glamour puss.

Awhile back the question was asked "DK, if you thought of words to describe me, would glamorous be one of them?" And his response was "No." He didn't mean it to be rude or insulting, but was just being honest explaining that "glamorous" described someone high-maintenance, glittery, and girly... all of which I am not.

I think with my fabulous friends and amidst a desire to dress up, put more time into my appearrance, my natural tendency is to use shampoo and conditioner in one, wear jeans and a t-shirt and be on my way. It's an internal battle and this photo represents that battle... me sometimes wishing I was more one way - glamorous - and DK reminding me that my muddy Keens are waiting to be worn on the trail for a great hike.

i voted.

Have you voted yet?

r.i.p. ginger and dakar.

It is with grief and sadness that I share with you the news that Ginger and Dakar, our beloved bicycles, have left this earth and will never return. Though the vibrance from their spirits and beautiful memories remain here with us, their physical being is no longer present.

And although the harsh reality is that someone was selfish and jerkface enough to steal our bikes, we choose to remember the good times, the fast rides, the flat tires, and the distances covered with each turn of the pedals.

I've had that bike since high school, rode several MS150's with her, camped out with her, even had a few bad crashes down some crazy trails with her. She helped get my Aggie brother to class on time, spent time in Austin with Andrew, and though she's had some cosmetic work done here and there, she remained the same sweet Giant I knew her to be early on.

DK recalls the day he brought Dakar home for the first time. From that day forward, they covered a lot of ground, explored much territory and tore up the trails at Memorial. It was while riding together with Liz and Ginger that they all grew to be great friends and eventually fell in-love. It was with Dakar that DK explored all new territory when he moved to another part of town and together they enjoyed surprise dates and movies downtown.

The proceeding images serve as a Memorial to our Ginger & Dakar. Please reflect in silence and remember to appreciate your bike a little more today :)

new ksbj format?

What do you think? Should we add it?

My favorite part: when he says "Zap!"

phone call.

So I go into a production room, sit down, spin around a couple times, get comfy, then I adjust my mic settings, check my headphones and... I wait. I'm early, but wanted to make sure everything is set and ready to go. Tap tap tapping a pencil on the console, check the studio clock through the window, wave to Joey K on-air, just waiting for line #11 to light up. And there she is.

Deep breathe.

I hit record, and punch line #11.

"Hi KSBJ."
"Hey Liz, it's Amy, sorry I'm a couple minutes late, I was on another call and lost track of time..."

We talked for about 20 minutes about the 20 years since Lead Me On released. The interview airs this Friday at 4:10 pm and 6:10pm central standard time. Don't miss it.

barlowgirl.

I had a really great "Wow, I love my job" moment yesterday during the broadcast for the BarlowGirl concert. I typically have these moments everyday, but this one stood out a little more than usual.

Bill Ingram and I were doing our thing like we do for every live broadcast, Jon Hull was back at the studio running the board for me. On day of show, you've got to be flexible. Sound checks go long, schedules change, sometimes artist interviews don't even happen. For Heaven's sakes, the girls and their crew had just driven 16 hours to be with us for this rescheduled show. But there they were right on time, the BarlowGirl trio making their way out to the lobby to chat on-air... with me.
After hugs all around, how are you's, ohmygoshyoulookssogreat's and you get the jist, we sat down to chat. In person, they are just as you'd assume they'd be - chatty, concerned, laughing, causal, full of heart, engaging, and so warm. I find myself straightening my posture and smoothing my wind blown hair because in their presence I want to step it up, be a better representive of a kept woman. But you know, there's more to it than their obvious outward beauty. The evidence of Jesus within them shines bright and rocks out loud. And they're exactly the kind of girlfriends everyone needs.

My "I love my job moment" was further confirmed later on when their father introduced me to a crew member as someone the girls enjoy being around - and I was floored, realizing that from working so many years having several opportunities to build repoire with these artists, with KSBJ listeners, and so many others, that I am beyond blessed.

The richness of what we do comes from these relationships, all doing and living what God has called us to... for His glory.

dumpster diving.

Did you know it's illegal? It totally is!! Before you think I'm gross, please carefully review how many times you've driven past an overflowing garbage can on garbage day, noticed an antique chair and imagined how cute it would look if you swiped it and reupholstered it. It's the same thing!

