Spotlight is on ME!

My sister, Sunni, tagged me...enjoy!

The Rules:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Random facts about me:

1. I LOVE to travel. If I could be a professional traveler - I would. My favorite vacation is a beach vacation - I absolutely LOVE the ocean/sand. I am jealous of everyone going on a vacation, even if I just got back from one. Both of my sisters are going on beach vacations this week & I will spend the entire week dreaming of what they are doing & what they are eating! You might catch a single tear rolling down my cheek as I board the plane to go back home from a vacation - I repeat, I love vacations!

Cancun Marriott Casa Magna - Family Favorite

2. My mom used to tell us the best stories before bed. She wrote them down in a spiral & always wanted to get one of them published. My dream is to publish all of them in her memory. They would be a hit!

3. I have a secret crush on Vince Young, but so does Tim so everything is cool!

4. I love invitations...party invitations, shower invitations, etc. I love thinking of the poem for the invitation & I love printing the invitations. I wish I could open up my own invitation store.

5. When I was little I wanted to be a nail technician. I used to give my sisters manicures and pedicures. Not to brag, but I was really good! People used to ask me if I got my nails done & I would respond, "No, I just did them myself!" Then I would give myself a huge pat on the back. Although, now that I am older I prefer to go see the ladies at Paradise Nails!

6. The thought of Christmas Eve/Christmas Day in Abilene brings joy to my heart & a smile to my face! I LOVE every single tradition our family has created over the years. Everything about the holiday is so cozy & wonderful...the decorations, the cookies, the snacks, the movies, the smell, the angels & the pjs...everything! Before Christmas we draw for Secret Santa with my Aunt Kathy, Norma & Auntie Lizzy. I am always in charge of creating the slip of paper for the drawing - it is one of the many highlights of my year!

My Dad always gets us matching pajamas!

7. I love baking cookies...any dessert really, but cookies are my favorite! I loved baking cookies with my mom & sisters when I was little. It is very therapeutic for me - all the measuring & mixing & making people happy when they get to eat a hot cookie off the cookie sheet. Several years ago I wanted to go to culinary school to become a pastry chef, but then I realized it wasn't free!

8. I have major OCD when it comes to locked doors. I check and make sure our doors are locked at least 2 or 3 times before I can go to bed. Yes, I know - stop with the insanity! Tim doesn't try to stop me & one time he went to check the doors for me! Like I said - he is the BEST!

The Spotlight is now on YOU...Sarah Beth, Andrea, Melissa, Natalie, Sarah, Brittney, Christie & Caroline. The last 2 are in hope that they will start a blog...if not, they can email me their list!

Heart Cath Fun!

Hmm...I'm not real sure if the word FUN belongs at the end of the word Heart Cath, but you have to make the best out of what you are given!

I have been M.I.A. in the blog world for about 2 weeks because I had a Heart Cath on July 19th. Yes, that is exactly 2 months after my wedding day. To celebrate, Tim let me squeeze his hand as hard as I could while they put an IV in my hand & took my blood. (I HATE, repeat HATE IVs and blood tests - everyone says I will make a great pregnant lady!) I couldn't have made it through the day without hand squeezing, kisses, hugs & prayers from my amazing hospital-rookie husband! I love you!

Pre-Heart Cath Roses from Tim

Pre-Heart Cath YUMMY Cupcakes from Christie & Ryan

After all the prep...sorry about the chin!

NOTE: I will try to post pictures in between the many paragraphs for your entertainment. Please know that I do realize I look white & puffy, but it's either that or no pictures! Also, I am not a doctor so I may not explain everything correctly, but I'll do my best!

Let me start at the beginning...

• I was born with a heart defect - the diagnosis was transposition of the great arteries (TGA).
• I had a shunt when I was little.
• I had corrective open heart surgery when I was 11 & my nails became pink just like my sisters! To celebrate they bought me a manicure set & Troop Beverly Hills. I'm pretty sure we can all quote that movie...including my Dad & my Aunt Kathy!
• I had a heart cath when I was in high school & they ballooned my valve.

Less than a month before I got married I had an MRI - my doctor just wanted to give me a peace of mind that everything was alright. Two days after Tim & I returned from the glorious St. Lucia we had a doctor's appointment to discuss the results. Our freshly sun-kissed faces were told that the right side of my heart was a little larger than it should be. This was because the valve had become more calcified and was narrowing - that made the right side pump harder. The right side of the heart is not supposed to work that hard. The doctor wanted to do a heart cath to evaluate the pressures in my heart & see if they could balloon the valve to open it up. If they were successful then it would buy me some more years before I had to have surgery to replace the valve.


