**Normally I like to do a Reader Request post on Thursday evenings, but I think this special occasion warrants its own post! Please feel free to contact me with any reader request topics you might have for the future.**

This afternoon was a very important day in the Yoder household—today was the much anticipated day on which we would learn the sex of my sister’s baby. I was feeling a little down because the whole family (except for me) is gathering this evening at my parents’ house in Alabama to celebrate the big news; I was sorry to be missing such a milestone.

However, that frown was turned upside down when I got a phone call from my sister Lea this afternoon:

“Hi, Frannie.” [Family nickname. Don’t ask]

“Hi!” [Fraught with enthusiasm]

“So what do you think it is?”

“Is it a girl??!!”

“Yep!” Don’t tell anyone though—you’re the first to know aside from Mom and Ryan.”

Obviously, I was not only thrilled to be among the first to know, but I was also delighted to learn that yet another female will soon be among us. The only trouble is I was not allowed to tell anyone in the family until 7PM. Oh, the agony!

Keeping secrets was never my forte—I have a reputation in my family as the destroyer of birthday surprises. Accordingly, the past 4 hours have been a little torturous.

Anyway, this is just to say that I am so happy for the proud parents to be. Bring on the pink!

Are you good at keeping secrets?

Onto the grub!

Before jetting off to class, I made a batch of Savory Oats with Fried Egg…but sadly no avocado. I need to re-stock my avo supply tomorrow!

Once home, I tackled a stack of homework that I had been avoiding since last week. I took a break to make an Asparagus Tofu Salad for lunch. I added fresh corn to this version…just because I had some, and it looked tasty.

Tonight’s dinner was an Ellie recipe, Thai-Style Halibut with Coconut-Curry Broth.

My tweaks:

-I used tilapia instead of halibut. I’m still learning about the fish-world, so I have no idea if the two species are even remotely similar in terms of taste or texture.

-I used vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

-I took a few shortcuts with the rice and spinach too—I used instant brown rice and frozen spinach.

Frankly, this dish was phenom. The intense flavors from the broth (curry paste, shallots, coconut) really made the fish shine. Having the rice and spinach to soak everything up was a nice touch too. I can definitely see myself making this dish (and endless variations of it) in the future. Gold star for Ellie.

OK, I am off to relax with a little Clean Eating perusing and coupon organizing. Good night!

Filed under: Meals