tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84926028285132075752024-02-21T05:39:25.800-08:00A Blog About ThingsLyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-78117653861383817112012-05-07T11:05:00.001-07:002012-05-07T11:05:16.483-07:00Second best!<div style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Monday Blog Followers,</span></div>
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I've got so much to tell you, so I think I'll start with this weekend.</div>
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This weekend, we went to Houston for my friend Kalissa's Brazilian BBQ Birthday Celebration . Chris and I decided to make a full weekend of it! First, we met our high school friend, Sheelah for an Astros game. We won! </div>
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On Saturday, we celebrated the Kentucky Derby Houston-style by going to a charity event. The proceeds went to a great cause--reconstructive surgery for cancer patients. <a href="http://roseribbon.org/">http://roseribbon.org/</a></div>
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We got all dolled up in our Derby duds...it was a blast. </div>
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After, we drove to Kalissa's house and stuffed ourselves with homemade Brazilian goodies and all the meat we could eat!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">The Birthday Girl!</span></td></tr>
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Sunday we slept in and then went for lunch. We found this little gem: <a href="http://www.alingshakka.com/">http://www.alingshakka.com/</a> . Who would've thought that Chinese food, prepared Indian-Style, would be so delicious. May I recommend the Manchurian Chicken!?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The Finished Product!</span></td></tr>
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I must say it was very tasty, but it just isn't the same as the coffee truck's. I think it may be the brand of coffee. I'm currently trying to come up with a tactful way to ask the coffee truck lady what brand of coffee she uses!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For some time now, I've had a craving for a dish my grandfather used to make--Pork and Cabbage stew. After several conversations with my mom, we hashed over the potential ingredients and agreed upon the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 lb. Boneless pork spare ribs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Can of tomato sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">1 Head of cabbage</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Garlic, basil, salt, pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Sear pork ribs, add tomato sauce, half can of water, seasonings and
simmer for 1.5 hours. Then add cabbage, another round of seasonings, and
simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes. </span></div>
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It was very tasty, but again, I must say that it just wasn't the same! I don't know what I'm missing, but I'm on a quest to figure out exactly how he made his pork and cabbage. I wish I had written down some of his recipes while he was still here! And I say "some" because I can definitely live without his Octopus Salad recipe!</div>
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<i>In the spirit of full disclosure and creativity, I'll continue to try to make recipes my own and report the results! Please use this blog as a forum to share yours, or to give me tips!</i></div>
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<b>Please join me in giving a shout out to our men and women in uniform! Congratulations Bo Beeland--The Air Force's newest Captain! We are so proud of you! </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a wonderful week everyone!</span></div>
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xo</div>
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<i>Lyndsey</i></div>
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<br /></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-42571745602690404992012-04-02T07:14:00.000-07:002012-04-02T07:14:36.753-07:00Guest Blogger #2--From the Kitchen of Joe and Jodi Taraba<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Wr1zgiS4kuc88BHW65RxBz3GVCSQAW0QAEulfxtx4XJpFIeMWILaUuVrutfFF5OMsUX2cCf_IeNSJHnrjkDyH7SUPVTk-QPzI71fmA1QepEwrYbfn3CWNhv_gGfxn3nGxOLKa50EAhY/s1600/Joe6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Wr1zgiS4kuc88BHW65RxBz3GVCSQAW0QAEulfxtx4XJpFIeMWILaUuVrutfFF5OMsUX2cCf_IeNSJHnrjkDyH7SUPVTk-QPzI71fmA1QepEwrYbfn3CWNhv_gGfxn3nGxOLKa50EAhY/s320/Joe6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m honored to be a guest blogger for Lyndsey this weekend!<span> </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A little about me:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a husband to my beautiful wife Jodi and father to sons Zach (16 months) and a second one (name TBD but suggestions are welcome – due in July)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Proud Fightin’ Texas Aggie – sorry Lyndsey, don’t hold it against me.<span> </span>I love my Aggies – and especially Aggie football and basketball</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Outside of spending time with my family or going to Kyle Field in the fall some of my favorite things include a round of golf with friends (or trying a new course), fishing – although here in dry San Antonio I don’t know of many good places, traveling, and attempting to cook.<span> </span>I also love spending time with our chocolate lab Charlie or reading a good book in the rare quiet moment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Having a crockpot with young kids is a lifesaver – here is a quick easy and very tasty recipe that my wife found from Parents.com that we love!<span id="goog_581338442"></span><span id="goog_581338443"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Tex Mex Chicken Tacos – (Note – Store Brand Canned items work just as well here!)</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 – 14.5 oz. can of Rotel Tomatoes w jalapenos – drained</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 and 1/4<span> </span>cups salsa verde</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 TB ground cumin</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3 cloves garlic – minced</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">½ tsp salt and black pepper</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 large yellow and red pepper, seeded and sliced</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 medium onion – sliced</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 – 14.5 oz. black beans – drained (we use prob ½ the can)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 – 14.5 oz. can corn – drained (we use frozen here)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">12 hard taco shells</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">¾ Cup Shredded cheese (mix or Monterrey is OK)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Avacado – chopped<span id="goog_581338446"></span><span id="goog_581338447"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIqnBelrkbXJs_XVfsghAG629UaiXAai0-nQus4cSoza7RJmFe7ZhHmiPYluJXZfHsRX_ct-Bmyo55a9Dyae9SilzHxhu6WLLYRxF8UsCmFqCqujdW4ubfMQybjTjSw_zbf5V4n9p_L0/s1600/Joe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIqnBelrkbXJs_XVfsghAG629UaiXAai0-nQus4cSoza7RJmFe7ZhHmiPYluJXZfHsRX_ct-Bmyo55a9Dyae9SilzHxhu6WLLYRxF8UsCmFqCqujdW4ubfMQybjTjSw_zbf5V4n9p_L0/s1600/Joe1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Make It</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In a large crockpot, combine tomatoes, ¾ C of the Salsa Verde, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper.<span> </span>Add the chicken, peppers and onions and stir to coat.<span> </span>Cover and cook on LOW for 4-4 ½ hours.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Remove chicken and place on cutting board – letting it cool slightly</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Strain mixture over a large bowl or measuring cup – set liquid aside.<span> </span>Return vege mixture to slow cooker – stir in black beans and corn.<span> </span>Cover and cook on high for 10 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Shred chicken using 2 forksand stir back into slow cooker with ½ C of salsa verde and 1 C of the remaining liquid or more if desired</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Heat taco shells according to package – fill tacos and top with avocado and cheese.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIcO9anfDbZAIVJQl5AaLRMpuc_wRInLIpJtwLsrVuKVuxzXu2qolR3SH17c3mXBkyRUyGYUbHInSy7sYWFYFiNPTvyQt9A1L8EAZRAyfNXSjEgsXYGuAGVF2gr_3J1rODDSf3ijD-Ck/s1600/Joe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIcO9anfDbZAIVJQl5AaLRMpuc_wRInLIpJtwLsrVuKVuxzXu2qolR3SH17c3mXBkyRUyGYUbHInSy7sYWFYFiNPTvyQt9A1L8EAZRAyfNXSjEgsXYGuAGVF2gr_3J1rODDSf3ijD-Ck/s1600/Joe4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Hill Country Guacamole – Courtesy of the ‘Bluebonnet Café’ – Marble Falls, TX</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">5 ripe avocados – peeled and pitted</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 medium red onion – finely chopped</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">½ C chopped cilantro</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">2 fresh jalapenos, cored, seeded and finely chopped</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3 TB fresh lime juice</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1 ½ Tsp kosher salt (sea salt is OK)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">½ Tsp ground black pepper</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxggap9FK815ZLdaD4Snw-9jgexk75edINM5XRClx_bapR5j9_wdLwsviWiTqkuLpvoZw3Kyqw1anAiUu4CssAoAUEB7dBfe7PjkPNsqBFK7Rb-hvsD5zGqWiFDbifCd0_i6m-aj0WAo/s1600/Joe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxggap9FK815ZLdaD4Snw-9jgexk75edINM5XRClx_bapR5j9_wdLwsviWiTqkuLpvoZw3Kyqw1anAiUu4CssAoAUEB7dBfe7PjkPNsqBFK7Rb-hvsD5zGqWiFDbifCd0_i6m-aj0WAo/s1600/Joe5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Remove flesh from avocados and scoop into a large bowl.<span> </span>Mash with a fork until chucky.<span> </span>Add onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, jalapenos, and lime juice and mash again until ingredients are well blended.<span> </span>Taste and add more lime juice or salt and pepper according to your liking.<span> </span>Makes about 1 ½ C.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP92DrABxbYd5EpkTIz1JQUtaGRbJyvPFupAafW7q-BEQTrIuEXC8_-Veo9R2Y4_Ync4RJS-PBntuTWl8iJ9PdiRDyIuKfDG41pXcyqSQnzFvfyuXYNv7gFCT-cKKTu1hCafzDQcJgkMA/s1600/Joe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP92DrABxbYd5EpkTIz1JQUtaGRbJyvPFupAafW7q-BEQTrIuEXC8_-Veo9R2Y4_Ync4RJS-PBntuTWl8iJ9PdiRDyIuKfDG41pXcyqSQnzFvfyuXYNv7gFCT-cKKTu1hCafzDQcJgkMA/s1600/Joe2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-73781961350186748502012-03-25T13:39:00.000-07:002012-03-25T13:39:32.942-07:0030 day fail and other things...Happy Sunday friends! On such a beautiful day, I'm reminded of how blessed I am! Chris and I spent an awesome weekend with friends who came in from Houston. Friday night we went to the Spurs game, of course we won! The AT&T center is a really cool place. They had a free concert afterwards and it was one of our favorite bands...The Space Rockerz! They're an 80's cover band who dress like space people...so fun! On Saturday we went to lunch at Silo and then walked around Gruene and visited the shops and wineries. For dinner we tried a new Mexican food restaurant, La Fogata. It's a San Antonio favorite and I still can't believe we've lived here for 4 years and have never been! We all loved the chicken verde enchiladas! Today we had brunch at Roaring Fork...they are known for their green chile everything! <br />
Soooo, by now you can see that I did NOT make my 30 days without eating out. Unfortunately, here's how it went down. I made it 15 days without one bite of restaurant food. I realized how unrealistic it is to say that you'll never eat out, even for 30 days! Life is far too busy to rely on my own cooking 24 hours a day. Going 15 days without restaurant food really has taught me how to say no though! For example, yesterday at Silo, Chris ordered dessert. Instead of digging in as soon as the plate was set down in front of us, I waited until there was about two bites left to enjoy my share. Why, you ask? Because during this process I've realized that it is far easier for me to say no altogether than it is to try and eat one or two bites, or half a portion, or five chips...you get the idea! Additionally, I've realized that I have no choice but to make better choices when I eat out, because I'm not going to stop anytime soon. I learned a lot about myself and my eating habits during the process and I'll continue to blog about my recipes, restaurants, and my battle to do better!<br />