As the words 'heart cath/surgery' came out of his mouth I immediately wanted to shut him out & start worrying - this is what I normally do when my Dad & Aunt Kathy are there because they can listen to all the important stuff & I can zone out. BUT, since they were not there I had to act my age & focus on what the doctor was saying & try to blink back the tears. Needless to say, it was not the news we wanted to hear on our 11th day of marriage, but over the past 2 months Tim & I have become closer than ever.

Sad Hospital Faces

So back to July 19th...

My entire family came to Houston for the big event - I was so excited because it is rare that you see a Panian in Houston! If only we could have gone to fun places around town...the hospital is no Children's Museum - right Ava?!?

Ava at Lupe Tortilla

The heart cath was only supposed to be a couple of hours, but I was in there for around 8 hours. They ballooned the valve a little & tried to put a stent in the valve. A stent is like a little spring to hold open the valve. They made 4 attempts, but they could not get the stent in the valve. I also developed a hematoma during the heart cath so I lost a lot of blood & now I am anemic (but don't worry I faithfully take my iron pill everyday so I will be back to normal in no time)! While I was in the recovery room the doctor (along with my family) came & told me that I was going to need surgery. I let the tears fall this time.

Tim helping me brush my teeth.

My encouraging Dad & his white marshmallow daughter!

Emili & Me

My private 'nurse' Aunt Kathy & her patient!

What a circus!

I was able to go home around 4pm the next day. My fam hung out & then everyone except my Dad & Mark went home on Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning around 2:30am I woke up to my heart beating in my head. It was pounding & I could feel it in my chest. I woke Tim & my Dad up & they decided that we should go to the ER. About 1 hour later - I had a new IV & my own room - they move fast when you say heart! The doctors decided they wanted to observe me another day in ICU. Apparently my heart started beating on a new rhythm so they gave me meds to slow it down. It was uncomfortable for most of the day, but I had my little servant Tim to serve me water, apple juice, diet coke, crackers and share my disgusting, yet yummy hospital food with. My dad also put me in my place when I started getting negative - he is always the best at making you look at the positive side.

Sharing my chicken noodle soup (homemade by Sunni) with Ava the day before!

Sunni & Ava flew back to Houston on Sunday night so she stopped by for a midnight visit...we had fun hearing about her day at church!

Monday my doctor came to see me. He said that sometime between 3-5am my heart went back to its normal rhythm. They didn't really know why...I do, it was definitely the Lord! He said I was free to go & I could go back to work the next day if I wanted to. Yeah right, did he not see the bruising that was starting to form - could he not see that I could barely walk standing straight? Apparently he could not feel the pain like I could.

That makes 2 hospital trips.

Custard Time!

Thankfully, Sunni & Ava stayed with me the entire week. It was so wonderful to have some company & lots of help doing simple things around the house. Also, I never get to spend days & days with my sister and my niece! We didn't do much because I couldn't walk for too long. The bruising was sore & I got tired pretty fast. Basically, we couched it, ate snacks & watched television. We did make it out to Target so I could get some new dresses for when I returned to work. I still can't wear pants because I am so swollen. Ava also entertained us with her tricks - saying 'nummy, nummy' when she wanted me to share my bottled water with her. I LOVED being with them. I'm crossing my fingers that I wasn't TOO boring so they will come stay with me another week after my surgery!

Ava falling asleep at lunch while eating fries.

Cookie Bouquet from SB & Joe

Flowers from Xavi's Mom

Flowers from Dan & Ashley

(I also received flowers from Alix & my work, but by the time I remembered to take a picture they were wilting...they were beautiful & I LOVED them!)

I have officially gone back to work & I am feeling much better. I am still sore & swollen, but hopefully that will improve each day. Now I am ready to get back to being normal & put the surgery in the Lord's hands! I want to say a special thank you to everyone for the emails, cards, flowers, food, calls & ESPECIALLY all the prayers for me, Tim, my family, the doctors & my heart. I cannot even begin to express how much it means to me. Whenever I heard people were praying I was like YES, I have an army of warriors behind me! Please keep the prayers going for the surgery. I will let everyone know the date once it has been scheduled. I was always taught that the Lord is the Ultimate Physician & Healer. I know this is true & I know He will be with me & give me strength & peace to get through all of this! He is the ULTIMATE!

Deep in the HEART of Texas!

