Tuesday, March 11, 2008

El Rodeo and Honduran Beanie Weenie

Hello from Bibby's house! This is my fourth night here in Houston while Curtis Wayne leads a mission team in Honduras. Jackson and I really don't fancy being alone for seven days, so we are just having a ball with his grandparents.

On Saturday we took Jackson to his first Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. You should know that for a native Houstonian, this is a major milestone. I feel a little more complete as a mother. We put Jackson in his boots and Wranglers, and I wore my Justins and old Seven for All Mankind bootcut jeans. (I feel like my day in Wranglers passed around 1996.) Mom and I drove out there to Reliant Stadium, which is clear across town, and marveled at the speed of our travel. Then we got to the Kirby exit and it took one hour before we were in a parking spot. And that parking spot? It was at a storage facility. The enterprising owner, dressed in business attire and closely guarding his decked out Yukon, was there to exchange safe, quality parking spots to anyone who was willing to surrender a twenty dollar bill. There were bicycle rickshaws waiting to transport us 3/4 of a mile to the rodeo gates. We were a little shocked to find out that they weren't included in the price. I was extremely skeptical of this method of transportation, especially since I don't even drive my child to church (1/100 of a mile) without strapping him into his carseat. But it ended up being okay and even a little fun.

When we got to the booth to buy our tickets, a sweet lady passing by gave us her extra ones. We were so shocked! How generous! Mom was so flabbergasted that the lady just grabbed her and gave her a big hug. I think she knew Mom needed to express her thankfulness. It was so sweet. Then we took Jackson in to the livestock show and passed up the very long lines at the petting zoo, pony ride, and photo op with a taxidermied bull, and headed straight for the baby chicks hatching out of their eggs. Hands down, that is my most favorite part. We also enjoyed seeing some baby goats playing around and being really bad in their pen. They were hilarious.

That reminds me of something I have failed to mention on the blog. Did y'all know that I have the honor of having a prize guinea pig named after me? Yes, indeed. In fact, there is also a Beth, Keith, and Melissa in this prize guinea pig family. That was a few years back, so I'm not sure those particular show animals are still with us. They could be in the Heavenly Kingdom by now. Perhaps they are waiting for me in my mansion with my cat of 17 years - Grayson. I'm believing God for that and I'm unashamed. Well, for the cat, not for the guinea pigs. I'm sure they'll want to reside eternally with their breeder.

After having loads of fun in a huge, smelly, crowded exhibition hall, we hunted down the Goode Company BBQ stand. Once a year - only once a year - Goode Company serves up an amazingly flavorful and tender BBQ chicken breast sandwich. His mercies are new every rodeo season. It is out of this world. Pile some pickles and onions on that bad boy and pair it with their outrageous potato salad, and you will never miss the rodeo again. You can beg and plead in the restaurant for this sandwich all year long and they will not have mercy. Get it while you can, people.

We skipped the concert because, hello! My child is two! Instead we went to the kids carnival and rode several rides with Jackson. My sweet boy did not understand the whole concept of waiting in line. That part was kind of a beating, but the rides were really fun. In order to pacify Jackson and comfort ourselves after our ride coupons ran out (and he was screaming uncontrollably), we loaded up with snacks. Popcorn, a caramel apple, lemonade, and a corn dog. Wow. And we had just eaten about an hour before. That is what happens when you spend so much time gazing at heifers. You begin to see yourself as impossibly skinny and in need of fattening up.

Curt called me from Tegucigalpa (try pronoucing that - it can be fun) tonight because there was a recurrence of a Honduran legend that I love to recount. It's kind of like Bigfoot, but it has to do with food. Three words: Honduran beanie weenie.

Every time we have been to Honduras, our group has stayed at the same posada, which is like a bed and breakfast. It is extremely nice and an exceptional place to stay on a mission trip. They even cook American food for you. However, the first time we went they served a dish that I affectionately call Honduran Beanie Weanie. Y'all, I am obviously not a picky eater, but I couldn't go there. It was rice topped with a runny, diluted ketchup concoction and cut up hotdogs. I cannot even describe the smell to you. It reminded me of the time I threw up hot dogs as a kid. It took me years to eat them again. I realize that some of you have probably eaten grub worms or lamb brains while on Mission trips. You are awesome. But Honduran Beanie Weenie. *Shiver*

The next time we went to Honduras, it wasn't served. When we got to the posada each evening I braced myself for the smell. It was never there. It wasn't served the following two years either (this was post-Jackson and I didn't go). I always made a point to ask Curtis or anyone else who stayed at the posada if they'd had H.B.W. I never heard of it again. I thought it might have been a one time thing. Eventually I felt crazy and paranoid for even thinking about it. Was Honduran Beanie Weenie only a dream? A nightmare conceived by my culinary fears and insecurities?