Now on to other topics: first, gas! I've been driving my father in law's truck for two weeks while the Corolla gets put back together and I cannot believe how much it costs to operate! I don't know how you truck people do it! Do you know how many pairs of shoes I could buy with that money!? I'm so excited to get the Corolla back. We're meeting our parents halfway between SA and Beeville tonight to have dinner and get my sweet little Corolla back! Next, I'm writing my first official blog post from my new iPad! I won it at work on Friday--yet another reason why I love my job! If you're wondering why I there are no pics on this blog it's because I can't figure out how to add them!<br />
That's all for today. I hope you all enjoy the Lord's day and this beautiful weather!<br />
Adios friends,<br />
LWLyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-11742544647511856592012-03-15T10:49:00.000-07:002012-03-15T10:49:10.516-07:00Guest Blogger-Notes from a Vegetarian<!--[if !mso]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello New Internet Friends! I’m so excited to make my debut into the blog world. Because I know that you are dying to know, here is a brief summary of why I decided to be a vegetarian. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My family is beautifully southern. We cook with all the bad things that everyone has been warned against. That being said, my immediate family is in good health, they exercise, practice moderation and all that jazz. That was all lost on me apparently and at 23, I was told I had high cholesterol (in my defense, it does run in the family). I’ll be honest, I panicked. I’m young, in good shape and with the exception of frequent sugar binges I eat well or so I thought… After really paying attention I realized that it was packed with preservatives (frozen meals), sugars (snack bars and pretty much everything I ate), all the bad stuff. I also had a really hard time saying no to the things I loved (donuts, chocolate cake). So, I made a change. Well, I wallowed in self pity and started eating Cheerio’s like a fiend initially. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I watched “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” and “Forks Over Knives” and that lit a fire under my butt. Particularly because if it’s in a documentary it must be true! Now, full disclosure, I did not do a juice fast (although it sounded kind of interesting) and I did not go vegan. What I gleaned from these films was the importance of fresh veggies (aka listening to mom) and that some studies have linked the consumption of meat to cancers and other ailments. Additionally, once you freeze vegetables they lose most of their nutritional value and American’s eat too much salt. You may be saying “DUH!” All I can say is, well… don’t be rude, I’m learning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eating vegetarian has been surprisingly easy for me. It stops me from eating fast food (except for the cheese quesadillas with pico at Taco C… oh man, delicious). Having to think about what I’m eating has made me more conscientious of where my food comes from and what’s in it. At the beginning, I would make 2 dinners on Monday so I had leftovers to eat all week. Recently, however; I haven’t had time! Terrible excuse, I know, but seriously. So I found myself relying on frozen meals yet again. But this time I looked for healthier options...<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ePGMIYs60piBGBOA_csQR4UjCrcCr38WzaK5t2qwSny395yWgtHFjzezTKwmniIy4R1CZGmta_6-OSL1bC23robbmXOsmgpROK2DTfMMyjECWIdg48aT2MCGBPRdNzg9WuqEC_D5FNY/s1600/inspiration.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ePGMIYs60piBGBOA_csQR4UjCrcCr38WzaK5t2qwSny395yWgtHFjzezTKwmniIy4R1CZGmta_6-OSL1bC23robbmXOsmgpROK2DTfMMyjECWIdg48aT2MCGBPRdNzg9WuqEC_D5FNY/s1600/inspiration.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one is all natural and vegetarian!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span>The frozen meal was a good quick fix but I had really enjoyed being in full control of what I was eating. I also have a tendency to say “I could make that” so this was my test. I wrote the ingredients down, bought ‘em and got to chopping. Side note: my boyfriend was skeptical that I could pull this off so I just had to prove him wrong! I am happy to say that I did. He has to repent and wash my car. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients are listed on the box in order of their amount so I tried to work with that. Mine had WAY more vegetables than the box. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Tortellini Primavera Parmesan</u></span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients: tortellini (prepackaged)</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 red bell pepper</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 baby zucchinis (1 large one would probably work)</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 carrots</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No salt added tomato sauce</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chardonnay</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heavy whipping cream</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Basil</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Red pepper flakes</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Garlic</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">EVOO</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parmesan</span></div><div style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Directions: simmer garlic in the EVOO, then add your chopped up veggies, the tomato sauce (I ended up using the whole can but I like lots of sauce), about a glass of chardonnay, basil and red pepper to taste. Let simmer about 20-30 minutes depending on how tender you want your veggies. Cook the tortellini. Once sauce is ready, stir in about a tablespoon of the whipping cream.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WCk5ZXVJt3RiCgvHc12suP0PSm5781FSQokrjl1e1l-EP88GR0JOqIlCM0Dk79g02IDrrxMZigdt0DvazNjJP_FRqiJtvTkHBX1JHfGaosP5zwU7zZ5-fqKc1E__HrgUUEGi2ekATLw/s1600/Tortellini2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9WCk5ZXVJt3RiCgvHc12suP0PSm5781FSQokrjl1e1l-EP88GR0JOqIlCM0Dk79g02IDrrxMZigdt0DvazNjJP_FRqiJtvTkHBX1JHfGaosP5zwU7zZ5-fqKc1E__HrgUUEGi2ekATLw/s320/Tortellini2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look at that goodness...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I love cooking with garlic because it always smells like you know what you’re doing. I was amazed at how well this turned out! We ate all of it. Literally. The entire container of pasta. Guess I’m still working on portion control…</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OTeiwJqdZi4lxGUccHSNprIU45qImPKkx5qN_qjMKgz0CEj0UAqWTee5Uh-0W93pbk7slO_yqhHnaFCQe7fQy29NvrduvXNOYeZl-80aEfc1IjkwZ-aHQSzbrAzdges1zC6ea0gLnME/s1600/Tortellini1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OTeiwJqdZi4lxGUccHSNprIU45qImPKkx5qN_qjMKgz0CEj0UAqWTee5Uh-0W93pbk7slO_yqhHnaFCQe7fQy29NvrduvXNOYeZl-80aEfc1IjkwZ-aHQSzbrAzdges1zC6ea0gLnME/s1600/Tortellini1.JPG" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I couldn't find good light but there's the finished product.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Every<span> </span>good cook has helpers. I found out that the Twins love carrots and zucchini! </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQIWFCpk8ktCv9tzh0WarN2OhbQvUC9YIzGlewxVOccGJqMJs9N8x1FsDJ1UIRgs3zhZbc8Q_gGVx3Q8niERgwNypat3pCFQwKBckCTFZiboa99rP3Qv9mNLt79qNjpUFTrb_MYeEwnc/s1600/doggies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQIWFCpk8ktCv9tzh0WarN2OhbQvUC9YIzGlewxVOccGJqMJs9N8x1FsDJ1UIRgs3zhZbc8Q_gGVx3Q8niERgwNypat3pCFQwKBckCTFZiboa99rP3Qv9mNLt79qNjpUFTrb_MYeEwnc/s320/doggies.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Healthy Little Dogs!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peace, love and veggies Y'all,</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kayse </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-49307396842309738022012-03-13T07:27:00.000-07:002012-03-13T07:27:16.673-07:00Days 6, 7, and 8 + a few other things<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">I made it through the weekend without eating one single bite of restaurant food!</span></span> <span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;">The weekend proved to be a challenge but I held strong. On Saturday, I packed my lunch, resisted these deliciously sinful Astro Super Nachos, and managed to go home instead of going out for Sushi! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH6-uiHurPadqX45Ux2E45fF_UrsQa9rhP5rWppSP-vOBi6qWeKPD2IAS3eKaPQadZgmOn8WiCFfY5_WZE-m_aFgxpM6gobvLbPe9L84b0Im7biy6HhXKLSQ77ilNzVp6EATB-7K5L2o/s1600/Super+Nachos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilH6-uiHurPadqX45Ux2E45fF_UrsQa9rhP5rWppSP-vOBi6qWeKPD2IAS3eKaPQadZgmOn8WiCFfY5_WZE-m_aFgxpM6gobvLbPe9L84b0Im7biy6HhXKLSQ77ilNzVp6EATB-7K5L2o/s320/Super+Nachos.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Sunday, I ate leftover breakfast casserole and ran some errands. Around 5 pm I had a sandwich and then met Chris and some friends at one of my favorite Mexican food restaurants, Taco Garage. I cannot believe it, but I didn't even have a chip! I did enjoy a sangria swirl Margarita...delish! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cY30HqeoTNueyBKWq6Nk4B00v_dU2vdTXVNBQ2h8E3Lu4n2iwoPPpqQbXOG8gQCrdVDtmyj06uLvZnDdbh_EvBK8HyXYsdYKVvtnuk2_ZvBYr684-6OGv4JZUVJl0Ek1YXENWZ3CH5U/s1600/Taco+Garage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cY30HqeoTNueyBKWq6Nk4B00v_dU2vdTXVNBQ2h8E3Lu4n2iwoPPpqQbXOG8gQCrdVDtmyj06uLvZnDdbh_EvBK8HyXYsdYKVvtnuk2_ZvBYr684-6OGv4JZUVJl0Ek1YXENWZ3CH5U/s320/Taco+Garage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monday was an easy day. I brought a Lean Cuisine to work for lunch and then made a light, healthy dinner. I forgot to take a picture, but essentially I sauteed fresh spinach and mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and white wine. Then I added red pepper flakes and some cooked rotisserie chicken. I served it over whole wheat angel hair pasta. It was great, and I was able to finish the spinach and mushrooms I had in the fridge before they went bad. </span></span><br />
<div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d;">Resisting some of my favorite fatty foods was very difficult for me. While my family ate the Super Nachos, I sat at a different table until they were finished. I'm not too proud to say that I'm not at the point yet where I'm strong enough to say no all the time. Sunday night at Taco Garage was easier because I had just eaten, and wasn't hungry. I was still very tempted! Overall, I'm proud of myself for not breaking my streak! </div><div style="color: #20124d;"></div><br />
