My wife Becky was having a rough week followed by a hard weekend at work. So, i took it upon myself to give her something fun to look forward to!
    She often makes the meals at home for us, and i'm very appreciative about it, and try to do the dishes and help when i can. But, sometimes a man needs to do a little something extra so she doesn't feel so robotic. I decided a 3 course meal was perfect!
    In all it took me about 4 1/2 hours (including researching meals, shopping, prepping, and waiting for somethings to soak and chill).
    Part of the making the meal special was presentation. I made a center piece with 3 candles around our goldfish, Marlin, in a vase. (the 3rd candle is on the otherside of the fish)
    I started her off with a salad, complete with carrots and croutons.

    After the salads I brought out the dinner of champions: Broiled Steak--Shoulder Tenders smothered in Chicago Style Marinade, and pan fried Jumbo Shrimp. Both parts of the main dish soaked in the fridge for 2 hours in the appropriate substances -- steak in olive oil and marinade; jumbo shrimp in butter, oil, and black pepper.

    After the Surf and Turf i had brought out my secret weapon. This was what took most of my prep time (20 min. before having to chill it in the fridge for 2 hours) and it was far worth it! A White Chocolate Mousse topped with heavy whip cream (i whipped in the mixer) and a smidgen of Hersey Cacao. I had the spoons and the glasses in the freezer during dinner so they would be nice and cold for the Mousse when i served them up!....OH MAN IT WAS GOOD!

If you're wondering, the neon spoons are from Peach Wave. I didn't feel the need to just throw away such cool spoons after using them once. And the glasses i served the Mousse in are a wedding gift from our friends Andrew and Jess. They say Mr. and Mrs.

 To look at me and talk with me you wouldn't say to yourself "this guy is a red neck." Personally, i don't consider myself one compared to some of the hicks i know, but i have had my fair share of moments through life. Growing up in a small agricultural driven community, the red neck life isn't avoidable. So i've made a list of the things i myself have done or experienced that would put me in the red neck category. ;-)

- Made a pool out of a pick up truck with some tarp and a garden hose.
- I not only know what "tough truck" competitions are, i've been to them and watched my friends win.
- The song "Cotton Eyed Joe" has been played at every dance and wedding function that i've been to since it came to be.
- My dad has a boat....and it's only use is being filled with water for the kids to swim in.
- We have burned our yard, as opposed to mowing it.
- You can find a can of Raid pretty much anywhere in the house.
- I keep butter, sour cream, and other food containers for left overs.
- I've had chiggers on several occasions.
- I've cleaned my finger nails with a stick.
- Was kicked out of a store for using cattle prods on friends.
- My dad's tail lights where fixed with red tape.
- We filled up the lawn mower with gasoline we siphoned from the car...more than once.
- I've spray painted mine, and others, names on overpasses/train cars.
- Directions to my house include "turn off the paved road."
- Going to the bathroom at night has on several occasions involved shoes and a flashlight.
- I use a blanket instead of curtains for my bedroom window.
- I've been to a funeral where beer was put in the casket.
- I've gone camping in the backyard on several occasions.
- I've used none working appliances as storage containers.
- I've raced Lawn Mowers.
- I've ridden a sled that was attached to a pick up truck.
- "Jiggle the handle" is a common saying in all the homes i've lived in.
- There has been a point where we had a working tv on a none working tv.
- Walker Texas Ranger was one of my favorite shows growing up.
- I've used WD40 as fire starter.

   It's good to laugh at yourself sometimes. Nothing wrong with being a little white trash or red neck.