730 Days and Counting

2 years ago today (oops make that yesterday…slow to publish) I met my husband.  Some days it seems like just yesterday, other times it seems like a lifetime ago.  I figured today would be a good time to write down all I remember about our first date. 

Keith and I had texted and chatted quite a while before we met in person.  He asked me out several times, but I was so busy with a project at work, that our timing never worked out.  To add to the complexity, he was working afternoon shift while I worked day shift.  On weekends, he often had his son, so we really had to be creative about getting together.  We finally settled on a lunch date one day in the middle of November.  I remember thinking; this is going to suck like all of the other dates I had been on.  I didn’t even put effort into getting ready.  I wore clothes that I had worn before and barely did any extra prep for my hair or make-up.  I actually walked into the mall while talking to my Grandmother (we met at Garfields inside of the mall). 

When I first saw him, I thought, wow, he’s cute (and shorter than me), but he had a warm, welcoming smile that instantly calmed my nerves.  We sat down, ordered and had a good conversation over a crispy chicken salad and the lunch quesadillas.  Time seemed to fly by, but I remember it actually being fun.  We left the restaurant and went our separate ways.  When he didn’t walk me to my car, I thought, well, guess that didn’t go as well as I hoped (guess I should have bought new outfit lol). 

Later in the day, I got a text from him…things were looking up.  From there, we started talking daily.  We got together for lunches, dinners and desserts.  I could write for hours about the fun dates we went on and the times he showed up after a long shift just to bring me dessert.  He was the guy that I waited quite a long time for. 

I’ll never forget the day I fell in love with him either – February 15^th, 2012.  On the 14^th I was so mad at him for blowing off Valentines Day.  When he suggested rescheduling dinner for another night, I shot back with “Or I could just cook” to which he responded, “Ok.”  Needless to say, my blood was boiling.  We finally cancelled dinner plans completely and knowing that I was upset about something, he stopped by to see me before driving home to Pennsylvania.  We traded gifts and he headed home. 

Later that evening, I ended up in the Emergency Room with severe stomach pains which led to me being admitted.  He offered to come back down to sit with me.  On the 15^th, he came to the hospital.  He was packing flowers, a portable DVD player and DVDs to entertain me.  He showed up later with a frozen coffee and magazines.  None of the gifts were what did me in, but instead the fact that he endured meeting most of my family and friends in the matter of days.  He was a trooper and I knew he’d always be by my side no matter what. 

So there’s our story….Nicholas Sparks isn’t going to base a movie on it, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.  I love that goober, he’s been my biggest headache and my biggest answer to prayer all wrapped into one.  Happy 2 Years, Honey =)

The "You're Sweet Because..." bouquet I made him. 

You've Got Mail

It is ridiculous how excited I get over these little boxes.  Birchbox arrived a few days ago and of course I ripped into it!!  I feel like they give me a right to go for a good long soak in the tub and pamper myself. 

Beauty Protector Shampoo and Conditioner – Just another shampoo and conditioner; nothing extraordinary.  Seeing the word vegan on them made me worry, but they both smelled good and seemed to get my hair clean.  I’m not going to rush out and purchase them, but I will definitely finish off the samples. 

Color Club On The Rocks Nail Polish – Haven’t actually given myself a pedi yet, but this will be a fun color to use on the paint all nails one color and paint a random nail another color.  I’m not sure I would want all of my toes shiny silver, but at least it is a fun color to mix things up. 

Dr Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm – This helped cover my darn PCOS acne (which is the most annoying thing ever) but didn’t seem to moisturize like it promotes.  Basically just felt like another foundation product.  I did like that the color was a good match for my skin.  I’ll pack it around in my make-up bag to cover up the bumps and dark circles. 

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Noir Perfume – My sister has worn this for years, and I love the smell of it.  It may make its way onto my Christmas list.

Ghiradelli Toffee Crunch Bar – The husband stole this.  Somehow he thinks that he is entitled to one item out of each box.  I surely didn’t need the calories, but kudos to Birchbox for sending a full size candy bar lol

Overall, a good box.  I’ll already stalking the mailbox for the next one…..wondering if it will be something great for Christmas!!!

Bobby Flay Kind of Day

Today I’ll be Bobby Flay and Throw Down some recipes that we’ve tried lately.  I don’t know if you can even call these recipes since I never measure ANYTHING, but I'll share anyway.

BBQ Pizza (stole this idea from Cici’s Pizza)

Similar recipe: BBQ Pizza

2 store bought Flatbread crusts

Small container of pulled pork in BBQ sauce

Shredded cheddar cheese

Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce

Green Peppers – diced

Onions – diced

Brush crusts with olive oil

Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on shells

Microwave pulled pork and scatter on top of sauce

Add peppers and onions (I would recommend sautéing these first…unless you like super crunchy veggies on pizza)

Add another layer of BBQ sauce

Top with cheese

Bake according to crust directions

Shrimp Lo Mein

My version is so far from authentic Chinese food that I can’t even find anything close to link to. 

Sautee veggies in vegetable oil – we used mushrooms, peppers, green onions, garlic and water chestnuts. 

Whip 2 eggs and add to the side of wok to scramble.

Add tail-off shrimp after rinsing and cook until pink

Add a packet of pre-cooked lo mein noodles.

Add stir-fry sauce, soy sauce and Sriracha Sauce (depending if you like it hot)

Toss around and serve

Chicken Pot Pie

I use that recipe as my base but Hollynize it quite a bit based on reviews.

