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Entering the Roaring 20s
6 years ago
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Let's Get Serious for a moment
I was sitting at my computer the other night, typing away an e-mail to Mr. Top Gun when I received a message from a very dear friend of mine. You see, this friend and I- we shall call her Mrs. "M," have been friends since the 10th grade! We both went on to different colleges after High School, me to Texas and her to UW- but we always stayed in touch with one another. Be both grew up, married the men of our dreams and started our lives in... THE AIR FORCE? Yep, she married a guy in the Air Force too! So, her Husband jumps out of Mr. Top Gun's plane and Mr. Top Gun flies it! Too cool right?
Well, I knew she had been going through some hard times recently, with an extended deployment for her Husband and some odd health problems that began to pop up. I chalked her migraines and aches, pain, and fatigue up to the fact that she is super mom! Seriously, this girl kicks major ass and she does it all while being a superb mother to two of the most gorgeous children I have ever seen. I am not the type to pry into other's business and I knew she would let all of her friends know what was going on with her health when she felt ready to do so. The message in the e-mail last night was this:
I have lung cancer.
What?!?! You are only 28 years old. You are a mother, a wife and a friend. A daughter, a sister, an incredible person. WHY YOU??? I sat at my computer for 10 minutes and just sobbed out loud. I have been out of sorts all day today, and I just feel so helpless and my heart hurts. It hurts for her so much. I wish I could take this away! She is the model of perfect health- never smoked, lives a clean life, eats healthy... Why??? So, I come here today on my blog and ask all of you to please say a little prayer for Mrs. M. I can't stand to lose another friend to disease, so please send your prayers to her and her family while she battles this cancer.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Mrs. Top Gun's Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
Chocolate Coca-Cola Cake
I was feeling rather inspirational last night, so I decided to play around with an old family recipe for Coca-Cola cake, and it turned out to be marvelous! I did make some changes, and added my own 'flair' to it to suit my tastes. Mr. Top Gun will love this when he comes home! It was a huge hit with my grandparents whom I used as my 'Guinea Pigs.'
Ingredients:
2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups sugar (I used about 1/2 a cup.)
3 tablespoons of Hershey's Dutch Cocoa
1 and 1/3 cup Coca-Cola (At room temperature, and NO DIET.)
1 cup butter
3 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Make sure it is PURE VANILLA.)
Coca-Cola Frosting
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon Hershey's Dutch Cocoa
8 tbsp of Coca-Cola *Room Temp*
1 box confectioner's sugar, (1pound)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, or mini marshmallows. *I DON'T ADD THESE* But, some people like the texture in the cake, so add them if you like!
Getting it all ready:
Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan, or a Bundt pan. *I prefer the Bundt* You may also use those square cake pans too!
In a large bowl combine flour and sugar. In a saucepan combine the cocoa, Coca-Cola, and butter, bring to a boil. Combine the boiled mixture with the flour and sugar you just mixed.
In a separate bowl mix the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla; add to the first mixture. Pour into greased pan or Bundt, and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Making the Frosting: In a saucepan, bring butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola to a boil. Stir in the sugar and mix well. Stir in nuts. *IF YOU LIKE THEM* Allow your cake to cool slightly, especially if using a Bundt pan. Mix frosting and drizzle over the cake to suit your liking. If you used another type of pan, then frost as usual and top with pecans or even marshmallows if you like!
ENJOY IT!!
Ingredients:
2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups sugar (I used about 1/2 a cup.)
3 tablespoons of Hershey's Dutch Cocoa
1 and 1/3 cup Coca-Cola (At room temperature, and NO DIET.)
1 cup butter
3 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Make sure it is PURE VANILLA.)
Coca-Cola Frosting
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon Hershey's Dutch Cocoa
8 tbsp of Coca-Cola *Room Temp*
1 box confectioner's sugar, (1pound)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, or mini marshmallows. *I DON'T ADD THESE* But, some people like the texture in the cake, so add them if you like!
Getting it all ready:
Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan, or a Bundt pan. *I prefer the Bundt* You may also use those square cake pans too!
