Category: Thirty Days of Thanks

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Thankful for those Texans! #BullsOnParade

When I was a little girl, my Grandpa would sit in front of the TV screen and yell. It was the 90s and he was a Houston Oilers fan. I never understood his obsession with needing to see every hit and down of the game…

 

…until now.

 

Last fall (2011) I was still living with my folks and every Sunday after church we’d all eat lunch and end up watching the Houston Texans play all afternoon. Not every game was pretty or a win… but every game was clean, played honorably. Over time it became commonplace, as in “We can’t go out for lunch after church…the Texans play at noon.” My mom’s birthday gift was a Texans sweatshirt, see below:

#BullsOnParade

Needless to say, we were hooked. My brother would come over, we’d watch the Texans fight hard on the field and then we’d all go biking together.

This was one of our short rides in April called the MS150 🙂

 

The Texans,  who entered the league in 2002, had never made the playoffs in our nine season history.  But in 2011 we made history  after clinching the South Division title and qualifying as the AFC’s third seed. We beat the Bengals, but lost to the Ravens. We were all extremely proud of our team and what they accomplished that year.

The 2012 season has been another season for making records. We are 8-1 for the first time in franchise history. My love for them has only grown. I do have a special love for a few key defensive players: Brian Cushing & JJ Watt. The only reason I need to give is: watch them play, you’ll understand.  Unfortunately, Brian Cushing hurt his ACL during the Jets game earlier this season (a curse on the Jets for eternity…) and he will be out the rest of this season. He’s had a great attitude about it and supports his team through this tough time.

…Can we all take a moment of silence for Brian’s ACL.

Amen.  

Two Sunday’s ago I had the distinct honor and privilege to attend my first Texans game. Big thanks to Jennie Lane 🙂

#babysfirsttexansgame #isthisreallife #wheresbriancushing

 

I am thankful to the Texans for giving my family something to enjoy together, giving our city something to support together and giving me a better understanding of “overcoming adversity.” (Except for Aaron Rodgers, because he plays football like Jesus.)

Enjoy these little tidbits of joy from my favorite players!

He’s very… confident.

It’s probably true…

Our defense really is something special. Bulls on Parade!

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30 Days of Thanks: Siblings

Jane Austen once said, ‘What strange creatures brothers are!”

Well, she was right.

My brother, Andre Ricardo, was born on October 3, 1993 in Denver, Colorado. I remember the first time I laid eyes on him. He was a little red baby with a bunch of brown hair and all wrapped up in a blanket.

We didn’t get along for the first few years of our lives as siblings. Andre was probably the most annoying little brother on the planet. It was terrible to sit in the car next to him, and it was even worse to sit next to him on a plane. I remember one time, my cousin, my brother, and I were in the back seat of a car. My cousin and I were huddled on one seat as my brother was holding a booger he had just picked from his nose, threatening to wipe it on us.

When Andre was 12 and I was 17, we went to a sailing camp for three weeks. He was on a different program, so I barely saw him. He spent the summer doing water sports and snorkeling, and I spent the summer learning how to scuba dive. When we both got home, we had so many experiences that we could relate on, that I remember thinking, ‘So my brother is actually kind of a cool person.” We could finally bond, and it helped strengthen our relationship as brother and sister.

My brother has been not only my sibling, but also my friend. He is a source of endless entertainment and good old-fashioned unconditional sibling love.

As a big sister, I naturally want the best for my little bro, because he is truly one of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever had the chance to meet, and for that I am thankful.

 

 

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30 Days of Thanks – Thankful for hardships

Choosing just one topic to write about for this post was very difficult. I am thankful for so many things in my life. I have wonderful friends, an amazing husband, a great family, a roof over my head, a sweet dog, a working, albeit old 1997 Toyota Corolla, & an overwhelming amount of love & grace in my life. I do not take one of these blessings for granted because I know all too well how rare & precious of a gift they are.

