Happy New Year my friends!

I will be spending it tonight recovering from my awful night on call at the hospital.

But...I'm looking forward to a fabulous New Year and starting it off right with a relaxing weekend off with my sweet husband :)

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas....

for Greenville, SC. Come on snooooooooow!

Hot chocolate with marshmallows and White Christmas on television = a perfect evening in

These cookies are currently baking in the oven. I'm so excited about trying them. I'm probably going to get a cavity by eating just one. It feels so good to be back in the kitchen cooking and baking after a long month of work.

And I'm watching Glee while the cookies are baking. It's the Madonna episode. Life is good.

Here's a sneak peek into what will be going on in the kitchen this week.

Butter chicken. So delicious. Curently marinating in the fridge. Pioneer Woman is my hero.

Snickerdoodles. Pretty much the ultimate Christmas cookie.

Cake batter bark.

I'm going to need some people to come over and share all the goodness.

Once in Royal David's City

Once in royal Davids city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,In a manger for His bed
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.

For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew
And He cares when we are sad,
And he shares when we are glad.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.

Josh Ritter - "Right Moves" (on 'Later..with Jools Holland')

Here's another Josh Ritter song!

Live music is good for my soul. And there are two amazing shows coming up soon!

Saturday, Feb 5 at the Handlebar Josh Radin.

I have been waiting and waiting to see him live, and I really hope to be able to go to this show.

And next is the amazing and fabulous Josh Ritter, at the Orange Peel on Tuesday Feburary 15. Josh Ritter. I've had the opportunity to see Josh Ritter twice already, and he is truly one of the most amazing musicians and puts on such a fun show, and I would definitely love to see him again. And, he does fun covers, like The Talking Heads.

Check these guys out!

I just did yoga.

I used my fancy yoga block. It's actually not that fancy, but it sure made me feel fancy during all those vinyasas.

It clearly doesn't take much to make me feel fancy. And no Tony Horton, Mr. P-90x man, I do not wish to do a push-up after every plank position.

Hopefully I've worked off all those hershey chocolates I ate today. Darn you person who brought an entire bag of them to work today. I did not eat the entire bag, however.

Tomorrow, we are headed to Alabama for an early Thanksgiving celebration with the Venable family! Can't wait to see my sweet niece Evie!

Confession.

I am doing a terrible job at trying to lose a few pounds. I actually don't really want to lose weight; I just want to at least maintain.

I can't remember the last time I went to the gym. I have so little motivation to go, it's a bit sad. I even packed my gym bag today and had grand plans to go after work. Did I go?

Ugh.

Oh, and did I mention that someone decided it would be a good idea to bring Dunkin' Donuts coffee and donuts to the peds. resident workroom. I mean, really. A beautiful powdered sugar donut with cream filling was just asking to be enjoyed and savored. My self-control is essentially non-existent when it comes to donuts. Or any other baked good.

That donut was delicious.

Every cook needs an apron, right?

It seems that most of my posts are about food. I love food. I like eating it. I like making it. I love events that involve food in the plans.

So here we are. I have two new bread recipes to share. They aren't my own original recipes. I found them both off food blogs I like to read.

If you're looking for a warm, wholesome, somewhat nutritious, breakfast bread that is perfectly paired with a cup of coffee and a little butter or jam, then this bread is for you. And please read her blog. She is hilarious, original, and makes delicious desserts. And she is having a give-away every day of the month. I am dying to make her recipe for soft pretzels! Oh heavens.

Now this bread. It will change your life. Perhaps that's an exaggeration. If you don't like beer, then don't make it. But if beer is your thing, then please just go bake it now. Serve with a hot bowl of chili, a table surrounded by friends, and good times are bound to be had by all. And when it's gone, you'll wish you had more.

And now, I'm going to watch one of the most beautiful movies ever done. Please weekend, don't go away.

Time Well Wasted

I've been on vacation this week.

Every single day. No work. Staying in bed past 6 am. Starting my day off with a cup of coffee. Not being in my usual crazed rush to get ready for work. Filling my days with fun things to pass the time.

Oh it's been lovely. Please don't end.

The Final Countdown

Raise your hand if you're ready for a vacation!

Oh boy, am i ready. 5 more days! Holla.

Oh Happy Day.

I will be going here in approximately 6 month.

Bliss.

I need to get my act together and start working out.

Bahamas here I come!

Bon Appetite!

One of my favorite things to do during the week or weekend is to look through my cookbooks and other recipe websites and blogs to figure out the next week's meals. It's okay. You can think it's silly. But I love planning ahead and preparing our menu, looking for new recipes to try and returning to older tried and true comfort foods. Then I make my grocery list and head to the store to get food for the next week.

