2011

In my evaluation, I'm currently tagging 2011 the "Year of Change." Although "change" can be scary and might have a negative connotation, I'd take the Year of Change over the Year of Brokenness any day.

Changes in 2011 included

• Selling my house
• A new choir director for Colla Voce
• Baby Felton's arrival
• New offices
• A pastor's sudden passing, and another's retirement

I haven't processed what all the change means, in the big picture.  I can only do so much year-end reflecting at a time.

And naturally, amidst the changes, there are highlights (and low-lights) to remember:

favorite book 

Consumer Detox by Mark Powley

most bittersweet moment

Selling my little house

favorite new recipe

Chipotle Raspberry Black Bean Dip

favorite movies

The Help

Crazy Stupid Love

best new travel destination

Colca Canyon, Peru

priciest meal
Shrimp Cocktail and Filet at St. Elmo in Indianapolis

favorite chill trip
Charleston, South Carolina, with Emily and Molz

most painful-yet-rewarding trip

Providence, Rhode Island, for the 13.1

biggest stretch

Serving on a foreign mission trip

proudest craft moment 

Sewing the interior for a camera bag

spent my birthday

Traveling on planes and buses in Peru

most hilarious moment

Wondering (deliriously) if the Delta blankets on our return flight from Peru were made from baby alpaca

most pleasant surprise

The joy of aunthood

silliest endeavor

Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh, North Carolina

new techno gadget

A Kindle, from Mom and Dad for Christmas

most rabid organization project
Pantry overhaul

favorite new iPhone app

Sleep Cycle

I hope you look back on 2011 with fondness -- I sure do! -- and enjoy a very happy new year!

thankful thursday #58

Last December, the Bible study gals and I embarked on a reading plan that would take us chronologically through the Bible in one year.

Admittedly, it was a challenge that, at times, I wasn't sure we would meet.

One year later, it's laughable to think that for a brief moment, we actually considered the ninety-day reading plan.

Ninety days!

While noble and ambitious, that idea was not practical.

Anyway, praise Jesus, it is finished.  I'm so thankful today that we can celebrate the resolve that undoubtedly came from Him.  (We certainly couldn't muster up that much resolve on our own.)

And more importantly, I'm grateful that when the ninety-day reading plan came up for discussion, the realist friend stepped up and reined in the nonsense.

We're more sane because of it.

What are you appreciating today, as the end of 2011 creeps in?  Go on, be grateful!

thankful thursday #57

A few weeks ago, we received the good ol' "Holiday Office Schedule" memo.  In particular, our office would be open until noon on Friday, the 23rd of December.

(Boo for those of us whose families are not local.  But, given that we have almost two weeks off, we try hard to keep complaints to ourselves.)

Earlier this week, I heard rumblings of folks "taking off" today and tomorrow.  Interesting.

(Why publish office hours, you ask?  I do not know.)

With that, I will very likely get a little head start on my trip home for the holidays (asking forgiveness, not permission), and I could not be more thankful!

I hope your down time this season starts a little earlier, or lasts a little longer, than you were expecting.

But even if it doesn't, what's giving you some extra pep in your step today?  Go on, be grateful!

epic fail: zoolight safari

If I was not fully embracing the Christmas season before, I certainly am now.

In the past seven days, celebrating has been in full force:

• Bowling with the co-workers, followed by a friendly game of Dirty Santa
• A field trip with friends to Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God concert
• A final choir rehearsal
• A dinner and gift exchange with my accountability group
• A Christmas brunch at work
• Another dinner and gift exchange with Lori
• A musical celebration of Christmas at church
• A weekend visit from my good friends the Burchfields, including ...
• A night at the Zoolight Safari here in town.

All were so fun and festive until that last one.

While Kevin and Amy went out sans kids to celebrate their eighteenth wedding anniversary (cheers!), I took their three girls and my Little to the zoo here in town.

Brave, right?

Supposedly the Zoolight Safari is all the rage with the kids here in town, but I am here to tell you that for us, it was (sadly) a complete and total bust.

I was encouraged when we entered the packed out parking lot, and somehow managed to get the closest space to the entrance.

What a tease.

Unfortunately, that was the evening's highlight and things went south pretty quick after that.

• People were everywhere, and lines were outrageous.
• It was bitter cold outside.
• Animal exhibits were closed.
• Every special "attraction" required a separate, additional ticket.

We snapped this photo before we realized what a drag it would be.  They were still mostly smiling at this point.



Between the extra tickets and the lines, it drove the ten-year old to conclude:

"I hate to say it, but this zoo is boring."  (No, that is not a paraphrase.)

Then the three-year old said, "I have to go potty."

So with that shot to the ego and after a mad dash to the nasty restrooms, we returned to our rock star parking space, strapped everyone in, and left the Zoolight Safari to the rest of the poor deceived people who thought that was a good use of time.

At home we made bagel pizzas that were slightly redemptive, but the zoo experience was such an epic fail, it will take my pride some time to fully recover.

Oh well.  It's good to have a little Griswold family luck to make Christmas extra special.

thankful thursday #56

"A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same."
-- Elbert Hubbard, American writer



Thankful tonight for these lovely ladies!

Their tender hearts.

Their boldness in truth.

Their compassion and forgiveness.

Their undying loyalty.

Their sound wisdom.



And for those spontaneous bursts of happy that join us around the kitchen table!

What're you appreciating (late) tonight?  Go on, be grateful!

sing we now of christmas, the 2011 edition

Exactly one year ago, I posted my all-time Christmas Music Superlatives.

A few of you tipped me off on some of your faves, and those were fun to go and check out!

This year, there is not a comprehensive album I'm prepared to recommend, or slide in above the current placeholders in my list.  (Although, the two favorites from 2010 might soon earn a permanent spot in that list.)

But!  There are so many great songs I've stumbled on this year!  Although they are not necessarily new, most of them are originals.  They bring a little spice to the endless arrangements of "Little Drummer Boy" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (two of my least favorites, by the way).