My topic may seem odd to be thankful for, but I am thankful for the hard times, because without them, I would have never learned that you can go through hardships & come out stronger. Without the hard times I & my family have been through, I would not be who I am today. These hardships have given me character & a strength that I never could have imagined.

I have been blessed with some of the most integrous people I know & these people are my family. They have taught me the value of hard work & to appreciate all that we have been given. One of the most amazing examples of love & integrity I know is my grandfather.

This amazing man worked hard every day of his life & never once complained. He loved my father, grandmother, & us grandkids with a rare tenderness that I will never forget. He went through so much; sacrificing his dreams to provide for his family, but he was always there for everyone & he was greatly loved. He is a shining example that you can through hardships & still choose to love & be kind.

My next example is my father. If I wrote everything this man has taught me, this post would be a book series. Both he & my mother sacrificed everything for us. From us being homeless when we were young & doing everything in his power to provide a roof over our heads, to small things like not drinking milk in his cereal so us girls could have milk to drink.

I have seen my parents overcome so many obstacles; mountains that seemed insurmountable, yet they came out the other side & still chose to love, be humble, & forgive. My dad is not perfect & he will be the first one to tell you that, but his humility & kindess to any stranger, makes him loved by everyone who knows him. Despite every disappointment & hard time he has been through, he still chooses to love without reservation.

On those days where I am frustrated with an obstacle that is in my life, I stop & think about the incredible examples I have had. Any obstacle in life is overcomable, & if I allow it, not only will I overcome it, but I will be a better person for going through it.

When I was young I wished so many times that we had been wealthy & that I could have had all the things that other children had, but now I am thankful that I did not. It taught me that I do not need those things to be happy. The things in life that last beyond when I am gone, are how I loved & served while I was here. I pray I will be able to be as kind as my grandfather, or that my friends & family will say of me that I was humble & loving like my father.

These gifts are what I will always cherish & be thankful for. Never be upset when you go through hard times; allow them to teach you & make you better, not bitter. My family is the best example of this that I have ever known & that is what I am most thankful for.

 

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30 Days of Thanks: To Nanny’s House We Go!

There are SO many things I am thankful for. Family, friends, and my health of course, but what resonates for me are the little things that have a big impact. This includes a cookbook I was given when I was 15, and the memories that come with it.

The cookbook is filled with recipes from my grandparent’s childhood and was a collaboration with several family members, close friends, and neighbors. It is titled “To Nanny’s House We Go”. All of the grandkids received a copy with a set of wooden spoons. Every time I make a recipe from that book or make something my grandmother taught me, a flood of memories from my childhood come back.   One of those childhood memories came back to me yesterday (Nov 10th).

Years before my grandfather passed my grandparents would honestly have cornbread at LEAST once a week. My grandmother was the one who usually made it but on occasion my grandfather would too. He got tired of having to get the recipe from my grandmother’s recipe box and copied it onto a post-it. He then taped it to the inside the cabinet that had all the ingredients to make the cornbread. I was always spending time at my grandparents and remember seeing the Post-it pop up one day when I went to make coffee.

Yesterday my mom and grandmother were discussing our recipe for cornbread dressing. They were trying

Cornbread recipe
The BEST cornbread is made in a cast iron skillet.

to decide whether or not they should make it that night. They spent a good 15-20 minutes looking for the cookbook to make cornbread. I told them there was a copy of the recipe taped to the inside of one of the kitchen cabinets. They didn’t believe me.

Almost every person in my family opens that cabinet almost 3-4 times a day and they never noticed. it.   I’m not sure exactly how long that post it has been there. But every time I go to my grandmother’s and see that post-it.

It’s amazing to me how an action, smell, or even words can trigger such strong memories and I am utterly grateful for them. 🙂

Below is the cornbread recipe that my grandfather taped in the cabinet:

1 cup corn meal

1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/4 cup buttermilk

1 egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.   Put 1 tablespoon of oil (my family uses bacon grease) in a cast iron skillet. Mix above ingredients and then pour in oiled cast iron skillet. Bake for 30 minutes.

Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

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30 Days of Thanks: Mmm…Queso

I’m thankful for a lot of things like my family, my health, my friends, etc. On the other hand I’m also thankful for really trivial things such as kittens, nail polish, Chick-Fil-A Sauce…Oh, and QUESO.

Queso Magic Queso is pretty much amazing, but white queso in particular is where my heart lies.
There are a lot of magical qualities about queso. In my opinion, it’s the ultimate comfort food. If you’re having a long day, end it with a bowl of white queso. While you’re at it, order a margarita because they go great with queso and who doesn’t like margaritas? As a Texan, it gives us something to brag about. Where else can you find better queso?

I’ve eaten a lot of queso. And let me tell you, not all queso is created equal. Want to know the best places to get queso?

Here’s a list of my top picks:

1. Pappasitos‘ Don’t let the ‘chain stigma” fool you. Their queso is legit. My boyfriend swears they put some sort of magical ingredient in the queso (Crack, maybe? Kidding!). Be sure to order the ‘flaming” white queso because there are 2 queso options on the menu. They literally light it on fire, no seriously.

2. Original Ninfa’s on Navigation‘ If you live in Houston you have to go here at some point in your life. It’s in a shady part of town, but it is so worth it. The queso isn’t white, but it’s pretty amazing nonetheless.

3. El Tiempo‘ Again, the queso here isn’t white, but it’s pretty great. It also helps that their entrees are incredible.

4. Del Pueblo‘ This is a Cypress, TX gem. They also serve killer fried avocados. Mmmm…melted cheese and fried stuff.

5. Berryhill‘ This is where I go when I need a queso ‘fix.” You know, those times when you need queso now! It’s quick, cheap and white.

Not into restaurants? That’s cool. You can make great queso at home. I hear the secret ingredient is Mexican crema.

Queso con Rajas Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 large sweet bell peppers, roasted, peeled, cored and seeded
2 large poblano chiles, roasted, peeled, cored and seeded
3 jalapenos, roasted and seeded
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 small onion, diced
2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon Mexican oregano
pinch of salt
3/4 cup Mexican crema, or sour cream
8 ounces grated queso Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese
1 1 /2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Roast the peppers on a grill or on a grilling pan until they are nice and charred on the outside and then peel and deseed them. Cut the roasted peppers into 1/4-inch thick strips and set them aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent, around 3 minutes. Decrease the heat to low, add the bell pepper and chile strips, then stir in the cilantro, oregano, salt, crema, queso, and grated Parmesan. Cook everything over a low heat, stirring continuously until the queso melts, about 5 minutes. Don’t let the mixture brown or scorch. If the queso is a bit too thick, add some more crema until you get the desired texture and thickness.

Remove the queso from the heat and serve immediately with warm tortillas or chips.

Recipe Credit: Foodsessed

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30 Days of Thanks: Thankful for – Body of Work

I am thankful for so many small things this year. Small acts, added together can make a much larger impact over the individual contributions. Being reminded of this, has allowed me to understand the random and planned acts of kindness, charity, faith, forgiveness and brilliance can change someone’s life. Sometimes it even changes a lot of lives.

An Artist’s Body of Work is made up a collection of pieces developed over time and often in a series of repetitive themes. I had a great Architecture professor, fellow professor, friend and fishing buddy that was also an artist. We lost Richard Ferrier to cancer way too early in his life. At his memorial, countless students, friends and colleagues commented on the special moment or gift that Richard (RB) left with them. There were stories of a kind act at one of the Universities we taught at, a personal reference to some needed help, or even an encouraging pep talk. He provided behind the scenes help and encouragement to several generations of artists and Architects. As I heard one story after the other, it was clear that no one person really knew ALL the good deeds RB had provided.

