Thursday, December 6, 2012

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Ch-ch-ch-changes.

Big things are happening in our little corner of the world. No, I am not talking about the 70 degree weather in December or the fiscal cliff. I have some things I want to document/post before I divulge into the chaos that is currently happening.

Check back soon...

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Christmas List 2012

Okay, Christmas list 2012 done.

Please, oh please, Santa.

Friends and family, I will take contributions. 

I don't have anywhere to put it currently, but I could not be more in love with an appliance.  :)

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Thankful: Voting


Today I am thankful for the opportunity to vote.

This was my first voting experience in Kentucky and I will say it just did not feel as patriotic. I was able to walk three buildings down to my precinct. Nobody was campaigning and there were no signs. I walked in and was asked for my ID before I even got to the table. No wait. In fact, nobody was voting when I went! Made my choices and walked out. No sticker. So I took this picture to document my experience, but it had nothing to do with the voting area as it was in a different room. When leaving the building, I was then hit on by a man sitting on the steps. (Convo went like this... "Did you hurt yourself when you fell?" "I didn't fell." "I meant when you fell from Heaven."... Yep, it happened.) It made me miss good ole Nashville where people are handing you stickers and trying to change your mind all the way to the door. 

Still glad that I took the 2 minutes from my day to let my voice be heard. I would have gladly done it even if it took hours.

God bless America. May God bless our future president.

(Fun fact of the day: In Kentucky (and South Carolina) you cannot sell/buy alcohol on Election Day.)


Monday, November 5, 2012

Thankful: Dreams

Tonight I am thankful for dreams.

Over my lifetime, I have had dreams to come and go. Some that were realized, some that were not, some that changed, and some that might be realized in the future. Let's take a look, shall we?

1. Go to college ✔ (Completed in 2006)
2. Live in a foreign country ✔ (2006-2008: China)
3. Become an anchorwoman
4. Have 12 2 children
5. Own a yellow house (Not as much as I once did)
6. Get married (Hmmmm.....)
7. Own a B&B (Getting there!)
8. Own a Vespa ✔(Thanks to Jan P!)
9. Live in Italy
10. Design a window for Anthropolgie
11. Go to culinary school
12. Be a teacher ✔(2008-2012)
13. Adopt
14. Write a book
....

I could go on and on. My dreams have helped carried me through some rough patches and made my life more full. I hope that I never quit dreaming. What are some of your dreams?

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Thankful : Internet

I am thankful for the internet. (Thank you, Al Gore.)

Now you might be thinking what a shallow thing to say, but let me tell you how the internet has helped my life.

1. Keeping up with friends especially when I was half a world away in China.
2. How anyone majored in education before the internet is beyond me. Great lesson plans, activities, and so much knowledge out there.
3. I use the internet daily to pull recipes from... tonight was a cranberry mock/beertail and I just found a Pumpkin French Toast that will be making an appearance at the Inn.
4. Tutorial videos.... how do you think I learned to fix an egg over-easy or pin my hair in Victorian style?!?
5. I balanced my checkbook with online banking.
6. I can watch a podcast or church online when the Inn is full on Sunday mornings.
7. You get to read this post. :)

Shallow maybe, but oh-so-useful.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Thankful:Charlie

I am thankful for our dog, Charlie. (Also known as Charles and sometimes Charles-in-Charge.) We have had her for about a year and a half. Yes, you read that correctly. Charlie is a she. J started calling her Charlie and it just stuck. She found him when he was taking his canoe out of the water and after a search for her owners she became ours.

Charlie has been a source of happiness and companionship. We were heart-broken when we first moved because we did not think she could come with us, but thankfully it all worked out. (Thanks to some very sweet teacher friends who fostered her and then gracious bosses.) While she definitely loves J more, every now and then we have moments. I find myself just watching her often because she is so stinkin' adorable. We are so blessed to have this squirrel-loving, trip-taken, plate-cleaning, ball-chasing, fur ball.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thankful: Stories

I am not sure how it became November already... Fall is zipping by. I can already feel the start of winter chill in my bones and the blanket hogging begins.

