If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me

Hard to Love

2012-11-01T09:39:00.005-05:00

I'm obsessed with this song.....

"Hard To Love"

I am insensitive I have a tendency

To pay more attention to the things that I need.

Sometimes I drink to much, sometimes I test your trust,

Sometimes I don't know why you're staying with me?

I'm hard to love, hard to love,

I don't make it easy,

I couldn't do it if I stood where you stood

I'm hard to love, hard to love,

You say that you need me,

I don't deserve it but I love that you love me.

Good

I am a short fuse, I am a wrecking ball

Crashing into your heart like I do

You're like a Sunday morning full of grace and full of Jesus

I wish that I could be more like you.

I'm hard to love, hard to love,

I don't make it easy,

I couldn't do it if I stood where you stood,

I'm hard to love, hard to love,

You say that you need me,

I don't deserve it but I love that you love me.

Good

Love me good

Girl you've given me a million second chances

And I don't ever wanna take you for granted,

I'm just a man, I'm just a man

Hard to love, hard to love,

Oh I don't make it easy a

And I couldn't do it if I stood where you stood.

I'm hard to love, hard to love

And you say that you need me,

I don't deserve it but I love that you love me.

Good [x2]

You love me good.

Sissy's

2012-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'd heard rave reviews about Sissy's Southern Kitchen and just had to check it out. Trendy and small, in a fun part of Dallas (Henderson). When I walked in, I felt like I was walking into my dream home. Cottage, rustic, equestrian, toile, 1950's CHIC! Animal heads anchored by 40 different patterned transferware plates. The food was served on the Spode Woodland china! I had to calm my heart a few times. I'd expect nothing less from a place that belonged to Lisa Garza. Do yall remember her from Food Network Star?

We sat on the enclosed patio, at a tiny table for 2. It was quaint, but VERY HOT. Starters are my kryptonite...they have 8 on their menu & I wanted every last one of them. Lindsi and I settled on the Purple Hull Pea Cake. It was served with baby rocket lettuce and lemon aioli. It was good. Not GREAT, but good.

Everyone said, you've gotta get the fried chicken! And so we DID. House spiced, buttermilk soaked, pressure fried. We had a choice of sloppy slaw or sweet butter whipped potatoes. We chose the potatoes and then got a side of Sissy's Mac & Cheese. (we did SHARE it, haha)! It was soooo cheesy and creamy. YUM. The chicken was perfectly spiced and VERY crispy. Would definitely recommend it and will order it again. Great atmosphere, you should check it out!

Chicken burger

2012-09-20T06:33:00.000-05:00

Here is what those burgers look like, with ground chicken.

Blue cheese Burger

2012-09-19T08:29:00.000-05:00

These burgers are SO good and can be made with any kind of meat you want to use: I've tried them with ground chicken, turkey & pork. YUM.

Here is what you need: 1lb of ground meat, bread crumbs, grated onion, carrot & garlic, hot sauce and Worcestershire.

I use a handheld grater and grate about 1/4 an onion several garlic cloves and about half a carrot into bowl over the meat. Then add several dashes of hot sauce (you can tell, I like A LOT) and Worcestershire & salt & pepper to taste, to mixture and combine with your hands.

Cover the meat mixture with a layer of panko breadcrumbs, cover with plastic wrap and let mixture sit in fridge for an hour, or longer, if you have the time. Once the meat has chilled, combine so that the breadcrumbs are distributed throughout the meat mixture. Separate meat into 8 even amounts. I quarter the mixture and then make 2 patties out of each.

Put a heaping tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese onto 4 of the patties. Place the remaining patties (the lids) onto the (the bottoms) and seal the edges so the cheese doesn't ooze out.

Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 15 mins at 400. I doused mine with buffalo sauce before (cause I can't leave well enough alone) then flip them douse with more sauce and cook another 15 mins. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5-10 mins before serving. I eat these on toasted hamburger buns, on sandwich bread, in a pita pocket. Or leave off the bread all together and just have with a salad, great low carb option! ENJOY!

