C'est La Vie!! Ah, oui oui!

C'est la vie! Ok, I'll be honest, that's about the only french phrase I know, but tonight we had the true privilege of being exposed to some DELICIOUS french culture. And when I say delicious I mean amazing, and when i say culture I, of course, mean FOOD. (I mean really, what's more important than food?)

Our household is currently full to capacity with three full time occupants (soon to be minus one), three pets (a dog, a cat, and one hedgehog), and one traveling kiteboarder of extremely european and fancy descent. Our good friend Jeremy (Leoni to us) is crashing our couch for a few weeks, until his apartment is ready for occupancy. Everyone should be extremely jealous of him and hate/envy him just as much as I do. Not only has he just returned from an extended vacation in Brazil, but he's relocating to Corpus Christi to live the dream as I like to call it. He gets to spend every day outside on the water, teaching the good people of the dirty dub c how to surf some gnarly waters with his kite. Not too shabby of a situation if I do say so myself. We all loathe/love him in this house because we are truly jealous...but extremely happy for him at the same time.

Anywhoooo, having gotten to spend a good amount of time with him as of late (he's served as an excellent escort the past several weekends to various events where Jeff was unable to attend), I now know that the name Leoni is of italian descent, meaning lion, but that his parents were actually from the region of Northern Africa...don't hate me if I'm wrong Leoni, but Tripoli and Algeria?? Bear with me, because the point of this blog is food, and I'm getting there.

So, recently we were having conversations about food and what we like, and Leoni mentions this amazing concoction that is a staple in the regions where his parents are from. It's basically made of what's called merguez, which is essentially a spicy lamb sausage, served in a crusty baguette, heaped with french fries, and doused in a special spicy sauce called harissa. Of course, my intial reaction is to want it immediately. Hence, we devise a plan in which Leoni, who has never before made this concoction, agrees to prepare this meal for us, in all its delicious glory!

Let me just say, he didn't let me down. Now I don't know what a traditional merguez baguette is supposed to taste like, and I've actually never had lamb before, but this fantastical treat was off the chizzain. We're talking juicy meat, spicy sauce, crusty bread, topped with all the familiarity of your traditional french fry. An epic party in your mouth. Paired with a new summer blend of Shiner Ruby Redbird Beer (which I've also never had), and you've got yourself a dinner.

Now, I'm only gonna say it once Leoni, so you listen good. Please don't leave usssssss. We've so enjoyed having your French @$$ around here, and well, now that I know you can cook...I never want to let you go. Our couch is comfortable. I know the cat is annoying. I know we wake you up every morning leaving for work, but we can change. The cat can go. We'll make it work. Let me know what you think. :-)

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The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Man, I'm totally NOT holding up my end of the bargain on this ten days of blogging thing, am I?

My sincerest apologies, all 24 of my dedicated blog readers.

Today's topic is 5 people who really mean a lot to you, and for me this is so difficult! I have quite a few people in my life that really mean a lot to me, and its very VERY difficult to narrow it down to just five, so rather than pick and choose, I've narrowed it down by a few groups of people that mean a lot to me.

My parents) This is a no brainer. My parents brought me into this world, and for that I owe them...well..my life. Everything I am today is because of them. I've taken the good and incorporated it into my own life, and also seen what not to do (sorry mom and dad) and changed myself for the better. As I grow older, I see more and more how difficult it is to raise a child, and how much I took for granted as a wee sassy, slightly spoiled youngster. Thanks for putting up with me guys. :-)

My sisters) My sisters are like built in best friends that HAVE to love you. They have no choice. I couldn't have been blessed with two better sisters, and I'm lucky to have been given the job of "big" sister. All those days I played house with Sam when I was technically too "old" to play anymore. Showing Alex all the cool un-lady like things to do. It's been a great experience, and I can't wait to see what's ahead for us as we all make our own families, and create memories together. Love you guys.

My BABE!) I've gotta say I'm truly the luckiest girl. It's taken me a while to get to this point, but I feel like now that I'm/we're here, I've never been happier. Don't get me wrong, life's not perfect, and some days are harder than others when you're with someone, but when you're in it for the long haul, you work through it, and you always come out on the other side. I honestly don't know where I'd be without my special someone, and I can't wait to see what happens for us next!

My friends) Obviously, all of the friends I've made and kept along the way are important to me! They've all touched my life and changed me in some way, and I couldn't be more blessed to have those people in my life. I've got my best friends, Sara and Heather..two friends I got know in college, and have had in my life ever since! They're some of the first people I call with news..good news, bad news...advice, venting, crying, laughing. They're amazing. In addition to my "besties," I've met some great friends through work and play down here in Corpus, as well as at my previous job in Kerrville. I've also got a group of lifelong friends from grad school that I still keep in touch with via "life update" emails, and others from undergrad. I'm truly blessed when it comes to the friend category!

My grandpa) I'm not going to say much about him, but my Papa Fennon was one of the most amazing men I have ever known. He's passed away, but I still miss him every day and wish I could see him and talk to him all the time. When my family went through rough times, he was there. He took care of us. Anything we needed, he'd do everything he could to get it for us. He loved us, and we loved him unconditionally. I can't wait to get to see him again one day, and I live every day to make him proud.

So there you have it folks! The five people in my life that mean the most to me. Ok, I know I know, I didn't really narrow it down, but when you have so many great people in your life, how are you supposed to choose??

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Inside the Cool Kids Studio

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I've come up with the best. idea. ever. I can't tell you how many times I'd sat down to try and begin thislittle adventure in blogland, and just plain didn't do it. Now I can't imagine not having this forum for creative self expression. For me, it's relaxing..I have something to say, so I say it...sometimes it's funny, sometimes it falls flat on its face, and sometimes it attempts to be thought provoking, but in the end, it's always me. So my original thought was why not give other people the opportunity to sample what its like to write a blog. But like a one-night stand blog--one time, no strings attached, and you don't have to call me in the morning. Perfect right?

Now hands down, I know some of THE coolest people inthe world. Through my travels for school, work, and play I've made lifelong friends that are located throughout the country--I mean, the best of the best. I've done some hard recruiting--phone calls, texts, promises of cars, endorsements by Nike, the works...and I've lined up what would resemble a guest list on "Inside the Cool Kids Studio" hosted by James Lipton. But not stupid James Lipton. James Lipton circa Will Ferrell, dirty stache and all.

So now begins the era of the "guest blog." From time to time, one of my fabulous friends will submit a blog about whatever the William Shatner they want to write about. And it will be fantastic. Think of it like Sh@# my dad says...but better. Welcome to "Sh#$ my friends say." Prepare to have your minds blown.

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