This month I will be joining the ranks of thankful bloggers and Cathy Zielske and posting for 30 days about things I am thankful for. Would love to see what you are thankful for each day either on your blog or in the comments section. It might be cliche, but actually taking the time to acknowledge things you are grateful for really can change the outlook of your day.

Day #1... I am thankful for stories. There is hardly anything I love more than hearing the stories of others. That might explain why I love my job (getting to hear the stories of travelers) and why my favorite radio show is This American Life. I love photographs because it has captured a moment in someone's story. I read through books like I cannot get enough. The telling of stories is therapeutic and releases a part of us. The actual participation of stories have helped shape us into the people we have become and are emotional. There are stories worth repeating and others that you wish were not brought up as often. Never do people laugh more than when I tell the story of the Harbin squatty potty.I am still amazed every time we tell the story of how we came to Louisville. I cry often when telling stories of my childhood.  No matter the good or the bad, stories connect us to others, our history, our present, and our future. I look forward to the stories that will unfold soon.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Our Victorian Weekend

Our neighborhood began developing in the 1830's and thankfully many of the old Victorian homes still stand. We have heard that it is the largest collection of Victorian homes in the country. When you walk around, it seems as though you have stepped back in time in many ways and this weekend even more so.

Taken on the staircase in our home
Saturday night was the annual Spirit Ball. The Spirit Ball is a fundraiser for the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. The museum gives guests the chance to peek into the history of the neighborhood. While Victorian costumes appeared to be the norm, it is by no means required. The cast of the Wizard of Oz, Abe Lincoln, witches, pirates, etc. all made appearances. Attendees could have their face painted, fortunes read, bid on Silent Auction items, eat, drink, and dance. We saw many of our neighbors, met others from Louisville, and there were even people who came from as far away as Texas. We really enjoyed the evening.

If you came through Old Louisville at night, you might have noticed men in tails and women with hats parading around. It was also the weekend for the Ghost Walk. J and I acted as tour guides last night. On the tour, you were able to see some of the old homes and hear their ghost stories from actors. Nothing too scary (because you all know that I am the biggest scaredy cat in the world!). I will say that I am so grateful for the little fur wrap that I had because it was quite a chilly night for a stroll in a lace dress.

While we are still learning more about the neighborhood, I really have enjoyed all of the events and neighbors we have met. It is a thriving neighborhood with creative and social people. Our neighbors take pride in their homes and restoring Old Louisville to the grandness it once had. I am thankful to get to experience/play a small role in that.

Today it is back to modern times and work, but we had a blast stepping back in the past.
Taken at the Conrad-Caldwell House

Sunday, October 28, 2012

This Is The Way We Roll: Victorian Edition

We were schooled in Victorian style this weekend. Here is what we learned...

*If looking for a costume in Louisville, go to Louise Cecil's on Floyd St.
*I am becoming a hat girl. When in Kentucky...
*A simple ribbon around the neck can be a great choker.
*Walking canes need to fit you. If not, you will have back pain later.
*Cropped fur wraps actually do keep you warm while wearing as a tour guide in mid 40's temps.
*Long john pants under lace dress also help. :)
*J learned how to wear an ascot.
*J looks very handsome in tails and a top hat.
*Black Radiance lipstick does not come off. Ever.
*I now know why there was not physical closeness when dancing in late 1800's... big hats.
*When in doubt, Google and YouTube. Speaking of, here is a wonderful tutorial on Downton Abbey Inspired Victorian Hair.



*Getting dressed up even as adults is super fun!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

October

Couldn't find source. Pinterest dead link.

 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness!
 Great is Thy faithfulness! 
Morning by morning new mercies I see 
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided 
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
-Thomas Chisholm

This hymn/poem is on repeat in my head this morning.

Loneliness has been a constant battle here in Louisville. We have not made many friends and due to crazy work hours (Way crazier than teaching! Hard to believe I know.) do not get to go out very often.  We have not been able to go to church. Our neighborhood folks are great, but there is nobody our age. But last night for the first time, I felt completely welcome amongst a group of strangers.