And so I present to you the official listing of my 2011 Christmas Superlatives.  One day I will remember them as ...

the christmas songs that iTunes wore out in 2011

"You Came Down" – Jill Phillips and Andy Gullahorn
"Adorn" – Alli Rogers
"You're Here"  – Francesca Battistelli
"Mary's Prayer" – Allen Levi, Bebo Norman & Ed Cash
"Christ is Come" – Big Daddy Weave
"It's True" – Sara Groves
"Sweet Little Jesus Boy"  – Natalie Grant
"Peace" – Norah Jones
"Winter Snow" – Chris Tomlin with Audrey Assad (can not ever get enough of this one!)

And I expect each of you to leave your favorites too, old or new.  Ready, go.

thankful thursday #55

On August 21st, I walked out of the hospital room where my one-day-old nephew slept in heavenly peace, all swaddled up nice and tight.

I've been waiting ever since then to squeeze him again!

Here we are, three and a half months later, and very early tomorrow morning, I will flash a smile and this at the TSA officer ...



... and happily hop on a plane.  Here's hoping all flights are on time (ahem, US Airways).

It would be easy to be bitter about our circumstances.  We live so far away from each other, and honestly, flying is hardly a bed of roses.  It's exhausting.  And airports house some of the crankiest, most inconsiderate people in America.

You know what else flies?  Human civility ... right out the window.

But on this Thursday, I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to fly!  Although flights can be priced reasonably these days, it is not lost on me that everyone doesn't have the ability, or the income to do so.

Tomorrow, when that person from three rows back thinks he gets to deplane before me, I'll dig deep and remember I'm blessed to have the opportunity that I do, to see my far-away family.

What're you appreciating this week?  Go on, be grateful!

fill in the blank

I'm so excited to be done with traveling, but now that my schedule is quietly opening up, I barely know what to do with myself.

My four-month adrenaline rush is over.  I'm flat.  Crashin' and burnin'.

Not channeling much creativity these days, this fill-in-the-blank list gave me a little nudge to start typing:

1.  I have never been to ... a World Series game, a Superbowl, a College Football National Championship game, or the U.S. Open.  Those are all on my bucket list.  I've also never been to a NASCAR race, and that is not on my bucket list.

2.  When it comes to working out ... I'm super moody and fight the extremes (i.e. the I run three to five miles every day phase, versus the I don't feel like it, so I won't do anything phase).  Exercising is a necessary evil, but I do it because well, loving food comes at a cost.

3.  A woman should always ... have a red lipstick on hand for special occasions, expect chivalry, send hand-written thank you notes, be savvy like a serpent but gentle like a dove, and know she was made beautiful by a master Creator.

4.  I hate to admit it, but sometimes I ... am judgmental.  I can't tell you how many times I think (or say aloud -- I'm not ashamed), Back it up, Robyn.  You don't know her story.  You don't know what he's dealing with.  And you're certainly no better than her.  Oh, that I might one day see people first the way Jesus does.

5.  At the end of the day, the best feeling is ... pulling on my pajama pants, brushing my teeth and climbing into a bed with cold, crisp sheets.

6. I can't get enough ... of this face!



My stars in heaven, when I travel to see this child in two days, I might never come back.

festive eats with christmas flare

Y'all know of my love for The Sing-Off.

Last week was the competition finale (go Pentatonix!), and this week the "Holiday Special" aired.

(No "Christmas" at NBC, you know.)

Fortunately I have a few friends who share my love of The Sing-Off, too, and we gathered together to watch the holiday extravaganza.

And no one gathers at my place without munchies! 

I confess to plating up some storebought pigs-in-blankets (thank you, Sister Schubert), and some tasty Caramel Cake Bites and Chocolate Mousse Bombs from Iz Cafe. 

But, I did go homemade for these two festive, holiday Christmas recipes I love to prepare.

Pineapple Cheese Ball

My mom used to make this around the holidays, although I think this particular recipe might be a slight variation.  Either way, it is good eats!

2 packages cream cheese, softened
1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 c. diced bell pepper (green, red, or both if you're feeling extra colorful)
1 green onion, finely chopped
1-2 c. pecans, chopped
Salt to taste
Assorted crackers

Combine cream cheese, pineapple, peppers, and onion.  (I broke down and used an electric beater, but not really necessary.)  Add 1 c. of the pecans, and the salt.  Chill in the fridge until the cheese is firmed up, and then form the mixture into a ball.  If you'd like you can roll it in more chopped pecans.  I suppose that might make it prettier, but I passed on that step.  Put it on your loveliest Christmas platter, and serve it up!

Sausage Stars

Back when I was just starting out on my own, a dear friend shared this recipe with me.  Every time I make it, I think of her and our friendship.  I love how food is such a connector of people!

1 lb. ground sausage (hot if you'd like), browned and drained
1 green or red pepper, finely chopped (again, I use both for flare)
1 1/2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 c. shredded Monterey jack cheese
1/2 - 1 c. Ranch dressing
1 package won ton wrappers

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place won ton wrappers in a muffin tin, and bake for about 5-7 minutes.  I bake around two dozen.  Let them cool on a wire rack, so they crisp up. 
 
2. Mix cooked sausage, peppers, and cheese together.  I like to use my hands for this part, just because it's more fun that way.
 
3. Add Ranch dressing, starting with about 1/2 a cup.  Stir it up, and add additional dressing as needed, until everything is sticking together, but isn't drowning in the Ranch.  Balance, people.
 
4. Scoop the sausage mixture into the cups (don't sress about amounts; I just wing it), and bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.  Watch the tips of the cups, too.  Burned won ton cups is a deal breaker.

If you're making this ahead of time, tackle steps 1-3 the day before.  Store those little cups in a big Zip-loc bag, and wrap up your sausage mixture to keep in the fridge. You can assemble and bake them the next day when you're ready to eat.

indy or bust

On college football's Championship Weekend, our company partners with a couple of different conferences, so our team is split to cover all events.

