Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Today is my parents 31st wedding anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad! Thank you for all of your love, support, and generosity! Here's to 30 more!

Me and My Dad

Yesterday was Father's Day! J and I went down to eat lunch with he and my family yesterday. It was great seeing everyone!

I have the world best Dad for many reasons! He has certainly given me a lof of love and support throughout the years! Love you! Happy Father's Day!


Here's a few pictures of me and my Dad!

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Dad walking me down the Aisle...






Dad and I at my last dance competition. Need an explanation on this strange outfit? Take a look at the Ballroom Dancing Posts. That's all I can say!

I caught one....three actually!

I've learned that one of the joys of being married is experiencing new things/activities/places, etc! Because there is absolutely no way we could marry our clone, we are bound to be married to someone who will inevitably be different than us...even if it's slight. They may very well have a few different tastes, interests, hobbies, etc., than us. The plus to that is that when they share these things with us, we get to enjoy brand new experiences!

I haven't gone fishing in maybe 20 years. Actually, I'm not even SURE that I even fished. I just remember going with my family at one point in my life.

My husband, J, has loved to fish. In fact, his parents had given him some birthday money for a new fishing pole a week or so ago! We thought it would be a fun activity to do together, so we went and got all the supplies this weekend. Yesterday we went and had a great time! J was a very helpful teacher! I ended up catching three. However, they were tiny guys so we let them go back in the lake. Even though we got rained on halfway through the trip, we both agreed this was one of our most favorite weekends!

Here's one of my tiny catches!=)

Because I'm feeling that way...

I've had way more sinus trouble than usual this year. I'm looking into some additional ways to build up my immune system. On top of the suggestions below, I will be looking at purchasing Oil or Oregano as well. I've gotten a lot of suggestions regarding taking that supplement.

Here's a link I thought I'd share on strengthening your immune system:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2311501_build-up-immune-system.html

Ballroom/Latin Dancing Styles

So, I think there are a lot of people who don't know the differences between the different styles of dancing in the Latin/Ballroom world.

My husband is a professional dance instructor so he knows/teaches all the styles. However, he competes professionally in American Smooth. I began studying the American styles, but now I study, compete Pro/Am in (and obsess in!!) International Latin!

Below is a listing of all the dances in each style along with a video example(s):

American Smooth (J, my husband's style):

• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz

American Rhythm:

• Cha Cha
• Rumba
• Mambo
• Bolero
• Swing

International Standard:

• International Waltz
• International Quickstep
• International Tango
• International Foxtrot
• International Viennese Waltz

International Latin: (My LOVE!)

• International Cha Cha
• International Rumba
• Samba
• Paso Doble
• Jive

Please take good care of them...

So I am still having problems with ONE STRAP on both of my Latin dancing shoes. The shoes are breaking in quite nicely otherwise. However, one strap is rubbing my pinky toe the wrong way. I talked to my husband, otherwise known as that hot dance instructor I married, who recommended I ask one of the female instructors where she takes her shoes to be altered. Apparently, she's had to have one strap repositioned on her dancing shoes and he thought she would know where to take them.

She recommended a place that has previously done a good job for her. I dropped them off today like I was leaving my child at daycare..."So you guys have lengthened that strap before? That's something you do often?"

I am hoping they are able to lengthen that strap so that I have no more complications with this pair of shoes. The rest of the shoe is absolutely wonderful! If they are able to fix this strap on both shoes...I am set.

New Pasta Salad Recipe

J and I got invited to a picnic birthday party last week. I decided I wanted to try a different pasta salad. A friend recommended that I try this recipe from Food Network.

The pasta salad was VERY tasty! Before we left for the picnic, J tried a bite of it and LOVED it! We've already made it one more time since the picnic and served it alongside grilled pork chops.

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Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients:
1/2 pound fusilli (spirals) pasta
Kosher salt
Olive oil
1 pound ripe tomatoes, medium-diced
3/4 cup good black olives, such as kalamata, pitted and diced
1 pound fresh mozzarella, medium-diced
6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

For the dressing:
5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 tablespoons good olive oil
1 garlic clove, diced
1 teaspoon capers, drained
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup packed basil leaves, julienned

Directions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.
Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and basil, and toss well.