I met S for the first time the weekend of Derby. Her parents were guests at the inn and she came by to check them in. She lives across just across the park from us. I invited her to have breakfast with her parents at the inn, but she had classes that weekend so I did not get to talk to her again. A couple of weeks later, I went to a gentle yoga class at the Y. It was my first time to go (and last might I add) and when I walked in I heard my name. S was there! I pulled my mat beside hers and then we met J afterwards for a quick bite. J and I joke that we have 1 friend- S. Sadly, we don't get to see each other too often, but every couple of weeks we go to dinner. I am so thankful for the way God placed her in our lives.

S invited me to dinner last night. Over the course of our friendship, we found that we share a love for community and intentional living. S had heard about a house through one of her friends and last night was her first time to go as well. Immediately when we walked in, we felt welcome. There was no awkwardness, no judgement, but lots of fellowship. Everyone brought a dish. Simple meal. Afterwards everyone moved into the living room for discussion. We listened to a passage from the book A Monk In The Inner City and then discussed what another world would look like to us. Everyone spoke. Common themes in every answer. The night ended in signs of peace. I felt like crying the whole time because God was faithful. It was the best evening spent in Louisville so far and I can't wait to go back.

This morning I woke up feeling refreshed and my heart a little lighter. He is truly faithful and knows our every need.

Thank you S for your friendship. You have made our time here much happier.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Museum Day

A few weeks ago, we went to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens to see the tree house exhibit. The Rainbow Fish tree house was my favorite. The scales were made from old CDs and the lips were made from pool noodles. So creative! (Of course, we had to stop for fish kisses.)

The Frazier Museum is currently running a Princess Diana exhibit. I cannot wait to go! Princess Diana (and all of the royal family for that matter) fascinates me. I think she was the epitome of poise and class (based on her wardrobe, service work, and interviews). The museum is also hosting princess teas. Tiara anyone?

Anyways, I say all that because you should check into your local museums and gardens this weekend. The 29th is the Smithsonian Museum Day so many museums are free! What a great way to spend time with your family for free.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Homesick



J and I both agree that we are a little homesick. We miss our families.

Yesterday, we were able to spend the day in Nashville for pottery shower for the soon-to-be Ellis family and for a birthday party for this cutie... Jakson (my nephew) turned 4. The time went by too fast.

We are missing so much. Next week my sweet cousin Katie is getting married, but I will be here helping with a wedding at the inn. I have not gotten to hold/meet J's nephew and by the time I see him, he will probably be talking (apparently he can already "moo" ;) ). It stinks.

Being a grown up isn't always fun.

Anyways, if you could say a little prayer for both J and I we would both appreciate it.


Saturday, September 22, 2012

It's All About The $

Having a job with very few bills (no rent, no utilities, no phone!), I knew it was past time to get a hold of my finances when we moved here. I was even more motivated when I heard about some acquaintances paying cash for their house. (Yep, you heard me right... 30 year olds paying cash for their house.) Growing up, I was not really taught about money so it was time for me to learn.

Enter Dave Ramsey.

I went to the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace website and found a class that was about to start in Louisville. J and I signed up and 13 weeks later we are finished.

Dave has "7 Baby Steps" for financial freedom.
  • Step 1: Save up $1,000 to start your emergency fund.
  • Step 2: Pay off all non-mortgage debt using the debt snowball.
  • Step 3: Save up 3 to 6 months of expenses to complete your emergency fund.
  • Step 4: Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement accounts.
  • Step 5: Work on college funding for children.
  • Step 6: Pay off your mortgage early.
  • Step 7: Build wealth and give!
In Financial Peace, you will learn how to accomplish these steps, but you will also learn how money works in general, how to be gazelle intense in paying debt off, and so much more.

While honestly, J and I have not followed everything we learned (not that we disagree, but we just haven't), I will say that I think we both agree this is the best thing we have done as a couple. We are able to speak more openly and honestly with each other. We have been able to share concerns, fears, hopes, and dreams with ease. We are more on the same page now then we have ever been. We have already completed step 1 and now are working on step 2. :) (Step 2 is going to take a long time.... oh student loans.)

No matter your financial status, I would encourage everyone to take these classes. We had people in our class making more money than I could dream of and people who were on the verge of bankruptcy and everyone benefited.

