First of all, thank you so much for wishing Tim a Happy Birthday! Your comments were awesome, and I made sure Tim read every single one ;). He grinned from ear to ear! On another note, I want to say, once again, that I'm sorry for basically being nonexistent. This past week has just been crazy, and sadly enough, it's only going to get worse from now until December. However, I promise to peek in to say hello whenever I get a breather ;).
So what have I been up to? I'm sure you don't want to hear about my life as a nerd, so I'll just share with you the parts that keep me sane.
This past Friday, my dear friend Amanda defended her thesis. I met her over at her house so we could carpool together. I thought she could use some company to calm her nerves, not to mention that the day had started off really dreary. The sky appeared quite menacing as if it was getting ready to open the flood gates. I'm pretty good at chatting up a storm, so I'd like to think that I was a source of comfort and laughter.
I baked pumpkin granola clusters the night before to hand out to the committee. I figured it was the least I could do as she already had a million other things to stress over. I must say this snack was a hit! Nutty, chewy, hearty...people said they could taste fall in it! Yay! I'll be sure to share the recipe with you soon!
Anyway, Amanda defended her thesis with poise, grace, and confidence. So proud of her!
As for our once-a-week burger date (now I know you've been waiting eagerly for the reveal), we went to Monument Cafe which is located in the small town of Georgetown. Apparently this little cozy and homey cafe is pretty famous as it was featured on a Food Network show. I'm so glad Tim did his research bc this place was a gem. Have you guys ever seen the movie Pleasantville? Well, imagine it took place in a diner, and there you have it! From the hostess to the entire waitstaff in white chef jackets, we were treated with Southern hospitality.
As for their food, it's Southern home cooking. To start, we were served the most buttery, rustic, legit buttermilk biscuit you could ever put in your mouth.
I ordered the most un-Southern, un-homestyle item on their menu - a veggie burger with a house-made patty comprised of brown rice, beets, black beans, sunflower seeds, sun dried tomatoes and topped with cheese, tomato, and lettuce. You can tell I like to live on the edge. I've had many veggie burgers now, but this one was quite unique. I must admit, all the veggie patties have started to taste the same to me. However, this one was especially hearty, nutty, earthy, and just downright delicious! The burger was served alongside house-made potato chips which was definitely a treat for me.
And as for Tim, he got their cheeseburger with a side of onion rings. I actually like my onion rings much thicker and crispier so I didn't pick at his this time like I normally always do. I think this made Tim extremely happy. As for the burger, he described it with one word..classic. There wasn't anything fancy about the burger - just simple, quality ingredients assembled just the way they should be. You would think that after eating so many burgers that he'd start getting tired of them. Nope! It's quite the contrary. His ability to pick up on the subtle (and not so subtle) nuances is becoming more keen. You should hear him describe his burgers. It's quite amusing.
After we finished eating, we mozied over to their market that features locally grown and organic produce as well as all-natural meat and dairy products.
I so wanted to order our Thanksgiving turkey from here. However, it was wayyy over our budget, so to my disappointment, I had to pass. Just as we were getting ready to leave, we saw a tray of turkey burgers going around for everyone to sample. I must say this one was THE best sample ever! And I've had many as I never refuse free food. Never...
On Saturday evening, we went to a house concert featuring none other than Betty Soo! Remember her from my previous post? Well, it was perfect bc I def needed a break from my research papers.
It was a house concert hosted by a couple of music lovers. That's what I LOVE about this city. People so graciously open their homes so that local musicians can earn a living and others can become acquainted with their music. This was our second house concert, and we are amazed by how generous, warm-hearted, oh...and hilarious everyone is!
Even though I was at a complete stranger's place, they made me feel right at home. We all had dinner together..potluck style! It was quite a lovely spread with skillet cornbread, cheesy potato casserole, pita and hummus, olives, chicken noodle soup, and of course dessert. Pecan pie and cranberry pistachio bread pudding bites! There were about 20 of us, and with our bellies full we sat back and enjoyed the show.
Once again, I was mesmerized. Happens every time.
I LOVE you Betty Soo! Enough to wear you ;)...
In regards to keeping up with the shows on tv that I love, it just hasn't been happening. However, one that I CANNOT miss is Parenthood.
And no, it's not just because I ADORE Lauren Graham. It's true that I'm a sucker for anything revolving around family, but this one is absolutely phenomenal. Great acting, character development, drama...it's filled with so much love, passion, and more love :). There's not an episode I'm not brought to tears. I can't explain it, but watching it always warms my heart from deep down inside...and makes me miss my family even more. Anyway, I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, if you're not already watching this show, boy you're missing out!
So anyway, as you can see, nothing too exciting going on in my life right now, but I am doing just enough to keep myself entertained :). Sure..school is kicking my butt, and I have many, many meltdowns during the week. However, when it comes down to it, it's the path I chose. My journey to becoming an RD has not been an easy one by any means, but I'm extremely excited to say that I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
Oh Min, I wish you lived closer so that we could commiserate about--no, celebrate!--our nerdiness together. I feel your stress, girl! Last weekend, I went out for the first time in weeks, and even though I lasted just an hour, I deemed it a huge victory. School is owning me right now!
