Short Story Challenge, Sign Up!

I got a pretty good response to my crazy fiction writing idea from yesterday.  So much so, that I am going to go ahead and get the party started. I loved your reasons for wanting to sign up--some of you have gotten away from creating because you love it, others are choosing to write intentionally and not give up on something so important to them.  Others have just never tried anything like it so they want to give it a go--- and I think that is amazing.  You should always try new things, that push you out of your comfort zone.  Like I said yesterday, I betcha some of you are amazing fiction writers and have no idea. 

The Details:

So here is the deal, instead of partnering up and giving story ideas, I am going to list twenty five story starters below.  These are the first sentence to your story, and you go from there.  Let's all try and do a minimum of 500 words, if you want to do more then go for it.  It's your story after all!  You will have a little over a week to write your short story (fiction!) and we will all post them together on February 9th. I will have a link up here on this blog so we can all go from one blog to another and read everyone's short stories! (I AM SO EXCITED!)

Story Starters:

Shadows quivered on the wall as the candle flickered, then fizzled to nothing.

I could just make out the windows high in the castle wall.

She SO did not want to be here, especially when. . .

He slammed forward as the brakes screeched and the car . . .

It was the strangest thing I had ever seen, with tubes and wires . . .

The lane was night-dark, even at noon.

He stared at the credit card, numbers blurring in front of his eyes, wondering if . . .

She ducked as the plate smashed against the wall behind her.

She hesitated at the post box, not knowing if she should really send the letter.

It was one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong.

My hand trembled as I punched the number into the phone.

She knelt on the tile floor, carefully picking up the shards of glass. Why did it have to be this one that broke?

Colors swooped and swirled behind his closed eyelids as the music soared, taking him back to . . .

The chattering birds made her smile, until she heard a growl.

The dream last night had seemed so real, but it was just a dream, right?

The storm whipped the trees outside and she huddled into her quilt.

Sun, sand, sea—total relaxation. So why couldn’t he let go?

She watched his lithe body saunter away. “You’re engaged,” she reminded herself.

She tore through the alley, ducked into a doorway, and tried to squeeze into nothingness.

It wasn’t going to be easy, but somehow she had to confront her mother.

Trapped. A rat in a maze, a tiger in a cage, every cliché he could think of—he was trapped.

The building shook, lurching and jumping, and the little china horse fell off the mantel.

The prickles on his neck told him he was being watched.

The sun was soft and the boat rocked gently. It wasn’t so bad running out of fuel, until . . .

Damn. She didn’t know passports even had an expiration date.

 So if this seems interesting to you then go ahead and sign up so I can get an idea of how many people are getting in on it---- and feel free to copy and paste this post and direct your blog friends to come back here to "sign up".

Over & Out,

A

p.s.  so many of you are dying to know the celeb I sat next to Friday night....

so,  drumroll please....

timothy olpyhant--- ow ow! 

p.p.s: tomorrow I will have disney pictures up!

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I'm 26!

My whole week/weekend of birthday celebration has not disappointed.

Friday, we went and picked up our new Canon Mark ii 5d!

Saturday, we went to Disneyland & California Adventure and had a blast!

Yesterday we met new friends and had the best pizza and icecream...and we sat next to a celeb.

true story.

Today, is my ACTUAL real birthday and so far I have had a nice cup

of coffee and am cuddling with my baby Bella.  Husband gets home in a few hours

and who knows what we will do, maybe take a stroll to the farmers market?  eat some cupcakes?

we'll see, but I have to say that my birthday this year has been pretty grand.

Thanks for your texts, tweets, e-mails and facebook birthday wishes.

 It makes me feel very loved!

Now I have something fun to pitch to you.

Ready?

I have been throwing the idea around about posting some short stories/fiction here.

Many of you know I am an English major but that doesn't mean I often get to be creative with my writing as I'd like.  Most of the time I am writing mandatory essays and boring stuff.  I know several of YOU are really great writers as well and last night I had a dream---  what if, anyone who wants to post a short work of fiction, sign up on this here blog....  Then, you will get a partner---- your partner will send you no more than 5 story "suggestions" or writing ideas that you can choose from (to get your creative juices flowing) and then, a few weeks from now we will all post our stories the same day and link up so we can blog hop and read fun short stories!  I know to me, a english/lit/writing dork this sounds like the most fun thing EVER.  I hope some of you will show some interest and then I can do an actual "sign-up" post.  SO, if you followed all of that (its still early, I just woke up), please let me know by leaving a comment. I hope that some of you might be interested.  Even if you have NEVER written anything before, it might be really fun to try your hand at it----  you might surprise yourself!

