My desire for cheese enchiladas is almost over-powering. Chad and I have really buckled down on our budget - we are trying to cook more meals at home and really be careful about going out to eat. Luckily, we have a great group of friends in Wilmore who are budget conscience as well - so we usually get together on the weekends and have cook-outs or pot-luck meals, rather than going to a restaraunt. This has been really good for us - but I have to get my mexican food fix soon or I may break. Chad has been working really hard this month with three different jobs, and the fruits of his labor will be deposited in our bank account tommorow. Luckily, I have the sweetest husband in the world and he has allocated some of his hard-earned funds to take me out for my favorite meal - chips & salsa, cheese enchiladas (with cheese sauce, not enchilada sauce) rice & beans, and perhaps an ice cold margarita.
Food has become a big motivator for me in my training. When I feel like I just can't run anymore, I think of all of the calories I've burned and how they will enable me to have those nachos, that cookie, or that fruit pie. Dangle a cheese enchilada in front of me on a stick and I'll run for 26.2 miles.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
I really enjoyed this past weekend. On Friday night, Chad and I were able to attend a lecture/discussion at Asbury Seminary where Steve Chalke and Brian McLaren were speaking about "The Emergent Landscape." It was pretty fascinating to hear these guys speak - I was glad that Chad and I were able to do that together. Also, I got to stop by Chad's home away from home this month - the Asbury Phone-A-Thon. I got to meet some of his bosses and co-workers, and hear them brag on him and his skills.
On Saturday, Chad and I went to a Foundations of Discipleship class/retreat at La Roca. Chad and I really love our church, and we are excited about taking the steps needed to getting more involved. When my parents came to visit us around Thanksgiving, we were able to take them to the Kingdom service at La Roca, which is only held every few months. There are three pretty distinct crowds at La Roca - the crowd from the traditional service, the crowd from the contemporary service, and the crowd from the Hispanic service. Kingdom services are an attempt to bring all three of these groups together to worship as one. My parents were pretty blown away by the experience - my dad was amazed at how many different people groups, age groups, and economic statuses were represented. My mom summed it up in a few words - "It was as if at any moment I could burst into tears and sob through the whole service." It is that powerful. That is how I feel every Sunday.
Last night, we went to the Communality house in Lexington to hear Brian McLaren and Steve Chalke speak once again. This was much more relaxed than the Friday night thing. I even got to talk with Steve a little. Did I ask him about his work with the poor or one of his fascinating books? Nope, I asked him about marathons. He's run six total, including the New York Marathon. I was able to get some good tips from the veteran runner. I also really enjoyed the discussion, and I feel priveleged to have been able to attend.
I was finally able to get outside (and off the treadmill) this past Saturday. It was a little tougher than I expected - I guess I've gotten spoiled with my warm, well-hydrated treadmill runs. It was a bit different getting out in 30 degree weather and facing the wind and hills. Tonight, Chad was telling me about a group of people in Wilmore who are running the Nashville Country Music Half Marathon in April. They get together for their long runs on Saturday mornings - I'm hoping I can join in the fun. When I get up to the 11, 12 mile runs - I have a feeling that I will be grateful for company. Ironically, the Derby Half Marathon that I am doing in Louisville in April is the same day as the Nashville one, so our training schedules should match up pretty well.
I have my dachshund pajama pants on, I'm cuddling with a real cute mini dachshund, I'm watching America's Funniest Home Videos, and the newest Reader's Digest arrived in the mail today. All is right with the world.
On Saturday, Chad and I went to a Foundations of Discipleship class/retreat at La Roca. Chad and I really love our church, and we are excited about taking the steps needed to getting more involved. When my parents came to visit us around Thanksgiving, we were able to take them to the Kingdom service at La Roca, which is only held every few months. There are three pretty distinct crowds at La Roca - the crowd from the traditional service, the crowd from the contemporary service, and the crowd from the Hispanic service. Kingdom services are an attempt to bring all three of these groups together to worship as one. My parents were pretty blown away by the experience - my dad was amazed at how many different people groups, age groups, and economic statuses were represented. My mom summed it up in a few words - "It was as if at any moment I could burst into tears and sob through the whole service." It is that powerful. That is how I feel every Sunday.
