Bunny's Day Out

Over the weekend the weather was perfect - 75 and sunny, such a blessing in January! We decided it was time for Sunny to get out and see the world a bit with her new harness and leash.

She really did a good job once the harness was on; I was a little worried she would fight it. I think she was in awe but had a blast digging and hopping around in a new environment. She even made friends with a teacup poodle! Every car that drove by gave a big smile, and one woman even came back around with a friend to see Sunny. She is quite the hit!

White Peony

Favorite of the week:

This scent is awesome. Thanks Mom!

In The Green Kitchen

"Cooking creates a sense of well-being for yourself an the people you love

and brings beauty and meaning to everyday life."

I found this cookbook at the library, and I'm so inspired to get back to everyday cooking. Alice Waters brings not recipes, but basic techniques that will help anyone cook well and healthily. My biggest challenge in going to the grocery store or market is, "what the heck will I do with this?" She and her colleagues help you along the way. I was really intrigued that she suggested using a mortar and pestle - an ancient tool that uses your hands, thus making one more connected to their food (love that). I can't wait to try the garlic vinaigrette, mayonnaise and Irish soda bread.

A Green Kitchen Manifesto

- Delicious, affordable, wholesome food is the goal of the Green Kitchen

- An organic pantry is an essential resource

- Buy food that is organic, local, and seasonal

- Cooking and shopping for food brings rhythm and meaning to our lives

- Simple cooking techniques can be learned by heart

- Daily cooking improves the economy of the kitchen

- Cooking equipment that is durable and minimal simplifies the cooking

- A garden brings life and beauty to the table

- Composting nourishes the land that feeds us

- Setting the table and eating together teaches essential values to our children

Chillin'

Spring Thinking

Though we are months away from spring, I can't help but be wooed by they home furnishing stores these days. I'm loving the look of Pottery Barn - fresh whites, natural woods, and pops of bright green living plants.

In honor of this trend, I've been looking into creating my own terrarium. I think they are so beautiful and are a cool way to bring the outdoors in. I'm hoping to someday have more houseplants and even a garden, but until then I think this would be a fun project:

But it would probably be a good idea to start small and find out what I can keep alive. I think this project would be perfect.

Read: Wuthering Heights

I finally plowed through Wuthering Heights. It has always been on my list of "old classics that should be read", but I have to say it was work. The most interesting thing was that it was written over 150 years ago by a young girl, yet the themes are still so relevant. And the bitterness, sadness and revenge that is through the entire story is daunting, it also makes for an interesting story and way to look at that time of life. Very glad I read it.

Family Weekend

My parents came to Tulsa for the first time since I moved over the weekend, and we had a blast! Friday they got to see my office and relaxed at the Cigar Box until I was done with work. We then went to meet the bunny, and had dinner at Dalesandro's - so good!

Saturday we went to Tally's diner, where the owner is my aunt's brother in law (in accordance to small town living, we had to go introduce ourselves). The food was great and the place was a fun throwback on Route 66. Then we went to Utica Square and shopped, and Mom and I did some damage at the Sak's makeup counter, which was so fun. We then went to Leon's to watch the Jayhawks play Texas - unfortunately our home winning streak was snapped. I can only hope this means will get some spring in our step and pick it up in time for the tournament.

Saturday night we went to a new place called Smoke and had a wonderful time. Good food, drink and company. Then we made Mom and Dad stay out at White Owl, which was so fun. Sunday morning was brunch at Brookside By Day, then bidding them farewell. It's always hard to say goodbye, but I had such a blast the whole weekend, I'm so thankful they made the trip down.

Spin

I took a spinning class last night at my gym (first time I have been there since the new year). I was really dreading it, but I've had the feeling the last few days I really need a workout boost. I took a spinning class in college with an ex-Marine, so my idea of spin class is sheer hell, but a great workout.



But last night was fun! Totally challenging; I was huffing so hard I was glad I was in the back so the older ladies rocking it out in front wouldn't hear me. But it felt really good, and it was fun to have people all around doing the same thing you're doing.

I'm writing this because I need to look back when I'm not feeling like going, to see how excited and happy I was afterward. And I promised myself when I walked in that if I go three times a week this week and maybe next, I'll treat myself to some fun new workout clothes - necessary for spin (biker shorts are a must), but also awesome motivation.

Unreads

A stack of unread books:

- Wuthering Heights

- The Corrections

- Captivating

- Guns, Germs and Steel

- Citizen Solider and The Forgotten Soldier

- The Art of Happiness

- The Lexus and the Olive Tree

- War and Peace and Anna Karenina

Lazy Sunday

A pretty quiet weekend, this one. Stayed in Friday night to spend some time with the bunny and recoup from a long week. Note - never do this and watch three episodes of Animal Hoarders. As I saw myself surrounded by animal supplies and hay, I had a moment where I thought I was one of them. This is when I gave Sunny the talk that she better be happy, because she will be my only pet for a very, very long time.

Saturday morning J and I attempted to make homemade mozzarella from a kit he gave me for Christmas (awesome gift, BTW). While it tasted fantastic, it was not stretchy and pliable like it was supposed to be, only a blob somewhat like ricotta. Oh well, I think we know what we need to do next time to make it really great.

Saturday night was spent watching an updated version of Doctor Zhivago, with Keira Knightley. We made it through part one, and it is definitely different from the David Lean version.

