Tommy's Steak and Seafood

Last night I went to Tommy's Steak and Seafood with my mom and Richard. Tommy himself brought us some grilled oysters to sample...of course just Mom and Richard tried those since I do not eat nothing of the sea. The grilled wedge salad with blue cheese dressing and sliced New York strip on top was fabulous, though!


Mom liked the wine. She's actually just tasting mine in the picture, but it still looks funny!





The last time Miss Trout will visit Tommy's before becoming Mrs. Newsom!

My Super Sweet Shower with the Church Ladies

The day after the Bachelorette Party, I was given a bridal shower by the ladies of my church in Baytown. It was beautiful! They had the table decorated with a chocolate brown cloth and a centerpiece of peach roses, limes, and crystals...all to match the wedding colors. It was so thoughtful and sweet and absolutely perfect!

Betty and Barbara behind the gorgeous centerpiece (created by Deborah)

Becky, Missy, Lizzie, Cassie, Joley, Jena, and little Emma out by the pool and just getting over our wild and crazy bachelorette party from the night before.

Me with my wonderful hostesses - Gail, Lisa, Barbara, Roxanne, Juan, Joyce, DiAnne, Ann, Deborah, Betty, and Debbye

Lizzie, Cassie, Missy, and Becky

Lizzie, Mom, Cassie and Emma...and Jena on the far right :)

Cassie and Wendy...a friend from youth group when we were growing up in church.

Linda and Cassie...my wonderful mentor from my first year of teaching who taught me everything and more about teaching art.

My Absolutely Fabulous Bachelorette Party!

I recently returned to New York after a fantastic visit to Texas. While I was there, my bridesmaids and friends joined with Lizzie's bridesmaids and friends to give us a joint Bachelorette Party which was probably one of the most fun nights of my life!
The two brides-to-be, Lizzie and Cassie, and also the maids of honor for each other.

Joley, Jena, and Kristina

Cassie, Wendy, and Cheryl

Cassie, Missy, Anna, and Tracy

Kristina, Jenn, and Cassie

Thank you for the most fun night of my life ladies!!

Jena, Michael Jackson, and Blithe Spirit

Jena (my oldest friend from childhood) came to New York for a visit last week. Our big night out was Thursday when we had dinner in Bryant Park and then saw the play "Blithe Spirit" on Broadway starring Rupert Everett, Christine Ebersole, and Angela Lansbery (who won the Tony this year for Best Actress in this performance).

This was also the night that we heard the news of Michael Jackson's sudden passing. We were walking down the street to the restaurant when our friend Missy (my second oldest friend from childhood) texted me to share the news (Missy and I watched "Thriller" for the first time at her house in 1983 and we probably watched it 500 more times together over the next three years). We both stopped in shock after reading the message and then suddenly we heard everyone on the street talking about it...as if everyone else had received the news at just the same time. Seconds later a man crossing the street cried out "Long live the King!" It was such a strange and surreal moment.

There was another element of strangeness to add to the moment because Jena and I were riding our bikes together in 1984 when we heard the news that Michael Jackson had been burned doing the Pepsi commercial. How strange that she just happened to be in New York with me again when we heard the news of his death. We both got chills when we realized the coincidence.

This picture was taken around 1983 or 84. I really did love Michael Jackson and his music when I was growing up. But I've realized after watching all the news coverage of his life, that the Michael Jackson I loved was gone a long time ago. Although he never stopped making great music, he did lead a very strange life towards the end. It was sad to watch his appearance change so drastically over the last few years and even sadder that his reputation was tarnished after the law suits. The man must have had considerable personal pain in his life to make such choices. But despite all that, I will always remember his music of the early 80s and how it was the soundtrack to my childhood. I cannot hear a song from the "Thriller" album without reliving a memory of dancing around my bedroom in my purple-striped leotard at nine years old. For the sheer joy your music gave me as a child, I thank you Michael Jackson.

My Two Favorite Teachers

While I was in town I got to visit my two favorite teachers for lunch...my mom and Lizzie.

Mom and Cassie in the best math class at Horace Mann Jr. High.

I loved my mom's word wall. I had a word wall in my old classroom, but it was never as cool as this one!

This is a really strange self portrait I did back in college with Amsterdam behind me. My mom loves this painting and has had it hanging in her classroom for years.

I also got to visit Lizzie's classroom for lunch another day.

Hurricane Ike unfortunately damaged her real classroom, so she was moved to a temporary room. It was still the best American History class at Barber's Hill Jr. High!

Election Day and Victory Celebration

November 4th was a very special day for so many reasons. I was so thrilled that Barack Obama was elected our next President on this day, but I also got to spend the day with some very good friends back in Houston. I even got to spend election night in my old apartment which was really special!

After voting, Tracy (one of my bridesmaids) and I met for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. We both had the Cobb Salad and shared a slice of Macadamia Nut Caramel Cheesecake...mmmmmm! We had so much fun.

I spent the rest of the evening back at my old place which was very surreal and very fun!

Kristina, who once used to be my next door neighbor, (and also a bridesmaid) created a delicious meal in her kitchen next door for our election party.

She cooked bowtie pasta with a mushroom and sundried tomato cream sauce...
and tossed in fresh basil.
Then whipped up a vinaigrette for our salad.

The table was set next door at Meredith's (my old place!)

Meredith on the phone after dinner...

...and Kristina texting.
Obama just won a crucial state! It's getting really exciting!!!

VICTORY!!!! OBAMA WON!!!! We opened champagne and toasted the amazing win.
Kristina and Cassie during Obama's speech.

We all sit and listen to Obama's speech...what an historical moment!

I love Meredith's little needlepoint of downtown Houston seen here.

Notice Meredith's "to do" list on her chalk board...put a big check by that item!

Church and lunch with the family

The day after the big birthday party we went to church.
Cassie, Mom (wearing the shirt I gave her for her birthday), and Lizzie after church.

After church Lizzie and I found three ducks nesting under the car!
We all went out to lunch at El Toro after church. Uncle Sandy, Cassie, and Lizzie at El Toro after lunch.
Lizzie and Bradley

Cassie, Richard, Mom, and Lizzie

Haircut

I got a very long over due haircut last week at a little shop down the street. I'm not a fan of fancy, overpriced salons, especially just for a simple haircut, so I was very happy to discover "Anonymous Total Hair Care". They did a great job, were very friendly, and had totally reasonable prices.
Before the haircut...

After!