Why set myself up for failure?

Here's the deal about New Year's resolutions related to me.

I've made resolutions in the past only to fail. I'm good for a couple of weeks and then am back to my old habits. Self-control and willpower are not my strong suits.

And, my resolutions are generally about the same things I deal with all year long ... like thing's are going to change just because it's January.

The resolutions always involve weight loss (fitness and eating) and Bible study.

Let's just face it, people ... it's a battle every day.

Every. Day.

So, actually I've changed my mind. (Wow, I'm persuasive.)

I will make a resolution.

I resolve to continue to fight the same battles I face every day and pray I will have more success than before.

Right now, I'm not in the greatest mood ... my pants are too tight, my rosacea is having a field day on my face, my roots need to be done desperately, and I have a zit the size of Texas on my chin. I really just want to stay home, hide, and hope that I wake up in the morning with the skin of a 20-year-old and 5 pounds lighter.

So much for starting out the year with optimism.

Dang.

Oh well.

To quote one of my favorite characters, Scarlett O'Hara, "After all, tomorrow is another day." A new day ... the 1st day of 2010.

(And let's not even get started on my year-long bucket list ... failure, failure, failure ... but I'm still working on it.)

Low self-esteem is not her issue.

Beau and La Petite Belle went to pick up some groceries at the store last night because they thought that getting out in the middle of nasty weather, dodging traffic and people, with a list a mile long was better than unloading the dishwasher. Their loss. I finished before they even stepped foot in the store and enjoyed "The New Life of Old Christine" with a plateful of nachos.

Back to my point ...

Beau had some good bonding time with La Petite Belle.

As they were heading home, he said, "You have been such a gift to our family."

She instantly replied, "Yeah. I'm a gift to everyone."

Don't you dare.

Don't offer me one more cookie or piece of chocolate.

Don't make me feel justified in my overeating by saying, "Oh, it's the holidays!"

Don't tell me I should just sleep in because, after all, "it's the holidays."

Don't wear your skinny jeans in front of me and complain about how fat you are when I can't even wear anything that has "skinny" in it's title.

Don't compliment me.

It's time for truth, people.

I need to get my butt in gear and stop this frantic eating.

Enough's enough.

Where's Jillian when I need her?

Ahhh ... there she is.

That's what I needed.

If you're reading this at the time of posting, I will be dragging my butt out of the bed and attempting my first workout in three weeks ...

because, you know, it was the holidays.

(Or maybe I'll wait until after the 1st)

I blame the boudin.

I don't know if you heard or not, but scientists came out with this report revealing the happiest states in the country.

Well, it just so happens that my beloved state, Louisiana, took the title of happiest state.

While the state I just visited (that I did love, love, love), New York, was the unhappiest. And, I'm just sayin' ... the people of New York do lack for some hospitality. I made up for it while I was there by being extra nice just to irritate them.

In fact, most of the states in the Northeast were not happy, while the states in the South, and of course, Hawaii, (Who wouldn't be happy if they lived in Hawaii? Not sure that this state should be in the same category as all the others, seeing as it is a tropical paradise. So, we'll just disqualify them.) were the happiest. (except for Maine ... must be the lobster)

Now, you know I'm not about ruffling feathers (wink), but it seems to me that all those other states could learn a thing or two about the South, especially Louisiana.

Why are we so dang happy?

#1 - Boudin and beignets

Let's face the facts. Food makes people happy. Good food makes people even happier.

Because if a biscuit is good, then deep frying it and topping it with powdered sugar will be even better.
And, if rice dressing is good, then stuffing it in a casing (or in the old days ... pigs' intestines ... bleh) is just easier to eat ... no fork needed. See ... HAPPINESS.

No lie. Above this picture it said, "Happiness is a hot piece of boudin."

And, those little balls on the left are boudin balls. What'd I tell you? Boudin ... yet, rolled in a ball and deep-fried.

#2 - Mardi Gras

What other state shuts down for parades and debauchery? Banks close. Kids get out of school. (while my family tries to get out of town or stay indoors)

But, even for those who don't celebrate Mardi Gras, there is always the king cake (another deep-fried doughnut, the size of two loaves of bread, filled with cream cheese, topped with icing and sprinkles).