Sunday was running errands and cleaning - I think I'm officially a grown up because I get such satisfaction out of a clean and organized place. Also a botched batch of banana bread: right after I made the batter I realized I don't have a loaf pan, SO it ended up banana bread bars.

Right now Sunny Louise is doing the "flop" and has found a nook in the bed she loves. She's so funny when she gets wound up:

We're still having litter training challenges, but for the most part she is good about it. I've learned she can only have a few places that she gets to hang out, and then she's good. She has warmed up so much in the last week, it's been so fun to really get to see her personality shine.

Friday!

Ah, the best day of the week is finally here! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend of getting the place back in order and catching up on projects. Plus spending time with this little girl:



I'm going to set up a play area because she is getting hyper! She loves running around like crazy and doing 180s in the air. J and I just sat and watch her for hours last night!

Generations

I loved these pictures from the holidays. It's so great to be surrounded by family, and it always reminds me how lucky I am to have such an amazing one.

Erin, Madalyn, Uncle Greg, Grandpa Dale

It was so great to see my cousin Erin and meet her daughter Madayln for the first time. She and her husband Steiner live in Florida, so it's a big trip for them to come out to Stockton. Grandpa got to meet his fourth great grandchild, so I think it was worth it :)

Great Grandma Lavern, Dad, Me, Grant, Grandma Elna

My Great Grandma Lavern is such a neat lady. At 96 years old, she lives by herself and is always a-going. She hosted her 76th Christmas Eve for our family this year!

Little Bun

Here she is! It's been really fun getting to know Sunny Louise, and a challenge as well. I feel like a mom that just brought a baby home - I'm always thinking about how to make her life better. I have a feeling she's going to be totally spoiled.

Playtime

The "Penguin"

LOVES paper towels!

She's still getting used to her surroundings, but I can already tell she is much more comfortable and playful then when she first came home. She's not a huge fan of being held right now, but likes to be pet and likes to crawl all over you. And while she's pretty good at the litter box in her cage, accidents definitely happen. Hopefully with a lot of love and attention she'll feel happy and be trained soon!

Bedtime!

Newest Addition

I've been waiting to post about this huge event until I could get pictures, but since my iPhoto and camera are not cooperating, I can't wait any longer...



I have a bunny! I know, I know, sounds like a strange idea for a pet, but I've wanted one for ages. I've researched, explored and spent hours online trying to decide. I finally found a great one - she's a broken orange Holland Lop and ADORABLE! Still trying to decide on a name. She's been freaked out the last few days (not that I can blame her), so I've been spending as much time as possible with her to get her acclimated and feeling safe again.

I'm really excited about this challenge, but I think it will be very rewarding and fun. More updates and pictures to come!

Doctor Zhivago

Wow. Wow wow. I finally got to check a movie off my list in Doctor Zhivago, and I'm so glad I did. It was the definition of epic - grand landscapes, war, suffering, love triangles, hope and every emotion in between. At over 3 hours long, it took two evening to finish, which I loved. It was grand filmmaking, and J and I were in awe of David Lean's work, Omar Sharif is one of the most handsome leading men I've ever seen, and Julie Christie was spectacular.

It also re-sparked my fascination with all thing Russian. Ever since I was a kid something about that culture has grabbed me and never let go. I'm excited to keep learning, reading and watching all I can about this amazing country.

Holiday Recap 2010

- Mom's sapphires

- meeting Madalyn

- Learning about Grandma Elder

- Herbergers in Kearney, NE

- Grandma Neva's roasting pan

- Deer hunts

- Gallons of champagne

- Grandma Lavern's 76th Christmas Eve

- Tangled

- Grandpa telling war stories and seeing him looking so handsome. and letters from is Austrian girlfriend.

- Cooking pecan pie, mashed potatoes, tomato cream sauce

- Great friends that always will be

- Going through old pictures and remembering how fun high school was

- Martinis at the club with Grandpa

Holiday Gumbo

Before we all left for the holidays, I was Eric's assistant in making Gumbo. Eric is from Baton Rouge, an LSU grad, and know his southern food. I was so excited to learn about this tradition!

This is a very simplified rundown, but here are the basics:

First, boil a chicken in a stockpot with seasonings until done (a few hours).

Reserve the stock. Next, saute onions, carrots, celery, peppers and garlic.

Once translucent, add back in the chicken stock.

In the meantime, make the roux. Now roux is a BIG deal in gumbo - and it can be hard to make. I convinced Eric to forgo the store bought version and make our own (luckily, his brother is a chef, so a quick phone call explained the details). Equal volume of fat (oil or butter) and flour, whisk the flour into the fat at very high heat. You much constantly whisk to keep the flour from burning, but it soon turns a rich brown color, and you work it until it's about the consistancy of brownie batter.

Once the roux is added, it gives a nice color.

Let this cook, and in the meantime begin breaking down the chicken and cut up sausage. We used Andouille.

Cook, cook, cook and add LOTS of seasoning.

Once its at a nice consistancy and has great flavor, put a big helping over rice, and pour a big glass of wine.

Yay Gumbo! And a big thanks to Eric for making such a feast!

Welcome 2011!

I have a great feeling about this year. So many possibilities! With the first week back to the "real" world almost complete, I'm excited to get back on track, in the routine, and improve myself from the inside out.