Friday, December 2, 2011

Anyone still there?

Sorry for the lack of posts over the past few months.  Working two jobs + commuting for school = no blog inspiration.  But do not fear!  My last day of class EVER was yesterday and I will be completely finished with all my final papers in a week (hopefully sooner) so expect the blog to resurrect soon!

Aurelia so kindly threatened inspired me yesterday with all the exciting posts I will soon have after we move to Houston in 8 days (what?!?!) and pick up our precious Penelope in 9 days (ahhhh!)  I'll leave you with a picture of who I un-biasedly believe is the most precious dog of all time...


Sunday, September 18, 2011

Geek Chic

I was in desperate need of new specs. Eyemasters had BOGO (buy one get one) going on. I might have bought myself the most amazing/ridiculous grad school glasses evah for my free pair...enjoy.

Friday, August 26, 2011

My last go-around

The only picture I took of my busy but wonderful first week of my last semester at Truett. Weird. A year ago I couldn't wait to graduate, and now I find myself hanging on to every moment. Every professor's words, every sentence in my books, every moment shared with wonderful friends. Here's to a great send-off!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Perfect Pita

My go-to-lunch as of late. Half a whole wheat pita filled with chickpeas/garbanzo beans, green bell pepper slices, cucumber, spinach, and Tzatziki sauce (if you haven't tried this sauce yet you MUST! made with Greek yogurt and delicious!). Of course my favorite sides are included, organic blue corn chips from "Garden of Eatin'" (gosh I love a good pun) and organic grapes (I emphasize organic here only because organic grapes are WAY more expensive but so delicious that I feel they need this qualifier). Sorry for the B- on plate presentation but I was too hungry to try to make it look appealing, you will just have to trust me.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Off to a good start...

It's 2:30 and I just realized my cardigan is inside out. Now I'm starting to wonder if the people at work have yet to notice or just didn't want to tell me...

Sent from my iPhone

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Vegan Sweet-Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas with Cilantro Avocado Cream Sauce

Another great recipe from my stalking of Aurelia on Pinterest.  And since Steven now claims this is one of his favorite meals EV-ER I should probably figure out how to return the favor...So go visit her amazing blog (link on her name) and make comments about how awesome FRILLING she is! :)



Sunday, August 7, 2011

Chef Murray

Steven (please note the apron...) making our Sunday night grilled cheese sandwiches. Our newest "grown-up" version consists of fresh mozzarella cheese, deep red tomato and basil pesto. (shout out to Aurelia and her amazing ability to pin great recipes on Pinterest)

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Japan is so lucky

The highlight of yesterday was definitely seeing this sweet one and her parents before they leave for Japan for 2 years at the end of the month. This girl is going to be stopped everywhere she goes with those blonde locks and blue eyes. I HAVE to see it. Starting my "Tokyo or Bust" savings account now...donations welcome.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Ridiculous

It's official, I'm moving up north.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Pops on Route 66

We ended our OK adventure with a trip to Pops outside of Oklahoma City. Imagine a gas station filled with different kinds of Coke (sorry, I'm from Texas and can only say pop so many times before I go crazy) from all over the country. I treated myself to a Cream Soda that was first made during Prohibition, while Steven enjoyed a Pumpkin soda that was organic and fair-trade (Whole Foods is definitely wearing off on him)

Of course we had to end the trip with an picture by the giant coke bottle and straw.

Hudson Burrito

I wrapped this one up yesterday hoping he would let me pack him I'm my suitcase back to Texas...he failed to cooperate but let me take this adorable picture as a compromise.

National Cheesecake Day

A holiday that MUST be observed with half-priced cheesecake at the appropriately named Cheesecake Factory.

