Love Story, Part II

PART II
Enter: Day of the blind date.

If you know me well, you know that I am always on time. When I say "on time," I mean a few minutes early. I can't help it. Needless to say, I tried really hard to be a few minutes late to The Natural Cafe because I wanted him to be there first. I didn't know who he was or what he looked like so I figured that if I was a bit on the later side of 11:45am, I'd see a man standing solo and know that it was Jared.

Well, of course, I'm driving (insert: safe speeding) to The Natural Cafe talking to myself and kind of freaking out with nervousness when I realize that I am going to be early. True to my nature, I pulled into the parking lot at 11:43. Oops. Now I became the one standing solo waiting for an unknown man to walk through the door.

To give credit to Jared, he, too, is a timely person. He just knows how to be "on time" and not early. He arrived at 11:45 on the dot.

We met, exchanged hugs, ordered our food (he paid - bonus points!), found a table, and started talking...and we didn't stop talking for 2 hours. We both didn't really touch our food. Blame the nerves and the constant conversation.
It was the best blind date (and only blind date) I've ever been on.

Of course, the only awkward part of this first meeting was our goodbye. We both didn't quite know what to say! I didn't want to initiate a second date because I felt that it was his job if he enjoyed the time with me. He didn't want to seem too eager...so we both said something along the lines of "I'll see you around." Interesting.

Luckily, we'd talked about hiking during lunch and, since he was such a nice guy and easy to talk to, I decided that I would risk it and ask him to hike with me on my day off. I jumped the gun, texted him a hiking invitation, and he accepted. He was going to ask me on a second date but didn't want to do it on the same day as our first date. He had plans to call on Saturday, but seeing as I texted him on Friday night proposing a Monday hike, I beat him to it. Points for me?

Monday's hike to Tangerine Falls came and went.
A formal date to Trattoria Vittoria on the following Friday again went smoothly as we talked the night away.
We made a date night to the Banff Film Festival.
He met my family at the bowling alley...
and pretty soon we were "officially" dating.
I had myself a boyfriend. A real, genuine, loving, wonderful boyfriend.

Our first picture together - March 2012

Love Story, Part I

I fear that this blog may become sappy and cheesey and "corn ball," as my college roommate would say, but I just can't help it.
I want to tell a little story.
The story of how I fell in love because, well, I want it preserved and because I think that it is a fairly wonderful story.

Grab some coffee, sit back, relax, and enjoy...or quick - close this up and go on to your other blog reading.

PART I.

It all began when I helped host a party at a friend's house. My personality must have been shining brightly that night because the host of the party, DW, found his wife very shortly thereafter and mentioned that he might have a match for me.

Now, let it be known that DW is NOT a match-maker. He has never made a match nor does he have any intention of playing matchmaker in the future. He is batting 1,000 (100% success rate - 1 for 1) and I think he'll keep it that way.

A few weeks passed and I was unaware of any matchmaking schemes. One day at church, KW found me and asked if I'd be okay being set up on a blind date. I responded, "Bring it on!" Of course, I thought she was just joking...but she wasn't. She called DW over and he told me of a man with whom I might get along well. Of course, all I got were a few basic facts.

His name was Jared.
He was a Christian.
He went to Reality Church.
He was Italian.
He was ambitious.
He wasn't super tall but had dark hair.

Well, I clearly was feeling free - what's the worse that could happen? You meet for awkward coffee or lunch and then part ways...right?
I gave DW my phone number, he passed it along to Jared, and Jared waited a looooong time to call.

To be fair, Jared got the stomach flu shortly after getting my phone number and didn't want to be sick on our first date (so thoughtful).

Finally, he called.
On Valentine's Day.
During my lunch break.
And yes, I had food in my mouth when I answered the phone. So attractive.
We chatted on the phone for a few minutes and then made plans to meet a few days later at The Natural Cafe for lunch. Friday, February 17th at 11:45am.

Did I know this man? No.
Did I know what he looked like? Nope. Not really.
Did he come with high recommendations? Off the charts. My dad knows some guys that work with him and they all came unglued with compliments the moment they heard that I was going on a blind date with him.
Was I nervous? Absolutely.
Did I know he would be my future husband? Ha ha ha! No way. That thought never even crossed my mind. I just hoped the lunch would be pain-free and as unawkward as possible.
Little did I know...

ENGAGED!

I get to marry this man.
I am one lucky girl.

Life's a changin'

I have to laugh when I look back and see that the last time I posted was February 8th...a mere 6 days before my life completely changed. All I can say is that life has been full in the last 6 months! It's amazing how off the blog grid you get when you are dating!