Monument Cafe looks like a quintessential 1950's Southern cafe, which means I would LOVE it. When I was growing up, my favorite restaurant in the world was a diner called Pinkie's. It looked almost exactly like the picture in this post, except all the waiters wore roller skates! I'm pretty sure I always ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, but now I'd be much more apt to order a veggie burger, like you did. Oh. My. Goodness. Talk about an amazing veggie burger! Sundried tomatoes, beets and sunflower seeds all smooshed together in a single patty sounds pretty dreamy. 🙂
I love the concept behind a house concert, especially one that comes with a potluck-style dinner! How fun! The skillet cornbread, cheesy potato casserole, pecan pie and cranberry pistachio bread pudding all sound especially amazing. I'm really glad you were able to break away from your work for awhile to enjoy good food + music + TV drama (I haven't seen Parenthood, but it sounds like I'm missing out!) These breaks are what keep us sane, and are just as important--if not MORE important--than reading text books and writing papers. :-p Hang in there!! All of the work is 100% worth it!
Love you to pieces! xoxoxo <3
Brittany Trentham (@batrentham) says
I love Lauren Graham! I miss Gilmore Girls though.... 🙂 I'm sorry school is kicking your tail right now! Hang in there girl!! It will be worth it!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
I love Parenthood! I'm hoping our power comes back in time for the show tonight!
Anna @ Hugs and Kiwis says
Hang in there, Min! I'm right there with ya! I've been enjoying the journey but that light can't come soon enough! 😉
eatpraytri says
Looks like you have been up to lots of fun stuff and I don't think you are a nerd at all!! 😉 I love Parenthood and I am so sad I am missing it right now. Since we don't have our house, I have no DVR and have no idea when stuff is on. I am hoping I can catch up on the past episodes soon! I've been watching it from the start. Such good TV. 😉
Corrie Anne says
House concert!! That's so cool. How fun to bake snacks for the committee!!
myhealthyohana says
You are so sweet to support your friend while she defended her thesis, and provide snacks...I'm sure your friend felt so loved 🙂 Congratulations to her, what a huge accomplishment!!
OMG, I love Parenthood!! It's my one and only show that I look forward to each week. It makes me cry each and every time. Their struggles are so real to me, and I love family shows. Too bad we can't have a TV night and hang out together with snacks and parenthood 🙂
Why is life going to get harder into December? Praying for you, friend, right now!
Min says
Wow! Seriously, we have so many similarities it's not even funny! Whenever I watch it, I can't help but wish there was somebody next to me...somebody I could hug, cry, and laugh with.. Snacks are always welcomed too hehe.
Oh, Maura..I'm just swamped with papers..presentation...papers...and of course work. Not to mention I started working for the WIC too. I don't know what I was thinking. THank you for the prayer! I'm in desperate need..
myhealthyohana says
This is a verse that has helped me a lot recently,
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians, 12:9.
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I think, "My grace is sufficient for you", and it comforts me, hopefully it will you too 🙂 I know you can get through this...lifting you in prayer now!
jessielovestorun says
All of those burgers look mouth watering good! 🙂
memeinge says
Good luck with the rest of the semester!
And I can't wait to see the recipe for your granola clusters 🙂
That was so sweet of your to bake them for your friend
Ellie says
awwww I just caught up on your posts and all of them make me smile so big! first of all, that pizza looks sooooooo professionally made and yummy. It makes me crave Mr. Pizza or Love Letter! Mmmm. And I'm so encouraged by the way you encourage and help out your friends, so I really wish we could live near each other haha. And omgsh! You guys are still keeping up with the #onceaweekburgerdate?! So awesome, and it seems like you guys find the best looking places. Unni, hang in there and remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength! If you know that He's the one who's called you to this school, career, etc., then He'll make it happen through you regardless of any obstacle.
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
I was MIA all weekend too, so I feel y a:) It sounds like you had a good one though! Love all your food pics!
Min says
Oh but you were doing fun things like settling into your NEW HOUSE!! So excited for you and your family 😉
IHeartVegetables says
Ahhhh I love Lauren Graham!!! And that restaurant looks awesome 🙂 So much marvelous-ness! haha
Min says
Ooh!! Yea!! another Lauren Graham lover 😉 She's awesome!
Linz says
haha tim loves his cheeseburgers doesn't he?? that's how jonny is with pizza - he orders it like everywhere he goes!!
Min says
You'd think they would get tired of it at some point...but nope...fully committed 😉 and that's good..it means he won't get tired of me either hehe.
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
Congratulations to your friend! And those burgers look fantastic - definitely a worthwhile weekly routine! Taking breaks from study is also essential in my view, and it looks like you got some great ones in 🙂
Min says
Kari, I think you'd LOVE this veggie burger!