Fire Up The Barbie! Shashlik Kebabs

{ Dre as a grill master }

In our effort to be more health conscious, we bought a grill. We went depot hopping to find the perfect sized grill for the perfect price. We started at Sears, then Lowes, then Home Depot, then ended up purchasing one at Menards (where we did save money).

{ Shashlik - a Russian/Middle Eastern Kebab }

I'm pretty lucky I scored a husband who is a phenomenal cook, thus adding on to my repertoire of exotic recipes. He's been spoiling me by cooking lunch and dinner since I've been under the weather. Tonight he grilled a dish called, Shashlik, which is kebab usually made of lamb, but we used filet mignon instead. It was delicious! Can't wait to try out more grilling recipes. It's all new to me.

Oh grilled vegetables, how I miss thee! The grilled veggies were all sorts of divine. Haven't tasted such excellence since summer 2010 at my parent's house during the 4th of July Barbie. But anyway, I'm starting to feel better again and am very excited to finally get a lot of things done... and to learn how to cook new recipes.

My Angry Birds

I am officially addicted to the Angry Birds game on my mobile. I whip it out before bed or whenever I have to wait for something, like at a doctor's appointment or standing in line at the grocery store. These little birds are so angry and destructive in such a funny way that they literally make me laugh. The sound effects are just so darn cute that it leaves me in a good mood all day long.

So the object of the game is to put a bird in a slingshot in order to knock out the other birds or green pigs that are trapped over yonder. The less birds you use, the higher the score. There are levels to achieve and some quite difficult... which allows a person to become addicted to the game. Yes this is what I also do during my breaks.

Here is a list of things that are happening
and other things to come :

All the sudden the cat seems to be attached to me.
Pretzel & Colette are the best of friends now.
My life is sooo much easier with my mobile apps.
One of my favourite app is the Shop Savvy Barcode Scanner
I have a hair appointment on Friday... excitement!
The Sephora store is opening this Sunday. Ulta also opened up. More make-up fun for me.
I lack sleep but for some reason this insomnia allows me to be more productive.
Going to an Ikea Store... never been inside one but am excited to check it out.

The Chair

My bottom literally pasted itself on my computer chair while trying to finish up corporate tax returns, more work stuff, and what have you. The most surprising thing rising from the experience is how my body aches: legs, thighs, biceps, back, and neck soreness. I usually exercise in the morning and then in the afternoon; afterward I do my usual stretches - but the damage had been done from a week's worth of abundant sedentariness that no amount of exercise could have alleviated. On top of it all, I assume that my imaginary ulcer is worsening and my multiple neurosis is bordering hysterical. But it's incredible how I fight it all and appear sane. Maybe because I am just brilliant and amazing.

In all other news, one more week... one more week of torture and then... vacation!

Bedtime Thoughts:

How many couples sit side by side in bed this late at night browsing the net?
How many of those couples also have pets soundly sleeping in bed with them?

Cup of Joe & Nostalgia

Today yesterday morning I actually got up early to drop off Colette at the groomers. I can not, for the life of me, remember the last time my alarm made a racket at 6 A.M. It reminded me of my grad school mantra, "Early bird gets the worm" -- back then I got up at 4:30 A.M., worked out at the gym, hit the coffee shop, went to work, and then spent the day lived in the university library with my grad school buddies burning that midnight oil. Looking back, I don't know how the heck I pulled it off.

Nonetheless, this morning I found my sleep deprived self at Starbucks. As soon as I entered, a number of college students, chiropractor students, and freelancers were already busy studying/working. Hit Me Baby One More Time... nostalgia. All of a sudden I felt like my 25-26 year old self again (with an expensive latte at hand) studying my butt off to get good grades and feeling incompetent because my economics professor made me want to sink in my chair or to sit in a corner to wallow in my pathetic sorrows. When he called on you, you better be on top of your game with the correct answer. I actually wanted to be invisible in that class but he definitely could sense my fear, and he fed off of it. Oh the horror! Besides the constant humiliation, I miss it all.

