For Dan

As one of my most faithful readers, I dedicate this post to you, Danny T.

No one knows how to put the pressure on me quite like you do. Since the first day I met you, you've had a special knack for getting me to answer almost any question or offer any personal information that you seek.

Maybe it's your charm.
Maybe it's your loyal friendship to Joshua.
Maybe it's because of our mutual passion for Java Chip ice cream.
Maybe it's the badge.

Whatever it is...here I sit, in my corner cubicle, looking out on my view of the parking garage--and I find myself compelled to compose a blog purely for your sake, because you asked for it.
So Dan, in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and by inspiration from your sweet wife's blog, this is for you:

5.) I'm thankful for your ability to chug a very full glass Egg Nog in less than 7 seconds.
4.) I'm thankful that you had kids who have birthdays because it gives you a reason to invite us to your house. Otherwise, who knows when we'd see you.
3.) I'm thankful that you work so hard to keep our streets clean at least 2-3 days a week.
2.) I'm thankful for your God-given ability to awe a room of over 100 people with your indescribable singing voice. I'll never hear "You Raise me Up" again without thinking of you.
1.) I'm thankful for your contribution to our water skiing trips to the Deltas. Without you, Huey might have been thrown over and left to drown in Platinum Ravine and I'd be out a Father-in-law.

Dan, without you, my life would not be the same. This is my ode to you. I hope it brings a smile to your face and satisfies your need for me to update my blog. Cheers.

**For those of you who don't know Dan (or me, for that matter), this post -like Dan- is dripping in sarcasm and full of love =)

I don't necessarily recommend all movies to all people. Not everyone has the same interests and taste.

We saw this movie last night. We loved it. It was sweet. sad. charming. funny. believable. quirky. clean. An all around great flick.

Like I said, it may not be for everyone. But it was definately for us. And, if you're any of the following people, I think it's for you: Adam and Laura, Ricky, Natalie G., and maybe Heidi.

Friday's Food for Thought

I was in Costco yesterday on my lunch break. Strange stop for a lunch break? Not if you only have $2 in your wallet! Can I get an AMEN for hot dogs and a soda for $1.50? There's not too many places you can get a filling lunch with $2 and still walk away with change. That's what I call a stellar deal.
AAANYWAY...
It hit me.
The light-up reindeer bobbing his head.
The rows of wrapping paper, glittery ribbon, and greeting cards.
The 6-foot Evergreens stowed away in boxes.
Christmas.
Really??
We're there already?? I though it was still summer! I guess I should have seen it coming. The back-to-school Target commercials. The extra traffic in my morning commute. Football.
Summer is long gone. So only one question remains...what's on your Christmas list?

Friday's Food for Thought

Question: In past years, were all the good parts of the Olympics so late at night? How did we watch it without DVR, Tivo, or whatever program you use? Is this what we can expect in the future? All the good stuff happening in the middle of the night or while you're at work? Consider: All programming commercial-free. Hearing all the results in the morning paper without actually being able to see the event yourself.

I heart the Hollywood Bowl

Last week, we made another visit to the Bowl. As I sit here and think about it, it feels like we've been there a lot lately. I guess it's just that fun. For a wedding gift, my brother-in-law gave us a rad picnic-basket-backpack-thing. We love it and use it as much as we can. So, with a picnic dinner in hand--er, on back-- (taco salad, flatbread and hummus, and white wine. I know...not exactly your typical picnic menu), we sat back and enjoyed a night of Jazz. We went there specifically for Jamie Cullum. Unfortunately the two opening bands played so long (and were fairly boring) that it was after 10p by the time Jamie made it on stage. Don't tell anyone, but I actually fell asleep during one of his slower songs. As Josh says, I'm the oldest 25 year old he knows. I have trouble hanging past 10pm.
Anyway....I heart the Hollywood Bowl, and I think you should, too. And Jamie Cullum. And Trader Joe's flatbread. Oh, and picnics.

Over the weekend...

...my mom and little brothers came down to LA for a mini vacation. We had an awesome time.
On Friday, we went here and saw this awesome show. It was an enjoyable evening to the highest degree.

Saturday, we took a joyride down the PCH and had dinner at this restaurant. The waves splashed and sprayed up against the rocks outside our window. It was very cool.

Later, we enjoyed an evening at our house watching this movie and eating ice cream and cookies. I like this movie better each time I see it.

Sunday, after lunch at Joey's favorite restaurant, they left for the tedious drive back up north.

Thanks Mom, Rick and Joe for such a fun weekend. We were happy to host. You're welcome at our home anytime. We love you!

I know, I know...