This was our first year to work for the Big Ten Conference, for their inaugural championship game hosted by the great city of Indianapolis.

I am so fortunate to work with friends, and I was pumped to work with these lovely gals on this job.



Aren't they beauts?  No mean girls here.  No drama.  Just lots of laughing to get us through the hard work.

And hard work we did!  We were proud of our event, and we were equally excited to have it behind us (somewhat literally in this picture!).



We did have time for a dinner date with Santa one night.



(Does he look a little bit tired?)

And we managed to enjoy a delicious dinner at the infamous St. Elmo Steak House.



(Although, it was enjoyed at almost midnight after an 18-hour work day, yowzaa.)

That was a fine, fine filet, and yes, we all experienced the shrimp cocktail in full force.



Just about any hard work is worth it after you ring up a $1200 dinner, yes?

Indianapolis, you were good to us.  We hope to see you again next year.

thankful thursday #54

I've never been to Indianapolis before, but I'm digging it so far.

Clean downtown.  Hotels convenient to shopping and good eats.  Friendly folks.

Everything seems to be shaping up well for a successful event on Saturday, and I'm working up here with some of my favorite people in the world.

But it's chilly up here! 

For the past three years, I've worked events in Kansas City and Dallas during this Championship Weekend.  Outdoors.  Never been so cold in my life than on some of those days.

But glory to God, although I'm the farthest north I've been for this particular work weekend, our event is indoors. 

And better, our hotel has a skywalk connecting us to just about every place we have to be this week, so going outside is practically optional.

I enjoy fresh air, but spending upwards of ten hours outdoors in the thirty degree weather makes that air go from fresh to frigid, faster than I can reapply my Chapstick.

So happy to be working this indoor event!  And come Sunday, my work travel for this season will be officially over.

I have much to be thankful for this week.  What about you?  Go on, be grateful!

advent

The tree is trimmed.



Mr. Nutcracker is on duty.



The table is set.



The nativity is unpacked.



Advent is here.

And we wait.

Come, thou long expected Jesus!

thankful thursday #53

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so thankful today to have been home relaxing today with half our family ...

... while the other half were taken in by friends way down in south Florida, where there are definitely no other Feltons to be seen.

I'm so glad they were, because it was important that Little Man had a happy first Thanksgiving.  I think he did!  He got squeaky clean to make a great impression at the hosts' house ...

... and had a leisurely morning to get his mind right.

So even though we weren't together this year, we will look forward to when we can be!

And until then, we will be thankful for Skype, and for the iPhones.  Seriously, thank you, Jesus, for letting us share our lives with each other from hundreds of miles away.

This is just not a face I can be without.

I hope you had as many of your family and friends together as you could muster, and returned appropriate thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow.

What had you extra thankful today?  Go on, be grateful!

revisiting samford

If ever I was to describe myself, "nostalgic" would land somewhere in my list of Top Five adjectives.  While I don't desire a real return to any one time or place, I do enjoy reminiscing, and savoring the seasons past.

Twice in the past couple of weeks, although highly uncharacteristic, I've found myself back on the campus of my alma mater for various events.  It's good to revisit a place where the memories are kind to my wistful heart.

I had coffee in the student union this morning, just across the aisle from the same tables where my friends and I would sit back in the day, talking and laughing for hours and hours into the night. Although I'd only known those people for a few months, or maybe a year, it was like I'd known them for an eternity.  That crazy, unexplainable connection is learned only in experience, and I'm grateful I learned it sitting in those tables, with those friends.

The mail room hasn't changed, and my old P.O. box is still numbered by the same label, yellowed and stained by the passing of a decade.  That's where I learned that a hand-written note can make a person feel like a million bucks, and how a care package from Mom always, always made me miss home.

Vail Hall, the freshman girls' dorm, still looks big.  My room was in the corner of the east wing, on the ground level.  According to Dad, its crowning glory was its easy access to the parking lot from where we were unloading the van on Freshman Move-in Day.  He will tell you that moving his only daughter was never physically easier than it was that day.

I noted this morning that the blinds in my old space were bent or cracked in places, but I remember feeling so lucky to have those two windows in "The Corner Pocket," as we were known by our closest friends.  I wonder if I'd feel so lucky today, sharing a 15 x 15 room with a stranger.

University campuses have always held for me a curious intrigue.  When I was growing up in Athens, Georgia, the University's campus was where friends reunited, and gathered for a common cause (beating the football opponent usually, but a shared goal nonetheless).

It held traditions and history and stately architecture.

As it turns out, I still am fasincated by campuses today.  Maybe it stems from my childhood memories of making mud pies under the bleachers at Foley Field, or visiting the Baptist Student Union with my parents and their friends on Homecoming weekend.

Or maybe it's just because my college experience happens to be a treasure I cherish.

But probably, it's because universities represent such a significant rite of passage for young people.

Universities are the alchemists who mix the naive with the rebellious; the confident with the struggling; the creative with the athletic; the leaders with the followers.

They give them all opportunities, challenges, and guidance, and provide a safe environment to make choices for themselves.

And ultimately, they tell the stories of thousands of people who, if they took seriously the privilege of being there, left their campus a little bit more well-rounded; a little bit wiser; and a little bit more grown up.

thankful thursday #52

... for one year of Thankful Thursdays!

I'm giggling at the "thirty days of thankful status updates" (or whatever it's called) on my Facebook newsfeed, spanning the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Those are good.

I have two friends who've adopted a similar weekly habit of practicing appreciation.

It's been fun to see it catch on, even if just a little!

I admit it's not always easy to be thankful in the days when nothing new or fun seems to be happening ... when "mundane" and "routine" are the words of the week ... when we're feeling especially ordinary.

But keep on being thankful, y'all.  When you go searching, digging, working hard to sow those little seeds of gratitude, over time they'll take root and grow up to bear beautiful fruits of graciousness and goodness.

