Food on the brain and an anniversary

Last night I went grocery shopping and stocked up on the "Nativity Fast essentials." While most folks nowadays are loading their carts with egg nog, cheese logs and Christmas baking essentials, I'm spending my time in the "natural foods" section. Bulk split peas, lentils, rice, rice and more rice, tofu, hummus and even two containers of soy yogurt (oh, phorgive me, a pharisee! I've never had it before, and it sparked my curiousity). I felt like I bought a ton of stuff, but really, when you clear your fridge of cheese, meat, eggs and milk, the food supply changes completely. Steve would be content with eating sand and water, and when we're married and off food stamps, we'll probably resort to that. But for now, I'm thankful for this bounty that we've been blessed with!

On Monday I made some cookies and brought them to my friend, who took the death of Karissa pretty hard. She commented that I've become quite the little homemaker. I'm not sure if that's true. But compared to some college students (like, for instance, one of my roommates who solely dines on Healthy Choice TV dinners), I suppose I'd be considered one. Actually, my other roommate Heather makes such wonderful food! Right now she's making homemade burritoes with her handmade tortillas. I tell her she needs to open a restuarant some day... I'd visit often, if she did!

A special day...
Today is Steve and I's two year anniversary. I can hardly believe it...! Two years! At midnight last night (err... this morning?) he surprised me with some flowers. Very, very unexpected and sweet :)
I'm no expert on love or anything, all I know is my own experience. And let me tell you, I would have NEVER chosen to be in a relationship for two years. My ideal was, "date for 6-8 months, be engaged for 6 months and get married." Goodness... if my ill-fated dreams had materialized, Steve and I would be celebrating our 1-year wedding anniversary instead... and very underprepared for marriage. Now granted, there is NO formula for the whole dating/courting/marriage scenario (everyone has a different and beautiful story), but in my situation God certainly knew best. These past two years have certainly taught me a lot about forbearance and patience... and marriage will teach me even more! But Steve is such a huge blessing, I'm so thankful to God for him!

And for some random Wednesday fun, here are a few of my new favorite things:

Art:
Heidi Petersen, an Orthodox artist from Portland!!!! Her work is amazing, she's such an inspiration!
Music:
David Wilcox
Drinks:
Trader Joe's Spicy Cider (mmmm!!!)
Yogi Triple Echinacea Tea (A cup a day has really kept the doctor away this fall)
Northland Cranberry Juice (made with 100% juice, this also has kept the doctor away with its' abundance of vitamin C)
Cool things I wish were in PDX:
Teany tea house
Clothing:
Coats! Beautiful, colorful jackets and coats!!! Oh... just looking at them makes me happy. I'll probably never own one... or at least I'd never buy one for myself, but they're so pretty... :)
Dresses, gorgeous dresses...! More things I can't have, but love to look at!
New Blogs:
A new blogger from my parish, the wonderful Christina, is glady welcomed into
the "blogosphere!"
Photos:
A beautiful site to peruse, Orthodoxphotos.com. Such gorgeous and awe-
inspiring photographs!