busy bee week

Reading over microbiology and all the food borne illnesses you can get didn't gross me out at all. 

We had African food tonight & it was amazing. 

That is all. 

I'm disappointed in my post today too but studying & spending time with my hubs is more important! I will return back to the blogging world soon! 

Oliver (twist)

It was like love at first sight. Ryan and I like to go to local pet stores on random off days to play with the puppies...since we know a lot of them just get stuck in their cage all day everyday. We've done it more than a dozen times & have not once purchased an animal. Well this day was different. 

We went a pet store near our home and did the routine thing...looked through at each dog, gawked at how cute all of them were, and chose one to play with. We chose a St Bernard! I've always wanted a big dog and St Bernards are adorable BIG puppies. She was a crazy feisty one that cost nearly $2,000. We played with her for 15 minutes then proceeded to tour around the store looking at all the other animals from reptiles, kittens, and even a huge aquarium with fresh and salt water fish.

Then I saw him. Being dragged across the room by a girl who I judged to be the typical "purse dog" kinda girl. (Excuse my stereotype...) Designer LV handbag, caribou coffee in hand, lots of makeup, fur vest, and 6 inch heels...while being strikingly beautiful with the most annoying Valley Girl voice. She wanted to buy him because he was cute but probably mainly because he was a "discount puppy". He was only $200 compared to all the prissy dogs that were anywhere from $1,500 and up! She decided to buy him but he wasn't moving.

The day we brought him home :)

She kept dragging him across the laminate floor while he stood his ground and wouldn't move any of his extremities. I heard him start to whimper and shake ferociously as she began to get impatient. Then I did what I had to do...I had to save him. 

If she doesn't end up taking him, we will! As I whispered into one of the employees there all behind Ryan's back. The employees at this store really do care deeply for each animal and actually spend time with each one taking them on walks...very atypical of most pet stores I've been to. So they observed how mistreated he already was due to the enticing price tag.

He got acquainted with Delilah.

Why don't we find a dog more suitable for you? This one just doesn't seem like it fits you. I overheard one of the employees say this to the Valley Girl. She agreed immediately and stammered out of the store upset. The employee then proceeded to bring us our dog. Ryan's eyes got big...like real big. He wasn't too happy with me at the moment...mainly because he is such a softy when it comes to animals especially abused ones.

As soon as Ryan took him into his arms, he stopped shaking after about 2 minutes and started wagging his tail (or what's left of it), and started sticking out his tongue. Wow! We've never ever seen him like this with anyone! He's been here for a while and we discounted him so that people would take some interest in him but we've found that no owner has been suitable enough for him yet! We've even named him "Shakey" because that's all he does! 

I knew Ryan fell in love...even though he was attempting to give me dirty looks that he was upset at me. I knew it. He fell in love with him as quickly as I did. Let's name him, Oliver. Like the orphan from the musical!  Babe- this is your fault if this turns out to be a HUGE mistake. You better help me take care of him too!! Yes babe....(he was just trying to be Mr. Tough Guy)

So we did it. We bought him...on the spot. My next thought- Oh gosh our parents are not going to be too happy with us! We already have two cats, can barely pay the bills now, and we're adding a dog! Oh well! They fell in love instantly after meeting him.

He came home with us that night and it was a rough start. He was very timid, didn't trust us at all, and had a huge huge huge poopy accident the next morning...that Ryan cleaned up! Oops! But the thing that helped us the most was our awesome cats. We started to theorize that he must of been previously abused by humans (since he probably came out of a puppy mill) but he never lost trust in animals...he actually trusts any animal a little too much!

One of our many cuddling nights.
Notice that I attempted to study on the couch....
while laying down. (big fail!)

Our cats put him through the ringer. Sampson taught him quickly who the alpha male of the house was & Delilah tried to mess with him but ended up letting him chase her around a lot. Within 2 months time, it was like he was a brand new dog. The most loving, sweet, and gentle dog that I've ever met! And extremely smart!

Ryan taught him a bunch of tricks within days! He even taught him how to bark! yes people, when I said Ryan was Dr. DoLittle, I wasn't joking! Oliver did not have a voice at all when we brought him home, but Ryan taught him how to bark by utilizing Molly (my mother-in-law's dog) and bacon pieces! It was amazing and has stuck ever since!

