Artichokes

Ok, if you know me pre-VA Beach, then you may not know that I have become rather adventurous with food. I love to try new things, especially new vegetables. Now, I have had marinated artichokes before and artichokes on pizza, but I had never had an artichoke plain. Well, Thursday night I learned from Alton Brown how to cook it whole or just the hearts, and how to eat them. So, I bought an artichoke this weekend and made it this weekend. Can I say this could be a new favorite food?!?! Of course, you have to work for your food, so that keeps you eating at a slower pace. Nonetheless, I love it dipped in lemon butter. YUM-O!! Anyone have other artichoke suggestions?

Do people post these on blogs?

My old roomie from college "tagged" me on her blog to fill this out. So, I guess I will for you Berly since you are the only person that reads this thing! Thank you for being my audience!

1. Were you named after anyone? Many people would like to think I was named after Pam Dawber's character in Mork and MIndy. NOT TRUE! Also, my family says my middle name is a combo of my dad's middle name and my mother's first name. Could be but it wasn't intentional. That is what the 'rents say anyways.
2. When was the last time you cried? I got pretty choked up today hearing my friend Michelle's fabulous story. I will share it on here soon when I get more details. Sneak preview: this is better than any Lifetime movie!
3. Do you like your handwriting? No, not really
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Not wild about lunch meat
5. Do you have kids? No, but I feel like most of the partners at my Starbucks are my children!
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Of course and we would laugh about nothing all the time. Oh wait, "we" already do...
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Perhaps
8. Do you still have your tonsils? yes
9. Would you bungee jump? Are you kidding me? I am terrified of heights. Flying in an airplane is about as adventurous I will be concerning high places.
10. What is your favorite cereal? I don't do cereal much but there is nothing like the sugar coated mouth after Fruity Pebbles and Frosted Flakes!
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Nah, too much work
12. Do you think you are strong? Head strong or Physically strong?
13. What is your favorite ice cream? I love Mayfield's ice cream and discovered last night that my new neighborhood Harris Teeter carries it! I am so excited!!!
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Dunno
15. Red or pink? Depends - I have been wearing more pink lately but buying red things for my kitchen.
16. What is the thing that you like least about yourself? I have a tendency to spread myself too thin and I am way critical of people and things.
17. Who do you miss the most? I miss my family alot.
19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Pink pj pants and no shoes...It's bedtime!
20. Have you ever re-gifted? I really don't know
21. What are you listening to right now? Me pecking on the keyboard
22. If you were a crayon what color would you be? Are you serious?
23. Favorite smells? Clothes out of the dryer, espresso in a newly opened bag
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Brittany Carpenter Jepson
25. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Oh Berly! I love this person even though we have had some ups and downs. I miss living with her.
26. Favorite sports to watch? Football and Futbol :o)
30. Favorite food? PIZZA
31. Scary movies or happy endings? Happy endings.
32. Last movie you watched? I think it was Ratatouille on DVD.
33. What color shirt are you wearing? gray
34. Summer or winter? fall
35. Hugs or kisses? Probably Hugs, you get those from more people. Well, I do anyways.
36. Favorite dessert? Cannoli and crepes from Baker's Crust
37. What book are you reading now? Always the Word :o) and I am also reading "Running for Women" "Liberal Fascism" "God and Man at Yale."
38. What is on your mousepad? No mousepad at this computer but I think I have an US Army mousepad at work
39. What did you watch on tv last night? Nothing
40. Favorite sound? The sound of a peppermint patty breaking in half
41. Rolling stones or Beatles? Beatles
42. What is the furthest you have been from home? I lived in Germany for about 2 years as a child, does that count?
43. Do you have a special talent? special talent? I can drive a 5 speed while talking on the phone and eating oatmeal. That is special, right?
44. Where were you born? Las Vegas, NV

I wish I could tag folks too but nobody else reads this! LOL

Funny thing happened while I was in SC...

I sold my Jetta! God's timing is perfect and I no longer own a Jetta. So, until I decide what to buy I am driving my parent's spare, a Jeep Cherokee. Isn't that wild??!?!?!

Mr. Goodwrench is my boyfriend

My finicky door lock went out last week. Ollie was convinced that he would be able to fix it with some research and his toolbox. Sure enough, he completed the job tonight!! I won't tell you that we attempted the job 3 other times and each time running into hiccups. But it is fixed now and that is all that matters. On top of that, he insisted on washing my car since I will be traveling tomorrow. He said he wanted to make sure that it was clean and I had plenty of Rainx for traveling. What a boyfriend!!!

These pictures are from a previous attempt. I forgot to bring my camera today for the finale.

13.1 Miles and Still Smilin'

I DID IT! I completed my first half marathon yesterday. My running partner and I finished at our goal time, 2 hours & 15 minutes. I have enjoyed the training so much and truly understand what it means to be addicted to running. It didn't come entirely easy. I have suffered from a pulled left quad, tendonitis in my right foot, sports bra chafing, and finished it out with a jacked up knee from the half. I can't remember what it is called, but the side of my knee has a knot and is swollen. No funky colors though. Next up, Rock and Roll Half in September! Any takers?

This is me nearing the finish line with my running partner, Karen. I am very happy this thing is almost over!

Yummy post-race banana and my Shamrock "blanket." I even got a medal!

You can see the marathon runners coming down Atlantic. This group running by qualify for the Boston Marathon. They are the 3:20 pace. Not sure what mile marker 31st Street was for them, but they sure did look beat!

FIRE!

We don't get much excitement at my workplace, but yesterday we had a bit of a "show." A flea market across the street from my building caught on fire. It seems the market also served as a storage place for computers. According to reports, a light fixture fell and caught some boxes of computers on fire. It was quite a mess. It started around 11:30 am and seemed to be under control rather quickly. However, at 1:00pm it reignited and that is when I took these pictures.

Wave Church Women's Conference

My church had its annual Women's Conference. Speakers this year were Lisa Bevere, Marilyn Skinner, and our own Sharon Kelly. It was an awesome time with inspiring words for women to rise up and meet their challenge. A special treat was the Watoto Children's Choir. Marilyn Skinner is responsible for changing the future of Uganda by providing education, leadership, and spiritual guidance to the orphans of the country. What an inspiration! Read up on the village she has developed. To make it a fun event, Karin Kramer made her annual appearance. We always have a good time eating, chatting, eating, shopping, and did I mention eating?

Ladies, if you want to join us next year, please let me know. The only speakers confirmed are Sharon and Christine Caine. If you haven't heard her before, she is AWESOME!