On Sunday we went for a walk from DK's pad past the nearby discount office supply loading docks. I'd noticed some trunks and a huge antique bird cage earlier near the dumpsters and was just a little interested... so I was peaking around until a HPD officer pulled up and hollared at DK and me.

"Is that your dog running around?"
"Yes sir, we're just going for a walk", DK answered politely.
"You know that dumpster diving is illegal?" the cop pressed.
"I... uh... we..." I pointed down the way. Why, I don't know.
"Ok so I get it now, you're just the bodyguard for this princess here, right?" the cop chuckled and gestured towards DK, who laughed and said "Hehe, yes, that's right."

The cop wished us a good day and continued driving. It was such an awkward exchange, he totally threw me off guard and I was scared to death he might arrest me for examining this really cool industrial trunk. And even though he'd already turned the corner and was long gone, I still felt the need to continue on as though checking out those trashed items was definitely not my original intent. I mean, come on.

"Dumpster diving illegal? I'm going to Wikipedia that. Hmph."

HOWEVER, once the elevator doors opened up on DK's floor back home, I noticed a headboard and footboard someone left for the taking in the hallway. It was perfect for DK and absolutely the right size. "Let's keep an eye on it", I told him after thorough inspection and we went on our way.

Last night while working at the Barlow Girl show in The Woodlands, DK texted and said he had a surprise for me. The headboard looks perfect in his place! He snatched it from the hallway, cleaned it up and attached it to his bed. Not technically "dumpster diving" more like "hallway presents for the taking if you want it diving"? Sure, that works.

So you never know, one man's trash is another man's treasure! Another way to recycle!

And just to clarify, I would never literally dive/climb into/dance around in a dumpster. I mean, for crying out loud, it's illegal!

art*music*justice

l-r: charlie peacock, sandra mccracken, brandon heath, derek webb, troy, sara groves

my weekend plans.

I'm starting to wonder when the next time I have a quiet uneventful weekend will be? No complaints, I don't feel stressed, I just seem to have back to back to back things to do each weekend. And it seems things get more interesting as the year progresses!

Friday morning I had my Thunderbirds flight. Afterwards, after debriefing and regaining some sense of reality, I left Ellington Field to go to the studio where I arrived just in time for my show. It was a great show and I was excited to emote all the feelings and awareness I'd gained from spending time behind the scenes with USAF pilots and crew. However, I'm not so sure I'll ever be able to properly express my gratitude for what these men and women do every single day. 

After work I headed home and relaxed for a bit. I mentioned earlier that my brother David is getting transferred to Kuala Lumpur and he and Kim were expected to leave any day. Well, the date was set, the flight was booked and he left at 5p.m. yesterday. It's 12:34 p.m. the next day and I imagine he's still in the air.

DK and I walked over to Ziggy's on Fairview and met up with Dave, Kim, David G. and Danni for dinner. We ended up closing the place down and it was by far the most chill, relaxing, peaceful dinner. I couldn't imagine a more perfect sendoff. When we hugged goodbye, I said something to the effect of "I'll see you tomorrow." And reminded me that no I probably wouldn't. But I responded with "Ok, but I don't want to know that..." I watched him walk to the car with David and Danni and sighed. I hate saying goodbye and I hate thinking that my brother and Kim will be so stinking far away for so long. I couldn't be more proud and excited for this opportunity and experience of a lifetime, but it's pretty hard. DK and I walked back to my house and I cried almost the whole way.

Saturday morning I got to sleep in! Kenai and I layed around and finally got up to head over to Luke's Locker to register Jen and me for the Koala Luke's Half Marathon. After that we met DK at his place and left for the Wings Over Houston airshow. IT WAS UNREAL. Everything from the amazing crowd that showed up and the beautiful clear weather, to the constant flow of KSBJ listeners to the tent we had set up and the unreal show of historic and current aircraft in the air above us. I definitely watched the Thunderbirds show with a heaps more appreciation and knots in my stomach! 

Back in Montrose later, we had a bite to eat in the cabanas out back at El Pueblito on Richmond just as the sun was setting. The weather was perfect and we had awesome conversation... from there we stopped in to say Happy Birthday to Mills McCoin, a buddy of DK's. He throws quite a party, I'll say. 