Over & Out,

A

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Workout Playlist

Today, I am doing THE DISNEY.  California style.

oh yeah.

I thought, while I am away I would share what has been getting me through 

my workouts this week. (Yep, I started running...again.)

Speaking of, if you are on Edomondo.com  look me up!

Okay, playlist time:

Obviously, I like some songs more than others...and some are newly added. So there ya go.

I hope it inspires you to push that one more mile. 

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Friday's Letters

Dear Bella, Yesterday you had to get a distemper shot and since then all you have done is slept and not wanted to play.  You are making me nervous, why don't you want to play like usual? Dear DISNEY, If everything goes right, I will be splashing down splash mountain this time tomorrow. Dear Husband, You don't get sweet letters this week because you have kind of been a turd (keepin' it real here ladies.) Dear Husband, even though you have been a turd, I kind of loved when I woke up in the middle of the night and you were curled up against me. That never happens. Dear Bella, I love giving you tastes of my lunch, just look at how much you are enjoying that goldfish in the picture above.  I know I sure don't eat goldfish with my eyes closed....you are so cute. Dear Birthday, You are in 3 days but I will be celebrating you alllll weekend long. Dear Friends, You don't ever make a dang single one of the recipes I put on here do you?  Well guess what, someone finally did. And they blogged about it. And they LOVED it!

And Dear Blog Friends--, last week I requested prayers for a young man lost on mount fuji.  Here is the latest update from his family:  This is Matt’s Mom & Dad: From our whole family, thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. The two mountain climbers yesterday made it to the top of Mt. Fuji, but unfortunately, did not find any signs of Matt. We really felt like finding Matt in/around the shelters high on the mountain was our last hope of finding him alive. These were the only shelters that were not already searched by foot. Due to the 13 days of sub zero temperatures, severe winds and extreme quantities of snow and ice, we feel that there is no longer any hope of a miracle. We know that Matt is in heaven with Jesus and we will now be focused on recovering his body. Our objective from the beginning was to maintain the hope that Matt would be returned to us in full health. Your prayers and the overwhelming support of family, churches, Facebook, co-workers and the community truly demonstrated the love of God and allowed us to keep that hope until all viable options were exhausted.

We received a pleasant surprise yesterday, January 25th, 2012, when a post card from Matt arrived. It had been sent to a friend and stated that he was having a good time in Japan and was sending the card from the 5th station on his way to the top of Mt. Fuji. He said, “It is cold and windy, but the sun is shining! :) A beautiful day for a climb! Have a great day! –Matt”

Matt was doing something that he loved and we are comforted knowing that we will see him again in heaven someday" 

So heartbreaking. :(

* please make sure if you link up that you a)are writing letters on your friday post and b)link back to this page with the fridays letters button, found on the right sidebar ----->>> and then scroll down. :)

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Overheard In LA {Part 3}

I got the link to this youtube video sent to me several times and its sooo funny and sooo true.  And just for kicks, I have new "overheard in LA" conversations for you!

::during an evalution, courtesy of my husband::

woman: so my other doctor told me like, weight lifting is the only way to lose weight

husband:....ookkay?

woman: but not, like, any cardio. It's just all about diet. and maybe weights a little.

husband: well, cardio is still a good way to lose weight, really any combination--

woman (cutting him off): um, no. not cardio. I am just going to listen to my other doctor.

husband: well I am not going to argue with you. but you can lose weight with cardio.

woman: no you can't.


::at Trader Joe's::
woman: I don't think you are supposed to eat stuff that is inflamed.
man (with look of horror): it was inflamed?!

::at the park::
girl #1: so I moved in with Richard.
girl #2: ew. so you sleep in the same bed as him?
girl #1: well its like a king size bed so we don't touch.
girl #1: he is a serious actor you know. he is going to be rich.