<div style="color: #660000;">This week, I'm trying to implement a few more changes. Last week I feel like I ate entirely too many carbohydrates and not nearly enough fruit and vegetables. I also only worked out 2x. This week, I'm going to try to workout 3-4 times to see if it helps me combat my hunger and desire for fatty foods. </div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;">On another, more important note, Happy 11 Years to my favorite husband! I can't believe its been that long. It seems like just yesterday we were 15 and 17, on the tennis team, with a crush on one another...Love you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vDqZLfA5A6dMRbe2jVNpgsZnV4oSm6dxG3yjImxwghYkdNAA58PXqZaCohHOuEDTowY6AjnonXQo3u6cryhEtLWI4kGLRFxKdwKkHZf7z9Sd786CNY_iSBe2xU510E5MH4VC3TqFl2w/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vDqZLfA5A6dMRbe2jVNpgsZnV4oSm6dxG3yjImxwghYkdNAA58PXqZaCohHOuEDTowY6AjnonXQo3u6cryhEtLWI4kGLRFxKdwKkHZf7z9Sd786CNY_iSBe2xU510E5MH4VC3TqFl2w/s320/073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000;"></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;">Chris, Samantha, and Robert became 3x winners on Saturday as they won the Trio Tournament at Astro!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoU0P_OcfjCKD2tPfjLtB39317Fka-CRl3RaiKKR0369Kv-z3lmOk4w5suApzWAyn9GCkTi3E8dtc2IX0_3sAQTKvU_GhOhv0IaF7JXe2ihg-Ujv7vPtLQIGMwOv_lF7eA1IYQF9-2Ys/s1600/Bowling+Winners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoU0P_OcfjCKD2tPfjLtB39317Fka-CRl3RaiKKR0369Kv-z3lmOk4w5suApzWAyn9GCkTi3E8dtc2IX0_3sAQTKvU_GhOhv0IaF7JXe2ihg-Ujv7vPtLQIGMwOv_lF7eA1IYQF9-2Ys/s320/Bowling+Winners.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000;"></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;">Next, I'd like to make one more plug for my foster dog Mimi. She really needs a loving home and our house is getting a little crowded with three canines! Please pass on her picture to anyone you think may be interested.<span id="goog_968874750"></span><span id="goog_968874751"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkq2QmeBHZxOgtL8thzBsIWIqooMJEk6VU9d4YJsDJP1YUoLpAgGydddeZeF5qaD2wZTl2turECE0mnXBIdkfXfqf_5jw4m4L8Bbx35BhED8uwFZoOgta7Q4ylC3In6310ObfpEIKMP4/s1600/Mimi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkq2QmeBHZxOgtL8thzBsIWIqooMJEk6VU9d4YJsDJP1YUoLpAgGydddeZeF5qaD2wZTl2turECE0mnXBIdkfXfqf_5jw4m4L8Bbx35BhED8uwFZoOgta7Q4ylC3In6310ObfpEIKMP4/s1600/Mimi.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000;"></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><b>Finally, get excited for my very first guest blogger on Thursday! </b></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Tuesday everyone!</span></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-82377490281503289092012-03-10T09:12:00.000-08:002012-03-10T09:12:14.431-08:00Days 4 and 5...and a story about how a deer met my Corolla!<div style="color: #20124d;">Happy Saturday morning everyone!</div><div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d;">I'm enjoying a cup of coffee and an episode of "Flip This House" as I write my blog. Before we start our day, a day that will be full of bowling tournaments, I wanted to let you all know how days 4 and 5 went, and also about my horrible morning yesterday. I know you've all been eagerly awaiting this! :)</div><div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #20124d;">So, Thursday was a success! First, I made it through lunch without eating the pizza my office provided! Second, I went to happy hour with these girlies--Kayse and Kierstin--and didn't eat one bite! </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #20124d; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfFm5iCkQ_VTgyV7hE3H7fNZ5_w6G9IsrxmQZV6k_ICcOB0S_G7x3Vs0nQ7MCMQQAl1zA3cgELya49mRGSdJEFp15qN2V-kxQxio4zeBtS-ArxsvRpyYONKTnMBROgEswifgxEkzdLko/s1600/HH_Spinach+Dip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfFm5iCkQ_VTgyV7hE3H7fNZ5_w6G9IsrxmQZV6k_ICcOB0S_G7x3Vs0nQ7MCMQQAl1zA3cgELya49mRGSdJEFp15qN2V-kxQxio4zeBtS-ArxsvRpyYONKTnMBROgEswifgxEkzdLko/s320/HH_Spinach+Dip.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope they enjoyed every bite! (Nope, not bitter at all!)</td></tr>
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</div><div style="color: #20124d;"> For dinner, I made a sort of beef goulash using some existing ingredients I had that were about to go bad. I sauteed half an onion, half a red bell pepper, and 1/4 lb of lean ground beef in a pan. I added 4 oz. of reduced fat Velveeta cheese and about 1/4 cup of milk. I served it over whole wheat bow tie pasta. It was great! It made just enough for dinner and my lunch on Friday.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #20124d; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JInXKcvGeRK75NAMp_CP1I5TjY-0Xzd98Z7jD3vQaHuBtbYjddCYLz61PkNs0aZ8qYUITRfp8yQEwDfBTxj5gVKsJqsyoaoFhG3sZjOOpjZH9Hgj7sexRviztQHjDnQyCQZjCOnD-RY/s1600/Beef+Goulash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JInXKcvGeRK75NAMp_CP1I5TjY-0Xzd98Z7jD3vQaHuBtbYjddCYLz61PkNs0aZ8qYUITRfp8yQEwDfBTxj5gVKsJqsyoaoFhG3sZjOOpjZH9Hgj7sexRviztQHjDnQyCQZjCOnD-RY/s320/Beef+Goulash.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I topped it with some Parmesan cheese...if I can remember how I made this, I'd definitely do it again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #20124d;"></div><div style="color: #20124d;">Yesterday, day 5, got off to a rocky start. On my way to work I hit a huge a** deer! He demolished my hood, front bumper, and left headlight. The darn thing is fine, but my car is not! The old Lyndsey would've said "screw it" and gone to Starbucks for breakfast, but I did NOT. I stuck to my guns and didn't let a little stress send me off track. Last night was also a success. I helped my friend Kayse prepare for a bridal shower she threw for a good friend. All the food was homemade so I enjoyed bruschetta, chicken salad sandwiches, and spinach and artichoke dip! </div><div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d;">This morning, I'm determined not to let the weekend ruin my progress. So, to combat it, I've done the following:</div><div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d;">1. I made this delicious casserole for a nice, hearty breakfast to prevent me from eating any bowling alley food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #20124d; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdgGge0c_C5bixsGnsagm1-KtNPb2oVK6_AnXhq1TYOVaMHWsfSIUUcGtdT0BHEcjFxJ2UH47gjkq5EnCHYPjjRD_COKcB_J9Fx1qT40w5yorpW7htRlOdHVEMSlddL70Ff1ulwHxhg4/s1600/Breakfast+Casserole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdgGge0c_C5bixsGnsagm1-KtNPb2oVK6_AnXhq1TYOVaMHWsfSIUUcGtdT0BHEcjFxJ2UH47gjkq5EnCHYPjjRD_COKcB_J9Fx1qT40w5yorpW7htRlOdHVEMSlddL70Ff1ulwHxhg4/s320/Breakfast+Casserole.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appropriately named "Lyndsey's Breakfast Casserole"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #20124d;"></div><div style="color: #20124d;">2. I'm packing a sandwich and chips to take to the bowling alley for dinner. I have a birthday party to attend tonight at my favorite Mexican food restaurant, so I plan to eat the sandwich and just enjoy a cocktail at the party.</div><div style="color: #20124d;">3. I'll keep a few snacks in my purse, just in case.</div><div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d;">For the casserole, I took the recipe from earlier this week for the Doritos Taco Bake and modified it. I put the reduced fat crescent rolls at the bottom of the pan, spread FF cream cheese on top. I added cooked RF breakfast sausage, and raw hash browns that I sauteed in about 1 tbsp of Olive Oil. I topped it off with 6 scrambled eggs. I baked it at 350 for 30 minutes. I hope its delicious!</div><div style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d;">Friends, enjoy your weekend, I intend to! I'll keep you posted on my progress. Wish me luck!</div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-27951322667638643842012-03-08T09:06:00.000-08:002012-03-08T09:06:25.259-08:00Day 3= Success and Failure!And so continues my 30 Day-No Restaurant Food-Challenge! Day 3 was a success in that I did not eat any restaurant food, but it was a failure because the dinner I made was terrible!<br />
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I've made this recipe before and it was awesome, but this time I tried to get sassy and modify it. Not a good idea!<br />
Here's a link to the recipe: <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2009/07/crockpot-italian-chicken.html">http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2009/07/crockpot-italian-chicken.html</a><br />
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Here's what I did to destroy it. First, I added about 4 oz. of chicken broth because the last time I made it I felt it was too thick. Second, I added a package of frozen spinach, cooked and drained. Last, I rushed the cook time and only crock potted it (yup, its a new word) for 2.5 hours, instead of the 3-4 recommended. Therefore, the result was tough, flavorless chicken in a mess of liquid. I would normally have called for a pizza at this point, but I didn't. Instead we ate cheese, crackers, and beef jerky! :) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_CLSBwsuUydA9kb0gMR-XhUwqyIyJwuggkbIjPyMq-UUBEnscbO1uPpkFiUqbvXw9KJW7U_LeMoDZZjx7vLJd78CqpDObYatmSn7rkBde5CGyNQq-VdKjpn9nfehVbcxVGi6Ah-u8rE/s1600/crockpot+italian+chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_CLSBwsuUydA9kb0gMR-XhUwqyIyJwuggkbIjPyMq-UUBEnscbO1uPpkFiUqbvXw9KJW7U_LeMoDZZjx7vLJd78CqpDObYatmSn7rkBde5CGyNQq-VdKjpn9nfehVbcxVGi6Ah-u8rE/s320/crockpot+italian+chicken.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the ingredients</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF4_9vYahIOchexZz40SttK1ZceoSjgYZ9d7HYHW8Mn-BQETqSbYgBXE1pxzymFaX32kYYRlyyQ7FPbYX0A0DxbMhVmh3arGRqJwNZTHbxubcywOm1VEYnrfhuIFUqdT9m62q1jmCMqs/s1600/crockpot+italian+chicken2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF4_9vYahIOchexZz40SttK1ZceoSjgYZ9d7HYHW8Mn-BQETqSbYgBXE1pxzymFaX32kYYRlyyQ7FPbYX0A0DxbMhVmh3arGRqJwNZTHbxubcywOm1VEYnrfhuIFUqdT9m62q1jmCMqs/s320/crockpot+italian+chicken2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic was taken before I realized what a disaster it turned out to be!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Though I don't recommend that you make the recipe my way, I do recommend that you try it using the original recipe because it is really really good. <br />
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Additionally, I'd like to provide a side note. I went to the grocery store and diligently compared the prices of boneless, skinless chicken breast. I decided on the Hill Country Fare (store brand) chicken breast because it provided the most bang for my buck. WRONG! I must have cut off 1/4 lb of fat. Next time I'll try a name brand and see if I like the quality more. <br />
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Today is going to pose a challenge for me. First, our bosses have ordered pizza from Pizza Hut for lunch for our team. I intend to eat a Lean Cuisine. Second, I have a happy hour with a friend tonight at The Cheesecake Factory. If I can battle these two events, I feel like I'll be ready to face the weekend!<br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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Happy Thursday,<br />
LyndseyLyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-68014560382045960082012-03-07T07:05:00.000-08:002012-03-07T07:05:35.623-08:00Day 2 of My ChallengeIt's official, I have resisted restaurant food for exactly 2 days! Last night was a bit of a challenge as Chris and I met for a drink after work. Generally, drinking triggers a desire to eat for me, so we went to a bar that doesn't serve food. This was an excellent idea on Chris' part, since I have zero ability to resist food-related temptations at this point! Since it was almost 7:30 when I got home, and I was so hungry, I made a quick panini with cajun roast beef, 1 slice of Weight Watchers cheese, and 2 slices of potato bread. I love potato bread because it toasts really well and is only 80 calories per slice. I added pita chips and a 100 calorie guacamole pack to complete my meal. It was delish! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsPlxhyfPmApqBOdVkLkpoviKy7b4TQmyUWKSsPjUeIXbA5xiX4UZOJ4K1CeVkWydm6uz-J_uI468kwxg7gKMmJ_rlLOxSPrRnYtm7Rilo36odNq7HT6HuxHGaSgqrNDSlHbK1SaSHcA/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsPlxhyfPmApqBOdVkLkpoviKy7b4TQmyUWKSsPjUeIXbA5xiX4UZOJ4K1CeVkWydm6uz-J_uI468kwxg7gKMmJ_rlLOxSPrRnYtm7Rilo36odNq7HT6HuxHGaSgqrNDSlHbK1SaSHcA/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my panini maker! There's nothing like turning a boring sandwich into something special!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-6541009707242335512012-03-05T20:24:00.000-08:002012-03-05T20:24:30.691-08:00My 30 Day Challenge--Dum Dum Dummmm!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16GpsUhWKlMnGySDktv9rHPm-jQzYmIyD2EBBpwhwnJmvUfOF_W9Yh2GP8eIa1i5xjXGePQ1WDl5X1E5rB9poFiIhO7DN5NhJbxtu874b1aFxNDY7W0fAQz_U2xQWka-9Yfy4awHeLiU/s1600/Taco+Bake+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Hello Darlins, it's been a long time...(Imagine my best Conway Twitty Voice). I cannot believe that I have not written one single post since Chris and I got engaged. In an effort to regain some momentum, here is a quick recap:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">First, we got engaged!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jAxzV9ryX15fl-Ix4Iy1p7kJvu3y6E3nYmaQN0ZPaxMEeagppbnoT8JqV7jcoblR9ChPFjPOdBd-nCzs9C1Ftm-GF7MA94tdSgOz8Vlu3a7ESYxEKlgwlk7M2vKaDo_M2u9gnBUFOaU/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jAxzV9ryX15fl-Ix4Iy1p7kJvu3y6E3nYmaQN0ZPaxMEeagppbnoT8JqV7jcoblR9ChPFjPOdBd-nCzs9C1Ftm-GF7MA94tdSgOz8Vlu3a7ESYxEKlgwlk7M2vKaDo_M2u9gnBUFOaU/s320/040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(On top of the Stratosphere right after Chris proposed.