Sunday morning I ran my 3rd half marathon. It was my best time ever but I still feel like I can do way better... and I will. For the rest of the day I'm relaxing, reading my new book as recommended by Brandon Heath and will later head to The Woodlands for the Art*Music*Justice tour. You should totally come, it's going to be amazing!!

Happy Weekend!

My Jet Flight.

Click here to watch. 

This is the edited version, the original flight was just over an hour. Thanks Brent Clingerman for editing and adding the awesome tunes.

USAF Thunderbirds.

My name is painted on the plane near the cockpit!

Right before take-off, Tony preps me once again.
300 mph, on take-off.

breaking new barriers.

The barrier of SOUND, to be exact. Tomorrow morning at 10:30 I'll be boarding the flight of a lifetime - a USAF Thunderbird. I was selected as one of two media guests to ride in the F-16 and I'm beyond excited!!
The Wings Over Houston Airshow happens this weekend and I encourage you to come out to see the shows, meet the heroes and have a blast with your family. Click here for more details.

I'll be filling you in on all the details tomorrow afternoon and will have photos, video and audio!

But for now, here are some fun things to check out:

This is my pilot, Thunderbird # 8 - Maj. Tony Mulhare. Major Mulhare is the advance pilot/narrator and has logged more than 1,200 hours of flight time in the F-16.

Stop drooling.

Click here to learn more about the Thunderbirds.

I'll be wearing the flight suit, harness, helmet, G-suit and other gear. Do you know a G-suit is for? I just learned this as well, click here.

Highly nimble, the F-16 can pull 9-g maneuvers and can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2+.

Please pray that I don't ralph. And I"ll be posting tons more fun stuff tomorrow when I get back to the studio!

my book.

All this week we've been talking about dreams and asking God to give wings to those dreams. I think the hardest part could be to say it, what the dream is, out loud. When you get it out there, out in the open, then it's like it's OUT THERE and you gotta do something about it.

God puts these dreams on our hearts and we let life get in the way. We deem it silly, not important, not high on the priority list. It's scary, out of our comfort zones too because these dreams are big, God-sized even and we can't pull it off without Him. I talked about this on the show, asking you to put yourself out there by letting me hold you accountable and SAY IT, tell me this dream OUT LOUD. I was so struck by the fact that I needed to do it too. And I did.

"I HAVE A BOOK TO WRITE!"

I had a dream about itseveral months ago, the absolute specifics, the focus, the direction and the heart. And I'm scared to death of it!! It's such a big deal!! But I know it's a gift from God, a beautiful unique way that He can speak and minister... if I make myself available and get over the fear.

So there, I said it outloud. What next?

what to pack?

Maybe I'm overly excited about spending Christmas in Pennsylvania, but this is a huge deal and if you can't get excited over spending time with your boyfriend's family, at Christmas, with potential for snow, what CAN you get excited about? !!!!!

So this afternoon I did a little research. I grew up in Houston and though I spent many winters in Detroit (it's where my mom and dad are from) I don't think I realize what I'm in for, in terms of cold weather.

Check this out:
Averages for December 25 - Houston, TX
Avg low: 46°

Avg hi: 64°

(Note there are no "record temps", probably because there's never any insane winter weather to record?)

Records and Averages for December 25 - Pittsburgh, PA
Average low - 23°
Average high - 39°
Record low - 4° (2000)
Record high - 55° (1987)

Are you kidding me?!

If I start packing now, I might just have enough layers and warm clothes piled and ready to go!

i am woman.

Last night, let's just say I took matters into my own hands.

i feel it all.

The stripes, the cold weather, synchronized fireworks, dancing without inhibition, and feeling it all. Feist is without a doubt one of my favorites and this is just another reason I love her! Enjoy!


.

blue suit.

This past weekend I was at home in The Woodlands and ran into a guy I used to know when I was younger. My only memory of this guy was how uncomfotable he always made me feel in youth group at church and the awful ways he made fun of me in front of others. It's amazing though how God grows and changes us through His love because now running into this guy, I was able to give him a side hug and wish him well.