::outside of CVS::
edgy girl #1: I am so glad I got my period.
edgy girl #2: what you aren't on the pill or anything?
edgy girl #1: no, I don't put chemicals into my body. *takes drag of her cigarette*

::at the park::
girl #1: I am sooo hungry. like starving.
girl #2: me too.
girl #1: want to split like, a small fro-yo?
girl #2: yesssssssssss.
girl #1: its got like no calories.

yes, these conversations really happened.

don't forget to link up your friday letters tomorrow!

OVER & OUT,

A

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART FOUR

PART FIVE

PART SIX

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In Love With...

santa monica pier, dusk. (nikon d50, ISO 100, 10s, f/2.8)

Photoshop CS5...  just, in love.

I don't even know what is going to happen when I get my Canon this week.

SO MUCH HAPPY DANCING.

I also have a secret to spill--- I might be getting to go to Disneyland

this weekend for my birthday celebration. My fingers are crossed that my husband 

can work it into the budget.  Because, I mean, going down Splash Mountain is my

HAPPY PLACE.

(I am serious. It is.)

and then, next weekend I get to meet some fantastic ladies

at the san diego blogger meet-up.  There are a lot of girls going and 

I am pretty excited to meet new friends!  (and also extremely nervous...

its like the bachelorette or something!)  Husband and I are making a weekend out of it.

and that is where all you san-diegans(?) come in.

We will have 48 hours in the city and we will have Bella with us.

What should we do?  Where should we stay? What should we eat?

I am counting on YOU to tell me so I can make the most of those hours!

leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail, I am ALL EARS.

ashley@adventuresofnewlyweds.com

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Turning 26...

My birthday is next Monday...only 6 tiny days away.  

I will be 26, officially on the the "late" side of the twenties.

Kind of scary how short life really is... I mean, what have I been doing for twenty six years?

How did it creep up so quickly?

NOW...

Now; check out Shauna Veasey's photography if you haven't already!

AND THEN...

my pretty momma and me (sidenote: spaghetti is not one of my favorite things anymore....)

***

So, I also have been getting tagged a lot in these "get to know" bloggers posts,
and I have not done a single one. But then I figured, with so many new faces
around these parts, it might be kind of fun and a good way for you to get to know
me, owner of this here little blog, a little better.

Okay, so, Raquel over at Dream Out Loud (love her) tagged me, and I have to answer her
specific questions.... so heeeeeere weeeeeee gooooooo.

1. If you could have any superpower what would it be?

So, I kind of think those people who train and qualify and participate in Iron Man challenges
must have superpowers.  I would love to be able to push my body to accomplish something like that.
So I guess I would be an ultra-athlete (that is a super power, kind of...right?)

2. What's your biggest pet peeve?

My husband has this terrible habit of leaving every cabinet he gets into WIDE OPEN, so
when I go into the kitchen all the cabinets are just opened up and he also leaves all the food 
he uses OUT, even stuff that needs to go back into the fridge, like MILK.  It annoys me to no end.
And just to be fair, he is working on it and doesn't do it quite as often these days...

3. If you could do or be anything (career wise), what would you be?

I have always felt that eventually I am going to run my own business-- although, I have 
so many interests that my problem is going to be honing in on ONE project at a time
and giving it my all.  This probably won't happen until we settle down somewhere. 

4. If you were given $5,000, how would you spend it?

Ready for a boring answer?  I would put it towards paying off our LAST credit card.
We have been paying of credit cards and wedding costs the entire past year and with the end
so close, having that last little bit to finish it off would feel fantastic.

5. Favorite clothing/makeup item?

I really haven't been allowed to do too much shopping since I got married (see: credit card debt), which brings me to a very serious piece of advice for all you engaged/single ladies-- stock up on clothing, makeup and other frivolous items before you get married.  Trust me.  One thing I haven't given up is my Clinique makeup.  After working for the company I will never use another brand, for so many reasons.  I can't live without my lash primer, high impact mascara and black/brown quickliner!

6. What is your favorite thing to do on your free time?

Um. Blog? hellllooo!  and take pictures, and play with Bella, and cook fancy dinners.

7. Who is your guy celebrity crush?

Ian Somerhalder. Hands down. No contest. 
 Okay, I also think Rob Lowe is pretty cute for an older guy too.  

8. What's your favorite song at the moment?

Jason DeRulo-Don't Wanna Go Home (perfect song to run to, lift weights to, feel like a BA to...)