Thank you, Dave Ramsey for changing our lives.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fall To-Do List

photo credit
(1) Try a new soup recipe
(2) Re-read The Great Gatsby (Need a refresher before movie comes out)
(3) Visit a nearby winery
(4) Pop up dinner party
(5) Decorate pumpkins (Can't decide if I want to paint or carve)
(6) Take a mini-vacation (This does not include Nashville, Tennessee, but possibly might include Nashville, Indiana. ;))

What is something you must do this fall?

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Review of Summer

At the beginning of the summer, I wrote out my summer rules. Let's review...

My favorite summer day spent at the State Fair
1. Pick berries.
2. Make homemade ice cream to enjoy on the back porch. (I really want to use my Jeni's cookbook.)
3. Attend a concert. (Forecastle anyone??? J and I went to several concerts: Trampled by Turtles, The Vespers, Shovels and Ropes...a little bluegrass in the Bluegrass state
4. Visit a horse farm. (When in Kentucky...) Well, we went to the Derby Museum for the first time and saw a horse so we might can say this one is half done ;)
5. Stay at another B&B (Looking at Symphony Hotel in Cincinnati.)
6. Play tennis with J. (We have a court right across the street that has appealed to both of us.) We finally bought tennis rackets and have gone to play late at night when there is nobody to laugh at us. :)
7. Picnic lunch and nap in a park.
8. Host a dinner party. (Hopefully we will have friends soon!) We'll count the Julia birthday dinner. ;)
9. Go antiquing. Went to Jo-Lay's with my parents.
10. Ride my new bike often. (I might add purchase a basket for bike too.) I did get a cute basket and ride my bike pretty often.

5.5 out of 10.

It's hard to believe that summer is gone. Apparently it flies by even when you do not have a summer vacation. Already looking forward to next summer. Maybe I will finish my list. :)

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Honey Cake Therapy

This morning, my Southern-ness was questioned by a lady. I would like to blame my lack of sleep last night for getting teary eyed, but her words hurt a little bit too. (The comeback could have been me questioning her Southern-ness because in the South women like to pretend they like each other to their faces.) Anyways, whatever brought on the silly tears I knew it was time for a little kitchen therapy.

A couple of days ago, I read Nancy's post on a honey cake. She always writes about food in ways that make you regret reading because you want whatever she is making right then. The honey cake was no exception. Luckily, the next day I found some great local honey at the State Fair. I jumped in line to buy a bottle because I knew exactly what I wanted to use it for.

This afternoon, I made a terrifically, wonderful honey cake. The nuttiness of the butter browning. The surprise of thyme. The motion of the beaters. The fluffiness of the icing. It soothed the soul. My day became infinitely better. The perfect dessert with decaf coffee (or tea!) right before bed.


If you are a foodie or just enjoy a good read, check out Nancy's blog  http://nancyvienneau.com/blog/

Friday, August 17, 2012

Happy Birthday, Julia!

This week we celebrated a birthday....

Julia Child's 100th! 

We made our way to Carmichael's earlier in the week so I could pick up Dearie, a new affectionately written biography. On Wednesday, Julia's birthday, I decided it was time for me to make beef bourguignon. I had heard it was one of her easier dishes (lie.) and it the dish that she might be most well known for thanks to the movie Julie and Julia. 5 hours later, it was ready. All was worth it though to settled down on the back porch with J and our lovely friend S for a yummy dinner. We cheersed (new word?!) my favorite chef and finished the meal with Julia's Chocolate Almond Cake. So, so good.

  
You all know I will find anything to celebrate. :)

Happy Birthday, Julia! Bon appetit. 

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Olympics

You have to love the Olympics... Faces of divers.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Scattered Again

Things around here have been very quiet. Routine has set in. Breakfast, clean, check in, eat, bed. Specks of reading, bike rides, and daydreams thrown in between as well. Some days are very lonely. Too quiet. Maybe even a full house, but loneliness all around. But then we have days like this...
Days when best friends come to visit. You spend hours playing with dry ice, gorge on ice cream, eat sushi, and daydream. Loneliness cannot be found.
Days come and go and the balance is nice. I am happy here in Louisville, but find my heart missing Nashville more and more. I love my job more than any I have ever had. I long for Fido's with friends more than I thought I could. I love finding new places in a new city. I miss Charlie being able to run amok. I enjoy walking through my neighborhood at night when living rooms are lit up. I feel scattered once again.

