Happy Monday! Even though Valentine's Day is over, I hope that love is still in the air. We must keep spreading the love as God commands us to do.
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24
How did Tim and I celebrate Valentine's Day? Tim had to work till late that day as usual, but he took Friday off. We just lounged around at home with the Kones buddy. Just the 3 of us and it was perfect! Oh, wait, we did go out for a burger. I couldn't deprive him of his weekly burger feast. He's been eating so clean during the week. I appreciate his effort and not complaining at the "scary" food I put before him. This time we visited Burger Tex 2, which is located on the "Drag" near the UT campus. It was a trip down memory lane for him as he frequently ate here during his college years... many many years ago.
As for presents, I am not a flower kind of a gal. Yes, they are pretty and smell nice (for about a day before they realize they're in the hands of the wrong owner and start withering away) but a waste of money, for me anyway. So what's our solution? Chocolate! Lammes dark chocolate longhorns, to be specific. Yup, thats' right. The way to my heart = a box full of smooth, rich dark chocolate. Sure, I can buy them anytime of the year, but it's become a Valentine's tradition in our household. Every year around this time, Tim buys me a box of these heavenly delectables. It makes it easier for Tim, as he doesn't have to rack his brain, and I look forward to receiving it every year. A win-win situation, no?
In addition, a handwritten card is a MUST! In this day and age, handwriting letters is a dying art, it seems. So sad...I think there's nothing that says "I love and care about you" more than taking the time to actually write it down yourself. So here's my perfect gift that I woke up to in the morning...
On Saturday, we went on a fishing trip with our friends Mina and Doni. In light of all that's been happening and the heavy circumstances that surround us, there's nothing like engaging in a fun activity to get our minds off of things.
It was Tim's first time fishing...EVER! As for me, I've gone with my dad several times, but it was always pier fishing...never on a boat. So this was a new experience for the both of us.
Mina is one of Tim's coworkers. Apparently things at work have been extremely stressful lately, but Tim says that Mina is one person that keeps him sane and happy at work. Usually the rule is to separate your work life from your personal one. However, there's always an exception, and this is one of those instances. I believe this is the beginning of a lovely friendship. Mina is such a loving, humble, genuine, and kind person. And she sure knows how to encourage a person.
Her "friend" (as she likes to call him), Doni, is just downright hilarious! The funniest person I've ever met. My face and stomach still ache from laughing so hard. He's incredibly active in his community, and his humble and sacrificial character is clearly evident from all the stories he's shared. It's no wonder that everywhere we went, people recognized and exchanged friendly words with him.
Now that I've introduced you to our friends (you'll be seeing more of them from now on), I'm ready to share how our fishing experience went down. We were ready to fish...what we weren't ready for was the brutal wind. It was so cold out on the water that my body went into survival mode. I couldn't even sit up straight. I should've known better and dressed warmer. But I wasn't the only one...we were all so cold...and hungry...
You see, there was a misunderstanding amongst us. Tim and I thought we were in charge of bringing the snacks while Mina and Doni, the sandwiches. So when it was time for lunch, I passed around my sweet potato hummus with various veggies and pita chips along with pumpkin granola...then I waited..and waited...for them to bring out the sandwiches which never made their appearance. I finally couldn't hold it in any longer and yelled out, "shall we eat our sandwiches?" to which horror-filled expressions were exchanged. Apparently, I was suppose to bring the sandwiches also! Oops! So we just snacked...I don't think I want to eat hummus for awhile.
After fishing for most of the day, we returned to land with the promise of coming back soon!
So what did we catch? A beautiful bass!!
I felt a bit squeamish at the thought of grabbing it. I don't do live fish..Ironic since I was out fishing. I just like catching them and letting others handle the rest. Clearly, Mina had no problem. Ok Ok...I can't lie to you. We didn't catch anything. This one was caught by Doni's friend. I really wanted to take this lil' guy home and cook it for dinner, so I promised myself at that moment that we're going to come back and catch some for us to feast on. And that first catch is going to be mine muhaha!
After attending church in the morning, we spent our Sunday recuperating from the adventure...and watching lots of basketball. Our bodies are not the same as they used to be. We were exhausted! Our black shadow was happy to spend all day in our arms...No wonder he's so needy...
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
What an exciting Valentine's Day activity! I haven't been fishing since childhood and then not 'properly', but I'm glad you enjoyed it.
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
love handwritten cards but I like flowers and dark chocolates are always welcome:) seems like you guys had a great time. Will have to try this sweet potato hummus!
Cinnamon says
I agree...handwritten cards are an absolute MUST. It looks like you had an amazing weekend! 😉
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
My dear chocolate loving sister--those Lammes dark chocolate longhorns look AMAZING! Chocolate is the way to my heart, too. I'll be a happy woman if my future husband forgoes the roses is favor of sweet treats every Valentine's day for the rest of my life. I love flowers, but agree that they're not worth the crazy expensive price tag!
It looks like you had such a fun weekend at sea! I'm squeamish when it comes to live fish, so whenever I go fishing (which happens maybe once every five years..haha), someone else handles them. When I was young, my dad used to take my brother and me out in the canoe, and whenever one of us caught a fish he'd immediately snap of their head to "take them out of their misery." It was horrifying!
I'm excited about this sweet potato hummus recipe!! Heading over to check that out now! Happy Monday, Min! Sending hugs your way! xoxo <3
Kristen says
What a great Valentines Day!!! Those chocolates are great! And I agree that handwritten cards are so special.
I have never gone fishing but Tony loves to so hopr fully I can go with him soon.
Kym says
Ah, it's been FOREVER since i've last been fishing! I can still remember squirming when I had to catch bait from the bucket to put on the hook! =P Sounds like you guys had a fun weekend. and Did you say.... BULGOGI BURGER?!?!?!?!!?!??!?!!? Gahhh! I wish we had places that served food like that here!
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
Love lowkey holidays, especially spending them with the pup! There is no better way to spend the day of love than with Tim and Kona -- your two loves 🙂 I've never been fishing, but I hope to go someday, it seems so fun!
Linz says
such a fun weekend!! we used to go fishing all the time with my grandpa - one time, my brother cast his line and i was down by the water and his hook went into my head. OW! an er trip and several stitches later, it was removed!
HealthyDiva (@HealthyDiva31) says
Awwwww love the two pics at the end, so sweet!!
YAY for fishing fun! I have been fishing, but long ago when I was little! Glad you guys had fun, perhaps next time you will catch a fish to bring home and cook up!!
Happy week to you MIN! <3