Last night, we went to the Communality house in Lexington to hear Brian McLaren and Steve Chalke speak once again. This was much more relaxed than the Friday night thing. I even got to talk with Steve a little. Did I ask him about his work with the poor or one of his fascinating books? Nope, I asked him about marathons. He's run six total, including the New York Marathon. I was able to get some good tips from the veteran runner. I also really enjoyed the discussion, and I feel priveleged to have been able to attend.
I was finally able to get outside (and off the treadmill) this past Saturday. It was a little tougher than I expected - I guess I've gotten spoiled with my warm, well-hydrated treadmill runs. It was a bit different getting out in 30 degree weather and facing the wind and hills. Tonight, Chad was telling me about a group of people in Wilmore who are running the Nashville Country Music Half Marathon in April. They get together for their long runs on Saturday mornings - I'm hoping I can join in the fun. When I get up to the 11, 12 mile runs - I have a feeling that I will be grateful for company. Ironically, the Derby Half Marathon that I am doing in Louisville in April is the same day as the Nashville one, so our training schedules should match up pretty well.
I have my dachshund pajama pants on, I'm cuddling with a real cute mini dachshund, I'm watching America's Funniest Home Videos, and the newest Reader's Digest arrived in the mail today. All is right with the world.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
A Chimp After My Own Heart
As I read the following article at lunch today, I had to do everything in my power to keep from laughing hysterically out loud and disturbing my co-workers. I love the "Offbeat News" section on CNN - and today I came across a "Weird News" section on the Lexington Herald-Leader website. It was there that I found this heart-warming article.
Escaped chimp gets snack, cleans bathroom
Associated Press
"LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - An escaped chimpanzee at the Little Rock Zoo raided a kitchen cupboard and did a little cleaning with a toilet brush before sedatives knocked her out on top of a refrigerator.
The 120-pound primate, Judy, escaped yesterday into a service area when a zookeeper opened a door to her sleeping quarters, unaware the animal was still inside.
As keepers tried to woo Judy back into her cage, she rummaged through a refrigerator where chimp snacks are stored. She opened kitchen cupboards, pulled out juice and soft drinks and took a swig from bottles she managed to open.
Keeper Ann Rademacher says Judy went into the bathroom, picked up a toilet brush and cleaned the toilet. Rademacher says the 37-year-old Judy was a house pet before the zoo acquired her in 1988, so she may have been familiar with housekeeping chores. Judy wrung out a sponge and scrubbed down the fridge.
It took a couple of tries, but the zoo sedated the chimp, who fell asleep on top of the refrigerator with half a loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread she had pulled out of the freezer.
The zoo veterinarian gave Judy a drug to bring her around. Rademacher says Judy was groggy but fine after the episode.
The zoo says there was no danger Judy would get out of the primate keepers service area and onto zoo grounds."
When I was little, my parents took my sister and me to see a house that was for sale in our neighborhood. We met up with the realtor at the house and she took us on the tour. There really wasn't anything that special about the house, except for one thing in the backyard. The house had a pool with a diving board, and attached to the diving board was this long chain. My sister Megan held up the chain and asked the realtor what it was for. The realtor explained that the previous owners had a chimpanzee for a pet, and that he would play in the backyard with the family. The realtor regaled us with tales of the little chimp doing flips off of the diving board and winning cannonball contests.
But as fun as it all seemed, I still think about that chimp being chained up in a backyard in the suburbs of Houston. And as cute as little Judy was cleaning the toilet, it's sad to think that a chimpanzee knows...well, how to clean a toilet.
Escaped chimp gets snack, cleans bathroom
Associated Press
"LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - An escaped chimpanzee at the Little Rock Zoo raided a kitchen cupboard and did a little cleaning with a toilet brush before sedatives knocked her out on top of a refrigerator.
The 120-pound primate, Judy, escaped yesterday into a service area when a zookeeper opened a door to her sleeping quarters, unaware the animal was still inside.
As keepers tried to woo Judy back into her cage, she rummaged through a refrigerator where chimp snacks are stored. She opened kitchen cupboards, pulled out juice and soft drinks and took a swig from bottles she managed to open.
Keeper Ann Rademacher says Judy went into the bathroom, picked up a toilet brush and cleaned the toilet. Rademacher says the 37-year-old Judy was a house pet before the zoo acquired her in 1988, so she may have been familiar with housekeeping chores. Judy wrung out a sponge and scrubbed down the fridge.