Match update

2012-08-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

Because nothing says romance like the internet! It’s day 135 out of 180 & I thought it was time for a little update. I’ve learned a lot. Number one thing is…don’t pray for patience, cause God might just try to teach it to you!

I guess I've seen too many episodes of SATC, matchmaking shows and read too many Nicholas sparks books for my own danged good. They pound into your head, there’s no such thing as THE ONE, there is no happily ever after, she never ends up with Mr. right. And then, at the end the rug always gets yanked and guess what? She DOES get the guy. Every time. Every CINGULAR time. (ask me about the cingular joke later)

In regards to “playing games”. ALL the profiles say, “im not into playing games” Haha. I go back and forth with them. #1 it's my natural instinct and how I show love to be "doting" and overly affectionate when it comes to attention to detail and affirmations. That goes for all my relationships, even family & friends. If you’re on my mind…I’m gonna tell you. And if I send you a good morning text, it’s because I’m genuinely wishing you a GOOD morning. I think men desire that whether they say it or not. But I also don't want to give it all away up front and be too ooey gooey. Cause I know that scares guys off. So, there I sit….NOT texting, waiting to be one that RECEIVES them…not sends them. Not being myself. Starring at my phone WILLING it to buzz. Uuummm, can someone send me a “test”? I think my text may be broken!
Every last one of guys profiles say they want a girl to just be who she is, "comfortable in her own skin" not be something she isn’t! Except if what she is, isnt what he wants, right?!?!?! It's just so confusing!

Dating in your 30’s is NOT for the faint of heart.

Date update: I’ve been on actual dates with 5 guys so far. Oh, and a date with someone NOT from Match, but we won’t count him. I still talk to 2. And 1 of the 2, is only in the “friend” category. He’s the emotionally un-available one. So, that leaves 1! Great odds, huh? What’s the opposite of batting 1,000? I really like the 1 that is left. Like, REALLY. But, I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket. I’ve got 45 more days on Match that I’ve already paid for…and I’m gonna see where it takes me!!!

Go Rangers!

2012-06-09T15:05:00.000-05:00

Horse races

2012-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

My company sponsors an event at the horse races once a year.

I never gamble (I work too dang hard to give my money away) but it's always fun to go.

Is it just me, or do yall get an excited feeling when you hear that horn?

I love it!

Landry dance recital

2012-06-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from Landrys dance recital. WOW, she is so beautiful~!

Florida Food

2012-06-06T13:28:00.001-05:00

Join me on a food journey through my last trip to Florida!

Authentic Greek celebration.. Ya-Ya made the best roasted chicken I've ever had. And everything was slathered in a thick rich garlic sauce. YUM.

Lettuce cups with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, jicama, and a spicy dipping sauce

Pasta with Arugula pesto & shrimp

Spicy crab salad, shrimp pad-tai, fried calamari and the famous Akina sushi rolls

Spring rolls with shrimp, mango, cabbage and chive flowers

Day 56; an update

2012-05-18T10:34:00.001-05:00

My latest obsession is turning into frustration!

Here is a list of the guys that I’ve had contact with since joining. And by contact I mean call, text and/or emailed with multiple times. Does not include just a wink or “liking” a picture. To use a corporate term, these are, warm leads. I’ve come up with nicknames for them, cause it’s easier to remember as well as protects their identity. (I hope you are laughing). I’d hate for 1 of my 6 “readers” to recognize someone on the list and tell them, I’m talking about them on www!

Fannie
Mud man
Widow
Stunna
Vampire
Nutty Professor
SOFT~EY
Boat Boy
Tiger Woods
OJ
San Antonio

It just doesn’t seem logical to me, why someone would pay all that money and put the time and energy into writing a profile, uploading pictures, weeding through people, winking, emailing, and texting if they didn’t really want to date?