Blame this face.

And would you believe me if I told you that it all started with a complete blind date?
Well, believe me.
His boss met me, thought I would be perfect for him, gave him my phone number and left it all in his hands to make the first step...and he did.
He called me on Valentine's Day (what?!) to set up a lunch date and the rest is history.
I fell in love.

Perhaps someday I'll get around to telling our "love story"...

Pinterest

Pinterest is wonderful.
The Pinterest "Education" tab is even more wonderful...or perhaps I should say it is wonderfully addicting. I could spend hours on there (and have).
Here are some of the things that I have been teaching.
Some of the ideas came from my own head but, to be honest, most of them came from Pinterest. My favorite.

Source: theinspiredapple.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

Artichoke Bread

February 5, 2012
The day the country sat on couches, ate lots of food, and watched the Patriots play the Giants...
I think the Superbowl is entertaining, as long as there is food, great commercials, and friends.

That being said, I think I really like the Superbowl because it gives me an excuse to cook and feed people - my favorite!
This year? Artichoke Bread.
It's basically deconstructed artichoke dip. Delicious.

Here is the link: http://www.closetcooking.com/2010/01/artichoke-bread.html

While you are there, you might as well check out the rest of his recipes. He has talent. I have yet to be disappointed.

Throwing the rulebook out the window.

I just a whole bell pepper...and lots of spinach.
I feel a little like Popeye. Are my muscles bulging yet?
All that vitamin A and vitamin C better stop any student germs from making me sick.

Tonight, I did something that I never do: I cooked without a recipe (gasp!).
I am a rule follower and a recipe follower. I never ever just "put a little of this and a little of that"...I am too much of a control freak for that :)

Times are a changin', though, because tonight, I made stuffed bell peppers and I just randomly threw ingredients together, stuffed, baked, and ate. And let me tell you: the final product was delicious.



Red bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, ground turkey, Italian seasoning, sauteed red onion, garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, a little milk, crushed red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.
Try it. I dare you to cook with a recipe.

Say CHEESE!

Last month, my friend group started a tradition - Iron Chef battles. A little cheesey, you say? Why, yes, yes it was.

Our first battle was Iron Chef Santa Barbara Battle Cheese! And it was cheesey and wonderful.

I was so impressed by everyone's dishes. My friends are awesome.

Helping me bring my A-game was this recipe: Carmelized Pear and Gorgonzola Quiche.

I recently fell in love with gorgonzola cheese and this quiche did not disappoint my gorgonzola taste-buds.

Caramelized Pear and Gorgonzola Quiche

Filling:

1/4 cup pancetta (diced)

1 large shallot (diced)

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 pears (cored and sliced into bite sized pieces)

4 eggs (lightly beaten)

1 cup half and half

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/2 cup gorgonzola (crumbled)

1 pre-baked crust (I use my single crust pie crust - flour/tiny bit of sugar/salt/milk/oil)

Cook the pancetta and shallot in a pan. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the sugar and cook until bubbly, about 3 minutes. Add the pear and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Mix the pears, eggs, half and half, thyme and gorgonzola and pour it into the pre-baked pie crust. Bake in a preheated 375F oven until golden brown on top and set in the center, about 25-45 minutes.

Next battle? Battle Pizza Dough. It will be brought.

a personal favorite.

gifts, XI

140. buying things on sale
139. picnicing at the park
138. receiving mail
137. new books
136. eating tangerines
135. walking at night in silence
134. beautiful sunsets that take your breath away
133. curling up in a chair in the last gleam of the day's sun
132. reminiscing
131. drinking water (excessible, free water)
130. listening to a new song
129. taking a back road and not the freeway

"laughing all the way..."

This weekend, I was "home for the holidays," which is a big joke with my family because I only live about 15 miles from my parents' house.

Nonetheless, I was home, sleeping in my old room, eating from my parents' stocked fridge (yes!), taking walks with my mom and dad, reading on the couch with my cat, and...
laughing.
I am pretty sure an hour did not pass where there was not laughter in the house.

We were outta control. I am my father's daughter and we find way too much humor in everyday life - I absolutely love it.

My heart is full and I am so, so thankful for my family.

gifts, X

128. living in the same town as my family
127. new friendship
126. wise words from those who have lived life longer than myself
125. the varying thoughts and perspectives of my homegroup
124. singing in the shower (best acoustics!)
123. using my two feet to dance
122. walking through Farmer's Market
121. seeing rows of brightly colored, beautiful zinnias
120. time spent with my grandpa, whose days may be few
119. praying with a long-distance friend over the phone
118. handwritten notes of encouragement

...

