Happy 2009!

Bo is on nights. Nights suck. For example, we kissed each other goodbye Monday morning and didn't see anymore of one another until Wednesday night, which was only for about 1 hour. So, needless to say, I miss my hubby. And especially around the holiday season! For those of you who may live under a rock, yesterday was New Year's Eve. I have always loved New Year's Day, but the Eve has erked me. It is one of those times where you feel like you MUST have something to do, right? Not only must you have something to do, but it must be wild and crazy fun. If not, you must not be part of the cool crowd. However, if the world must have an excuse to kiss a crush at the stroke of midnight, I suppose I can be in favor of that.

Another reason I am just a little bitter toward New Year's this time, is that I miss my momma's food. At the beginning of every year, mom would make a gigantic feast that featured fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, black eyed peas, a fresh green salad, and some sort of sinful dessert such as cobbler or pie. Yesterday, my mouth started watering for the big, greasy, luxurious mess. So, I decided to surprise Bo and make that whole meal. He was sleeping most of the day (because it is his night), and flour scattering everywhere, I battered until I was blue. Black eyed peas? With a little onion soup mix and pepper vinegar. Mashed potatoes? Smothered with gravy. AND! I tried my hand at mustard greens! (They are going to need a little work, but Bo acted like they tasted just like Nana's!)

I wish I had a picture. We finished it all off with a slice of apple pie and a glass of sparkling grape juice in our toasting glasses, and a smile crept on my face. It was classic Bo and Shelby.

It is the end of a wonderfully challenging year filled with love and adventure. It is the beginning of a new year, certainly filled with surprises.

I am so lucky to have family like I do. I realize I don't deserve what has been given to me, and I hope to never take it for granted. May you be blessed this year and may you bless those around you! Peace and Love- Shelby Ann

Okay, okay, I get it! I need an update.

Well, after going home for Thanksgiving, and being bombarded with people telling me to update my blog, I thought this would be the perfect time to procrastinate while attempting to write sixty (yes 60) pages of research!! I realize I haven't been that loyal to my updates, but honestly, Bo and I haven't been that exciting lately. (Or at least in ways I would tell you about ;)! I have written a couple pieces for my literary journalism class that I will try and find out how to post. If anyone knows how to attach a word doc to a blog, let me know.
To make this entry somewhat interesting, I will post what I think are some of the funniest pictures of this fall. My sweet husband went against the system (the surgery code of frat conduct, that is) and grew a beard. He was such a hottie mountain man. Once the facial hair became more of a nuisance rather than a political statement, he shaved a gotee. And then, flash back to the seventies, he had a mustache (which only lasted 5 minutes). Here is the progression!
Oh, AND, Haylee W. is da BOMB! Hope you are enjoying your coffee and paper. Don't spend too much time on people.com! (you better make a comment on my page now!)

Photography

Today, my mother and I drove to Amarillo (TX) to pick pictures from my wedding for the album. Again, I was AMAZED at the talent of Davy Knapp. He is able to catch the twinkle in an eye, a glimpse of anticipation, and the slight smile of love more than any photographer I have seen. You should definitely check out his website, amarilloweddings.com. WOWZA.

Lebanese/American Ties

This weekend, my fantastic cousin Matt and his beautiful woman, Haylee finally tied the knot. Let's be honest, they have known each other since grade school. The wedding was fabulous, the food was phenomenal, and the company was fresh (in a good way;). The women of Borger, Texas sure know how to throw a party. They outdid themselves as far as decorations and fulfilling theirs guests desires. The food was a fusion of good American fare and exotic Lebanese flare. Here is a recipe for homos bi tahini (aka hummus) from many generations of the Shadid family:



Food clockwise starting from top left: Stuffed Jalapeno peppers, Grape Leaf rolls, chocolate covered strawberries, Yogurt with mint sauce, Sfeeha (meat pies), Homos bi tahini, Kibbi balls
HOMOS BI-TAHINI

1 CAN CHICK PEAS (ALSO CALLED GARBANZO)
1/2 CUP TAHINI
1/2 CUP + 3 TBLS LEMON JUICE
1/2 CLOVE GARLIC
1/4 TSP SALT
1/8 TSP PEPPER

PROCESS CHICK PEAS IN FOOD PROCESSOR. ADD LEMON JUICE, GARLIC, SALT, PEPPER, TO TASTE. CONTINUE TO PROCESS UNTIL VERY SMOOTH AND ALL IS INCORPORATED INTO CHICK PEAS. (YOU CANNOT OVER PROCESS THIS.) FOR PRESENTATION, SPRINKLE WITH PAPRIKA AND GOOD OLIVE OIL.

May your future feasts be just as delicious as this one!

Mejico!!!! Arrriiiibaaa!

Bo and I recently got back from a week of sun, sand, tequila, and crazy taxi drivers--Viva Mexico! Bo's longtime (and my newtime) friends Seth and Kile joined us for the week of relaxation. We started with a day on the beach, took a trip down a hole, and ended with a crazy ride in a taxi. Here are some of our highlights:

1. We took a trip into a with Alltournative Tours to the Coba ruins. We had a fantastic tour guide who took us on a hike through the jungle to a cave. We repelled down into a fresh water pool...unbelievable! Next, we were able to climb up Coba Mayan Ruins. Here's proof:

Here is the link http://www.alltournative.com/

More to come tomorrow!!

Beer Tasting

Tonight I experienced a first. I partook in my first "Beer Tasting". Heaven help us that we have beer snobs now, as if amateur sommeliers weren't bad enough. Now, even if all I want is an ice cold beer, I have to wonder if the dude sitting next to me is judging my brew choice. Has Miller Light or even my beloved Shiner Bock become passe? But I have to be honest with myself, I was the first to swirl, sniff, and sip a bit of Rogue's Hazelnut Brown Nectar Brew...the verdict, please???? Sweetness at the door, hoppy in the middle, and a hint of hazelnut as it goes down the shoot. In other woods fan-flippin-tastic. I guess beer is turning into the next "one-up" victim. Just like music, the person who finds the newest, most independent concoction wins the pie. I am dying to "one-up" Bo and introduce my new Rogue find!!
Here are some ideas for a Beer Tasting of your own:
1. Party goers must bring 4 pints of their favorite brew, preferably something obscure
2. Offer different types of beer serving glasses, such as mugs, pilsner glasses, etc.
3. An array of finger foods is a must. A nicer liquor store or specialty store will be able to offer good cheeses to compliment the different beers. Beer nuts are clearly a necessity.
4. And last but not least, good music to set the mood

So, lets start the tastings! If anyone has suggestions or ideas to add to the list to make a most fabulous party, please post. Bo and I are already planning our event!

Here is a great mashed potato recipe from foodnetwork. If needed, you can thin the end product with cream, as needed.

1/2 cup butter (8 tablespoons or 1 (4-ounce) stick
6 scallions, white parts only (use tender green parts for garnish below), finely sliced
6 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Salt
White pepper
2 cups sharp shredded Cheddar
Tender green parts from scallions above, finely chopped or 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Take 1 tablespoon of the butter and add to a small fry pan, then saute the white parts of the scallions until soft. In a large sauce pot, boil the potatoes until they are tender. Drain the potatoes well, add the sauteed scallions, then mash and whip in butter, salt and white pepper, to taste, with a beater. Fold the cheese into the potatoes and allow it to melt. Stir to evenly distribute cheese, transfer to a serving dish and garnish with finely chopped tender green parts of scallions or fresh chives.