Today's Fall Menu

I love the changing seasons and to eat accordingly.

Breakfast: 2 fried duck eggs, 2 slices fresh bagette w/ butter, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries (last of the season)

Lunch: Cedar-grilled salmon, 1/2 cup wild rice, 1/2 cup seasonal vegetables (last peppers of summer, asparagus, broccoli, turnips), chocolate underground yogurt

Dinner: Wild mushroom ravioli w/ herbs, parm and olive oil from our trip to Spain, garden salad, strawberries & dark chocolate, red wine

Lost Maples State Park

Alexander and I took Ollie on his first camping trip last weekend to Lost Maples State Park. The weather was remarkably cooler - I even wore a long sleeve shirt! Ollie saw his first deer and did really well on the trail, which is very rocky with about a 1.5 mile climb and decent on the 5-mile trail. Although, he did sleep for about two days after that, including trying to push Alexander and I out of our sleeping bags when it got cool at night. It was a great trip and a way for us to get out of the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives. Pics coming soon...

Life as I know it

It has really been one shit storm after another. Seriously. When I wrote my last blog post little did I know my dad's minor surgery had turned into a major problem and he was in a coma for three weeks. We were told he likely would not survive. As my father's power of attorney and not being able to advocate for himself, I was at the hospital every day, communicating his wishes. It was the worst month of my entire life. It was so short, yet agonizingly long. It also taught me who my friends are and more importantly, who they are not. I am so, so happy to say my dad did wake up and quickly learned to talk, walk etc. He is a miracle and I am so pleased to have him in my life for a while longer. We are blessed!

After the last few months, I really need to count my blessings. Here is what I am thankful for:

1. The Best Husband Ever!
2. I get to spend more time with my father.
3. I know if I really need my mom she will be there.
4. Best friends you could ever ask for. They really stepped up and continue to do so.
5. My husband and I have great job with decent pay - something to be said for this in our economy!
6. The lump in my right breast isn't cancer.
7. We have a savings account to pay for fertility drugs that most people would not be able to afford.
8. OLIVER! Happiness wrapped in a furry blanket
9. The sun, the moon and the stars - thank you Universe!
10. The ability to run my fucking ass off when I feel like it.

Challenges always create opportunities

I usually try to keep it light on the blog but I also try to keep it honest and things aren't always so easy. Alexander and I have learned in the past nine months that we are experiencing infertility issues. I've already gone through the motions: denial, anger, resistance to what is and acceptance. We are exploring every angle, getting second and even third opinions and we'll figure it out. However, the opportunity we are creating is one of a healthy lifestyle that will create longevity in our lives. We are eating healthy, cutting back on excess and increasing our exercise. This bump in the road is turning out to be an extreme motivator for taking care of ourselves and nurturing our marriage. This is one of those things that can make or break a marriage. I know I speak for both of us when I say we have never been happier. We are going to live, love, laugh, travel, enjoy each other and our loving pets. When it's the right time, we will be blessed with a baby - I just know it.

Colored jeans

I've been totally rocking this great pair of AG Stevie Ankle colored jeans. They are so fun, in style and a really breathable, light fabric perfect for the 100+ degree weather we are experiencing in Texas. I have actually been able to wear them with many different tops and shoes and would highly recommend dropping the cash to have them shipped pronto. They are great for petites and require no hemming, which is nothing short of a miracle. Photo courtesy Anthropologie.com.

Summer Fun

Check out the comic book strip of Ollie enjoying his baby pool is this triple digit weather. Who wouldn't want to skinny dip with him?!

KUSAMA!

On our recent vacation to the Spanish Basque country (for which there should and will be many more blog posts), Alexander and I had one full day and Madrid and took advantage by going to one of their amazing museums. As a result, I am now obsessed with the artist Yayoi Kusama.

This blogger put it well when they called her the high priestess of polka dots. I love you, Kusama!!!

Wedding Weekend

Two of our best couple friends are getting married tomorrow in the Hill Country - the fabulous Amanda & Josh and wonderful Julia & Christian. Alexander and I are very excited to be a part of both weddings. Will post pics soon...

Other than that there are 10 days left in the legislative session, 14 days until we hightail it to San Sebastian, Spain, and 24 days until I start the 40-Day Personal Revolution at Breath & Body Yoga Studio.

All very exciting stuff!

Girl Crush & Italian Food

I have a HUGE girl crush on Giada from the Food Network. Most of you know I have pretty severe ADD and have never been able to follow a recipe, especially without the institutional knowledge needed to do so. I have been recording Giada each week so I can see how she actual makes the dishes, like chopping, order of steps etc. I made shrimp and sausage cioppino last night and it was a big hit. I also learned I love cooking with wine so I can drink the leftover:)Hoping to learn some more Italian dishes to add to my small but expanding repertoire. Photo courtesy of the Food Network.

Ollie!

I wanted to post some new pics of our 6.5-month-old baby, Ollie! He's close to the 40-pound mark and could not be a sweeter, cuter dog. His favorite thing to do now is bring us toys from his crate - he literally will not get out of the crate without something in his mouth - and swimming. He loves the water! I can't wait to take him on the kayak this summer.

A + J's Wedding Shower

Wedding Season is upon us! Alexander and I had the honor and pleasure of hosting a couple's shower for my best friend, Amanda, and her soon to be husband, Josh. About 40 people joined us in honor of the happy couple, and we enjoyed great wine, beer, BBQ and music. We had amazing help from our fellow hosts in putting together the big event. On a selfish note, I loved being able to get all the girls together in one place (see above picture). Amanda and Josh are going to be so happy together. I couldn't imagine anyone better for my friend to spend the rest of her life with! Congrats, Amanda!

Mexico!

Alexander and I just barely escaped the freak snow that happened in Austin last Thursday night on a quick trip to Mexico. Our flight left at 7 a.m. and by 2 p.m. we were bathing in the hot Mexican Riviera sun. Yeehaw! While we are not resort people, we decided to try it out since we did not have much time to plan. We stayed at Excellence Resort's Playa Mujeres location. Wow! Disneyland for adults. The food was not spectacular but was fresh and healthy enough for a 4-day, 3-night trip. There was also a bed waiting for you everywhere you went - the pool, the beach, your hotel room balcony! And every room is equipped with it's own hot tub. The resort's spa was such a sight to see and the experience was wonderful. The alcohol was all top shelf and they were not stingy. I am ready to go back now. More pics coming soon...

Girl's Weekend

I headed to Houston this weekend with one of my besties for some culture and to celebrate the birthday of one of my lonftime girlfriends. We started off the day with a trip to the Menil Collection. I love a couple rooms in the Cy Twombly Gallery (one pictured to the left) and always the Surrealist room in the main building.

We also visted Angora for a glass of wine, had great sushi and finished off the night at Houston's oldest bar (right photo). Overall a fabulous weekend!

Golden Globes Best Dressed

has to be Anne Hathaway. Love her! She is my thinspiration - not too skinny and just enough curve.

Photo courtesy Who What Wear