And I should know!  I'm so thankful today for one year ... fifty-two weeks! ... of watching gratitude take root.

When you look back over the past year, what's got you feeling humble and happy?  Go on, be grateful!

the office

We are moved and slowly settling into our new office digs.  (The boxes accumulating in the supply room give me hives when I pass by, but we can't all be organized so quickly.)

As previously mentioned, we are in our own building now, and no longer renting, which is freeing in many ways.

On the other hand, while Bossman is no Michael Scott, praise God ...



...he is taking this new role as building owner quite seriously.

Rules of the Office, established to date:

1. "Everyone should use a desk pad, so we don't scratch our desks when we write."
 
2. "Do not touch the light switches.  I spent a lot of money on these automated motion sensors that will turn on and off automatically."
 
3. "No hanging pictures on the wall.  We will eventually (read: "don't hold your breath"), but our designer is the decorating guru, and she will approve all wall hangings."
 
4. "No cooking anything in this microwave that has a stench.  No popcorn, nothing like that."
 
5. "Keep the breakroom door closed.  I don't want people seeing our mess."

The truth is, it's his building, and he can make whatever rules he wants to.

But seriously, can't I hang at least my diploma?!

Are you subject to crazy office rules?  Let me hear them, and make me feel better.

thankful thursday #51

A couple of days ago, I bemoaned the beginnings of Christmas music in October.

Today, though, I have to confess my one Advent tradition that happens earlier than it really should: my Christmas cards.

I love to dream up a card that will make a statement.  Deliver a message that means something to me, and maybe to someone else, too.

And think of the cards that flood your mailbox ... so many fun ones!  Family photos, fancy ribbons, and lovely calligraphy.

It's tough to make one stand out, because let's be honest, I can't compete with cute baby pictures.  I just can't!  But I like the challenge!

It's not uncommon for me to begin the brainstorming process in August (I know!).  And at the same time, it's also very normal for the perfect idea to strike me weeks and weeks after that.

But when the cards are printed, and the envelopes are addressed, I just love dropping those bundles of Christmas cheer into the mailbox (and pray I'm not failed by the United States Postal Service).

Yesterday my cards for this year were delivered to my door, for which I'm so thankful (let the addressing commence!), but better yet, no typos.  What a relief, and a reason for gratitude!

Do you have favorite holilday greetings?  I hope you'll be extra-thankful for them this year.  Go on, be grateful!

favorite things: the fall edition

Fall is, hands down, my favorite season.  So much to love this time of year!

On Halloween, one of our local radio stations snatched up my beloved fall, wadded it up, and threw it in a garbage can when it started playing Christmas music.

So, so sad.

Autumn needs some loving, and it shouldn't be rushed, so here are my favorite things that're making this fall especially fantastic:

gel nail polish
For at least nine months out of the year, I am a completely non-manicured soul.  And I feel good about that.  But I do love a dark nail color, just for some fall spunk.

Well, let me tell you, that fun spunk is smudged the second I leave the nail salon.  Never fails! 

The solution?  Not gel nails.  Gel polish.  Have you gals done this yet?  Chip-free polish that seriously lasts for two weeks.  And more importantly, it can't be smudged at all.

I confess I was persuaded by one of the nail salon ladies without a full understanding of how it works.  But it's so worth the extra ten bucks!

And better yet, OPI has a select number of their colors in the gel version (including my favorite, from last fall).  Treat yourself sometime, but be ready to have a professional remove that stuff at the end of its run!

the new keurig



Last Christmas, our boss purchased one of these single-cup coffee brewers as a gift for the office.  I'm no coffee drinker, but hot tea?  Hot chocolate?  Yes, please!

As we were plodding through the September heat here in Alabama, I purchased one for myself, as a sort of fall's-a-comin' happy.  And now that fall is here, I enjoy a cup of English breakfast tea, or green tea, a couple of times a week.  It is so fun!

So as to not seem too selfish, though, I'm excited to offer guests a coffee of their choice.  It's all about practicing hospitality.

these ankle boots



You know me and the fatted calves.  These fun Lucky Brand boots (don't even think I paid close to that retail price, by the way) represent what I've come to embrace as my reality: knee-high boots just don't work.  And I'm loving them so!

They're great with jeans or work pants, and they sport this solid wedge that's pretty comfy, too.  They do make me super tall, but I can think of worse outcomes of a fashion choice.

these scents
This one is a little embarrassing, but oh well.

Does anyone else feel that Bath & Body Works screams 1990s?  I feel very uncool saying, "Has anyone tried out this new wallflower scent by Bath & Body Works?!"

But maybe that's just me.  Anyway, this is me being transparent:

My name is Robyn, and this fall, I'm loving two scents from Bath & Body Works: Autumn and Leaves.  They really do make my whole place smell like fall.

Check them out.  They'll make your hot tea taste better.

What's your favorite thing for this fall?  Do share, and celebrate this lovely season!

thankful thursday #50

Change can be hard, but I sure do enjoy a healthy change of scenery every now and again.

Today was the last Thursday in our office, because we're moving on out to some new digs on Monday!

It took us a good while to nail down the move date, so I've been packing up over the past three weeks, a little bit at a time, and I can't wait to get these boxes moved up the street to our new place!



We're leaving behind the life of leasing, and heading to a building all our own, so I'm super thankful that we'll never have to share a break room or restrooms with any other office again.  (There are some not-so-tidy folks in our neck of the woods right now!)

I'm grateful for the parking spaces that will always be available.

And for the window I managed to retain (that wasn't always a guarantee, so whew)!

Lots to look forward to, once we get ourselves settled in and cozy ... in probably six months, yish!

What're you appreciating today?  Go on, be grateful!

eleven

A couple of weeks ago, the Little celebrated her eleventh birthday.  She's had quite a ride since we were matched just after she turned seven! 

Although I'm always traveling on October weekends, we try to celebrate together as close to her big day as we can.

This year, I had no fun craft planned; no recipe to make.  In fact, I had no plan at all!