In a large bowl combine flour and sugar. In a saucepan combine the cocoa, Coca-Cola, and butter, bring to a boil. Combine the boiled mixture with the flour and sugar you just mixed.
In a separate bowl mix the eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla; add to the first mixture. Pour into greased pan or Bundt, and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Making the Frosting: In a saucepan, bring butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola to a boil. Stir in the sugar and mix well. Stir in nuts. *IF YOU LIKE THEM* Allow your cake to cool slightly, especially if using a Bundt pan. Mix frosting and drizzle over the cake to suit your liking. If you used another type of pan, then frost as usual and top with pecans or even marshmallows if you like!
ENJOY IT!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wurstfest!
Sausages, beer, all things German, fried foods and shenanigans... What could that mean?
WURSTFEST 2009!!!
This is a HUGE event here in Texas, and if you have not heard about this yet, then you my friends must have been living under rocks your entire life. Wurstfest is the annual event which takes place in New Braunfels, Texas every November and is touted as: "The 10 day salute to Sausage." They have some of the best international beers from Germany on tap, oompah bands, fried pickles, fried everything really, copious amounts of different sausages, German plates, desserts, and pretty much anything else that can be fried, grilled or smoked! The city of New Braunfels really knows how to throw a party, and for 10 days they do!
I had the pleasure of being home for this years fest, and I am so glad I was able to attend with my Dad and Brother! It was my little brother's first year that he was able to drink and imbibe in some good German beer with us! I can't believe he is all grown up already... I had a blast, and wish that Mr. Top Gun could have been here with me! Here are a few pictures from our day!
Fried Pickles! These are a must at Wurstfest, and the lines to get them are unreal- but totally worth it. Even the non-pickle eating Mr. Top Gun thinks they are pretty yummy. And yes, I devoured my own personal serving of them...
Everyone loves a German Dad and his Daughter!
WURSTFEST 2009!!!
This is a HUGE event here in Texas, and if you have not heard about this yet, then you my friends must have been living under rocks your entire life. Wurstfest is the annual event which takes place in New Braunfels, Texas every November and is touted as: "The 10 day salute to Sausage." They have some of the best international beers from Germany on tap, oompah bands, fried pickles, fried everything really, copious amounts of different sausages, German plates, desserts, and pretty much anything else that can be fried, grilled or smoked! The city of New Braunfels really knows how to throw a party, and for 10 days they do!
I had the pleasure of being home for this years fest, and I am so glad I was able to attend with my Dad and Brother! It was my little brother's first year that he was able to drink and imbibe in some good German beer with us! I can't believe he is all grown up already... I had a blast, and wish that Mr. Top Gun could have been here with me! Here are a few pictures from our day!
Fried Pickles! These are a must at Wurstfest, and the lines to get them are unreal- but totally worth it. Even the non-pickle eating Mr. Top Gun thinks they are pretty yummy. And yes, I devoured my own personal serving of them...
Drink tickets!!!
Wurstfest 2009 cups. A must have in every Texas household :)
My not so little brother and I enjoying some beer and sausage! That giant red contraption behind us is the roasting spit for the roasted corn. Yum!
Haha! Those are Mandeln (Almonds in German) nestled between my umm, bosom! This picture was taken for Mr. Top Gun and will be framed and sent to him for Christmas.
OOps... I think I have a sausage caught in my cleavage! Another picture for my beloved Mr. Top Gun.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
A broken toe, sushi, air sickness and Texas!
Well, I finally made it to Texas! I am regretably sorry that I have not posted anything since then, but I am just now attempting to regulate my body to the 14 hour time difference! Perhaps my lack of blogging lost me a follower? BOO! Anyhow, what a blessing and an incredible feeling it is to be back in the good ol' Lone Star State!! My trip was however, not entirely uneventful... Please let me go into further details!
Waiting in line to check in!