Oliver and Xander :)

My mom, who does not like any animal in her house whatsoever because she's a clean freak, LOVES Oliver...and if we laid a price down, she would take him in a heartbeat. He has been the best first pet to introduce to our nephew Xander ever since he was born! And I can say with confidence that there is NOT one person that he's met, that's had any negative feelings about him. I know people brag about their pets and kids all the time, but you just have to meet him to understand, I guess! :)

I know you're not suppose to pick favorites out of your kids but...since these are fur babies, I am making an exception.

Oliver has brought a brand new dynamic to our marriage...to our lives...and to our family lives. Um....you're coming this weekend..and you're bringing Oliver right?! My family is more excited to see Oliver than us! haha!

And Ryan has said many many many times that he could not imagine our lives without Oliver. They are BFF! (Sometimes I think he rather hang out with Oliver than me! haha) Yes babe...you were right... (obviously in regards to my idea of getting Oliver!)

I am excited to see how he responds when we decide to add another fur baby (yes, we are crazy but we want a big dog one day!). 


I hope that our stories of our babies will encourage you to open your heart a little to what pets can do. Yes I am still allergic to cats...I have to vacuum all the time & constantly keep hair off of my clothes. Yes Oliver had accidents once in a while and we had to have patience during his growing pains. 

But I would never trade any of it for anything in the world. They have been there for me when they know I've had a bad day & their love is truly unconditional!

Be blessed. Bless your home, kids, family, heart with the love a pet can give you! It's priceless. <3 md

kit kat break

Taking a little blog kit-kat break.

This picture is who you get to meet tomorrow! 

You know how you're not suppose to have a favorite child?? 

I do! :D

Be blessed. Get a pet. They make the round go round! <3 md

delilah

the first day we met.

We should get a Delilah to add to our Sampson...like the Bible! On my 23rd birthday, my wishes came true!

Ok..close your eyes and hold our your hands! I was squeemish when he asked me to do that. Kinda scary! What is he going to put in my hands?! A BABY TINY LITTLE BLACK KITTEN! I fell in love instantly. Her tiny little face with her awkward little body was perfect. Then we started playing with her...wow she might really fit her name...she's crazy! 


The first day together at Ryan's parent's house, we were in the hot tub relaxing while she was roaming around the deck area. Then all of a sudden, a big splash! Yes folks, the 6 week old kitten just jumped into the hot tub for fun!

She frantically jumped back out, shook her little body, and went about her ways. It was crazy! I thought cats were always timid around water. Well....they are...but not her. She was fearless.

My first thought- Is she okay?! Then- Is this foreshadow?!

Well it was. She is a crazy kitten. From having burst of energy that would cause her to leap randomly in the air and perform like a circus kitten to her having an amazing obsession with all things paper- from crumpled up paper to toilet paper to paper bags!

She was definitely nothing short of entertaining...and definitely had devilish ways from ripping apart all the toilet paper with her claws & teeth to digging up multiple plants around the house and utilizing it as a litter. She was...WILD & out of control.

When Sampson met her, he had his doubts. He was about four times her size and probably could kill her with just his body weight. We separated them in the beginning and gave them limited play time. They started to get along. They eventually got a long SO MUCH that they would have make out sessions...ew. Yes!! They would just lay there and clean each other. It started cute..then started to get..out of control!  haha But they LOVE each other.

Cuddling with their dad.

Sampson definitely showed her who's boss but she definitely showed him her athletic skills! She captivated Ryan's heart right away and became Daddy's little girl. She's a ball of fire and always keeps things interesting & turns out to be Sampson's BFF.

Something we've recently discovered about her. She loves it when we SING! I discovered it actually a couple months ago. I was singing Amazing Grace while reading something on the computer. She immediately awoke from her sleep across the living room, ran over to me, and started moving her head to the rhythm. I started laughing and thought it was a fluke.