It took a couple of tries, but the zoo sedated the chimp, who fell asleep on top of the refrigerator with half a loaf of cinnamon-raisin bread she had pulled out of the freezer.
The zoo veterinarian gave Judy a drug to bring her around. Rademacher says Judy was groggy but fine after the episode.
The zoo says there was no danger Judy would get out of the primate keepers service area and onto zoo grounds."
When I was little, my parents took my sister and me to see a house that was for sale in our neighborhood. We met up with the realtor at the house and she took us on the tour. There really wasn't anything that special about the house, except for one thing in the backyard. The house had a pool with a diving board, and attached to the diving board was this long chain. My sister Megan held up the chain and asked the realtor what it was for. The realtor explained that the previous owners had a chimpanzee for a pet, and that he would play in the backyard with the family. The realtor regaled us with tales of the little chimp doing flips off of the diving board and winning cannonball contests.
But as fun as it all seemed, I still think about that chimp being chained up in a backyard in the suburbs of Houston. And as cute as little Judy was cleaning the toilet, it's sad to think that a chimpanzee knows...well, how to clean a toilet.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Time I Caused a Stampede at the Astrodome
...and no, that's not the title of the new Fall Out Boy single. I really did cause a stampede at the Astrodome in the summer of 2001, and I'm still working through the guilt.
It all started when my friend and I went to see NSync, live in concert at the Houston Astrodome. During the not so captivating opening performance by Dream (yet another band put together by P. Diddy that flopped after one single), we decided to get something to drink from the concession stand before NSync took the stage.
After waiting in line 45 minutes for $6 Cokes, we decided to head back to our seats. In the crowded corrider, I caught a glimpse of a young boy in a matching Fubu pantset. "Oh my God!! It's Lil Romeo!!" I screeched and frantically waved my hands towards the young boy. Before I knew it, hot dogs were flying and Cokes were spilling as a frenzied herd of pre-teens stormed through the corridor towards the young son of Master P.
Unfortunatley, it wasn't Lil Romeo. It was simply a young fan who had broken out the starched Fubu pantset for a night out on the town. Logically, it didn't make sense that Lil Romeo (one of the opening acts that night) would be headed to the concession stand with his friends to get some snacks. In my defense, his friends did look suspiciously like an entourage.
I suppose this is why there are laws against yelling "fire" in a crowded room.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
How Mere-Maw Got Her Groove Back
It's official - marathon training has begun! Early mornings at the gym with nothing to watch but BET or CNN have neccesitated the creation of the perfect playlist. These beats are sure to get me and the Nano jumping every morning.
1. Forgot About Dre -- Dr. Dre
2. Rollin' -- Limp Bizkit
3. Hip's Dont Lie -- Shakira
4. Hip Hop Is Dead -- Nas
5. Highway to Hell -- AC/DC
6. Fergalicious -- Fergie
7. Gold Digger -- Kanye West (f/ Jamie Foxx)
8. Money Maker -- Ludacris (f/ Pharell)
9. I Write Sins Not Tragedies -- Panic! At the Disco
10. Bring Em Out -- T.I.
11. Number 1 -- Nelly
12. Sexyback -- Justin Timberlake
13. Mony Mony -- Billy Idol
14. If You Want Blood (You've Got It) -- AC/DC
15. My Love -- Justin Timberlake
16. Come On Over -- Christina Aguilera
Talk about making a white girl move!
(...and yes, Chad made fun of me for most of these songs - but I caught him secretly dancing to Fergalicious)
1. Forgot About Dre -- Dr. Dre
2. Rollin' -- Limp Bizkit
3. Hip's Dont Lie -- Shakira
4. Hip Hop Is Dead -- Nas
5. Highway to Hell -- AC/DC
6. Fergalicious -- Fergie
7. Gold Digger -- Kanye West (f/ Jamie Foxx)
8. Money Maker -- Ludacris (f/ Pharell)
9. I Write Sins Not Tragedies -- Panic! At the Disco
10. Bring Em Out -- T.I.
11. Number 1 -- Nelly
12. Sexyback -- Justin Timberlake
13. Mony Mony -- Billy Idol
14. If You Want Blood (You've Got It) -- AC/DC
15. My Love -- Justin Timberlake
16. Come On Over -- Christina Aguilera
Talk about making a white girl move!
(...and yes, Chad made fun of me for most of these songs - but I caught him secretly dancing to Fergalicious)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Emma the Dog
For those who know me well...you knew that a post about Lil Emma was inevtible!