This weekend Tim & I drove to Dallas for a Texas Size Goodbye to one of my oldest friends, Liz! When I say oldest - I mean oldest. Let me tell you a little story...

Once upon a time there was a Panian Family & a Curtis Family. Each family had 3 sisters. Sunni & Christine were the same age. Tiffani & Amanda were the same age. Emili & Liz were the same age. The story goes...they knew each other when they were in their mothers' bellies!

Liz, Emili, Me & Amanda

Liz just accepted an amazing job in Chicago & it is time to say goodbye to our 80's Texas Girl. I don't think it really hit me that she is leaving Texas until this weekend. How can I go that long without seeing Liz, but more importantly how can she go that long without Texas chips & salsa?

Her family threw her a Truly Texas goodbye party at a place called Ozona. It was fabulous - chips, queso & a cake from McKay's Bakery in Abilene...what more could a girl want?

Liz, Jason, Natalie, Me, Amanda & Emili

I am going to miss Liz so much, but I know she will be so successful at her new job & her new life in the Windy City! Tim & I will have to go visit on the DOUBLE!

Here are a few of my favorite memories with Liz:

1. Playing hours & hours & hours of Barbies with Liz, Emili & Amanda.
2. Trying to switch best friends with Liz when Amanda was getting on my nerves (Emili & Amanda would do the same so don't think I was being mean!)
3. Performing 'Angelettes' at Christmas time on the Panian sidewalk. Angelettes was a wonderful Christmas show we would put on for each other...yes, we were kind of weird!
4. Making beauty pageants up until Amanda got married - don't judge, they are really funny!
5. Playing babies - our 'husbands' were always on a business trip.
6. Tea parties.
7. Creating PCU (that's Panian Curtis University)...we did make a year book, grade book & class schedule. Our mascot was a lightning bolt & our motto went a little something like this 'We Strike Tests'...I can't remember the exact wording, but that gives you a feel for the 'cool' university life we created!
8. Eating flautas & burning our tongues on the hot apple filling.
9. Fishing for minnows at Buffalo Gap State Park.
10. Calling the big bed when we spent the night at our house.
11. Laughing & laughing & laughing.

Liz & Me

Me & J / Me Elizabeth & Brooke

Emili eating a cheesy quesadilla

The Harringtons

I love you Liz & I will miss you!

Good Luck in Chicago & always stay 80's!

First Place Goes to...

Miss Ava Wava Woo...for being the Cutest Niece Ever!

Ok, so maybe I am a little bias, but just look at my proof...

eating donut holes

loving the glaze

watching aunt tiffani steal her donut holes

excuse me, those are mine

that is a LITTLE dramatic

just chillin with uncle tim

what a ham

(just in case you needed to see 1 more pic)

Ava is my 1st place niece...I love you!

(sorry Lola...you are my #2)

Doggy's Day Out

Friday was my Friday off (I'm on the 9/80 schedule) so I took the opportunity to have a Ladies Luncheon with my 2 cute friends - Amanda & Annalee! It was a fabulous time. We lunched at Hungry's, and all had the very positive chicken salad. We had so much fun giggling & catching up...we MUST make it a tradition!

BUT, before the lovely luncheon - Annalee brought Berkeley, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, over to meet Stewart & Lucy! This is how it went down...

The doorbell rings & in comes Berkeley without a care in the world...mi casa es her casa!

Lucy wants to play with Berkeley because she is half her kind, but oh man - Berkeley is so much bigger!

Stewart only sees Berkeley on a silver platter dressed as a juicy turkey - I have to hold him back for awhile! His growling does NOT phase Berkeley!

Finally, Lucy learns that Berkeley isn't going to hurt her...

and

Stewart decides Berkeley is cool, but he wants to keep her blocked on the chair...he doesn't want to take any chances - she could chew on his pheasant toy!

Lucy & Berkeley request Best Friend necklaces from Petsmart!

Berkeley & Annalee take off - Lucy is tired & Stewart is relieved!

Thanks for a fun day Amanda, Annalee & Berkeley!

P.S. I forever HEART Berkeley!

Firecracker, Firecracker...

BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!

I love the 4th of July, but since it was in the middle of the week this year - it just wasn't the same as usual. For the past 4 years I have celebrated the 4th at my dad's lake house in Blackwell, TX (I prefer to call it the prairie house since the lake has been really low), but this year our family took a break. I really missed all the festivities - eating my dad's yummy apple pie/homemade ice-cream, playing games, watching the 'Daddy Warbuck's Firework Show' & laughing at Sarah Beth's sparkler dance rendition of You're a Grand Old Flag. Oh, I almost forgot - I also missed the chihuahua that SB babysits during the 4th - Coco (aka - Coco Chanel Mademoiselle)...she is my favorite 4th treat!