Oklahoma

Sorry for the lack of posts this past weekend. Steven and I were in toddler-induced-bliss with this little one and his parents. So grateful for weekends that revive my soul :)

Friday, July 29, 2011

Fine Dining

My last meal in Austin, a big cat meal with my dad at Mr. Catfish, a true Austin delicacy.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Family

Grateful today for the opportunity to spend the afternoon with my amazing grandparents. Two of the wisest people I know, and after 65 years of marriage, their continued love for each other is inspiring.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Snow-licious

Sisters and Snowcones

Sweet 16

Loved getting to spend yesterday with this birthday girl.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Allow me to boast

123 points on words with friends...this game might ruin our marriage.

Whole Foods has my whole heart

I'm pretty sure whenever we decide to buy a house one of my non-negotiables will be "must be within close proximity to Whole Foods"

What's in a name


Last night was a wonderful evening filled with in-laws (of the mother, father, aunt, uncle, and cousin variety) and home cooked food served fresh from the garden family style. If you are ever in Dallas, Celebration is a restaurant that needs to be a part of your evening. 




Friday, July 22, 2011


Friday Homemade Pizza Night at the Murrays :)

Sent from my iPhone

It's complicated


Milkshakes always seem like a good idea...until you get half-way through the cup...


Sent from my iPhone

The apartment is growing up


After months of debate I finally chose some curtains...one of life's truly most difficult decisions

Sent from my iPhone

Ahh summer

I'm back


I've decided I'm not ready to get back into blogging full force yet, but I plan to amuse you with daily posts of a picture from my day (with probably several today since I have taken quite a few with my new IPHONE this week :)

It only seems right steven should be the first picture entitled "unamused"

Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Ash Wednesday

I'm still processing the Ash Wednesday service I was just a part of at Wilshire.  It took place in the outside columbarium at the church.  This is an area of deep reflection as members can come visit loved ones who have gone on, there are benches throughout the area to sit on and pray/reflect etc., and even a labyrinth to encourage a contemplative spiritual practice.

Having the Ash Wednesday service in this setting was truly humbling.  We are reminded during this day that we come from ashes and to ashes we will return.  Being in the columbarium puts a whole new perspective on this truth as we are worshiping in a place with the ashes of beloved church members who have passed on.  At the end of the service we imposed ashes onto our foreheads, which reminded me of not only the fact that one day I will leave this world, but that it is to God that I will return through his grace and abounding love.

I wish I had more insight to give to you all, but as I said above I'm still processing so all I'm able to do is simply relay the experience I just encountered.  I hope during this Lenten season that you are able to find moments where you are humbled, and moments that don't provide clarity right at the onset, but leave you in awe at the complexity and beauty of God.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Getting to know you...

I cannot stand still when I brush my teeth...is that weird?  Perhaps its because I absolutely hate to brush my teeth...it is beyond boring and such a hassle.  Thus my way to cope is to meander through the apartment until my mouth is too full of toothpaste gunk that I must go spit it out in the sink, at which point I walk back into the bathroom.  Steven does the same thing, so if it is weird at least I'm not reminded of it on a daily basis.

So...what about you all? (I know this is the dumbest excuse ever for a poll but please humor me)




Monday, March 7, 2011

Saga at the Dry-Cleaners

Today I dropped off the following at our dry-cleaners

1 Suit
2 pairs of my dress pants
13 of Steven's dress shirts
1 white athletic sock (Steven's)
2 pairs of my undies....









I'm never going back there again...

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Sweet Treat

Still going organic and loving it.  

I took to the world wide web this past weekend in an effort to see how to save some moolah in our organic endeavor.  Tip #1 I found on all the websites...don't buy produce out of season, buy it dried or frozen.

So in the midst of the fabulousness that is Girl Scout Cookie season I bought some organic dried cranberries this week in hopes that I could hold off my cravings for thin mints until after dinner...

My waistbands are pleased with my very tasty work snack choice :)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

I remember...

A blog I read had this great assignment where you are supposed to make a list of the things you remember vividly from your past...I couldn't resist.  I hope some of you will do this too!