9. What are your favorite clothing stores?

Forever 21, H&M, TopShop, Banana Republic, JCrew, ModCloth

10. What's one thing you want to do before you die?

It used to be skydiving until we did that really terribly STUPID thing in Colorado.
Now?  I would just love to somehow, make my mark and do something bigger than myself. 

11. If you could choose to live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

In the WORLD?  well, I have never been out of the country, besides going to 
Jamaica for my honeymoon.  If I had to choose within the U.S. I might say Utah.
I always think it is just the most beautiful scenery with great hiking and outdoor activities.
I have been loving L.A. but I am not sure I would ever want to live here permanently.
Michigan will most likely (unless God has other plans) be our permanent home in the very near future.

Over & Out,

A

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Meet My Friend MEL!

So, when I found that one of my dear friends from my middle school and high school days was blogging I was really excited.  Melanie was seriously one of my only best friends throughout school.   I can't ever remember being around her without laughing.  And not just regular laughing, I mean like cracking up, snot running out of your nose, RIDICULOUS laughing.  She is living in Boston now and making her way in the world.  Her blog highlights her writing skills (seriously, amazing writer) and humor.  Basically, check her out.... is what I am saying.

Hi! I'm Melanie of Lord knows, I love to dance (points for knowing the reference!). I am an amateur/avid baker, blogger, writer, and seamstress. My days are spent looking for new things to make, whether it's crocheted, knitted, sewn, handwritten, or mixed. (Well, my weekend days and week nights, thanks to my day job as a production editor...) I've been blogging about all of these things for almost a year now, and it's become my favorite way to track my progress and challenge myself to be better. I've become a bit of a blog-reading fiend, making time each day to scour Bloglovin', so I'd love to meet other bloggers! Come on over and say hi!

BLOG

isn't she the cutest?

I know!

***

Second, I couldn't let you go without sharing with you one of the most hilarious things that I have ever witnessed in my entire life.  I really am not being dramatic when I say that-- it truly was one of the funniest things ever, EVER.  And of course, my husband has to take the shame---

---(although I think he thought it was funny and wasn't embarrassed at all).  

Okay, SCENE:  We went to the closest Red Box to return a movie.  

please note the people in the line in front of my husband (husband is wearing the plaid button down)

okay so there is a teen in one of those awfully tacky shirts with swirls

and glitter and skulls and crap... then his dad.....then a little boy.....then? his mom? 

what I need you to find is the man leaning up against the right side of the red box....

do you see him back there?  see him?  good. He is holding a cup. You need to know that, its important.

SO, my husband is standing in line for what seems like forever,

because we always seem to get behind the people that insist on scrolling

through the ENTIRE catalogue of available movies to rent-----

even though they know all you want to do is return a movie.

They still take their sweeeeeeeeet time.

So husband was standing there. and standing. and standing.

then, I see him move.

husband, what are you doing? where are you going?

he heads around the group of slow poke movie renters and moves towards that man I pointed out to you in the background.
His hand goes into his pocket.

What IS he doing?

He takes out..a dime?  And goes to drop it into this "homeless" man's cup.

"Homeless man" blocks the dime. 

"AAARGHHHMMMOWWWWWWW!" says the homeless man.

What is going ON over there? 

At this point a strange dance is occurring between my husband's arm which is trying to dodge 

"homeless" man's arm blocks , and "homeless" man is starting to freak out.

That homeless man is going to stab my husband.

Husband turns around and gives me the funniest look.

The slow poke movie renters are gone so he returns the movie.

The homeless man has walked away and husband comes back to the car.

me: what was THAT all about?

husband: so that homeless man's cup?

me: yeah

husband: it had coffee in it.

cricket. cricket...............

me: you tried to put change into a COFFEE cup full of coffee? (I start laughing)

husband: yes. basically I just told a man he looks homeless and he isn't.

At this point I have tears in my eyes and am hyper-ventalating laughing.

husband: and he had a turned in wrist and he was trying to block me with it,

and he was mumbling something and I was so confused.

husband: see? that is why I never give homeless people money.

You try to help someone and see what happens?

Ohhhhhhh man, it was the funniest thing that I have ever seen.  And of course we re-enacted it the whole way  home (I got to play the role of my husband AND the homeless  man).  

Only in LA I guess.... 

