For the girls

There are a lot of things to consider when finding a husband. We've all made some sort of "list," which is probably one of the dumbest things we do. My husband is nothing like the guy I once imagined myself marrying. Thank goodness it worked out that way. I really can't brag about him enough, but I'll stop. I know you're on the verge of puking right now. 

Really, what it comes down to are two things:  does he make you happy, and can the guy cook? (Obviously those aren't the only two things. But work with me; I'm trying to keep this sweet and to the point.)

Let my guy be an example for you. Tonight, I came home to this awesome surprise dinner. 

Seriously? 

Yes, please. 

E, I am keeping you forever. You should also take this post as my statement that I want more dinners like this. Like, once a week is great for me. Thanks. 

Some exciting news...

And it's not that I'm pregnant.

I got a job! In the words of a famous Jersey Shore-er, yeeeeeeeeeeeeah buddy (17 points if you know who the tagline's owner is, -47 if you think I actually watch the show). Starting Tuesday, I will be joining BRR Architecture as the new marketing coordinator. I really could not be more excited, and in lieu of my excitement, I've crafted a 'goodbye' letter to Unemployement. Heh-hmmmm.

To my not-so-dear Unemployment:

I will admit, we've had our fun

And there were days I actually enjoyed you

But it's time for me to move on - 

On to something better and new

It's not you, it's me

Or maybe it's a little of both

At first, you seemed quite nice

But lately, I just loathe...you

While reading most of the day

And watching TV was great

 I've grown tired of day-time programming

And I can't have you as my mate

Hopefully, we'll never meet again

...Unless I need a break or retire, of course

I have no choice but to leave you this way

You can thank college loans for my lack of remorse

Sincerely,

Me

...Ye-ah, it's definitely time for me to start a job. 

Dark and blue, or something like that

So we've got this awesome turtle thing that helps us make awesome drinks. We've been making these every now and then to go along with more-awesome-than-regular dinners. See below.

Yes, that hamburger you see peeking
was also delicious. I digress.

El presidente de Casa Swanson. 

The T-man himself

I always mess this up, but I've just received confirmation from the president that 'Black & Blue' is indeed the correct term for Blue Moon meets Guinness.

I guess there's a price for fame.

And for my youngest sister, it came at the cost of Fox 14 in Missouri spelling her last name wrong. You'll see what I mean here.

Kim, you rock my socks, even if Missouri thinks you're a Weurink.

Bookworm problems.

I'm noticing a trend in my mistakes history. When I make mistakes, statistics (from my brain, of course) show that roughly 68% of the time, my errors are recurring. Like burning homemade garlic bread. Or my relapse in thinking I'm super crafty when really, I just lost another $20 on a failed Pinterest idea.

Orrrr, getting sucked into some really awesome book series. I guess I really love setting myself up for disappointment. Granted, my disappointment isn't in the stories, but the inevitable reality that all good things must end (somebody tell me why this is, please). In the past two months, I've had this with two series. It's that bad, people.

Victim number 1:  Harry Potter.

I know, I know - I jumped on that bandwagon 15 years late. I postponed the depression that follows completion by purchasing the 8-film collection, which E and I spent way too much of our weekend watching all eight movies. There were laughs, fear, tears, and victories. And then it was over. Just like that.

And so I made my way on to some new prey - The Hunger Games.

I read the first book while we were honeymooning in Cozumel, and finally got to the other 2/3 of the trilogy. I wasted no time of my unemployment and read the last two books in three days (would have been two if I didn't have a husband to feed). And now I find myself in the same state again, anxiously awaiting the arrival the movie so I can throw myself back into the story. I'm also super excited to see this film because of it's Katniss shoutout. And Jason Segel. ...And Emily Blunt. ...And Chris Pratt and Mindy Kaling. Ok, that's enough.

Now. I've moved on to Stieg Larrson's Millenium triology. The first book was good - intense, and the second is starting to show those same qualities. In my very personal opinion, I'm not as into this series as the previous two, but nonetheless, I will finish it. And then I will move onto another series.

Maybe I should stop reading series. Or maybe I should just stop reading good books and then I'll never want to read again.

...But I love to read. Curse you, bookworm problems.

*All photos courtesy of Google.

"I've never had broccoli that I want to keep eating."

Is exactly what my husband said when I whipped out this delicious way to prepare one of my favorite vegetables. E only likes broccoli, so I needed to amp up his appreciation.

Here's what you do:

1) Buy fresh broccoli, and bring it home.

2) Take the heads off the stalk, wash them, and throw them in a bowl. Actually, change 'throw' to 'lightly toss.'

3) Drizzle roughly 3 tablespoons of EVOO (or, extra virgin olive oil if your mom was never addicted to Rachael Ray) over the broccoli.

4) Add salt and pepper to your own preference. S&P from grinders give it a fresher taste.

5) Chop up 3-4 cloves of garlic into eighths, and throw (again, toss) 'em in.

While you were doing all that, I should have told you to preheat your oven to 400 degrees. My bad.

Once the oven is hot, stick your broccoli in a tin foil-covered pan (makes clean up a lot easier) and let the mini trees roast for a solid 15-20 minutes, depending on how soft or crunchy you like them. The key secret to knowing you're doing this right is if the broccoli start to brown on top. And then, you enjoy.

...After you've taken the broccoli out of the oven, in course. I don't endorse eating in ovens. Too cramped.

*I forgot to take a picture. Don't sue me - I'll post one later. 

Oh, the places you'll go.

Hopefully that title brings back great memories of this book - it's definitely a must-read/must-own/must-keep-forever.

Theodor Seuss Geisel, courtesy of rocketboom.com
I think he would have been pleased with my picture selection.

Today is Dr. Seuss's would-be 108th birthday, and for someone whose books we've all grown up read and love, I had to find some way give him the proper dedication. (If only I still had my Cat in the Hat hat.) What I'd like to do is share the entire book on my blog (because it really is that good), but I'm pretty sure that's illegal. So, here's one of my favorite excerpts.

But on you will go

though the weather be foul.

On you will go

though your enemies prowl.

On you will go

though the Hakken-Kraks howl.

Onward up many

a frightening creek,

though your arms may get sore

and your sneakers may leak.

On and on you will hike,

And I know you'll hike far

and face up to your problems

whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,

as you already know.

You'll get mixed up 

with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that Life's 

a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

We do lots of things because we can, and many things we do because we're told we can't. There are a lot of times where we feel we've got the whole world behind us, and probably more where we feel left behind. The secret and beauty is that success is never out of question and always within reach. 

How does this apply to marriage exactly? Too many ways for me to fit on this blog. But, if you're looking for one, I did tell E that I will use our future kids as an excuse to go on a Dr. Seuss binge. He's cool with it.