CRAVE Restaurant is one of the newer “hip” eateries in Orlando… and as we all know that is a dime a dozen.  I’ve heard great things about it so the first night of my dad’s visit to Orlando, we headed there.  CRAVE is next to the Millennia mall, so depending on when you lan on heading over, traffic can be a bear.  We lucked out on a Monday night.  The space is fabulous… very chic atmosphere and open spaces.  The menu is fairly diverse, offering burgers, pasta, flatbreads and even sushi.  We all tried something different and enjoyed our meals.  The place is on the pricey side but overall it was a nice experience.  Seems like it would be a great “date” place.

"Mojo Bar & Grill is Downtown Orlando's only Cajun restaurant wit a full liquor bar, frozen drink specialties, raw bar and great soulful music! We went deep into da bayou to round up MawMaws recipes and bring dem home to ya - from authentic gumbo & jambalaya to traditional bbq ribs & poboys. Mojo has Cajun fixins for ya mouth and ya ears too. Jazz, Blues, & Zydeco fill da room all day & night. Dis ain't no knock off…Ya'll gon be tawkin bout us f'sho!"

So that is how they bill themselves.  I'm a true cajun so I'll give it to you straight.  This new bar & grill located off Church Street (across from Hamburger Mary's) is spirited and does a decent job providing a knock-off version of a New Orleans restaurant.  But here is the thing... New Orleans isn't the true bayou.  And the bayou isn't nearly as fancy as New Orleans.  I'd bet money you won't hear people talking like "dis" in New Orleans.  Now... in Iowa... or Dulac... maybe.  Anyways... I'm overly critical.  Can you tell?  So the decor is decent... nice feel to the place.  Some of the staff are actually from Louisiana so that helps.  The food on the other hand.. not that authentic.  When I asked about the crawfish, the response given was "they're great - not too spicy".  Well folks, they certainly weren't spicy but I also would never describe them as great.  More along the lines of something boiled in muddy water.  Drinks were good (prices ok); Abita beer is sold so that's a plus.  The two saving graces were the Shrimp Po'boy (actually quite good in spite of being on the wrong type of bread) and the fact they put the Saints game on every TV (there were mostly Saints fans in there so it only made sense).  

The staff were friendly for the most part.  We started off with a server who was just terrible.  Maybe it was his first day?  Regardless, the day was all about random acts of kindness so we didn't make too big a deal out of it.  I found out they play the LSU games and run lots of specials if you wear your LSU gear those nights.  Score.  I'll be sure to stop in for the next game.  Overall I will definitely be back.  Simply because its a small sliver of home.  However, I will say that they hype this place put out is questionable.  NONE of the owners are from Louisiana.  They simply wanted a "cultural" restaurant and chose our cajun style to mimic.  No complaints other than you can tell its not authentic.

I've been dying to try this new restaurant (located off Michigan Ave.) and finally got the chance today.  A friend and I met up for a little post-birthday celebration and we chose this place.  The menu is brief, a small list of sandwiches and salads that stretch the perimeter of the Mediterranean from Greece to Italy. But in addition to the seven or so sandwiches, there were other specials available, shown to us by the warm and friendly server at the counter. Lots of yummy items!  Everything was fantastic.  The staff were all friendly and welcoming. Orders are placed at the counter and delivered the orders once ready.  The small dining area has windows on three sides and the little wall space that exists has the predictable Greek framed pictures. All tasteful enough.  Nice little spot for an afternoon lunch.  Definitely would recommend them.

Hosting 12 small jedi's at our WW property in celebration of Gavin's 5th birthday is how I started off my day.  Piece of cake, right? Wow is all I can say.  Wow.  I'm fairly certain that when you give birth your body produces a natural equivalent to Xanax so you are equipped to deal with the years ahead.  Wow. That is a LOT of children running around hopped up on sugar going through a Jedi skills training.  Wow. My cousin Katy did a fantastic job planning everything.  The kids went through three levels of "Jedi training" before earning their Jedi Certificates.  It was quite a sight to see.  After pizza, cupcakes and cake we headed upstairs to play some Lazertag, watch a little 4D theatre and explore on the Ropes Course.  Overall it was a fun and successful birthday party.  This Aunt Kee Kee was EXHAUSTED by the end.  But so much fun.