Thankful for a Theme of Art and Kindness

Driving home from that weekend, the stories began to overlap and the theme was clear. There was  a recurring study in kindness that characterized his true ‘Body of Work.” Sure, there was a legacy of paintings, awards and even archives in the Library of Congress to preserve his artistic work. But, small uncelebrated acts of humanity and friendship were the real collection. He had influenced and changed more people than we ever expected. Richards work was changing people’s lives.

I am thankful the ability to appreciate good design, to spell Winsor Newton watercolour with a ‘u’, to catch a trout in the cold tailwaters of New Mexico, to see someone fly in a WWII fighter plane. I am thankful for the lesson – To change the world, all it takes is small acts in recurring themes.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Slowly creating my Body of Work.

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Thankful for You Houston.

I have so much to be thankful for. I’ve written here in the past about how I’m thankful for LOLCats, Aggieland, and my mom’s wise advice to always stay positive.  Today in particular I am thankful for the democratic process, my rights as an American, and those who serve to protect our freedom. And Twitter. I am definitely thankful for Twitter.

Thank You Houston!

This year for my 30 Days of Thanks post I want to take a moment to personally thank you – the people and the city of Houston, for all you have done for me over the last four years.

It was January 3, 2009  when I moved to Houston. In the years since then you have welcomed me and supported me every step of the way.

Houston is a unique place – the most diverse city in the country, a town that fosters business and supports the arts  – and earlier this year topped Forbes’ list of America’s Coolest Cities.  I have tried my best to take in as much of it as possible – taking in museums and restaurants and festivals and trying to keep up with everything Houston has to offer. Honestly, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.

The Big D will always be my hometown (don’t hate), but I have been incredibly blessed to find a great home here. And I cannot be grateful enough.

A Few of My Favorite Things about Houston:

1. A Full Events Calendar  –  In a city as big as Houston, there is always something going on!

I am privileged to get to go out and support fantastic clients like Miller Outdoor Theatre, Susan G. Komen Houston, and The Art Car Parade. Some of my other favorite events have been Comicpalooza  Comic Convention, Free Press Summerfest, and the Rodeo!


Left to Right: Houston  Rodeo, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Free Press Summer Fest, Houston Beer Festival, Comicpalooza

2. The Food! – I often tell people the best part of moving to Houston is the food. The diversity of backgrounds and cultures in Houston meld into a mixing pot of delicious opportunities to explore. My latest obsessions are El Gran Malo, Benjy’s, and Petrol Station. (And I am always open to suggestions!)

Houston Food Truck Fest 2011

3.  The Schipulites  –  I work with some of the most talented, hardest working people I have ever met. I learn from you every single day. I have great mentors here and a great team. I couldn’t ask for more.

Thank You!

I have to thank you to all of you in Houston for welcoming me with open arms. Here’s to many more Houstoniversaries to come!

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30 Days of Thanks: Having a huge extended family

All my life, I have always moved around. I’ve lived in different parts of Mexico, I’ve lived in the UK, in France, in 3 different states in the U.S and have been happy doing that: A constant cycle of packing and moving, adapting and finally feeling at home.

I’ve come to have so many friends that have become extended family to me. These people went from being complete strangers, to friends, to people I can count on. No matter how far they are or how long it’s been since I’ve seen them, they in some way show me that they are still here with me as I am with them.

Still like a second family, even from a distance.

I am the only person in my family to be living in Texas, and sometimes it can be hard especially when you are going through tougher times. I’ve come to realize that when you are on your own, and these times emerge your sense of fight or flight kicks in. Suddenly you just want to go back to your home –  your root home, and just embrace the old familiar.
I think everyone goes through that, and in all honesty if I had moved back home it would have been okay-  there is nothing wrong with that really. But I stuck around and plan on staying in Texas, a place that I now happen to love and call home.

With that said, the people you work with are a huge part of your life in general. I mean, You spend more than half your week with these people! You could be doing what you love the most, but without a good team your job would for a lack of a better word – suck.