And please don’t read this as, I think that I’m SUCH a catch, why would anyone NOT want to date me? post. I’m perfectly aware that there are lots and lots of reasons why I’m an undesirable match. And that thousands of men, have said NO THANK YOU at first glance of my profile. I’m completely realistic about it. But one would think that after you’ve looked at my pictures (the site tells you every time someone views your profile by the way) read my answers, emailed, texted & called me over a span of a few weeks that they would be a little bit interested in me. Is that a logical assumption? I would think that the next step would be to go out, right? Well, NOT SO MUCH! And this is the case with ALL of them, except one.

I’ve been out with one guy. We went out 3 times. He was nice, very cute, attentive and very complimentary. Made me feel very comfortable from the first time we met. A great guy to share my first match.com date with. He was also very upfront about his past & his future. He’s divorced with 2 kids. I’m OK with that. Of course I’d prefer someone that has never been married & doesn’t have children; but I realize that when talking about a man of a certain age, there aren’t that many of US out there. But here is where HIS story continued. Divorced with 2 kids and doesn’t want to ever re-marry or have more children. Why am I drawn to emotionally unavailable men? De-ja-vue right?

Thanks for taking the time to read my update. Today is day 26, of my 2nd month. (match, tracks that for you) Will continue to keep you updated as month 3 begins.

I keep thinking….this is preparing me to be SO appreciative of my future mate.

SOME DAY!

Fun with Diptic

2012-05-04T15:02:00.001-05:00

Do yall have the Diptic app? I LOVE it

It makes these great collages

But my favorite part, are the random layouts

Roll the dice and it picks a random collage and then picks random pitctures from your albums.

So fun!

Throw back thursday

2012-05-03T13:31:00.003-05:00

She?

2012-05-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

So, the deal with the online profiles, well.......it goes from bad to worse depending on the day. Not always, but more so than not the profiles are either SUPER cheesy or just one big pat on the back, brag-fest!

I know it's super hard to write about yourself. SUPER HARD. That's why, I had Lesli write mine. What, what? Yeah, you read me right. I mean, seriously it's genius!

Everyone feels strange telling people all their PERFECT traits...cause let's be honest, IF we were as perfect as our profiles....would we really still be single? Can I get an amen?

Insert best friend; she takes the good, she takes the bad....she takes them both and there you have....a perfectly written profile! And it doesn't hurt that she is witty, really smart & a great writer. Thanks Les.

So, I came across this profile last night and was in AWE. He had me at she..........

WHOA, we should all strive to be this SHE!

She's probably cute but it's more the intangibles that I love. She's real & down to earth & is the poster child for genuine. The way she carries herself is captivating & not because she's trying to be. Her personality is so pleasant & delightful. She loves herself & exudes confidence in who she is. People see in her someone they truly respect & admire. She's spontaneous. She can be ready in 10 min if she needs to & is down for almost anything almost anytime. She really knows how to have fun! She's not above slapping on a baseball cap & can wear it with flair. Man, is she charming or what? She's smart. She takes good care of herself without being vain. She's not judgmental & sees the beauty (or potential beauty) in everything & everyone. She has a great outlook on life. The way she interacts with others is like a movie I could watch for hours. She has tact. There is something about her that is very simple yet I just can't know enough about her. I know how to make her laugh & every time she laughs, I just want to hold her. Her laughter & smile are actually the most beautiful things on earth. Her smile is my kryptonite. Her blushes are enthralling. She deserves to be happy & smiling at all times and it is my job to keep her that way…I love my job! I can't stand to see her in any pain, physically or emotionally. I know I can trust her. I know how she is feeling. I can have a conversation with her without any words. She hasn't given up on life & living. She carries strength without being overbearing. She is independent and dependent. She knows that she needs a man to be complete but life is very much worth living without one. She is compassionate. She is open minded. She is good at listening and hearing. The baggage she has from her bad relationships is full of sagacity and not disdain. She understands the dynamics at play in relationships and simply notes and deals with the flaws of human nature & individuals. She doesn't mind exhibiting some of the roles known more to be traditional because it is just a part of who she is. She won't even try to deny it & it doesn't even matter that seemingly everyone else is. She is skillfully domestic but not a housewife – unless she wants to be. She wants a family & family comes first. She loves to celebrate the holidays & even the smallest accomplishments. She's big on tradition. She knows how to live within her means. She's not afraid to break a sweat. In fact, she has a passion for the outdoors, activity & athletics. Well, she at least has an appreciation for them. She is even quite the competitor. She has her own passions in life & doesn't have to live vicariously through me. She soaks up what life has to offer & it has lead to tremendous wisdom. I value her judgment maybe even more than mine. We enjoy doing so many things together but we don't have to do everything together. In fact, it really doesn't matter what we do together because we can both go with the flow and make the most of any moment. I'm able to show her that I'm in it for the long haul & in her I see virtually no manifestations of insecurity. I look forward to going to battle for and with her. I know she's the one for me & I know she knows it. She knows I'm the the one for her & she knows I know it. Much of the man I am is because of her & the way she makes me feel. It's no secret that she is my best friend. We're both very much the optimist with just the right touch of realism. She's comfortable with & accepting of my imperfect ways & vice versa (I actually kinda like her imperfections). We are both a bit goofy at times; probably more than people realize. I look at her & say, “if my daughters are only half as good as their mom, they'll be great”. But, who knows? She may be none of this & even better than I could ever i imagine. That's the curve ball that life throws at times. I just love it!

