Food Apologies

I was a fairly picky eater growing up. Don't get me wrong - I loved food, and I had no problem eating. Goodness knows I have loved to eat from day one. I just liked very basic food items when I was a child.
For instance, I loved pizza, but there better not be anything more exotic than pepperoni on that pizza. Mainly I just had eating oddities. I liked pancakes without butter or syrup. And don't bother trying to tell me that French toast was delicious, because I wouldn't touch it.
Butter grossed me out. Yeah. Beautiful, glorious butter. I didn't put butter on anything until a couple of years ago. (This does not include using butter to bake with, because I've been a huge proponent of that since I was an infant. That's not really possible, but you know what I mean). All of that to say that in recent years I've discovered that I in fact love many, many of the food items I used to refuse to eat.
So, I'd like to take this time to apologize to some of my now favorite food items that used to be abhorrent to me.

Sweet potatoes:
Sometimes I think to myself "what if I had never started liking sweet potatoes?" But then I get sad at the thought, so I change the subject. When I think back on all of those past Thanksgivings, I get frustrated at myself for grabbing a spoonful of your plain cousin "mashed potatoes" but skipping right over you. I was so young and naive.

Avocadoes:
I'm almost too ashamed to talk to you. I was such a mean girl to you. I've been sufficiently making up for lost time with you, though, because I put you on everything - even when you cost extra. If that's not love, I don't know what is.

Almonds and Pecans:
I feel bad for lumping you both together like this, because you are both so very different. That's one of the things I love most about you! Almonds, you've been in my desk drawers and kitchen cabinet so faithfully for the past 4 years. Without you I probably would have died of starvation behind my desk waiting for the noon hour to roll around.
Pecans! Oh, pecans. This is my first fall season to love you, so I'm beside myself with excitement to bake with you.

Eggs:
Perfect, versatile eggs. Please don't hold my ignorance toward your greatness against me. I know you're bigger than that, and you'd never do such a thing, but I felt it necessary to ask. You've been such a huge part of my breakfasts, lunches, and dinners now for a few years that I almost can't remember a time when we weren't close. Thank you for sticking with me (but not on my pans).

 

This (Oklahoma) City That I Love

I've lived in the Oklahoma City area for nearly a decade. It's no secret that I struggled for quite some time with allowing myself to love the area. Just when I'd begin to refer to OKC as "home" I'd compare it to my former hometown, and as most of you know, comparisons can be a slippery slope to discontentment.

Moving on - Somewhere in that ten years, and after I got over my stubbornness, I developed a love for OKC. I mean, how could I not?
I am guilty of overlooking OKC's greatness more often than I would like to admit, and I take for granted the fact that I live in such a blossoming hub of entrepreneurial and sports greatness.

There are far too many wonderful local eateries, shops, museums, etc... to list in this one post. Thankfully I have friends who love to explore as much as I do, so I've had the opportunity to visit several of these fine establishments. However, there are so, so many standard OKC standbys that I have never experienced.

Here's where I need your help. I've started compiling a list of local attractions I absolutely need to visit. No more putting it off. PS - if you want to join me in any of these explorations, by all means, please do!
Also, don't judge me too much by the lack of places I have visited. I'm trying!

1) Ice skating downtown (Luckily, 'tis the season!)
2) Big Truck Tacos (I know, I know. It's completely inexcusable that I haven't been here)
3) Mutt's Hot Dogs
4) Iguana's (Again, inexcusable)
5) Cheever's
6) The Wedge
7) Paseo Grill

So, basically it's inexcusable that I haven't been to any of those places, but I'm determined to try them. I will keep you posted on my progress. I'm sure you're thrilled about that!

OK, you guys. Let's hear those recommendations! Aaaand GO!

Confessions

Confession: I hate to admit it (no I don't), but I probably quote this movie at least 10 times a day. And that's an off day. Sometimes I keep quoting it even when people don't understand the reference. "Savannah would be better for ya. You'd just get into trouble in Atlanta."

(Spoiler alert! Mammy was right)

Confession: I am addicted to this. I've just accepted this fact. If you want to be my friend, you will bring me coffee.

Confession: I watch way too much of this channel. Housewives, and chefs, and fashion, oh my!

Confession: I typically only listen to Kanye, Jay-Z, and/or Beyonce on my way to work. I'd like to think that we'd all be the greatest of friends.

Confession: I have been compared to Liz Lemon more times than I would like to admit.

Confession: I probably sing at least a section of this song at least 5 times a day. I also may or may not re-enact some of the scenes 5 times a day.
"Do mi mi

Mi so so

Re fa fa

La ti ti!"