1.  I remember crying in the back of my AJ (Aunt Janey) and Uncle Steve's car as we drove away from Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas after visiting my Mom, Dad, and new baby sister Lizzie at the hospital.  

2.  I remember sitting in a tiny cubicle with a curtain with my mom and dad waiting for the nurse to come pick me up to take me back for my surgery to remove my tonsils...she put me in a rolling bed with either Susan (my cabbage patch) or Roger (my bear) and I cried all the way down the hall.

3.  I remember waking my mom up in the middle of the night because I had put the stuffing from my Ernie doll's nose up my own nose....sadly this wasn't the first time I did something like this...but it's the only one I vividly remember.

4.  I remember coming home from school with Haley and Jenna (preschool friends) and sitting on my mom and dad's bed and passing my brand new baby brother James to them.  

5.  I remember the time in Kindergarten when Lindsey threw up her lunch (a hot dog) on the big rug in the middle of the room...I also remember when I "almost made it" to the bathroom a few weeks later and lost my lunch on the bathroom floor.

6.  I remember getting bit by that damn squirrel in Zilker Park at the "end of kindergarten picnic"...running to my parents and taking pressure off the bite and watching the blood shoot up like a volcano...and then going to the hospital with my dad where a guy in the ER was in a wheel chair with a two-by-four sticking out of his foot being held there by a huge nail...I also remember when he fell forward in his wheel chair and the nail went further into his foot...ack!

7.  I remember falling off the front of the swing in preschool and getting a pebble stuck in my forehead...I also remember when my teacher took it out of my head later that day and I got to get a butterfly band-aid at the doctor.  

8.  I remember singing Willie Nelson with my dad in the car countless times.  I also remember making up words to the Santana album because we didn't now what he was saying in Spanish...

9.  I remember spending many Saturday's with my Dad at the office, teaching myself mine sweeper and solitaire (I could never figure out Free Cell), running all up and down the halls squealing, drinking so many ice teas and cokes that I had to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes (thus the running down the hall squealing...)

10.  I remember when I took Mary to school for my show-and-tell in 4th grade, which also happened to be hat day, and she took the hat off of the cutest guy in my class...that's also when I learned the benefits of having a sister 9 years younger than you  (other benefits include getting to watch Disney Channel all through High School with the excuse of "spending quality time" with her...)

11.  I remember the first time my Mom cussed in front of me...I cried profusely

12.  I remember my first (and only) alcoholic drink before I turned 21 the summer after my freshman year in college...I felt so guilty and confessed it to my mom a few years later.  (baha!)

13.  I remember when my brother bit me on the butt when I told him I was going to go tell on him...I also remember my parents laughing profusely and being so unfair by not immediately punishing the behavior...

14. I remember mom having BUNCO nights at our house growing up and how Lizzie and I (we shared a room at that time) would jump on our beds each time the bell rang...not sure what that bell did though

15. I remember making cookie dough with my MeeMee on the lid of the dishwasher since I couldn't reach the countertops

16.  I remember how my Greedad would never let me sit in the bar chairs in the kitchen because he was so afraid I would fall off...I also remember wondering why he had them if we could never sit in them...

17.  I remember when Greedad came to speak to my 4th grade class for veterans day and my mom came to watch...I also remember her nursing Mary (covered) during class...I was HORRIFIED!  still kinda am...

18.  I remember when I came back from college and started wrestling with James (we did this all the time growing up because I always won) and then he picked me up and pinned me on my bed...we haven't wrestled since...

19.  I remember when I took my first flight alone (elementary school aged) from Austin to Dallas to visit my AJ and Uncle Steve and I got to be a "special flyer" with Southwest Airlines...I also remember the cutest, sweetest old lady sat right next to me and offered me one of those strawberry candies...I took it from her but didn't eat it because my parents always told me not to take candy from strangers because they are poisoned...

20.  I remember waking up at AJ and Uncle Steve's (a few years later) with Lizzie and AJ telling us that our baby sister had been born...still not sure why we weren't there...