There was part of me though, that still felt part of the embarrassment and hurt. I remember one time I came to church wearing an outfit I was so excited about. It was cute navy blue t-shirt with a safari type Polo brand khaki skirt (great find at the thrift store!) with a little belt around the waist. Just as I was sitting down with friends for the Sunday morning service, he found a seat immediatly behind me and laughed, saying I looked like a girl scout. I think girl scouts are fantastic but his tone and snide remark were so cutting and well, to this day I remember him saying this to me.

My grandma Kaiser knew many amazing people in her lifetime and she always told the story about this one poised woman she knew. The unique thing about this woman was that she only ever wore a blue suit. Everyday, everwhere. She was so intelligent, so polite, so engaging and so beautiful and carried herself so well. I like to think she found those character traits were far more important and worth investing energy in rather her clothes, accessories, hair and make-up.

1 Peter 3:3 says "What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition."

You can cut yourself some slack now. Desiring to feel beautiful and own things of quality is not a bad thing. But again and again, we gotta remember that it's the purity of our hearts that concerns God most, not how much time or money we spend getting gussied up.

And if there's anyone we should want to impress, it's Him! Not some dumb ol' jr. high boy.

heartbreak.

I got a call here in the studio and it was Martha, asking for prayer. As I asked what I could pray for with her she just lost it, right there on the phone. Through her sobbing, I gathered she was in her car driving to see Karen, her best friend for over 30 years who was dying, not expected to make it through the day. We prayed together and she continued to sob... but while praying I so clearly saw Martha walking through the door of that home to be with her dear friend in the last moments of life and she was glowing, beaming the light of Jesus. Pray for Martha, she knows Karen is going home to be with Jesus, but please pray for comfort for everyone.

And I'm reminded that life continues to go on around us, in birth and in death, moving forward, the cycle of life progresses. I'm so grateful that I, like Karen on her deathbed, know where I'm headed when this life is over.

white christmas in pennsylvania.

My PTO was approved and my flight is booked. I'm going to PA with DK for Christmas!! I think the sense of excitement is heightened now because Ike's descendence on Houston kept me from going to visit DK's family for the first time. Now I get to go see snow and spend the holidays with him and his family... it's a DREAM. We are both so terribly giddy!!

Fun fact: After DK came to my birthday party (12/16) last year, he went home for Christmas. We were just acquaintances with a lot of mutual friends at that point but during my party there was an understanding we should be in touch soon, talk photography and projects. DK found me on Flickr and emailed me from his parents house, describing to me the particular room he was sitting in, how the snow had fallen, and how is vacation was going. We talked today about how cool it is that one year later, I get to be there with him :)

Click here to see photos of where DK grew up... imagine the snow covering the ground and a new puppy to play in the yard!! (Orson, DK's puppy should be born any day now and we are taking him with us over Christmas!)

my weekend plans.

I'm sitting at my desk at work looking out my window at this gorgeous day. This is truly the best time of year and the weather seems to influence everything from better attitude, more energy, and a more effective workflow i.e. more motivation. You know what I mean Vern? (If you can identify that quote, you get 30 points.)

Friday night I left straight away after my show to an event I'd been giddy excited about for a long time. Mo Pro Joe. This was to help raise funds for The Moses Project through Aid Sudan, to teach and train indigenous missionaries and send them back to teach the Word of God to their people. I had the honor of hosting the evening and was so floored at the turnout, the new friends I met, and the relationships further established with people I've grown to love so greatly. Though I've never really felt called towards Africa, my heart is changing and God is really moving me towards being more and more involved with Aid Sudan. Learn more by clicking here.

Saturday morning came really early with a 12 mile run but I nailed it in 2.5 hours. I can't tell you enough how great it is to train with a team - making friends who get it, cheering each other on, touring Houston on foot and working towards this goal all together. We ran through the Heights and the weather was outstanding... as I finished into the lot where we all gather, the girls I run with (they were a few minutes ahead of me, hehe) screamed and cheered and oh it felt so good.

Later on we headed to Dave and Kim's farewell party at dad's house in The Woodlands - the last party we will ever have at Oakhurst. (Dad's moving out soon.) It was great to catch up with old friends, a lot of the old school neighborhood kids stopped by and even Grandma Kaiser was there, in from Detroit.