"My little old dog, a heartbeat at my feet." Edith Warton
I love this quote. I know it may seem silly, but I feel priveleged to own this precious little dachshund (aka Emma the Dog.) Chad and I have this small little animal that lives with us, and sleeps with us - we feed her, bathe her, walk her, play with her. I know some people feel that attributing human characteristics to dogs is wrong, but it is so hard not to. When you spend years caring for and communicating with a dog, it's hard to keep that "me master, you dog" mindset.
One theory that I've been developing over the past few months touches on why we tend to view domesticated animals as if they have human characteristics. For most children of my generation (I'm 23, who the heck knows what this generation is called) we were raised on Disney movies. We watched the trials and triumphs of the 101 Dalmations. We sang along with a young lion cub who just couldn't wait to be king. Our bodies were racked with sobs as we watched the final scenes of Homeward Bound. These animals spoke English to one another, they understood love, fear, loyalty, compassion, and joy just like I did. Sure, I've never seen a singing hyena or tap-dancing rat in real life, but I have seen and experienced the joy that comes from the unconditional love of a puppy.
When my twin sister and I were in 3rd grade, my parents got us an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie puppy from the Houston ASPCA. When my parents finally had him put to sleep last summer at 14 years old, it was like losing a little brother, not a dog.
When we took Emma to get spayed, I couldn't even bear to watch the Vet Tech take her back into the surgery room. I went out to the car and sobbed as Chad finished the paperwork. Recently, we flew home for a few days and had Emma boarded at a local kennel. I wasn't strong enough for this either - Chad had to do the dirty work of dropping her off. I would much rather have my last image of Emma getting scrubbed down for surgery in a shower cap and backless robe, or running around with her pals at the kennel, than the reality of her frightened brown eyes looking into mine with such a helpless look.
It is past 10:00pm and I'm getting delirious so I should probably cut this short.
From the Brooks family to yours, here is Meredith, Chad, and lil Emma signing off.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Will Work For Mexican Food
I first recognized my addiction four years ago when I was on my way home from college for Christmas break. Sure, I was excited to see my family and friends - but what made me really put the pedal to the metal was the thought that each mile towards Houston put me one mile closer to Taco Cabana.
I cried when we moved from Dallas to Houston. Was it because I would miss my friends? Not really, I could always make new ones. Was it because I was moving away from my older sister? No...I knew she would visit eventually. What kept me awake at night was the fact that I would be leaving my beloved Taco Bueno.
While I was in school in Ruston, Lousiana my love for mexican food further blossomed. I had three great restraunts at my fingertips - Tia Maria's, Cactus Jacks, and my personal favorite Old Mexico. Now, Old Mexico was not for those with weak stomachs. The only one brave enough to steel their stomach and venture into Old Mexico with me was my cousin Emily. We knew there was always a risk of contracting food poisoning or malaria, but boy were those cheese enchiladas worth it.
Here in Lexington, Chad and I have tried scoping out some of the local mexican digs. Chad knows that I could eat mexican food 3 meals a day, 7 days a week and still not satiate my lust for cheese enchiladas. And he is ok with that. That is just one of the reasons why I love him.
So, for now I will spend my days working at the office and my nights searching for Lexington's best cheese enchiladas.
I cried when we moved from Dallas to Houston. Was it because I would miss my friends? Not really, I could always make new ones. Was it because I was moving away from my older sister? No...I knew she would visit eventually. What kept me awake at night was the fact that I would be leaving my beloved Taco Bueno.
While I was in school in Ruston, Lousiana my love for mexican food further blossomed. I had three great restraunts at my fingertips - Tia Maria's, Cactus Jacks, and my personal favorite Old Mexico. Now, Old Mexico was not for those with weak stomachs. The only one brave enough to steel their stomach and venture into Old Mexico with me was my cousin Emily. We knew there was always a risk of contracting food poisoning or malaria, but boy were those cheese enchiladas worth it.
Here in Lexington, Chad and I have tried scoping out some of the local mexican digs. Chad knows that I could eat mexican food 3 meals a day, 7 days a week and still not satiate my lust for cheese enchiladas. And he is ok with that. That is just one of the reasons why I love him.
So, for now I will spend my days working at the office and my nights searching for Lexington's best cheese enchiladas.
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