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then we got hitched! <span id="goog_1999869437"></span><span id="goog_1999869438"></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11BosXRzZ7ELJUzsREBaRAJtfZEGAax9tffRPbNRoSahmYUOwuOKtVudatYCJFfL0fIEHvqp38PJjR4NY82cV80JM9vxD509hYzDl7AgyEoRlxqnRZVE3dAG1StP1XPf5OVjmpQBLvy0/s1600/_DSC0992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11BosXRzZ7ELJUzsREBaRAJtfZEGAax9tffRPbNRoSahmYUOwuOKtVudatYCJFfL0fIEHvqp38PJjR4NY82cV80JM9vxD509hYzDl7AgyEoRlxqnRZVE3dAG1StP1XPf5OVjmpQBLvy0/s320/_DSC0992.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(My favorite picture!)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and Now...life is back to normal! </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9hKMHrbj8hUbZk0t1ngpjmabPM6kJ7A5bslrC4dAPiTBAwfhji9UtYK4LodT5OXpWnuK69wfeJNTq4TmqrU5qNXeC4SLDSza7sTGlhJT4RPZSLVKM-xwLRTnHYJaKk8l6BBiOE8xMb4/s1600/Alabama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9hKMHrbj8hUbZk0t1ngpjmabPM6kJ7A5bslrC4dAPiTBAwfhji9UtYK4LodT5OXpWnuK69wfeJNTq4TmqrU5qNXeC4SLDSza7sTGlhJT4RPZSLVKM-xwLRTnHYJaKk8l6BBiOE8xMb4/s320/Alabama.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This was at Pappadeaux in Houston right before we saw Alabama in concert at the Houston Rodeo.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Which brings me to my next "project"--my 30 Day Challenge. What is this challenge you ask? I'm going to go 30 days without eating one bite of anything that is made in a restaurant. That's right folks, I'm not eating out for 30 days! Why, you ask? I have three reasons. First, I have blown every single diet I have been on in the last 5 years because we eat out too much, particularly on the weekends. Second, I associate food and socialization entirely too closely. I need to learn to have fun and do things that don't center around food. Last, I think this will be a great way to save some money and create/try a few new recipes! I'm going to blog about this challenge as often as possible and give you the recipes, or links to recipes, that I make each day for dinner. Additionally, I'll tell you how hard, or easy this is, as well as how much weight I lose (assuming I lose some weight.) Today, I started my challenge with a trip to the grocery store and made my first new recipe.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is where the magic happens! </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2M1uoxsuU58oeY_vZwKa7Drm1meYB0KlfD1gIpx7JTtsGAnsLAarB0ecpiksDgz8wSjzKz2bmxAsAVvlqj7mgcdoKb2uZioTDpu93DRawHzmpN61wNU2aET7V61BAKWnbH3ZMj3WDZg/s1600/Kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2M1uoxsuU58oeY_vZwKa7Drm1meYB0KlfD1gIpx7JTtsGAnsLAarB0ecpiksDgz8wSjzKz2bmxAsAVvlqj7mgcdoKb2uZioTDpu93DRawHzmpN61wNU2aET7V61BAKWnbH3ZMj3WDZg/s320/Kitchen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Might I mention how excited I am to use all the gadgets we got as wedding gifts!?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">DAY 1--March 5th</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Skinny Doritos Taco Bake and Lemon Broccoli</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mamalaughlin.com/2012/02/skinny-doritos-taco-bake.html">http://www.mamalaughlin.com/2012/02/skinny-doritos-taco-bake.html</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ud68FMZrCzc5JAzgl3EBnodOqs4UtSTMZKtBlZZOjyUBOb3vEyCWKBGSxfuVv6hWXvqI5AZ6B4V9EVXBkEClswiPL5p31ztouuIvg4ox1hBJDw2iWZTexDkXuCRAh176N_pPUwE3n84/s1600/Taco+Bake+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ud68FMZrCzc5JAzgl3EBnodOqs4UtSTMZKtBlZZOjyUBOb3vEyCWKBGSxfuVv6hWXvqI5AZ6B4V9EVXBkEClswiPL5p31ztouuIvg4ox1hBJDw2iWZTexDkXuCRAh176N_pPUwE3n84/s320/Taco+Bake+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkoWxpWXkhaZVOhCRxMorHaH78317I7-TL0CnMUZ3mLnnHt3fXAOq8zHGUbyjqKydY-LCJhQhlA9C9M3YTtvkv8sOVwJNegv3AjpsTpbnu5APp-ngH2ZUhMMnCBJ8lb1P9ckIi3RFDAg/s1600/Taco+Bake+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkoWxpWXkhaZVOhCRxMorHaH78317I7-TL0CnMUZ3mLnnHt3fXAOq8zHGUbyjqKydY-LCJhQhlA9C9M3YTtvkv8sOVwJNegv3AjpsTpbnu5APp-ngH2ZUhMMnCBJ8lb1P9ckIi3RFDAg/s320/Taco+Bake+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(The finished product!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I really liked this dish. It was very easy, very tasty, and is only 320 calories per serving! For the broccoli, I simply made the Steam-In-Bag Broccoli and added 1 tbsp of margarine, lemon pepper, salt, and garlic. Deelish!<br />
Stay tuned for tomorrow's adventure...we'll see if this lasts. You know I am the queen of the "10 Minute Diet."<br />
Signed,<br />
The New Mrs. Watson/The Former Miss Hutchins :)Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-53594033484088519862011-07-15T14:06:00.000-07:002011-07-15T14:06:54.624-07:00Where do I begin?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hola blog followers! I hope this post finds you all healthy and well. I somehow managed to go the entire month of June without one blog post! (I know Robert, you've been reminding me for weeks!) Anyhoo, this post will either be the longest post ever, or I'll keep it short and sweet. I guess we'll just see how it goes. I'll start off simple and then go from there.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My Job: At the beginning of each month, since the beginning of June, I have reminded Chris how much I DO NOT hate my job! I absolutely love the environment, the people, and the work. I successfully passed my first review, and I couldn't be happier. I can already see the developing geek in me! :)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our House: I believe that in my last post I mentioned that we were being overtaken by critters! You'll be happy to hear that we no longer have uninvited guests. You may be disappointed to know that our dogs are still spoiled, still ferocious (Bailey tried to bite the pool man again) and our yard is clinging to dear life since we haven't had rain in like 250 years! On a side note--<span style="color: purple;">WE GOT ENGAGED ON JUNE 2nd</span> so my bathroom painting project is clearly on hold!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our Engagement: This probably should've been at the top of the list but I figured I'd ease you into the wedding talk slowly. Chris proposed to me on top of the Stratosphere, in Las Vegas, during our vacation last month. The ring is absolutely unbelievable and I am proud to say that he chose it all by himself! We had a delicious dinner and then he took me to the observation deck where he got down on one knee and asked me the most important question of my life (or perhaps the most important question occurred 10 years ago on the tennis courts in Beeville when he asked me to go out with him!). <span style="color: purple;">Of course, I said yes!</span> Our trip was amazing. We hung out at a few awesome pools, gambled (fairly unsuccessfully), and ate some delicious food. I enjoyed spending some time with his PA school friends who were also in Las Vegas for their conference. Overall, it was a trip I'll never forget...</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Now for the Planning: So, planning a wedding is certainly a process, not to mention practically a full-time job! We spend 2-3 nights a week at meetings but we've definitely made progress. We knew we didn't want a long engagement, and I was desperate for a Fall wedding, so we chose <span style="color: #cc0000;">December 3rd</span> as our big day! It makes me so happy that my parents' wedding anniversary is December 4th. I think it's a nice way to ensure that we're starting our marriage in a very blessed way! So far, we've picked the venue--<a href="http://www.gardensofcranesburyview.com/">www.gardensofcranesburyview.com</a>, the DJ, the invitations, and some of the decor. We've got meetings almost every day for the next two weeks, so hopefully we'll have a caterer, cake, and photographer by the end of the month. My amazingly talented cousin, Annmarie is going to do our engagement pictures. <a href="http://www.acessaphoto.com/">www.acessaphoto.com</a> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My aunts and cousins are busily planning my shower in Beeville, and our family's dear friend, Evelyn, is planning my San Antonio shower. These are some amazing ladies, let me tell you! I feel sure that my beautiful bridesmaids are busily planning my bachelorette party...I have no idea what they have planned, but I don't doubt it will be memorable! Pictures to come (maybe!). So, what has been the most difficult part of the planning so far? The bridesmaids dresses! I chose my dress at the 2nd store I visited. I still can't seem to choose the right bridesmaid dresses though. Nothing seems exactly right. The second most stressful thing...the darn guest book. Let me just say that if you don't want glittered hearts, gigantic bows, obnoxious birds, or some other cheesy design, its going to take quite a bit of effort to find a guest book. Luckily, after weeks of searching, I found the perfect book, with matching pen. And yes, you'll be glad to know that I found toasting flutes to match! ...I knew you'd be pleased! :)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Life other than the weddinig: I know its hard to believe, but yes, we have managed to have a life other than wedding planning. We were very fortunate to spend a fantastic day with Chris' family at the beginning of the month at a great family reunion in Odem, TX--<a href="http://www.cityofodemtx.com/">www.cityofodemtx.com</a>. It was great to see all the extended family that we haven't seen in so long. You'll also be intrigued (strong word, I know) to know that I rode a horse at this family reunion. Yes, it's true! I rode a horse...my inability to jump prevailed yet again. Thank goodness Chris has a cousin who could lift a car off a child if necessary, and was able to "throw" me onto the horse. After a frightening 3 minute ride, I was ready to get off. Chris' cousin, Mike, was leading my horse around the stable during my ride. He was making it zig zag and do all sorts of unnecessary movements. That saddle is slippery, let me tell you. Anyway, he stops our horses because my ride is over. He didn't grab hold of the reign, he didn't tie the horse up to the fence, nothing! He just expected me to jump down off of this gargantuan horse who wasn't tied to anything! I said, "shouldn't somebody hold this thing?" Of course, my knight in shining armor came to my rescue. We consider this the quote of the evening..."Mom, hold my beer. I've gotta get Lyndsey off the horse." Our mothers just about fell over with laughter. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In addition to this family-filled, horse-riding fiesta, we have also enjoyed a trip to Schlitterbahn waterpark with Greg and Kierstin and attended a very nice 40th Anniversary vow-renewal for my Aunt Alyce and Uncle Wayne. Last weekend we went to Retama for a little live horse racing with Robert (shout out to Robert!). We sat at the very top where we had drinks and ate a nice buffet. The cupcakes were the size of my head and were oh so delicious! This weekend we are floating the river, for the first time this summer, with Chris' Aunt and Uncle, and then I'm going to spend a little time with the Linda. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Floating-the-River-ComalGuadalupe-New-Braunfels-Texas/87388620944">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Floating-the-River-ComalGuadalupe-New-Braunfels-Texas/87388620944</a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think that's all the udpating I have for today. A few miscellaneous items to note:</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Introducing my Bridesmaids: <span style="color: #0c343d;">Annmarie Cessa-MOH, Kimberly Gertson, Amanda Wilson, Kalissa Tozzi, Stephanie Cardwell, and Kierstin Richer</span>...love these girls! </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy 25th Birthday <span style="color: #990000;">Greg</span>! I promise I'll try to be nice to you for one day. Please note I said, "try."</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy belated birthday to <span style="color: #20124d;">the Linda</span> (July 6th) and my <span style="color: #20124d;">Daddy</span> (July 11th)!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations to my little cousin <span style="color: #274e13;">Emily</span> for transitioning to her big girl bed! Your little brother will be very happy to have a crib to sleep in when he's born!</span></div><br />