We moved into that house when I was 8 years old and you can imagine the memories we've stored there. Granted, a lot of it has changed since we were kids, but throughout the day I caught myself standing in the living room staring at the front door imagining myself as a kid running out to play, as a teenager leaving dressed up for a school dance, all the times I came home from college, dad anxiously waiting for stories... even the times after becoming an official adult and knowing I could just come home.

Another area in the house that I captured in my memory was our hallway. Three bedroom doors and a bathroom in the middle which connected the boys bedrooms from within. Imagine all the phases of life that bathroom mirror has captured! If that hall could speak what it would tell you, the stories, the chases, the changes, oh man, this is gonna be tough to say goodbye to this house.
(There were tons of photos of all of us along the left side of the hallway, a mosaic of our lives, travels, etc. - it was like the last remnant of our existence in this house. But they'd been removed earlier that day - I guess I was too late in taking this photo.)

andrew gregory fisher.

He's here!

Andrew Gregory Fisher was born 10-19-08 at 4:20pm EST.  

He is 6lb 12 oz and 20 1/4 inches long.  He is perfect! 

tick, tick, tick...

Winter Wonder Slam Info

word from andrew!

My youngest brother Andrew left for Ft. Lauderdale to sail around the world and follow his dreams after college graduation in early August. I blogged about it here. Since then, a lot has happened. He flew to Boston to meet a crew on a boat that is headed towards St. Croix. Today we heard from him - this is the latest:

"Hello all,
I only have about ten minutes to write right now before I have to catch a train. They let me know last minute that I have the afternoon off and I am headed into NYC to spend the afternoon. Being my family, you know that I have the tendency to romanticize things in my life and am sometimes disappointed. It seems that I have found a place and duty that was as I imagined it at the start. Last night, coming down Long Island we were taking waves over the bow of the ship. I was standing bow watch and was getting hammered. In the full moon and with salt water stinging in my eyes, I knew that I loved this. Before this we had whales diving under us and a submarine tailing us. This is such an outside the box job. I work hard and love what I do. I am taking my guitar to NYC to try and make some money. Wish me luck. Train is coming. Will right more later. Pictures are of what I look like now, us in dry dock and sailing through Cape Cod canal.
Andrew"

target addicts anonymous.

I'm starting a new group. We'll meet on Saturday mornings, on the way to church, anytime we get the urge to buy a new colorful bag or trendy shirt and on lunch breaks. We are guilty of intending to buy one thing but leaving with several, stopping in more than once a day, and shopping on the way to a party to buy an outfit to wear.

How does the addiction form exactly? Is it the lighting along the enticing spread of cosmetics and lotions and shampoos? Even the doggie aisle, I find myself drawn to see what new chew toys, costumes, or leashes are displayed... leashes I don't need. The linens department is especially tantalizing. All the colors and trendy hip ambience, the stripes, the patterns, and the endcaps with sweetly packaged washclothes on sale... washclothes I don't need. I think my heart does an extra pitter patter at the sight of the small red rectangular sticker revealing what once was $24.98 but is now $4.98. Oh mylanta. And how on earth are they able to package chips and nuts making them look gourmet? And so cheap? Well, dangit we HAVE to buy them now!

And gone is the day when someone asked where you got that hot clutch and your response was "Mmmm shmer shmer..." because now, our beloved "Tar-jzaaay" has marketed their goods, OUR lifestyle, with outstanding tv commercials and designers clothes made for less. I love it. Brilliant. Now I'm saying "Baby, I got this shirt at Target! And it was on SALE!"

My name is Liz, and I'm a Target Addict.

'tis the season!

I hate to be Debbie Downer here, but this was really eye opening to me so I've to share these awful details with you.

Halloween pretty much launches the feasting season - the holidays upon us literally join social events with heaps and piles of FOOD. So, here's your first sobering thought towards yum yum, one piece at a time.

Add 100 extra calories a day and you will gain 10 lbs. in a year. This is how important it is to watch our daily caloric intake.

What is it about candy bowls on secretary's desks? Always full and heaping over with our favorite snack-size candy bars, temping us in an almost therapuic and nurturing way... we call Barbara our "Team Mom" because she takes such good care of us and stopping by her desk for a chat and a piece of candy can totally make your day. However, read this next fact: "Eating a mini snack-size candy bar isn't so bad, but we can never eat just one, right? Just one SNACK-SIZE Kit Kat bar alone has 200 calories and 11 grams of fat." Holy smokes. I'll settle for just chat time from now on :)

A few better options are Twizzlers, Milky Way bars, peppermint patties, candy corn (YAY!), jelly beans and fruit chews. Keep in mind, these are still extra calories and even lead to cavities if we're not careful.