Many people probably cringe with the thought of going to the grocery store, dealing with long lines and carts. It can be a chore.

I look forward to the grocery store, especially Costco, Publix, and my favorite Whole Foods. Love. Filling up my cart and then bringing everything home and putting it away in its designated spot. It's almost calming to me. Do I sound crazy yet?

So for this week's dinner, we are mostly sticking with delicious, fall-flavored comfort foods.

Pork tenderloin flavored with cinnamon and all-spice with goat-cheese mashed potatoes. Creamy and warm mushroom soup with carrots, celery and parmesan cheese. And the not fall-themed dinner, sunken burritos. Chicken with bell peppers, rice, and black beans. All rolled up into a burrito shell and topped with enchilada sauce, monteray jack cheese, and one of my most-beloved seasonings, cilantro. Oh snap. Deliciousness all-around.

I'm missing my grandparents today.

I like

The smell of fresh-baked goods in my house.

Yesterday was honey-walnut scones.

Today it is rosemary bread. Currently rising and waiting to be baked in the oven.

You should come over and enjoy the goodness.

A New Covenant

"When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly." Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, "Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God." ~Genesis 17:1-8

Many nights during the week, after dinner, Adam and I read a passage of the Bible aloud together and then talk about it for a few minutes. I have to confess that many nights, I come to this part of our evening with an attitude of selfishness and laziness. Or I just completely zone out. I'm usually tired after a long day at work, and I all I can think about is how I just want to sit on the couch and watch television, or read a book/magazine.

Reading the passage above last night was different. Hearing my own voice speak these words from God aloud almost brought me to tears. It is so beautiful and encouraging to hear these words that God speaks to Abraham, beginning this covenant with Abraham and his people. And these words weren't just meant for Abraham. They are meant for anyone who would believe in the one true God. And because of Jesus, we can be part of this covenant that God has promised. We can rest in the knowledge that God has promised to be our God.

I want to always rest in that promise.

I'm baaaaaaaaaack. Sorta.

Oh friends, I had some high hopes for blogging tonight. Nothing in particular that I wanted to blog about. Nothing incredibly witty or inspiring. Just something. Especially since it's been ages since I have written.

But I am tired. I don't have quite as much energy to write as I would have liked. Twelve hour shifts multiple days in a row is rough business. I get home, spend as much time with Adam as I can before going to bed and starting all over again.

So for now, I will be eating some delicious homemade Swedish apple pie, read a book, and then, sleep.

Goodnight.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Best. Weekend. Ever.

And here is a list of why this weekend was amazing.

1. It was my first full weekend off in over a month. Okay, it's already turning out to be a winner.

2. Going to the Saturday Market in downtown Greenville with my sweet husband and sweet friend Dorothy. People, you are missing out if you have not yet been. Fresh bell peppers. Zucchini. Squash. Tomatos. Rresh pasta. Basil. Peaches. Blueberries. This is just a short list of all the delicious and fresh foods you can get down there. Oh, and did I mention the fresh chevre cheese? I'd recommend the garlic and dill. Oh sweetness.

3. Haircut! It had been almost 8 months since my last haircut. There is fewer better feelings than getting a new hairdo. She straightened it, as always happens when I get it cut. I think hairstylists are scared of curly hair or something. But it looks awesome now! We'll just have to see how it looks curly, because it is short my friends.

4. Becoming members at Costco! Okay, we didn't even buy anything, but it was so fun to walk around and explor. All the cheese and wine. Heaven.

5. Inception. Amazing movie. Interesting ending. Go see it.

6. Church service at Downtown Presbyterian. The sermon this morning was about loving and praying for the church despite it being filled with sinners. Beautiful and convicting.

7. Delicious lunch with friends. Pork tenderloin. Tomato caprese salad. Wine. Lemonade. Swedish visiting cake for dessert. Sweet friends and good conversaton. Sunday afternoons don't get much better.

8. Nap! I am a terrible napper. There is always just so much I want to do, it's hard to make myself relax enough to sleep in the middle of the day. It usually makes me feel like I'm missing out on life. But today, it happened. And it was good.

9. And lastly, Barley's pizza and beer with friends. We go almost every Sunday. I love ending the weekend/starting a new week by relaxing with friends over good food and drink (yes, this is a recurring theme in my life) and conversation.

I am so blessed and thankful to have a weekend to rest and spend time with my husband and friends!

I have to share a recipe with you.

It's delicious. Fresh. Simple.

It comes from one of my new favorite magazines, Cooking Light. These magazines are filled with a wonderful variety of meals that are healthy and made largely from fresh fruits and vegetables. I'm addicted to them.