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>Let the summer fun and wedding planning continue! </b></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-51251369475740916782011-05-27T07:42:00.000-07:002011-05-27T07:42:58.790-07:00My Favorite Mexican Food Places in SAMy new co-worker (shout out to Kayse) recently requested that I dish out my favorite place for queso in SA, after reading my blog about Firewater Grille. I've decided to take it one step further and detail all my favorite places to eat Mexican food!<br />
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<b>For Queso: </b> This one is a toss up for me. I love love love Alamo Cafe's queso with flour tortillas (they have the best tortillas too). I could eat it as a meal (and often do). However, the rest of the food is marginal at best (except the fajitas). I do enjoy their drinks and patio. I also love Cielito Lindo's queso. They also have fantastic nachos (I recommend the shrimp or bean & cheese). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PHIRJQD0hGLVLU5xHCqsF6zlG6kzAtBQtb2e3-C4Xiisf1W3_tXzrBBQSSEAnkW9_Q39Qw2sXOgn5k4_Aq_R4MeJS6Slbe_Jb_9qgml-or8cjmT6BBXQofN3zHmz57BQAFRJErCI7kE/s1600/Cielito+Lindo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PHIRJQD0hGLVLU5xHCqsF6zlG6kzAtBQtb2e3-C4Xiisf1W3_tXzrBBQSSEAnkW9_Q39Qw2sXOgn5k4_Aq_R4MeJS6Slbe_Jb_9qgml-or8cjmT6BBXQofN3zHmz57BQAFRJErCI7kE/s200/Cielito+Lindo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGfG1daD0GesyoGMiyTx9vPyhOdXXk5fkBoxNnEzv0nspmJwT1tb_SnanxvNMAwQWYRpnFZ6AcmAc0GpqLyA-strIEqOq8ix7yPdTRhwgQpmn4iW-lcQFV3ncWFxUW0Ydg4rVvKxtKKo/s1600/Alamo+Cafe.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGfG1daD0GesyoGMiyTx9vPyhOdXXk5fkBoxNnEzv0nspmJwT1tb_SnanxvNMAwQWYRpnFZ6AcmAc0GpqLyA-strIEqOq8ix7yPdTRhwgQpmn4iW-lcQFV3ncWFxUW0Ydg4rVvKxtKKo/s200/Alamo+Cafe.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b>For Enchiladas:</b> There is nowhere in the city where you can get cheese enchiladas as good as Salsalito's! They are melt in your mouth amazing. Their rice and beans are also great...I always get an extra flour tortilla to wipe up the cheesy deliciousness that might seep out of the enchiladas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15qTvjD4A4d2NZNUBq0TWUCFS5QCIQ7IaPIMSU45JNaPBDbSrFuDF-jfrM3Q2MI6rlI3e-m2_69_PyzgxLWJmx03rbcMXA85sSRoCiDfOKeKrC-v3vHAyXzrqJOd7Tb_hVy8yaSkwgs4/s1600/Salsalitos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15qTvjD4A4d2NZNUBq0TWUCFS5QCIQ7IaPIMSU45JNaPBDbSrFuDF-jfrM3Q2MI6rlI3e-m2_69_PyzgxLWJmx03rbcMXA85sSRoCiDfOKeKrC-v3vHAyXzrqJOd7Tb_hVy8yaSkwgs4/s320/Salsalitos.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><br />
<b>For Tacos:</b> Right in our neighborhood (Timberwood Park) is a little gem of a taco place. It's called Taqueria Aguascalientes...a mouthful, I know! They truly have the BEST Tacos Al Pastor. I also love their queso! Chris is a huge fan of their Carne Asada too. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_51W8UgQ69LXL9549NA8MKdoP3Jou2t_N34JMS6_Qjxb-lLK6hZoxPdZLsg0J64gJWx5F9G4sZgWpGiK4CsnywRT2LamaEgBND2AFQszRz6uqyaM1cJCeZw0oyDww1bKyZA0FdxbVXew/s1600/TA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_51W8UgQ69LXL9549NA8MKdoP3Jou2t_N34JMS6_Qjxb-lLK6hZoxPdZLsg0J64gJWx5F9G4sZgWpGiK4CsnywRT2LamaEgBND2AFQszRz6uqyaM1cJCeZw0oyDww1bKyZA0FdxbVXew/s320/TA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGfG1daD0GesyoGMiyTx9vPyhOdXXk5fkBoxNnEzv0nspmJwT1tb_SnanxvNMAwQWYRpnFZ6AcmAc0GpqLyA-strIEqOq8ix7yPdTRhwgQpmn4iW-lcQFV3ncWFxUW0Ydg4rVvKxtKKo/s1600/Alamo+Cafe.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><b>For Drinks (esp Margaritas):</b> This one is a toss up too. First, I love the bar at Cielito Lindo...especially the curly-haired bartender. He's so good to us (and cute)! They make a mean sangria. Second, I love the mango margaritas at La Hacienda. La Hacienda is also my vote for an <b>overall delicious Mexican restaurant. </b>They also have<b> THE best patio. </b>They have live music on Wednesday nights, big fans when its hot, and heaters when its cool. WARNING: This place is known for car thefts so lock your car up tight!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWfOCQKqpLMOpxgphwQB6Agu15VZoxJ8_pfEq59xede6e8O_BMNkZQggTSKIZfZCt7_I0H6JOYo5Ak6Vu5a_p3las0qkmKCrVhQ-SIfVEtUFuUs6NUkwHJVz0Fr3iONUdiVS_H5DcTyk/s1600/La+Hacienda.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWfOCQKqpLMOpxgphwQB6Agu15VZoxJ8_pfEq59xede6e8O_BMNkZQggTSKIZfZCt7_I0H6JOYo5Ak6Vu5a_p3las0qkmKCrVhQ-SIfVEtUFuUs6NUkwHJVz0Fr3iONUdiVS_H5DcTyk/s1600/La+Hacienda.gif" /></a></div><br />
<b>Last but not least, my favorite Touristy places: </b>Hands-down, the best two places to take someone from out of town while they're visiting SA are Casa Rio on the Riverwalk and Mi Tierra downtown. Casa Rio is dirt-cheap and delicious but the wait is always horrendous on the weekends. Mi Tierra has amazing food and a one-of-a-kind bakery. You just can't go eat at Mi Tierra and not get something sweet to go. I recommend the empanadas and the Tres Leches.It's also a short walk from The Market Square...a great place to shop for unique things!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpNpw-RUXr8o2RBW-_FHuhRPHRIgURfkJn5yGBx3jHxuQrZBIzZUILLopRMI8LoUEB8doJW6quA6qcCP2J6sAHTM7w-zIwFTBnrURx34VPzLJ4QRXIHWVvXQmpXVqVQS_A02xEXynZUE/s1600/CasaRio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpNpw-RUXr8o2RBW-_FHuhRPHRIgURfkJn5yGBx3jHxuQrZBIzZUILLopRMI8LoUEB8doJW6quA6qcCP2J6sAHTM7w-zIwFTBnrURx34VPzLJ4QRXIHWVvXQmpXVqVQS_A02xEXynZUE/s320/CasaRio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't miss Casa Rio's colorful umbrellas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRkEuCH79e44kwFH0VH9zEwrFI6W9yi7OiSpPX8bPtw6HZL3m66hM5HDq69eW6sao7btN0nuWWSO64r_T9yHSBiTbUvQhemgHRypiIRKVhll9tMff3231Uva6WZeYaiW_zKW5962Gz7g/s1600/Mi+Tierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRkEuCH79e44kwFH0VH9zEwrFI6W9yi7OiSpPX8bPtw6HZL3m66hM5HDq69eW6sao7btN0nuWWSO64r_T9yHSBiTbUvQhemgHRypiIRKVhll9tMff3231Uva6WZeYaiW_zKW5962Gz7g/s320/Mi+Tierra.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: red;">So, these are just my opinions. Post a comment to let me know if you think differently or if there's a new place you think I should try. Enjoy!</i></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-12318676228064985902011-05-16T12:37:00.000-07:002011-05-16T12:37:47.335-07:00Every emotion rolled into one!<div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, as the new song goes, I'm an emotional mess </span></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(In mostly good ways)!!!!!!!!!</span></div><br />
First, I find myself delighted with my new job! It's so refreshing not to feel that sense of dread every morning when the alarm clock goes off! Of course, I'd love to keep my eyes closed until at least 7 am, but duty calls...and I love it! What an awesome approach to management--treat your employees well and they'll treat the customers well. I've never worked with people who care so so much about the customers and their jobs. I can't wait until I'm fully trained (because I'm tired of Googling and Wikipedia-ing everything!) so that I too can fully immerse myself in all things Racker-related!<br />
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Next, I find myself disappointed and irritated at my former employer. Not only did I not receive a severance package, but they only paid me for accrued vacation! Not an ounce of compassion...I have no idea why I expected anything different, but oh well! My time there is done!!<br />
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Third, I have mixed emotions over Annmarie (cousin) and Aunty Franny's visit to Texas. I am so happy that they have come to visit us, but so sad that they leave Wednesday!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Here's what our time together has amounted to:</b></div> Lots of delicious meals--in and out! We cooked an amazing dinner Friday night at my house: Annmarie made macaroni and cheese that was music to my mouth; Chris cooked the juiciest steaks and BBQ chicken; my aunt made a great cauliflower casserole, the Linda bought the groceries! Ha! I made the guacamole! :) We also took them to a great Mexican food restaurant-La Hacienda, a good burrito place-Chipotle (my fave), and of course our neighborhood haunt-Firewater Grille. <br />
Annmarie and I had a fair amount of success at the outlet mall on Saturday. Then we treated ourselves to a trip to the Dry Comal Creek Vineyard and did a wine tasting. We ended our day with a great meal at Z-Tejas! <br />
Lest I forget the time we've spent in the sun, enjoying my pool...so far the pool man has gotten it right this year! This leads me to a perplexing story about my dog (the little white one). Apparently he has some pent up emotion and likes to take out his anger on unsuspecting visitors to my backyard. The most recent occurrence: he chased my pool man through the backyard and forced him to jump the fence in order to maintain his safety. Note: Bailey weighs 23 lbs and is a poodle...he is frightening! <br />
Currently Annmarie and my Aunt are cruising the beach with the Linda! I am jealous! They'll be back tomorrow night for one last hurrah before they leave Wednesday. I plan to abuse my talented cousin's photography abilities and have her take local pictures for a design theme I have for my living room. Nothing like a good freebie if you ask me! Just a little shout out:<b> <a href="http://www.acessaphoto.com/">www.acessaphoto.com</a>.</b><br />
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My next emotion is...drum roll please...proud! <span style="color: red;">Greg Watson graduated from Texas State on Thursday with his MBA!</span> It's not often that I say nice things about Greg in public (we give each other such a hard time!) but I am proud of his accomplishment and would like to publicly salute him!<br />
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My last emotion for this post is...excitement! I'm so looking forward to the summer, my vacation in June, putting the final coat of paint on my bathroom walls (red is the hardest color in the world to paint), and a few other things that I will have to wait to post on until they occur (everyone needs a few secrets!).<br />
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<i>That being said, thank you blog followers for your messages and for reading my posts! I know its been quite some time since I last wrote, and I plan to get better at that! I promise that I'll post a few pictures and the final bathroom pics next week. </i>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-74573035191762437272011-04-21T10:14:00.000-07:002011-04-21T10:14:58.504-07:00It's time to catch up!<div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello blog followers! I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post! A lot has happened since then, and I'm ready to share!</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's see, I'll start with an unemployment re-cap: I am officially on my second full week of unemployment. What does that mean? I'm not getting $$ yet (boo!) but I'm staying home and loving it! So far, here's what I've accomplished:</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. A trip to Reno! It was fantastic, except for my 24 hour stomach virus...it was awful! I felt terrible for the housekeeping staff assigned to our room. One week later Chris, Robert, and Greg all got it too. I'm only taking 50% of the blame for passing the bug as I feel sure they were around when I caught it! Chris and the team (Robert, Greg, and the Watson parentals) bowled in the national bowling tournament, at the National Bowling Stadium. They did well, and it was great to watch them in such a HUGE place! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR6X_orY4FNcPeAP1yHwzJDOUy6U24D3Lr3ybJzxgvyvA7kxkPj4_EEisw3600LD5940Wmq2-D9lH2Z8Bwaz6-2xla6XYWHRFuBxZV7sZ5J8eRqCDJj7HVJaSvRbsEMu2dwX8-a2V4uc/s1600/2011+bowling+tourney.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR6X_orY4FNcPeAP1yHwzJDOUy6U24D3Lr3ybJzxgvyvA7kxkPj4_EEisw3600LD5940Wmq2-D9lH2Z8Bwaz6-2xla6XYWHRFuBxZV7sZ5J8eRqCDJj7HVJaSvRbsEMu2dwX8-a2V4uc/s320/2011+bowling+tourney.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another treat on this trip was seeing our friend Shaun and his sweet family. His son Aiden turned 3 while we were there and we got to go to his bowling birthday party!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #20124d; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimav3VHcKRJr9YkMJbt7pSQZq7sIZ__7c9_qcdKe-C47e7pNf9KN_39B7uytGz5YIB6wFSXSB5qEmba_oR_Z5O01OPGMwdt-2QxkUQmpXC6mlCj5WjZR9OJR98I9EOfMLwhXGbaEFVwXM/s1600/Shaun+and+Aiden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimav3VHcKRJr9YkMJbt7pSQZq7sIZ__7c9_qcdKe-C47e7pNf9KN_39B7uytGz5YIB6wFSXSB5qEmba_oR_Z5O01OPGMwdt-2QxkUQmpXC6mlCj5WjZR9OJR98I9EOfMLwhXGbaEFVwXM/s320/Shaun+and+Aiden.