...the end all in life is to glorify God.

Everything we do should be done for the glory of God...
and this is how I will live.
As I teach,
As I mentor,
As I live with others,
As I talk,
As I laugh,
As I interact with my little Tan Tag kids,
As I worship,
As I read,
As I work.
Everything I do should be done for the glory of God.

gifts, IX

117. speaking the Lord's prayer
116. the sound of a group of children laughing
115. the scent of a candle burning
114. feeling the Holy Spirit present in a room
113. being so happy that I squeal the unattractive squeal :)
112. sunrise on a clear morning
111. an apple tree brimming with apples
110. the simple joy of a child while petting a donkey
109. bright orange pumpkins covering the ground
108. the fog rolling in over the mountains
107. words of wisdom from my grandpa
106. examples of long-lasting and healthy marriages
105. family time, any time
104. the smell (and blessing) of a new car
103. late night walks with my roommate
102. older men crying with passion for people who have never heard the name Jesus
101. early morning prayer

"Follow Me"

I am reading Thomas Keller's The Prodigal God and I came across this little number tonight. Such a good little story and a great little reminder about following Jesus for Jesus...not for our own pleasure/satisfaction/glory.

One day Jesus said to his disciples: "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." He didn't give any explanation. So the disciples looked around for a stone to carry, and Peter, being the practical sort, sought out the smallest stone he could possibly find. After all, Jesus didn't give any regulations for weight and size!
So he put it in his pocket.
Jesus then said: "Follow Me." He led them on a journey. About noontime Jesus had everyone sit down. He waved his hands and all the stones turned to bread. He said, "Now it's time for lunch." In a few seconds, Peter's lunch was over.
When lunch was done Jesus told them to stand up.
He said again, "I'd like you to carry a stone for Me." This time Peter said, "Aha! Now I get it!" So he looked around and saw a small boulder. He hoised it on his back and it was painful, it made him stagger. But he said, "I can't wait for supper."
Jesus then said: "Follow Me." He led them on a journey, with Peter barely being able to keep up. Around supper time Jesus led them to the side of a river. He said, "Now everyone throw your stones into the water."
They did.
Then he said, "Follow Me," and began to walk. Peter and the others looked at him dumbfounded. Jesus sighed and said, "Don't you remember what I asked you to do? Who were you carrying the stone for?"
(pages 58-59)

gifts, VIII

100. phone calls from a best friend
99. finding so much truth in one single Bible verse
98. the chorus of voices speaking together
97. the smell of my hands after peeling an orange
96. a fire burning in a fireplace
95. warm brownies and ice cream
94. voices singing harmony
93. clean toilets
92. a blue patch peeking out of an overcast sky
91. the first sip of coffee
90. lists of thankfulness to give me a better perspective on life
89. tying my shoelaces
88. the sound of trumpets
87. baking a new recipe
86. laughing so hard I cry
85. game nights with friends
84. bright colored Gerber daisies
83. eyesight to read books
82. a full inbox of e-mails from my mama, just checking in

gifts, VII

81. friendships since 1st grade

gifts, VI

80. lightning flashing in the sky
79. thunder booming
78. sleeping in
77. drinking tea
76. painting a blank canvas
75. holding a newborn baby
74. the way Noah says "Kim" when I walk through the door
73. being asked out on a date
72. mason jars filled with tea lights
71. afternoon movie watching
70. newly painted toenails
69. seeing a friend excited and in love
68. the glint of diamonds in the sunlight
67. tan lines
66. watching bread rise in the oven

gifts, V

65. iced coffee at the French Press
64. dessert with my grandparents
63. wearing a dress
62. road trips
61. hearing my parent's engagement story
60. laughing at my dad's goofiness
59. family dinners with the parents, brother, and sister-in-law
58. sand in my toes
57. holding hands
56. my mom's laughter
55. a Sunday with no plans or obligations
54. reminiscing about childhood stories

gifts, IV

53. palm trees
52. reaching down to touch my toes
51. stretching
50. walking
49. emptying a clean dishwasher
48. a new bar of soap
47. fleece blankets
46. wrapping my hands around a warm cup of tea
45. the blue/purple sky of an impending storm
44. using coupons and saving money :)
43. a clean whiteboard
42. hugs from students excited to see you
41. soft raindrops falling on me as a listen to an outdoor concert