#3 - Music

From jazz to zydeco ... Louisianians love their music. Heck, we produced Britney Spears, you know. So proud.

OK. Harry Connick, Jr. then. There.

But, one thing's for sure. Cajuns can dance. And, the older you are, the better you are. Check out this couple. She does take a little spill there, but you get the idea.

#4 - Heritage

Louisianians are also very proud of their culture and strive to preserve their French heritage. I do love this part.

Down the street from our house is a French immersion elementary school and there are two cultural centers which feature mock Cajun villages.

It's crazy, but Beau and I each have a grandparent or an aunt who only spoke French and very broken English. And, some were fluent in both. That's neat. I'm kinda sorry that Beau and I don't know any French and our girls can't experience what we did as children. (Beau only knows curse words.)

#5 - The people

Ya'll ... the people here are just friendlier. They really are. I lived in another, mid-Western state for six years and have travelled around the country. I know. They're more hospitable here. They will just whip you up a gumbo in no time and beg you to stay and eat or drink with them. No one is a stranger.

On a side note, Louisiana is also one of the states with the highest crime rates. Go figure.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Thank God for His Son and redemption.

We are truly blessed.

From our family to yours ... Merry Christmas!

Reflect on His love today. Spend time with your family and cherish each moment.

And, may we never forget the greatest gift.

I consider myself a foodie.

"What is a foodie?" Glad you asked.

A foodie is defined as "someone who has an ardent or refined interest in food."

That's me.

I definitely have a high interest in food.

And, I am no respecter of cuisines ... Asian, Italian, Mexican, Greek ... and the list goes on. Let's not forget, Cajun. I love them all.

I felt a tad bit like a traitor when I posted as my Facebook status that alas I had found another state that had equally, and dare I say, better food than Louisiana. (Gasp ... the horror!)

Sorry, but it's true.

Here's my week of food in pictures.

Dean & Deluca kicks Starbucks' you-know-what.

How I wish we had one near me! The closest is North Carolina. Not close enough for me to frequent it.

Coffee ... good.

Pastries ... great! Beau and I split this guava and cream cheese pastry.

An Italian cafe' I forgot the name of -

Salmon panini ... Best panini I've ever tasted.

Ray's Pizza

Beau's pizza with pepperoni and Italian sausage

Mine with huge slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes & fresh basil, which I accidentally dumped about a 1/2 cup of garlic on ... nice breath for the rest of the day (Beau told me it was Parmesan cheese) ... you can see it on my pizza.

Angus McIndoe Restaurant -

Beau's swordfish with some sort of mango topping on top of rice pilaf and asparagus

My farm-raised, young chicken marinated in buttermilk with mashed potatoes and steamed spinach ... chicken was extremely tender.

We split Sticky Toffee Bread Pudding with Candied Cashews. Yum.

Ping's Seafood in Chinatown -

We ate dim sum. Too many yummy dishes to mention, even if I could name them all.

Ferrara in Little Italy -

For dessert ... tiramisu, chocolate cannoli, cappuccino and a latte. The Italians here say this is the best place for pastries and the best tiramisu. It was quite scrumptious.

Some deli next to Ground Zero -

This reuben wins the award for most meat on one sandwich.

Seppi's (Anniversary Night) - Love this French Bistro!

We had the most amazing four-cheese pizza-like-style appetizer that I didn't get a picture of because the taste made me forget about everything but trying to eat more than Beau.

Beau and I had the same thing ... the Steak Poivre with potatoes. Lip-smackin' good!

For dessert, Hazulnut Creme Brulee' ... my favorite dessert ever is creme brulee' of any sort. Believe it or not, I asked for a different flavor the next night. Beau changed my mind.
Beacon Restaurant - One of my favorites!!

Wood-Roasted Oysters

My Wild Mushroom Ravioli ... OH. MY. ... SO. DELICIOUS.

Beau's Wood-Roasted Salmon. Amazing!
Wood Roasted Strawberries over Cheesecake Ice Cream ... Jaw-droppingly good!

Kellari Taverna -

Array of Greek appetizers including octopus, lamb spareribs, calamari, & spanikopita.
The best fish I've ever tasted with lamb chops. The fish is cooked whole and then split and deboned. It's their specialty. So flavorful!
An array of Greek desserts, including the beloved baklava.
Sarabeth's - You must go here.

