FOUND: a few extra pounds

Is anyone missing some pounds? If so, please contact me because I've found them. As anyone who knows me can tell you, I'm not one to exercise. I don't know why, I just HATE it...can't get into it. When I was living and working in DC weight was never a huge issue because the 15 block walk to the metro and stomping around the Hill all day (and occasionally being too busy to eat) really helps keep the number down. Once we moved my lifestyle became more sedentary. I got it in gear before the wedding and was at a respectable weight (the dress zipped) on the big day. Well, the 2 months since the wedding have been a little different...I haven't been watching what I eat and will sometimes skip a workout or seven. I knew I had put on a few pounds but didn't really think much about it. Since I don't really go anywhere important, I'm usually in running shorts and a tshirt which makes it easier for the extra inches t go unnoticed. That all changed last night. Today was the change of command at MBW and I needed a dress to wear. All day long I had been thinking about options and had narrowed it down to 3 - I even thought ahead to jewelry, shoes, and a purse. Right before hitting the hay (for the 4:30 wake-up call - damn you DC traffic) I decided to try them on. They didn't fit...not a dang one 'em. I pulled 3 more out...same thing. I could feel the panic starting to set in and my eyes starting to well up and at that moment I lost it. I cried a lot; much to my surprise the good Captain was there with some words of encouragement, which helped a little. Then Maddie called to finish saving the day. I did finally find a dress that worked albeit one I was trying to avoid since the ceremony was outside, in direct sunlight, in DC. The moral of this rambling is, if you have a second, pass on some workout tips, healthy recipes, or words of encouragement (or berate me until I get off my butt) to help me get back into the swing of things!

Delicious Dish: Texas Caviar

Snacking...I LOVE to snack! One of my favorite snacks is a little something my dad always makes, Texas Caviar. Its a salsa of sorts and the best part about it is that it makes a ton and keeps for weeks. I have no idea where my dad got this recipe; I've tasted variations on it and heard it called numerous things, but this is our version. This is VERY popular at our house and among the Marines at work. Obviously any tortilla chips will work, but we prefer using either the lime ones or the new pepper jack kind.

TEXAS CAVIAR

• 1 red, 1 orange, 1 yellow, and 1 green bell pepper - finely diced
• 1 purple onion - peeled and finely diced
• 4 tomatillos - husked and chopped
• 3 jalapeno peppers - chopped with seeds
• 1 bunch of cilantro
• 1 Tbsp. of minced garlic
• 1 (28oz) can petite diced tomatoes - drained
• 1 regular size can of black eyed peas - drained
• 1 regular size can of shoepeg corn - drained
• 1 regular size can of whole kernel corn - drained
• 1 regular size can of black beans - drained and rinsed
• 2/3 cup lime juice
• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. chili powder
• 3 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. black pepper
• Garlic salt to taste

Blend cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and spices together in a food processor; the pour over chopped ingredients. Store in refrigerator and salsa will keep for at least 3 weeks.

**I tend to pick around onions and peppers and usually end up with a bowl full of them towards the end. To remedy the situation, I use the chop feature on my food processor to chop the onions, peppers, and tomatillos finer than normal. I also double the beans and corn and throw in a Serrano (or two) for a little extra kick.

The Excellence of the Excellence

After our busy wedding weekend, we left for our honeymoon at the Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Surprisingly, its the first actual vacation we had ever been on together. We've traveled together several times, but always for holidays with family or for weddings...never just because! This was a much needed break from the craziness of his work schedule and wedding planning. We mostly lounged around by the pool or on the beach, ate delicious food, drank fruity drinks, and slept. Here's a few pictures from our wonderful honeymoon!

A view of the ocean from our cabana

 Me, relaxing on our beach bed

 We went on a horseback ride along the beach and through the countryside.
Afterwards, we enjoyed fresh coconut milk.

 Dinner at the Lobster House (very tasty snapper)

Every evening there were shows to enjoy.
This photo is from the history of the island show.

Wedding ABCs

We are back at home and are settling in to married life. We had several friends that were unable to make the trip to Alabama for the wedding, so I thought I’d post an update here. Before we get started, I should warn you that this is long. I should also give you a heads up that the “ABCs” were taken from a blog belonging to a friend of a friend. Who am I kidding; none of you thought I was creative enough to come up with this. I promise to, or at least try not to, include a picture with every letter. You can read about the whole wedding after the jump. Enjoy!