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Other than vacationing, my time on unemployment has given me the opportunity to catch up with a few friends, have several delicious lunches with great people, go to Beeville (in the middle of the week!) and do all my projects around the house. So far, I have planted my garden, cleaned my car, caught up on housework, spruced up the backyard, and gone to the gym! Pictures of the garden to come. On a sour, unpleasant note: Rats have taken up residence at our residence! This is unacceptable and I hope those little rodents find their way into the poison that Bob Jenkins Pest Control set out today. Big shout out to Randy for starting the eradication process! Rats: if you're reading this, know that you ARE NOT WELCOME here!</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Now, all that's left to do is: paint the bathroom, clean the carpets upstairs, organize the garage, stain and seal the deck, and paint the fireplace...whew! I think I work harder now than I did when I was working full-time! </span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The job hunt continues daily...it gets tiring when there aren't any new jobs posted online and very irritating when I have to go across town to the unemployment office! My "re-employment officer" wasn't much help yesterday but at least my one-on-one is over! Now, I'll keep Googling, Monstering, and Indeeding until I find the perfect job! If you see anything that you think I need to know about, send it my way please. So, until I find full-time work (away from home) I'm going to continue to enjoy this time off, get my house fixed up, and visit with family and friends! Life is good, and I appreciate all of the support you all have given me so far. </span></div><div style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Last, but not least: Happy Easter! This Sunday let's celebrate with family and friends the sacrifice the Lord made for us!! We are blessed...enjoy the day!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBemFVWPZnzv733oryr6whApYRww0IDBYBffPdJ4ZCUFaPkdz5vSPaMf1QVmxtFc6ihttY9602pdtV2xdZgbqIN9GRU1MGsiV1u-zMwlnYPCLF4Bq6XlTQbt7kJkE5Mpb3Bn3cCMzZJA/s1600/Easter-Egg-Archive-Easter-Egg-Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBemFVWPZnzv733oryr6whApYRww0IDBYBffPdJ4ZCUFaPkdz5vSPaMf1QVmxtFc6ihttY9602pdtV2xdZgbqIN9GRU1MGsiV1u-zMwlnYPCLF4Bq6XlTQbt7kJkE5Mpb3Bn3cCMzZJA/s320/Easter-Egg-Archive-Easter-Egg-Hunt.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-66842415110678541962011-03-22T08:41:00.000-07:002011-03-22T08:41:20.867-07:00Food Food Food!It's time for a follow-up! Last night Chris and I re-visited Fire Water Grille, our new neighborhood restaurant. If you recall, I did my first (and only, so far) restaurant review of Fire Water Grille. The conclusion--the food was pretty good and the service was fair. So, what did we think this time? The food was wonderful, the presentation was outstanding, and the service was great! The atmosphere was calm and relaxing, and they've implemented their happy hour specials. The patio is open now and there's a big screen which I assume is for sporting events, etc. We ate in the "cocktail" area. We shared crab cakes--yum!! For dinner, Chris had Salmon with an orange-balsamic glaze and polenta, and I had a Cobb salad with fresh shaved turkey and roast beef on top. The veggies were so fresh! We completed our meal with bananas foster cheesecake--out of this world! I would absolutely recommend this restaurant to all SA locals, and those visiting from out of town. It's a bit out of the way if you're not familiar with the area but its worth the drive out 281! I'm looking forward to happy hour appetizers and cocktails on the patio this summer!Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-39599723681601390452011-03-19T11:11:00.000-07:002011-03-19T11:11:59.851-07:00Happy Saturday Blog Followers!Good afternoon blog followers! I'm writing to you from my permanent position on my sofa! As I sit here for what seems like the millionth day in a row watching basketball, I realized its been quite some time since I've written. So, here's a re-cap:<br />
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1. We had a fantastic anniversary weekend! We exchanged sweet gifts, (love my new Anne Klein watch) had a couples massage (big thanks to Mary and Yvonne at Massage Heights), and enjoyed a fantastic dinner with amazing Pinot Noir (Stemmari) at Trattoria Lisina in Dripping Springs. We were going to go out of town, but decided at the last minute that we didn't want to brave the Spring Break phenomenon that was taking place...oh how the times have changed! lol<br />
2. Last night we celebrated a very sweet little boy's 3rd birthday--complete with a Mickey Mouse cake, a red tricycle, and pizza and burgers! Thanks Robert for including us! It's almost time for our other favorite little boy's first birthday--I can't believe the Conner-man will be 1 soon! We have amazing friends and are blessed to be a part of their lives and their childrens' lives. Oddly enough--all of our friends have boys!! I told Chris we'll be the ones to have all the girls for these cuties to chase after...a long, long time from now, of course!<br />
3. On a less happy note, I am still going to be unemployed soon. When, you ask? I wish I knew! The lack of communication is beyond frustrating! I keep asking and getting no response--I'm ready to start my projects at home and am anxiously awaiting a visit from Annmarie! I've decided to paint the bathroom downstairs brick red and do a sponge treatment over it in khaki. We'll see how it turns out! A full painting blog to follow (I know, super-exciting stuff!).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Well, I think that's about it for me today. I'd like to wish my beautiful cousin Paige a very happy 11th birthday! She is a wonderful daughter, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and friend and I hope she gets everything she wants today! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend everyone!</div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-44059050682642703632011-03-10T07:38:00.000-08:002011-03-10T07:38:59.147-08:00Unemployment, Part 1Good morning blog followers! As I'm sure some of you have already heard, I'm being laid-off. Which is code for "we're closing your office and because we're not smart enough to realize your potential, we're not making a spot for you anywhere else." I've gone through all the stages--crying, yelling, laughing, spite, bitterness, and now I've moved on to----MOVING ON! I'm ready for this new chapter in my life. I'm ready for a career, not just a job. I'm ready for responsibility, challenges, and excitement! So, what are my plans you ask? Well, I intend to power wash, sand, and repaint our deck, paint our guest bathroom, attempt to groom our dog (to save some $$), and learn to cook more challenging meals. In between, I plan on applying for every job that seems remotely interesting in hopes that I'll find my niche. While I'm not happy about the prospect of taking my rear down to the unemployment office (which I'm thinking will be very similar to waiting in line at the DMV) I realize that with a little perseverance, a lot of faith, and a little spunk I'll soon find my place in the career world! I'll keep you posted on my journey to finding a job in this great city of San Antonio!<br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">On a personal note: this Sunday Chris and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary! What am I going to get him as a gift you ask??? I HAVE NO IDEA! Really, he's a man who requires NOTHING material and it gets harder every year to shop for him! Suggestions are more than welcomed!</span></b></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">Have a wonderful weekend! I'll write on Monday with details of our anniversary weekend! I see wine and yummy food in my future! </span></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-45710549690632854932011-02-28T08:31:00.000-08:002011-02-28T08:31:43.949-08:005 little known gemsGood morning blog followers! I'm writing this post after a fun-filled weekend in Houston with Chris. He went for a bowling tournament, but planned some fun stuff around it. Here are a few details... We started the weekend with a 2.5 hour drive to Houston. There really wasn't much traffic, thank goodness, and we arrived at our hotel in plenty of time to change for dinner. I enjoyed a delightful meal of wine, wild mushroom mac n cheese, and pecan-crusted chicken at this amazing little restaurant, located in a River Oaks neighborhood. This was t<i>he first "gem" of the weekend</i>. The next day, we got up ridiculously early and headed to Webster for the tournament. 8 games later, we left the bowling alley and ate lunch at a great cafe. Chris didn't make the semi-finals, so we went back to Houston for a nap...6am came very early and I was VERY tired! I am an old-lady after all, and I need my beauty rest! After a nap, we went to this great little place, Dessert Gallery and had cupcakes and cookies...delish, and our <i>second little gem</i>! We ate our treats in the car as we drove back to the bowling alley to watch Robert bowl in the semi-finals. Although he bowled well, he didn't make it to the finals so we headed to the Kemah Boardwalk and had some awesome seafood at The Aquarium. We dined on the patio and enjoyed the Houston humidity and a few drinks. It was a great end to a great day, and the <i>third gem of the weekend</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz3p6vHG4J4A3sJxag0ZUGeUFyB1GSoljpS7Cb88f8jeltZ6wYw6lwpEXO73f1PK3vjCPTBT7xxR7Nh0z9y8gWWHn5NPKVw_EADS25ZzRsjvG05hVc3N57ItDvhE9xQlo9OpUpAwuQi0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgz3p6vHG4J4A3sJxag0ZUGeUFyB1GSoljpS7Cb88f8jeltZ6wYw6lwpEXO73f1PK3vjCPTBT7xxR7Nh0z9y8gWWHn5NPKVw_EADS25ZzRsjvG05hVc3N57ItDvhE9xQlo9OpUpAwuQi0/s200/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Now here's a man who needs a date! lol</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhBefxHvkfvCi1ZomvuweI2PhKqqttgTP3qWv-4WhNHidyhMzrxwTik6_Fv2G8ITbnfi4gzdfJ4vwYJIEJV5Mk0Ln0F5oFOJ1cHn3ln6W4Q50PiW0fwAMsrjsUnpXVQTag1YVkTB6Szk/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhBefxHvkfvCi1ZomvuweI2PhKqqttgTP3qWv-4WhNHidyhMzrxwTik6_Fv2G8ITbnfi4gzdfJ4vwYJIEJV5Mk0Ln0F5oFOJ1cHn3ln6W4Q50PiW0fwAMsrjsUnpXVQTag1YVkTB6Szk/s200/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>And here's a man whose girlfriend can talk him into almost anything! lol</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sunday we slept in, ate in Chinatown, and then walked through Rice. There was this great bulldog, Mr. B who comes to Rice every weekend to play in the fountain. <i>Adorable, and the fourth little gem</i>...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yFYEjYPJf7gHp8Tr3GDdITa14yDX75bGG7khv6jZh3YYV7JpcB9EgzPHKHl8RlvJ9KTmAdLkXHrYbXVGficE1D5KwuLiWpJUu3KhYEp-sXXfw3yoXNra9dOitG-DtJb5uwSuoKLrYLs/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yFYEjYPJf7gHp8Tr3GDdITa14yDX75bGG7khv6jZh3YYV7JpcB9EgzPHKHl8RlvJ9KTmAdLkXHrYbXVGficE1D5KwuLiWpJUu3KhYEp-sXXfw3yoXNra9dOitG-DtJb5uwSuoKLrYLs/s200/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>After a nice walk, we started home. As we traveled south on IH 10 from Houston to San Antonio, I began to see these crazy clever signs for Buc-ees. I asked Chris what this was all about and he explained that its basically a super-sized convenient store. I was, of course, intrigued! Who wouldn't be excited by a sign that says "Eat here, get gas"? As I walked in, I was met with the following: homemade jellies and jams, homemade sausage, kolaches, sweet treats, home decor, clothing, and huge BBQ pits. It was insane! $30 later, we were on our way home enjoying jalapeno sausage and cheese kolaches from t<i>he last little known gem of the weekend</i>! We ended the day with a challenging game of tennis with Greg and Kierstin. I'm sad to report that we lost, but I feel sure that we're going to turn it around for the next match! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: red;">Last, but not least--a big shout out to Uncle Vito! Happy 70th Birthday! </b></span></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-66923524395832849222011-02-21T07:27:00.000-08:002011-02-21T08:57:07.766-08:00Word of mouth advertising...there's nothing quite like it!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where would this world be without Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Myspace, etc? These sites create a backdrop for fierce word of mouth advertising as we constantly see our friends post links to their favorite places, foods, websites, etc. The options in this world are endless, so its nice to know that someone else has tried something that you might like to try and enjoyed it. So, today my blog followers, I'm posting some links to a few things I think you'll appreciate.</span></div>1. My Herbalife Store--I've already posted this link once, but they're constantly adding things to their menu, updating their offerings, and starting new weight loss challenges, etc. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Dont-Overlook-Nutrition/121964691191628">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Dont-Overlook-Nutrition/121964691191628</a><br />