My bachelor

2012-04-27T11:51:00.001-05:00

I have a new appreciation for those crying, blubbering idiots on The Bachelor. You know the ones. The girls that cry so hard, they are snubbing in the limo. The ones that hyperventilate. The ones that forgo their limo ride home & exit in the back of the ambulance. THOSE girls. I could be one of them.

I think if you are willing to go on that show & be in a bikini on national television, you already possess a tiny bit of cray~cray. So, multiply that by 100 & you have these girls.

These girls sit around a house with no tv, no radio, no internet & no job to occupy their brain. So, there they sit….thinking, analyzing, scheming about this guy & daydreaming about where their wedding will be & if Colin Cowie will plan it. Telling themselves 500 times a day, I LOVE him, I l-o-v-e him, I love HIM, I think I may LOVE him?! There you have it. And most importantly, they don’t have their sister or their best friend there to say…..”you do NOT love him. You don’t even know him….what does he order on his pizza? Seeeeeeee…you don’t love him!”

There, I said it. My name is Allison, I’m single, 30+ year old that has a new fascination with online dating. Online dating is my “bachelor”. It’s VERY easy to get obsessed with it. Checking profiles, looking at pictures, checking to see whose viewed your profile, daily matches, “singled out” just for you, winks, updating your own pictures, picturing your future children….SEE, the crazeee just came out! It definitely has it’s obsessive qualities. Thankfully, I have tv, radio, internet, work & my sister and girlfriends to snap me out of my potential psycho addiction! PUT DOWN THE MOBILE APP.

I’ve dabbled in the online dating previously, but never really got “into it”. No, I’m not in fake love with anyone…but I’m in love with the process this go around. Many people have suggested I try it…you know EVERYONE has a story, a girl I work with; well her cousin met a guy online and they married in 3 months and they are SO in love. You ALL have a story.

This go around, I have to give all the credit to Ryan. She suggested I try Match this time. And we had a long talk about broadening my horizons when it comes to race. And I’m glad she was willing to be real with me & really make me think about WHY, I had made the selections I did. She certainly wasn’t trying to talk me into or out of, dating a certain race, but just wanted me to have convictions and know why I checked the box, that I checked. I broadened my options & have had A LOT more communication because of it. And for that I am grateful.

I’m not sure why I had only been open to Caucasians in the past. I guess because that’s what’s been modeled before me? But when I really thought about it, I came to realize the real reason why I was hesitant. The REAL reason….is other peoples perception. What will OTHER people think? Will it make people un-comfortable? Will the babies ask why he has brown skin or slanted eyes? Will my older family members (who were around before desegregation) be ashamed? Will people at church, whisper? Will Mom be worried that her friends might think bad of me? Will my fictitious children be treated differently by other people, because their parents ancestors originated from 2 different continents? All those scenarios plus more played through my mind.