July 4, 2007 brought lots of rain to Houston so we really didn't have the option to go swimming or play outside with the dogs so Tim & I thought we would be very grown up & get our house in order. We decided to tackle our closet & clean out all the clothes we don't wear. Of course, we thought we would be finished in a few hours, but yeah right! It always takes longer than you think & once you start you can't stop - don't worry, I asked! Tim said if we didn't finish then we wouldn't be able to sleep in our bed that night. We had clothes, shoes, gadgets, etc all over the bed & floor! It was Lucy's toy heaven!

(This was at the beginning...it got worse!)

I did get some entertainment from Tim when I caught him shadow boxing in the mirror - apparently he wanted to relive some high school memories...

By the time we finished the closet it was around 6:30...we decided it was time to take a shower & put on our 4th of July colors for dinner. We grilled out BBQ chicken & corn, ranch style beans, cornbread & strawberry shortcake! While we were eating, the fireworks started on television - they were beautiful, but we were so lame to watch them from home!

Anyway, it was a great day - but I definitely missed the hot 4th fun in Blackwell...SB you better be brushing up on your sparkler soft shoe for next year!

Tim, Stewart, Lucy & I would like to salute all the troops serving our country & give a special shout out to Wyatt - we love you & you are always in our thoughts and prayers!!

Happy belated 4th of July!!

Good Eats

I have been tagged by Annalee to share my Top 5 places to eat. How did she know I LOVE food?!?

There is no better place to live than Houston when we are talking food - so get ready to drool...

1. Lupe Tortilla
Where to begin - the beef fajitas! I am in love with them. I normally get chicken fajitas everywhere else, but NOT here. Basically, Tim & I open the menu, close the menu & look at each other & say - Beef Fajitas? Like we even need to ask each other (although, sometimes I get crazy & order the beef fajita salad). They are out of this world. The beef is tender, yet crispy - I can't even describe how melt in your mouth it is. We have had MANY conversations about what we think the secret recipe is & so far we have only come up with lime and garlic with some kind of pepper, otherwise known as marinade from the heavens. If you ever dine at Lupe Tortilla, please order the beef fajitas...you will not be sorry!

2. Buffalo Grille
If you are a fan of breakfast food then meet your new best friend! This is a Saturday or Sunday favorite of mine. Sunday they only serve food from the breakfast menu...don't let the line scare you away because it goes fast. I don't really have a favorite because everything is SO delicious, but I love their HUGE pancakes, yummy biscuits, filling huevos con papas & tasty cinnamon coffee! Tim usually gets the special called Chiliqueles. I have no idea what is in it, but after he has licked his plate I hear the words 'food coma' coming out of his mouth! They also have Mac & Cheese that is Out of This World! This place is definitely YUMMY!

3. Mai's
This is a fabulous Vietnamese restaurant. SO good - I used to go at least once a week when I worked at PwC! My favorite entree is a #44 or Bun Ga Nuong Cha Gio. This is a bowl with vermicelli, charcoal broiled chicken, veggies and a Vietnamese egg roll cut up. If I am trying to be healthy I get the #35 - same thing, no egg roll! Don't forget to order spring rolls for an appetizer - so refreshing!

4. Hungry's
I heart Hungry's. Positive Eating = Positive Living. That is their motto & everything about this place is positive. I think Tim & I keep their delivery service in business. I ALWAYS get the Chicken Salad Plate - yummy chicken salad, fruit & pita bread on the side. So fresh & so lite!! Sometimes I pretend like I am going to get something different just to amuse Tim...I usually look at the menu for about 5 minutes & then say - um, just get me my usual! I'm all about trying new things, but not when it comes to my Positive Chicken Salad Plate!!

5. Christian's Tailgate Grill & Bar
One word comes to mind...BURGER! This place has the juiciest burgers I have ever sunk my teeth into. I dream about this place - ok, not really, but it could happen! Every bite is so delightful & to top if off you get a side of fries. The last two times I have been there I had to get a salad with chicken because I was trying to watch my weight (wedding dress), but I think it is time to partake in the goodness! See you there!

*Bonus* Azuma
If you love sushi please go try the Crazy Irishman...FAB-U-LOUS!!

That is my take on the Houston food scene...what's yours? Tag you are it, Mrs. Timmerman!