Deep Fried Date Night

I have been blessed with a husband who has an eye for trashy-looking food places that will actually be good. It's his sixth sense. He noticed J&J Seafood Market from the freeway awhile back and couldn't believe I hadn't ever noticed it . . . (because who wouldn't want to eat at a place with a broken down sign and bars on the windows?) But lo and behold, we went there last night and my mind was blown! It was filled with people, there were tons of fresh fish and shrimp, and I loved the little grocery area with cool Cajun/Southern ingredients and spices. I'll tell you what, it was the best catfish I've had since moving out here. Y’all should be jealous J The shrimp was delicious, and the hush puppies tasted so good they were gone before I thought to take a picture. Houston, you're alright.

Thoroughly Inspired Part II

Awhile back I did a post about feeling inspired. That feeling has been back this week! Here are some things I'm loving right now:

• Houston weather. I love this city and I love this weather. 70 degrees and sunny? In January? I could get used to this. (This is a picture of the Texas Medical Center. We live less than a mile from here)

• A fun culinary adventure--Houston food trucks. I had a life changing fried avocado taco last night from this one...

• A new blog oliviaraejames.com

• Good books. These are a few of my favorites from the past couple months:

Taste What You're Missing: The Passionate Eaters Guide to Why Food Tastes Good

(I'm not finished with this one yet, but it's fascinating)

Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China

The Hobbit

(Nerdy, I know, but it's so good! Give it a chance.)

Uglies

• My shows. Slightly addicted to...

Parenthood



Downton Abbey

Parks and Recreation

 

• This talk by President Uchtdorf. I've read it about 10 times!

Of Regrets and Resolution

"The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regrets."

 

And...it's February!

It's been awhile but I actually felt like blogging again tonight; so here I am with a quick recap!

December:
Christmas and New Years with Matt's family couldn't have been better. Lots of snow, lots of food, lots of movies, sleeping in, sledding, skiing (Matt), Christmas lights, playing with the dogs, and just enjoying time together. We also got to get together with my extended family, hung out with old friends, Skyped with my family on Christmas morning, and talked to Michael on his mission!

January:
Winter break was a good time, but going back to work after two weeks of vacation was a little rough. Mostly because I had a TON of writing to grade from the final exam and felt behind on everything else. It took a couple of weeks, but I got the grading done and got back into my groove. It's nice to be busy and on a schedule. Plus I've got some more funny student stories to share...but that's another post for another day. Things have been going well and we're in our big push now for the state test in April. Pretty exciting stuff!

Matt's second semester of med school has been super hard, but he says he's enjoying it more than first semester because of the subject matter. Overall he's liking his classes and he survived his first round of exams this past week! I'm so proud.

And now it's February. We're back. We're happy. Life's good. :)