Beau's burger

My grilled mozzarella and tomato sandwich (with avocado)

But, the BEST ... the creamy tomato soup! I thought Pioneer Woman made the best until now. It was perfect, especially after walking in the freezing cold.

So, there it is.

And, can you believe the one thing I said I had to have while I was there, I didn't?

That hot dog.

I passed about a hundred vendors every day, but it just didn't happen.

Next time, I have a date with a foreign hot dog vendor.

In a Nutshell

I know that you all are dying to hear about our trip to NYC, but I don't want to bore you with all the details (except for the post on just the food planned for tomorrow).

Here are the highlights.

Best Moment:

Although it was a balmy 17 degrees, with the wind chill of 2, it was amazing to be at the top of the Empire State Building. Not because of the beauty of the city that absolutely takes your breath away ... oh wait, that was just me not being able to breathe, trying to ignore my fear that the whole building would collapse and I would plummet to my death ... but it was a special moment Beau planned for me.

Amidst all the people, he pulled me to the edge, and said some sweet words that brought tears to his and my eyes. He took my ring and vowed that, after 15 years, he would marry me all over again. He's so good at this stuff. Then, he said, "OK. Your turn." I fumbled over my words and placed his ring back on his finger. I'm not good at this stuff at all.

It was definitely the best moment.

2nd Place for Best Moment:

Rockefeller Center at Christmas ... nothing like it.

(FYI: The tree ... much smaller in person, but still fabulous.)

Worst Moment:

Walking through the Blizzard of 2009 after several flight cancellations -

This is Beau using GPS on his iPhone to get us to where we were going to stay for the night. (All iPhone users be warned: GPS doesn't work well when you're walking on sidewalks. It was the longest walk in history.)

Standing in the snow and waiting for Beau to tell me which way to roll my luggage through the blizzardy streets

But, God provided a place for us so that we wouldn't have to spend over 24 hours in the airport waiting for our flight the next night.

These people were our lifesavers ... friends from home that were spending the weekend in NYC.

Thank God for the Roys!

We were happy again.

And, the next day, when the blizzard was over ... snow the way God intended it.

2nd Place for Worst Moment:

Taking the subway in the wrong direction - Pictures would have been inappropriate and stupid.

We ended up in the Bronx and definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. The scenery quickly changed from sparkly Times Square to an episode of "Good Times." We made it through this one-hour subway ride, although I thought we might not at times. It did allow me to see a part of NY that a lot of tourists wouldn't normally plan. (I suggested we get off at the next stop when we realized where we were going. Beau, on the other hand, had the bright idea to ride it all the way up and then back.)

The trip was one of the best I've ever taken.

Tomorrow ... the food ...

Alive and Kicking

Not with the Rockettes though, like I hoped from my last post, but I am not dead and finally home.

I have so much to tell you and am planning a couple of posts about my NYC trip.

However, my children are begging me for food to be put in the pantry and clean underwear.

Beau's sick.

I have been doing Christmas shopping non-stop thanks to the Blizzard of 2009, which ruined all my well-thought-out plans, and my ability to post.

My hair needs washing and everyone's suitcases are still full. I hate laundry.

I have about 25 Christmas presents to wrap and must work out the Christmas menus (Eve and Day), which will not include geese, which is what La Petite Belle wants. Who is this child? Ham will just have to do.

Now, I must go and bake a cake and try to make myself presentable for a Christmas party tonight.

Until tomorrow ...

Just in case the Rockettes need a stand-in tonight ...

I'm available.

Could you find me?

That's me dancing with the real dancer, Michelle, during Paula Abdul's, "Straight Up."

By the way, the second New Kid from the left is none other than my Beau. As you can see, he has even better moves than Jordan, Jonathan, Joseph, Donnie, AND Danny combined.

It is the most important meal.

Breakfast.

You either are a breakfast-eater or you aren't.

I have turned into one since I stopped teaching ... more time to eat in the morning.

And, I've discovered something really important: Skinny people eat breakfast. They do.

I've also realized that you burn more calories by eating breakfast and starting up your metabolism.

And, when you eat breakfast, you're not starving at lunch and gorge yourself at that time.