Tonight, Adam and I made this wonderful dish, chicken and guacamole tostadas. But without the guacamole. Okay, I made an attempt at the guacamole. I am just now beginning to like guacamole, and I have to admit that I had never even bought an avacado until tonight. Let's just say that my attempt at the gucamole was unsuccessful. Perhaps it started with my not knowing how to pick a ripe avacado. Next time.

Nonetheless, this meal was still delicious. We got a roasted chicken from Publix, pulled it into shreds, and then seasoned it with paprika and lime juice. For the topping I just chopped some tomato, onion, a poblano pepper, cilantro (my own home grown cilantro!), lime juice and a touch of sea salt. Top it all onto a tortilla and you have a meal. It can't get much simpler than that. I'm sure it would be so much better with the guac. Next time. This is a picture of the recipe from the Cooking Light website.

And now I have leftovers for work tomorrow rather than more of the same old gross hospital cafeteria food.

Come over to our house sometime and share a meal!

And hopefully I can get my act together and blog on a more regular basis.

I could use some discipline.

"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline,in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." ~Hebrews 12:7-14

Amen.

My name is Lisa. And I like being on vacation.

And all that comes with it.

1. I got a public library card. I haven't had one since I lived in Charleston. Which was over 4 years ago. It was so exciting to be in the library and choose books to read while on vacation. During the last few years, reading consisted primarily of medical textbooks, and now, pediatric journals. But to read a fictional book again. Oh man is it good. I checked out 6 books. How many can you check out at a time? Oh, how about 50. That's what the librarian told me when I asked. No wonder I couldn't find some of the books I was looking for. Someone is harboring 50 of their own. One down, 5 to go.

2. I went running for the first time yesterday in about 6 months. I can't say that I actually "liked" going for a run, but it was nice to have time to actually go. And it was refreshing to feel the cool, crisp air in the early morning. I miss running, and would love to get back to where I was when I had stopped.

3. Baking. It is not much of a secret that I love to cook. And since I have all this time off, I've had more opportunities to bake. Yesterday was zucchini bread, and it was delicious. Today, I tried a new recipe for chocolate chip cookies. I know, I know. I have sworn by my cake-mix chocolate chip cookie recipes for years. They are delicious, easy, and most people want to eat the whole batch. But, I wanted to try my hand again at home-made, get your hands dirty, flour-mixing, egg cracking cookies. My house has the sweet smell of cookies now. And the taste? Chocolately. Gooey. Moist. Delicious. I think I'm still partial to my old recipe though. We'll see what Adam thinks. Tonight for dinner, we're making roasted vegetable soup. Yumm. Maybe I'll take a picture of it.

There are other things I am loving about being on vacation. But we'll keep it here for now.

Smells of Summer

I love to cook. Being in the kitchen, filling the house with delicious smells, and producing healthy and appetizing food is relaxing to me. Often, when Adam is at work and I'm looking to occupy my time, I go to the kitchen. One of my new favorite cookbooks comes from Cooking Light. It is filled with tons of recipes that are quick, light, healthy, and fresh. And many of them do not require a 20+ item list of ingredients. Fish is not my favorite. But I do like salmon and it is one of the healthiest meats you can eat. This salad is AMAZING. Go try it. It is super easy to make and is perfect for the warm spring weather. Yummmmmm.

Summertime is calling me.

I love being married. I do not love being stuck inside all evening answering phone calls when it is beautiful outside (and 91 degrees according to my car). I want to be outside playing and enjoying creation. I long to do this at the lake where my parents live. I want to go for a ride on the jet ski, feel the sun on my skin, and feel the wind around me. I want to lay on the peaceful dock, listening to good music anddrinking good beer, in the company of my sweet family and husband. I want to watch other boaters, wakeboarders and jet skiers go by, wishing I could do the jumps and tricks too. And I want to get back on the wakeboard and try those jumps. I'm ready for summer.

He Is Risen!

It has been a long time since I have written. Almost a year. And so much has changed. For one, I'm married now. Whoa. But I can write about that another time. It is Easter day, spring is here, and I've had the weekend off. I was so thankful to be off today. Especially since it's Easter. It is so sweet to worship with friends, and to celebrate Christ's resurrection. It is also good to hear that I am not the only who does not always get especially get "excited about Easter." In today's sermon, our pastor said so many believers respond to the resurrection asking, "So what?" I know that is very true in my life, and so often I am overwhelmed by not knowing how to change that response. Which of course, I can't change it without God's help and grace.

And no, these tulips are not in my house. But I want some.