My friend arrived Monday morning at our home in Japan to pick me up and take me to the airport. Like any normal person, I was up super early, dressed, packed, had unplugged the lamps, T.V. and anything else with a plug, and even managed to drag my huge suitcase down the stairs. Well, managed to drag it DOWN stairs with no problems- that is until I decided to walk back upstairs and apparently forgot how to walk at all... I suppose I just decided to stop walking upstairs, and slammed my left big toe right into the wooden stairs. Then, my house phone rings so I run to answer it and by the time I say hello, I am crying. It was my Dad, and he was like: "What the heck is wrong with you?" "I broke my toe. It hurts like hell, Dad and I don't know what to do!!" I ended up buddy wrapping it with band-aids (since Mr. Top Gun took the first aid kit with him, all I had was band-aids,) and somehow I managed to get it into my brand new Nike Shox that Mr. Top Gun bought for me before he left.
Don't judge. Not everyone can have cute toes!
Don't ask me how, but by the grace of God I was able to limp out of my house, into the car, through the airport, through the plane and then sat for 9 hours! I did, however muster up enough strength in Tokyo to wobble over to one of the numerous Sushi bars in the airport, and proceeded to eat my way through some of the BEST TUNA nigiri and sashimi in the world! I had in all, 6 pieces of tuna, 1 tuna roll, and 1 dragon roll (eel, cucumber, lettuce, and cream cheese and avocado.) When I ordered, the Sushi Chef looked at me oddly and asked if I was sure I wanted all of that sushi... He didn't think I was going to finish the 8 piece Dragon roll on top of the mountain of tuna I had on my plate. Oh, how wrong of him! I sat at the bar, so all of the chefs just smiled at me in astonishment when I asked for the check and they all realized NOTHING was left on my plates :) See, this American girl loves herself some Sushi! So, $4,2000 Yen later, my tummy was full, happy and ready to cross the ocean. Oh, and Yen to dollars makes my lunch an even $42.00. Blame it on the tu-u-u-na!
I then hobbled to my gate, boarded the plane and sat forever. and ever. and ever. When I arrived in San Fransisco, I headed to the nearest Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and ordered the largest iced tea ever! Man, was that like drinking sweet nectar of the Gods! I then limped back to my gate, sat down and decided to 'unveil' my toe... BAD DECISION. FAIL. I just about yelped out in fear, pain, and disgust when I removed my sock and was greeted by the most horrific looking toe I have ever seen! Now, I am the first to admit that I was totally shafted in the gene pool when it comes to my toes. I inherited my dad's lovely German genes for huge feet and weird looking toes, while my Mom decided she just didn't want to pass on her genes for cute, dainty and gorgeous little feet and toes! Toe comes out of sock, I scream and then cover it back up. It has now become all blue, black, purple, red, yellow and is the size of a large tomato. I put my sock back on and hobble to my last flight into SAN ANTONIO!!
The flight was hell. I absolutely abhore those little express jets, and for a three and a half hour flight, I was crammed next to a man who kept touching my arm when he was reading. I start getting airsick, and by the time we land in SA, I am running to the bathroom to puke. I hobble down the escalator and... SURPRISE! Both my Mom and Dad are there waiting for me!! I think my Momma must have known that her baby girl (ok, grown baby girl) was thirsty and not feeling well, because after she just about choked me and squeezed me to death with her hug, she handed me an iced green tea from Starbucks :) I am HOME NOW, and it feels good!! If only I had Mr. Top Gun next to me, it would be perfect. The Holidays are just not the same without him :(
My friend arrived Monday morning at our home in Japan to pick me up and take me to the airport. Like any normal person, I was up super early, dressed, packed, had unplugged the lamps, T.V. and anything else with a plug, and even managed to drag my huge suitcase down the stairs. Well, managed to drag it DOWN stairs with no problems- that is until I decided to walk back upstairs and apparently forgot how to walk at all... I suppose I just decided to stop walking upstairs, and slammed my left big toe right into the wooden stairs. Then, my house phone rings so I run to answer it and by the time I say hello, I am crying. It was my Dad, and he was like: "What the heck is wrong with you?" "I broke my toe. It hurts like hell, Dad and I don't know what to do!!" I ended up buddy wrapping it with band-aids (since Mr. Top Gun took the first aid kit with him, all I had was band-aids,) and somehow I managed to get it into my brand new Nike Shox that Mr. Top Gun bought for me before he left.