And don't think that for one minute your morning stop at Starbuck's for coffee and "Ohhh, I guess I'll just get a little muffin or scone for the road" gets you off the hook. Get this: "One pumpkin loaf from Starbuck's has 330 calories and 12 grams of fat and that sweet little pumpkin scone is even WORSE with 500 calories and 20 grams of fat."

I thought I'd save the worst for last and since it is my favorite, I hoped we could all mourn together? Ok, brace yourself for this. Cheesecake Factory, (I see you grimacing with pain already) the beloved pecan pumpkin cheesecake... one slice... one heavenly, delicious slice of precious deliciousness... 950 calories and 58 grams of fat.

And with that, I'm exhausted and need to go cry.

Just kidding... it's good stuff to know. I think I more often than not go blindly into justifying each little snack-size Snickers and la la la don't even think about how it's affecting my weight or health for the day.

I'm just happy that candy corn is pretty much ok... well maybe just kinda ok... aaand I'm justifying it again. Viscious cycle, isn't it?

my drive home.

This was the view tonight as I neared home...

"pour us a nice cup o' bert."

Mike Kankelfritz and I just watched this and about peed our pants from hysterical laughter. Watch this interview with Bart Millard by a guy who thinks he's someone else.

happy birthday, abuelito!

My dad turned 54 today. We all drove to The Woodlands and met with him to have dinner at our usual place, Mario's. We've been going there for over 10 years now and it was great to arrive at a place where everyone knows your name... and they're always glad you came... (Cheers? Anyone?)
The waiters sang "Feliz Cupleanos Abuelito" (Grandpa) and we talked and laughed throughout dinner. Most importantly, we let dad tell his jokes without giving him a hard time :)

Love you dad, Happy Birthday!

God of this city.

I've totally become complacent. There's still a ton of trees, branches, and trash waiting for pickup on my street but that's the extent of my "struggle" in the aftermath of Ike. 

This morning DK and I went to the 11:11 service at Second Baptist because they have this study on the Bible that is captivating lately. I love the time in worship with the 11:11 band, Brian Long and his crew are so right on and draw you in to this beautiful place of worship that is not showy or distracting, but so humble and powerful. I commend them especially today for not just leading us in the song "God of This City" but also for playing these images on the screen behind them, images of the devastation, the people and the crisis that even still recently affected our city. Hurricane Ike. 

As each photo appeared on the screen, there was this overwhelming sense of re-realization that washed over me because how could I have forgotten there is still so much work left to be done, there are so many people that need love and encouragement, there are lives needing to be rebuilt in every sense of the word. And just because all I have to worry about is how soon these trucks will come to clear my street doesn't exempt me from this obvious duty before us. Houston is our home and it's up to us to rebuild and restore, one day at a time. 

"For greater things are yet to come,

Greater things are still to be done

In this city..."

Here are some great resources and information for you:

Volunteer Opportunities

Info on Missing Persons

I'll post more details as I find them. God is good and I am grateful for this new sense of perspective...

re-blogging.

It's not as tacky as re-gifting, it's more like re-living. I was going through these photos on my Flickr site and remembering what a great time this was with my dad. Initially I posted this on my KSBJ blog, but I thought I'd "re-blog" it here for fun :)

I love the words to the song “Airplane” by Bethany Dillon:“In an airplane, I take the window seat. A thousand feet and all I know shrinks in minutes. And when the sky is gray, I want to believe that when the sun is hiding it still exists… Mountain tops peak through… This is where I see you… I’ve never seen a clearer blue… This is where I see you…”

Dad and I traveled on a last-minute trip to Bonaire this weekend and I hummed the words to that song over and over again. To be in such a beautiful place, with so many breath-taking moments, visuals and feelings, I found myself overwhelmed with the reality of how God surrounds us and reveals Himself.