A lot has happened since I got down on my knees and rejoiced that the miserable class was over and done with - in other words, 2006 graduation... but life continues to be a humbling experience. With all that had been said and done, it boils down to this... I feel old.

A few hours ago Dre said goodnight, gave me a kiss, and within a minute started snoring next to me -- he's completely out. A few minutes ago I started talking to him and surprise, surprise, he actually held a conversation with me at his half asleep state, "Um... I think I fed the cat... I think I locked the door... I did not take all the blanket... I love you too... go to sleep. Sleep, sleep, sleepy sleep" -- none of which he'll remember tomorrow I bet. So, it's almost 1 A.M. and I can't fall asleep... I look at him and all I want to say is, UGH!!!! How can anyone sleep that fast?

Wednesday's List - Letter To My 20 Year Old Self

 Dear 20 Year Old Eleanor,

I'm writing to you as your 30 year old self who has a heightened sense of common sense, experience, maturity, wisdom, vision and 20/20 insight to life and all the exciting things up ahead. First of all, I wish I could go back in time to hug you and to let you know that despite all the crap that 20 something's go through, everything is going to be okay. Below is a list of 20 things I really want to tell you. Please take this letter to heart because it is extremely important.

So go out there and conquer the world. You are a strong, intelligent, beautiful, woman who has a voice to be heard. No one is stopping you. And one last thing, from one Eleanor to the next:

No one can make you feel 

inferior without your consent.
- Eleanor Roosevelt -

Always, 

Eleanor A.

I wish that my mom kept a diary of her life. It would have been a wonderful read to learn about her generation and the challenges she faced growing up... and then on to marriage and what she would advice. I could have learned so much from it and perhaps understand her more. So blogging about this letter to my 20 year old self is another way for my future kids to get to know me. I can not wait to meet them... someday...

#5 - Blizzard 2011

Challenge 5: Complete a 365 day photo challenge

Picture 54 - Blizzard 2011

(Pic 54/365)

Dre on our street in front of the neighbor's house. Mind you, he's 6'7 and the snow is almost up to his knees.

Our buried vehicles. It doesn't look too bad from here, but it is pretty bad.

Dre's buried car. Next year we'll definitely use the garage.

Attempting to dig out Dre's car.

Our patio.

Home made frappuccino with marshmallows.

Last night's blizzard was pretty crazy. I didn't fear the snow as much as I feared losing the internet because there was a deadline to submit projects - thank God my life line remained. Anyway, we woke up to at least 20 inches of snow blocking our front door. It was kind of nice for a change.

I would have taken more pictures if it wasn't so darn cold outside. The extreme chill literally sent shivers up and down my spine. Hopefully I'll have the courage to go out and take more photos later today. I wish I had snow pants. Nonetheless, our poor neighbor's snow blower just died out. So sad for him.

Decided to take the rest of the day off (let's see how long that lasts). Activities today will involve: reading a good book in front of the fireplace, watching a few movies, cooking an awesome meal (finally), working out on the EFX, and a relaxing Yoga session before bed. Sounds like a perfect snow day in.

New Year's Resolution 2011

It's that time of year to make New Year's Resolutions once more! Looking back to 2010's resolution is a huge blur, but what's awesome is that I didn't do anything too wicked, so to speak, this past year. There were hush-hush mischievous times of cheap thrill foolishness (loved it) but none of which were severe enough to ruin anything.

But I love the start of anything new because it's like a fresh start and it gives a sense of hope and happiness. This year is going to be great, I can feel it.

Here's something from the book, 2,000 Ways to Cheer Yourself Up. It's cute and it made me smile.

Happy New Year 2011

Peek-a-boo, I see you!!!
Happy 2011, from Jean-the-Cat.