Jordan on the Ropes Course

Jedi Certificates - my cousin is so talented!

So cute... I mean really... Katy is an awesome mom!

Pin the lightsaber onto the Jedi

Another skills game... this one was wild!

Lazertag time!

"In Jerusalem during the time of King Solomon, there was a path around the Jewish Temple for mourners to walk.  As others in the community would notice those in grief, they would offer solace by saying, "May God comfort you among the mourners of Sion and Jerusalem."  

Loosing my Paw Paw was the single most difficult event in my life this year.  Growing up he is in the middle of so many of my great childhood and adult memories.  He was simply an amazing man who is terribly missed and loved by so many.  I guess if I lived back in the days of King Solomon I would have spent the first month walking the path around the Jewish Temple (pending I was Jewish I suppose).  The sadness after he passed was intense and anything seemed to bring on the tears.  THAT I was not used to, nor was I expecting to last.  But it did.  I heard of the Mourner's Path 8-week class, and despite never in my life doing something like this, I signed up.  What could it hurt? The program is a Christ-centered group support system... focused primarily in joyful living through such sadness.  I was one of eight in the class... and all of our stories were different.  I, along with another lovely woman, had lost my loved one most recently in terms of timeframe.  It had only been a month.

My travel schedule didn't allow me to attend all eight weeks, but I did my best.  And I made the final night... last night... and for that I am eternally grateful. Do I feel different after going through the class? Not really... but maybe a little.  I don't feel the urge to cry as frequently as I did before. I've made some good friendships with individuals who are currently walking the same journey that I am.  Some of that could just be a result of the time that has passed (its been 3 months now).  I don't know.  But I do know I was supposed to be in that class and meet those people.  I know that.  Last night we were introduced to our "Prayer Partners".  Ok this part was simply amazing.  Before the class had begun, eight individuals (who have also gone through the program), committed to praying for us EVERY single day over the eight weeks. Prayers for our healing, our joy, everything.  How awesome is that? Someone prayed for me, without every meeting me or knowing my story, every day for eight weeks.  Her name is Jan Fultz.... and she is my angel.  She also represented the Prayer Shawl ministry earlier that evening when she came and game me my prayer shawl.  Again.... amazing.  These women made the most beautiful crocheted shawls, praying throughout the project for the individual to whom it would be given.  Wow. When I had received mine, Jan and I started talking about my Paw Paw and my Maw Maw and how she was doing... and Jan says "You know... let me have your Maw Maw's name.  I'm going to bring you a Prayer Shawl for you to give her." Seriously? My heart could not have been more overjoyed.  And then to find out she's been my Prayer Partner the past two months.  God is amazing.  Simply amazing.

So... to recap... The Mourner's Path is a great program.  I'd recommend it to anyone who is going through that lonely and heart-wrenching journey.  www.mournerspath.com is the website if you want to learn more information about it.  As driven as I am, I rarely finish things like this.  I'm really glad my feet were guided through this one.  And before I forget... all of those prayers... THAT is what helped the sadness to slowly go away.  So yes, I do feel different.  

The Prayer Shawl I was given

Funny... my cousins Katy and Ryan have told me about this place forever.  Why have I not been?  No clue. Meeting up with an old friend this week (as in haven't seen her in 10 years!) we settled on meeting here.  Why not.  First off... fabulous outside seating.  It was a gorgeous night so that scored major points with me.  The staff were friendly and attentive (again - points).  Then there was the food. ((buzzer sound please))  That's where they lost me.  Not that good.  Nothing special.  Not sure what Katy and Ryan love about the place.  Watered down guacamole.  Dry plain burrito.  And no pinot grigio.  Ehh... oh well.  I tried it so now I know.

Any menu that says "The Nooner" across the top will catch my attention.  So Houlihan's succeeded.   With my boys in town this week, finding places to eat that they will enjoy (and are new for me) was slightly difficult.  On my way down I-Drive to pick them up from the Convention Center (IAAPA is in town people... or I would certainly avoid that part of town like the plague) I noticed Houlihans.  Pretty famous name... but nope... never been there.  Score.  Burgers and American fare... boys will love it.  New for my 365 challenge... I would love it.  Gotta say... great place.  Service was slightly on the slow side... but other than that, it was fantastic.  Definitely check it out if you haven't already done so.  