Friday, July 6, 2012

The Fourth



Left: Fruit served at the inn; Scrabble with J; Bike ride to the river
Bottom: View of fireworks; Riverfront; Patriotic cake I made; Waiting for fireworks


This marks the first holiday J and I have spent completely alone. Bittersweet. We missed our family and friends (and singing all the verses of Yankee Doodle Dandy), but enjoyed our evening together. I found that I was more reflective of the reason for the holiday itself. Even though I am not always outspoken about my love for my homeland, I am grateful to grow up in a country that allows me the freedom to pursue my dreams.

Hope you all had a happy 4th!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Doppelganger

Last night, J and I sat down to watch the movie "We Bought A Zoo". (My second time and J's first.) Once again there was a familiar face...


No, I am not talking about Scarlett J (blah.) Doesn't that guy with the monkey look a little familiar?!?


J has a doppelganger. For those of you who don't know J then you might think I am crazy, but those of you that know him watch We Bought A Zoo and tell me that is not him....



This is another face that I am too well acquainted with and I am sure I going to get it as soon as J reads this post. ;)




Friday, June 29, 2012

Waterfront Wednesday

A great city offers free concerts in the parks (or at the river).




Never has there been so much dancing. 

"Late night
Midnight on the interstate
And I didn't feel so great
Until I saw the city."
-trampled by turtles

I'm glad Louisville is a great city.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Almost Perfect

Yesterday was one of those almost perfect days.


* Visiting an old friend/soon-to-be mama
*Walking/shopping around Indianapolis
*The Vespers concert @ Uncle Slayton's in Louisville
*Late night dinner with J @ Burger Boy

Honestly, it is so strange not being on summer vacation, but with days like this I might be able to handle it. It's back to work this afternoon...

Monday, May 21, 2012

First Course: Fruit

Our first course of breakfast always consists of fruit.

This morning instead of yogurt or just plain ole whipped cream, tried something new. Sweet basil cream. It gives the berries and cantaloupe just a little kick without making anybody cringe.

Sweet Basil Cream
1 cup cream
1 tsp sugar
Basil to taste

Mix all ingredients together until soft peaks form.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Summer Rules

About this time for the past several years, I have spent time planning things to do over the summer. That was when I was a teacher. That was when I had summer vacation. For the first time since kindergarten, I will not be on summer vacation. That is 24 years of summer vacation straight.

Summer was meant for fun and little indulgences. This summer will be no different for me. Here are some things I want/plan on doing between now and Labor Day. :)

1. Pick berries.
2. Make homemade ice cream to enjoy on the back porch. (I really want to use my Jeni's cookbook.)
3. Attend a concert. (Forecastle anyone???)
4. Visit a horse farm. (When in Kentucky...)
5. Stay at another B&B (Looking at Symphony Hotel in Cincinnati.)
6. Play tennis with J. (We have a court right across the street that has appealed to both of us.)
7. Picnic lunch and nap in a park.
8. Host a dinner party. (Hopefully we will have friends soon!)
9. Go antiquing.
10. Ride my new bike often. (I might add purchase a basket for bike too.)


Looking forward to summer 2012!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Louisville Loves

We have been in Louisville now for a little over a month and I already have some favorites. If you are ever in the neighborhood, here are some things you should try...

1. Please & Thank You... coffee shop/record shop in NuLu. Ganache latte... you will thank me. Today the soundtrack was Beastie Boys. So fitting. RIP MCA.

2. Carmicheal's Books... the way a bookstore should be. I really appreciate the staff picks and selection of books. It was a Publishers' Weekly top bookstore. Well deserved.

3. The Homemade Ice Cream &  Pie Kitchen... part ice cream shop, part bakery, part pizzeria, and part coffee shop. Where else can you eat Grape sorbet and Mediterranean pizza?!?!

4. Village 8 Theater... $2 Tuesdays and $3 Thursdays... Makes it a lot easier to talk J into going to see The Vow with me. ;)

5. The Clifton/Crescent Hill neighborhood... If we ever have to get a house of our own in this town, hopefully it will be in this neighborhood.