The sky so blue, the palm trees swaying and the ocean crashing just feet from our porch… it was truly paradise. While snorkeling and taking in the most beautifully colorful and unique fish, the coral serving as the perfect textured backdrop, I dove down as deep as I could - surrounded by this massive body of blue ocean and as I looked around I was overwhelmed. It was completely silent and serene. And I saw Him there.

Later as the sun beat down and the iguanas indecisively scurried from one safe side of the road to the other, dad and I jetted across the island on scooters, making stops along the way to check out the view and breathe in the fresh ocean air. The never ending view of the ocean and stomach churning drop to the crashing waves below us made me again realize just how small I really am… and there again I saw Him, in His greatness and vastness…

We continued on to the windy side of the island and found ourselves taking in what was the most magnificient, powerful and astounding show… and quite simply, huge waves swelling, churning and crashing against the rocks not too far beneath us. I was beyond wowed at how powerful and even scary these waves were… feeling that the force from the wind could very easily lift me off my feet and slam me into the chaotic water below, I felt a sense of awe at this display of power. And in the wind and the waves, I saw Him yet again.

The next morning, lifting off on an airplane and sitting next to dad, we had a birdseye view of the island we’d explored the day before. A massive, dark, looming storm was moving in just as we flew out and the view of the contrasting clouds was beyond description. Flying amidst these white, beautiful marshmellowy clouds giving way to the threatening, dark, mean clouds and storm I was surrounded… once again, surrounded by nature and power and beauty and awe and wonder… and there He was… and this was where I saw Him…

new signage.

This is outside the admin building. How great does it look?!And this is along Wilson Rd. right outside the Programming building.

houston's best new restaurant.

DK spoils me rotten. We've been dating for 7 months now and last night he took me to dinner to celebrate. I've mentioned before that I love how we love to eat and try new places often. DK did some research and took me here.

From the website: "‘Feast’ is the new restaurant run by English restaurateurs Richard Knight and James Silk, alongside James' wife Meagan. ‘Feast’ is about bringing a traditional and relaxed European approach to dining to Downtown Houston. We offer simple, honest, rustic cuisine in a relaxed, homely environment. Our emphasis is on quality, local, seasonal ingredients prepared with passion and imagination. Our desire is to summon the spirit of a family meal shared around the kitchen table of an old-fashioned European family farm..."

The restaurant is in an old house in Montrose, the interior much like mine and upon entering, you feel like you're far away in another place, the decor and ambience is so relaxing and cozy. We asked to sit upstairs on the balcony and at first site, I shrieked. The skyline was in plain site and the weather was incredible.

DK likes to try something he's never had and whatever the waiter recommends. He ordered the Cassoulet with Beans, Confit Pork and Duck Leg, and remarked at how in every bite there was a surprise!
Also, they serve this outstanding fresh homemade bread that has you ditching any effort to eat carb-free just for another taste, another serving.
I ordered the Roast Duck Breast, Garlic and Bacon Rutabaga and Green Cabbage. To die for! At first bite, you pray your plate never clears. Did you know the menu varies from day to day?

The waitstaff was incredible as well. Timing, attentiveness, not too much, not to absent... even the owners were present to greet us and say goodbye. I made sure to say as we were leaving "We will see you again soon!"

DK was dreaming out loud about when the weather gets colder, how great it'll be to go sit by the fire and eat some warm soup soon...

And he knows me too well. He had Swirll, made just like I like it waiting at the house and flowers too :)

brunettes have more fun anyway!

Stacey sends over the best stories. Click here to read the rest of this amazing lawsuit!

"Judge Tosses Hair Dye Lawsuit for Blonde Who Had Less Fun as Brunette"

This one is better than the McDonald's coffee burn!

Featured blonde and brunette: Kristen and Domenica, my best friends.

go outside.

This day, oh this day! It's so glorious outside!

I can't get this song lyric out of my head either. If you can tell me who it is, I'll send you a present:)

"Go outside, and Praise the God who mapped the stars out in the sky..."

Ahhh, la la la...

Now for real, go outside!!

i think i got it.

It's amazing what a little fresh air and a good talk with a friend will do for ya. I blogged a while back about how hard it is to keep my closet clean and I think the same theory applies in this case. It takes discipline, a little bit at a time and... we need to seriously cut ourselves some slack occasionally.