Over & Out,

A

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Sunday Series: Your Spiritual Health, Part 5

We are continuing on with the Sunday Series, again these books are called The Homebuilder Couples Series (click to order).  They are meant to be led devotional style together or in a group of couples.  My husband and I choose to do them together once a week.  It helps us understand each other and improve our communication.  Marriage is something that should always be changing and growing stronger.  This takes actual work.  It doesn't just magically happen.  Couples have to decide that complacency isn't okay and strive to become everything God intended for them.  This is just one way to start and continue that process in your own relationship or marriage.    

Today we are going to discuss:  

Freedom To Fail

so grab some coffee, grab your bible, and grab your honey to participate with you!


warm-up: Big Dreams
discuss this question between yourselves or your group.  Yes, this is an icebreaker!  Go with it!

• What is one of the riskiest things you have ever tried?
• If you knew you couldn't fail and money wasn't an issue, what is one dream you would pursue?
• What failure in your life can you look back at an appreciate in some way?

Blueprint

Failure is inevitable in life. No one does it right every time.  Our spouses can give us perspective and help us confront a challenge or deal with painful times--wether we have lost our keys or our jobs.  Failure can be divided into two categories:

• failure that is sin (such as lying, lust and greed)
• failure that is not sing (such as an honest mistakes, misunderstandings, and forgetting something).

While all sing is failure, not all failure is sin.  During this session we will look at the impact if sin and at some steps you can take to help each other deal with failure. The primary question is, how do you respond when your spouse faces failure?

The Impact of Failure

1. As a culture, we have developed success syndrome that says only people who are healthy, wealthy, and powerful have worth and value.  What do the following scriptures say about this philosophy? 

• 1 Samuel 16:7
• Matthew 6:33

Six Steps to Giving Your Spouse The Freedom To Fail 

During the remainder of this session, we will look at the six steps that you and your spouse can take to give each other freedom to risk failure and the strength to recover from it. 

Step One: Offer forgiveness and restoration.

Read Luke 15:11-32.

2. From the story of the prodigal son, what can we tell about

• the son's feelings of worth in the midst of his failure?
• the father's response to his son's humility and desire for restoration?

3. What does this parable illustrate about God's love and acceptance of you?  What is the lesson here for you on responding when your spouse fails?

Step Two: Assure your spouse of your commitment, loyalty, and love regardless of performance.

Read 1 John 4:18.

4. How can the assurance of your spouse's love help you when you are going through a difficult time? 

Step Three: Remind your spouse: "Your with is not in what you do but who you are".

Read Ephesians 1:13-14.

5. How can a person fail without being a failure?  When your spouse fails, how can you send the clear message that he or she is not a failure?

Step Four: Comfort your spouse with the truth that God is in control.

Read Romans 8:28.

6. Share an incident in which God brought good out of one of your failures. 

Step Five: Join with your spouse in giving thanks in all things.

Read Thessalonians 5:18.

7. Why should we thank God even amid our failures?

Step Six: Encourage your spouse not to lose heart when failure occurs.

Read Corinthians 4:16-18.

8. How can your spouse best encourage you during your difficult times? 

Answer these questions on  your own.

1. What is failure you have experienced during your marriage?

2.  What effect has this had on your marriage? 

3. Which of the six steps does your spouse do best?  Give an example.

4. Which of the steps do you need to use more to help your spouse?

5. In your life right now, how willing are you to take risks, despite the fear of failure?  Evaluate your current risk factor on a scale of 1 (no willingness to risk) to 10 (freely willing to risk).  What ranking do you give yourself and why?

6. Where do you fear failure? Choose the top two:

• at work
• as a husband or wife
• as a parent
• in managing finances
• in managing the household
• in a new venture
• as a friend
• in your emotions
• as a christian
• other:__________

7.  Review the six steps, make a note of the ones that you need the most from your spouse:  Forgiveness and Restoration, Assurance of commitment, loyalty and love regardless, Reminders  that "my worth is not in what I do but who I am", Being comforted with the truth that God is in control, Joining your spouse in giving thanks in all things, Encouragement from your spouse not to lose heart.   For each step you chose, write out a practical way your spouse could meet this need for you. 

okay, now you two can come back together to answer the final questions together!

