With a Side of Hope

Hi there!  Happy Friday!!  Wahoo!!  I’m so glad that it’s Friday and I’m looking forward to this weekend.  What are you doing this weekend?  Tonight I’m going out to dinner with my Dad to celebrate my birthday.  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.  I haven’t seen him in a while and I’m hoping that things go well.  Then tomorrow I have to get my car inspected and it is our one year engagement anniversary!  So I’m pretty sure we will celebrate that and then Sunday is my birthday.  So I have a lot to celebrate this weekend and I’m happy about that.  I don’t know how happy I am to be turning 28 and getting closer and closer to 30 but I’m happy to celebrate with those people who love, care, and support me.  That is what pushes me along everyday and makes me want to get healthy and want to get better.

So yesterday after work, I went home briefly and then I went over to Melissa and my mom’s house.  Melissa and I hung out for a while before deciding to order dinner from Boston Market.  I really wanted their rotisserie chicken.  It’s by far the best in my opinion. It’s so tender and full of flavor.  Plus, if you order online you can put in promo cards for money off and your meal actually ends up being cheaper and you don’t have to wait in a long line.  You can just pick up your food at the specified time.  I also had a coupon for a free dessert for my birthday.

Chicken, mashed potatoes and cornbread

Chicken Noodle Soup

I really wanted mashed potatoes and cornbread so badly.  I didn’t care what was going to happen after I ate it.  I should have probably cared because my stomach was not happy at all.  Sometimes though with Crohn’s, you have to make a decision.  Stay away completely from those things that bother your stomach or give in every once in a while, if you really want something despite the fact if it will hurt your stomach or not.  It was one of those times where I just didn’t care what I ate, I wanted it.  I am planning on doing that on my birthday as well.  I LOVE Mexican food and I want specific Mexican items on my birthday.  I know it’s going to destroy my stomach but if I can have the chance to enjoy myself and eat something I love, why not take that chance?  I don’t know.  That is just my thinking.

The entire time I was eating dinner, Oliver was laying directly on my feet.  I think he was waiting for something to drop or he just wanted to keep my feet warm.  Hah.  He was being extra affectionate yesterday.  I’m not sure why but I liked it!

After we finished up dinner, Melissa and I had plans to go to Wegman’s.  Before, we were ready to leave I checked my phone and saw on Twitter that Anne Burrell from the Food Network was going to be there for a book signing!!  I LOVE Anne Burrell!!  Mike and I watch her show, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America all the time!  I think she seems like such a nice person.  She is such a great teacher when she cooks.  I really admire her attitude.  Plus she is rather spunky in the kitchen!

I wasn’t entirely sure that I wanted her cookbook.  I’m really trying to save money and conserve because of our wedding and because money is just tight all around.  I just wanted the chance to see her.  I didn’t care if I met her or not, just to see her in person would be awesome.

So we pulled up to Wegman’s, and asked where her book signing was.  Her signing was over at 8pm and we got there at like 7:50pm.  I was sure she was done for the day.  So we walked upstairs and no one was there.  A person asked if we wanted to buy a cookbook and we would be the last to meet her.  I said no, but would I just be able to see her and take a picture and leave?  The guy was hemming and hawing.  He didn’t know what to say.  Melissa chimed in and said how much I admire Anne and how my birthday is on Sunday and it would be amazing if I could take one picture of her.  So the guy left and then all of a sudden Anne Burrell walks out!  She comes right up to Melissa and I and gives me a huge hug!!!  I told her that I admire her and that she is one of my favorites on the Food Network.  I told her that I watch her all the time on tv!  It was such a surreal moment!  It all happened super quick too!

Anne Burrell and I!

She was by far one of the nicest people from the Food Network that I have met in person.  I always say that Giada DeLaurentiis, Ellie Krieger, or Geoffrey Zakarian were the nicest ones which they are super nice but I have to say that Anne was even nicer!  She was just like how she is on television.  She was just so friendly and welcoming to both of us.  I thought she looked great!  I on the other hand look dead tired and all of my makeup had faded.  So excuse my end of the day look.

This was such an amazing moment.  I would have liked to have spent more time to talk to her but people were pushing her and trying to move her along.  I was just so thankful that in that moment I was able to meet someone who I admire and look up to on television.  It was surreal!  I believe that she has a restaurant in NYC.  I totally want to go there one day!  Do you watch the Food Network?  Who is your favorite Food Network Chef?

Oh, before I go, I am so excited about this!  I put the Hunger Games book on reserve at the library because I didn’t want to buy it.  I have been waiting and waiting patiently for it to come in.  I finally got an email today that my book is ready to be picked up!  Yay!  I am super excited!  I’m planning on bringing it to the car dealership with me tomorrow.  I hope I can read it quickly so I can go see the movie!  I want to be a part of all of the excitement.  I can’t wait!

Alright, Have a great Friday and I will be back tomorrow!

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