I'm not old. I'm just starting to feel old. Not in the sense that my knees ache and my eyesight's going. More in the sense that I notice myself saying things like "Who the heck are the Jonas Brothers?" and "Can you believe teenage boys wear skinny jeans? Shouldn't that be restricted to girls?"

So, I started making a list.

When I was young,
I used to doodle my dream prom dress on my notes during church.
Now that I'm old,
Besides notes, I'll write down items I want to remember for my grocery list.

When I was young,
I was excited to start getting credit card offers.
Now that I'm old,
I cringe while writing checks to pay my credit card bills.

When I was young,
I used to constantly argue with my parents over listening to my music in the car.
Now that I'm old,
I drive home from work listening to conservative talk radio on the AM side.

When I was young,
I looked forward to shopping for new school clothes.
Now that I'm old,
I look forward to shopping at Costco.

Is this what it's come to? Have I completely lost touch with all that defined my youth? Is this what I have to look forward to. Because you know the list could go on! But I'd be willing to bet I'm not the only one.

What makes you feel old?...

I got a lotta love

I love vacation.
I love relaxing. I love eating food that someone else prepared. I love coming back to a clean room and a bed that someone else made. I love playing trivia with my family (who knew we knew so much--and by "we" I mean Ricky). I love seeing Josh enjoy himself without the impending doom of work hovering over his head each night.

I love vacation.

And I can also say that I love Alaska. A couple weeks ago, Josh and I were on a 7-day Alaskan cruise with my family and it was awesome! Since our honeymoon, Josh and I haven't been on a real vacation together. Besides a few trips to Fremont and a couple weekends here and there. Leading up to our trip, Josh kept telling me how much I'd love "Vacation Josh" because "Vacation Josh" is a lot more fun than "Regular Josh". I don't know if that's true, but I can say that

I love Vacation Josh.

We had an absolute blast together. We had great talks, created really beautiful memories, and just thoroughly enjoyed each other. Don't get me wrong, we still had opportunites to learn from each other (that's married-talk for "Don't get me wrong. We still argued with each other"), but once those moments passed, we forgot all about them.

Once all 9 of us found each other in Vancouver, we took off on a leisurely northbound stroll through Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway until we reached Whittier and home again.

Downtown Vancouver

And we're off!

Our first stop along the way was in Ketchikan. It was old and dilapidated, but I guess it's a worthwhile spot for it's historic value. I guess.

Known for saloons and brothels, this old town made sure that the married men knew their way to Dolly's house...

In Juneau, we went on a rafting trip with my parents that went through Mendenhall Lake and the continuing river through a beautiful rainforest. It was one of the most enjoyable things we did in the whole week. At one point we could see at least 16 bald eagles, almost in a swarm, flying around and perched in the tree tops. Very cool.

The guides were really cool and they let us borrow these outfits for our formal dinners on the ship. I wish.

In Skagway, we went on a bus tour through the Yukon. Most of it in Canada, we traced the general path that the miners would have taken during the Gold Rush. It was totally untouched, rugged, vast, and so beautiful.

Through the course of the trip, Josh and I kept talking about God's purpose for Alaska. So much of it is undeveloped. It can't be developed. The terrain is too rugged and mountaneous. We kept coming up with all these practical reasons for God's design. Maybe it's so we can use it's natural resources. Maybe it's just for vacationers like us. Naturally, those reasons didn't satisfy. The best thing I can come up with is this: God created that kind of extreme natural beauty purely for His glory and enjoyment. I believe that God's creation gives Him pleasure. His creation screams witness to His existence, His love, and His gospel. Everyone who ever has or ever will travel there can be held accountable for the gospel. That there is a God who loved his creation and had a plan for it through the sacrifice of His Son. The snow peaked mountains that drop into lakes that are hundreds of feet deep. The vibrantly green trees and flowing waterfalls surrounded by bright blue glaciers. It would be no great surprise that it's only real purpose is for the Creator's own enjoyment and the spreading of His gospel. What a design!! And I'm so grateful to have been able to make winess of it.

Yummm...

Last night, Josh and I tried a yummy new recipe from this popular site. We did the pesto side. It had a great flavor (especially if you're into garlic-which I am!) and was super easy. It's a little expensive, especially if using fresh mozzarella, but it served as dinner last night and lunch today for both of us.
My only question is how to make sure the middle crust gets cooked well. I used a cookie sheet for the square shaped dough, and it came out a little soft and doughy. Any suggestions from the more experienced chefs out there??

PS. Teaser alert: I hope to put up some new blogs about our vacation and my thoughts on our first year of marriage...stay tuned