30 by 30/5 of 30/Take a cooking class

A few weeks ago when my brother was in town, my mother, brother and I went to Sur La Table for a cooking class.  I have always wanted to take a cooking class at Sur La Table and thus, it was on my 30 before 30.  I was not disappointed!

Our class was called 4 Meals for the Busy Cook.  We made Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil, Grilled Flank Steak with “Chimmichurri” and Balsamic Haricot Vert, Pan-Roasted Chicken Breast with Roasted Potatoes and Wilted Garlic Spinach and Spicy Tomato Sauce.

I learned that when cooking pasta, you should salt the water until it tastes like sea water.  Before the class, my I did not salt my noodles nearly enough.  Ever since I have started using more salt, my noodles have been much better. 

I also learned that you should stop cooking meat about 5 to 10 degrees before the suggested internal temperature because meat cooks continues to cook itself after it is off the fire.  I had no idea. 

In summary: All four meals were amazing. I highly recommend taking a cooking class for Sur La Table.

I probably ate the steak a little too quickly.  It was really good!  I didn’t get a picture before it was almost gone.  Oops. 

30 by 30/4 of 30/Go on a picnic in the park

I love having an April birthday.  I share my birthday month with some lovely women. One of Sarah’s best friends Michelle was born on April 29th. She celebrated her birthday this year with a picnic at White Rock Lake.  Which happens to be on my 30 by 30 list. Celebrating a lovely friend AND crossing something off of my list, BONUS! It was a lovely day for a picnic. Happy 30th Michelle!  

30 by 30/3 of 30/Karaoke

Karaoke has been one of my greatest fears as long as I can remember.  It all stems from me trying out for choir in 6th grade.  I didn’t make it and a complex was born.  My friends tell me I can sing. No one has ever walked away from me at church during praise and worship.  And yet, the thought of singing in public MORTIFIES me. Thus, I had never done karaoke. 

I let my fear keep me away from karaoke long enough and decided it was time to conquer my fear. I also decided to conquer in a controlled environment. Hence my birthday party, so I would know everyone.  Genius, no?

I was a little nervous at first…

But I got over it…

Thank you girls for celebrating with me and watching me conquer a fear.  I love that each of you was there with me.  I am thankful for you all!  Dear, dear friends. 

My 29th Birthday…

I started celebrating the big 2-9 the Tuesday before my birthday with a dinner at Texas De Brazil with my mother and brother.  I have never been to a Brazilian restaurant before, and may I just say there is so much food.  SO SO MUCH FOOD.  I have never felt so full, but it was delicious.   

My 29th birthday was on a Saturday and happened to coincide with the Sudan Footrace, a 5K that benefited e3 Sudan and the Seed Effect.  I don’t know what I was thinking, but I decided it would be fun to wake up early and get a group of girls together to walk the 5k.  Crazy… I know.

My small group girls: Parker, Lauren, me, Sam

Shawn, me, Angie, and Vicky

Me, Katie, Sarah, and Janet

Thank you girls for coming out and walking with me!  I had a great time and felt good supporting two great ministries. 

The night of my birthday we went to one of my favorite restaurants, Torchy Tacos.  Oh how I love their queso. 

My amazingly talented friend Tiffany made me a beautiful cake for my birthday.  It was delicious (as always)… Did I mention she is talented? 

After dinner we headed to Family Karaoke so I could cross something off of my 30 by 30 list and conquer one of my greatest fears.  More to come about Karaoke later.  It disserves it’s own post.  

My thoughts on my 29th birthday:  It was hard, but I survived my first birthday without my dad.  I missed him all day; but I miss him every day. I wanted to hear his voice tell him me happy birthday and that he loved me. I don’t question how much he loved me; I know it with every fiber of my being, but I really missed hearing it. Throughout the day, I was at once happy and yet my heart ached. I was struck by how deeply loved I am by so many people. Somehow, missing my father gave me a greater appreciation everyone else’s love. I received text messages, calls, facebook messages and so many of my friends came out to celebrate with me. I felt so very blessed despite my sadness. On the whole, I had a great day full of love and laugher. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me throughout the day.  You helped me survive and enjoy my first milestone day. 

29 Things Before I Turned 29

This year I:

1. Visited the Dominican Republic with my family (again)
2. Snorkeled in between ankle and knee deep water (which proved to be quite difficult)
3. Went white water rafting
4. Swam through a mile long level 3 rapid after falling out of the white water raft
5. Hiked a trail in New Mexico 
6. Crossed ice cold running water (melting snow) twice on said hike
7. Ate Indian food for the first time
8. Danced with William (one year old) in a crowded restaurant
9. Watched Friday Night Lights in its entirety... all 5 seasons
10. Discovered Downton Abbey and Sherlock...  PBS Masterpiece in general, really...
11. Moved up to the high school ministry (my girls entered 9th grade)
12. Survived my 10 year high school reunion
13. Survived the Launch retreat (singles retreat at Watermark)
14. Joined the DAYL Leadership Class
15. Stayed with 40 attorneys in double-wide trailers... an experience for sure
16. Watched the Screwtape Letters and To Kill a Mockingbird (plays)
17. Went on a date with my dad (Saw Pam Tillis and Lorie Morgan in concert)
18. Saw Needtobreath live in concert. They are so good live!
19. Said goodbye to my grandmother
20. Tragically lost my father... much to young
21. Gave my father's eulogy (not for the faint of heart)
22.  Discovered loose leave tea with tapioca (better than milk tea!)
23. Learned to water ski in Lake Charles, LA
24. Cried more than I thought possible 
25. Felt the love of the Lord in amazing ways as I watched my friends, my small group girls, my colleagues, and my father's clients minister to my family
26. Experienced grief beyond what I thought I could endure
27. Ate Truffled Manchego Tater Tots at the Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa. Words cannot express how amazing they were
28. Ate at Texas De Brazil for the first time...  So much food!
29. Visited in-n-out burger in Dallas, TX and ordered my first burger animal style... yum

This year was by far the hardest year of my life; the last two months of it, anyway. I miss my father every day. I grieve him in so many ways and in so many things. It is hard to articulate the grief and sorrow. I have had to grow up more in the last two months than in the last 28 years combined. I really hate this. In the midst of my sorrow, I have been thankful for so many friends that have grieved and mourned along with me. I am thankful for the acts of service and love that I have witnessed. I am blessed to know so many amazing people who love me well. Thank you for being there for me.

30 by 30/2 of 30/Watch an Opera

Last Friday I was lucky enough to see my very first opera with Jen, the other associate at my law firm.  One of our bosses has season tickets and let us use her BOX seats for La Traviata.  I jokingly tweeted that I felt like pretty woman… except not shady.  But sitting in the box seats, I really did!  In case you all are not up to date on your operas or pretty woman, La Traviata is the opera that Edward and Vivian watch in the movie.

Jen and I started our evening at Samar by Stephan Pyles.  If you have not been, drop what you are doing and go.  Seriously, it was that good.  

Afterwards, we headed over to the Winspear for La traviata. I enjoyed the opera. I found myself dancing along to the music (in my seat, of course). I do not think opera is in my blood, but I can appreciate the beauty and the talent. La Traviata was a great opera for a beginner. The plot was understandable and easy enough to follow.

Thanks Jen for experiencing the opera for the first time with me!