We had a quiet New Year's Eve, toasting our glass filled Chardonnay to celebrate the start of another wonderful year of marriage. The last day of 2010 was bitter sweet with Karen's funeral. As soon as the funeral started, I looked at the program and immediately saw my placement - after the family share their memories... Urgh! The last one to share was her daughter, Kelly, and it was definitely a tearjerker. So nonetheless, I followed that with tear filled eyes singing it right behind her open casket. It was one of the hardest things I had to do this year... very emotional but I'm glad it's over and I'm glad she's resting in peace.

On top of the funeral, our washing machine decided to conk out. There was water all over the laundry room floor and didn't completely drain out of the washer either. It was a horrible, horrible mess. After the funeral, we went to Sears to purchase a new one. So glad they had a display model on sale. It's a side load washer, so no more problems with balancing.

My Handsome Husband : New Year 2011.

Karen B.

Our family friend, Karen died of brain cancer this past Tuesday. She went unconscious towards Christmas and slowly lived until the last breath escaped her. It was devastating and I hate it.

Typically, I inch away from people who are dying - it's something I just can't take so distance becomes the answer. Perhaps, it's my way of coping so that there will be no sad memories to remember, just happy ones. Perhaps skipping their funeral fools me into believing that they never died, that they just moved far away. But I couldn't get away from this situation. One of Karen's last request was to hear me sing her favorite songs. I almost said no because I couldn't take it, but how can I deny such a wish? So my family spent time with her to fellowship and to sing songs... and now she's gone and I am asked to sing a song for her funeral and I just know that I will not be able to sing it properly. It's going to be a complete emotional waterworks mess.

I just want to run away and forget that she's gone. I just want to remember her smiling face, her outlook in life, her healthy recipes, and the cheer she brought people... I don't want to see sadness, crying faces, and her open casket. It would just make it all true, that she's really gone.

It's pretty hard to concentrate. It seems so surreal that life goes on beyond death... the feeling is unexplainable. I also don't believe people go to heaven when they die. It seems so foolish.

Her funeral is already set and instead of flowers, the family asked for fruit baskets because Karen kept saying, "Lord make me a fruit, not a vegetable." And excess fruits will be donated to charity. It's beautiful.

So here's Wednesday's List:

Make Life Worthwhile

Say, "I Love You" more often.

Be positive and be optimistic.

Smile often.

Don't be afraid to fail.

Reach for the sky.

Achieve your dreams.
Make a difference.

And finally a beautiful poem:

Salutation To The Dawn

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth
The glory of action
The splendor of beauty
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow only a vision
But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore to this day!
Such is the salutation to the dawn.

- Kalidasa, Indian Poet 

Oh Friday...

Winter usually gets me down but there is a combination that lifts up my spirit.

Family + Pets + Friday Evening + Laptop/Book + Fireplace + Christmas Tree + Christmas Music + Warmth = Happiness

It's just a wonderful, relaxing Friday night in front of the fireplace after a pretty stressful week.

Christmas Spirit

It snowed on Friday and I finally got the Christmas Spirit to decorate the house with the help of my whole family. That was the missing ingredient to my motivation. It felt great to spend time with my dad, mom, brother, and husband - decorating while laughing, joking, eating, being sarcastic, singing and listening to music. It felt good to be merry. It brought me back to the simple time when we spent a lot of family time together. It felt so cozy, it felt like home.

Below are pictures of our decorated house. I think it's pretty cute. I'm so proud of it.

Candles on top of the Mantle.

Our cute house all decorated for Christmas.

Pretzel in his elf outfit in front of the tree. He's easy to take pictures of. I wish I could say the same about Colette.

I won this snowman decor at a work Christmas party in 2004. It's only now I appreciate him. :-)

1st Snow Fall December 3, 2010: What usually takes us 15 minutes to drive took a little over an hour.
This photo was taken in front of someone's house (Clark's obviously) showing the snow fall in the state of Iowa.

1st Snow Fall December 3, 2010: Our car covered in snow. This was a sign to clear out the garage!