Gumbo originated in south Louisiana in the 18th century and combines ingredients and culinary practices of several cultures, including French, Spanish, West African, and Choctaw.  Some people call it a "stew" while others a "soup".  If you are from Louisiana, you clearly understand that gumbo is neither... its a category in and of itself.  Besides.... stew is something for those yankees.  We coon-asses have gumbo.  And man oh man do we love our gumbo.  Growing up, this dish is a part of some great memories, shared with friends and family during everything from holidays to a regular Thursday school night.  There are lots of varieties... but my favorite is chicken and andouille sausage.  Today I wasn't feeling great (for some reason)... and I had some sausage that I needed to cook in the fridge... so I decided to make some.  For the first time.  I know... upset stomach and I decide to take on the feat of cooking gumbo.  Well, have you met me?!  That's what I do.  Overall, the process was very time-consuming but sooo worth it.  Now I have a delicious meal for the week... and to top it off its fabulous comfort food for a southern girl like me. BTW - instead of andouille sausage, I substituted for Bison... YUM!  Fun fact: Gumbo is often used as a metaphor for the mix of cultures that exist in southern Louisiana.  Now you know. :)

The third annual Orlando Food & Wine Festival took place this weekend downtown at Lake Eola. Gotta say... this is one of my favorite events that has taken place at the lake.  7 local and national entertainment acts... 36 of Orlando's top restaurants... 50 varieties of wines... and 2 days of fun.  I found myself indulging in a liquid diet despite all of the savory smells surrounding the streets.  I disagree with the "50 varieties of wines" claim... I didn't see that many and found myself disliking most of the ones there.  Thank goodness for the old standby "Little Black Dress".  We all had a fantastic time, and actually shut the event down.  Start sipping wine at 4:30pm and you won't believe how late it feels by 9pm.  I could've sworn it was 3am.  LOL  Wonderful event.  Great music.  Fantastic company.  Overall good time.

Veterans Day is observed on November 11th to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918, as the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.  Most major cities hold a veteran's day parade honoring those individuals who have made sacrifices for our country, from wars past and current.  Orlando is no different, though the parade rarely falls on November 11th.  I guess that makes sense seeing they close down half of downtown Orlando for the parade route.  I watched Saturday's parade from the corner of Rosalind and Central, the half-way point, and must say it never fails to bring tears to my eyes.  To see the wars of past remembered... to watch veterans stand each time someone passes to quickly salute them... to watch the respect of younger soldiers salute those veterans who are there are on the sidelines.  It's so touching.  This year with the loss of my Paw Paw (who was a career Navy man) it was especially touching to see the Navy represented and marching to "Anchors Away"... Katy and I both had to take a moment....

Anchors Aweigh, my boys

Anchors Aweigh

Farewell to college joys

We sail at break of day, 'ay 'ay 'ay

O'er our last night ashore

Drink to the foam

Until we meet once more

Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!

Caden absolutely LOVED the bands!! He bopped around in the stroller the entire time.

Yep... there were clowns..

Brought a tear to our eyes... RIP Paw Paw

This little guy was beyond cute... peddling as fast as he could to make his plane more forward...

Gotta love the Shriners... and their transportation

You can barely see it... but very fun plane.

Lots of old cars...

Ricky... this dude cracked us up

Lots of fun costumes

Shout out to my friend Matt with this one... over in Iraq driving on these things all day long.

In downtown, there is always a rainbow flag flying.. these guys represented "Gay Veterans"

Several of the Gasparilla floats were in the parade

I have never been to see a psychic.  I've never had my tarot cards read.  I just don't believe in the crystal ball stuff.  But I have to say I've always been slightly curious as to the process.  I know the drill... make enough predictions and keep them general enough and you're bound to hit on something.  Read people's facial features, hand gestures, body language and you can elaborate on what hits home with them.  So a group of us decided to visit the Psychic tent at the festival this weekend out of jest. It was a first for all of us.  Poor woman.  She had no idea the poker face that was about to sit in front of her.  She told me some basic stuff that would apply to just about anyone.  Without any response from me she started to scramble with guesses... "you are married, correct?"... "nope"... "engagement then.. ahh.."... "nope"... "soon, very soon, I see an engagement"... "yeah... not gonna happen.  You sorta need to be dating someone for that prediction to make sense"... "this person will be from your past... it will be a surprise"... "yeah, ok, moving on"  Poor woman.  No idea what she was in for.  We wrapped up with her frustratingly asking if I had any questions.  Of course I didn't.  I just paid you to "predict" for me... why would I need to ask you questions?  You should already know what I'd be curious of if you were really psychic, right?  Again, that's the problem.  These chain smoking ladies are just trying to pay their bills and put food on the table for their kids.  They can't see into the future any more than a Magic 8 Ball really works.  But it was all in fun.  Now... as for my friend's prediction of a legal matter next year.  Thankfully I work indirectly with one of the largest law firms in the South East.  I got your back if you need it neighbor. LOL