No. It is very real. This was the year. How fitting that it would be served on what may be my husband's last trip to lead there. It touched my heart that Curtis, who called me not even one time on his trip last year, would feel compelled to pick up his international call-enabled phone and let me share the special moment with him. So, Honduran Beanie Weenie, I will forgive you for the end piece of the hot dog being in there. And I will go so far as to thank you for giving me and Hubs such a tender moment while we are so far apart. God bless your sweet, ketchupy self.

50 comments:

Heather said...

Hope you are having fun with your parents! So fun that you got a call about something so close to your heart. Maybe your mom can make you some while you are home ... so you can experience the same thing as your sweet hubs :) Just kidding of course :)

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

Seriously, I think I threw up a little in my mouth.

But just a little.

mariel said...

YUCK for the HBW sounds repulsive! i don't eat AMERICAN hot dogs, if I can help it...so Houndurian (sp?) ones? NO THANKS!!! Have a blast at Bibby's!! (No wonder she hasn't posted since Saturday! haha!! Love you all!!

Hillary said...

A prize guinea pig...now that's impressive!!

Darlene R. said...

Ewwww. HBW. Sounds nasty!

On the other hand, it sounds like the rodeo was a hit!
Now do I understand this right... You can only get a BBQ Chicken sandwich from Goode Company at the rodeo and no other time of the year? That's just not right, not at all!

I am with you on the staying alone when hubs is gone. I don't like it.

I woke up this morning and for some reason I had Janelle on my mind. I have only "talked" to her a couple of times through blogging, but praying for her was the first thing the Lord laid on my heart today. So I prayed for her and for Ella before I even got out of bed.

Just thought I'd share that with you! :)
Have a great day at Bibby's!
Hugs,
Darlene

Dana said...

Yea for the Houston livestock show and rodeo! We usually are blessed with free tickets, but not this year. What sweet memories! I love it when my boys put on their boots that their grand pat makes for them and off we go. Our Mexico mission trip that we went on as a family was blessed by leftover corn cobs cut up and mixed with mayo and velveeta. Voila! Corn cob salad! Gotta love it!

Dana said...

Yea for the Houston livestock show and rodeo! We usually are blessed with free tickets, but not this year. What sweet memories! I love it when my boys put on their boots that their grand pat makes for them and off we go. Our Mexico mission trip that we went on as a family was blessed by leftover corn cobs cut up and mixed with mayo and velveeta. Voila! Corn cob salad! Gotta love it!

Erin said...

Honduran Beanie Weanie...I have no words

Rose said...

You're hillarious!!! I hope you have pictures of Jackson riding those rides :)

JenB said...

Oh my word! I had something similar in Cuba. You are so right about the smell. Hot dogs ARE an American staple, so maybe they think we are missing home cooking. Or maybe they need to be introduced to, you know, a bun and some chili!

Erin Ward said...

so the question is... did Curt eat the Honduran beanie weenie?

Unknown said...

*shiver* @ H.B.W.!!!

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Oh, Amanda. The throw up visual is classic.

I'll never eat beanie weanies again. :))

Kelly said...

Oh my - I couldn't do it either. I'm not too picky but there are places I just can't go .....and HBW sounds like one of them.
Hope you are having fun with your family!

Kelly @ Love Well said...

So while you're eating heavenly BBQ sandwiches, corn dogs, lemonade and caramel apples, Curtis is chocking down HBW?

Wow. For the moment, you're in an unequally yoked marriage.

On the other hand, I bet he didn't have to pay $20 to gain access to the HBW. Maybe you're even.

(Oh, and the line about the heifers? That's CLASSIC!)

boomama said...

Mmmmmmm - that HBW DO sound good, now don't it? :-)

And is there any way you could send me some of that Goode Company BBQ in some dry ice or something? Because I think it might propel me straight into a state of revival.

Big Mama said...

First of all you do not even want to know the bad thoughts that go through my head anytime I spend time on Kirby Drive. It is evil.