1. Share the following with each other:

• What do you most remember wanting to do or be when you grew up?
• As you grew up, what things either encourages or discouraged you from achieving your dreams?
• What is one dream you have now---now matter how far fetched---that you would like to try someday?

2. Discuss the questions you answered on your own.

3. How can you make your marriage a safe place in which each of you can risk failure?

4. Together read 1 Peter 4:8. What perspective does this verse give you on your spouse's failures?

5. Pray together.  Thank God for giving you the freedom to risk failure.  Thank God that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you and your spouse can express the same freedom to each other.  Thank God for your spouse. 

Mark your calendars for next sunday when we continue the series with Part 6! 

Read Part 1, Here. 

Read Part 2, Here.

Read Part 3, Here.

Read Part 4, Here. 

Over & Out,

A

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Things To Do In...Los Angeles

Diddy Riese... 

Need I say more?

These bad boys are only $1.50--- that is right ONE DOLLHAIR and fiddy cent.

You get to choose two different flavor cookies and your flavor of icecream to create 

custom ice cream sandwiches.  We have been twice, in two weeks.  

I am thinking it will be a weekly thing.  You cannot beat $3.00 bucks for a date, right?

In other news, did you all hear picnik.com is closing?

I for one, am sad-- I pretty much lived for that airbrush and mascara effect!

(Oh don't act like you didn't use it to!)

Because of this devastating news I will spend today really trying to learn my photoshop

program.  This is going to include a lot of googling and tutorial watching.

WISH.ME.LUCK. 

Happy Saturday!

Over & Out,

A

p.s. do you like the new blog layout?

or the old one?

let me know!

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Friday's Letters

Dear Husband, What do you think the chances are that those two creep-tastic men we saw while hiking the hollywood trail last week had something to do with the severed head found a few days ago? Y I K E S.  Dear Britney, I loved meeting you last night. Sorry if I talked to much or acted like a weirdo. What can I say, blogger meet-ups make this girl nervous. Plus I haven't much real life friend interaction in a while. Dear Bella, When I am going about my business and I look up to see you staring at me from across the room I get really creeped out. (see above photo). Dear Griddle Cafe, with the forecast calling for rain this weekend I think it will be perfect opportunity for husband and I to indulge in your amazing breakfast offerings like Kahlua and Bailey's swirled pancakes and hot chocolate french toast (yes britney, I looked it up, yum!).  Yes and YES. Dear Canon Camera, I can't wait to get my hands on you!  Dear 26th Birthday, you are only 10 days away!  YAY for birthdays!  Dear Husband (who always gets two letters),  I can't wait to see my special surprise for my birthday... you are getting me a special surprise, yes?

grab the button and link up your letters below!

<a href="http://comeoneileen86.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/ashleyjps2326/fridayslettersbFinal.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>

Dear Blog Friends, I have a very serious request: A friend of a friend named Matt Johnson is a man who went to Japan on business last week.  He decided to hike and camp last Saturday on Mt. Fuji. A storm blew in and he never reported for work on Monday.  His car was found at the base of the mountain, the snow has been so intense search and rescue teams have had a hard time going up.  By the time you read this he will have been trapped on the mountain in freezing temperature for more than 6 days.  Matt and his family are christians and like me, believe God is a BIG and powerful God.  I sincerely covet your prayers for Matt and his family-- specifically pray that the search and rescue team finds him (there will be more hikers this weekend, so pray that someone sees something).  Also pray that Matt has been able to be resourceful and find shelter and keep himself warm enough to survive this.  I can't say why certain tragedies occur, but I do know that God works for our good.  I also believe that through him miraculous things can happen.  Please take 5 minutes out of your day to cry out for this man and his family. It has been on my mind night and day, and I can't even imagine his families fear, anxiousness and sorrow over this.  Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them".  +For updates on the situation check out the "please pray for matt johnson" FB page, HERE. 

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Skillet Style Tilapia

First, I know that today I was supposed to post my husband's answers to your sports injury questions, and I promise it is coming but he has just been taking his sweet time in answering them (something about working 10+ hours a day? Hmm, I wouldn't know anything about that!) I promise it will be up next week.  Lots of you asked about shin splint prevention and rehab so be prepared for a lot of detail on this area!

