nickname and making sarcastic comments".

It gets pretty cold in the winter. And chattering teeth throw the whole fantasy off.

Anyway..... On Tuesday, we celebrated the season premiere by having an "island party". Unfortunately, I will not post a picture of our attire as my coconuts do not fit the way they used to. And I try to keep this blog family friendly.

But I will share with you the food......


Pineapple and Pork Tacos. With guacamole - of course. I had posted this recipe a week ago with eager anticipation of making it. And it did not disappoint. It had a very interesting combination of flavors. Like cinnamon, sugar, cumin, and coriander. And it was all healthy. Flat Belly Diet healthy.

I'm sure they eat this meal ALL THE TIME. They being my "friends" stranded on the island.

Then we watched 3 HOURS of LOST. And I am officially in a state of confusion, wonderment (is that a word?), and excitement.

And am counting down the seconds until next week's episode.

PATIENCE = I have none.

Hopefully, for your sake, you are a fan of the show. Otherwise this post was probably a waste of your time.