6. Clay & Cotton... house goods, clothing, stationery, etc. A color explosion.

7. BBC (Bluegrass Brewing Company)... Raspberry Meade and a Hot Brown make for one happy Beth. (More on Hot Brown soon....)

And of course...

8. Inn at the Park B&B... where dreams come true. :)

Friday, May 4, 2012

Derby Time


It's Derby time!

While back in Nashville my teacher friends are wrapping up TCAP, here in Louisville we are beginning our big weekend.

The Kentucky Derby has been called the greatest two minutes in sports, but let me tell you it is a lot more than two minutes.

Starting yesterday, guests arrived in droves. Mint Julep cocktail party for 80... why not?!?!?! Many neighbors came out to greet guests. All in all we have about 40 guests between the two inns.

This Nashville gal did not know anything about derby, but let me tell you I am getting an education quickly. From making cocktails, to whipping up Hot Brown quiches, to tidying rooms and purchasing racing forms, it can be a little overwhelming. The hats might make it worthwhile though (and definitely the tips). If you would like to learn a little about the derby, please enjoy this visual guide

J and I are not able to go to the actual races, but we were fortunate to attend Opening Night at Churchill last week for my birthday celebration. With storms in the forecast for tomorrow and crazy amounts of traffic on top of feeding the whole house, I think I am okay with that.

Happy Derby ya'll!

 Traditional Mint Julep
You'll Need:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup mint leaves
Crushed ice
Kentucky bourbon
Mint sprigs
Mint Julep cups

Makes 20 servings.

Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and cook without stirring for five minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Place the mint leaves in a bowl and bruise the mint with the back of a wooden spoon. Place the mint in a jar and add the sugar syrup. Cover and chill for 12-24 hours. Strain the mixture and discard mint when ready to use. Fill frosted mint julep cups with crushed ice to serve. Add 1 tablespoon of the syrup and 1 ounce of the bourbon for each serving. Stir, garnish with mint sprig and serve with half-sized straw. 




Monday, April 30, 2012

Love Is...

Love is shown in different ways.
Sometimes it is expressed through words.
It might be a hug or kiss.
Love is shown through sacrifice.
I personally like love shown through the cleaning of my dishes.
No matter the action, it is important to feel loved.
Boy, did I feel loved this weekend.

This is my love J.
This was how he showed his love.
 In 2009, when I shaved my head J and Amy started growing out their hair to donate. Amy was able to cut hers in October after the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. On Friday, which happened to be my birthday, the anniversary of the first time I found out that I was cancer cell free, and national Donate-Your-Hair day, J cut his hair.
What a lucky girl! Could he be any more handsome?!!?!

Friday, April 13, 2012

An Egg-cellent Update!

So J and I spent some time practicing the over easy egg. Apparently, it is his favorite kind of eggs. (Who knew?!?) Practice did not go so well. Lots of brown "whites", popped yolks, etc.  There may or may not have been some cursing. (Eggs do not bring out the best in me.) Finally, I went to bed defeated and nervous to see the guest the next morning.

Morning time rolls around and there is no bounding down the stairs. It is more of a trudge. Guest comes down and he got a deer in headlights look. He thought I was off for the day. Poor guy! I bring his fruit and then get to work on the over easy egg. I cannot do it as J does, so I do it my own way and....

Perfection!

The guest was pleased. I was elated.

I can now say "How would you like your eggs?"

Of course, I am living on a prayer they don't say poached.


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Lifelong Learning


This amongst other things totally made my morning...

86 year old woman on parallel bars.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Secret Confession #4

I hate eggs.

Some of my friends are chuckling right now because they would argue that is not the case.

In all honesty, I only like my scrambled eggs and sometimes Nana's. Once I liked J's. That is all though.

I like my steaks medium rare and J makes fun of me because they are "still bleeding", but eggs are a whole different story. The thought of somebody eating a yellow yolk makes me queasy.

This morning I bound down to make breakfast and my guest requests fruit and one over easy egg. I know that I had a deer-in-headlights look. I move as fast as I can to my office to google how to make an over easy egg.

That's right, I am a breakfast "chef" and do not know how to cook eggs any other way but scrambled or boiled.