But we had a fun afternoon, just being spontaneous.

We went to a park.  We chatted in the grass ...



We walked the trails, and stopped to smell the flowers.



We stopped for some old-fashioned refreshment.

We had our nails done, and then popped in for a quick Sno Biz (quick, that is, only after we muddled our way through the most disorganized menu ever of about 452 flavors).

After that, we went to Walgreens and sat at the photo kiosk, editing her photos from the park.  She's shy and wasn't totally comfortable seeing herself as the subject of all the pictures, but she loved making them "old-timey" (that would be "sepia," and we had a teaching moment about that).

We bought a few prints, some for her photo album, some for mine, and a couple for her mama.

She held off opening her present until the very end of our day.  She is sweet in that way, never wanting to seem greedy, or assume that she deserves a gift.  She's my little Lady Bug, so she got ...

... a pillow pet, which she collects.

And so, that's how we celebrated the big 1-1.  Here's to many more, Little!

thankful thursday #49

It's so late here!  This Thursday has just slipped right on by me!

I had my blog post for today all ready to go, and then circumstances changed.  What I thought I'd be thankful for today is now on hold for at least another week.  So stay tuned for that.  Boo.

In other news, one of my dear office friends thought it would be fun for some of us at work to do something fun together after hours.  We have a lot of fun in the office, so why not take it out, yes?

Yes, super idea.

"Let's go to the haunted house!" she suggested.

No, not a super idea.

Y'all, ever since walking through the haunted wing at Oconee County Elementary School's Halloween Carnival circa 1985 (obviously this preceeded the politically correct "Fall Festivals"), I've been terrified of haunted houses.

And I was pretty sure the adult version would be a gazillion times worse than what I remembered.

It was.

I was a team player and went, and we're all laughing and telling funny stories about it now, but when I tell you I was miserable for every second of those fifty minutes, I am not exaggerating.

Call me crazy, but I am creeped out by strange people in ridiculous costumes breathing on my neck and growling my name.

It was awful. 

I dreaded that night from the day it was planned for two solid weeks.  So you will not be surprised that today, I'm so thankful that it's over, and I lived to tell about it.

What's your scariest haunted house experience?  Are you thankful when they're over?

Go on, be grateful!

pumpkin muffins

I love a dense muffin.  The chocolate chip muffins at City Bagel Café are to-die-for -- not oily, not super fluffy, and well, dense.  I've never grasped how to get that consistency, but I've not actively pursued the perfect dense muffin recipe, either.

Well.  I heard someone this weekend discussing this recipe.  Actually, it's so easy, "recipe" might even be a strong word.  I only tried it because I didn't believe it could possibly be edible.

Pumpkin Muffins

1 box of yellow cake mix (I used a Pillsbury one, with pudding in the mix)
1 small can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix, but pure pumpkin)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Using an elextric mixer, combine the cake mix and the pumpkin (do not add eggs, do not add oil, do not collect $200 and do not pass go).  Pop some cupcake wrappers into a muffin tin, and grease them up with cooking spray.  Spoon the batter evenly into a dozen wrappers.  Bake for 20-23 minutes, or (to be like all other baking recipes), "until a toothpick inserted comes out clean."

These are so quick, so easy, so cheap, kind-of healthy (muffin health is relative, people), and an intriguing conversation piece.  And they're deliciously dense.

Don't be a doubter; give them a go.  You know you want to!

french cuisine and the teacher's pet

Lori, my foodie friend, is well known for her excellence in gift-giving.

For my birthday this year, she bought two spots for us in a Saturday morning cooking class at Cafe de Paris, a Birmingham restaurant that features French cuisine.  (When I tell you her gifting is legit, I do not lie!)

She and I arrived this morning to fresh-baked croissants, hot bacon, orange juice and coffee, and an eclectic bunch of classmates.

In particular, when I overheard one of them speaking in French to the chef, I immediately identified her as the teacher's pet and decided to keep her at a safe distance.

After a leisurely brunch, Chef Serge showed us to our preparation table, and I suited up with a spunky red apron and my game face.



Chef Serge was a delight, encouraging us in his heavy French accent to talk to our food, and preaching that anyone can make magic in the kitchen.  I loved the way his passion for food sort of bubbled out of him so effortlessly.

His big life truth came through a wine tasting, which I found a little bit humorous.  He explained that while we were all tasting the same wine, we'd each experience something different, because after all, we are each unique, and made with different palates.

Palates aside, I was just thankful in that moment to be quite different from Teacher's Pet.  Upon our first chopping exercise, she was quick to share that she had been a sous chef in Chapel Hill some thirty years ago.

That might have been interesting, except her head was close to exploding, her ego was so out of control.

We pressed on, though, and Chef Serge guided us through recipes for a tomato and zucchini quiche, and an almond pear tart, both of which involved from-scratch dough, which never really goes well with me in the kitchen.

That could have been cause for serious trepidation, but in the end Lori and I were pleased with our crust, and with the finished products.



Speaking of crusts, I overheard Teacher's Pet commenting that someone's crust was "overworked" and "not flaky, like it's made here in the South."  I felt sorry for Chef Serge then, since she apparently is a regular at his restaurant.

Later when she pressed him, asking multiple times if he was sure the pear tart recipe didn't call for butter, I wanted to punch her in the face.

On a brighter note, one of my favorite things about today was that we didn't have to clean up our delicious mess that we left behind.



Although Teacher's Pet was a grace-stretcher, she absolutely did not steal my joy.  I indulged in every bite of every last comforting carbohydrate.

It was a happy way to start my day off, and I plan to go back and visit Chef Serge and his sous chef.



The real sous chef, that is.  Not Teacher's Pet.

thankful thursday #48

October 21st of this year has been circled on my calendar since May (and not because Harold Camping's predicted May rapture was revised to October 21st).

In May, I knew what my fall travel schedule would be, and October 21-23 would be my first weekend off since the start of the college football season.

And oh, October 21, I thought you'd never get here!