21.  I remember throwing up in the back of Mr. Luckett's car

22.  I remember getting a spaghetti noodle stuck in the back of my throat at the dinner table and pulling it out with my hands...I also remember my mom being really grossed out by this :)

23.  I remember always getting in trouble for leaning back in my chair at the kitchen table

24.  I remember taking apart my bell kit in 6th grade (each individual piece) and counting it as practice time 

25.  I remember watching the Atlanta summer olympics at the beach in Gulf Shores Alabama

26.  I remember during recess when everyone was making fun of a girl named Amy, I went up to them and told them to stop and walked with Amy to play at a different part of the playground.  (This still might be my proudest moment...Lord knows I haven't always stuck up for people when I should have).

27.  I remember when our PE coach told us we needed to start wearing deodorant

28.  I remember when I sat down with my parents to have the "sex talk."  they asked me if I knew how sex was done (which I did) but I didn't want them to know so I lied and said "it's when a guy puts his thing in a girls belly button."  I was so afraid if they knew I knew the real answer I would get in trouble. (baha!)

29. I remember asking the vice-principle who was leading the girls sex-ed class in 5th grade what an applicator was (as in a tampon applicator).  Everyone laughed at me and then when the VP asked someone to say what it was nobody knew (sweet revenge!)

30.  Lastly, I remember taking my troll doll with the jewel, kissing it and saying my wish that "I could fly" and then jumping off my bed in hopes of never touching the ground...sadly my flying powers have yet to be discovered. 


Monday, February 14, 2011

Oh So Organic

Well Steven and I finally bit the bullet (what a strange saying...).  After a year of debating about whether we wanted to buy organic food, discussing the pros (our nutrition, health, the environment) and the cons (the COST), we finally went to Whole Foods on Saturday night and bought all of our groceries organic.

Our bank is saying "ouch" but just after 2 whole days my body is already screaming "Thank You!!"

I can hear it now..."really Katie?  After only 2 days?"  and friends I must be honest, I'm not even joking.  Now granted I think a lot of it has to do with the recipes I chose for this week, all from Wholefoods.com.  They are very bean and veggie heavy and only one has meat in it (that was by complete accident, I didn't even realize it until I got home).  So far we have tried two of the recipes Layered Vegetable Enchiladas and Three-Bean Salad with Quinoa.  Both were delicious, very satisfying, and unlike so many of my dinners didn't leave me feeling "weighed down" and bloated.

The cost was definitely the thing keeping us from going organic in the past.  I mean who wants to spend more money on food?  Definitely not a young married couple with one still in school for another year and one who just started a new job...(oh and plenty of grad school loans to pay off...).  But we realized there will probably never be a time we want to spend more money on groceries.  Once we pay off the debt we will probably have kids and they are certainly expensive etc. etc. etc.  So we decided if we were ever going to do this we just needed to do it asap.

To be honest we went a bit over our grocery budget for the week.  It seems like we will really have to cut back on how many "involved" meals we have every week (involved = meals with lots of ingredients).  I'm on the lookout for simple dinner options which will help us save some moo-lah, and lets be honest, probably make me want to cook more often since when I come home from internship the last thing I want to do is cook an involved meal.  (so basically it's a win - win)

Let me know your thoughts on Organic food.  If you buy organic fill me in on some simple recipe ideas!  If you are debating like Steven and I were until just a few days ago let me know that too!

I'll leave you with two pics (from Whole Foods) of our last two dinners.  Both were delicious and I would definitely recommend the recipes!



Friday, February 11, 2011

The sacrifices of Justice

I have been following the work of Julie Clawson ever since I heard her speak at a Women's Conference this past fall.  She is a brilliant writer and someone who isn't afraid to say what she thinks in order to further the causes of social justice.  She's written a book that I can't wait to get my hands on entitled Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of our Daily Choices.  (Click on the title to go to her website and see a summary).