Moving on, I thought that it had been a while since I shared a recipe with you all.  Since we moved to LA I haven't ben able to use our stove because some identified piece of food is lodged somewhere in the oven and sets off the earsplitting fire alarm every time I have tried using it. Our landlord said she just never used the oven.....ha, great option landlord. Geez.   Needless to say I have been doing a lot of stovetop and microwave cooking.  We have tried to be extra vigilant about making healthy dinner choices since fresh food is so available here.

One of our favorites is tilapia (or really any white fish-- I just find tilapia to be the most economical choice and it tastes great).  We usually also buy a bag of frozen fillets. Again, more economical and wallet friendly.  Fish is so easy and so quick, and honestly, if you are not a "fish" person you should at least give tilapia a chance. It is the least "fishy" fish around.  Tastes like chicken....kind of.

Like I said, get creative!  If you choose asian inspired flavors serve fish over a bed of brown rice with a side dish of softened veggies like kale, mini corn, carrots and snap peas.  With Italian flavors serve over a bowl if whole wheat noodles.  Chop up fresh tomatoes and basil to sprinkle over the top.  Add a dash of parmesan to the top! One of our favorites? FISH TACOS.  Instead of using a zest I sprinkle salt, pepper and chili powder, garlic, paprika, and a pinch of salt over my fish.  Once cooked I crumble it up and serve in whole wheat wraps, avocado, sauteed: green/yellow/red pepper and onion, fresh tomato, lettuce and a sprinkle of mexican cheese.  Serve with light sour cream and salsa on the side.

Seriously, you can dress fish up in such a way that it will taste an awful lot like chicken.  It is a great source of lean protein. And subbing regular flour tortillas/white rice/regular pasta with whole wheat will make such a huge difference in your waistline and health.  I know some of you claim that whole wheat anything tastes a lot different and takes some getting used to, and that may be true.  (Personally,  prefer the taste). If you are trying to lose weight or just get in shape and lead a healthier lifestyle then the excuse of a small taste difference is...quite honestly...laughable.  It comes down to priorities and what is the most important to you--  why not indulge in full fat pasta when dining out save CLEAN, healthy eating for home?  It's small steps and subbing out things that will make a huge difference.  TRUST ME.  (Seriously, trust me. I live with a doctor you know. <<<---instant credibility).

Over & Out,

A

p.s. be sure to link up tomorrow for the triumphant return of Friday's Letters!

p.p.s. welcome new followers, you rock my world. 

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Things To Do In...Los Angeles

Have you noticed a theme with my Things To Do In Los Angeles posts yet?  If you haven't-- the theme is freeeee.  Gotta  love that.  My latest greatest "free" find in LA is the Original Farmer's Market and The Grove.  When I heard "farmer's market" I thought "super, we can pick up some fresh veggies to use for lunch!" --but when I got there I was so surprised. It wasn't what I expected at ALL (in a good way).  Not only were there fresh veggie and fruit stands, there were also meat markets, bakeries, eateries, clothing & jewelry vendors and EVEN a dog bakery where you can bring your pup to pick out fresh gourmet treats! I was a little overwhelmed with all the ethnic food surrounding me.  I wanted to make the  best decision because husband said I could buy lunch there (sidenote: husband is a stingy dutch person who hates spending money on food because he feels it is a waste, so when he says I can buy food at a restaurant I kind of freak out.  Also, what is he thinking? Food is pretty much the reason for breathing.) 

I seriously made at least 4 laps around the entire market and even almost stopped to ask random strangers what they were eating and where they got it.  After about 30 minutes my hunger took over and I got in long line (hey, if it has a long line, it has to mean that the food is phenomenal and everyone wants it, right?) RIGHT!  Turns out, I got in line to La Loteria, one of the top 50 "budget" restaurants in LA. My nachos were $10 dollars of heaven.  I literally watched them wash the dirt off the tomatoes, chop them up and sprinkle them on my dish.  So, so fresh.

On the way out I spied a Brazilian BBQ stand and I cannot wait to make a return visit to try it out.  We will definitely be returning.  Right next door is an outdoor shopping center call "The Grove"-- you get two hours of free parking and the third  hour is $3.00 and then $1.00 every 20 minutes after ($15.00 max).  There are shops, restaurants, a cinema and a TROLLEY.  It's a beautiful shopping area and with so much to do you could literally spend the day there.  Loved it.