As I heat up the skillet, I just think of ways my employer is going to tell me that I am fired. This guest just happens to be a "regular" and it just takes one phone call and I am done. The photo is the results of my first egg. I can't flip the stinkin' thing. I think of ways to tell the guest his wish is not going to happen as I put the second egg in. Once again, I cannot flip it, but I do manage to cook it and fold the whites over. I breathe deep and head into the dining room.

"Sir, do you just want one egg?" (Please, let him say just one.)
"Yes. That will be fine."
"Alright. I am just warning you this is not the most beautiful egg. This is my first time." (That's what she said.I am still praying he will change his mind and request scrambled.)
"No problem."

I trudge back into the kitchen. What to do?!?!?! I put the egg on a plate and use strawberries as garnish. I scoop up the plate and head back into the dining room. I put it on the table and he chuckles.

(Crap.)
"This looks beautiful. Normally, the whites are more spread out, but this is how it should look." (Insert Jersey Shore fist pump and crazy dancing!)

He goes on to tell him how to make an over easy egg, but says it looks great. A couple of minutes later, he exclaims it was the best egg he has had in months. While he might have been totally lying, he did help my confidence a lot. I know it is something I need to work on. (And I will be doing that tonight, seeing as he asked for the same thing tomorrow.)

Yes, I still hate eggs, but I am learning...

Friday, April 6, 2012

Good Friday Morning

Slowly, but surely getting into a routine.

Each morning I wake up around 5am (even though it still feels like 4am... Eastern time is remarkably different.). I come downstairs to put coffee on and preheat the ovens. Run back upstairs to shower and finish waking up. Then, it's back downstairs to cut up fruit, mix ingredients, and bake the casseroles. This morning, it was baked pears, egg cheese puff, bacon and toast.

While everything is baking/warming up, I run in to check emails, reservations, and of course catch up on blogs. About the time, I wrap up, my first guest comes in for breakfast. While serving breakfast, we will chat about the day ahead and respective jobs and cities. After breakfast, there are rooms to tidy or turnover and then the rest of the day lies with new adventures. Yesterday's adventures included dinner at a neighborhood Italian restaurant called Amici's, slight homesickness for friends, and a unannounced group of tourists at 10pm for ghost tour. Bless.

This morning I am especially grateful for the quiet of the morning. Spending time reflecting on blessings this Good Friday. Wish you could join me for a cup of coffee and perhaps a baked pear.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

First Breakfast

Today was my first day to prepare/serve breakfast on my own. On the menu: fruit salad, blueberry muffins with streusel, veggie strata, and ham. 
Before:
 After:
One guest even asked for seconds. 
Loving this job!!!!

Saturday, March 31, 2012

A New Year's Goal Complete!

You might remember that one of my goals for New Year's was to do something to get me one step closer to having a B&B. Well little did I know, I would be making a huge step!

On Thursday morning, J and I moved into a B&B in Louisville, Kentucky. This is no vacation, but rather a dream come true. :)

I would love to share the story of how it all happened and how God moved in incredible ways, but for now I have guests to check in, rooms to be tidied, boxes to unpack and there is a little basketball game on tonight (Kentucky vs. Louisville). Go Cards?!?! Go Cats?!?!

To check out our new place visit http://www.innatpark.com

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Living a Fairytale

In some ways I feel like I am living a fairytale...
Exciting things happening.
Stay tunes. :)

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Rite of Passage


Rite of Passage - Shaving my Head from Ashley Hackshaw on Vimeo.

A friend sent me this video this morning. It sent me back to my rite of passage.



 My hair is even longer than it was before I shaved it. Still kicking cancer's.... ;)

Monday, February 27, 2012

My Neighbor, Jayne

This weekend I woke to the sound of a moving truck. Looking out my window, I saw the truck sitting in my driveway. My heart fell a little bit.

Not long after I finished my last round of radiation, I bumped into my neighbor Jayne. She told me of her diagnosis of breast cancer. I remember one day looking out the window and she stood on a rock in her front yard with a big yellow floppy hat covering her newly bald head. Her hands on her hips and then she lifted them to the sun. I am not sure what she was doing, but it seemed as though she was soaking up the sun. Soon hats and scarfs were not the only thing new. A cute yellow VW Beetle appeared in the place of the old blue Explorer.On another day, J and I found her backyard filled with friends planting her a garden. Another sweet pleasure to bear a terrible disease. A couple of weeks ago, she and her boyfriend John peered over the fence to ooo and aah over the puppies. She looked happy.