1st Snow Fall December 3, 2010: This was taken inside our car over our heads (sun roof). It was very pretty.

#5 - Code to a Happy Life

Challenge 5: Complete a 365 day photo challenge

Picture 48 - Code to a Happy Life

(Pic 48/365)

I am slowly getting back to the swing of my personal life. Work still consumes the majority of my time, but it's likewise crucial to meditate, exercise, cook, and be mentally stable by setting aside "me time" and "blog time". The picture above is our front door. It's convenient to press keys to get in, however we have two locks for added security. 

The temperature reached 60 degrees this afternoon and it was a realization that today probably marked the end of Indian Summer in November. With this in mind, my husband and I decided to walk around the neighborhood with the pets. It was so invigorating that it was like a charge that made me feel like I can do anything. It was divine.

#101 - AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!!!

Challenge 101: Confess to my parents that I am no longer a vegetarian
Date Met: 11.18.2010

Not only do my feet feel great from the space heater under my desk, but my overall being feels AH-MAY-ZING!!! It feels so good to finally confess to my parents that we're no longer vegetarians. It went better than I thought. I called up mom and straight up told her. She was calm,  "Eleanor, I'm a little disappointed because I'm the only vegetarian left in the family, but it's your life and you make your own decisions."

The motivation came from the realization that Thanksgiving is next week. And once again, IT FEELS AH-MAY-ZING to be set free!!!!!

Practicality is a Flaw

Tonight's frustration almost led me to make an impulsive purchase at Tiffanys.com. Ever since my sophomore year in college, the company's site had been an inspiration to the layout of my personal websites. The sophisticated glitter also made me wish that one day I could wear its striking beauty. Up until now, I haven't mustered up the courage to purchase anything Tiffany & Co. because even through frustration, my mind is clear. Sometimes I hate how practical I am. I cant wait till the day when a moment of impracticality hits me.

Where Did the Time Go?

I completely missed out on taking gorgeous autumn photos of nature. It has been such a struggle for the past month just to keep my head over the water. Till now, I feel inundated with all the work and all the events that almost clog up my schedule. What sent it over the top was my mother vacationing in the orient (and extending her stay), leaving her two dogs with me. This gave me four dogs to take care of until she returns tomorrow. I can hardly wait.

Besides photography, I miss blogging, my husband, and having "ME" time.

Till next time,
Ella xoxo

Precious Life

A friend, Karen B., from my church was diagnosed with brain cancer. A biopsy was performed yesterday and it came out malignant. The pastor sent a mass email describing that four tumors were found in her brain and the family is still deciding if they are going to push for treatment or not. Upon the Pastor's visit yesterday, Karen was sat up in her hospital bed, her head all wrapped up, while having a big smile across her face. What a wonderful, positive, person she is. I on the other hand, am terrified to even visit her. I don't know what to say in such situations and I'm afraid that I'll just burst into tears like I did this morning while I read Pastor's email in the privacy of my own office. It just dawned on me that I can't handle it - that Karen is handling it better than I am. I just cried, and cried, and cried and prayed like crazy for a miracle while thinking about her three daughters who are my age.

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Calm Nervousness...

I absolutely hate feeling nervous. The horrible thing about it is that once it's all said and done, the anticipation from it all would be pointless - because whatever it is is always not as bad as it seems.

I'm giving a presentation in an hour. The presentation itself is not bad, but the end with the Q & A is something I dread with passion. There's always that one a-hole who'll try to sabotage everything because he is a know it all. Back in college, it was a girl a-hole. Didn't know what in the world I did for her to put me on the spot but I confronted her - she said nothing - then left me alone. I just don't want to go through that again.

Nonetheless, photography has taken a step back and I'm not happy about it - hopefully I'll be able to go out, forget about the tragic "formatted SD card" incident and get on with it.

Good news: in less than a month, we're going on VACATION!!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!!!

