Good News and Sad News

I can't believe I haven't blogged since January 13th......And that my last post was about how busy I was going to be. You have no idea.

We just came back from a week long trip to Pasadena to see my brother, and then cousin. That post will be for another time. There are good stories and thoughts and wonderful God blessings, so I don't want to not record those.

But today, I share other things....
First, the good news:

Danny's VA townhouse is finally under contract after being put on the market in September. We actually got several offers during the week we were on vacation. Most were way below what we could afford. Yes, it will be a significant financial loss for us -- we are basically paying the buyer to buy the house from us. But we've been advised and ready to cut our losses for awhile. Most of you know the horror stories. Thank you to all of you who prayed for us --- we close on Feb. 28th :)

Now the sad news....

We came home from vacation and had to take BamBam to the vet. He has a growth in his right eye. Vet is pretty sure its cancer. He goes for chest x-rays tomorrow to see if there is any sign of cancer elsewhere. He is scheduled to have his right eye removed next Thursday. The best case scenario is that it is just contained within the eye. He would recover within 3 days and would look like he is perpetually winking.... But that of course would be the best case scenario.

I can't believe there's a possibility Bitty might outlast BamBam.....

The Over-booked Empty Nester

I am slightly worried I may be overbooking my life.

Sunday: 9:30 - Sunday School
             11:00 - Church
             6:00-7:15 - membership class

Monday: 10-12:30 - painting class
            
Tuesday: 10-12 - docent training
              12-1:30 docent lunches (every other week)

Wednesday: 9:30-12 - Bible study

Thursday: 11 - 12:30 - serve lunch at the Mission (every other week)

Friday: 12-1- lunch date with Danny (no exceptions!)

In between all this, I must find time to excercise, do my Bible study homework, do my docent homework,  try and continue to cultivate and nuture my relationship with my Chinese friend.

I am also trying to cultivate two other new friendships God has placed in my life. OH, I have also (along with Danny) gotten involved in a Chinese student ministry at our new church. We have been connected with a young couple in the PhD program at NC State (boo ... wolfpack). They are not Christians but are interested in all things American including going to church and Bible study. Essentially we are host family.

I have to confess I am feeling the need to go crawl in hole and have a small glass of wine (for medicinal purposes). My comfort zone is not so comfy. That is good. The world doesn't revolve around me. Not so much like it use to.

Gonna go take a nap....

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!! Well, here we are in 2011. And I am looking more gorgeous than ever! Oh..... just kidding.....
We have had a wonderful holiday season and despite getting our GPS stolen and Danny cutting his thumb up by a broken wine glass resulting in a quick visit to the ER Christmas Eve, my heart has been filled to the limit with all things that make this season so meaningful.

OMG, I am starting to sound like a Hallmark card in my old age. I have spent more Christmases and New Year's Eves without the blessing of the man of my dreams and I will not be shy in saying I am so grateful to the core to God for giving me Danny to share my life with --- honestly, he makes most of my life feel like holidays, not because of gifts or treats, but because he loves me and takes care of my heart so well. Many of you know what I am talking about and you have had the blessing of spending your holidays with your spouse for many years. Danny and I don't have a "lifetime" of holidays spent together and that's probably why I am so grateful for them. How much I have been blessed by my Heavenly Father!!!

We did our traditional dinner at Second Empire (our 3rd year) and our experience there never disappoints. The food and drink exceptional and I often wonder if there is something seriously wrong with me that I so enjoy a fine prepared meal. I just love great food. Some people love food, but only certain foods. I love all foods --- not necessarily in quantity but in quality. My tastebuds find such immense pleasure in all the flavors and textures.

After dinner, we came home and changed into our jammies, watched bad Dick Clark TV and kissed at midnight. Hope your time was meaningful regardless of how you spent it!
...................................
MENU (again for Catrina's benefit)

Jax:

First Course
Cider Vinegar Slow Roasted Duck & Bosc Pear Salad
crispy phyllo cup, sweet potato puree, roasted acorn squash,
French lentils, Belgian endive, mustard greens, spicy buttermilk dressing

Entree
Pan-Roasted New Bedford Diver Sea Scallops
aged prosciutto ham, rutabaga puree, roasted acorn squash risotto,
wilted spinach, Oregon mushroom & prune reduction

Dessert
dessert wine
shared Expresso Chocolate cake with Danny

Drink
Champagne

Danny:

First course
Crispy fried buttermilk georgia quail
organic baby beets & white asparagus salad, rutabaga puree,
grilled Napa cabbage leaf, carrot slaw, mango & poblano vert jus

Entree
Grilled Australian Lamb Rack
curry & chorizo rice, dried cherries, sautéed julienne vegetables,
vinegar braised red cabbage, arugula, thyme & sweet garlic jus

Dessert
shared Expresso Chocolate cake with Jax

Drinks
Shiraz
Latte

New Year's Eve Fashion
One final note --- I got my outfit on sale at the Limited for less than $50! I was afraid I might look "hoochie mamma-ish" but think I successfully avoided that look (please someone comment to affirm me!!!!). Anyway, I realized as I was getting all spiffed up for my handsome hubby, I was not as eager to age as gracefully as I have previously posted. Will work on that this year......

Ooooh, la la! HOT pink!!

"Hello, my name is Jacqueline and I am officially middle-aged but still buy stuff in the under middle-aged section at the Limited."

"Hello, my name is Danny and I can't wait 'till my wife's hair is as salt-n-peppa as mine!"

Thankfully the weather was warm that night.

"YUMMMM!!!"

The photographer before heading over to her friend's.