Don't judge. Not everyone can have cute toes!
Don't ask me how, but by the grace of God I was able to limp out of my house, into the car, through the airport, through the plane and then sat for 9 hours! I did, however muster up enough strength in Tokyo to wobble over to one of the numerous Sushi bars in the airport, and proceeded to eat my way through some of the BEST TUNA nigiri and sashimi in the world! I had in all, 6 pieces of tuna, 1 tuna roll, and 1 dragon roll (eel, cucumber, lettuce, and cream cheese and avocado.) When I ordered, the Sushi Chef looked at me oddly and asked if I was sure I wanted all of that sushi... He didn't think I was going to finish the 8 piece Dragon roll on top of the mountain of tuna I had on my plate. Oh, how wrong of him! I sat at the bar, so all of the chefs just smiled at me in astonishment when I asked for the check and they all realized NOTHING was left on my plates :) See, this American girl loves herself some Sushi! So, $4,2000 Yen later, my tummy was full, happy and ready to cross the ocean. Oh, and Yen to dollars makes my lunch an even $42.00. Blame it on the tu-u-u-na!
This is the Sushi bar I ate at in Tokyo!
Blame it on the T-u-u-na...
I then hobbled to my gate, boarded the plane and sat forever. and ever. and ever. When I arrived in San Fransisco, I headed to the nearest Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and ordered the largest iced tea ever! Man, was that like drinking sweet nectar of the Gods! I then limped back to my gate, sat down and decided to 'unveil' my toe... BAD DECISION. FAIL. I just about yelped out in fear, pain, and disgust when I removed my sock and was greeted by the most horrific looking toe I have ever seen! Now, I am the first to admit that I was totally shafted in the gene pool when it comes to my toes. I inherited my dad's lovely German genes for huge feet and weird looking toes, while my Mom decided she just didn't want to pass on her genes for cute, dainty and gorgeous little feet and toes! Toe comes out of sock, I scream and then cover it back up. It has now become all blue, black, purple, red, yellow and is the size of a large tomato. I put my sock back on and hobble to my last flight into SAN ANTONIO!!
The flight was hell. I absolutely abhore those little express jets, and for a three and a half hour flight, I was crammed next to a man who kept touching my arm when he was reading. I start getting airsick, and by the time we land in SA, I am running to the bathroom to puke. I hobble down the escalator and... SURPRISE! Both my Mom and Dad are there waiting for me!! I think my Momma must have known that her baby girl (ok, grown baby girl) was thirsty and not feeling well, because after she just about choked me and squeezed me to death with her hug, she handed me an iced green tea from Starbucks :) I am HOME NOW, and it feels good!! If only I had Mr. Top Gun next to me, it would be perfect. The Holidays are just not the same without him :(
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sayonara, Japan- Howdy, Texas!!
I'm leaving the land of the rising sun...
For the Lone Star State!!!!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Can we say "Excited Much?"
I woke up this morning to find two things in my inbox:
1. An incredible e-mail from Mr. Top Gun, filled with all things lovey and sweet! Boy, does he miss me :)
And...
2. An e-mail from my Dad, entitled: "So Excited for you to get here!"
Sounds simple enough right? Well, for those of you who follow my blog, you know that Mrs. Top Gun has herself one incredibly crazy, funny and down right ridiculous Dad! Want proof?? Look below...
Yep, that's my Dad! And apparently, he is quite enthused about me coming home! This totally made my day when I saw this! Oh, Dad the silly things you do with your iPhone when you are bored. Can't wait to see you!!
1. An incredible e-mail from Mr. Top Gun, filled with all things lovey and sweet! Boy, does he miss me :)
And...
2. An e-mail from my Dad, entitled: "So Excited for you to get here!"
Sounds simple enough right? Well, for those of you who follow my blog, you know that Mrs. Top Gun has herself one incredibly crazy, funny and down right ridiculous Dad! Want proof?? Look below...
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