Secondly, I would actually brave Kirby Drive now that you have reminded me of the Goode Company barbecue chicken sandwiches.

Thirdly, just the description of Honduran Beenie Weenie caused me to push away my bowl of Smart Start. Well done.

jeni said...

Amanda, you are hilarious! This reminds me of the time we had "cooking class" in 4th grade. We had to make "pizzas" with a slice of bread, ketchup, cheese slices, and hot dogs. And you slice the cheese into strips like a tic-tac-toe board and put the hot dogs in the squares like the x's and o's. It was so gross. Absolutely disgusting. I refused to eat mine!

Holly said...

I am SO glad that your dog Beanie did not go to Honduras. I was a bit afraid. :) The reality of HBW is much worse than I thought.

Continue having a great time! Enjoy your family and know that we're praying for your husband and their crew in H.

Much love in Him,
holly

Amanda said...

okay, I'm new to Houston... so I guess I need to go to the Rodeo? I've been wondering what everyone has been talking about the last couple of weeks, but they just mention the concerts.

Allison said...

Yippe! I get to be the first to comment for the first time. You are making me MISS the rodeo...not sure the twins would enjoy it much this year, but next year we'll have to go! Can't wait to see you soon!

Jenna said...

You are hilarious! And thanks for doing your part to share your testimony about this certain Honduran dish. We all must know about such dangers should we ever find ourselves in Honduras, hungry, and faced with the HBW. :)

And the rodeo sounded like so much fun! That Jackson is a lucky little cowboy. :)

Jenna said...

You are hilarious! And thanks for doing your part to share your testimony about this certain Honduran dish. We all must know about such dangers should we ever find ourselves in Honduras, hungry, and faced with the HBW. :)

And the rodeo sounded like so much fun! That Jackson is a lucky little cowboy. :)

Unknown said...

I have to say that I literally Praise His Name for never having to experience the Honduran Beanie Weenie!!! But, oh how I miss that place!

Unknown said...

I have to say that I literally Praise His Name for never having to experience the Honduran Beanie Weenie!!! But, oh how I miss that place!

Toknowhim said...

So glad you are having a wonderful time with your family. I have never really been to an all out rodeo ( I grew up in Florida :)

The HBW story made me cringe... So glad you missed it this year.

I hope the rest of your weekend is full wonderful memories... Blessings

Prairie Rose said...

Love the part about Grayson. :o) Our family cat Socks died a couple years ago, and she had a Feb 29 birthday which we always made a big deal about. So this year when Leap Day came around, my sister explained to her 5 yr old about leap year, and also mentioned that it would have been Socks' birthday. Emily pondered that for a moment, and replied, "And when our whole family gets to heaven, we'll have a great big Leap Day birthday party there for Socks!" Would you and Grayson like an invitation? ;o)

Rebecca said...

Amanda, one thing this southern girl from Georgia has had on my To Do list for a long time is to go to a real Texas Livestock show and rodeo. Seriously, for most of my adult life I have dreamed of this. Years ago as a younger woman, I use to love to watch the rodeo shows on TV, and dream about going to one some day. I'll get there, you just wait and see. :) I'm glad you had such a good time. And thats really cool about the tickets! :)

P.S. Love the Beanie Weenie story too, but I have to admit, it made me shiver too. Ugh.

Abby said...

Soooo jealous! I only lived in Houston for a year (and, of course, enjoyed the SS&R), BUT I showed in it several years growing up. What fun memories! I agree that Goode is the best. My brother owns an amazing design store behind the restaurant on Kirby and it always smells sooo "goode"!

Shelly said...

Had the same experience with hot dogs as a child - STILL can't get near them!


OHHH!

Fran said...

Ok Amanda...
You know we are dying for some pictures of that darling boy in his first rodeo getup!!!! ;)

And...I'm so glad that you and Curtis had such a sweet moment together while He's gone. And, I mean that!

Praying and love your way~
Fran
Say "hi" to Bibby for me. The parenting session on Wising Up was FABULOUS!!!

Kristyn said...

A very funny post! Talking about the Houston Rodeo brings back MANY memories, but Goode & Co. brings back even better memories...love that place. They have a killer cinnamon ice cream milkshake!

connorcolesmom said...

Amanda,
I am so glad you are having such a good time with your parents. I know it is good for your soul right now.
That HBW sounds really disgusting - I think the description of the runny ketchup and throw-up smell really did me in - gag!
Still praying for the upcoming move and knowing God will cover you!
Blessings,
Kim

Kara Akins said...

