Fam, Food, and Fun

Sun be shinin'
BBQ-in'
It's about to be a family reunion.

It's the 2nd weekend in July and that means it's time to pack up and head north for the annual Harms reunion. I enjoy this reunion because it always means 3 things - Saturday night dinner at the Colony Inn, the family trip to Dairy Queen, and the smorgasbord that is our potluck on Sunday. Besides the indulgence of all the delicious food I'll be partaking in this weekend, it also means catching up with family and reminiscing of memories past; like when we had our 'gospel family picture' taken, the annual summer trips to Chestnut's Alpine Slide with Grandma and Grandpa, and the many games of kickball we cousins played in our grandparents basement.

The older I get, the more I realize how lucky I am to have such a strong, supportive, and loving family. We are real, we are fun, and we are united.

Meese

While checking out the free downloads of the week on iTunes, I came across the band Meese. As I was listening to the song, Next in Line, I was super excited to read that they are currently touring with Jack's Mannequin and the Fray. Since I'll be going to that concert on July 22nd, I wanted to find out more about the band. I'm digging their sound, enough at least, that I decided it was worth the $7.99 to purchase their entire album. Now I have another reason to be excited for the show, as if I needed any other reason besides Andrew McMahon :)

Scream

In an attempt at another Dear Journal moment, I present to you my feelings for the week, courtesy of some of the lyrics from the song, "Scream."

Sunday:
Oh my God, can't believe what I saw as I turned on the TV this evening. I was disgusted by all the injustice.

Monday:
Tired of telling the story your way

Tuesday:
With such confusions don't it make you want to scream

Wednesday:
Kicking me down and I got to get up

Thursday:
You keep changing the rules while I keep playing the game. I can't take it much longer. I think I might go insane.

Friday (hopefully):
I've got to get stronger and I won't give up the fight.

But right now:
Oh brother please have mercy cause I just can't take it. Stop pressuring me. Just stop pressuring me.

Delicious Dish

L and I had a great Sunday night dinner - so great that I wanted to share the recipe.

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Portobello Stacks

1/3 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper
4 portobello mushroom caps (about 3/4 pound)
2 zucchini, trimmed and thinly sliced on an angle
1 pound chicken cutlets
4 slices Canadian bacon
4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded

Preheat grill to medium. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup water, the mayonnaise, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper; brush onto the mushroom caps, zucchini slices, and chicken cutlets. Transfer the zucchini, chicken, and Canadian bacon to the grill, cover and cook, turning once, until the zucchini are browned and the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.

Off the grill, top each mushroom cap with zucchini slices, a chicken cutlet, and a Canadian bacon slice, sprinkling each layer with some of the cheese. Using a large spatula, transfer to the grill, cover and cook until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.

Enjoy!

2 Sporting Upsets

2 different sports, 2 different disappointments.

The first upset was last night. We celebrated the 4th of July in an unconventional way by attending our first Menace soccer game. It may seem like a funny way to spend the 4th of July, but it was fun to do something a little different, rather than the usual bbq-ing, boating, etc. (Not that those aren't fun ways to spend the 4th) We were seated in the VIP section, which made it even more exciting and entertaining. We were right there, it seemed, in the action of it all. And a bonus - we had a great view of all the cute players and their soccer legs. *sigh* Unfortunately, the Menace did not get the W and it was their first loss of the season. Although that was disappointing, spirits were lifted as we watched the fireworks display they had for us after the game. I was not expecting such a great display, and let me add, that the music selection was especially pleasing to the ear! (kudos to Bobby G) I definitely recommend attending a Menace game if you get the chance. The family-friendly atmosphere, cheap entertainment, and competitive play proves to be a fun night for all.

The second upset occurred this morning. I watched Roger Federer and Andy Roddick battle to the end for the Gentlemens Singles Championship at Wimbledon. After hearing that my favorite tennis player, Rafael Nadal, would not be participating at this year's Wimbledon, I focused my attention on my second favorite, Andy Roddick. I was thrilled to see that he had made it to the finals. I started watching the championship during the third set and sat on the edge of my seat until the end. It was a hard fought battle and a surprising one perhaps to some, being Federer has beaten Roddick in 18 of 20 matches. I was disappointed to see Federer win, but I cannot discount his impeccable performance; 50 aces and a record-breaking feat - earning 15 grand slam crowns, which beats the record Pete Sampras once held. Well done!

Escape Route of Sorts

I have to say that there is one constant motivator for going to work everyday, my co-workers. Okay, so maybe we are a little childish, quirky, over-the-top, obnoxious, and sometimes crude. But we have fun! My co-workers have the ability to help me escape from a bad day. They make the horrible days not so horrible and the good days great. I laugh until my stomach hurts and tears come streaming down my face. I look forward to all the shenanigans I know we'll be getting into each day - seeing how much we can make "Big E" squirm, witnessing the pranks pulled on Billy, quoting Mean Girls with Darrell, and plotting more evil stunts with Jos and Sarah.

I was dreading coming into work today but as I opened up my email and found a few fun surprises, I was once again reminded that even the bad days have their good moments - especially with these to look at whenever I need cheering up. :)

A Foolish Resolution

Ignorance came to mind after reading this article.

Do I think that a "moral collapse" is to blame for the current state of the economy? If by "moral collapse" you are referring to such things as greed and the Bush Administration, then yes, I'll agree to that statement. But to say that the economic crisis is due, in part, to Obama's support of LGBT Pride month and because he did not make a big formal production of National Prayer Day is simply asinine, in my humble opinion. Our economy is not collapsing because of homosexuals or Jews or atheists.

It is mind boggling to me how such ignorant people obtain seats in a political office. It is my hope that we will one day live in world without such obtuse thinking.