Then I did it again in front of Ryan and she did the same thing but this time jumped on my lap while moving her head to the rhythm. Then Ryan tried it and she did the same thing! It's hilarious. She is very special:) 


As crazy as she is and as frustrated as she has made me over the years we've had her, she has grown into such a fun cat with a very sweet nature! She even moves out of the way to let her brothers eat her food...which is why we have to feed her separately!

Delilah and I grown to love each other. She's such an amazing addition to our family...Oliver loves her and Sampson wouldn't be the same with out her.

She is Ryan's little girl until we get a fur-less one of our own one day! (haha)

She's just like me.

We started life like a tornado of terror but now we're refined with bursts of craziness here & there :D

Maybe that's why Ryan loves her so much! 

sampson- our little BIG garfield.

Sampson

Oh wait...you have a...cat? One of the first things I asked when Ryan and I spoke on the phone for the first time.

I'm allergic. I'm much more of a 'dog' person. I'm allergic. I'm allergic. This may not work...


So how would you feel if you fell in love with me and had to give up your cat?
(haha) Yes. that was serious question I asked after the first date.

Well you guys know already. I think ahead...I'm not playin'! He just chuckled then saw my face...Oh you're serious?! (oops...maybe it was too soon?! haha)

Well...I love Sampson...he's helped me get through moving to Illinois...he was like my only friend for a while. yes...this was his response...so of course I felt like a jerk. I guess I was half serious and half joking?! hmph. But if it really interferes with a relationship in general, then he can always go live with my parents in Michigan. Yeah guys...I'm a BIG jerk. I asked a guy before he was even in love with me if he would basically get rid of his best friend.

Well OBVIOUSLY that didn't happen! Mr. Scoobs as we call him, has changed my view on cats. Everything I already thought- selfish, HYPERallergenic, annoying- well that still all is very true. I'm not use to living on anyone's terms in general especially not an animal...but seeing Ryan's love for animals in general made me yearn to have that same respect & love for them.

I didn't really grow up with animals...it was kind of like they were separate from us. Our dogs (plural) lived outside & we never really interacted with them in the way that I interact with my fur babies now. I feel horrible thinking of how we treated the animals that blessed our lives in the past...Ryan has changed that view point for me for sure.

So for anyone that has cats. Well you know that well...more than dogs, everything is on their terms. If they come and lay with you, you have to appreciate the time you have with them...trying to change their position or make yourself more comfortable in their expense may cause them to give you a dirty look and walk away. Snuggle time is not really your choice.

He's lost a lot of weight since this picture. He's our skinny boy now. 

When Sampson is hungry...well he will let you know..and his screaming won't stop until you fill his belly. May be why he was quite overweight when I first met him..Ryan is a softy and always left food out for him. We've (since then) have restricted his diet and he's gotten slim but still a big boy nonetheless. 

Overall, I see the love that Sampson & Ryan have for each other.  They have a special connection that warms my heart. It's as if Ryan could speak and hear what Sampson is saying...a bit of a Dr. Dolittle. Every meow Ryan understands.
He's like an animal whisperer. 


Sampson and I (oddly enough) like to fight each other for status. He's the alpha male of the house...Delilah & Oliver both understand their place rightfully under him. I'm crazy I know, but me and a cat like to battle. If he screams to go outside just because he wants to, I look at him and pretend I didn't hear him. If he cries for food even after we JUST fed him, I look at him and say NO...it doesn't matter to him, he still screams. We go back and forth.

I've learned quickly...and slowly....that it's not about me. Just like everything else isn't about me. yay. His nature is sweet, loving, and protective and I have to let him embrace that...even among all his annoying tendencies.

It's been a learning process for both Sampson & I. To deal with each other. But he's right.

He's the alpha. I just feed him. ;)

meet my babies.

This picture cracks me up.

1. Ryan and I are so happy we are NOT this heavy anymore. Man...looking at how thick we both looked makes me happy we jumped on the Beachbody bandwagon. We were not morbidly obese by any means, but we definitely added years to our life just by losing 15-20 pounds a piece. :D

2. Our pets would NOT sit still! This was our attempt to try a family picture in 2009...didn't work...obviously.

3. My outfit is crazy. What the heck was I thinking? Man oh man. My future daughter will laugh at this and probably ask me the same thing.