#5 - Colette

Challenge 5: Complete a 365 day photo challenge
Picture 38 - Colette
(Pic 38/365) - (Yesterday's photos)

A week ago Dre told me that his relatives in Miami can no longer take care of their dog, Colette (little Havanese cutie). We met the cute pup earlier this year when we went to Florida on holiday. Even then, I already loved her. She was this loving, adorable, energetic, sweet girl full of personality, made more beautiful by the pony tail gathered on top of her head. Absolute darling.

Dre and I had a talk and decided that we could use more excitement to add to our already exciting lives (What's one more?). He telephoned Jody & Susan back and then one thing lead to another - until yesterday at the airport. I've been anticipating Colette's arrival for a week and couldn't wait to see her again.

Her flight landed 20 minutes later, but still no Colette. I decided to go to the baggage claim department but no one was there... then the back door opened and out came this lady carrying a pet crate. I took one look and yelled, "COLETTE!!!" She barked immediately as I knelt to peek inside the kennel. As soon as she got out of the cage she jumped and gave me kisses all over. Just melts my heart... I nearly cried. She remembered me instantly. I'm such a sap. Dre came following when he heard the barking.

Anyway, it's going to take a few weeks for the kids to coexist. They're still trying to get to know each other but eventually, they'll be BFFs. It's going to be an interesting household. :-)

{ Dre, Elle, Jean-the-Cat, Pretzel-Moose, Colette }

>> So tired. I'll post today's photo shoot tomorrow.

Pahk the Cah in the Hahvahd Yahd

You kidding me right? Did it really happen? And the answer is, YES!!!!!

I'm still in disbelief. Here goes. My three good friends (2 childhood friends and 1 college friend - aka 1/2 my bridal party - see pic above) are now living in Massachusetts - at the city I grew up in. Coincidence or providence? Providence most likely.

Anyway, I am extremely happy for friendships that blossomed because of me - yet very jealous that I wont be part of the new memories. Because while they're enjoying their time together, New England, Cumberland Farms, Del's Lemonade, and the Bostonian Accent (Pahk the Cah in the Hahvahd Yahd) --- Ya'll, I'm in Iowa!!! IOWA!!!

I desperately miss familiar grounds and old friendships...

>> Side note: Welcome to our family, Colette. Blogging about this tomorrow.
>> Photo Challenge: Will be posted tomorrow.

#5 - Tan Suede Shoes

Challenge 5: Complete a 365 day photo challenge
Picture 28 - Tan Suede Shoes
(Pic 28/365)

Baby Abigail's shoes - our friend, Claire's daughter. These tiny shoes are so adorable. It's one of those things you hold in your hands and say, "Awe..." -- It was in the corner ignored... I just had to take a picture of it.

Today didn't exactly start off that great. There was a get together at mom & dad's house at noon. Since I couldn't bring the pie I baked yesterday (because Dre ate a big piece of it), I decided to whip up a box of Au Gratin Potatoes. I thought I had all the ingredients but:

1. The milk in the fridge was expired
2. I opened the margarine container but there were vegetables inside

So, because of the time constraints, I asked my brother for the ingredients (which he had). He drove right on over to give me the stuff. So there I was rushing to put the dish together, then soon placed it in the oven - timed it for 20 minutes then off I went to prepare my clothes for the day. 5 minutes later Izzy (brother) says, "Something smells like it's burning!" -- He opened the oven and then...

D I S A S T E R

I nearly cried. It was almost time to go and I wasn't ready... and then the mess. Dre came to see the commotion and said that it will be okay -- that he'll help me clean it up when it cools down. It disappointed me more than anything because I've baked with that Pyrex container for as long as I can remember and then, IT EXPLODES!!!  Worst of all, it's not my container, it's my mom's... well... was. When she found out, she had this disappointed look on her face... which just pissed me off because it was an accident. But now that I look back to the whole scenario, it's pretty darn funny. lol.

Moving right along, more pictures of lunch at mom & dad's house... also celebrated our friend, Julie's 28th Birthday (the candle says 1, but she's 28):