Can't you tell I'm hanging on to her every word?!  LOL

Growing up in the south, cornbread was a staple of many meals. I love cornbread.  The amazing buttery taste.  Yum.  Well... as with all things I loved in my childhood, cornbread is something I have not had in over a decade. And I've baked it before... at least until now.  It doesn't taste the same without the butter... but it is still yummy (in a different kind of way that I've grown accustomed to these days).  So.. add something else to my ever growing list of culinary skills.

Many Christian churches practice baby dedications as opposed to baby baptisms.  Katy and Ryan opted to participate in this special ceremony at our church (Discovery) last weekend, promising to love and cherish their little one Caden along his journey with Christ. Christian parents who dedicate a child are making a promise to the Lord to do everything within their power to raise the child in a godly way, prayerfully until he or she can make a decision on his or her own to follow God. Parents who make this vow of commitment are instructed to raise the child in the ways of God, and not according to their own ways. Some of the responsibilities include teaching and training the child in God's Word, demonstrating an example of godliness, disciplining according to God's ways, and praying earnestly for the child.  My amazing cousins dedicated their oldest, Gavin, several years ago, and this was Caden's turn.  I was so thankful to be a part of this special day with them.

Every year, in communities across the country, thousands of people participate in one of over thirty PurpleStride events. These events range in size from brief walks to longer timed-runs, but they all share one common goal – to end pancreatic cancer. 

PurpleStride events contribute millions of dollars toward the mission of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research, support patients and create hope. Money raised helps fund personalized support for patients, their families and their caregivers. The events also support research grants and advocacy efforts to increase federal pancreatic cancer research funding. 

For participants, it is a journey toward hope that is filled with inspiration. It is a time to honor loved ones fighting pancreatic cancer. It is a day when all of the family and friends of pancreatic cancer patients can come together in solidarity and gain both comfort and encouragement.  This is JUST what it was for Team: +/- (in honor of Paw Paw).  Aunt Carol flew down from Kentucky, Katy brought the entire family (including little Caden), my WW family came out in full force, and we welcomed Jeff and my good friend Ron.  19 people strong... we walked in honor of not just my Paw Paw... but also Bob Phillips (my dear friend Raki's father), Hilda Bailey (a colleague of mine's mother who lost her battle 7 years ago) and Ronald Wild (my friend Cheryl's father-in-law).  All four unfortunately lost their battle way to early on this earth.  We walked to create awareness so others won't have to deal with the loss that our families felt.  

It was a fantastic turnout, with some amazing stories shared amongst teams and survivors alike.  Can't wait until next year... purple wig and boa?   They haven't seen anything yet!  Go to the following website to learn more about these events: http://www.pancan.org/purplestride/learn_about_purplestride.html

Maw Maw's girls.. walking for Paw Paw

Me and Katy

Team +/-  Missing only two people... 19 total!

The survivors

Walking the line...

WHO we are walking for today

My WW gang - so blessed to work with such amazing people

Lake Eola is known for the beautiful swans, sounds of kids laughing, joggers, unfortunately the many homeless that are scattered amongst the park benches... and the festivals.  The Fall Fiesta in the park took place last weekend around and throughout Lake Eola.  Gotta say... they all start to look the exact same.  Same vendors, same crafts (wine bottles turned into lamps?!), same people.  I will say the day was beautiful... gorgeous fall weather.  That made it perfect.  I walked around soaking in the amazing fall breeze... people watching... and watching some of the local entertainment.  I really did enjoy the day despite the cheesiness of the fiesta.

Fabulous poet

Breakdancers