Praise Jesus, tomorrow begins a mini-vacay for me, and I am super-thankful for it.

I've got a few fun things up my sleeve that may or may not be recapped here in a few days.

But either way, I'm just so excited about my days off tomorrow and Saturday I can barely contain myself!

What's giving you a little pep in your step today?  Go on, be grateful!

operation pantry overhaul

I woke up this morning with this crazy urge to organize my pantry.

Random, yes?

I went nuts.

It started here ...



Not terrible, but not great.

I remember when I was very young, and my grandmother Frosty decided she and I were going to organize my closet.  The first thing we did was empty the space, down to the very last hanger.

I remember thinking, "Is that really necessary?  Seems excessive."

Of course now, I know there is no other way!  To skip this step ...



... would be taking an organizing short cut, and that's no good.

I threw out an embarrassing amount of food, and inventoried and categorized the items that were keepers.

I left everying strewn across kitchen counters and was entirely too excited to head to Bed, Bath and Beyond (am I the only one who feels led to add a comma in that store's name?) to explore its selection of containers, baskets, trays, and shelves.

For a second there, I considered a career change to professional organizing, but then I remembered that my pantry and closet hardly compare to the average American hoarder.

So I scooted through the aisles, picked up a slew of organizing happies (these being the most exciting), and returned to the mission.

And when all was said and done ...



... I was pleased, and my pantry thanked me.

It's a good day.

thankful thursday #47

Tonight I hosted my Bible study gals for the first time since I got the fall itch, so it was time to whip up some comfort foods in honor of my favorite season.

Although rare to attempt in one day, and particularly for unsuspecting guests, I experimented with two new recipes.  And as I like to offer balance, that always means one savory and one sweet.

The savory is not yet ready to be published.  It needs some tweaking (Read: Needs more cheese and butter) before it's worthy to be shared.  But I'll keep working on that, and you stay tuned.

All you need to know for now is Cheesy Garlic Bread Goodness.

On the other hand, the sweet recipe of the night made the cut.  Short of buying prepared caramel dip in the store for your fall apples, this is the easiest apple dip you'll ever make:

Cinnamon Apple Dip

1 pkg. cream cheese (as always, I go with the whipped for easy mixing)
1/2 c. packed brown sugar (I used light, but I imagine dark is fine too)
1-2 tsp. cinnamon (however much tickles your taste buds)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Favorite apple slices (I'm a Granny Smith girl, all the way)

Mix together the cream cheese and brown sugar until well blended.  Add cinnamon and vanilla, and serve with apples.  (Side note: I made this ahead of time and popped it in the fridge overnight.  Best to take the chill off before serving, so it's super dippable.  No one likes a stiff dip.)

It's like eating cinnamon apples, but cream cheese and brown sugar really take it to the next level of glory.

And since that one was so darn easy, here's another apple one, just for kicks and giggles:

Fake Caramel Dipped Apples

Apple slices (again, go Granny!)
Prepared caramel dip (from the produce section usually, near the apples, go figure)
Crushed up peanuts

Chop up those apples into bite-sized pieces and put them in your favorite cereal bowl.  Drizzle them with caramel and sprinkle the peanuts on top.  It tastes just like those caramel and nut dipped apples on a stick, but waaay easier to eat.  Thank you, Nikol, for changing my world.

Gosh, I love fall!  Thankful for those oh-so-bearable temperatures outside.  Hot tea.  Danskos.  Apples.

What're the fall lovelies that make you happy?  Go on, be grateful!

the colla voce smack-down

I've mentioned before of my participation in Colla Voce, also known as, the choir that far exceeds my talent level.  It's a beautiful picture of personal humility.

We are in the throes of our fall season rehearsals, and we are under the direction of a new conductor.

In the transition from old director to new, it did not take long to realize that the two directors' styles are vastly different from each other, and I could only hope that his different pace -- this new process -- would culminate in a concert worthy of our congregation's time.

At some point along the way, I subconsciously decided to trust our leader.  To trust his knowledge.  To trust his method.  To trust his timing.

To let go of even the slightest idea that the old way -- the familiar way -- was better.

And then I got the big, red-letter spiritual smack-down: I'm like this all the time under the Lord's leadership.

Just today, I read this little nugget from a devotional called Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young:

Trust me enough to let things happen without striving to predict or control them.  Relax, and refresh yourself in the light of my everlasting love.  My love-light never dims, yet you are often unaware of my radiant presence.

When you project yourself into the future, rehearsing what you will do or say, you are seeking to be self-sufficient: to be adequate without my help.  This is a subtle sin -- so common that it usually slips by unnoticed.

I (obviously) could not have said it better myself.

thankful thursday #46

On Tuesday, Lori and I had the rare chance to enjoy a spontaneous lunch together at Urban Standard, a young, hip restaurant here in town.

They have a pretty fabulous menu, so the entrees alone were delightful.

Perhaps more noteworthy, though, was the dessert counter.  Although it was my first time there, I could tell right away that those desserts were no joke.

I rarely buy desserts, now.  I'd rather have an ooey-gooey cheesy bite of anything over a sweet any day of the week.

But these?



Yes ma'am, that is cookie dough atop a fudgy bite of brownie goodness.

Whoah, Nelly.

I nursed mine for two days.  I was sad to polish it off yesterday.

At some point, I want to try to make them.  Lori (another reason she's a dear one) immediately located this recipe that I think will be the go-to when the time is right.

I can't yet, because it's just too soon.  I haven't had time to totally emerge from the sugar-induced coma.

But in the meantime, I'm thankful for foodie friends like Lori; venturing into fun restaurants for the first time; and for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies.

That made for one mighty satisfying day.

What's satisfying you and keeping you thankful this week?  Go on, be grateful!

third annual dansko expedition

Last year Nikol and I admitted that we had a slightly unhealthy obsession with Dansko clogs, and ultimately just owned it.

We declared the annual purchase of a new pair an official friendship tradition, and today was the day!