2. Next, is a computer GENIUS who has come through for me several times. He's fixed two computers for me, and in addition to his repair shop, he also does Web Hosting at a VERY affordable rate! Check out his website for details and monthly specials! Beevillians--Phil is located in Mathis, so computer repair isn't far away! <a href="http://www.bestlittlehosthouse.com/%20">http://www.bestlittlehosthouse.com/ </a><br />
3. Following the computer guru is his wonderfully talented wife, Myrna. <span style="color: red;">CORRECTION ADDED 2/21 10:56 AM: MYRNA IS PHIL'S SISTER-IN-LAW! SORRY!</span> She can make a cake like no one else! Her cakes are not only beautiful and creative, but so moist and tasty! Visit her website and look at the cake gallery. <a href="http://myrnasyummycakes.com/">http://myrnasyummycakes.com/</a><br />
4.Speaking of creative, I know the perfect person to call the next time you're looking for someone to do embroidery work, make a plain t-shirt something special, or create one-of-a-kind gifts! Cheri is so talented and her work is completely original! Visit her Facebook page and look at the photo gallery...she can truly make anything you want! <i>I had her make a rhinestone fitted t-shirt for my cousin's business and it turned out beautifully.</i> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=2361831622#%21/pages/CB-Original/119708918087291?v=wall">http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=2361831622#!/pages/CB-Original/119708918087291?v=wall</a><br />
5. Moving on to my familia...my cousin Annmarie is an AMAZING photographer, located in Boston. Her work speaks for itself, so check out her website: <a href="http://www.acessaphoto.com/">http://www.acessaphoto.com/</a><br />
6. If you're in San Antonio or the surrounding areas, check out the website for Oak Hills Church. My cousin, Daniel, is the Production Arts Director, and let me tell you, this church has got it together! Max Lucado is an amazing pastor and his website offers downloads of his articles and other writings, as well as <b>podcasts</b>! <a href="http://oakhillschurch.com/">http://oakhillschurch.com/</a><br />
7. If you're looking for an up-and-coming photographer in the SA area, visit Kimmy's Facebook page and look through her pictures. They get cuter every day! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Kimberly-Marie-Photography/136037103096775">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Kimberly-Marie-Photography/136037103096775</a><br />
8. Okay, my blog wouldn't be complete without a little plug for myself...visit my lia sophia website and contact me if you want to purchase something, or host your own show! Lifetime Replacement Guarantee and awesome monthly specials! <a href="http://www.liasophia.com/lyndseyhutchins">www.liasophia.com/lyndseyhutchins</a><br />
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<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On to a new topic...</span></div><div style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">As I wandered through the Rodeo this weekend, I realized how blessed San Antonio is to be the host for multiple Air Force and Army bases. It's awesome to see so many men and women in uniform attending events like this with their families and friends. A big shout out to our Military members. Thank you for all that you do to protect us and our freedom! </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b-dzxRixCFaXlTGk5k-8mAe0MQFxqcMPNEQaXVBvDcMuVHk0AfZYxUahABHj_Q7Brlj2cm_ct-v1GiiN6MaO7Iv3gBTkq-J_yQVvhYVqQ8_nar2PhDNgxe-YjwZvYChyYJYPUqoLSXM/s1600/Bo+and+Trish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7b-dzxRixCFaXlTGk5k-8mAe0MQFxqcMPNEQaXVBvDcMuVHk0AfZYxUahABHj_Q7Brlj2cm_ct-v1GiiN6MaO7Iv3gBTkq-J_yQVvhYVqQ8_nar2PhDNgxe-YjwZvYChyYJYPUqoLSXM/s320/Bo+and+Trish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My amazing cousin, Bo, at the airport with his mom waiting to deploy to Afghanistan!</td></tr>
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</div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-81606198765362170802011-02-15T07:31:00.000-08:002011-02-15T07:31:45.052-08:00Oh my darlin' Valentine!<div style="text-align: center;">Hello blog world! Today I come to you high on Valentine's Day excitement. We had a great day yesterday, preceded by an excellent weekend, so I thought I'd share.</div><br />
First and foremost, a big shout out to Chris for the dozen long-stemmed red roses he sent me on V Day, even though he doesn't really read my blog (I say that with a sarcastic smile on my face as I shake my head a little). I'm an inexperienced flower trimmer, so I may have cut them a bit short...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGFX5rVhdmfUNwaDIN63P-3IKHxpChY2hloHhIdicTWnH6AwmfpV3cgnsOMZyEaovvkqQ-EFu9RuNR530OIt5AT-LSWAQ9ad36OwN47cYBUJynhOR7PwaImfJVnzadWj1IWwHVqC83Nw/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGFX5rVhdmfUNwaDIN63P-3IKHxpChY2hloHhIdicTWnH6AwmfpV3cgnsOMZyEaovvkqQ-EFu9RuNR530OIt5AT-LSWAQ9ad36OwN47cYBUJynhOR7PwaImfJVnzadWj1IWwHVqC83Nw/s200/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></div> He followed that little surprise with a delightful, buttery dinner at Ruth's Chris steakhouse. Let me tell you, I feel sure that I washed butter out of my pores this morning! We enjoyed stuffed mushrooms, Caesar Salad, Filet Mignon, Au Gratin Potatoes, and Creamed Spinach. They sealed the deal with a trio of chocolatey desserts. Delish! I wanted to take pictures of the food but Chris wouldn't let me. It's not exactly your neighborhood bar and grille, and for some strange reason he thought it might be inappropriate! Ha!<br />
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So, this weekend consisted of several things worth mentioning. First, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner with great friends on Friday night. We pigged out at Tiago's at the RIM with James and Misty. Chips, queso, guacamole, fajitas, and great conversation...what more could a girl ask for? On Saturday, we made the journey to the SA Stock Show and Rodeo. If you've never been, shame on you! It's a blast!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhKHxQOVE6Ax7P9ZEWLTNxqqjO7oFSMn62UsygaK5rIPFYyAoAa_TQzODwbo-s5wBCCFyspEUnn_qiPF-S_Owbomq4CkllnuLcd8p8EZOKclN6lV05Tb84bm5YV1T4uvMgQilx46pgEY/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhKHxQOVE6Ax7P9ZEWLTNxqqjO7oFSMn62UsygaK5rIPFYyAoAa_TQzODwbo-s5wBCCFyspEUnn_qiPF-S_Owbomq4CkllnuLcd8p8EZOKclN6lV05Tb84bm5YV1T4uvMgQilx46pgEY/s200/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
Of course we found the wine tasting tent right away and enjoyed several "shots" of wine as Chris called them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48Oj78asJuvRkogrsGx-ETEaszQg74TeST0UgXVoplvvrFzSk4uXGeYRU0qT9L6wSHfHvbo_lwtiVO46-uFFC1Enn-jfaKiVmu1hep3Ey_FQqMZtD1Y_l5GmYsjBK-wt4JL0digrKscE/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48Oj78asJuvRkogrsGx-ETEaszQg74TeST0UgXVoplvvrFzSk4uXGeYRU0qT9L6wSHfHvbo_lwtiVO46-uFFC1Enn-jfaKiVmu1hep3Ey_FQqMZtD1Y_l5GmYsjBK-wt4JL0digrKscE/s200/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Robert, Lauren, Chris and Me at the Wine Tent!</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then we had a glass of wine, some delicious, but sort of nasty, carnival food and watched grown men wrestle with calves. I mean really, I'd like to see a grown man wrestle a <b>full</b>-size cow...now that's what I call entertainment! My fellow spectators didn't seem to appreciate my cheering for the calves, as opposed to the Cowboys. I love it when they get away! Haha! We sealed the evening with a performance by Clay Walker. He was fantastic! Sunday, I made the drive to Beeville to see my Mamacita and Meme. Of course, I had to wait until Meme returned from her Sunday luncheon in Sweeney Switch before she could fit me into her busy schedule! What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than to sit at the kitchen table with my two favorite ladies and drink coffee and eat cookies? I finished the weekend with a game of Golden Tee with Chris and Robert...talk about competitive. They give each other handicap! Overall, it was a great weekend! I vote that we adopt a more liberal work schedule and work 2 days and be off 5 days each week! <b>Who's with me?</b>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-67095463249662227282011-02-10T07:33:00.000-08:002011-02-10T07:33:36.773-08:00Who do I think I am?!This morning, as I was wading through the junk mail in my inbox, I stumbled across a Living Social Escapes email. It detailed a 5 day, 4 night stay in the Bahamas for "the unheard of price of $589 per person!" Of course my fingers itched to press the "buy" button. So instead, I forwarded the email to Chris and told him, "we should go here this summer!" Looking back, I wonder just exactly who I think I am? I'm 25 years old with an astronomical student loan payment, a big, beautiful house that has a nice mortgage accompanying it, and only 10 days of vacation per year. Why would I even consider going on an extended vacay knowing all of this? Because that's how my generation rolls! We don't like to be told no, we work hard and play hard. We think we deserve corner offices at 25 and don't care how we get them. We feel we know more than our bosses who have been in business for 30 years, and we don't hesitate to tell people exactly what we think. That being said, I move that my generation take a step back, learn from our elders (perhaps find mentors) and put ourselves in our place, before someone else does! Good things come to those who wait, and pray, and think things through, and have patience. So,that's exactly what I'm going to do! <br />
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On a side note: I've recently realized that I stopped praying for about a month. I don't know why. I don't have a specific reason. I just know that for that month, I felt something was missing. Looking back, I know that its because I stopped asking for guidance, wisdom, and strength from the Man himself...not a good idea! Again I say to myself, who do I think I am? I can't travel this road alone! So, I began my daily discussions with the Lord again, started praying, and poof! my life immediately felt more peaceful and directed. I encourage everyone, regardless of your strength of faith, to take one week and pray every single day. I promise you'll see major differences! The Lord wants to help us and guide us, we just have to ask. May God bless you blog followers! Have a wonderful and safe weekend and I'll blog again when something interesting comes to mind!Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-53864470333509871192011-02-07T07:31:00.000-08:002011-02-07T07:31:50.842-08:00What has this world come to? and My Weekend!So, I have recently decided that this world is full of inpatient, mouthy people who have a great need to comment on all things that displease them. I thought we lived in the South! I thought people here were supposed to be demure, sweet, and patient. I thought we didn't comment on displeasing things and people, in order to create content and peace. That is DEFINITELY not the case! The other day, as I patiently waited in line to cross the railroad tracks on my way home from work, this man decided that he didn't like my waiting behind the white safety line in front of the tracks. He wanted to turn right, dangit!, and he wasn't going to let me stop him. He blew his horn twice and then peeled out to go around me. He then proceeded to honk at me the entire way down the street. Isn't it my right to observe warning signs and lines so my car doesn't get crushed by the automatic arm that comes down when a train is coming!? Jerk! My next encounter, though equally as frustrating, is not an uncommon occurrence. As I was driving home the other night, I realized my right headlight was out. I was in the left lane, on a highway where the left lane is <b>not </b>reserved just for passing, and a man in a huge truck (the kind that has humongous tires on it to compensate for the driver's lack of gifts in other places, I assume) got right behind me and started shining his brights on me, so I would move over. Obviously, I did just the opposite. I was going the speed limit, but trying to be cautious so I didn't attract attention to me and my malfunctioning headlight. I held my ground and made him wait for the perfect time to go around me. My last reference to why I feel this frustration toward my SA peers is as follows: Chris and I were leaving the grocery store on Friday. Chris walked OUT the ENTRANCE...dum dum dum! This older gentleman felt the need to comment to his wife, "that guy just walked out the entrance." It caused the couple to have to wait approximately 5 seconds before entering the grocery store. His wife proceeded to give him an approving nod, and Chris a disapproving one. Really!? Does that really warrant comment?<br />
