"Oh, Oh, Mexico"

Rocky Point is sounding really nice about now. Lounging on the beach, not taking off my swimsuit for days at a time, wading in the salty water, Mexican food, and La Michoacana our favorite popsicle stand in town.

So Josh and I had lunch at Baja Burrito today, I had chicken tacos with guacamole, it really hit the spot.

Then, after a little shopping and driving around, we went to the 12 South neighborhood to check out Las Paletas for gourmet Mexican popsicles. The modern little storefront with chalkboard walls displaying the days menu was not quite as authentic as La Michocoana, but the popsicles did not disappoint. Since they were cash only and we could only scrounge up enough quarters for one, Josh let me (the pregnant lady) get whatever I want (isn't he sweet). I got butter pecan and it was delish. Next time, coconut, or lime, or Mexican caramel or maybe hibiscus?

Now if only I could find a beach and a mean shrimp cocktail...that would be jackpot.

Popsicle Image

Snooze

The view from the first floor breezeway. Allium {al YUM} One of the restaurants down stairs.

Last week there were 2 snow days. The fact that it snowed less than an inch was irrelevant to the city, there was snow on the ground so everything was closed due to "inclement weather." It was so annoying.

So far, winter in the south has been grey. Living on the west side you take for granted the sunshine. I cannot wait until it gets scorching hot in AZ so I can say Ha!

I guess I don't really have anything else to write home about. Life is pretty uneventful as of late.

I will let you know if anything exciting or blogworthy happens. And just maybe I will get around to taking a picture of Josh on his Scoot. I know that is a much desired image.

T - 1 hour

-The Last Meal-

Josh and I finally found good Mexican food and it is only 5 minutes from our casa. Since it is our last meal before the 2010 Chapa House Biggest Loser begins, we went all out. Tacos, carnitas, chips, 3 different kinds of salsa, mango margaritas and a chocolate chimichanga (all Josh) could be found on our table at Rosepepper.

We will be heading up to the terrace pretty soon to watch the fireworks on the river downtown. Oh, how I love living close to all the action!

I can still remember ringing in 2000 with dinner at Ichi Ban, and it hardly seems like a decade has passed.

Well it is about that time. You know, the time to close the 2009 chapter and begin 2010 with a list of resolutions (or revolutions, as I mistakenly keep calling them). Maybe my psyche is trying to tell me something. Maybe my list will be more revolutionary this year. Actually, I have never had a New Year's resolution before. I haven't quite solidified the inaugural list, but I plan on taking some time to really think about where I am in my life and where I want to be this time next year. The past couple of years have been crazy. I have made so many mistakes, and taken so many wrong turns. I jumped into things too quickly and never really calculated the total cost of my decisions. But, it hasn't been so bad... for these are the things that make up a life. These are the experiences that make me who I am and help me become a wiser person.

Here are some of the highlights of 2009:

• January Finally took Josh (and Lola) to see the beauty of the Grand Canyon • February Took a trip to Rocky Point with my dad and step mom • March Spent quality time with my mom, step dad and brother in Denver • April Made the scary (smart) decision to leave Arizona (again) to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt • May Celebrated one year of married bliss • June Spent a magical weekend in San Diego to celebrate the wedding of my dad and step mom • July Fell in love with and became the aunt of the sweetest boy in the world, Owyn Joseph • August Took the 3 day journey through 6 states to Tennessee • September Started a new job, and a new program in a new town and managed to make some new friends • October Moved over the river and through the hood from West to East Nashville • November Welcomed our very first Nashville guests (Josh's parents) • December Finally learned what it feels like to go home

Here's to another great year. I can't wait to see where we are a year from now. Cheers xoxo

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

I finished my last final and turned it in (which is due next Wednesday by the way, the things I do for AZ), and decided I should celebrate. This mini-celebration would be between me and a good friend Gigi (who I never see, I promise!). I stopped by Gigi's on the way home and picked up this....

"The Good"

When I got home I took a couple of bites, as much as one can handle in a given day, and this is what I found...a hidden treasure in the center of the cupcake.

"The Bad"

I swear I didn't have one more bite of that thing... now I remember why don't see Gigi very much. Well, with all this excitement I got clumsy, as usual, and dropped my phone (for the bajillionth time), but this time it actually broke. At least the face did....

"The Ugly"

Really? That sucks. At least it still works! Looks like I have something to add to the Christmas list. Which is lame. I like my phone and had no intentions of giving her up for at least 20 months.

I am off to the Valley of the Sun tomorrow! As a courtesy to my hubby, I will be leaving the lap top at home. We don't have cable and I figured it would be cruel to leave him without Internet. Aren't you proud I am becoming a good wife...we or even he comes before me with increasing frequency. Now if only I could get a grip on the laundry...than I would be prime.

Eat Local

Image via Yelp Last night Josh and I had dinner at Caffe Nonna, a neighborhood Italian eatery that is really close to our place. We currently live by Sylvan Park, which is a neighborhood with little intersection in the middle where the golf course meets with about 6 restaurants and some small shops. Josh and I have been to Star Bagel, the Local Taco, Sylvan Park Restaurant and now Caffe Nonna. It is a sweet little joint that is dark, cozy and has a wall of wine (not that we drink the stuff). Hopefully by the time we have visitors we will know where the good food is!

And now I am heading to Bongo Java, famous for their NunBun (the roll that had Mother Theresa's face on it). I have about 500 pages to read in the next two days so hopefully a steamed chai will motivate!

I'll have another biscuit, please.

Last night Josh and I had dinner at Jim 'N Nicks BBQ. It is not too far from our place, and we were in the mood for BBQ and not in the mood to cook. Let me tell you, these cheese biscuits are to die for, to die for! The texture is like a mix between corn bread and a biscuit with just the right amount of melted cheese mixed in. The brisket on the other hand left much to be desired. Maybe it was because we were in kind of late. Who knows, but the biscuits are delish. Well, I have to head to the market and get goodies for this week! Happy Sunday!

Loveless Cafe

Josh and I ventured out to the Loveless Cafe for breakfast. We attempted to go here, but the rumors are true, the line wraps around the building. There is no way the pancakes can be that good. Loveless did not fail to please, they bring you warm biscuits with blackberry, peach and strawberries preserves...my mouth is watering just typing it out. Besides their biscuits, they are also known for their hash brown casserole which is a delicious blend of hash browns, cheese and onions. I am seriously going to gain 20 lbs living here.

Our Neighborhood Ice-Cream Parlor

Img 1 via Flickr Img 2 via Yelp

There is a little old ice cream shop by our house that I have been dying to check out {Bobbie's Dairy Dip}.

Last night, we checked it out.

Josh had some fudge cake thing with ice cream.

I had a kids dip; a small vanilla cone with chocolate dip.

Not a big fan of the dip.

Oddly enough I don't like chocolate in my ice cream.

I am however a huge fan of how cute Bobbie's Dairy Dip is.

So classic.

Next time, strawberry shortcake!

A Boy, a Girl and a 1/2 Pitcher

One Saturday night in a faraway town, a boy and a girl went out to the little Mexican food restaurant that boasted "the best margaritas in town." Little did they know it really meant, "the greenest and strongest margaritas in town."

After less than a glass...

...the girl had enough of the green, strong margaritas...

So the poor boy was obliged to finish the half pitcher all by himself.