She also writes for two blogs that I know of: her own entitled One Hand Clapping, (a very self-reflective title given that she was born missing one of her arms from the elbow down), and God's Politics Blog (a blog by Soujourners, a Christian organization that looks at Biblical responses to faith, politics and culture).


During her session at the conference I attended she was discussing her book and the practical ways we can begin to make more Just choices with our purchasing.  Being in social work and being lucky enough to learn from my awesome colleagues I had heard a lot about the injustices behind coffee and chocolate production and had made the choice with Steven to start buying Fair Trade coffee.  I knew that so many of our clothes are produced by child labor overseas...but to be honest I hadn't (and still haven't) done anything about my purchasing in that area.  But then she discussed another form of injustice in our consumerist culture that I was unaware of...our technology.


Many of the minerals used to make our cell phones, computers etc. work come from the mines in the Congo, where terrorist groups run rampant in order to take control of these mines and in turn control of the money countries like America and others "technologically driven" give them in return.  These groups are a true terror: mass killings, raping men women and children (one as young as 1 month was found), and many more horrific things all throughout the region of the Congo.  Unfortunately the technological companies aren't being held accountable for where they are buying these minerals, and when asked about the terrorist groups they are purchasing from many say that buying from this region reduces the cost of technology for Americans (and other "stable" countries).  But as Julie says in a post on the subject, "Putting out a product as cheaply as possible should never be an excuse for supporting terrorist groups that maintain control through mass gang rape."


As of now there are no "conflict free" cell phones (meaning cell phones, or other technology, that does not use minerals from this part of the world), but in her post Julie writes a thought provoking reflection on the subject.  If you are interested you can find the post here.


My purpose of writing this post was not to guilt you into action.  In fact the main reason I'm writing this is so that I won't forget about how many of the things I enjoy (chocolate, coffee, clothing, and my cell phone) can create such terror for my neighbors.  I'm using the word neighbor very purposefully here.  As Christians we are called to care for our neighbors, and thanks to Globalization even the people in the Congo are our neighbors.  How can we allow these things to happen to them?  How can we support buying products that bring them such terror?  To put it more bluntly, how can I buy a product that I know was used with minerals a terrorist group profited off of by raping a one month old?  How will we care for them?  


I don't know all the answers to these questions, and I'm certainly not a model for what we can do.  I enjoy the comforts of my own home even though I know so many of them come at a cost to my neighbors.  One thing I am certain of though is that taking a stance on these issues will not be popular.  Nobody wants to give up their luxuries, and certainly nobody wants to hear that they are supporting terrorist groups, I mean hello, we are America, we fight the terrorists


(...apparently only when the terrorists are going against our own self interests...)


Certainly we will have to go against our American culture in order to take a stance on these issues and care for our neighbors...but then again, isn't that what we are called as Christians to do?  

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Why today pretty much rocks

I've had two major accomplishments today.  No, nothing like solving world peace or curing hunger.  But nonetheless today has been great for two reasons.

#1  I successfully made it to my car this morning while walking on ice, wearing dress boots, and carrying a box with both hands without falling.  Sure it took me about 5X as long as normal and I looked like a fool...but I didn't fall so it's pretty much an amazing accomplishment.

#2 I have officially found the creepiest picture EVER.  No really...don't believe me?  Just scroll my friends...




Would you like to reconsider?  I'll gladly take your apologies for doubting me in the comment section below.  

Pic found on Cote De Texas

Friday, February 4, 2011

What being snowed in has taught me

Apparently I have no self control when it comes to snack-junk food (yes Mom...I'm finally admitting it :)

I was CRAVING Chex Muddy Buddies Mix yesterday (Also known as snow man poop, monkey munch etc.)  I am completely going to blame the Winter wonderland craziness that landed in Dallas this week thus leaving me shut in my apartment alone since Tuesday while Steven goes off to work every morning (apparently the stock markets don't close when Dallas has an ice storm...).  I was about to go insane yesterday until I realized I should make this snack which was obviously created by The Almighty.