Glad to see you having fun with your mom. Jackson will never forget the rodeo I am sure. You got yourselves another Texas boy and I have a feelin' he's getting maore Texan by the minute at his Bibby's.

Anonymous said...

They serve it in Nicaragua too...It's really quite a delicacy! I served there for two years with the IMB; sometimes they jazz it up with chicken instead of the hot dogs, or sometimes in addition to the hot dogs. Really, it's a concoction of about anything they have left over and ALWAYS ketchup, runny, super-sugary ketchup. Yep, a delicacy!

I'm a lurker, have been reading your blog for some time, just not smart enough to comment while including a link to my blog. It's on my .mac account and I know I should be able to figure it out, but haven't.

Anywho, couldn't pass up the opportunity to comment on the Central American fare.

Blessings,
Monica

Anonymous said...

and now you can be thankful for the hbw...God can work all things for good for those who .....it's good to hear how you and Jackson have been enjoying yourselves with Mom...am waiting for a rodeo picture....The chicks, rabbits and ducks were always a favorite...just the right size and oh so SOFT!

Jake said...

I've had it.....*shiver*...and i don't really want to talk about it.

=\

Unknown said...

You are definitely a gifted writer! I could imagine the whole scene at the rodeo and could almost taste (blech) the H.B.W. Your entries are always a treat!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

Your description of the HBW was so vivid that I just dry-heaved at my desk.

Keep having so much fun!

Lindsee Lou said...

There ain't nothin' like the Houston Rodeo! I went last Monday, opening night, and had an absolute blast! Sweet Tim (McGraw) put on quite the entertainment. I love that place. Love it.

Can you believe that we couldn't find Good Company BBQ!! Oh my bless, I was so mad. I think I still am now that I was reminded of it again!

Hope you have a fab week with your sweet Momma and boy. (Who by the way absolutely cracked me up last night. She was on roll!)

Marla Taviano said...

What a fun post! Maybe you should get a pet heifer at your new place.

I can say "Tegucigalpa." In 6th grade, we had to learn a zillion countries and their capitals and spell them all right. (eek!)

My BFF and I sang (to the tune of the old Mickey Mouse song)
T-E-G! U-C-I! G-A-L-P-A!
Tegucigalpa!

20 years later, that's about all I remember from 6th grade.

Anonymous said...

I bet it was awesome to take Jackson to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with Bibby! We got to take Landon when he was two. Glad Curtis called you! ;)

Bev Brandon @ The Fray said...

My son was in a foreign country and they fixed him a special beanie weenie treat for a sit-down dinner and called it "dog." Barrett asked, "Did the dog have a name?" They replied in foreign language, "hot dogs." Whew! It was rather putrid beanie weenies.
Your post sounds so peaceful as you soak up all you can of Him in Bibby and the tod.

MamaCass said...

I will have to ask Phil about the HBW. It sounds pretty disgusting. But the barbecue sandwich you described sounds delicious! I haven't been to the rodeo in years. You made me want to go again.

AbbyLane said...

my hot dog experience is not AS bad...but it involved a hot dog that was made from chicken...still gives me the heebeegeebees...

and you go girl on the guinea pig. my brother and i had a cow named after us once...that's not as flattering...

Jan said...

Okay--we ATE bar-b-que weenies when I was a kid! I'm not joking. When our budget was tight, my mom would cut weiners in half, heat them in the skillet and pour bbq sauce on them! THEN...we poured that over rice. I thought everyone ate that until I went away for college. sniff sniff...

Jan (a former beenie weenie eater)

Nancy Mon said...

It was great seeing you at Spring Loaded. Hope you all had fun. Jackson is one very cute little boy.

Haven't made it to the rodeo yet. Hope to at least get over there for some shopping and of course for the food.

FitzandMolly said...

We were there on Saturday, and at the same time!!! I wish I would have known! Moriah and Jackson have never met.

Anonymous said...

HBW - I'm having a hard time not getting sick imagining it. That was so precious of your husband to call you over it :-)

I don't think any two year old understands the concept of standing in line - neither of mine did.

Ang said...

yes. the honduran beanie weenie was deffinitely on the menu that day. but we were all so hungry we ate it anyway. wish you had been there to "enjoy" it with us!