I made a very conscious decision for myself. I have a long list of non-negotiable when it comes to choosing a mate (seems to get longer by the year); but I’m not going to allow my fear of what other people may think about me, be on that list.

And if I ever make it onto the real bachelor…I will be the one breathing in & out of the brown paper bag & mumbling…..but I LOVE him!

Coasters

2012-04-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

I made coasters for The Moffatts for christmas.

I think they turned out pretty good. And was a fun little craft project!

Babies

2012-04-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

These knuckleheads just crack me up!

Doggies

2012-04-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've semi adopted a rescue dog. I found her on petfinder.com. She is a rescue. After I told them that I wanted to adopt her, I got an email that said...I have good news & bad news. #1 Yes, Honey is still available to adopt....but when we took her to get spayed, the vet told us she was preggers. Ooooppppps. So, I'm waiting till she is "emotionally available" to come live with me and Gracie Belle.

Sweet Honey Belle! That tiny thing had 6 puppies 3 weeks ago. Can't wait till she comes to live with us!

Frittata

2012-04-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

I had some turkey sausage patties that I needed to use...so I got creative and made breakfast for dinner. It turned out great!

I sliced an onion very thin and sauteed in some olive oil and garlic. I cut the sausage into bite size pieces and added to the pan, with a handful of torn arugula leaves. (thank you Ryan).

While those cooked, I cracked 5 or 6 eggs into a bowl, seasoned (use whatever flavors you like) added quite a few dashes of hot sauce (tabasco type, not salsa) and a little cream, milk or half & half. Then pour the egg mixture on top of the onions and sausage. Let the egg set up a minute or two and then transfer to oven to bake.

Top with cheese! YUMMY.

Monica's shower

2012-04-19T21:01:00.001-05:00

We hosted a baby		shower for Monica and Lyla. I'm a little behind on the posting....Lyla is 3 weeks old and just the most precious baby-doll you've ever seen.
Lyla's Cake

The Table

Babycakes by Angie cookies...they were a HUGE hit

Punch, champagne or both?


We were SO happy to SHOWER Monica and Lyla with lots of love.

Father daughter

2012-02-21T06:06:00.001-06:00

Adam took Landry to the Father Daughter date night at church.

What a beautiful couple!

Sleepover

2012-02-20T06:06:00.001-06:00

The boys spent the night with Sis last Friday night. We had a lot of fun.

Saturday morning they chased Gracie for 30 mins straight. She finally caught up to Layton and POUNCED on him.

Layton kept saying, look I'm from France. I guess he thought my Kentucky Derby hat looked "french". Funny kid!

Logan

2012-02-17T06:19:00.002-06:00

Logan had a VERY big week. 1st place in the science fair, placed 2nd & 6th in two events at the private school academic meet. And then scored twice and got tons of rebounds at his basketball game.

But the best part, is that he is SUCH a sweet kid. So polite and caring.

Way to go Adam & Angie!

Valentines

2012-02-16T06:07:00.001-06:00

The babies making valentines for their friends at school

Good Book

2012-02-15T15:05:00.003-06:00

I've never been a huge fan of Sandra Lee...although I think her cooking is a brillant concept. Angie gave me this book for my birthday and I was pleasantly surprised by it. Made me change my whole thinking about her. She's one tough cookie!

I loved this part:

Everyone has the capacity to change. Your success or failure is predicated on your commitment to that change. The only mistake in making a mistake is not learning from it. Life has a funny way of reminding us of this every day. One day you’re the toast of the town, the employee of the month, the leader in sales at your company, and by the next day someone else has taken your place in the spotlight. The ride up is never easier the second or third time around. We live in a world where I believe what goes around comes around. It is why you need to have grace. Life will always come full circle, sometimes when you least expect it. You never know who will reappear in your life, or what situation will dictate the outcome of another. Resilience is key.

Tatto Wednesday

2012-02-08T06:43:00.001-06:00

I want this one.....

Thank you Em, for inviting me to go with you. I love your fat black birds, and also what they stand for. XOXO