Really, I was prepared to leave the store empty-handed, because I need another pair of clogs like I need a hole in the head.

But when I tried talking myself out of a purchase out loud, Nikol was a good friend and justified, "But it's tradition."

She is a good friend.  This pair just was not meant to be left lonely on the shelf.



These are ultra-basic, but are classic, a little bit distressed, and oh-so-comfy.  They deserve some worn jeans and a cozy sweater.

Couldn't pass 'em up.

Nor a good tradition!

meeting nathan

I asked him what his name was.

“Nathan.  And my dad’s is ‘Daddy.’”

He was five-ish.  His ball cap swallowed his little head, and he gripped his dad’s hand while we weaved through the mobs of people and walked together from Gate 19 to Gate 26.

On the walk to the other side of the stadium, I learned that they lived a couple of hours away.  They didn’t have season tickets, but they’d managed to get two tickets in the general seating section to today's non-conference game.

It was Nathan’s first ever game at his dad’s alma mater, and he didn’t know where we were going, or why I was escorting them around the entire stadium.  He was just happy to be there.

“Well I'm Robyn, and I'm just so happy y'all are here today.  When we get there, help yourselves to the buffets; the ice cream; the popcorn and candy; and all the drinks you’d like.  You can come inside when you get cold, or want to watch some other games on TV for a bit.”

Nathan’s dad looked at me with eyes that said, “Are you serious?  What did we do to deserve this?”  Nathan only perked up at the mention of ice cream.

I accompanied them through Gate 26, ensured their tickets were scanned and their wristbands were secured, and the elevator waited for us as if we were royalty.

We exited onto the fourth floor where I greeted our usher.  “Hi, Mike.  This is Robert and Nathan.  It’s their first time here, and I was hoping you could show them around the East Club.”

Mike is one of the friendliest ambassadors of his university you’ll ever meet.  He gave Nathan a hand-shake, and told him they were serving banana splits today, just for him.

I wished Robert and Nathan a great day, and went about my work.

Fifteen minutes earlier, I had been given two premium seating tickets and was told that the anonymous donor wanted them to be given only to a father and his son.

I scanned the sea of fans streaming into the stadium, and I looked for what I envisioned to be the perfect father-son pair.  I picked Robert and Nathan out of the crowd and called out, “Excuse me, sir?  Are y’all here today with anyone?”

“No, just me and him,” Robert answered.

And that’s how I met Nathan and his dad, and that’s how a wealthy man blessed two strangers today.

Just over a year ago, I wrote a short post after a particularly discouraging game day.  It was literally titled, “Why I Hate My Job.”  I didn’t publish it, of course, because nothing good was going to come from that.

But today, I secretly watched Nathan and his dad from afar, sitting on the front row of the East Club, on the fifty yard line.  Enjoying ice cream by the big screen video board.  Sharing a box of popcorn.  Taking pictures together in their special seats.

Receiving an unexpected blessing.

Y’all, that made my entire football season.  There really are good, generous people out there who aren't greedy for glory.

People who, unbeknownst to them, invite little ol' hospitality professionals like me to play a part in making someone's day extra special.

Today, I love my job.

thankful thursday #45

Today my car was (over)due for some routine maintenance.

To be precise, my odometer read 97,000 miles and some change, and it was in for its 90,000 mile check-up.

Oops.  Life just got busy.

Anyway, I knew I was going to be spending a nice little chunk of change for that, and although I didn't want to, I was appreciating that my car is solid, gives me no trouble, and so on.

You know, exercising gratitude.

And then I got the call where they've discovered that the front brake pads need replacing pronto, and that the serpentine belt, while not super-urgent, will need to be replaced at my next servicing.

(I can't wait.)

All the sudden, my nice little chunk of change had grown to a slightly larger chunk of change, and let's just be honest, I'm having to dig deep for some thankfulness.

Gotta just be thankful that my brakes are functioning like they should; that I can afford routine maintenance in hopes of avoiding unexpected repairs; that I can drive myself to the football game of the week this weekend with a renewed peace of mind.

Darn you, Thankful Thursdays.  You challenge me so.

Your turn.  Be challenged, and be grateful!

good grief

My gals and I are closing in on the end of the Old Testament.  Can. Not. Believe it.

I thought Leviticus would kill us, but as it turns out, the major prophets have been really hard for me!

I've been happy to meet the minor prophets.  Happy to move away from the "Israel, you continue to disappoint Me" theme, and eagerly toward the "but don't worry, I'm keeping my promise to restore you" theme.

Glory to God.

In particular, Ezra has been such a sweet character study for me.  Here's why:

the set-up
After seventy years of captivity in Babylon, a remnant of Israelites is released by King Cyrus to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

Despite all sorts of opposition, they persist and complete its reconstruction.  A long-awaited celebration ensues!

ezra's mission
Sixty years later, Ezra is sent to Jerusalem, and commissioned to evaluate the people's spiritual state; to appoint godly leadership; and to establish a judicial system to punish the disobedient.

In short, he is working to ensure that God's people are living in alignment with His law.

the sober welcome
When he arrives in Jerusalem, Ezra is greeted with some heartbreaking news:

The people of Israel, including their leaders, had married Canaanite wives, a direct sin against God's command (Deuteronomy 7:1-6).

Go ahead.  Shake your head in disbelief.  I did, too.

ezra's grief & confession
Upon hearing this, Ezra is painfully grieved.  He tears his garments, plucks out his hair and beard (this is serious, folks!), and literally collapses to the ground in devastation.

"At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation, with my tunic and robe torn. Then I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God. And I said: My God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face toward You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads and our guilt is as high as the heavens." (Ezra 9:5-6)

the conviction
I just love this story, and I just hate this story.

I love Ezra's heart.

I hate Israel's tragic cycle of sin.

But if I'm honest, can I say that I'd have the same reaction as Ezra?

Would I weep over, and feel ashamed of, these people's (or my) sin?   Doubt it.