1. I cook frozen mixed veggies, two peeled and diced potatoes, onions and mushrooms in chicken broth along with 4 large chicken breasts. 
2. When cooked, drain the veggies and chicken but catch the broth in another bowl. 
3. Cube up chicken and sit those ingredients aside.
4. I double the ingredients for the sauce and reuse the chicken broth I boiled ingredients in.  (The regular recipe makes the pie very dry!)  I skip the onions because they are in the veggies.
5. I also add a ton more seasonings to the mix.  Salt, pepper, celery seed, savory seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. 
6. Mix the sauce, chicken and veggies in a bowl. 
7. I use the premade box crusts – roll out the bottom one, brush with egg whites and fill with guts and add 2^nd crust on top.  Repeat for a second pie (doubling sauce makes plenty of guts for 2).  Seal the crusts, slit the tops and bake on bottom shelf on 375 for 45 minutes. 

The hubby has given all three a thumbs up.  I think he is tired of chopping onions for me, but seems quite content when his belly is full lol.

Standing On My Head

I’ve watched 16 and Pregnant.  I’ve watched Discovery Health’s I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant.  I’ve seen the emotions a family goes through when their teenage daughter gets pregnant.  It seems like this society is filled with Ooops pregnancies. 

CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHY IT IS SO DIFFICULT FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE TRYING TO GET PREGNANT ON PURPOSE?!?!

I’ve read the blogs, the websites, the discussion boards….I am one step shy of looking for Conception for Dummies on Amazon.  I think I get the gist of how it all works.  Thankfully my education in this department did not stop with my mother’s “talk” about the rooster, barn and fertilizer after an episode of Doogie Howser. 

My husband is sick of my beeping thermometer.  I am sick of the Clomid crazies.  My best friend is tired of the whining.  I am starting to feel like this whole adventure is a part time job.  I was hoping I was seasonal help, but sheesh, seems like I am on the permanent payroll now. 

We have passed the 6 month point in our marriage.  The baby questions are flying.  The expectation is there.  I think if my family doesn’t receive a cute prego announcement at Christmas, they are going to be surprised. Today alone, my coworkers joked about my Secret Santa bringing me pregnancy tests and my friend sent a group email demanding I get pregnant.  They mean no harm and clearly have no idea that the questions make my heart hurt.  I’ve naively asked the same questions before…

I have said from day one that I will not go certain routes to be a birth mother.  I pass no judgment on women and their journeys (except maybe Michelle Duggar), but for me personally, I don’t see IVF or any other surgical methods in my future.  I’ll never say never and again, I am 100% onboard for whatever techniques people choose for their family, but right now I’m not even considering that route. 

I’ve feared for years that when I finally found Mr. Right, that my body wouldn’t cooperate.  Hopefully down the road I look back at these ramblings and giggle, but for now, I just ramble and continue standing on my head. 

The Halls

My family and I joke a lot about “being a Hall”…..sometimes I think it sounds like we have some kind of disease, “Oh that’s just the Hall in her.”  Other times, it’s more of a flying insult, “Oh she’s having a Hall fit.”  In the end though, we are a special breed of humans. 

The definition of a Hall

(noun)

1.     Someone with a stubborn streak a mile long.  We are some bullheaded people…it’s my way or the highway.  We often refer to this as determined, set in our ways, contrary, but in the end, we are just plain stubborn.

2.     Someone who is always right.  My Uncle and I like to make it clear that we are not the know-it-alls that people hate, we just simply don’t open our mouths unless we truly know the answer.  I’ll bow out gracefully if I’m clueless, but darn it if I’m telling ya I know the answer, I know the answer. 

3.     Someone who likes to fix things.  We make everyone’s problems our problems.  We mother, we take charge, we get on a mission to fix something or someone whether it is repairable or not.  I’ve been told we get a look in our eyes when we’re on this kick.

4.     We believe that all things can be fixed with food.  In happy times, in sad times, in hard times, we think that a good casserole is the perfect answer.  Someone dies, we cook. 

5.     We are bossy.  We can bark orders and make people march.  My nicknames over the years have included Chief, Bossy, Sergeant, and Hitler (didn’t say they were all nice.)

6.     We have a lead foot.  I think it relates to our impatience, but we are all notorious for pushing the gas pedal and getting in a few fender benders.

7.     We are fiercely loyal.  We have each other’s backs….some of the stories are downright comical.  Let’s just say one of the few people that divorced his way out of the family will tell you it is better to be on our good side than our bad side.

8.     And from all of the aforementioned traits, it is clear that we’re crazy.  As my Father says, we are the safe kinda nuts, you have to worry about the ones that deny their craziness. 

So there’s the Halls in a nutshell…..I wouldn’t trade my family for the world.  The whole big, loud, crazy bunch of them  =)  

Quitter

Let’s be honest, I’m tired of writing about my boring, repetitive life and people are tired of reading about it.  How in the world do people make it 31 days??!  I’m a 31 Days of Real Life dropout. 

On to more important things:

1. My sister finally got the keys to her new house and I got to organize her FiestaWare by color.  Win win.  I’m so excited for her and Randy to actually get to enjoy married life now!
2. Perry’s flag football team won the championship game!!
   
   
   
3. I got a wonderful discount on Halloween candy that none of us need…I am weak when Reese’s pumpkins are involved.
4. We got approved for our new used car loan and the old one is officially for sale.
5. I’ve decided that we’re winging it this month….no ovulation predictors, no calendar and temperature stalking, no worrying.  We’ll see how that goes. 
   
   
   
6. I’m already ready for Spring….the bare trees and gloomy weather is wearing on me. 
7. Missing Mom right now….no real reason, just would like to have her here.  Losing her ripped out a part of my heart that will never heal….
8. Please say a prayer for my HannahBug.  She’s been having a hard time lately and could use some prayers and happy days.
9. I put out my Got Turkey flag and Turkey door décor yesterday….it is my version of the crazy lady holiday sweater and I’m not one bit ashamed!!
   
   That’s my brain dump for now.  Happy Monday and holy cow where did November come from?!?!?!