I have to force La Petite Belle to eat breakfast in the morning if we don't have Pop Tarts or Nutri-Grain bars in the house. That's her standard not-so-great breakfast choice. Out of the 231 types of cereal, she only likes two: Cheerios (good) and Reese's Puffs (bad).

We had a discussion about all the good things eating breakfast does, including giving her energy for school.

No dice. She's still not convinced.

So, I made this wise, motherly statement: You know who doesn't eat breakfast? Fat people. (which, of course, isn't true) You know how you say dumb things to get your point across? That's pretty much the story of my life.

Then, La Petite Belle, without skipping a beat said, in a cocky, yet innocent voice, "Then, Daaaadddddy, what did YOU eat for breakfast?" (implying that Daddy is fat)

Boom. Roasted.

Not sure where she gets her sassy wit from.

Enough's Enough.

Remember the kind of week I have this week?

Remember where I'm headed on Sunday?

Perfect timing for:

The garage door to break,

the rear electric window to not go up and, then, not go down,

La Petite Belle to be covered in some type of rash as a result from poison ivy, oak, or other poison tree or leaf,

K Belle to vomit all night long and run fever,

an additional infection for me too,

and my face to think I'm an acne-ridden teenager.

Did I mention my roots need to be done?

Or that working out and dieting has been put on the back burner while I frantically wash every article of cloth in the house and bleach every surface?

Or that I have rehearsals almost every night this week?

Or that I have about 3 packing lists and to-do lists floating around that I'm constantly adding to?

Must not forget travel pillow. Gotta go add that to my list.

What La Petite Belle has in common with Drew Brees

Both La Petite Belle and Drew Brees had games yesterday.

Both Drew Brees' New Orleans Saints and La Petite Belle's Turf Girls were down starting their fourth quarter.

Both Drew Brees' fans and La Petite Belle's fans were extremely stressed during most of the game.

However, both teams, the New Orleans Saints and the Turf Girls won in the fourth quarter (actually overtime for the Saints). New Orleans against the Washington Redskins. Turf Girls against Stealth.

In the end, the New Orleans Saints remain undefeated, along with the Turf Girls.

And, the Turf Girls won the Coca-Cola Cup, and hold the title of #1 U-9 Girls' Soccer Team.

What made me the happiest about all of this was not, the wins, but the fact that La Petite Belle asked us to pray before each game. Her prayer was that God would help her to do her best. She prayed for the coaches and for her nerves. God totally proved Himself faithful to this little girl this weekend. She played awesome and even scored two goals. Thank you, God, for showing this little girl that she can run to You with anything, no matter how great or small. You are faithful.

Stoked.

Tonight I'm throwing a party for about 180 of my closest friends.

It's "The Like Totally Awesome Ladies' Eighties Christmas Party (as if it's not going to be rad, for sure)."

With the planning of this, combined with my role in the Christmas production next week, (not to mention my day-to-day roles at work and home, including an all-weekend soccer tournament), I've been a little distracted.

I have forsaken my blog somewhat for the past couple of weeks.

Trust me. I wish I had every evening free to write until my little heart's content. But, alas, I do not.

Oh, and did I mention New York?

Yeah, remember? It's where I'm headed next weekend.

So, I'm not sure how consistent I will be posting. But after all this chaos is over, I'll be back to my regular posting schedule.

But, until then, I'll be doing this.

(Actually, I am doing a little dance to Paula Abdul's, "Straight Up." I know, scary, huh? I'll let you know how that goes.)

At least I know she's paying attention.

Being a kid whose parents work at a church is hard.

The church becomes your second home.

You attend service after service on some weekends ... four in a weekend to be exact.

My children are just about getting to the age where they don't want to be in church that long, which I completely understand.

I get them out of their classes early so that they can hang out in my office, and the oldest will actually go into one of the main services.

There was a lot of complaining last weekend when I couldn't check them out early or allow them to hang out with me in the office.

But, La Petite Belle showed me her very thorough notes. I think she could have actually taught the class.

She was even so thorough that she wrote out the order of service and the answers to all the questions the teacher asked. There was praise and worship, where they apparently sang a song called "Free."

She wrote out her needs, which was to "help everyone else in need today." For her offering, she gave "all my money and my faith and love." (How sweet is that!)

And, at the end, she attempted to spell "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" just for fun.

Man, I love this girl.