Would I have been faithful to pray on their behalf?  Not so likely.

Would I have grieved so deeply for this break in fellowship?  Probably not.

the challenge
The Bible gives us beautiful examples of people who are deeply grieved by their own sin, or the sins of God's people: David, the Apostle Paul, Daniel, Isaiah, and now Ezra.

What's the deal with all the grief?  Why should we feel it so?  Why are we called to it?

When we are growing in Christ, our hearts should be broken in response to sin, because sin is dishonoring to Him, and because it brings about a nasty separation from a holy God.

And then the kicker: if we are truly being molded into the likeness of Christ, our hearts should be responding as His would, and we know that He is grieved over our hardened hearts (Mark 3:5).

And one more for good measure: would we ever really know forgiveness and restoration without knowing brokenness and heartache?

the cry
Holy and Gracious Lord, give me a heart like yours that weeps for the lost; that breaks at the mere thought of separation from you; that shares in Your good and godly grief, so that I might know and understand your forgiveness and faithfulness more fully.

protein-crazy enchiladas

Who knew I'd be finding such fun recipes during my busiest season?

This one is super easy, quite tasty, and it packs a lot of protein punch.

And, because I thought "Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas" was way too boring, I present to you ...

Protein-Crazy Enchiladas

EVOO
1 small onion, diced
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 lb. chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 small can of green chiles
1/3-1/2 c. of your favorite salsa
4 flour tortillas (I used wheat ones, but any will do)
Monterrey jack and cheddar cheeses, shredded

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
 
2. On medium-high heat, saute onion and garlic in a couple tablespoons of EVOO, about 2 minutes.
 
3. Add chicken and saute about 5-6 minutes.  (It's okay if the chicken isn't all the way done ... you have more cooking to do!)
 
4. Add black beans, green chiles, and salsa.  Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened.  (I used taco sauce here, because that's just what I had on hand, but I'm sure any fun salsa will be tasty and add personality.)
 
5. Divide the chicken mixture among your tortillas, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a shallow baking dish, coated with cooking spray.  (I should note here that if I'd had more room in my dish, I'd have rolled up a fifth one, because the filling was plentiful.  Your tortillas might be big enough, though, so just roll with it.  No pun intended.)
 
6. Top with cheese (you know me, the more the better), and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and bubbly.

You can top these guys with a little sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro if you want to be fancy.

But either way, the leftovers made for a tasty lunch today!

thankful thursday #44

We're approaching Week 4 in the world of college football, and in the life of a UGA fan, that means we're hopefully approaching our second win of the season.

Boo.

Hard times have fallen on my little hometown of Athens, Georgia.  I could write a book on my disappointment in the fans, and in the direction of college football, and in the idol worship that rears its ugly head during autumns in the South.

But you're in luck: Thankful Thursday is here instead.

My Bulldogs had a little momentum boost last Saturday with a 59-0 shutout.  So what that it was against Coastal Carolina?  We'll take what we can get, and be thankful for the "W."

Carter was shocked when he heard the score ...



Let's face it, his first two games didn't go so well.  He was beside himself to hear that his Dawgs had finally given him a victory!

Here's hoping you have a winning weekend, too!

In the meantime, what're you appreciating?  Go on, be grateful!

parmesan chicken from an ad

After a work Saturday, I love to chill on Sunday afternoon and cook up a new recipe.  I tried two new ones this weekend, and this chicken one is so easy and tasty.

And when I say easy, I mean the recipe was on an advertisement in my Food Network magazine.  You know, those ad recipes are always super simple, usually very boring, and only sometimes worth trying.

But this one is!  I took some creative liberties, so forgive the estimations.  Just feel it as you go.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Mayo
Parmesan cheese, grated
Spices of choice
Bread crumbs of choice

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
 
2. I butterflied those chicken breasts out of the package (they can get too thick, don't you think?), and placed each piece on a foil-lined cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
 
3. In a small bowl, mix up some mayo (about 1 Tbsp. per piece of chicken), the Parm cheese, and your spices.  As for amounts, go with your taste buds, but I used about a 1:4 ratio of Parmesan to mayo, and then a couple of shakes of garlic powder and one dash of cayenne pepper.
 
4. Spoon about a tablespoon of the mayo mixture on each piece of chicken and spread it around to cover the surface area.
 
5. Sprinkle the bread crumbs onto each piece of chicken, to form a little pseudo-crust.  I used panko crumbs, but you can use plain or Italian flavored traditional ones, too.
 
6. Bake those little guys up for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken's done.  The crumbs'll be golden, and the cheese and mayo will be bubbly hot.

I think the deliciousness of this is all in the spices, so choose wisely.

And while my chicken was baking, I roasted some broccoli florets with some EVOO and crushed red pepper.  De-lish.

Happy cooking, y'all!

one year later and the sing-off

Exactly one year ago I posted my first blog entry.

It came on the heels of a call to obedience by the Holy Spirit, prompting me to disconnect my cable.  And so I did.

In retrospect, I can appreciate what those four months did for me.  I don't automatically turn the TV on, only to be sucked in and stripped of hours of my life that I'll never get back.  I'm happy to read in the quiet instead.

I'm content to get the next-day updates on reality shows from everyone else in my office, and have nothing to contribute to the conversations.

I like having only three or four shows that really pique my interest.

So while one year ago I was swearing off my favorite shows, it's only appropriate that one year later, I invite y'all to tune in to one of my current faves.

The Sing-Off?! 

Anyone?

A cappella singing competition.  No back-up singers or bands to fall back on.  Judges who offer constructive criticism and positive reinforcement.  Better yet, judges who have legitimate knowledge, and reference music theory terms like "modulation" and "harmonic progression."

Just crazy, pure talent.

It is good times, people.  Check it out Mondays on NBC, at 8/7c, especially all you music-lovin' family members out there!  The premiere was just last night, so you haven't missed much.

Cheers to "The Sing-Off" ... and to another year of blogging!