Hello 4 Months Later!

Yes, yes...it has been awhile.

That is what happens when real-life takes over.  One minute, I am planning multi-cultural family outings; the next, work, laundry, toddlers, and a new pregnancy sap all my time and energy.

Things seem to be returning to normal with fall on the horizon.

Hello again.

What's Doin this Weekend...

There is a lot happening this weekend in the DFW area!

Saturday, May 5
Festival of Chariots...

 

AND...
Plano Asia Fest!

Cinco de Mayo Festival in Oak Cliff

Sunday, May 6
Kite Flying Festival in Plano

Then there's laundry, yardwork, naps for the baby, grovery shopping, homework, etc. <sigh>

How to Speak East Texan

I have had the pleasure of spending a great deal of time in Waco this week for work.  One of my coworkers is from East Texas and is chock full of colorful sayings.  I couldn't help but jot them down to share with you (I plan to practice in my spare time so I can fit in better).

What to say when:

• Something is really slow - "That ____ is about as fast as a three-legged dog."
• Someone/thing is kinda shady - "____ is as crooked as a dog's hind leg."
• You are really busy - "As a busy as a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest."
• Something looks messy - "Looks like a bull's butt sewed up with a grapevine."
• You are wishing too hard for things - "If a frog had wings he wouldn't bust his butt everytime he jumped."
• You are frightened, you may be... - "Scareder than a long tailed car in a room full of rockers."
• You aren't feeling well - "I feel like a dying calf in a hailstorm".
•  NOTE - The best part of this saying is the explanation: "think about it, you feel like crap and things keep hitting you in the side."
• You look stupid - "I look like a jackass eating briars."
• You feel perplexed - "...like a bull looking at a bastard calf."
• You are nervous - "Shaking like a cat trying to pass a peach seed."
• Something's really good - "So good it could make a squirrel fight a bulldog."
• Something is unpleasant - "It could gag a maggot."
• Things have gone awry - "When the ox gets stuck in the ditch."

  I bet Mr. S hasn't learned these cool phrases at his fancy-schmancy linguistics school!

Secession?

I heard this story on the radio on my way home from work today.  Though, I have yet to see any bumperstickers advocating secession.  Oddly enough, as the political climate has reached new levels of obnoxious-ness in recent years during my grumpier moments I have thought that perhaps "they" should go to one corner of the country and "the rest" should to go to the other and see who survives the best.  This story, however, made me rethink that not-so-serious thought.  I like Texas right where it is.

Lone Star State of Mind: Could Texas Go It Alone?

End of March Updates

Just a few random updates to share...

1. We're still eating Korean food.  I love it!  We've tried some new recipes and are adding more variety to our diet.  I want to learn more about the role different foods play in the Korean diet.  For example, the traditional French meal is arranged in such a way to add in digestion.  I am curious what is the Korean equivalent of this arrangement.  While watching a Korean soap opera, I learned that diners in a posh Italian restaurant could not properly enjoy the rich food without pickles.  What other handy "rules" are there?

2.  You may remember I have a New Year's resolution not to buy any new clothes this year.  So far, at the end of March, I have been successful!  Spring weather has made this more challenging, I am itching for light fabrics, bright colors, and delicate sandals.  All things not readily found in my current wardrobe.  But, I am working on some clever tricks.  I have begun tearing out pictures of outfits and "looks" I like from magazines and placing them in a 3-ring binder in my closet.  It is like Pinterest without the handy computer; my left-brained way to help me to be more creative with what I currently own.  Great fun.

3.  I am reading "The Good Earth". 

4.  We have decided to attempt a vegetable garden this year.  I am eager to try and even more excited to teach my daughter about where food comes from.  I have to admit, however, I am feeling less and less optimistic about our progress (or, rather, significant lack thereof).  I have identified garden location and started to prepare the space.  But, I've haven't planted anything and I've heard that once it hits 100 degrees, nothing will produce.  I'll consider this successful if I at least grow some basil and a few tomatoes for just one caprese salad. 

5.  Tomorrow we start a sugar fast.  No ice cream, cake, homemade cookies, donuts, etc., time to take better care of our bodies.