Oh and then we got stuck in nightmare Golden Globe traffic.....

this would be fun to be in the middle of, except you can't even SEE the celebs because they are in their limos and there are crazy protestors, crazy fans, and crazy amounts of security. Next time we will 

make sure we know when these things are going on so we can choose a different route home. OYE.

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Overheard in LA...Part 2

One of two tattoos I have...the wrist tattoo. So original, I know. I was 18 and rebellious, what can I say?

Now onto the ridiculous things I have overheard while living in LA...

::working with a patient at the gym, discussing the nice vehicles in the city::

Guy: Oh, the BMW 3 Series is the Honda Civic of LA.
(*Courtesy of my husband)

::at the beach::
girl #1: the marine layer is so bad today.
girl #2: no, that's just smog.
girl #1: what's the difference?
*both shrug*

::at the beach::
(at the beach, 10yr old little girl runs up to her dad-- who by the 
way looks like he is 24 and is drinking a beer with his friends)
girl: dad, do you have a band-aid?
dad: aw, F@&#^@&! what did you do?
little girl: I cut myself on a rock
dad: the beach is NOT a playground! sonofab*@#*!

::at the original farmer's market::
Guy #1: I then I went to Fresno,...
Three random people: HEYYYYYY!
(*I still do not understand this, someone please explain?!)

::In Target::
Girl #1: So what are like, good, like, mixers?
Girl #2: OMG, get Vitamin water because then we will get, like, vitamins
and electrolytes and stuff.
Guy: So we won't be hungover?
Girl #2: TOTALLY!
All Three: *high-five*


::while walking the dog::
Girl:  and my parents won't put a pool in even though like everyone else has one!
Guy: omg, why?
Girl: Because they said we live on a fault line or something gay like that.
Guy: *Uh-NOY-ingggg!
(*annoying)


Feel better about your life now?

YOU'RE WELCOME.

PART ONE
PART THREE
PART FOUR
PART FIVE
PART SIX

Over & Out, 

A

p.s. I am also over HERE today!

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Things To Do In...Los Angeles

I have been so lucky to get lots of e-mails and suggestions from you all about things I need to see and do while we spend our three months here in Los Angeles... I especially have been relying on Megan (from Across The Pond) because she knows the city like the back of her hand and has given me some great suggestions on what to do.....including heading to Malibu to Zuma (beach, that is).  It is a fantastic and beautiful area--- so clean.  And don't worry about the online warnings of "no pets" because there were no less than 20 dogs when we went last weekend.  You can do this beach for FREE if you park along PCH, or you can drive in and pay to park for the day-- but free parking is only a mile away, so get some exercise and save your money!  Once you get there, you will see a HUGE rock formation called Pointe Dume.  There are usually always rock climbers here, and if you go around it there is a hidden little beach called Paradise Cove.  So beautiful and so worth the 25 minute drive from LA.  We were fortunate to be there past sunset and HOLY TOLEDO BATMAN, the sunsets were incredible.  It honestly didn't look like real life.  It was amazing.  Be sure to grab breakfast/lunch or a quick cocktail on the beach at Paradise Cove  & then head back towards LA and make a stop at Duke's.  We did, and we will be going back!  It was amazing!  I am going to start with the sunset pictures because...well, you'll see...

Dinner at Duke's---overlooking the ocean!  And the food was AMAZING.  I scarfed my fish tacos DOWN. 

At dinner husband got the mango BBQ burger.  The burger was cooked to perfection, he ordered it medium rare and it was exactly that.  The sweet mango and BBQ combo were awesome.  I ordered the BAJA fish tacos and did one grilled and one beer battered.  They were both equally delicious and were just the thing to curb my appetite after a day at the beach.  We also tried a few house beers, and non disappointed.  We also loved sitting outside in the barefoot bar where the heat lamps kept us warm while we watched the last surfers of the day catch waves as the sun went down.  This is definitely a must eat at place!  

Perfect way to spend a Saturday?  Oh, yes...

///

Week at a Glance:

Tuesday: Overheard In LA Part 2; Post over @ Across The Pond

Wednesday:  Things To Do In La--Original Farmers Market & The Grove

Thursday:  Your Sports Injury Questions answered by the husband!

Friday: Friday's Letters Link-up Returns! 

Over & Out,

A

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