J had ran into John several days before the moving van arrived and was told the cancer had spread to her liver. She was in the hospital. When I saw the moving van, I knew something was not right. After getting myself together for the morning, I walked over to the fence. A few people were standing around smoking cigarettes and a couple had red eyes. I asked if everything was okay. A short awkward pause that seemed to last minutes. Jayne passed away.

After talking a few minutes, I walked away with tears in my eyes. Another warrior who saw defeat.

While Jayne and I were not close. Perhaps we both were a bit nosey. We did have a connection. I grieve over a woman whose joy was apparent even when...



Thursday, February 16, 2012

Ezra 9

Ezra 9 is rocking my face off this week.

Would encourage you to listen to this week's podcast from Ethos and read passage for yourself....

Sunday, February 5, 2012

A Little Love Vol. 2

Here are some things I am currently loving...

mysisterssuitcase.blogspot.com 
My Sister's Suitcase craft blog. I want to pin every single one of her ideas. ;)


The harmonies of these delightful women. I discovered The Staves at the Civil Wars concert.

Handmade Ryan Gosling is amazing, but all of my teacher friends are sure to enjoy the teacher Hey Girl! site.

Neeseybear moved into the 'Hood. Can't wait for more frequent girl nights!

Daydreaming about a little trip to Italy and a neighborhood bookstore. For now that is all both of those are...just dreams.

Brunch.  I wish this would become a weekly Saturday tradition. This week we tried to go to Sky Blue cafe. Too long of a line. Will try again soon.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

The Music of Little House

source: Pa's Fiddle Project
On Friday night, Em, Dad, J, and I headed to the Loveless Barn for a great evening of music.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a listing for free tickets to hear the music from the Little House books. Having enjoyed those books so much as a teen (and even now), I thought it would be interesting. Little did I know what was in store.

A crowd of just a little over 100 people gathered in the Loveless Barn. The evening was actually recorded and will be shown on PBS stations starting this summer. We spent the evening being serenaded by Ronnie Milsap, Randy Travis, Natalie Grant, Rodney Adkins, Ashton Shepard, and Committed. I thought Committed was absolutely amazing. (As did everyone else because they received two standing ovations!) I still think they should have won The Sing-Off.

The night was just a reminder of how nice it is living in Music City sometime. When else could you hear a group of such talented musicians in the same show for free?!?!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Under Construction

A new year means a new blog design. Consider this a work in progress... :)

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Bringing In The New Year

Photo Credit: The Pharmacy
Well 2011 is a thing of the past. I am pretty thankful to see it go. I am really looking forward to 2012.

I have heard it said that how you spend your NYE is an indicator of how your year will go. This year I hope that is the case. J and I decided to check out a new neighborhood restaurant The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden for dinner. Atmosphere was wonderful and food was good. Upon a recommendation, I ordered a strawberry ginger ale- delish! We were pleased with our dinner choice and headed back to the house to meet up with friends. After catching up with friends at the house, we decided to take a game and head out for dessert. Our faithful Jeni's let us down by being closed. Ugly Muggs, our neighborhood coffee shop was also closed. Decision? Go back to The Pharmacy. We were a little disappointed that the soda shop part was closed starting at 9pm, but we ordered beers, root beers, and fries anyway. We played Bananagrams and enjoyed discussing music, futures, etc. We had the place pretty much to ourselves and throughly enjoyed our time. A few minutes before midnight, we headed back to the house to be with the dogs. When you live in 37206, you spend all major holidays with the sounds of shotguns in the background. We turned on Dick Clark's NYE special with a minute to go and I happily got my midnight kiss. Thankfully, this year was pretty quiet in the neighborhood and we actually got to sit on the couch instead of laying flat on the floor like last year. ;) A NYE of new adventure (The Pharmacy), good friends, and no stress. Hoping my year is full of the same.

I have two goals for 2012....

1. Do something to get me closer to my dream of owning a B&B
2. Live more fully (explanation to come at a later date)

Happy New Years!