You've meet my #1 baby- my hubs. hehe 


Well for the next three days or so, I will be introducing you to my fur babies- Sampson (Garfield look alike), Delilah (fits her name-a little devil), and Oliver (sweetest thing ever!).

:) Stay tuned for more stories with recipes in between! :D

I like your green hair!

When times got tough. The atmosphere thick with tension. A beautiful and powerful woman (whom you'll learn about later) would share short stories and passages to inspire us...awaken us. The book that she would read from is by Mark Nepo called "The Book of Awakening."It would lift our spirits and help us get through the day.

I love this little excerpt that is actually dated for January 5th. It's called "Show your hair" and it embodies how I feel about this blog! Aren't you worried that you'll be sharing too much? Committing to a blog opens you up to a lot of criticism and judgement. I am too private to share my personal stuff all over the internet. Calm down people. It's not like I am giving you my social security number.

Utilizing this blog has allowed myself to reflect on all the amazing things in my life...from my husband to my family...to the potential I have in myself. We spend ...well I know I do, spend so many days thinking and focusing on what others think...especially the ones that really don't matter. And that begins to lay down a home deep inside you that's hard to detox.
Hope this awakens you. 

From "The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo

"My grandmother told me, 'Never hide your green hair---They can see it anyway." Angeles Arrien

From the agonies of kindergarten, when we first were teased or made fun of in the midst of all our innocence, we have all struggled in one way or another with hiding what is obvious about us.

No one plans this. It is not a conspiracy, but rather an inevitable and hurtful passage from knowing only ourselves to knowing the world. The tragedy is that many of us never talk about it, or never get told that our "green hair" is beautiful, or that we don't need to hide, no matter what anyone says on the way to lunch. And so, we often conclude that to know the world we must hide ourselves.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. It is an ancient, unspoken fact of being that blackmail is only possible if we believe that we have something to hide. The inner corollary of this is that worthless feelings arise when we believe, however briefly, that who we are is not enough. 

Sit quietly, with your eyes closed, and with each in-breath, feel the fact that who you are is enough.

I promised you a recipe. This is one of Ryan's favorite...he likes to brag about my curry skills. It's one of the best 'spices' EVER. It's so full of robust flavor & the right amount of spiciness that hits the spot! :D

Spicy Curry (something)* Seafood

Prep time: 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour

Servings: 4 Difficulty level: Medium 

*You can do chicken, beef, turkey, seafood! Any protein works!

Ingredients:

1 large white onion chopped

2 jalapenos

6 cloves of minced garlic

1 can of Maesri Red Curry Paste

2 tbsp Yellow Curry powder

2 tbsp Garlic Powder

2 tbsp Onion Powder 

2 cans of Chaokoh Coconut Milk 

3 cups of chopped Vegetables (all dependent on the protein you pick) - chopped broccoli, bamboo, eggplant, potatoes (not for seafood), baby corn, organic corn (for seafood), mushrooms, etc. Basically use whatever you want for veggies!

1/4-1/3 cup of fish sauce (to taste)

1/2 stick of butter 

Set aside:

Cilantro and green onion to garnish

2 cups cooked Jasmine rice or brown rice 

Instructions: 

1. Saute half of the onions & garlic with some EVOO on medium heat until the onions are see through. 

2. Add the red curry paste and stir constantly to get it incorporated. 

3. When the curry is incorporated in with the garlic & onions, add one can of coconut milk and mix! 

4. Add the fish sauce (to taste) & 1/2 stick of butter. 

5. Add your scallops (in this recipe, but can add your choice of protein) and add all the spices (garlic, yellow curry, and onion powder). 

6. Stir the scallops and envelope it with the awesome sauce. Then add the chopped jalapenos. 

7. Add the shrimp

8. Let cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. 

9. Add the veggies (corn for seafood) that will cook on high heat and covered in under 1 hour! :)

That's it folks! 

It's so easy and it's really ME just putting ingredients together! Open up your fridge, see what leftover veggies you have...then go get the curry & coconut milk, then voila! You won't be disappointed!! 

Any questions from this recipe? Holler!

Be blessed. Food does a body good. So does a positive mindset. <3 md