Best of 2009 - Day 10

Album of the Year - What's rocking your world?

And I thought Day 9 was tough. I love music and there isn't a genre I won't listen to. So instead of being forced to choose one album, I'm giving you a list of my favorites:

U2 - No Line on the Horizon

JayZ - Blueprint 3

Michael Buble - Crazy Love

Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum

Zac Brown Band - The Foundation

Check 'em out!

Best of 2009 - Day 9

Biggest Challenge. Something that really made you grow this year. That made you go to your edge and then some. What made it the best challenge of the year for you?

I have no idea was my first thought. I need to push myself harder was my second.

On a more serious note, the biggest challenge I faced this year was shopping for a new church home. I grew up in a traditional United Methodist Church (which I adored) but somewhere along the way I stopped feeling fed at that house of worship. (That is not a knock on the United Methodist Church because we considered the denomination in our search.) Brent and I bounced around from church to church for a few years, staying at some longer than others. We just never felt like we were "home." This year we set out on the quest again and I think we've finally settled in at the Church of Chapel Hill. We just love it there!

If you are on your own quest for a new church family, please join us anytime!

Best of 2009 - Day 8

Best Moment of Peace 2009

In January I made a resolution to learn to live more in the moment and less in yesterday's shortcomings and tomorrow's anticipation. I thought this had become just another resolution (like all the others).

In August we decided it was time to try and add to our family of two. I never assumed we would be able to bring a baby home in 9 short months but I also never imagined getting to know the ins and outs of the fertility office. I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) in September. I knew, just knew, something wasn't right and after seeing 2 doctors, the third was an answer to my prayers. My prayer was that all was okay and I was just losing my mind but that if I were right, that the doctors would find the issue and be able to correct it. After many trips to GRS (awesome office and physicians) and countless pokes and prods later, I am now on a track to hopefully get pregnant without medical intervention.

I tell you all of this to say that these last few months have given me an amazing amount of peace because peace came when I realized (perhaps "finally" accepted) that I don't have control over much in this life, especially the one thing I want most (a child).

How freeing it was to realize that I didn't have to be the mastermind behind my life's greatest (and not so great) events. If God himself rested on the seventh day, then surely he meant for me to have a little peace in this world.

Have you felt peace this year?

"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace"

~John 16:33

Best of 2009 - Day 1 through 7

I love blogs. I generally start my morning by reading recent posts on the blogs I follow. (Good way to waste work hours.) Today, while reading my childhood friend Elizabeth's blog, I decided to steal an idea that she stole from someone else, who stole it from someone else... The idea is called the Best of 2009. There is a list of blog topics for each day of December where you recall your "best" in each category with a simple entry, a photo or both. I'm a little behind but decided to play catchup and get on board. I feel like this time of year goes by so quickly and often look back wishing I had taken time to relax and enjoy. What better way to do that than by remembering my favorite moments over the past year.

December 1 - Best Trip of 2009: Point Reyes National Seashore, California.

On the hike to the lighthouse at Point Reyes

Hiking to Drakes Beach and Elk Reserve

Brent and I are blessed in so many different areas and one that I cherish is being able to take some pretty awesome vacations. This year we decided on Napa Valley, CA. We were only going to be in Napa for 5 days and needed entertainment for the rest of the trip. We decided to spend the first two days in Point Reyes, CA. Point Reyes is a tiny town (population 350) about an hour outside of San Fran. I was really excited about going to Napa but ended up loving the time in Point Reyes so much more! We rented a small cottage off the beach area which also happened to be surrounded by pasture land. We spent our days hiking the Point Reyes National Seashore where we saw sea lions, elk and numerous birds and sitting on the shores of rocky beaches just enjoying the peace of it all. We spent our nights hanging out in the hot tub, playing scrabble in front of the fire and drinking wine. We could hear the farm animals and the sound of the water all at once.

December 2 - Best Restaurant Moment 2009.

This one is easy! Without question, The Woodlands, Summerville, South Carolina.

The Woodlands is home to South Carolina's only five star, five diamond restaurant. The culinary staff creates a new menu every day using fresh, local ingredients. Brent and I went with his parents in July and enjoyed the best culinary experience thus far!

December 3 - Best Article of 2009

My husband stumbled on lunatic farmer and author Joel Salatin this year. I too became hooked. The article Natural Patterns of Farming is just a tiny snippit of Mr. Salatin. I highly recommend his books.