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So blog followers, today I offer this advice. It is as much for the peace and content of our world, as it is for my mental health. Please show patience, kindness, and respect for your fellow man/woman! Before you blow your gasket over something petty, think about the severity of the situation. Does it really warrant comment, insults, yelling, or rudeness? Probably not!<br />
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<b>On a lighter note--I truly enjoyed my long weekend!! Here are a few notes:</b><br />
1. Big shout out to Chris, and his friend Richard, for placing in the local SABA bowling tournament at Bandera Super Bowl! <br />
2. I found the Superbowl commercials very disappointing--except for the Volkswagen commercial with the kid dressed like Darth Vader (sp)! Hilarious! Please don't even get me started on the disaster that was The Black Eyed Peas or Christina A...Ridiculous!<br />
3. Thank goodness the South Texas sunshine came back! It was getting a bit depressing around these parts!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDapyblp8u4ZriRUwjle5RDuVdg7BwiT4hFWwnoX5cWsih0X64MW9F3jXZBXSiXAnMytH4dg3gSatOBH9gdvutXzB49b1sERmPsECBZ6LKKWoiRlMXVzBH3M8pRVaKU-g5jkOqtDxspXo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDapyblp8u4ZriRUwjle5RDuVdg7BwiT4hFWwnoX5cWsih0X64MW9F3jXZBXSiXAnMytH4dg3gSatOBH9gdvutXzB49b1sERmPsECBZ6LKKWoiRlMXVzBH3M8pRVaKU-g5jkOqtDxspXo/s200/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house with snow!!</td></tr>
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4. I highly recommend Chacho's chicken breast quesadilla on their whole grain tortillas. Delicious and very filling!<br />
5. For some ungracious reason, I woke up at 5:45 am on Sunday morning. Though an early morning gym workout was great, I especially enjoyed the trip to Target for fake lemons, and my pancakes, that followed!<br />
Okay, so now that you're updated on my life over the last few days, I'm calling my blog for the day COMPLETE!Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-1317325372510062342011-02-03T08:15:00.000-08:002011-02-03T08:15:37.657-08:00My cold weather family!In the spirit of this brutally cold weather, I thought I would take a moment to introduce my big, Italian family. They live in Massachusetts, and somehow manage to brave this crazy, cold weather year after year. They do things like jumping into the Atlantic Ocean the day after Thanksgiving (Paul & Stephen), rooting for teams like the Celtics and Patriots (Go Spurs Go!), and say things like "Paaaahk the caaah in the yaad." So, for your viewing pleasure, here they are:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZXctxV-i-vXJdKA72WeP38ZcgPGy6K5zVfzk9kIuEji9swMQXYBCj2LO8WlcgAa6TRV93eWzQIu6QYfLqwH_FP7CyBlNsOwHNPqmLia3xNS468u2HNEWaJmwirIEpPp8crA_mQhdzdI/s1600/Family+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZXctxV-i-vXJdKA72WeP38ZcgPGy6K5zVfzk9kIuEji9swMQXYBCj2LO8WlcgAa6TRV93eWzQIu6QYfLqwH_FP7CyBlNsOwHNPqmLia3xNS468u2HNEWaJmwirIEpPp8crA_mQhdzdI/s400/Family+Tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here are a few funny stories and facts you should know:<br />
1. Annmarie is my only girl cousin (besides my beautiful cousins-in-law and sweet Paige) on this side, and because she is amazing, she is my best friend! However, she is still very bitter that when I was two, I ate her lipstick!<br />
2. Stephen and Lauren's turtle, Myrtle, is featured on their annual Christmas card, and is 23 years old (approximately).<br />
3. Chris is currently my favorite cousin because he is the only one who has come to visit me in the last four years!<br />
4. Paige is beautiful and so sweet! She is a fantastic dancer and has awesome parents!<br />
5. Emily is super-smart, crazy cute, and also has great parents! She likes to sing "Grease Lightning" and wear bandannas and sunglasses.<br />
6. I love my Aunts and Uncles! Uncle Vito used to take me for Chocolate Milk and donuts on Saturday mornings, when we lived in their basement apartment...thank you UV for making me an overweight child! :) I enjoyed every bite! <br />
I could go on and on about the great memories I have, but that would make for a VERY long blog post. I miss these faces like crazy, and I cannot wait to visit them soon! Just remember, planes fly in both directions! AND, it will probably be warmer here than there...probably!Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-82653292403302172312011-02-02T08:54:00.000-08:002011-02-02T08:54:46.097-08:00Cold Weather and Texans DO NOT Mix!!Here's what cold weather does to Texans:<br />
1. As soon as the temperature drops below 60 degrees we turn into whiny, inconsolable children who can't talk about anything except how cold it is. <br />
2. Our skin gets all scaly and dry because we're not used to cold air, or the heater! Our noses get dry and we continue with #1 on the list.<br />
3. If we get any moisture, combined with cold temperatures, and there is ANY ice or snow, we immediately shut down businesses, schools, etc, and stay inside like we're awaiting the Apocalypse!<br />
4. We CANNOT drive! There will be at least a 30 minute delay driving to work because of wrecks and malfunctioning traffic lights. <br />
5.The power companies conduct mandatory rolling blackouts because our generators can't handle the cold weather and heat required to keep the Texans from turning into icicles!<br />
4. It makes us appreciate our 100 degree summers!Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-13473748117153366562011-02-01T07:33:00.000-08:002011-02-01T07:33:48.724-08:00Weigh-In Day! Dum dum dummmm!On January 4th, I started a weight loss competition at my local nutrition store. The ladies who own the store, and their helpers/employees are amazingly motivating people who truly care about their customers' health. I saw the advertisement for the challenge, and decided I wanted to participate. Knowing that I am such a cheapskate, I figured paying money to be a part of the challenge, then being forced to pay a dollar for every pound gained during the challenge, I would probably stick with it. So far, the first week I gained 1.5 lbs (my birthday week), then I lost 4 lbs, and promptly gained 2 lbs back. This week, I lost .5 lbs. So, where am I going with this? Today, I'd like to talk about the dreaded "Weigh-In Day!" Each week, I know its coming. I am fully aware that every Tuesday morning before work, I'm going to trot on over to the store and weigh-in. So how do I prepare for this excruciating task each week? I eat very well M-F, and not so great on Saturday and Sunday. Then, I drink TONS of water on Monday, hoping to flush away all the fat I consumed over the weekend! It usually doesn't work. Case in point--eating a bowl of chips and queso (with only some assistance from Chris) does not promote fat loss! Additionally, the Stromboli I made for dinner last night, although delicious, also does not promote fat loss. Therefore, each week I DREAD weigh-in day. If I could just figure out how to quit putting food in my mouth, I'd be all set! So, this week I am re-commiting to my challenge! I have 28 days left, and I want to win some $$$$! The store I go to for my nutritional guidance is called Don't Overlook Nutrition. It is located on Overlook Parkway, off of Hwy 281. As I mentioned the staff is fantastic, the shakes and supplements are very reasonably priced, and its nice to have a support system right down the street. I highly recommend that you stop in and try one of their shakes...Elvis and Orange Julius are my favorites! Visit their Facebook page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dont-Overlook-Nutrition/121964691191628?v=wall&filter=1">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dont-Overlook-Nutrition/121964691191628?v=wall&filter=1</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Okay, wish me luck! Here's to a week of not stuffing my FACE and putting my REAR in gear! </div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8492602828513207575.post-43544543188998333722011-01-31T07:22:00.000-08:002011-01-31T07:22:47.476-08:00I have a name Lyndsey!On Saturday, at 2:30 pm, as I walked aimlessly through downtown SA looking for my car, I received an irritated phone call from Chris' brother, Greg. He announced that he "couldn't believe" that I hadn't talked about him yet in my blog, and that I called him "Chris' brother," on the one mention I did make of him. He actually said, "I have a name Lyndsey!" So, blog followers, today I introduce you to Greg, my oldest friend in the world (so I probably SHOULD have mentioned him by now), Chris' brother, boyfriend to Kierstin, MBA student at Texas State, and new SA resident!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADKgDQqRDThX2-SHozIBkif-2zboejSDyUcOdAaIlTzg43T78l5XZ4Q32-IS6MX2bQL1r1XmSMv6awdbAxBeQyUfUl_2MUHfMIm9VLom07EcZN6_R8Q1i0RHJ76Y41SrIhKPb-CErZSY/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADKgDQqRDThX2-SHozIBkif-2zboejSDyUcOdAaIlTzg43T78l5XZ4Q32-IS6MX2bQL1r1XmSMv6awdbAxBeQyUfUl_2MUHfMIm9VLom07EcZN6_R8Q1i0RHJ76Y41SrIhKPb-CErZSY/s200/009.JPG" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, so here are the top 10 things you need to know about Greg: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br />
1. We've known each other for 12 years! We met in the 7th Grade in Life Management Skills. He was about 4 feet tall (slight exaggeration) and wore Carpenter Jeans from Old Navy, a braided belt, and plaid short sleeve shirts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. We went to Homecoming together our Freshman year of high school. After that, I had a crush on him for about 10 minutes...and then I met his brother! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. I take full credit for his #18 (I think) rank in high school, as he cheated off of me in every class we were in together, except math--I'm terrible at math. I also signed his mother's name on all of his progress reports, report cards, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. He has a deviated septum (sp) so he's constantly blowing his nose and sounds like he has a cold. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. He's too lazy to cook, so he's skinny. I often find him at my house around dinner time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. He likes all sports, but LOVES basketball. There is no doubt that he'll have 5 kids, just enough for a basketball team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. He's afraid of heights. He knows that I HATE when people touch my neck, so he tries to, often!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Our family doesn't often like to take us out in public together, as we tend to embarrass each other and them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. He loves to watch movies, even chick-flicks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. He's a great friend, excellent boyfriend, stellar brother, wonderful son...I'm really trying to make up for my not mentioning him before this post. Can you tell? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #4c1130;">And, as of this moment, he is on notice: anything you do going forward, is potentially blog-worthy material!!</b><span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span><b style="color: #4c1130;">Be careful what you wish for Greggie!</b></div>Lyndsey Hutchins Watsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14893086260358139920noreply@blogger.com1