Part of an Awesome Sales Team

I have yet to work in a place where I do not like/love the people I work with. These people define(d) my day, they make it better and shift my attitude to a positive whenever it’s at a low. And if I were to go down the list of everyone I am thankful for, it would be a really long massive list.

I’ve met some of my best friends at work (this includes my very awesome boyfriend) which are now family. There have been so many times where I wasn’t able to fly home for the holidays and my friends pretty much took me in as an extension of their own family.

Justin and I

The people in my life just make me feel insanely lucky, and I don’t care if it sounds cheesy. They say actions speak louder than words, and it genuinely is something else to have someone show you they are there for you.
It’s little things like when I’ve been sick and gotten chicken soup, stuffed toys and sticker books (a Frankenweenie sticker book, to be exact) to cheer me up. There’s times where I have been devastated, like when I lost my dog Benito and my friends from all over pulled me back together some way. For example they all changed their Facebook profile pictures to their favorite Benito picture to remember him, and remind me that they were there for me any way they could.

One of my many friends that changed their profile pictures to cheer me up.

I could not have better people in my life that have become an addition to my already truly amazing family. So that is my “30 days of Thanks” Thankful post,  I am thankful for all of you, because you just make me feel lucky and extremely loved, and I hope you guys know how much you are loved in return. Thank you.

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30 Days of Thanks, Day 4 – The People Who Believe in You

This Thanksgiving I am most thankful for the people that believe in me.

I think that we all forget about these people sometimes, but they are the most important people

in your life. These people genuinely see your potential and your desire for greatness. They believe that you have good character within, and that in the long run your character will win over and you will have success. These people are able to see through the short run of your mistakes, and continue to believe that you will learn and grow from them.

This type of support can come in all forms and sizes: family, friends, relationships, authoritative figures, co-workers. The main point is in that some way they encourage you to reach for greatness, and affirm that you are capable of attaining it. Think about the HR manager who believed that you would bring success to their company and hired you into your first full time position when you had little experience. So many people have had a positive impact on your life by believing in you.

These people that choose to encourage you are applying principles of positive reinforcement and effective motivation. Some of these same principles are taught in a book by Dale Carnegie, a pioneer in public speaking, interpersonal relationships and personal development. How to Win Friends and Influence People is Carnegie’s bestseller self improvement  book with 15 million copies sold since its release in 1936.

In this book, Carnegie uses examples of people who  experience  motivational success. One of Carnegie’s keys to motivation is by sticking with people through their rough patches. Some people will take the time to understand you from the inside out; they believe in your inner greatness. Appreciate these people and keep them in your life.

Everyone needs someone to they can come to in the tough times. The most supportive people in your life are there during your worst moments, in the wake of your biggest mistakes. In times of turmoil these individuals are there to listen, share in your disappointment  and then affirm that you are better, and that they expect more because they believe that your character will persevere. They acknowledge that you are not a lost cause, and that you are not defined by any one action.

My grandfather used to tell me that the best measure of a man is not the tally of his mistakes, but his response to these mistakes. I love this because it frees me up to learn in my own method and make mistakes along the way. Always speak about your desire to be better and be great and to improve so that people know where your heart is.

Choose to believe in people in as many people as you can. Believe because you remember how people influenced your life by believing in you and staying in your corner. This is a large underlying theme in How to Win Friends and Influence People. People respond better when you separate the behavior from the individual. Everyone wants to be the best they can. We all strive for personal greatness in our own ways. Realizing that everyone wants the same thing will help you to deal with people and create meaningful relationships.

My grandfather had his deal of struggles in life. I believe that part of the reason he overcame so many obstacles was the support that he received from those that were closest to him. My grandfather left this world with all of those who had always supported him feeling proud about the man that he had become. They hung with him and were rewarded by seeing him succeed . They received genuine joy that they were there for my grandfathers transformation. I will always remember him telling me that he just knew I was going to be a great and successful person. I believe him because I saw him struggle more than anyone and saw him transform into the great man that we all knew he would always be.

Remember those that believed in you and try to give this gift to as many people as you can.