A picture of Muddy Buddies from Betty Crocker

Only thing keeping me from making this delicious treat...I had no Chex cereal, and there was no way I was going to venture outside to go buy some from the grocery store...so I just used Honey Nut Cheerios.

I must say the substitution was perfectly acceptable in my book.  Then again you could add butter, chocolate, peanut butter and powdered sugar to a piece of cardboard and it would taste heavenly...

So what is the problem you ask?  I can't stop eating the stuff!  I swear it must be laced with crack or something.  I begged Steven to take the tub to work this morning, but he forgot...and I've had it all. day. long.  As in it is the only thing I have eaten today.  I mean I usually have Cheerios for breakfast so instead I just had some Cheerio Muddy Buddies.  And then for lunch I usually have a PB&J...so of course I just had some more Muddy Buddies since they already have peanut butter in them.  And then they are the perfect snack so I'll probably just have some more in about an hour...

I blame Steven...I really really do.

So while I don't buy junky snack food I apparently should not buy semi-sweet chocolate chips (for baking), peanut butter, cereal, or powdered sugar since I'm perfectly capable of creating my own junk...

...remember though, it really is Steven's fault...and the weather

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Oops

Thanks to the always faithful Morgan C. for pointing out that my pictures have not been showing up on my posts.  It is all fixed so enjoy :)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Thank goodness for sisters

For Christmas every year our family gets desk calendars...exciting I know.  And this year my two sisters were in charge of finding calendars for everyone.  Imagine my surprise when I opened up mine and found this


According to my sisters I am WAY too nice and need to learn my fair share of comebacks in order to be successful in this world.  So I've taken their advice and am storing up as many self-centered "bitchy" sayings as possible until I'm ready to unload them on some un-expecting but very much deserving person.

I decided the best place for the calendar would be the kitchen since I do my fair share of complaining in that room already and might as well learn how to be a bit bitchy while I'm at it.  You never know, maybe one day I'll get the nerve to throw the sauce-pan across the room in a fit of rage...or maybe just slam the refrigerator door really hard.  You have to take these things one step at a time  

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Is anyone out there?

Well apparently some of you read this thing because I have gotten several threats friendly reminders to update my blog.  It's funny how when I'm bored I can find an endless amount of nonsense to blog about, but when I'm busy I can't bring myself to take the time to update the world on my awesome adventures!

So this is my formal apology for being such a crappy blogger this past month...phew...I hate admitting I messed up...just ask Steven...he knows better than anyone

So I technically have 15 minutes to spare before I go down to Wednesday night church and meet even more new people at the amazing Wilshire Baptist Church where I am currently interning...i LOVE it here, but there is simply not time to explain that all right now...

Basically I thought I would let you all know how ECSTATIC I am about the two new books I just ordered on Amazon


Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis




Saving Women from the Church: How Jesus Mends a Divide




Oh don't worry friends, I am completely aware that the first book title is perhaps the most loaded in all of literature...which is the main reason I ordered it.  And I do realize that depending on your theological perspectives the second book might seem a little off...in which case the first book probably seems REALLY off.  For me these titles made me drool profusely all over my computer as I hit the "add to cart" button.  But what I think is great is the fact that not all of my friends (including some of you) will agree with me on these issues, which I think it pretty fantastic actually.  If I've learned anything from seminary and social work it is that you must maintain a balance of perspectives around you so that you never stray too far off the path.  This is the same approach we must take with the Scriptures.  The Bible is an amazing book, but read alone (both without the Spirit and without counsel of fellow believers) can lead to dangerous interpretations.

So this is a shout-out to you my fellow readers.  First of all for caring enough to threaten...remind me to update my blog.  Secondly (and most importantly) for accepting me regardless of if we share the same theological, political, etc. views.  You enrich my lives with your perspectives!  I hope to share a review of these two books once I finish them and hear your thoughts!

Much love!