There's a radio term called FILO - "First in Last out"- tagging the station's call letters at the beginning and end of your breaks. My friend reminded me this morning that God needs to be at the beginning AND the end of our thoughts, events, situations, and frustrations. See for me, like I mentioned before, I get to thinking about this I have to do, how I'm going to do it, when and how it's going to coordinate with that, how I feel about it, who said what and why about it, so on and so forth... and by the time I think to pray about it and hand it over, I've already exhausted myself and want to cry. (I promise I'm not crazy, I'm just a planner and a thinker.)

I'm still processing this... and though it's nothing drastic, there's a lot of change on the horizon that has me more contemplative than usual! So here's whats helped so far in the process: 1. talking about it 2. handing it off to You Know Who 3. getting outside 4. remembering all the beautiful things I have to be grateful for 5. and repeat

Thanks for sharing your "Hey, I know what you're feeling!" It's the best!

worn out.

I've got a lot on my plate lately, nothing to complain about, but enough to fill my mind and heart with a whole lotta "ahhhhhhhhh's", "jeeeeeeze's" and a few "owwwww's" on the side. 

But here's the biggest dilemma of all: by the time it's all circled round and round in my brain, after I've cried about it, ached a little more, tried to understand it and process it on my own, asserted my own self back on track "Whew whew, I can do this, it's all good", only to kinda fall apart again, getting frustrated at the smallest thing... I've worn myself out and the thought of going through it all again in prayer sounds exhausting. 

I was listening to iTunes and the song Breathe by Michelle Branch just came on. Kinda fitting, eh? I usually tend to round these posts out by saying "So here's what we can do, let's pray first!" or some easy obvious answer. But I think it's ok if we don't always have the answer right in front of us... although yes, this one is quite obvious, but what do we do with the natural tendency to always want to fix it on our own. There's more to say here, for sure, but I'll come back to it later:) It's a beautiful day today and I'm going outside with my dog to breeeeeeathe! 

And...  as always, God is so good and so full of LOVE and GRACE.

my kind of soap.

I was reading through one of my favorite burger blogs and found this posted... which is funny because Etsy is another site I check often!

As I kid, I would have used MORE swear words to have this soap washing out my mouth! Just kidding :)

bringin' back the retro amy...

I found this on Youtube today... and got goosebumps. Do you have your tickets yet?

british accent.

Have you ever run into a problem like this before? DK and I had a conversation the other day and it went something like this:

I was commenting on someone I knew who is a distinguished older gentleman with a British accent, how it was very attractive.

And DK responds with: "Yes, British girls with accents are so attractive."

Immediately I was offended, bruised, and hurt (hehe) and felt this comment was totally uncalled for and unfair!! Why is it though, that it's ok for us to say things like that but if our men reciprocate and agree, it's totally off limits?

Hahahah, what a dilemna!!

tour de houston.

We started this early on and it's proven to be something of a challenge and motivating anticipation to make each surprise date even more creative, exciting, and unique. I took the lead with my latest and greatest idea and because DK had been out of town for all last week, I knew we needed some adventure time together. So, sunday after church, I took off to prepare and had DK meet me at my house 1 hour later on his bike!

The day was gorgeous and as we rode down Montrose towards West Alabama, the breeze was blowing and the sky was so truly blue. Five minutes later we arrived at our first destination: The Menil Collection. This is one of my favorite art collections in Houston, it's free and DK had never been there before.

From there we headed east on West Alabama and into midtown, then up to the top of a parking garage with the clearest view of the skyline from the south of downtown. Especially because the sky looked so unreal today, this was a great place to stop and take some photos.
After playing around with some photos and laughing during DK's random dance session, we zoomed down each level of the parking garage and headed towards downtown. Our next stop, the Ferris Wheel at the downtown Aquarium. He's never ridden it! We timed it so perfectly too, the lighting from the setting sun was outstanding. And finally, after an exhilarating ride round and round (hehe) we hopped back on the bikes towards the Sabine Street bridge, where I'd planted the car earlier loaded with a blanket and cooler. Sandwiches from Central Market, some Boulder chips and drinks made the perfect picnic along the Bayou... as the sun set against the skyline. So awesome. Best date ever! Just proof you don't have to spend a load of cash for a good time :)

(I'm having trouble posting photos and video on blogspot today, but you can click here to check it out!)