December 4 - Best Book of 2009

I haven't read as many books this year as I normally do. I don't really have a valid excuse other than I chose to do other things. I feel a New Year's Resolution coming on. My favorite book of this year is The Shack. You can read my blog on it here.

December 5 - Best Night(s) Out 2009

I couldn't pick just one! Two nights come to mind. The first, Brent and I went to the Georgia Tech v. Virginia Tech football game and the Jackets pulled off a win that no one thought would happen which resulted in the goal post coming down. The second, the U2 concert held at the Georgia Dome. U2 never disappoints with a show and this year was no exception.

At the GT v. VT game

December 6 - Best Workshop or Conference 2009

I don't attend seminars in my line of work mainly because when you've been to one, you've been to them all. That's all I have for that topic.

December 7 - Blog of the Year 2009

As I said, I read lots of blogs. This year I stumbled on Design Mom and instantly fell in love. Check her out!

Brought to you by the letter "P"

Big P, little p, what begings with P? Pet Peeve.

All of you know that I have plenty of pet peeves. I could write a book on the things that annoy me. (Don't worry, I'll spare you.) This time of year brings about a pet peeve near and dear to my heart. The horror begins on Thanksgiving and lasts until Christmas Eve...

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS!

I know these precious people are donating their time to do good for others. I just wish it didn't involve a bell. Seriously, their incessant noise pollution has got to stop!

Happy Christmas and Merry Holidays!

~The Grinch

29 Years, 364 Days and a Decade of Memories

There was a time I thought 30 was old. On the eve of leaving my 20's behind, I’ve come to realize that either I was wrong or I am officially turning OLD tomorrow. I think I’ll go with being wrong.

It's a cliché often cited that "I don't know where the time has gone," or "It feels like just yesterday that I was 20." A part of me feels this is true and I find myself being incredibly nostalgic (and a little sad). I made memories in my 20's that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was fortunate to find a handsome, caring, and amazing man who became my husband. (He also happens to be the smartest person I know.) I love how he inspires me to be better in every facet of my life. I am so blessed to have found him and appreciate all that he is, with all that I am. I learned to accept myself for the person God made me and in my 30's I hope to be a little more like Jesus.

Still, life stands still for no one, and trillions of people have successfully and gracefully turned 30 before me. So "ever forward," as they say. No regrets about my 20's, I’ve had a darn good life and can’t wait to see what 30 holds!

So Dear 20's, I leave you with my favorite quote and a few snapshots of my favorite moments over the last decade:

My first trip out of the U.S. to London

The love of my life, Brent

The day we brought Anders home

Our first trip to N.Y. (engagement ring shopping)

Back across the pond with Brent.

Engaged! - Sept. 29, 2006

Married! November 3, 2007

I gained the best in-laws anyone could hope for!

Honeymooning in Milan

Honeymooning in Florence

The Roman Coliseum

Honeymooning - The Trevi Fountain in Rome

Honeymooning in Venice

Surprising my sister with a trip to NY for her 21st birthday!

Cheering on the Jackets

Game Night and building lifelong memories with my siblings

Sharing good food and wine with those I love.

"I want to keep my soul fertile for the changes, so things keep getting born in me, so things keep dying when it is time for things to die. I want to keep walking away from the person I was a moment ago, because a mind was made to figure things out, not to read the same page recurrently." ~Donald Miller

Here's to 30 being the new black!

Caprese Insalta Arrosto

Mmm...just the thought of this dish makes my mouth water! I love a traditional caprese salad but rarely are the tomatoes at peak perfection for the dish. Who wants to eat bland, mealy tomoatoes? Not me! One day while watching the FoodNetwork, which is on at least 365 days a year in my house, I saw Ina Garten (the queen of cuisine) make a roasted version of the old Italian classic. So the next day, I made it too. Such a simple and elegant dish that is perfect as a side to deliciously roasted meat (chicken, lamb, pork) or as an appetizer served with peppery crackers and wine.

Ingredients:

12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, seeds (not cores) removed
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 tspKosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling.
16 ounces fresh salted mozzarella
12 fresh basil leaves, julienned

Method:

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

Arrange the tomatoes on a large sheet pan, cut sides up, in a single layer. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with the garlic, sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 2 hours until the tomatoes are concentrated and begin to caramelize. Allow the tomatoes to cool to room temperature.

Cut the mozzarella into slices slightly less than 1/2-inch thick. If the slices of mozzarella are larger than the tomatoes, cut the mozzarella slices in half. Layer the tomatoes alternately with the mozzarella on a platter and scatter the basil on top. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Serve at room temperature.

Mangia!