decisions, decisions.

In an effort to feel better about myself and this often complicated world we live in, I've made the decision to make more conscious decisions about what I eat.  I wouldn't be being honest if I didn't admit that a decent amount of it is due to the fact that I've felt like a big ole blob of grossness for the last few months, but now that I've been on this path for a few weeks it's about more than that.

Andy and I have been talking about joining a CSA for the last few months but with his crazy travel schedule we never sat down and really looked into it.  Last week I discovered Meadow Haven Farm, a family run farm out of Sheffield, IL.  After perusing their CSA options (only meat and eggs, we can great vegetables from the farmers market) I took a run down to Green City Market to buy some of their product and find out more information.

On the recommendation of the very nice man I spoke with, I purchased two pork chops and happily kept them in the freezer until Andy's return.  I knew they'd be good -- thick, juicy, bone-in, ain't nothing wrong with that! -- and last night we finally got to fire up the grill.

I wanted to keep the seasoning and preparation really clean and simple (a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley on each side) so that the natural flavor of the chop could stand out.  This was a glorified taste test, really, because we wanted to make sure that if we're dropping a lot of money every month it would be worth it.  And worth it is an understatement, friends.

This was one of the better meals we've cooked at home, no joke.  The chop was tender and delicious -- I'm talking real restaurant quality here.  I followed this recipe for grilled romaine as a side dish and it was a perfect accent.  I mean, look at how beautiful this plate is!

We're going back to the farmers market tomorrow to buy a piece of their red meat to try, but I'm fairly certain we'll happily be giving Meadow Haven Farm our business.

year one.

Saturday was my husband and my first wedding anniversary.  I know it's cliche, but I just cannot believe it's been a year already.  Although (here comes another cliche), sometimes I feel like it has to be more than a year.  How can I only have been married to this man for 365 days?  This man that is my perfect match, my truly better half, the Han to my Leia, the love of my life.  Our lives are so one now, as they really have been since our first kiss, that it's hard to believe that we've only just started this journey together.  Isn't that exciting though?  To know that this feeling is only the beginning and we have so many adventures (and I'm sure some bumpy paths) ahead of us.

Our first year of marriage wasn't hard.  We lived together, we knew each other, we were one long before he put a ring on it -- nothing really changed.  It was a wonderful year.  We bought a home, our first baby boy came into our lives, and besides some endless weeks of travel, it was bliss.

I'm feeling a little melancholy about it being over though.  You never get that first year of marriage back -- we're far from newlyweds, officially, and I can no long just say, "We got married in July."  But if all the rest of my years are as wonderful as our year one I'll count myself as one of the lucky ones.

I love you, husband of mine.  Thank you for being my one and only love.

life lately.

It's the oldest excuse in women's lib, but work has taken over my life.  In an effort to quickly recap the last two-ish weeks, here's a glimpse of my life lately.

Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup parade :: Free cake at a client meeting

Brothers and uncles :: Boys with their sports

I mean, hello face :: Industrial outdoor lights courtesy of my handy husband

 There is nothing cuter than this father and son duo :: Sprocket helping fold laundry

Fourth of July cherries :: Fourth of July attire

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